If you are interested in working from home, there are some real, legit jobs available. Some companies actively hire work-from-home employees, and you can find work-at-home job listings online. But they are not nearly as plentiful as you would think considering the amount of interest there is in working from home.

Due to restrictions prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, many companies now have a completely, or partially, remote workforce. In the long term, this may lead to more comfort with remote employees and a greater willingness to hire people who wish to work remotely.

Work-from-home jobs can be difficult to find, but there are companies that are hiring now for remote positions.  Be careful as you job search: There are almost as many scams as there are genuine work-from-home opportunities.

But don’t get discouraged. There are work-from-home jobs out there.

How to Find Work-From-Home Jobs

Get details on everything you need to know about working at home, including where to find work-at-home job listings, the best sites for finding work-at-home jobs, and how to research work-at-home opportunities to avoid scams.

You’re most likely to succeed at a work-from-home job if you have skills that are conducive to freelancing or to working full-time at a position that doesn’t require you to be in the office.

Companies That Hire Remote Workers

Many people who work from home started out working in an office but were able to arrange with their employer to work at home some or all of the time. Here are tips for asking your boss if you can work from home. If you are otherwise happy with your current work, this is a good option.

There are companies that hire employees directly to work from their homes. See sites that list work-at-home jobs, which includes tips for how to filter any job board to find work-at-home options. Some of these positions are ones in which the employee covers a territory—for an insurance company or a consumer products firm, for example—and spends some time on the road and some time in a home office. There are also customer service, recruiting, sales, scheduling, technical, writing, computer, and telemarketing jobs available.

In many cases, work-from-home jobs are part-time, commission-based, or pay a lump sum for a completed project. In other cases, you can work as a home-based agent as an employee, providing customer service to client companies. Virtual assistants provide administrative, secretarial, and clerical support as well as creative and/or technical services for clients.

Work-at-home transcriptionists or closed captioning writers are usually independent contractors who transcribe and edit recorded reports onto their home computer. Online tutors work for internet-based companies that offer help in a variety of subject areas to students of all ages. If you’re looking to make a little extra money, paid surveys are a possibility, but do be careful about avoiding scams.

Full-time jobs that provide health insurance, a pension, vacation, and other benefits while you work full-time from home, especially if you don’t have experience, are harder to find.

Be Flexible & Creative

Flexibility is one key to successfully working from home. If you are willing to consider freelance or contract employment or to combine a couple of part-time positions, you’ll have a greater chance of success in finding opportunities that are legitimate.

It’s also critically important to take the time to search for positions and to thoroughly research those that sound viable.

Learn more about being flexible at work here.

How to Find “Real” Work

Despite all the online advertising you see, there aren’t that many work-at-home jobs. Those that are available may require that you live in a certain area or spend at least some time in the office. Others may be part-time or freelance, so you will need to be continually seeking potential positions.

Keep in mind that the prerequisites for home employment are similar to those needed for working in an office. You need both the experience and the skills necessary to do the job. You’ll also need a home office with high-speed internet, phone, fax, computer, printer, software, and other basic office equipment. In some cases, work-from-home employees who are full-time may be provided with essential office equipment (such as a computer).

Job Search for Remote Jobs

To get started, consider your job search as your job. Dedicate as many hours per week to your search for employment as you would spend working. If you’re looking for full-time work, you should be spending full-time hours seeking employment.

Networking remains the top way to find a job, and it does work. Develop contacts—friends, family, fellow college alumni, even other job seekers—with people who might help generate information and job leads. You can take a direct approach and ask for job leads or try a less formal approach and ask for information and advice. Contact everyone you know and tell them you want to work from home. You may be surprised by the people they know and the leads you can generate.

Check Job Sites for Remote Positions

Check the sites that list work-at-home jobs, look through all the listings, and remember to take advantage of the resume posting section, if the site has one. That way, companies seeking employees will be able to find your resume.

Use job search engines using terms such as “work at home,” “telecommute,” and “freelance.” Next, search the online job banks using keywords such as “work at home,” “telecommute,” and “telecommuting.” Searching Monster, for example, using “telecommuting” as a keyword generates almost 200 listings. “Work at home” generates close to 1000 positions.

Be Prepared to Apply Online

Be prepared to apply online. Have a resume and cover letter ready to send. Depending on the type of employment you’re looking for, you may also need work samples to send to prospective employers.

Track where you’ve applied. Many of the same positions are listed on multiple sites, so you’ll want to be sure not to duplicate your efforts.

Get Ready for a Remote Interview

If you are applying for a work-at-home job for a company that has a local office, you may be expected to interview in person. If you are working for a remote company, you may be interviewed via an online interview system, video, Skype, or even email.

Tips for Avoiding Scams

There may be work-from-home job scams than there are real work-from-home job listings, so job seekers need to be careful when searching for and evaluating work-at-home job offers.

Take the time to research the position and the company, including talking to other people who work there. That way, you won’t be scammed, and you will be using your best efforts and best judgment to find a legitimate work-from-home job.

  • If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. If you get an unsolicited email telling you that a company you have never heard of wants to hire you for a job where you don’t need experience or skills and can make a lot of money, ignore it. There are lots of scams out there, some of which are personalized and sound quite legitimate.
  • Know the common scam jobs. There are a number of work-at-home jobs to avoid. These include assembly jobs, multi-level marketing, claims processing, and stuffing envelopes. Many of these positions require you to pay a lot of money, and you see little to no earnings.
  • Read the listing carefully. Make sure you know if there is a salary or if you’re paid on commission. Look into whether or not you need to buy equipment and if you will be reimbursed.
  • Research the company. If you aren’t sure the company is legitimate, ask for references. If the company won’t provide references, do not apply.
  • Never send money. Employers should not charge you to begin working for them. Avoid any company that asks you to send money for equipment. Also, don’t send money for work-at-home directories or start-up kits. Free information and job listings are available online. Also, never give your bank account information or any other personal information that could help someone steal your identity.
  • Avoid “get rich quick” ads. Be careful of listings that guarantee you wealth or financial success or claim they will help you get rich fast from home. They will probably do none of the above.
  • Evaluate every listing you look at very carefully. Find out if there’s a salary or if you’re paid on commission. Ask how often you will be paid. Ask what equipment (hardware/software) you need to provide. Find out what support the company provides.
  • Ask for references. Request a list of other employees or contractors to see how this has worked for them.

Below are some more tips for finding legitimate work-at-home positions.

  • Ask your boss. Telecommuting is becoming more and more common. If you have a job you already like, talk to your boss about the possibility of working from home. When talking to your boss, focus on the benefits your working at home will bring to the company, for example, emphasize that you will be more productive.
  • Focus on specific companies. To help avoid job scams, focus on legitimate companies that you might want to work for that support telecommuting.
  • Search online. There are a number of job search boards and engines that specialize in work-from-home positions. Remember to look out for scams.

There are two camps when it comes to working from home. One group usually thinks that people will get nothing done, and the other group believes workers will be happier and more productive. Chances are, your answer greatly depends on how you personally fare when working from home. While some people swear by 40 hours a week in the office, there is growing support for the second camp of workers who find they are more productive working from home.

Recent studies have supported the idea that working from home—for the right people—can increase productivity and decrease stress. Research also suggests companies that encourage and support a work-from-home protocol actually save money in the long run—an added bonus on the employer side.

The tech industry is well known for its flexible schedules and telecommuting opportunities, which makes sense, considering most tech companies are web-based and technology is the greatest resource when working from home. With video chats, conference calls, VPN networks, and wireless Internet, we can constantly stay connected as though we were sitting in our office, rather than at home.

Tech is also experiencing a shortage of talent for a number of jobs, and hiring remote workers opens the talent pool for companies seeking STEM workers. Boris Kontsevoi, founder and president of Intetics Co says, “In the tech sphere, the majority of the work happens on the computer and online. As a result, the location of the person is no longer as important, as long as they have a reliable Internet connection.”

Nature of tech

While remote workers can be found in a number of different industries, it’s more prevalent in the tech-sphere. It could be due to the nature of most tech jobs—especially jobs for developers and programmers—that require a strong attention to detail and long hours of focus. Working from home can reduce the amount of distractions these workers face, allowing them to get more done during work hours.

“As a programmer, I need large chunks of time to really make progress on a project,” states Ann Gaffigan, CTO of Land Pros Systems, Inc., “In an office, there are so many potential distractions, with people knocking on the door or customers stopping in. This way I can control when I answer calls and emails and when I ‘go silent’ to get some work done.”

For employees who can’t afford to be distracted a number of times a day, having a controlled environment can be key to their productivity. Working from home can allow workers to minimize distractions and increase the time they spend focused on a project. It stands to reason that, in the end, companies benefit from these remote employees by getting projects completed faster with fewer mistakes.

One size doesn’t fit all

When it comes to a company’s work from home policy, everyone is different. Your productivity and overall success as a remote employee depends entirely on your preferred work style. That’s also the reason it’s hard to find any solid data on whether or not people are more productive at home. Anecdotally, it seems to boil down to personality type and the job you do. We’re all different, and some of us can’t fathom getting work done with a TV nearby and all our comforts of home surrounding us, while others find it a struggle to stay focused among office chatter and other distractions.

Your success in working from home might depend on the type of work you do, as discovered in a study by University of Illinois. The study found that telecommuters performed as well as their in-office co-workers. Phil Cicioria, Business & Law Editor at University of Illinois says, “According to the study, telecommuters want to be seen as “good citizens” of the company in order to justify their flexible work arrangements.”

Employer benefits

Employees aren’t the only ones who benefit from working from home; a company can benefit just as greatly from a remote employee. “For employers telecommuting can limit absences, increase productivity, and save money. This is most common in the tech sphere because tech companies have the infrastructure to maintain remote workers. With telecommuting the idea of the office space is changing but many are saying that it is for the better,” says Ari Zoldan CEO, Quantum Networks, LLC.

Simon Slade, CEO and co-founder of Affilorama has experienced first hand the benefits of having remote workers at his company, “By allowing employees to work remotely,” he says, “you can hire the best of the best while not limiting yourself by geographical restrictions. At Doubledot Media, 19 of our 28 employees work remotely, and I have seen no difference in job satisfaction or work performance. If anything, my remote employees’ production rate is higher because they are better equipped to avoid distractions.” The benefits also extend to his bottom line, “telecommuting saves me money because they pay for their own computer, electricity and other utilities.”

In fact, opening the talent pool seems to be one of the biggest employer benefits when it comes to a work from home policy. Jessica Greenwalt, Founder of Pixelkeet and Co-Founder of CrowdMed says, “Pixelkeet has been able to attract very talented designers and developers who want to live the freelance lifestyle without having to fish for work on their own. It’s also been easy for us to work with clients from around the globe because we have a team member in a timezone convenient for communicating with most clients.”

For some companies, working from home can be a matter of more hours in the day. This is especially true for small businesses and new companies where they can’t afford to waste even one minute of the workday. “Being a small startup, every hour of the day is important,” says Tim Segraves, co-founder and CTO of Revaluate, “If we all spent an hour of day commuting, that would be almost 20 hours a week that would go to commuting instead of building out our product and business.”

Companies might also retain more employees if they enact a work from home benefit. Stanford professor, Nick Bloom, conducted a study to evaluate the benefits of working from home. He found workers were more productive, got more done, worked longer hours, took less breaks, and used less sick time than their in-office counterparts. These employees were also happier and quit less than those who went into the office on a regular basis. He estimated that, on average, the company saved about $2,000 per every employee who worked from home.

Health benefits

People who work from home have an easier time eating healthy and striking a manageable work-life balance. Eating healthier and having more time to spend with your family can help you feel less stressed, which will make for a happier more productive workday. A 2011 study from Staples found that employees who worked from home experienced 25 percent less stress. Employees also reported that they were able to maintain a better work-life balance, as well as eat healthier.

Cofounder of SimpleTexting, Felix Dubinksy, notes the health benefits of being at home, “It’s much easier to keep a healthy diet while eating at home. You save a lot of stressful hours that would have been spent commuting. You can construct a comfortable work environment for yourself. Spend more time with family.”

It’s a common answer when you ask people why they like to work from home. Most will respond that their flexible work environment relieves the amount of stress in their lives and gives them a healthier work-life balance. Today, our offices are constantly on, it isn’t the same as it was decades ago, when you left the office and work actually ended. Today, most of us can work at any hour wherever we are located, so it makes sense that the line is starting to blur between work and life. But it stands to reason that working from home can help redefine—or at the very least, rebalance—that line.

Alessandra Ceresa, Marketing Director of Greenrope, finds he can balance his work and life much easier when he works remote, “Because much of what we do is not constrained within the hours of 9-5, I am able to go to the gym in the middle of the day, take a walk, do errands. When I take these sorts of breaks, the moment I sit back down to work, I am focused. My life is balanced because I get all of my work done and have time to actually live my life.”

Maybe you have a commute that makes you frustrated before you even hit your desk, and all you can do while you drink your morning coffee is fantasize about what you could buy with all that gas money. For employees who work far from the office, cutting out the commute can make a world of difference for their stress and overall health. For Charlie Harary, CEO of H3 & Company and professor at the Syms School of Business at Yeshiva University, cutting down on how many days a week one of his employees needed to commute allowed one employee to get more done in her working hours. “I have an employee that has a two-hour commute to the office each way. Once day, she mentioned to me that she had to leave early to get home in time to make a family obligation. I asked her why and she detailed out her daily commute. I was shocked by the sheer difficulty it was for her to get to the office each day.”

He immediately proposed a work-from-home option. At first, the employee wasn’t sure how well working remote would work for her or her boss, but after coming up with a suitable arrangement, both Harary and his employee were happy to see how well it worked. So happy, in fact, that she now works from home twice a week.

The future of work from home

Companies are certainly catching onto the trend, and most have the flexibility to work from home, if not at all the time, at least when needed. It’s changing the way we work, especially in the tech sphere. And while it may not be for everybody, employers may find they can save money and increase productivity for some workers. And for some employees, work-from-home benefits may be the difference between an enjoyable and stressful work life.

Clayburn Griffin, a digital marketer who finds remote work suits him best, hopes more companies see the benefits that can be gleamed from remote workers, “I really hope employers start to realize this and offer more time to their employees to work from home. I think they don’t because they’re afraid of abuse and because it feels like there is no oversight. You can’t see what an employee is doing, and that feels like giving up some control. All that should matter, though, is that they’re getting the work done.”

Stay-at-home moms juggle many responsibilities on a daily basis, often making them highly skilled at multitasking. This skill, along with the need to stay home and care for children, can parlay into landing a job that melds to a stay-at-home parent’s schedule and allows them to meet the financial needs of their family. Looking for work-at-home jobs for stay-at-home moms can be the ideal way to meet your obligations at home and in your career. You can even save your time for waist training dance exercise later on.

According to a survey of working parents, the ability to work flexibly is one of the top contributors to a healthy work-life balance. The internet has a thousands of work-at-home jobs that offer stay-at-home moms the ability to work under the comfort of their blankets in their homes. We’ve listed 10 of these jobs below, along with their median pay from PayScale which you can do while you’re lying on the mattress comfortably.

Check out these 10 remote jobs for stay-at-home moms:

Data Entry Specialist

Median Pay: $35,833

Data entry positions can be highly flexible roles that allow you to manage your daily routine with your children by working while they sleep or are at school. A data entry position requires strong keyboarding skills and sharp attention to detail, which are skills that many parents already have.

Graphic Designer

Median Pay: $43,275

Digital and visual designers can find great roles that allow the job to be done completely from home and often on a flexible schedule. Graphic designers might layout a book design, create logos or ads, and design a website.

Health Coach

Median Pay: $45,324

Many stay-at-home moms work diligently on their own fitness to stay in shape. Why not use those skills and share them with others? Remote roles in fitness and mental health can be an ideal way to help others live a healthier lifestyle while keeping your own health journey on track.

Marketing Specialist

Median Pay: $49,912

Marketing positions can take many forms, including marketing coordinator, SEO specialist, content strategist, among others. In marketing, you’ll work to promote a product or service through branding and outreach.

Online Teacher or Tutor

Median Pay: $43,476

As a parent, you’ve likely taught your child to read, tutored them through math assignments, and taught them all of their life skills. Education is most likely part of your daily routine, so why not convert those skills to earn an income?

Proofreader

Median Pay: $43,126

Proofreaders typically are highly detail-oriented and can find even the smallest of errors. As a remote proofreader, you’ll ensure consistency, check formatting, confirm facts, check grammar, and more.

Recruiting Coordinator

Median Pay: $45,485

If think you might enjoy helping people get hired into a new job, a recruiting position may be a good fit. Recruiting coordinators typically assist HR personnel with looking over resumes, performing background checks, assisting with interviews, and onboarding new employees.

Social Media Specialist

Median Pay: $41,945

Many moms are social media savvy individuals already, posting about their children’s achievements. In a social media career, you could work as a social media evaluator, possibly checking ads and content for relevancy. Or, you could create content for a company’s social media sites.

Travel Consultant

Median Pay: $40,520

Virtual travel positions are plentiful. In this industry, you’ll manage travel arrangements for various clients, such as a cruise line, airline, resort, or excursion bookings. Many positions offer the benefit of travel credits that could also allow you and your family to travel. What an excellent perk!

Writer or Blogger

Median Pay: $48,732

Many publications and online resources are interested in parenting topics. Use your experience in parenthood as the impetus to get paid to write. Contribute to a parent-focused website, social media reports, or other publication. Or, use your financial management expertise or career focus as your basis for contributing. Use your storytelling skills to cash in!

Finding a work-at-home job can be a game-changer for this stage of your life. Check out more remote job listings online and put yourself on the way to better balancing work and life. We wish you luck in your search!

8 bottle-feeding tips to make it a great experience for you and your baby.

There’s much more to bottle-feeding than simply pouring liquid into the bottle. Explore our expert baby nutrition tips below so that both you and your baby reap the most out of the experience.

Keep it personal.

Just as with breastfeeding and bonding, bottle-feeding can provide your little one with warmth, comfort, eye contact, skin contact, your scent, your conversation—the very basics of bonding. So talk, croon, cuddle, and enjoy your quiet time together.

Set the scene.

Pick a quiet, comfy spot where neither of you will be distracted. Holding your baby in a semi-upright position makes swallowing easier. To cradle her most easily in this position, you can first place a pillow on your lap. Wash hands thoroughly with soap & water before preparing formula.

Measure every time you fill a bottle.

Whether you’re using ready-to-pour, liquid concentrate, or powdered formula, follow the instructions for preparation based on the amount you want to serve. If you’re not precise, you can upset your baby’s digestive system or cause her to miss out on her nutrient intake.

For powder, pour the desired amount of water into your baby’s bottle, add powder, cap bottle and shake well. Mix one bottle at a time.

Please refer to your product packaging for the most accurate mixing information.

Skip the microwave.

Many babies are fine drinking formula at room temperature or even from bottles that have been premade and stored in the fridge. It’s perfectly nutritious.

If you want to warm a bottle, however, you can do so by immersing it in a pot of warm water until it’s lukewarm. Heating it in the microwave can create uneven hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth. Check the temperature of warmed formula on your wrist.

Take burp breaks.

All babies tend to need burping after they eat. Because bottle-fed babies usually take in more air, which can make them uncomfortable, it helps to pause for a burp every 2 to 3 ounces of formula.

Watch your baby’s signals.

With formula, you know exactly how much is in the bottle and how much your baby is drinking. Nonetheless, these numbers matter less than your baby’s response. Your baby will let you know by her behaviors when she’s hungry (such as opening her mouth, sucking her hand, or squirming) and when she’s had enough (such as releasing the nipple or falling asleep).

Consider a breast-bottle combo.

Many moms don’t realize that feeding isn’t necessarily an either-or (breast or bottle) choice. After a breast-feeding mom’s milk supply is established, you may be able to supplement with occasional bottles of formula—handy for a babysitter or if you work and dislike pumping.

Know that others can help.

The beauty of bottle-feeding is that, even though it’s a happy, natural bonding time for you and your baby, you can share the experience. It’s smart to let your partner, parents, or other caregivers have the pleasure sometimes—allowing you to rest up for baby care and play.

I’m so excited about this post, for several reasons. I may be biased because I have history with these ladies, but I think all of these moms you’re about to hear from are superheroes.

I’ve watched them embrace motherhood while successfully juggling both their personal and professional lives. You’ll see they all have very different professions, yet there is one thing that links them together: the love for their children.

I have asked most of them for motherly advice repeatedly over the past few months. Their positivity, stories and wise words have provided me guidance and reassurance because they’ve been there and done it all themselves.

Since I have a little one on the way, I wanted their new mom advice for my own personal use. No one is more credible than those who have walked the walk, so I wanted to share their incredible advice with you, as well. They have a lot to say, so I won’t bore you with anymore of my amateur pregnancy mumbo jumbo (for today).

Here are five moms with their best pieces of advice for their fellow new mothers:

ANGIE

Profession: Dance instructor and studio owner

Angie has a 1-year-old son named Grayson.

As a new mom, I felt very overwhelmed with the fact that I had to care for another human and be able to give it everything it needed as it grows. But, I learned you cannot let the little things get the best of you, and everything will be OK. Read the baby books. They’re very helpful. Although most things are instinct and come naturally as a mother, I still find myself referring back to the books for information. Most importantly, every baby is different. Everyone has their opinion, and most the time, it doesn’t even apply to you. Teaching at a dance studio, you can only imagine how much advice I get from moms in the hallway. I appreciated it all, of course, but a lot of it wasn’t necessary or relevant to me at all. Write everything down. Even if it seems silly at the time, you are going to want to look back to see when things happen. You will be surprised at how easily some little things are forgotten. Enjoy every moment with your little one, but most importantly, sleep when they sleep. Cleaning and organizing can wait. You need your sleep to keep your sanity. Believe me.

SARAH

Profession: Marketing project manager and account supervisor

I knew Sarah was pregnant when I bought her a bottle of pinot grigio for “Bachelor Wine Night,” and she didn’t pour a glass right away. Sarah now has a 7-month-old daughter named Peyton (aka Ms. P).

Be confident, but don’t be too afraid to accept help. After having your little one, when you’re in the hospital about to be released to take them home with you for the first time, it can be a little scary thinking about caring for this tiny fragile little baby all on your own. There are no more nurses on standby to help when you need it, to show you the perfect swaddle (for the fifth time) and to give you advice on how to bathe your baby. Let’s be honest: Nothing is ever going to make you feel 100 percent comfortable with what you are doing. But, that’s a normal feeling. Everyone is anxious and nervous, but don’t let that get the best of you. Enjoy this precious time and be confident in yourself. After your first couple of nights at home with your peanut, you will naturally feel much more confident caring for him or her. Also, don’t be afraid to take your neighbors up on that casserole they offered to bring by. Most new moms are too afraid to ask for or accept help, but as you adjust to this new lifestyle, accept all the help you can get. I understand you want your baby all to yourself, and you don’t have to give that up. Accept help with everything else – the cooking, cleaning, laundry – so you don’t have to worry about anything but your little one those first few weeks. You will have enough to think about, and those close to you will enjoy helping in any way they can. So, let them.

STEPHANIE

Profession: Owner of “Stephanie’s Cupcake Company”

Stephanie tried out about 24 part-time jobs to help provide for her family before discovering her niche as a successful business owner (currently bowing down to this lady). She’s a mother of three to Dominic (8.5 years old), Lucas (2.5 years old) and Mia (5 months old).

Being a mom of three (two boys and a girl) has led to plenty of good, bad, scary, happy, emotional and hilarious experiences. You can plan for these things, but you can’t predict them. Women are unbelievable. I’ve never been more proud than after I have completed another day successfully raising two children under 2 years of age. It’s an amazing feeling. My advice? It’s OK to be late. Messes happen as fast as you can clean them, so do it later and love on them now. You may be tired, but someday you won’t be, and you might actually miss it after all.

MOLLY

Profession: Construction estimator

Molly has a 4-month-old son named Grady. Grady weighed 10 pounds, 10 ounces at birth, and at 3 months, he was already in 9-12 month clothing. I think Molly has a future athlete on her hands.

Don’t forget about ‘Mommy Time.’ This is key in the first few weeks after you come home with your bundle of joy. Actually, this is still pretty critical for me after four months. Don’t let go of things that keep you, you. Take a nap when grandma comes over. Take a shower (without having to seat your baby outside the door). My friends and family used to make fun of me because I have always needed ‘Molly Time.’ While time to myself looks a little different these days, it is still very important to my mental state.

HANNAH

Profession: Commercial portfolio manager

Hannah is the proud mommy of 2.5-year-old Beau.

Lay your baby in the crib as early and often as possible. Because I breastfed, I thought it was easier to sleep with Beau on my lap (on a boppy) for easy access when he was hungry. I was so tired that I didn’t want to keep laying him down and then getting him up every time to feed. He got used to sleeping on my body and feeling my heartbeat and body heat. Here I am, 2.5 years later, and he is in my bed every night at about 2 am. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Beau had reflux and GERD, and he cried pretty much all day every day until he was about 4 months old. My husband was working, and when I was still on leave, I tried to just “handle it” because I was the mom and was at home. There were days when I just wanted someone to take Beau for an hour so I could shower or take a nap. Looking back, my friends say, ‘Why didn’t you call me when Brad was at work or on the weekends? I would have helped.’ Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family and just say, ‘I need a break,’ ‘I need time to relax’ or ‘I need time take a bath, run, get a coffee, etc.’ People will help, and anyone can handle a crying baby for at least one hour. I also should have told my husband I was struggling and tired. I tried to be so tough, but I needed him to help more with the baby. He eventually learned, but in the beginning, it was hard. Next time, he will be helping more because I won’t try to act like I can handle being awake 24/7.

Are you pregnant right now? Let me tell you what you need to do: Stock your freezer with freezer meals! Having healthy meals on-hand when you’re caring for a newborn is the best thing ever. I’m currently pregnant with my fifth baby, so I’m excited to share what has worked for me in the past and what I’m planning to do differently this time around.

First, why make freezer meals for new moms?

If this is your first baby and you have no idea what to expect let me tell you that you’re probably going to lay around on the couch for at least two weeks after giving birth. If you don’t want to count on your husband cooking every night (or eating out every night – yuck!), stocking your freezer with homemade meals is the best option.

If this is your second baby or more, then you already know why it will be so great to have meals made ahead of time.

Not only is it amazing to make meals for yourself while pregnant, but I love making freezer meals for my family members and friends when they have a new baby. Freezer meals make great gifts.
I like to make meals that are frozen without any cooking ahead of time so they cook the first time out of the freezer and don’t taste like leftovers at all. Yay!

Most freezer meals are good for at least three months, so I would make them around 32 weeks if you can. That means they’ll be good for at least a month after your baby arrives and you’ll be making them at a time in pregnancy when you still feel OK. I’ve made meals closer to my due date and it is more exhausting and requires a lot of sitting.

If you’re making the meals for someone else you could make them a week or two before their due date or deliver them after the baby is born with a new baby gift. (Although the meals themselves will be the best gift ever.)

Here are some of the favorite freezer meals for new moms (and dads):

Making freezer meals for new moms aren’t any different than the types of freezer meals that you would make for anyone else. The only difference in making meals for after birth is that you might want to include more variety. For example, when I’m making freezer meals for myself I like to double or triple recipes to save time and money because we have no problem repeating meals before they expire. BUT, when I’m prepping a batch of meals to eat in a row right after a new baby arrives I don’t want to eat the same thing every night. A mix of tastes, textures, and even cooking styles is key (crockpot, oven, skillet, etc.).

  • Crockpot Beef Chili
  • Crockpot Mexican Black Bean Chili
  • Crockpot Sloppy Joe’s
  • Crockpot BBQ Baby Back Ribs
  • Crockpot Sweet and Sour BBQ Meatballs
  • Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
  • Crockpot Beef Roast with Carrots
  • Crockpot Mississippi Roast with Carrots
  • Crockpot Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
  • Crockpot Cranberry Pork Roast
  • Crockpot Beef Barley Stew
  • Crockpot Sausage Spinach Tomato Soup
  • Crockpot Meatball Vegetable Soup
  • Crockpot Italian Wedding Soup
  • Crockpot Meatball Minestrone Soup
  • Two Chicken Pot Pies
  • Two Brown Sugar Meatloaves
  • Two “No-Bake” Lasagnas with Baby Spinach
  • Two pans of Mexican Stuffed Shells
  • Two pans of Sausage-Stuffed Mini Peppers
  • Crockpot Artichoke Chicken
  • Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas
  • Crockpot Chicken Spinach Alfredo
  • Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken
  • Crockpot Cranberry Chicken
  • Crockpot Honey Bourbon Chicken
  • Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
  • Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken
  • Crockpot Orange Chicken

Motherhood is arguably the most important job in the world. Since life does not come with a manual, you might need a few tips on how to balance responsibilities.

Learn to Say No

 

Maternity is an all-giving job. You give all of your time, all of your focus, all of your patience. Agreeing to sacrifice much of yourself to provide for your family is an inherent part of motherhood. That being said, it is healthy to say no, sometimes. 

 

The reality is, on occasion, things that need to be done might have to wait when there is so much else to do. This is inevitable and okay as long as essential duties aren’t neglected. Get comfortable not saying yes to every invitation. You are not obligated to comply with all requests because you are capable or kind. This will only lead to future conflicts and additional anxiety that you do not need. 

 

Being a good parent involves keeping a functioning schedule, and if you agree to all, you will surely burn out. It is better to maintain a work-life balance and a balance in responsibilities, so you can handle what is on your plate rather than take on what people expect of you with sloppy results. 

 

 

Prioritize things based on what is most important and what will bring you calmness upon completion. Mothers who learn which circumstances are appropriate to reject are the most productive. 

Have an Open Communication With Your Family

Mothers are constantly multi-tasking to get through the day. But duties often become overwhelming because you forget that you have others as support to help if needed. You do not have to do everything alone to qualify as a decent parent. 

 

Strong families require open communication, working as a machine with moving parts. Communication is a skill that takes practice to develop. In some cases, it can be difficult for some or all parties to participate willingly. Do your best to take this into consideration. 

 

Be patient and sincere when exchanging thoughts and beliefs. Talk to those in your household about what is and should be going on. Be honest about the state of things. Discuss your mental status. Good or bad. 

 

Discuss family and domestic goals. Set a time for regular family meetings and allow everyone to share what is on their mind. These are the people in your life who will get you through the hard times and celebrate the better times. Not only will it serve as a moment of therapeutic release, but everyone will have a chance to contribute to building a happier home. 

 

 

Be Open With Your Manager or Employer

Being a mother is already a consuming career that leaves little room for anything else. Some choose to work an outside job for pleasure or as a break from the everyday monotony. Others need to work to make ends meet. Either way, it is painfully difficult to manage your hours and finish all assignments to your fullest potential.

 

Do not get frustrated and crack under pressure. Instead, be straightforward with yourself and your employer about how much work you can take on at any given moment. Keep them informed about your need for a break. Collectively, arrange as to when and how you can accomplish your obligations. 

 

It is best for all to take on duties with a clear mind and less tension, especially considering that you must remain well and operational for your family back home. Your employer is human and should be understanding if you are not in a productive mental space. If you are not operating well from exhaustion and fatigue, everything else will fall apart as a result. 

 

Stress causes illness and long-term deterioration. Find time to breathe, relax, and readjust. Remember, some duties can be delayed or redistributed, but your brood only has one mother, who can never be replaced.

Use Your Time Correctly and Avoid Distractions

With so much to accomplish, it is conducive to apply your time correctly and to stay focused. If you are home, center your attention on matters of your family and your household. Try to leave problems at work at the office and vice versa. 

 

You will find that you get more done if you keep junctures designated for your job occupied by labor-related activities. Limit your exposure to anything distracting if you have a list of accomplishments in front of you, but also recognize your need for a pause. This is particularly important for those working moms stuck doing their jobs remotely or from home. 

 

Automatically eliminate deeds you know you cannot complete without guilt or regret. Set strict boundaries to separate your undertakings. Make use of a clock or timer to segment your minutes in the most structured manner. Organize your personal space wisely and insist that others around you respect your confines based on your wishes and availability.

 

Organize Your Routines

Sort out a well-detailed routine to organize a busy working schedule. They help us to move quickly and efficiently through life without having to overthink every situation. It saves lots of much-needed time. 

 

Develop constructive and practical systems to keep things moving quickly and smoothly. Use a calendar or planner and write a to-do list and an inventory of goals. Mark key reminders until they become part of your memory. Make changes as you go and try different approaches to see what is effective for you before settling on a process.

 

Consult with your family members and determine what works best for them. Always do your best to stick to the plan, but be realistic with what you can achieve. Don’t be too hard on yourself.  

 

For whatever reason, if your intentions fail, be flexible and be prepared with a backup plan for your plan. That is the most important step in every mother’s guide for balancing life. Though there are bound to be hiccups in your journey, a good strategy and dedication to go on will help you find your footing and household on mostly stable ground.

It is said that at the end of the 19th century, the Mamontov family, famous Russian industrialists and philanthropists whether from Paris, or from the island of Honshu, someone brought a Japanese finely carved Buddhist figure of Fukuruji (Fukurum), which turned out to be a “surprise” she understood into two parts. Inside it is hidden another, smaller, which also consisted of two halves. In total, there were five such pupae. It was assumed that it was this figure that prompted the Russians to create their own version of a split toy, embodied in the form of a peasant girl, soon christened by the popular name Matryoshka (Matryona). Still refer to the legend of the Japanese origin of the doll.

The origin

It is assumed that the first Russian nesting doll was carved and painted in the Moscow toy workshop only in the 90s of the XIX century, on the model brought from Japan. The Japanese model, made with great humor, was a set of figurines inserted into each other by the Japanese sage Fukurum, a bald old man with his head stretched upward from numerous reflections.

The history of the development of toy crafts in Russia suggests that the tradition of turning and painting wooden eggs for Easter contributed to the creation of the Russian NestingDolls.

In one of the albums devoted to the work of the Russian artist who can see an extraordinary illustration, left without comment, a sketch of a painting carved from a tree of a doll. It was this famous artist, later an academician of painting, who at one time became the creator of the first Russian nesting doll. And the turning form of the toy was proposed by, a native of the Voronovsky parish of Podolsky district, Moscow province, has long been famous for its skilled turners.

The birthplace of the new original toy, which quickly won the fame of a national souvenir, was the workshop, where since 1898 the turner V.P. Zvezdochkin. Therefore, approximately from this time it is possible to count the age of the matryoshka, in the further destiny of which there were ups and downs, glory and oblivion, travels and metamorphoses.

The present situation

For about a century this famous toy in Russia, but to this day it is not known what was first – the sketch of a professional artist or the successful embodiment of the creative search of a folk artist, noticed in time by an interested person. It is curious that the sketch published in the album and the matryoshka stamped by the workshop “Children’s Education” from the collection of the Art Pedagogical Museum of Toys in Sergiev Posad are similar to two sisters, but you cannot call them twins. This fact suggests that S.V. Malyutin made several options for painting future toys.

The craft appeared presumably in the XVII century and reached its heyday at the turn of the XVIII – XIX centuries. There is no exact data on the time of creation of the first toy in this town, but it is known that as early as the 15th century, special workshops existed at the Trinity Sergius Monastery, in which the monks were engaged in three-dimensional and relief woodcarving.

The theme of Sergiev’s handmade wooden toy was quite diverse, which was explained, first of all, by the favorable geographical position of the craft. The proximity of Moscow and the immediate neighborhood of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, attracting a huge number of pilgrims, had a great influence on the choice of subjects. The toy reflected many aspects of Russian life, events of that time, and features of everyday life of various segments of the population.

Simultaneously with the art of woodcarving in Sergievsky Posad, the skill of modeling, painting, and decorating toys, making motor and sound mechanisms was also improved. A solid place in the plots of Sergiev handicraftsmen was occupied by everyday themes gradually formed the main themes of the dolls, which became a kind of Sergiev canon. Now a day’s many people give their own creative imagination in the old model to create new art form. There are many videos on how to make your own nesting doll on the web. So you can make according to your imagination.

Since the beginning of the 80s of the last century, as a result of increased competition from private toy factories in the field, a period of decline began. The Moscow provincial zemstvo drew attention to this. In the 1890s, the zemstvo helped to maintain the stable development of handicraft production, including toy production. Professional artists, educators, economists who first tried to make out new samples of toys on a serious scientific basis were invited to the craft. In order to improve the condition of the fishery in Sergiev Posad in 1891 an educational and demonstration workshop was opened under the direction of V.I. Brodsky.

Thus, at the time of the appearance of a split-molded, figurine, the history of Sergiev’s toy fishery already had about two centuries.

Today, you can even see a giant russian nesting doll! See this Huffpost article now! There are also dolls made to teach yoga and other things.

The first question comes from the beginners is what are distance bracelets? The distance bracelet is a paracord braided closed by a stainless steel shackle or a plastic clip clasp. This bracelet is as beautiful as a great use in survival or during outdoor activities such as explodes or camp.

This bracelet is ideal for campers, hikers, sportsmen, soldiers, hunters, fishermen and also any self-respecting scout.

Pleasant to wear, this survival bracelet will be your ideal partner in all emergencies. For example imagine yourself exploring in the forest when suddenly your lace breaks. Thanks to your bracelet, you have a spare lash on you. A tent tension that has disappeared, a bag strap that lets go it can be used for everything. Once undone, you will always have the rope available on you and will be able to use between 2 and 4 meters of useful rope ultra solid and flexible length depending on the model of bracelet and your wrist turn.

It is made of Paracord 550. it is a lightweight, robust and elastic stranded nylon rope, originally used for American parachute hangers during the Second World War. She is able to withstand 250 kg load.

Price level, a plastic clasp costs between 0.20$ and 0.30$, a stainless steel shack about 2$ and the paracord costs about 0.25$ the meter for the cheapest, which makes this bracelet very affordable, useful and fun. It takes about 12 cm of rope for 1 cm of final bracelet.

Finally the most important: braiding technique:

This node Cobra node is one of the most basic, it will take no more than 10 minutes to complete, which is useful to quickly redo it once loosed:

  • Fold the rope in 2. Make a loop and slide it into one of the ends of the clasp (pay attention to the direction of the clasp).
  • Pass both ends of the rope through the loop and pull until the assembly closes the clasp (be careful that the ends are at the same level).
  • Separate the two parts of the clasp and slide the one that is not fixed until the desired bracelet length and leave an addition of about 3cm (measure at the loop to the base of the clasp).
  • Pass the string to the left, under the 2 middle strings, forming a loop on the left
  • Slide the rope on the right under the rope you just passed to the right, then below the 2 middle strings and in the left loop. Pull the rope to the right and to the left, so as to tighten the knot on the clasp.

Presentation of the survival bracelet

In the movies or through the shows dedicated to our soldiers, you could not help but notice the bracelet they had on the handles. Know that it’s not just a decoration bracelet. This is the survival bracelet, also called commando bracelet, get yours at braceletworld.co.

A multi-purpose commando bracelet

It is not about any rope since the survival bracelet is made with special parachute ropes. Its solidity is therefore foolproof. The supported load is 250kg. It can easily support the weight of 2 medium-sized adult men hanging in the air.

The length of the survival bracelet’s rope averages 3 m, which allows it to hang from a tree, from a high rock to abseil. With a survival bracelet, you can build a makeshift hut without having to search for creepers.

Among the possible uses, this bracelet paracord can also be used as links to build a raft, to make a spear to hunt or defend you. The survival bracelet is very useful as a survival weapon. In short, this rope truly ensures your survival in a hostile environment, and this bracelet is much more durable than designer bangles anyone may buy.

A bracelet with specific braiding

Braiding this paracord should not be done anyhow. The rope must be small enough to be worn like a bracelet. The braid must especially be easily defeated to allow you to react quickly.

Choose your survival bracelet

Present in all shops dedicated to survivals, the choice of the survival bracelet deserves special attention. First, make sure that the rope used is certified and that it is a parachute rope. There are indeed rope bracelets made with other kinds of rope, less solid and less effective.

Accessories also vary. Some military bracelets are equipped with whistles, always useful when you get lost to signal your position. You can also hang any kind of useful gadgets on your survival bracelet. Finally, the mode of closure can be important. Some models are closed only with the rope.

Tip: The total length of the rope is also of paramount importance, some models offering a rope well below 3 m. In order to increase the usefulness of the survival bracelet, prefer a model with closure by mountaineer loop, very useful in many circumstances. It is also known to many that this bracelet fits any outfit you wear.

Also see this Popsci article which shows 5-in-1 survival bracelet.

The life of modern girls is so dynamic, full of events and important matters that you can’t dream of free time. In those rare hours when you can allow yourself to relax on the bed, taking with you your favorite book or magazine, you want to feel comfortable. And for this you need not only the appropriate furnishings, but also comfortable home clothes. Of course, the tracksuit and bathrobe is practical, but even at home you want to try looking attractive in a onesie. An excellent solution can be pajamas-onesies for adults, in which you can not only sleep, but also spend your leisure time. Adult onesies, like those you can find at kigurumi.co, are a one-piece slip with long legs and sleeves. Buttoned up such pajamas can be zipper or buttons. Most models have a deep hood with a slimming drawstring, as well as several spacious patch pockets. Try knowing more facts about onesies by reading further below.

Brilliant – easy

This type of sleepwear was originally designed for children, and today it is chosen by mothers who are worried that at night the tossing baby can throw off the blanket and the onesies covering the chest and back will not allow freezing. Why not borrow this idea by adding an adult wardrobe to such a practical thing? For the first time such a decision came to the heads of Chinese designers. With their light hands, home pajamas-onesies in the form of animals began to be produced for girls too. Remember, the name of the pajamas-onesies (or, as they are called, “animals” pajamas), is not difficult kigurumi.

Every day, the popularity of onepiece jumpsuit is increasing. Especially kigurumi liked teenage girls. Funny animals, which are easy to turn into, wearing onesies, turned out to be so in demand that they went beyond the bedrooms. Today, girls in such outfits can be seen at Halloween pajama parties, and some are even ready to flaunt in pajamas-onesies in the city streets. Bright pajamas-onesies are so unusual that even when looking at the photo, it causes genuine interest.

So I want to replenish the wardrobe of this stylish and comfortable new product. These comfortable clothes will help get rid of the annoying knitted sweaters, socks, stretched sweaters and sweatpants, which are usually worn at home. Cotton, flannel, fleece pajamas-onesies are a quiet sleep and leisure filled with positive emotions.

Choosing warm women’s pajamas, which will never cause hassle at night, even if you turn in your sleep, girls, of course, are guided by their own preferences. If the choice of colors and material of pajamas-onesies can be based on personal taste, then its quality, the accuracy of the seams and cut are absolute indicators. Not even the most fashionable pajamas, the quality of which does not meet the standards.It will not be able to provide its owner with an adequate level of comfort. If you’re a girl-gamer, try buying a onesie inspired from game characters you know.

Important nuances

A fun pajamas-onesies with ears, horns or a comb on the hood will be an excellent alternative to everyday home clothes, but it’s not very comfortable to sleep in, because each additional detail and there are a lot of them in Kigurumi will bring discomfort. In addition, in such models there is a long zip fastened at the front, which also doesn’t favor convenience when it comes to sleepwear. If you are planning to use pajamas-onesies for their intended purpose, you should stop the choice on laconic models with a button closure at the neckline. Often, such pajamas-onesies are produced in a single one size, so buying a product without fitting is not recommended. And too wide and too narrow an option is not the best solution. So start filling your closets with onesies now!

Princesses, like the stars, choose fashionable onesies. Evening onesies have long become the loyal companions of Hollywood actresses on the red carpet. Fashion trends are also not alien to the representatives of royal families, the crown princess Mary of Denmark was noticed in a similar dress at the official reception.

[See this Seventeen article to know who among the celebrities are wearing onesies]

As you know, members of any royal family dress according to strict rules. The main thing is there should be nothing screaming and provocative. Elegance comes first, so no deep cuts. Open shoulders are permissible only at an evening event, but in this case, part of the hands must be hidden by long gloves. On the mini-skirts, of course, even the speech cannot be. So the poor princesses and queens have to do their best not to break the protocol and at the same time look stylish and relevant.

However, sometimes they may surprise. The other day, Danish crown princess of Denmark, Mary, arrived with her spouse, crown prince Frederick, in Munich on an official visit. Going to dinner, the 43-year-old Countess of Monpeza chose an evening dress, which is not traditional for such events, but a free onesies made of fine silk. Black and white model, decorated with an unusual print, the most elegant royal person (according to a survey of the British edition of the magazine Hello! In 2014) put on with sharp-nosed shoes, wide strap and clutch of patent leather. She chose long earrings as jewelry. Fashion critics instantly appreciated the image of Mary Danish, noting separately the onesies, which corresponds to the trend of the 70s style fashionable this season. What do you say?

 

Silicone bracelets are some of the best bracelets that you can buy today. Not only do they look great, but they also bring outstanding quality. There are plenty of silicone bracelets to choose from, and it’s not that easy to choose the best one.


However, with this guide, your life will be so much easier. We handpicked the five best silicone bracelets that you can buy today. Let’s get started rightaway!

1. BAIYI Jewelry Silicone Medical Alert Bracelet

Silicone Medical Alert bracelet from BAIYI Jewelry is one of the best silicone bracelets that you can currently buy. It also has the best user feedback. It’s an organic bracelet that is very comfortable to wear. You can use the custom laser fonts to personalize your medical information. You can also engrave your medical ID tag. The best way to do that is to engrave your name, treatment considerations, emergency contact number, and primary medical condition. It’s a best-buy silicone bracelet that you can use to signal the need for immediate medical assistance.


  2. Solza Motivational Sillicone Bracelet


If you need a silicone bracelet that will inspire you to be at the top of your game, Solza has the right bracelet for you. This is a perfect motivational bracelet that you can carry whenever you need to push your limits to the maximum. The bracelet can be used by both genders equally, and it’s an ideal workout accessory that will keep your motivation up at any cost. The design is straight forward, but it looks great. If you want a pretty bracelet to be your sidekick when exercising, look no further. This is the right bracelet for you.


  3. Fitbit Soulen Silicone Bracelet


The third entry on our list has the best mix of price and value out of all silicone bracelets that we listed here. It’s a cheap bracelet, but it offers outstanding functionality. The bracelet looks great, and it’s made of a very durable elastomer. It’s very comfortable to wear, and it doesn’t cause any damage to your skin at all. The set is enhanced with a stainless steel buckle that makes this bracelet even firmer. Even if you are doing some strenuous exercise, there’s no risk that the bracelet could fall off. If you want a cheap but very functional bracelet, this is the one that you really need to checkout.

4. TheAwristocrat 3 Pack Thin Blue Rubber Bracelet


“The Awristocrat” is a name that suggests that the company is only making products for people who are very rich. Luckily, that’s not the case. The bracelet that we included here comes in three separate packs. They all have a popular thin blue line design, and they’re all made of rubber. It’s an ideal silicone rubber for police officers and even for the navy. However, if you like stylish solutions, you should have no problem carrying this bracelet regardless of your occupation. The bracelet is cheap, but it looks great, and it’s very functional. You should certainly give it a try.


5. The Awristocrat 1 Dozen Multi-Pack Rainbow Silicone Bracelet


Yet another bracelet multi-pack and yet another good multi-pack as well. Unlike the previously described silicone bracelets, 1 Dozen Multi-Pack is a set of bracelets with rainbow colors. This is a good way to show support for LGBT couples, and it’s an equally great solution if you like rainbow colors. The bracelets are made of 100% silicone rubber, and they don’t contain any toxic substances. In general, if you like colorful bracelets that can make you stand out from the crowd easily, you should absolutely give these bracelets a chance.

 

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