Should You Take A Back Seat In Your Child's School Life?

Not all parents have the opportunity to get involved at their kid’s schools. After all, they may be too busy with work or other commitments. However, if you find yourself with some availability, you may be wondering whether to get involved and how to go about it especially in your kid's early childhood education. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Should you get involved with your child’s school?

A lot of parents struggle to decide whether they should get involved or not. It is completely up to you, yet there are a number of benefits associated with doing so. 

As a parent volunteer, not only will you offer great support for the school community, but you will also show your children just how important it is to participate in the larger community. They will see you participating in something outside of your job, and this sets a great example. It will also enable you to get a better understanding of what your child does on a daily basis.

Of course, there are some instances whereby it is a necessity for you to get involved with your child’s school. For example, if your child has a specific learning difficulty or if your child is seeing an expert in child speech pathology. In such situations, it is only natural that you would want to be more hand’s on so that you can keep an eye on your child’s development. 

How to get involved:

There are a number of different ways you can get involved with your child’s school. This makes it possible for you to find something that is completely tailored to you; something that fits in with the time you have available and what you feel comfortable with. So, let’s go over some examples…

1. Volunteer as a helper for school trips

One way to get involved now and again is to volunteer as a helper for school trips. This is a great way for you to find out how beneficial the cultural trips your child goes on are. Not only this, but teachers and school staff could really do with the extra assistance on trips, and so you will find that this is the sort of help that will be really welcomed.

2. Attend one of the school’s career days to do a speech

If you have a field of expertise, you may want to attend one of the school’s career days to do a speech, or you could offer to come in and speak in the classroom. You may even want to spend time at a specific interest group or club if it is an area that you have experience in.

3. Work with the orchestra or school band

Parents can also help by working with the orchestra or school band, as well as building sets and sewing costumes for musical and theatrical productions. Or, if you are good at helping your child with their homework, why not volunteer to be a classroom assistant?

4. Become a part of the school board

Some parents do not want to be present at school while their children are, as they don’t want to steal their thunder so to speak. There are still ways you can make an impact if this applies to you. For example, you could become a part of the school board, enabling you to attend important school meetings and give your viewpoint. This is a great way to have a positive impact on the future of your child without being directly involved with them.

5. Assist gym teachers and coaches with sports and fitness programs

Finally, other suggestions include assisting gym teachers and coaches with sports and fitness programs, acting as a playground or lunchroom monitor, organising fundraising events, and volunteering in the school computer lab.

So there you have it: an insight into the different ways you can get involved in your child’s school life and why it is a good idea to do so. Your child will look up to you as their role model, and so getting involved in their school life can help you to really make a good impression and encourage your child to make the right moves forward in their life. 

Of course, you can always get in touch with the school and enquire about the best way for you to get involved if you would prefer. Sometimes, there are areas whereby schools are really looking for some help and assistance, so it is good to find out about this if you are flexible.

The 10 Day Military Diet: Can It Help You Reach Your Weight Loss Goals Or Is It Just A Harmful Temporary Fix?

What Do People Expect from a Diet?

With such an abundance of various diets online it may be extremely difficult to choose the one that fits your preferences like a glove. Despite the recommendations of health experts, a lot of people are desperate to find a nutritional plan that can help them slim down quickly and effectively. The 10-day military diet claims to be one of those nutritional plans. Read on to find out everything you need about the military diet and whether this eating plan can help you drop some pounds and keep your health in tip top shape.

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The Basics Of a 10-Day Military Diet

Originally, the army diet is a nutritional plan that claims to help you shed 10 pounds in a week. It consists of two phases, the first lasts 3 days, and the second – 4 days. These phases should be repeated until you reach your desired weight. Despite its name, this diet is not affiliated with any military or government institution.

The 10-day military diet is an extended version of an original military diet and consists of 3 phases: the first, 3-day phase, the second – 4-day phase, and the third, another 3-day phase. Just like in an original version, the 3-day phases here are very strict, and the 4-day phase is less restrictive, with an allowed 1500 calories a day. Throughout the diet, you should avoid milk, alcohol, cream, sugar, and artificial sweeteners.

The 10-Day Military Diet Plan

The first and the last 3 days of the diet have a set meal plan, which should be followed without making any adjustments. Here is the 10-day military diet menu for the 3-day phase:

Day One

Meal 1 - Breakfast

½ grapefruit, 1 slice whole-wheat toast, 2 tbsp of peanut butter, and 1 cup black coffee

Calories: 334. Fats: 17 g, Protein: 12 g, Carbs: 40 g

Meal 2 - Lunch

½ cup of tuna, 1 slice of toast, and 1 cup black unsweetened tea

Calories: 222. Fats: 3 g, Protein: 30 g, Carbs: 19 g

Meal 3 - Dinner

3 oz flank steak, 1 cup of green beans, ½ banana, 1 small apple, and 1 cup of vanilla ice cream

Calories: 510. Fats: 27 g, Protein: 27 g, Carbs: 62 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1066. Fats: 47 g, Protein: 69 g, Carbs: 121 g

Day Two

Meal 1 - Breakfast

1 large egg, 1 slice of whole-wheat toast, and ½ a medium-sized banana

Calories: 223. Fats: 7 g, Protein: 11 g, Carbs: 32 g

Meal 2 - Lunch

1 cup of cottage cheese, 1 large hard-boiled egg, and 5 saltine crackers

Calories: 298. Fats: 10 g, Protein: 31 g, Carbs: 24 g

Meal 3 - Dinner

2 hot dogs, 1 cup of broccoli, ½ cup of carrots, ½ banana, and ½ cup of vanilla ice cream

Calories: 585. Fats: 43 g, Protein: 19 g, Carbs: 45 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 1106. Fats: 60 g, Protein: 61 g, Carbs: 101 g

Day Three

Meal 1 - Breakfast

5 saltine crackers, 1 slice of cheddar cheese, and 1 small apple

Calories: 250. Fats: 11 g, Protein: 8 g, Carbs: 32 g

Meal 2 - Lunch

1 hard-boiled egg and 1 slice of toast

Calories: 178. Fats: 7 g, Protein: 10 g, Carbs: 20 g

Meal 3 - Dinner

1 cup of tuna, ½ banana, and 1 cup of vanilla ice cream

Calories: 529. Fats: 22 g, Protein: 59 g, Carbs: 43 g

Total Intake for the Day: Calories: 957. Fats: 40 g, Protein: 77 g, Carbs: 95 g

The 10-Day Military Diet Weight Loss

To answer the question "How to lose weight in 10 days with the help of a 10-day military diet", this nutritional plan creates a significant caloric deficit, meaning that it provides you with fewer calories than your burn, making your body use the stored fat as an energy source, and resulting in weight loss. Although the required daily caloric intake varies individually, depending on age, weight, height, level of physical activity, and other factors, the 10-day military diet provides you with around 1000 calories during the 3-day phase, which is less than the recommended minimum of 1500 and 1200 calories for men and women respectively. Such a caloric deficit makes it a very low-calorie diet, which should be followed only under medical supervision.

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Drawbacks And Risks Of A 10-Day Military Diet

This nutritional plan is not is not ideal for long-term success due to its drawbacks. Here are some of them:

• Extreme caloric deficit

As was stated above, the 10-day military diet is a very low-calorie diet, which often fails to provide you with the required amount of nutrients and energy, resulting in fatigue, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and may even lead to gallstones, which is a common side-effect of VLCDs.

• Unsustainable results

This dietary plan leads to a rapid weight loss, which is often unsustainable and unhealthy. Followed long-term, this diet may cause nutrient deficiencies, slow metabolism, dehydration, and gallstones.

• Questionable choice of foods

This diet requires you to consume a lot of processed foods high in sugars and trans fats, which are often banned by medically approved and scientifically backed diets. A high intake of sugar can lead to accelerated skin aging, cellular aging, and an increased risk of acne and fatty liver. And an increased consumption of sodium can result in high blood pressure, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and loss of calcium from the bones.

Conclusion

Although the 10-day military diet claims to help you successfully slim down in a short space of time, giving this nutritional plan a try is not recommended. It is extremely low in calories and it may fail to provide you with all the vital nutrients, leading to various health problems. Instead of following this dangerous fad diet, experts recommend sticking to a healthy nutritional plan that creates an adequate caloric deficit. Make sure that your diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables that will provide you with fiber and a plethora of nutrients, up  your protein and whole grains intake, and make sure to stay hydrated.

DISCLAIMER:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any medical conditions. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

The Subtle Details You Must Evaluate When Buying a Home

Buying a home is often the biggest purchase someone will make in their lifetime. The process can be long and stressful, but it doesn't have to be if you know what to look for. In this blog post, we will talk about everything when evaluating a home so that you can get an idea of any potential problems before purchasing one. 

->Evaluating a Home: Step 1

Inspect the Exterior First thing's first! Walk around your dream house and take note of anything that looks like an issue (cracked windows, overgrown trees blocking sunlight). You'll need to get inside later on anyway, so don't worry too much about this step.

It's important to look at big structural issues, you'll need to decide if you're comfortable with bigger structural issues. These can detract from the overall value of your home, so it might be good to know about these before making an offer or committing to buying it. If there's any severe foundation damage (cracks in the foundation, sinking), you might want to ask your realtor to look into it.

->Evaluating a Home: Step 2

Check under the House Now, you'll need to get down and dirty for this step. You will want to crawl underneath your house (or make sure someone who can) does so, because there could be any number of issues hiding out in the dark! Things like loose boards or holes in the foundation are what you're looking for- if anything looks like it's caving in or deteriorating, you might want to consider another house.

->Evaluating a Home: Step Three

Look for Mold If the home you are looking at has been on the market for a while and there have been frequent water leaks from rain/ snow/ condensation etc., it may be worth your time to look out for mold as well. The easiest way to do this is by looking for discolored spots on the ceiling, walls, and floors.

Mold is one of the worst things you can find in your home because it is so damaging to your health. Mold can cause all sorts of respiratory problems, which means that if this house has an issue with mold then there may be a bigger problem than just needing some repairs or replacing damaged flooring somewhere down the line!

->Evaluating a Home: Step Four

Test Out Appliances When you're at your dream home with real estate agents or previous owners/ tenants, it's always worth asking if appliances are included in the sale. This will save you time and energy if they are not, because then it's just another thing that needs to be replaced.

->Evaluating a Home: Step Five

Get an Inspection Finally, the most important step! You will want to hire someone reputable (like your real estate agent) who can do some basic testing on the home for mold, asbestos, and roof condition. If you get a clean bill of health from your inspector, then buy with confidence- if not, take the time to renegotiate or explore other options before buying.

Final Notes on Evaluating a Home

Remember: The most important thing when evaluating this house is to be thorough so that you do not waste any time after you purchase. This blog went over the five most important steps that you should take to get an idea of what condition a house is in before buying it. This  is your dream home, so make sure you take the time to check it out thoroughly.

Good luck in finding your dream home- we hope that these tips help! If you have any questions about evaluating homes or buying them in general, feel free to contact us here. Thanks again for reading and have a great day!

11 Tips To Buy Property In Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai's economy is unquestionably one of the fastest-growing in the United Arab Emirates. It is also considered as one of the top countries in the world in terms of living standards. Finding an apartment in Dubai that meets all of your requirements while remaining within your budget might be challenging. Here we are presenting some useful tips on how to buy apartment in Dubai below.

Make A Financial Plan

As recommended by experts, your monthly house rent should not surpass 20 percent of your gross monthly income; therefore, make a budget before going out looking for an apartment.

Look For Listings On The Internet

Look through the many residences that are offered on the internet. Use filters based on your requirements, create a shortlist, and then approach the broker to avoid being taken advantage of and save time.

Keep A Watchful Eye On Things

Try to get a home close to your place of employment because traffic in Dubai might be difficult during rush hour. If you do not have access to your method of transportation to and from work, the availability of public transportation near your home should be a mandatory selection criterion.

Investigate The Surrounding Area

Dubai is a global city with many cultures. Therefore, when deciding where to live, one must be quite particular about the type of culture they desire.

Look At Your Alternatives

In Dubai, you may choose from many housing options, including villas, furnished, unfurnished, or semi-furnished apartments, studio apartments, and more. Whatever your demands are, you will find them. However, keep an eye out for hidden fees. Keep in mind that the cost of options will vary depending on where you choose to live.

Make Sure There Is Enough Parking

Parking in Dubai can be difficult during peak hours, just as it is during rush hour. Car parking should be available, and if you are moving with your family and have over one vehicle, be sure that the number of parking places is specified in the lease agreement.

Verify The Agent's Credentials

The agent is in charge of all the paperwork and contracts that need to be completed. Also, you must look at the agent's registration with RERA (the Real Estate Regulatory Agency) before signing a contract with them, as it is illegal to do business with unregistered freelancing agents in Dubai.

Write The Correct Name On The Paper

Agents will normally take care of the paperwork, but make sure you sign the cheques in the landlord's name or the person who has power of attorney for the transaction. All the papers should be checked and double-checked.

Sign Up For Everything

In conclusion, you should not rely on the contract supplied by the agent because all rent/lease contracts in Dubai must be registered with the Ejari registry.

Documentation Of Everything

You should document all agreements with the landlord in writing to be referred to in the future. It is also a good idea to take many shots of the flat before you move in to document how it looks when you first arrive.

Understanding The Legal Rights

Rent increases must follow the rent index established by RERA, which is revised quarterly. In addition, according to RERA, all evictions must be supported by legal justification.

What Are The Rules Of Purchasing Property In UAE?

Foreigners should know the rules for purchasing property in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is such a popular real estate market among foreigners because the country has recently relaxed a slew of restrictions and regulations that previously made purchasing property difficult. In particular, for foreigners, this is a good moment to purchase houses and properties in Dubai, as the process is quite straightforward.

There are two ways to purchase real estate in Dubai: through a private seller or by purchasing an off-plan property from a developer under construction.

Purchasing From An Individual Seller

The procedure is rather straightforward, i.e., the buyer and seller agree on the terms and conditions of the transaction before proceeding.

• The two parties must sign a Memorandum of Understanding, which clarifies the parameters of the agreement but is not legally binding. Typically, a ten percent deposit is required.

• If a mortgage is required, the buyer will be able to obtain one.

• The transfer of deed takes place, and during this time, the buyer needs to pay the entire purchase price of the home.

Purchasing Outside Of The Planning Process

The procedure is broken down into the following steps:

• Fill out a reservation form, which includes the conditions of the sale agreement, the personal information of the buyer and seller, and information on how to make the payment. 

• After receiving a deposit ranging from 5 percent to 20 percent, the sale and buy agreement is finalized. This agreement has legal force and effect.

• The buyer obtains a mortgage if one is required.

• The developer's office is where the property deeds are officially transferred. At that point, the entire purchase price of the property is paid.

Expats Should Consider Buying a Freehold vs. a Leasehold Property

Freehold property ownership in Dubai provides buyers with complete control over their investment. It includes structure and land on which a house or property has been developed in this definition of "structure." Owners of freehold properties can make changes to their properties and have complete control over whether they are leased or sold.

Alternatively, leasehold properties can be acquired on a long-term basis of up to 99 years through the use of a lease. When you purchase real estate, you acquire the right to reside there for a specified amount of time, specified in the contract agreement. When the lease expires, the ownership returns to its original owner; however, you may extend the contract with the same owner if the parties agree.

Bottom Line

Although this appears to be simple, it is critical. Prepare a list of the improvements that you would like to have. If you have a car, include a parking space on your list because it is difficult to find an apartment in Dubai that has one. You may purchase a fashioned flat under duress if your priorities are unclear, only to discover that it lacks several critical qualities after paying for it. A checklist will help to avoid this from happening.

Everything A Home Needs: How To Feel More Comfortable

When people look for the perfect home, they all seek different things. One person may want a place with the best new commute, or a house with a large backyard. Some may be able to afford a luxury apartment, while others simply want to be near their parents.

One thing that everybody wants, however, is to be comfortable in their own home. This way they can relax and refresh themselves in their own personal space. It can also make it easier to invite friends around when everything is as it should be. Perhaps your home doesn't feel restful, and you're looking for some practical ways to improve it. If so, this article will be able to give you some helpful suggestions.

Have A Good TV And Internet Provider

Everyone loves to watch TV, but without great service, you can't enjoy it properly. You also need a fast internet connection for streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Make sure you have a TV and internet provider that can give you everything you need and if they don't have it, switch to one that does!

Brooklyn is a borough located in New York City, USA, and as of 2021, it had a population of 2,589,970 people. It's possible to find different satellite TV and internet providers in Brooklyn by going online, and you can compare them to the rest of New York. Specialist websites can advise you on the average speeds (in Mbps) and also the different plans available. 

Declutter

Put this at the top of your list because it's always important to keep your junk from accumulating. Not only can it make your home unnecessarily uncomfortable, but it can cause accidents, such as trips, slips and falls. If you later decide to move house, you'll be glad you got rid of the stuff: you'll have less to dispose of, less to pack and less to transport!

Start in the kitchen and remove any appliances that don't work or you never use. When decluttering your living area, get rid of old magazines and newspapers and any other things that clutter up the space but serve no purpose. Don’t forget the kids' rooms too because children's toys can be a huge source of clutter. Always encourage them to put their playthings away after they're done. Every once in a while, you can even go through your closet and donate old clothes to a local charity.

Don't forget to declutter your garden or backyard as well. Look for things like spare building materials or tools that you don't use. You can also declutter by removing dead plants and leaves that only take up unnecessary space. If you can't transport them to a waste center yourself, then you might find it beneficial to use Rubbish Removals Oakleigh services, or services within your local area so you can get everything cleaned away efficiently.

Upgrade Your Heating And Cooling Systems

This is one of the most important aspects to making your home feel more comfortable, whether you have an HVAC or AC unit. Not only can you gain better control of the temperature of your home all year round, but you can increase how energy efficient your house is.

Replacing older appliances for newer models with high SEER ratings (the higher the better) will help reduce power usage by 30% on average (according to Energy Star). Not only does this save money, but it also reduces emissions that contribute to climate change. Replacing old heating and air conditioning units might seem like a big investment at first glance ($1000+). If you replace them every 15-20 years, however, they can remain very cost-effective investments as long as you buy wisely and maintain them well.

Purify The Air

The air in our homes can be polluted with a variety of chemicals and bacteria. An air purifier is a device that uses filters or other means to remove these. You can use them to make the indoor air much cleaner, fresher, and healthier for the entire household to breathe. Don't forget to regularly maintain the device, especially when it comes to checking the air filters.

Certain house plants are known for purifying the air indoors as well, for example, pelargoniums or geraniums. They are flowers that emit oxygen at night, and they also produce chemicals that fight bacteria. Another way to improve the scent in your home (getting rid of pet smells or stale/ sweaty odors) is to add some freshly cut flowers or by lighting some scented candles.

Add Some Rugs Or Carpets

If you have wooden flooring in your home, it won't feel comfortable underfoot. This can particularly be an issue in bedrooms, where people often walk around with no shoes or slippers on. Carpets and rugs can be a great way to add some color, warmth and comfort to your home.

Carpets are great for adding texture underfoot as well as hiding the flooring beneath, and they're not too expensive. Rugs come in many shapes, sizes and patterns; they are easy to move and wash as well. Choosing a rug is a big decision but it doesn't have to be complicated. When deciding between cowhide rugs, if you want to add rustic style to your room, wool or cotton rugs keep your space cozy and simple. Thinking about your lifestyle and how the rug will be used is essential. If you have pets or small children, a durable and stain-resistant Brazilian cowhide rug by Cowhides Direct may be the best choice for you. Wool rugs are a classic option that provides warmth and luxury, while cotton rugs offer a more casual and affordable look.Choose carpets or rugs that work with the rest of your furniture, although they don't necessarily have to match it exactly.

Make The Home Feel Light And Airy

Mirrors can make a home feel larger and more open. They should be placed in the right spot to reflect natural light so they can make spaces brighter and happier.  Framed mirrors give a more classic feel while frameless ones have a sleeker, more modern appearance.

If you decide to redecorate your home, white can be a simple color to use. It's clean, fresh and it reflects the light really well. On the downside, it also makes dirty marks easy to spot. There are other hues available too, including pastel shades which look more romantic or neutral tones for an understated feel. Adding lighting is one way to brighten up dim spaces while lights with a soft glow can help create tranquil moods.

These have been some key ideas to help make your home feel more comfortable. It may also be time for you to replace any sagging or lifeless chairs, sofas or mattresses. Once you've made some changes, you'll feel more relaxed at home than ever before. Both your family and visitors will be able to enjoy the benefits of all your hard work. Even the smallest changes in your surroundings can do wonders for you.

Helpful Tips For Real Estate Agents - How To Stay Ahead Of Others

Whether it be a product or service, we all want to make money and provide for ourselves and our families. One way people do this is by working as real estate agents. Many people who work in this job enjoy it because they get to meet new people every day and help them find homes that suit their needs. However, there are some things they need to keep in mind if they want to stay ahead of others in the field.

Here are four ways you can stay ahead of everyone else: 

Create Your Own Website

When you're a real estate agent, or any other type of sales professional, having your own website is the number one way to stay ahead of the competition. Making your website with Showcase IDX will help you reach more clients and raise awareness of your real estate agency. What makes it so important? Here are 4 reasons why:

1) Your website is always available when people need information about the service you offer.

2) You can share your contact information with potential clients in an easy way without having to rely on somebody else like the company you work for. This makes it easier for clients to get in touch with you and reduces their frustration because they have to call different offices to find out where you are.

3) It gives clients peace of mind that they're dealing with who the real person is rather than just some employee.

4) It is your responsibility to keep your website updated so you can reach as many people as possible, regardless of what happens with the company you work for. 

Be On Call 24/7

Be friendly and helpful to clients, always work hard to get things done on time while maintaining a positive attitude. These are just some of the things that will help you stay ahead in this competitive business; a  lot of successful real estate agents take their jobs seriously because they know there's money to be made. If they're not working hard enough for their clients or themselves, it could mean less profit come to the end of the month. 

Being on call 24/7, working harder than everyone else, staying positive at all times, and finishing up work when it needs to be finished are just some of the ways real estate agents can become successful. Doing these things will help you separate yourself from others in this competitive industry so that you can stay ahead of your team/competition. Staying professional at all times is essential because doing anything less will only hinder your success as a real estate agent.

Find Bigger & Better Opportunities

One of the most important things an agent needs to do if they hope to stay ahead of everyone else in this industry is finding better opportunities. Finding bigger deals means making more money than others which is the ultimate goal. That's why it's so important for real estate agents to do their homework on properties, neighborhoods, and other investments, as this allows them to spot potential opportunities before anyone else gets a chance at them.

This is done through researching what's going on within a certain area, learning about different properties that could be sold, etc. Doing all these things will help you find lucrative opportunities that nobody else knows about or have a chance at getting first.

Be Professional At All Times

One of the best ways to separate yourself from all other real estate agents as a go-getter is to stay professional at all times. This means getting back to clients promptly, offering good service, and maintaining a positive attitude no matter what. Being unprofessional will only hinder you as an agent because it could lead to your clientele base diminishing over time which in turn will hurt your chances of making more sales.

Doing anything less than being professional at all times is asking for trouble since it can ultimately hinder one's success. Real estate agents who are unable or unwilling to be professional end up losing clients, which leads them away from opportunities that may have come their way by on top of things discretely. You can never do too much to stay professional and expect your clients to be pleased with the service you provide.

Real estate agents are on the road to success when they make themselves indispensable. They need to be friendly and helpful, always working hard with a positive attitude, find bigger & better opportunities for their clients or themselves, stay professional at all times, and do anything less than being professional is asking for trouble. Spot lucrative opportunities before anyone else has a chance at them which will guarantee your longevity in this competitive field.