Happy Birthday Daddy! Thoughtful Gift Ideas From The Kids For Your Husband

It can be a challenge enough buying gifts for your other half from you. But when it comes to finding gifts from the kids, it can be even more difficult. You want to get him something memorable which shows him how much the kids love him. But it’s also good to go for something that he can use on a daily basis. Of course, you should firstly talk to your kids about ideas they may have for their father. If they are stuck for ideas, here are some thoughtful gift ideas from the kids for your husband.

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Bake him a cake

A lot of guys have a sweet tooth, but don’t often get to enjoy treats in the home. After all, if there are cakes or chocolate in the house, it’s typically consumed by one of the kids before they get a chance to take a bite! Therefore, for a birthday present, he will love, you and the kids should make him a cake! It will be a lot of fun for the kids, and it’s something they can get involved in making. You should think of the perfect flavor which will tickle his taste buds. For example, your partner might love triple chocolate or might prefer a simple jam cake. Once you have decided what you want to make, you can buy the ingredients to create the cake. Then you can give the kids individual jobs to help make the delicious cake. To save some time, you could buy a plain cake and then just let the kids decorate it. That way, they can make it personal without having to get stressed with the baking!. Remember to put ‘daddy’ on the top to make it special for your partner!

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Get him a bottle of alcohol

You should also look at getting him a bottle of his favorite tipple. After all, he probably doesn’t get to enjoy a drink very often when he’s busy with the kids. Your partner will enjoy a glass of the drink in the evening. Of course, it can make a boring gift for your kids to give their dad. Therefore, to make it more personal, you could consider getting a fun label to add to the bottle. You can look online to find something similar to these Crushtag customized wine labels. That way, your kids can write a special message, and it can go around the bottle to make it extra special.

Make him a photo book

It’s time to get old photos out and work with the kids to make him a photo book. It’s fun to reminisce with the kids as you look through old pics. Remember to select pictures of him since being a daddy to look back on. It will definitely bring a smile to his face on his birthday. Once you have stuck down all the photos, you can let the kids decorate around the cute photographs. Add some funny captions which will make him laugh. If you and the kids don’t feel like being creative, you could always order one online. You can still personalize the book, but it saves all the sticking and cutting for the experts.

Let the kids draw him picture

Dads secretly love receiving drawings from their kids. They often put it up at work, so when they are having a bad day, they lift their spirits by looking at the drawing. Therefore, as a thoughtful gift that your husband will love, get the kids to draw him a picture he can keep forever. You might want to suggest they draw a picture of them with their daddy or even him tucking into his birthday cake. It’s something original that he won’t get from anyone else.

Make a list of promises

If your hubby is always moaning at the kids, you might want to let them create a list of promises for their dad for his birthday. It might be things such as promising to clean their room or doing their homework before playing on the computer. After all, they might always have to be asked twice to do it! Or it might be things they can do for their dad such as promising to get him a drink at night time or making breakfast in bed. It will make a funny list that your husband will love.  

Buy him a new phone case

A phone case would be an ideal gift for your other half from the kids. For one thing, it’s practical as it will stop your other half from breaking their phone. After all, it’s so easy for it to slip out of their hands and end up smashed on the floor. But also, you can make it personal by making the cover a photo of the kids. That way, he will always have a picture close by of his loved ones!

Help them make a goodie basket

You could always make your other half a wonderful goodie basket full of his favorite things. Choose treats he doesn't get to enjoy very often such as crisps, chocolate, and biscuits. You could always add a bottle of something for him to enjoy when he’s tucking into these treats. The kids could help you make the basket so that they get involved in making the present too!

Have a day doing something he loves

Poor parents are dragged along to countless things they don’t want to do. So for a special birthday treat, you should do something that he loves for a change. It might be that your family goes to see a film of his choice. Or if he’s a fan of a particular sport, you could all go along and take part in the activity. As this feature says, by spending time with him doing what he loves, it will create a great memory for your family!

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Create a thank you note

You should also create a thank you note for your hubby from the kids. After all, those times he went the extra mile as a dad need to be rewarded. Get the kids to write down what they love about their dad and times they were thankful for his help. It’s a lovely thoughtful gift that will remind him he’s a great daddy!

Of course, these can also apply to Father’s Day and Christmas!

Women In IT: Why These 10 Myths Shouldn't Put You Off This Career Path

It's a well-known fact that Information Technology or IT is a growing industry. Thousands of people get employed in it, with much more by firms in non-tech industries. IT is without a doubt one of the best careers to have, even during times of economic uncertainty.

The only downside to IT, of course, is that the industry mostly comprises of men. According to an article by CNET last year, 30% of all tech workers are female. Yes, there's a clear gender bias towards men.

But, that is something we can change. In fact, many technology companies want there to be less of a gender divide. So, why are so few women working in IT?

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Well, it turns out that some ladies get put off starting IT careers because of industry myths. Here are ten of those myths, and why you should not let them stop you forging a career in IT:

Myth #1 - There aren't many jobs available in IT

It's probably one of the strangest reasons for not getting a job in the industry, right? When has there ever been a shortage of employment in IT?

To prove my point, go onto any "job board" website like monster.com and search for IT industry jobs. There are thousands of results just for jobs with "IT" in the title alone! Even if you happen to live in a remote part of the country, you can still find work in the industry.

Myth #2 - Women never make it to the top

While there are scores of IT roles, many people have a goal of working in a senior or management position. Some ladies get put off forging a career in IT because they feel they'll never make it to the top. But, that claim couldn't be any further from the truth.

Let me give you a few examples. There's Marissa Mayer, the CEO of Yahoo! And then there is Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook. I could spend all day noting down more examples, but you get the idea: women DO make it to the top jobs in IT!

Myth #3 - Only college graduates can get jobs in IT

One of the biggest myths that stop women considering IT careers is the myth they need a degree. The thing about IT is that there are few disciplines where you can get one. The vast majority of qualifications come from industry-recognized bodies. In short, you get qualified through private companies, not universities.

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For instance, you could get CISSP certification from Simplilearn.com/it-security-management/cissp-certification-training. Or you may wish to become a CCNA and get qualified through an authorized Cisco training center.

Myth #4 - IT will always be a male-dominated industry

I won't lie to you: there is STILL a gender divide in the Information Technology industry. The good news is that won't always be the case. Many of Silicon Valley's top technology firms are encouraging more women to join them.

And with more females getting senior roles in IT (see myth #2), this will only encourage a higher uptake. Things ARE getting done to address the gender divide in the industry. But, it can only get better if both men AND women work together to fix the problem.

Myth #5 - Becoming an IT professional is expensive

As you may know, there are a plethora of disciplines within the IT industry. That means people must work towards industry certification for those particular niches. The thing is, some women get put off IT careers because of the training costs.

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Yes, if you self-fund your training and certification, it can put a big dent in your bank balance. However, many employers offer to train and certify their staff for free. Why? The answer is simple: they want to invest in their employees.

Myth #6 - The IT industry is full of nerds

Another reason ladies don't consider an IT career is because they think the industry is full of nerds! By definition, a "nerd" is someone with excellent technical skills but weak social ones. Here's the plot twist: most people in IT are social animals!

If you enjoy mingling with people, you won't be working in silence in a technology role. You'll have no trouble finding like-minded workmates to befriend in an IT job!

Myth #7 - The IT industry comprises of dull and repetitive work

There's an assumption by some people that IT is full of people that do tedious tasks all day long. By its very nature, IT is quite an exciting industry to start a career! As you can imagine, IT evolves at quite a rapid pace.

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With new developments and innovations each year, one's role in IT will evolve as well. Aside from that, employers know that repetitive work can become boring and not motivational. That's why most roles have an array of different tasks to complete each day. Monotony is something you will seldom experience in IT.

Myth #8 - Your job might get taken over by a computer

Believe it or not, some women think getting a job in IT somewhat ironic. They feel that there's a danger their jobs could get replaced by machines! Here's the thing: there will ALWAYS be a need for human workers in IT!

Computers can't design or develop themselves. Despite what you might think, artificial intelligence won't take over the world just yet!

Myth #9 - IT jobs are stressful ones

I would be lying if I said this was 100% myth. There is an element of truth in it, I'm afraid. But, I should put out there are NO jobs in the world where stress isn't prevalent. You might not believe it, but stress is a motivational factor!

Some roles in IT can be stressful at times. The thing is, you can easily keep stress levels to a minimum. All you have to do is work out the best ways to do so that suit your role.

Myth #10 - Sideways career progress in IT is impossible

Last, but not least, there's another assumption that sideways IT careers are impossible. Some folks feel that you can only stick to the same discipline. Again, nothing could be further from the truth!

Let's say that you are a developer, for example. Nothing is stopping you from working in network management. And vice-versa!

Pack Travel: How Your Big Family Can Get Around on Vacation

When you travel with a large family, getting around can sometimes be a little tricky. It's fine if you have your own vehicle with you. It's large enough for everyone and has everything you need. But a lot of the time you don't drive to your destination. You might fly, take a train or even take a bus. And once you're in a new location, how do you get about without the use of your car? When there are more than five of you, keeping track of everyone can be a worry. So which method of getting around is best for your big family?

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Hire a Vehicle

Your first option when you're on vacation is to hire a vehicle. As long as you can secure one large enough for your family, it could be a good option. However, before you choose it, think about how much you'll be traveling and how far. Two reasons to hire a car or minivan are if you're going somewhere inaccessible by other transport or you will be traveling a lot. If you're rented a villa and can only get there by car, it's best to hire your own. Otherwise, you could end up either isolated or spending a lot on taxis to go and do things. Hiring a car may also be a good idea if you want to do lots of exploring of the wider area.

Walk or Cycle

The healthiest option is to get everyone walking or even cycling. Many cities and smaller towns are very walkable. In fact, it's often best to walk in larger cities, because the traffic will be terrible. If you're thinking about walking around, you should consider a couple of things. Firstly, the age of your children. You might have a stroller, or you may have kids with legs that quickly tire out. If you're a family that normally walks, you'll be more used to it, and it might be more suitable for you. You can also consider renting bicycles to get around.

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Public Transport

In cities with heavy traffic, public transport is also a good idea. You don't have to make the kids sit in the car for ages, and you won't have to either. Some cities, such as New York, have great subway systems that will get you where you need to go much faster. You should also look into buses and trains, both for short and longer trips. You can buy tickets in advance for buses using apps like the Shofur bus app. It's also possible to do for trains. So you can make sure you secure your seats even last-minute.

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Taxis and Private Vehicles

If you're only planning on a couple of short journeys, a taxi or perhaps a private car could be the way to go. For example, you're planning to stay mostly within walking distance of your accommodation. But you want to go out for a meal a couple of times during your vacation, and that requires you to go further. If you choose one of these options, you need to be aware that it may be harder for larger groups. You might have to book in advance if you want one vehicle or use more than one car.

Don't let being a larger family stop you from getting around on vacation. Explore your options and find what suits your family.

Stop Worrying! Practice These Simple Habits And Relax!

While many people thrive on the unpredictable nature of life, some of us find it more difficult to deal with. This is usually because there is no control or possible way of planning what is coming next. We all go through stressful life events from time to time, whether it’s buying a house or going through financial issues. But if you find yourself worrying about everything, your health may be put at risk. It can disrupt your sleep, affect your appetite and may even cause you to start drinking. The stress caused by worrying can also put a strain on your relationships and career too. So instead of letting incessant worrying rule your life, try practicing these simple daily habits and start relaxing.

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Go for a run

While going for a run won’t solve your problems, it can make you feel a lot better about your situation. It can burn calories and help tone your body which can make you feel fitter and stronger. Endorphins are also released when you run, which has been found to increase happy emotions. But the biggest benefits that running can provide is that it allows you to destress and reflect on the cause of your worrying. So plan a route around a local area or park using Google Maps and make an effort to go for a run each day. You can do this first thing in the morning or during your lunch break. If running is not for you, why not try another form of exercise that gets your heart pumping.

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Read your horoscope

Reading your horoscope is a fantastic way to relax at the start of every day. They can provide some possible insight into what you can expect in the not so distant future. Even though there is no guarantee that this prediction will come true, they can provide reassurance and help you feel more prepared. You can find daily, weekly and monthly horoscopes on the Astro Style website or in newspapers and magazines. You can also find horoscopes which are specific to love, relationships and your career. So read your horoscope over a cup of hot tea each morning to see what the stars have in store for you.

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Start a diary

When we bottle things up inside, it can make a situation feel ten times worse than it actually is. So start a diary, whether online or in book form, which you can write in at the end of each day. This is where you can write about your emotions, the cause of your worry and actions you want to take. Having this outlet will take a weight off your shoulders which can help you instantly feel more at ease. To start your journal, visit the Penzu website or visit a stationary store. To help you family understand how you are feeling, encourage them to read some of your diary entries. That way they can give you the support you need and help you find a solution.

None of us know what life has planned for us or what is around the corner. The sooner you accept that it is out of your hands, the less anxiety you will begin to feel.

Negotiating Stressful Life Events: When It's Wise To Have Good Counsel In Your Corner

There are certain times in life when you can’t battle through everything alone. Even if you’re self-sufficient and capable of standing on your own two feet, you may sometimes need professional advice. There are many stressful events in life, which may require us to seek counsel from legal experts. Here are just some examples of when it’s a good idea to have an experienced legal team in your corner.

Going through divorce

Nobody gets married thinking they’ll end up going through the distressing process of divorce. Sadly, not all relationships work out, and breaking up is often the best decision for the parties involved. Marriage is a legal agreement. This means that undoing it requires intervention by legal professionals. If you’re divorcing your partner, you’ll need to seek advice from a law firm. When you’re looking for somebody to represent you, make sure you go for a team with experience in divorce and family law. Arrange some consultations. These informal sessions give you an opportunity to meet individuals and discuss your case. The process may take a long time, so it’s really important to choose somebody that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Once you’ve employed a firm, they will act on your behalf. They will negotiate the terms of the divorce. They’ll work with your partner’s representatives to find a resolution that suits both parties. In straightforward cases, the legal processes can be completed fairly quickly. However, there may be complexities. You may not agree on what each person receives, and there may be custody issues.

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Buying a house

If you’re buying a house, it’s always wise to have legal experts at the end of the phone. In some states, attorneys do not have to be involved in the acquisition. However, if you have legal experts on board, this can give you peace of mind. They can read the terms and conditions and oversee the transactions and legal agreements. It will also ensure that everything is above board, and offer protection if the deal falters. It’s particularly beneficial to get a lawyer involved if you’re buying with another person or the property is in probate. Your attorney can guide you through the processes, and offer advice if you stumble across potential obstacles.

Buying a house can be stressful at the best of times. The last thing you want is for a sale to fall through at the last minute and have no power to do anything about it. You can use the Internet to search for local firms, and then visit their websites to read up on their areas of expertise. The next step is to meet the attorneys. Don’t feel like you have to go with the first person you see. It’s important that you trust them, and you have confidence in their abilities.

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Dealing with employment issues

There are all kinds of employment issues, which may prompt you to ask a legal expert for advice. You may feel that you’ve been treated unfairly at work. Perhaps you’ve been forced to take leave due to illness, or you think your boss is treating you differently to others. Maybe you’re worried about workplace bullying. Or you feel like you’re being overlooked for promotions as a result of prejudice. There are laws and regulations in place to ensure that everyone is treated fairly in the workplace. If you think that your employer is going against these rules, there may be steps you can take.

Many people choose to seek legal counsel when they have been fired. In order to let somebody go, employers must have a valid reason. If you believe you’ve been dismissed unfairly, you have grounds to take legal action. If there is no clear reason, you could have a case for wrongful termination. There are time limits in place, so if you do want to take action, it’s essential to seek advice as soon as possible after the dismissal.

You may also be thinking about enlisting the services of experts if you’ve had an accident at work. In many cases, work injuries result from accidents that could never have been prevented or foreseen. However, sometimes, workers sustain injuries in accidents that could have been avoided. Every employer has a duty to adhere to guidelines and legislation to prevent work accidents. If your employer has flouted the rules or displayed negligent behavior, you have a right to file a claim. Compensation is awarded to those who have proof that they were not to blame for an accident at work. If you’ve tripped because you were on your phone, you won’t qualify for compensation. But if you were injured as a result of using faulty equipment, you could have a case. If you’re thinking of making a work accident claim, get in touch with firms like UK Claim Lawyers. When you speak to an adviser, they will ask you questions about the accident. If you have a viable claim, they will take over the claim for you, and build a case against your employer.

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Taking over or setting up a business

More and more people are choosing to be their own boss. If you’re launching a startup, you’re probably thinking of product designs and marketing strategies. But there are also legal issues to consider. If you’re employing people or inviting clients to your company base, there are steps you need to take to promote health and safety. As an employer, you’ll need to make sure that you comply with current regulations to protect your workforce. You’ll also need legal advice for aspects of the business such as copywriting. Professional advice is also helpful when drawing up employment contracts and formal business agreements.

If you fail to enforce safety measures, you may be liable for claims against you. If an employee is harmed as a result of your negligence, you will have to pay damages.

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Dealing with disputes

Are you kept awake by noisy neighbors every night? Have you already asked them politely to keep the noise down? Have they started to throw things in the yard or shout abuse at you? Most people get on just fine, but occasionally, you can find yourself in the middle of a neighborhood dispute. If this is the case, don’t try and take matters into your own hands. Report the incident to the police, and hire a lawyer. Often, the threat of legal action will be sufficient to calm the storm if the other party is aware that their behavior is unacceptable.

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Handling an estate

Have you lost somebody close to you? If so, the last thing you want to be doing is negotiating legal language and reams of papers to handle their estate. You often see adverts for websites that claim to handle the entire process for you. But in reality, dealing with an estate is a complex process. If you seek legal advice, your lawyer can sort everything out for you. It will probably be completed much faster, and you won’t have any additional stress to worry about.

It’s also advisable to get help when writing your own will and planning your estate. You can buy basic plans online. But a legal expert would always advise spending a little more on a more complex, watertight document. This is particularly relevant if you are dealing with large sums of money, or you have young children.

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Illegal offenses and accidents

Have the police pulled you over for dangerous driving? Has somebody been injured on your property? Have you been involved in a car crash that was your fault? If there’s any chance that you could end up wearing handcuffs, even if it’s only for a short period, call a lawyer. It’s hugely beneficial to have somebody who knows what they’re doing in your corner.

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How do I know if I need a lawyer or not?

There are some instances where it’s a legal requirement to get an attorney involved. In other instances, it may just be a question of convenience, peace of mind, and getting a professional job done quickly. You can often do things yourself. But like in all walks of life, you’ll usually achieve a better result if somebody with expertise helps you. Most of us don’t have extensive knowledge of legal procedures. Getting somebody who does on board will save you time and hassle, and increase the chances of a successful result. There may be times when you don’t need legal help. But it’s always wise to consider your options.

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Life is full of ups and downs, and we can never predict what’s around the corner. Sometimes, we may come up against humps in the road, and legal experts can help us to overcome them. In other cases, we may need professional advice to embark on exciting new ventures, such as buying a house or setting up a business. Getting divorced, buying real estate, or handling work issues may involve complex processes. Having somebody in your corner to fight your battles can reduce stress, and increase your chances of a positive outcome.