​We all love the cold, winter season when we know that Christmas is just around the corner. But on the other side of the festive season, cold, wet and windy weather is more of an inconvenience and it no longer has us feeling festive…

When you have little ones at home and the weather is poor, it’s certainly difficult to keep everyone happy and entertained. It isn’t long before they start arguing, shouting and falling out over toys –you can find a great range of toys here, just click the link – it’s enough to drive anyone to distraction!

If this sounds familiar, don’t panic. Here I’ve gathered 5 activities to enjoy with your kids this weekend. Good luck!

Have a good clear out!
When the weather is bad outside, there’s no greater opportunity to go through your kids’ rooms and have a good clear out - broken toys, items they no longer play with, old books, clothes and shoes that don’t fit anymore. Decide what to keep, throw away or donate to charity. The kids may hate the idea but once they see the difference it makes to their bedrooms; they’ll soon get stuck in!

Get baking
Making some sweet treats to enjoy later in the afternoon will certainly keep your little monsters busy on a rainy day. Don't worry if you don't have a kids cookbook, there are plenty of recipes online you can follow. Get them to help with measuring, stirring, decorating and of course the eating stage! If you don't fancy sacrificing your kitchen just yet, then pop to the shops and buy some pre-made buns that you can get the kids to decorate at home.

Have some quiet time
Is there anything more comforting on a rainy day than curling up to read a good book? Enjoying a little quiet time as a family will help everyone calm down, spend some time together and catch up on their reading skills. You could read to your little ones, or if your kids are independent readers, let them choose the book and read to you. Ask questions about the characters, the plot, or what they think may happen next.

Go puddle jumping
Sometimes, it all gets a little too much and you need to get out of the house! Grab the kids coats, hats, gloves, waterproofs and their wellies and head outside for a good old puddle jump. You don’t have to go far, just up and down the street or even in the garden. But you’ll be amazed at what a little bit of fresh air can do!

Create a birdfeeder
It’s so easy to make a birdfeeder at home. And with spring on the way, it makes sense to get the kids excited for the re-appearance of the wildlife in your garden. There are plenty of online tutorials to follow. You could even make a bug hotel or research ways to encourage visitors like hedgehogs, frogs and even foxes into your backyard!

Many people are aware of medical malpractice. This is when a person gets an injury due to the negligence of a hospital, doctor or healthcare professional. Medical malpractice can be deeply upsetting, and make us worry about our future both physically and financially. Many people will get legal representation in such a
situation.

Mental health malpractice, on the other hand, is less widely talked about, possibly
because mental health issues can still very much be brushed under the carpet. But
mental health malpractice is equally as serious (see mental health malpractice
lawyers near me). But how do you know if you’ve experienced mental health
malpractice?

Weren’t taken seriously
Whilst mental health is becoming a more commonly discussed topic, there’s still a lot of stigma around the conversation. Mental health issues are complex and many
people still view physical health in higher regard. Because of this, mental health
professionals need an excellent level of training, understanding and empathy to
communicate with patients and get to the root of the problem. You should never feel as though your mental health issues aren’t taken seriously. If you do feel like this, you may have the grounds to claim mental health malpractice.

Misdiagnosed
Mental health professionals, like any other doctor, should have a clear understanding of the different types of mental health conditions, and therefore should be confident in making a diagnosis. Accuracy matters, and therefore mental health professionals should not rush making a diagnosis, and must consider all possible options before “labeling” a patient. A mental health diagnosis can be a turning point, and therefore if you had a misdiagnosed mental health condition, you probably felt confused, distressed and potentially even angry. These emotions may then have caused significant delays to your recovery. A misdiagnosed mental health condition could therefore be classed as mental health malpractice.

Medication errors
Alongside misdiagnosis’, medication errors can be classed as mental health
malpractice. Taking the incorrect medication could have a detrimental effect on your health and wellbeing; slowing your recovery and potentially worsening your
condition. Many mental health medications are strong and have significant side
effects, and should never be taken lightly. Therefore, a mental health professional
should always prescribe the correct medication and dose recommended for your
condition, and make sure you are aware of the potential risks.

An unsafe environment
Like all hospitals, a mental health facility should be a safe environment where you
feel able to recover. This means being hygienic, having the correct equipment and all the tools available to help you feel better. Unfortunately, many environments fail to meet these standards and this can be classed as mental health malpractice. If you don’t feel safe, protected and relaxed, you’ll never be able to feel well again, so don’t settle for an environment that doesn’t cater to your needs. If you feel that the environment you were in was unsafe and that you may be entitled to compensation, don’t be afraid to seek what you deserve - you are not at fault.

For many people, taking the step to apply for disability benefits is a huge hurdle in itself. It is a big psychological burden for many to make the admission that they do require the help of benefits to help them in their situation - and to face the fact that they have significant health issues.

Therefore, when they are then faced with a complex system that is firstly, difficult to embark upon and secondly, hard to get justice within, it is important to be prepared. Many questions are likely to crop up, such as ‘how long will my application take’ and if you are rejected, then ‘where are disability lawyers near me’.

We will try to answer the most frequently asked and important questions for you here below.

What is the definition of disability
For your claim to be classed as eligible for processing, you must meet the requirements of what is regarded to be the definition of disability. These are a very carefully drawn up list of points that every applicant must meet - which define your condition as being significant enough to qualify as registering you as disabled in the eyes of the benefits system.

Namely, your illness must be serious enough that it is expected to last for at least a year or even result in death. It would also usually be included in the Social Security Administration’s ‘Listing of Impairments’, which is made of categories for each part of the body. Furthermore, you should be unable to work due to your condition.

What types of disability benefits are available
There are two main types of benefits that are available to applicants who meet the relevant criteria. The first is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and this is particularly for those who have suffered the misfortune of becoming disabled after earning the required number of Social Security credits within a certain amount of time.
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The second is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is for those who have no means of supporting themselves and who have a disability or are aged 65 or older.

What you will need to provide to qualify
Before applying, it is important that you first check that you measure up to the criteria and also have all of the relevant information to hand to file your application.
​
You will also need to provide details of your work history, your earnings, income, job history, citizenship, any other benefits you currently receive and whichever  bank or financial institution you are with. It will save time if you have all of this prior to the point of starting your application so that you can just input all of the details needed straight away and then submit it.

Once you have thoroughly read up on all of the relevant points, you should be in a strong position for Social Security Disability Benefits. You can appeal a decision if it is denied, but all being well, you should then expect to have a five month-long waiting period for your benefits to start if you are successful.

Since it's Valentine's Day and love is in the air. There is all kinds of love worth celebrating. In addition to romantic love, we have love for friends, love for family, and of course, in my house, we have plenty of love for Entenmann's Little Bites. 

These are great snacks while on the go, and they could even fit in well as Valentine's Day goodies, too. They are flavorful and delicious, and if you run out of candy, they make an awesome substitute treat to hand out to the kiddies. Believe me, my kids never turn down their noses at a perfectly portioned package of their favorite Little Bites flavors. ​

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Well, it's February. Half the people I know are feeling under the weather right now, as this is the season for the winter time sickies, as the kids like to call it. Harsh winters can be rough on a person, so being proactive when it comes to overall wellness can make quite a difference....Not just in the cold, winter months, but any time of year! 

Some ways we try to take good care of our health and wellness include staying away from too much processed foods, sugary snacks especially, getting plenty of water, adequate sleep, and of course, staying away from things like alcohol, tobacco, etc. I also use plenty of sunblock all year long, and make sure to take supplements to keep myself in tip top condition. While supplements don't treat or cure anything, they can definitely help boost immunity and overall wellness. As always, talk to your doctor before starting any kind of vitamin/supplement regimen.

Superior Source Vitamins are MicroLingual® with “Under the Tongue Technology” that works fast, and are quickly absorbed into the body, dissolving in seconds. Did you know that...by swallowing supplements, as much as 50% of the potency is lost in the high acid environment of the stomach? With Superior Source, this is no longer a problem! ​

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Fashion during the cooler months can be tricky. The weather is often unpredictable, and unless you're blessed enough to live in a place with warmer climate, most of your cutest looks are currently buried beneath bubble coats and warm layers.

I know ALL ABOUT THIS as a resident of NE Ohio. We have the craziest, most unpredictable weather here. One day will be temperate and typical, and the next day, we will get buried in snow. The day after THAT, it will be 65 and sunny. Here in the Cleveland area, we've got to be prepared for anything. 

Other often overlooked ways to amp up your cold weather style include things like choosing colorful, fun outerwear, dying your hair funky colors or investing in some fun wigs or extensions that pop, or adding brightly hued scarves to an otherwise blah outfit. 

I absolutely love this plaid coat I found online, and it's become one of my most worn garments this winter. It's cute paired with jeans or even basic black leggings, as seen above. It's stylish and pulled-together looking, and offers a little more than a bubble coat or parka might. 

Another easy way to always stand out during gray, snowy, and cloudy weather is to have hair that POPS! Check out my lovely friend, Brooke, and I above. She's the one with the rockin' blue locks. I was able to spot her right away in the crowd at the XXMas concert in Cleveland, Ohio this year, and she looked AMAZING! 

Cold weather accessories like scarves, mitts, gloves, etc can also add to your look. They don't have to be boring at all! I love bright, colorful scarves and gloves, like the one I am wearing above. This scarf was handmade just for me by my good friend, Laura. It's absolutely perfect, and I love the unique look that handmade accessories give. 

So whether you choose to add bright pops of color, add sparkle with some golden rings, or dye your hair in rainbow colors, there are plenty of ways to stand out this season. 

What are YOUR favorite cold weather style finds? I'd love to hear all about them!  

I'm not going to lie, 2019 was simultaneously one of the best years of my life and probably the absolute worst year of my life. There were amazing, life-changing experiences, I got to meet and hang out with lots of my favorite artists and adopted a newfound family who has been there for me when the ones who were supposed to love me, haven't.  I stepped outside of my comfort zone completely, embracing life that always lived on the other side of fear and insecurities. I have done and achieved things I never dreamed possible. In these ways, 2019 was amazing. 

That said, 2019 also absolutely broke me. I suffered absolutely gut-wrenching losses, and under the worst and most painful circumstances ever. People and things I always assumed would be there, unconditionally, proved quite differently and shattered my soul. The therapy bills are real and very expensive, but I'm thankful for my adopted family, support groups, and the ability to grow. What broke my heart has fixed my vision, and in 2020, it's all about taking care of myself first, even if it means making choices others might not understand. When we know where we stand, we can only do better, redirect our energies, and move forward.....Even if healing sometimes feels impossible. 

One way I've been taking care of my wellness is by mindfulness and meditation. Some people drink a bottle of wine or three to cope, or play combat video games...I don't drink a drop, and I'm not a gamer, so meditation is more my speed. I like things nice and calm, and I don't believe in using substances to cope. In order to heal and truly break cycles, one has to allow themselves to actually feel....Even if the healing hurts just as badly as the wound. This is where meditation and mindfulness can help. 

Lately, I'm really digging this meditation card set from the folks at Enlightened Anonymous. These cards are thoughtful, inspired, and really get you thinking about life and the world more deeply. The cards are wonderful guides, and are arranged by chakra. 

We spent Xander's 9th birthday at the FABULOUS Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio! Here are a ton of pics from our stay. Please note: This trip was NOT sponsored in any way. I paid for the entirety, and am just sharing pics because we had a blast! If you are near a Kalahari Resort, we definitely highly recommend! This was a wonderful way to celebrate, and a great escape from the Cleveland cold! 

It's 2020, everyone! With a new year comes new goals and resolutions. I personally hate the term "New Year's Resolution", as it seems too daunting and I end up setting myself up for failure that way. Every positive change I've ever made, from eliminating soda pop to quitting smoking for GOOD after many years of partaking in that nasty habit, came from focusing on creating better habits rather than having some unrealistic yearly assignment that I absolutely HAD to succeed at. That is just too much pressure, and no one has time for that, right?!

The dedication to replacing bad habits with much better ones has always been easier for me than sticking to those pesky, and often fleeting, New Year's Resolutions. Sounds silly, I know, but sometimes just the way you talk to yourself and choose to see things makes all the difference in the world. They say it takes 3 weeks to form a new habit or lifestyle change, and for me, that's been about right. 

Now that the Holidays are behind us, and life is finally back to normal, I do have some personal changes I'd like to make. For one, I need to up my water game. I actually drink a TON of water, but it's always in the form of what I call "Snob Water". You know, those fancy, flavored seltzer waters that come in pretty cans and cost way too much? Yep. Those. I spend entirely too much on those, and don't drink nearly enough plain old water. This is a habit I'm trying to curb because not only do these waters cost an arm and a leg to buy regularly, they also produce a lot of unnecessary waste. As a fairly eco-conscious consumer, I care about the environment and want to create better, Earth friendly habits. Single use vessels are just not it, and it can take single use plastics up to 400 YEARS to break down. No bueno. 

This is where the Genesis Hydration System from Zak! Designs swoops in to save the day! If you're not familiar with Zak!, I highly recommend checking them out. They have a wide range of fun, yet functional tableware and drinkware for the whole family. Their designs are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and built to last. They even have amazing products with the kiddos in mind, too!