Some people plan their lives down to the last detail before having a baby. Then there are other people that become surprise parents. Whether you’re currently pregnant or planning on having a baby, there are ways you can start preparing for the arrival of your little one.

We want to help first-time parents prepare their lives before the birth of their baby. Today’s article will help you with information on topics such as the birthing process, paperwork and how to adjust your finances when you become a parent. Keep reading to find out more.

Learn About Birth and the Options Available to You

If you’re still in the process of planning to become a parent either through a fertility clinic or naturally, it’s important to learn about the birth process. Nowadays there are many ways a lady can give birth namely the following:

• Natural birth
• Waterbirth
• C-section
• Scheduled induction

Various options are available to women who may have medical conditions that require a special birth. Learn about these types of births so you can pick your preferred option of the way you’d like to bring your baby into the world. Consult your doctor for more information.

Baby Paperwork

You’d be surprised at how much paperwork you’ll have to complete when you give birth to a baby. There are hospital forms you’ll have to fill out as well as registering your baby with identification numbers and sorting out his or her birth certificate.

If you’d like to save on time, contact your hospital to check whether you can pre-register your baby. See if there are other forms you can fill out and submit before you’re due to give birth. Filling out forms ahead of time will allow you to leave the hospital early so you can spend time with your baby.

 

Communication with Your Partner Is Essential

Communication is essential when you decide to have a baby. Discuss what you need from your partner such as sharing household duties or family responsibilities. Proper family management will reduce conflict and it can create a harmonious environment for both of you.

 

Talk to Veteran Moms

Becoming a first-time mom can be incredibly overwhelming. So, talk to veteran moms to help you with information on the following:

• Common experiences when pregnant and after birth
• How to take care of a newborn
• Ideal products to use for your baby
• Common changes your baby will go through as he or she grows
• Ways to comfort your baby

Final Thoughts: The Finances

Having a baby is going to cost you extra money. So ensure you have money set aside for baby essentials such as clothes, diapers and food. Consider opening up a trust fund for your baby so he or she can be provided for in the future.

How are you preparing for your first baby? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from our first-time parents.

 

Photo by Maud CORREA on Unsplash

Tanzania, a beautiful East African country, is facing serious climate change challenges. Climate change impacts not only the natural environment but the people living in the country. It has negative social and economic effects. Every country faces different challenges, courtesy of climate change. For third-world countries, these effects can be devastating.

In Tanzania higher temperatures are being experienced. Both flooding and droughts plagued the country, threatening agricultural production. Rising sea levels are destroying the livelihoods of communities living along the coast.

Climate change vulnerabilities are being constantly researched and investigated throughout the country. An area currently under scrutiny is the management of the Rufiji River Basin. Situated approximately 200 kms south of Dar es Salaam, it contains the largest mangrove forest in eastern Africa.

What should the world take note of in order to start helping this gorgeous piece of land?

Climate Change and Water Scarcity

With increasing climate variability, water access is a problem for many people living in the Rufiji basins. Farmers who have lived in the area for years report a decrease in water flow. Irrigation of crops and water supply for cattle is drying up and the steady increase in population numbers is putting more strain on the available water.

The Rufiji Basin is synonymous with the production of rice and maize. While the potential is high for agricultural production, climate change is having dire consequences on this production. Luckily, projects are being set up to try negate these consequences and find solutions.

Social Vulnerabilities

The Rufiji basin together with the Wami-Ruvu basin is the major source of water for over 7 million people. These include the communities living in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro and Dodoma. Safe and clean water supply is a challenge for these communities and it continues to exacerbate the vulnerability of these people.

Vulnerability mapping is an enhanced form of mapping using spatial data in a GIS system. Climate vulnerability can be better understood using this method. By targeting vulnerable communities, resilience building interventions can be introduced to these areas.

Source of Energy Through Hydropower

Tanzania relies heavily on hydropower for electricity supply. Discussions are being held around developing the Rufiji hydropower project. This would entail building a 130-meter high dam on the river with a 914 square km reservoir. Such a project will add to the existing problems of the Rufiji basin already severely impacted by climate change.

Food Security Threats

Increasing temperatures, more flooding and longer periods of droughts threaten the country’s food security. With over 75% of the country’s population employed in the agricultural sector, its imperative food security is protected. Otherwise the country will face increasing poverty and hunger among its population.

As climate change in Tanzania takes a grip on the production of food, solutions need to be found. Private sector engagement is being encouraged to ensure long-term sustainability. Projects are in play and the government is working together with local stakeholders to find ways of introducing sustainable agriculture practices.

Final Thoughts

If the effects of climate change in Tanzania are not dealt with, the country will face an assortment of negative long-term consequences.

Also, while a global challenge, climate change is the responsibility of every country, whether first-world or third-world. By engaging with both local and global organizations, climate change can be tackled, one step at a time.

Birthday milestones use to be an extravagant event. Halls would be hired out along with catering and everyone would dress up for the occasion. Nowadays people prefer to spend money on other experiences that don’t cost so much money. And we’ve got you covered.

If you’re reading this, your 30th birthday is slowly approaching and you’re looking for unique ways to celebrate your special day. Luckily you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at our top four places to go for your 30^th birthday celebration.

1. Cheese and Wine Tasting Farms

Pub crawling may have been fun when you turned 21 but now you want something more sophisticated and mature. The best way to celebrate the next phase of adulthood is to do cheese and wine tasting. There are myriads of farms that make all types of wines and cheeses to suit everyone’s palates.

Franschhoek wine farms are the popular choice for Capetonians or if you want to travel abroad why not visit a vineyard in France? Or simply take your pick of local cheese and wine restaurants in your area?

2. Go Camping in the Mountains

Camping is a fun and exciting experience especially when you have all your friends with you. Book a weekend in the mountains and make sure there are lots of activities to take part in. Hiking or skiing is a popular choice. Some camping sites also offer horseback rides and swimming pools.

Remember to take the proper gear with you when you go camping such as the following:

• Tents
• Sleeping bag
• Toiletries
• Food
• Cooking and eating utensils
• Firewood
• Water
• Hunting knife
• Portable SmartPhone charger
• Backpack

Additionally, if you’re going to be hiking without a guide, take a map and compass with you.

3. Visit Historical Monuments

Have you ever visited any of the historical landmarks in your town? Now is your opportunity to see what you’ve been missing out on. It can be a fun and educational way to get to know the area you’re living in. Examples of historical monuments are:

• Statues
• Historical buildings
• Archaeological sites
• Cultural sites

Learning something new could be the best memory for your 30^th, especially if you’re a history lover.

4. Go on a Safari

See how animals hunt, play and eat by going on an African safari ride. There are many nature reserves where you can see animals in their natural habitat such as the Kruger National Park, but you’ll find them all across the world. Typically, nature reserves offer affordable accommodation so you and your loved ones can stay in the wild for a weekend.

Final Thoughts

Visiting historical monuments is probably the cheapest option on our list. On the other hand, if you want to take part in something more adventurous then you’ll love going to wine or cheese farms, camping and safaris.

So are you ready to celebrate your 30th birthday in an exciting way? Pick one of the four options on our list, get your friends together and prepare to enter the next chapter of your life with a bang.

 

Photo by John Such on Unsplash

When you think of Vegas, you think of gambling and casinos. Being the ultimate gambling destination, the Vegas Strip is a 4.2 mile long mecca of casinos and resorts, offering you the chance to dream big and play big.

Casino floors are filled with high rollers and one-time chancers looking for their big break. The sounds of slot machines and nervous chatter fill the air. Excited hopefuls are trying their hands at everything from Blackjack to Poker and even indulging in the slots. Truly an exciting atmosphere!

But, have you ever wondered what else there is to do in Vegas? For one thing, if you’ve had your fill of casino buzz, why not try the best online casinos Canada and many other countries offer. This gives you the option of luck at your fingertips and in the comfort of your room on the strip!

Furthermore, there’s an array of exciting things to do in between your actual or online casino visits. And no, I’m not talking about visiting the Grand Canyon although that’s fun too. Here are a few ideas of other original activities to pursue in Vegas.

Become a Crime Solving CSI

Have you ever watched an episode of CSI: Las Vegas and wondered what it would be like to be your favourite character? Do you watch the show believing that you have the case solved while detectives are still rummaging through clues? Then you’ve come to the right place.

CSI: The Experience gives you the opportunity to portray the role of a crime scene investigator. A hands on approach allows you to indulge in all your super sleuth fantasies while investigating crime scenes and collecting evidence. See if you really have what it takes to be a part of CSI: Las Vegas!

Drive your dream Supercar–Really Fast!

This one is situated 10 minutes from the well-known “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign is the SPEEDVEGAS racetrack. Designed by experts specialising in racetrack design, SPEEDVEGAS allows you to race in a variety of exotic supercars such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Porsche.

Expert racetrack drivers are with you every step of the way and with or without experience, you’re guaranteed the ride of your life!

Tournament of Kings – Excalibur

Tournament of Kings offers something for those of you with a love of all things medieval. Reputed to be Las Vegas’ ultimate dinner and show experience, it mimics the tale of King Arthur and his valiant knights. Guests are seated in a round arena where a series of special effects creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a time long past. Adding to the delight, guests are encouraged to eat with their hands and bang their mugs on the table, mimicing an ancient medieval dinner.

The Minus 5 Experience

Ordinarily not something you would expect to find in the desert, the Minus 5 experience may not be for those of you prone to the shivers. Minus 5 is a bar made entirely of ice, including the bar itself, the chairs, walls and even your drinking glasses!

LED lights and music create a relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy this chilling experience. No need to pack heavy jackets as Parkas and gloves are provided.

Whether you’re going to Vegas to indulge in your lucky streak or just to experience the magic of Vegas, there is always something else to do in Vegas!

Online learning is highly in demand, people are now choosing this option than the traditional way of learning. You might be asking why some people are considering that as you are having a good time pursuing education through the old means.

Everything now is changing, from real life casinos to getting the opportunity of playing the sister sites of popular UK casino brands at the comfort of your home, from going to restaurants to eat to calling their number to deliver fresh food wherever you are, from going to school to learn to now online learning. All the changes are giving people the chance to choose from different opportunities perfect to correspond to their lifestyle.

Going back to online learning, you may not know its benefits until you try this learning yourself. To enlighten you about the benefits of this learning technique, read below:

Flexibility

What made some people turn to online learning is flexibility. They do not need to think about time restraints as they can learn any time they are available and at their own pace. This is best to those who cannot commit to strict schedules. The time is flexible according to your availability and learning pace.

You do not need to rush going to the learning facility to catch the session as it is your schedule that you will follow. If you were not able to catch up too fast with the lesson for the day, you are free to go back to it tomorrow or until you are able to get it.

Cheaper

It is actually cheaper in many ways, you do not need to think about your transportation fee as you can attend your schooling right at the comfort of your home, also you do not have to buy books as everything is accessible online.

If you do not have enough money to spare, then best to pursue online learning instead.

Comfortable

Yes it is, you can study right at the comfort of your home, wearing the most comfortable clothing you have in your closet. You do not need to force yourself to wear clothes that you are not comfortable in, or sit on a hard chair for a long period of time in a classroom as studying can happen on your bed while in your pajamas.

This is one of the things people consider when they choose online learning, also the comfort they feel made them learn easily and more effectively.

Career growth

And since you can do online learning even while working, expect that the certification you can get after finishing a course can help you grow in whatever position you have right now.

Less intimidating

Students may have questions but tend not to ask because they are shy to ask or to be judged. Online learning encourages questions without the need of exposing themselves. If they feel humiliated before because of asking even a relevant question, it won’t happen in online learning as other students will not see them at all, even their instructors too.