March 19, 2024

Greetings from our spring break oasis! I'm happy to report that my family and I have been enjoying the mountain breeze since this past weekend, and it has proven to be the perfect antidote for our spirits. There's truly nothing quite as rejuvenating as indulging in leisurely mornings, engaging in heartfelt conversations by the fire, and immersing ourselves in endless rounds of board games. Here's to hoping everyone is having a wonderful start to their week!

  • Nurturing Prosperity: Strategizing for Your Child's Financial Future.

  • Skin Health Mastery: Prioritize Your Skin and Recognize the Early Warnings of Skin Cancer.

  • Everlasting Devotion: A Heartfelt Gesture to Ensure Your Children Feel Unwavering Love.

FINANCIAL

Peace of mind.

Upon welcoming our first child, my husband and I made a monumental decision: I would transition to being a stay-at-home parent while he continued his career. While fulfilling, we recognized life's uncertainties and prioritized our family's security. Immediately, we secured life insurance policies for both of us, established a will and trust, and initiated college savings accounts. Fast forward nearly seven years, and we're reassured knowing our family is well-prepared for any scenario.

Guardian Angel: Life Insurance & College Savings 🌟

  • Instant Assurance: Life insurance acts as a guardian angel, ensuring your child's financial well-being is protected, no matter what surprises life throws your way.

  • College Dreams, No Debt: Discover the magic of 529 plans - your sidekick for tackling those hefty higher education bills. Start saving early to empower your child to chase their dreams without the burden of student loans.

Time to invest… 💸

Explore various investment account options tailored to your child's needs. There are plenty of avenues to nurture your child's financial growth, whether Custodial Roth IRAs, 529 accounts, or Coverdell education savings accounts. Alternative investment options like high-yield savings accounts, savings bonds, and certificates of deposit provide additional flexibility and security.

PRO TIP:  Start planning for your child's financial future as early as birth. Every penny counts with costs averaging over $310,000 to raise a child until they turn 18.

Additional resources to consider!

6 smart ways to save money for kids - Read more

Turbocharge your child's retirement with a Roth IRA for Kids - Discover more

HEALTH

Maybe my tanning bed era was a bad idea.

Born and raised Floridian here! 🙋‍♀️ I've seen my fair share of sunny days – and unfortunately, my skin has borne the brunt of it. It seems I frequently hear of friends or family members sharing their battle with skin cancer. The reality is stark: rates of skin cancer are on the rise among younger individuals, largely due to the lack of education we received about sun safety during our formative years and the prevalence of tanning salons.

It's a sobering realization that by the time we become aware of the importance of protecting our skin (or care enough about it) and using sunscreen, the damage has often already been done. But rather than dwelling on past mistakes, let's focus on prevention and safeguarding ourselves against further harm. According to Hopkins Medicine, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:

🧴Apply Sunscreen Regularly: Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every three hours for optimal protection.

🕰️Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Steer clear of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses when outdoors.

☀️Say No to Tanning: Embrace your natural skin tone and avoid tanning beds or prolonged sun exposure, as both increase the risk of skin cancer.

👩‍⚕️Regular Skin Checks: Schedule yearly skin exams with a dermatologist, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or sunburn.

🔍Self-Exams: Conduct monthly skin self-exams to spot any changes or abnormalities early. 

Interested in achieving a bronzed look without the sun damage? Spray tans and self-tanners offer a safe alternative. Here's what you need to know:

  • How They Work: These products create a chemical reaction with the skin's proteins, resulting in a temporary tan that typically lasts about a week.

  • Pregnancy Precautions: If you're pregnant, consult your doctor before using self-tanners, opting for products with minimal chemical exposure.

  • Potential Risks: Inhalation of spray tan aerosols can pose risks, especially for those with lung conditions. Additionally, be cautious of skin irritation from added fragrances.

It’s time for product recommendations! Check out our top picks for self-tanners, ranging from budget-friendly options to those suitable for sensitive skin:

Women's Health Magazine: New to Spray Tanning? Here Are 11 Things You Need To Know

The Manual: Everything You Need To Know About Spray Tanning

Byrdie: 11 Self-Tanners We Tried and Love for a Natural-Looking Sun-Kissed Glow

New York Magazine: The 8 Very Best Self-Tanners

AND ALSO THIS

Nurture your relationship.

Resentment can sneak into even the strongest of bonds, especially when life gets hectic. We've gathered some fantastic insights and tips from relationship experts to help you navigate this tricky terrain.

First things first.

Don't ignore those bad feelings. Open communication is key! Check out these eight little practices recommended by experts to avoid resentment in your relationship courtesy of Buzzfeed.

Another tip from that article…

Remember to schedule regular relationship check-ins. These sessions, suggested by Samantha Burns, a couples therapist, can strengthen your bond and prevent resentment from festering.

Overcome it.

Verywell Mind has interesting insight on overcoming resentment in relationships. Using 'I' statements can facilitate healthy conversations. Express your feelings and listen to your partner's perspective with curiosity and compassion. 

Lastly, show appreciation and gratitude for each other. Small gestures can go a long way in nurturing your connection and keeping resentment at bay. Psych Central keeps it real with ways to deal with resentment like conscious acknowledgement and focusing on the positive.

Starbucks' spring menu debut features a divisive twist: lavender-infused drinks. The Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha and Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte have ignited strong opinions on social media. While some are captivated by the new flavors, others find them off-putting, with comparisons to dish soap. Since their launch on March 7, Starbucks enthusiasts have been split on this aromatic addition to the menu.

SNIPPETS

Free cone day. It’s back at Dairy Queen. Grab your’s today!

Big spring sale event. March 20-25th, Amazon is slashing prices for its first-ever spring sale. Good news: you don’t have to be a Prime member.

FYI Parents. You should stop texting your kids at school. Find out why here.

Let’s celebrate. Chip and Joanna Gaines are marking their 10th anniversary with the launch of their new show, “Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse.”

Easter delights. Try these super easy Easter bunny cinnamon rolls your kids are sure to love.

“I love you more than…”

Looking for a heartwarming way to let your kids know they're loved beyond measure? Check out this adorable tip that's been spreading joy like wildfire!

Anjuli Paschall, a mom of five, recently went viral for sharing a simple yet powerful phrase her mother used: "I love you more than..." 💕 In a touching Instagram reel, she recounts how her mom's unconditional love was always there, whether she made mistakes or excelled.

Her mom's response was always the same from broken dishes to bad grades: "I love you more." It's a reminder that no matter what, our kids deserve to feel loved and accepted.

So why not give it a try? Share this sweet phrase with your little ones and watch the magic unfold. Check out the full reel here and let the love flow!

✨ Christen and Karin ✨

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign Up here

View our Privacy Policy