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June 2022

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DIY Project: Relax Bottles

by Mahir Garth on

There are a lot people going through hard and frustrating times. You can help them channel and release their frustration by making Relax Bottles: water bottles decorated and filled with glitter. Watching the glitter settle after shaking the bottle can be relaxing. Check out the instructions below from Points of Light. 

What You Need:

  • Clear plastic water bottles. (We recommend sturdier bottles)
  • Clear Elmer’s Glue
  • Hot water
  • A mixing bowl (preferably one with a pouring spout to easily put it in the jar or use a funnel with the bowl)
  • A whisk
  • Food coloring
  • Glitter
  • Super glue 

Steps:

  1. Buy the appropriate amount of glitter, food coloring, glue, and hot water. This depends on the size of the water bottles you are using, as well as the number of bottles you’re making.
  2. To make the Relax Bottles:
    1. Pour Elmer’s clear glue and hot water into a mixing bowl, along with food coloring (add drop by drop until desired color is reached) and glitter.
    2. Mix with the whisk and pour right away into the water bottle.
    3. Clean the residual glitter out with a paper towel before rinsing and cleaning out the bowl.
    4. Shake the bottle to make sure the lid is secure. The glitter will settle at the bottom after 5 minutes roughly. Increase or decrease the wait time by adding water or glue.
    5. Repeat until all the bottles are made.
    6. Let the bottles cool with the lids removed (and out of reach of any children or pets).
    7. Once cool, secure the lid with superglue and let the glue dry.
  3. Clean up!
  4. Present the Relax Bottles to others in your home. 

Reflection Questions:

  • How did this project help you or others in your home?
  • Do you feel you made a difference?
  • How else can you help others in your home relax?
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Family

Planning for Family Photography: Everything you need to know

by Mahir Garth on

What is family photography:

Family photography is a type of photography that focuses on the family unit. It can be used to capture the family dynamics and document special events such as births, holidays, and milestones.

Some tips for getting started with family photography:

  1. Talk to your subjects ahead of time and let them know what to expect. This will help them feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
  1. Get everyone involved! Ask your subjects to interact with each other during the session. This will help create natural-looking photos that capture the true essence of the family.
  1. Be patient! Working with young children can be challenging, but it’s essential to take your time and let them warm up to the camera.
  1. Have fun! Family photography should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Try to relax and enjoy the moment.

What are the types of equipment required for family photographers:

  1. A camera that allows you to shoot in manual mode. This will give you the most control over your photos.
  1. A versatile lens. A 50mm lens is an excellent option for family photography. It’s relatively inexpensive and will allow you to capture close-up and wide shots.
  1. A tripod. A tripod is essential for taking sharp, well-exposed photos. It will also allow you to take advantage of shooting in low light situations.
  1. A flash. A flash can be very helpful when taking family photos, especially if you’re shooting indoors or in shady areas.
  1. An assistant. If you have someone who can help you with lighting and holding reflectors, it will make your job much easier.

What are the best times of day for family photography:

The best time of day for family photography depends on the lighting conditions you want to create. If you’re looking for soft, natural light, early morning or late afternoon are great times to shoot. On the other hand, if you want more dramatic lighting, midday is usually the best time to shoot.

How does one choose a family photographer:

When choosing a family photographer, you must find someone you feel comfortable with and who has a style you like. You should also make sure they have experience photographing families and children. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule a consultation with each photographer to understand better their personality and what they can offer.

What should one wear for family photography:

For family photography, it’s essential to dress in clothes that are comfortable and that you feel good in. You should also avoid wearing anything too loud or distracting. If you’re unsure what to wear, we recommend bringing along a few different options for the shoot.

How does one plan for family photographs?

It’s essential to know the types of shots you want to capture. We recommend making a list of must-have shots and discussing this with your photographer ahead of time. Having your clothes laid out and ready to go the night before the shoot is also a good idea. This will help you avoid any last-minute stress on the day of the shoot.

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Family

Family photography: An Ultimate Guide to Capturing Perfect Family Photos

by Mahir Garth on

As family photography enthusiasts, we understand how important it is to capture the perfect family photo. Whether it’s a holiday card or a cherished moment hanging on the wall, these photos are meant to be cherished for years to come. So here are our top tips for taking beautiful family photos that you’ll be proud to display:

Get everyone on the same page.

When it comes to family photography, one of the most important things you can do is get everyone on the same page literally. Make sure everyone in the photo looks in the same direction and at the camera. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often people look in different directions. 

Choose the right time of day.

The time of day can make a big difference in your family photos. If your Family Photographer is taking indoor photos, try to avoid taking them during the middle of the day when the light is at its harshest. 

Find the correct location.

Another critical factor in taking great family photos is finding the correct location. If you’re taking outdoor photos, look for a spot with beautiful scenery that everyone can enjoy. If you’re taking indoor photos, choose a room with plenty of natural light. And if you’re taking photos of small children, ensure plenty of space for them to run around and have fun. 

Get everyone involved.

One of the best things about family photography is that it’s a great way to get everyone involved. Ask everyone to help you set up the shot, take turns being in front of the camera, and even help you edit the photos afterward. By involving everyone in the process, you’ll have photos of your family’s personality. 

Take your time.

One of the most important things to remember when taking family photos is to take your time. This is not a race! If someone isn’t ready when you are, take a break and come back to it later. And don’t be afraid to take a few extra shots to ensure you get the perfect photo.

Use simple props to add interest:

Adding props to your family photos can add interest and variety to your shots. Choose simple props that complement your surroundings and don’t take away from the photos’ people. 

Focus on the little things:

When taking family photos, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to capture everyone in the frame. But sometimes, the best shots are the ones that focus on the little things, like a child’s playful smile or a mother’s loving gaze. 

Capture the moment:

One of the best things about family photography is that it allows you to capture moments you’ll never be able to recreate. So don’t worry if someone isn’t looking at the camera or if someone’s hair is out of place. Instead, focus on capturing the love and connection between your family members.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start taking beautiful family photos that you’ll cherish for years.

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Family

Social Anxiety In Children & Teens

by Mahir Garth on

Anxiety amongst schoolchildren is a common and serious issue many parents and guardians face. However, it can come across as different symptoms and forms such as generalized anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Social anxiety disorder, or SAD, is especially common and has affected more people over the past years due to stressful conditions in education created by the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Thankfully, social anxiety disorder is a manageable condition that does not have to interfere with a child or teen’s life. They do not have to see themselves as doomed to live a life of isolation, underachievement and anxiety. The infographic below provides numerous coping strategies for children with SAD and should be mandatory reading for students, their loved ones and school faculty. 

Acknowledging Anxiety

As true for a majority of mental and physical conditions, the first step in managing SAD is to recognize the problem. People suffering with anxiety may feel embarrassed or reluctant to admit there is an issue in the first place. However, the sooner a person acknowledges it, the sooner they can receive the correct help and support they need. If you think there is a student or child in your life that is struggling with anxiety, some experts suggest the best approach is to reassure them that anxiety is a common obstacle that many have overcome, and most importantly, help is available. 

Take It Slow & Steady

The biggest component when it comes to dealing with social anxiety disorder is to take it one step at a time. There is no trophy at the finish line for those who speed through the steps of healing and managing anxiety. Remind children and teens that it’s not important if they’re friends with half of their classmates by the end of the first week of school. Instead, focus on cultivating one solid friendship at a time.

Additionally, don’t pressure students into taking a full course load filled with long lectures and challenging AP classes. It can do more harm than good. Instead, have students sign up for a few smaller classes or opt for online learning. Attending class remotely allows students to interact with their classmates and teachers within the safety of their home. Once they’ve built confidence, students can than consider taking an in-person course. Practice makes perfect!

To learn more about social anxiety disorder and how schoolchildren can stop it from interfering with their personal and educational development, look over the infographic created by The American Academy, experts for those seeking an online high school diploma.

This infographic was provided by The American Academy, experts in individual high school courses online.
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Health

5 Different Types of Auto Body Repair Methods

by Mahir Garth on

When your car is in need of auto body repair, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time and money getting it fixed.

That’s why it’s essential to know about the different repair methods available to you. Making an informed decision on what type of repair you need and what goes into each repair saves you time and money.

There are 5 types of central autobody repairs:

  • Auto Body Filler
  • Paintless Dent Repair
  • Auto Painting or Color Matching
  • Sprayless Scratch Repair
  • Auto Body Panel Replacement

Let’s dive into each one in more detail.

Auto Body Filler

Ideal For: Holes, dents, and deep scratches

A malleable substance, auto body filler can be used to address a variety of dents. The body filler is mixed with a hardening agent and applied to the damaged area. Once it dries, it can be sanded down to create an even surface.

AFter the filer has completed drying, a fresh layer of paint can be applied to match the rest of your car.

Paintless Dent Repair

Ideal For: Dings, minor dents, and hail damaged car

This type of repair is exactly what it sounds like – repairing dents without having to repaint your car. The paintless dent repair cost can fluctuate depending on the damage.

A technician will use special tools to massage the dent from the inside of the panel, pushing it back into place. This lets you skip the time and costs of a paint job.

Auto Painting or Color Matching

Ideal For: Entirely or select section repainting of your car after an accident

For auto painting, you have two options: a full repaint or color matching.

A full repaint is ideal if you want to change the color of your car or if the current paint job is in poor condition. The issue with this is it can get expensive, as the entire car needs to be sanded and repainted.

With color matching technology, the service tech will be able to return your vehicle to its pre-collision appearance without having to repaint the entire vehicle.

Sprayless Scratch Repair

Ideal For: Clear coat scratches and scuffs

Sprayless scratch repair is a technology that allows auto body shops to quickly and affordably fix coat scratches. This type of damage is usually caused by things like car washes, door dings, and minor accidents.

The repair process is simple – a technician will apply a unique solution to the damaged area and then buff it out. The solution fills in the scratch and hardens, leaving you with a clear coat that looks good as new.

Auto Body Panel Replacement

Ideal For: Major damage that can’t be repaired with auto body filler or paintless dent repair

In some cases, when damage to your car is too severe, it makes greater financial sense to replace the entire part instead of fixing the damaged area.

The most common parts that are usually replaced include:

  • Bumpers
  • Doors

Now that you have a better sense of the types of auto body repair available, you can make an informed decision on what’s best for your car.

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Kids

Top 3 Benefits of Dancing for Your Kids

by Mahir Garth on

Kids have a seemingly bottomless energy reserve that is quite dangerous if not channeled appropriately. Getting your kids to participate in sports might do it, but you’ll need an alternative for those who aren’t into sports.

Dancing is the best alternative as it is fun, safe, and rarely a team activity. Thankfully, there are active online dancing for homeschoolers classes willing to sign-up kids.

Here are the top three benefits of dancing to your kids.

1. Dancing Enhances Your kid’s Physical Fitness And Motor Skills

Whether your kid engages in ballet, hip-hop, creative movement, or jazz, expect to see an increase in:

All this in a supportive and fun atmosphere. A more fit kid is more likely to participate in physical activities like recess and gym.

2. Dancing Helps Your Kids to Express Themselves Freely

Sign up for active online dancing for homeschoolers to help your kids express themselves freely. Creative activities allow kids to express their feelings and release emotions. Singing improves a kid’s behavior too. It helps them bond irrespective of the song’s language.

This expresses their feelings of excitement or joy. Normally, kids don’t communicate their feelings through their words, so it befits them to have a healthy outlet for their feelings.

3. Dancing Improves Your Kid’s Social Skills

Dancers develop cooperation and trust amongst their colleagues as they jointly perform a dance. This helps them to socialize and alleviate fears about being before people. Plus, it gives your kid a tribe and a place to belong where they can socialize with other children of their own age. Dancing helps kids develop life-long-lasting friendships and learn to fight shyness as their communication skills improve.

Closing Remarks

Active online dancing for homeschoolers is a powerful practice that can unlock your kid’s happiness and skills. Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked but its benefits can’t be overstated. Your kid’s life can be improved by participating in dance. Hopefully, you’ll consider this, for their sake.

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