Do 'Stay at Home Mothers' Really Do Nothing?

People often theorise that the dreams you encounter in your sleep, are reflections of how you truly feel in reality. A few days ago, I had a dream that made me feel worthless and tested my position as a 'stay at home mother'.

Ever since I became a mother, I have encountered many small minds. Plenty of people have been more than willing to voice that I had ruined my life, that I had "gotten pregnant and dropped out of university", and worst of all, that I did nothing as a 'stay at home mother'.
But as ignorant as those types of people are, it is hard not to be affected by what others say. As a 'stay at home mother', there is always plenty for us to do, and having to prove ourselves all the time is a constant struggle.

We're usually up by about 7am everyday, some of us even 5am (that's if we've even slept); feed the kids, make the beds, do the dishes, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing, change nappies, run errands, drive the kids to school, attend appointments, cook dinner, and that's not even all of it.
As we try to multi-task these day-to-day activities; we are reading to our kids, singing to them, playing toys with them, disciplining them, and trying to mediate the chaos that arises with having multiple children. If we're lucky, we might even manage to have a quick shower or a bite of food.
The societal view that we 'stay at home mothers' do 'nothing', is most likely based on the fact that what we do is not considered an 'occupation'; we don't have an employer and we don't get paid. But who is society to tell us that what we are doing is insignificant or not worth the recognition?

Consider those who stay at home and care for their sick mother. One could argue that they made a 'choice' in doing so, that they 'could' be working. But how is that when a person cares for someone else, they are compensated with the carers' pension, yet we 'stay at home mothers' get absolutely nothing and are reprimanded for wanting to see our children grow up?
All those with children know that parenting is far from easy. Knowing that every word you say, every action you take; is shaping your children's future, is a serious responsibility we always take into consideration. And that is why so many parents choose to stay at home.

Some children may not have the luxury of having either parent at home, but some do. And instead of judging mothers, or even fathers, who do choose to stay at home, think carefully about why they chose to do so. The reason does not lie in the fact that they can't be 'bothered' working or studying; it's not because they want to sit around and watch television all day.

It's because they've realised the massive role that they play in their children's lives. And that they want this role to be as influential and positive as possible.

So, to answer the question, no, 'stay at home mothers' don't do 'nothing'. We haven't been doing nothing since the day our children were born. We do know, however, that regardless of all those people who try to judge us for what we do, there will always be a certain someone out there who will understand and appreciate what we do for them... and that is our children.

How to Select the Right Hair Color for Your Skin Type

It is easy to spend at least a half an hour in the store trying to select the right hair color. The choices are endless and colors range from platinum to jet black and from basic rinses to permanent colors. These hair dyes are also categorized into warm colors, neutral colors and cool colors. However, don't despair because with these simple guidelines you can find the right shade that harmonizes with your skin tone.

In selecting the perfect hair color the first thing you must know is your skin tone. They are categorized into three basic tones: warm, cool or neutral. There are various methods you can use; one method is to look at the inside of your arms; do the veins appear blue or green? If they look blue you are most likely a cool undertone. Green veins usually indicate a warm skin tone. There is also neutral shade and lucky them they can wear just about any color. Another test is to drape a baby blue or white cloth across your shoulders, how does it make you look? If baby blue or white compliments your complexion chances are you are a cool skin tone. If a rust or cream color brings out your complexion then chances are you are warm.

If you are unsure, select a shade two shades lighter or darker than the natural color of your eyebrows. The eyebrow color you were born with compliments your complexion perfectly. The natural color of your eyebrows should be the standard on which your hair color should be measured. If you dye your hair too far away from the natural color of your eyebrows your complexion will look washed out.
If you have determined your skin tone, consider these tips for selecting the right hair dye:
Cool skin tones should avoid shades of yellow, gold, bronze and red tones. These tones will give the skin a sallow appearance and facial features. Consider flat browns, or light ash blonds as a base color and pick golden, ash or honey highlights for contrast.

Warm tones avoid ash. Consider a deep, rich base color like an intense chocolate, chestnut, mahogany or auburn. Also consider, honey light blondes, warm chocolate brown, or browns with a hint of rust.

For those that have a reddish complexion or sufferings from rosacea avoid bright red tones. Consider a honey brown or golden base color.
While the above our generalizations, I hope these tips will offer some help when selecting your next hair color. Remember select a color that will compliment your skin tone.

Five Main Things To Consider Before Deciding To Have Hair Extensions

here are several reasons why people, typically women would want to have hair extensions. Primarily, women wear these for fashion. Take a look how Hollywood stars would magically grow their hair in events overnight and look really stunning. The magic comes from hair extensions. We know you want to have that too but hey hold your horses! There are several things to consider first before deciding to wear them.

5 Main Things To Consider Before Deciding To Have Hair Extensions

1. The Necessity Of Having
Some women, yes they do. And others, nah. Many women wear extensions to increase the volume of their hair or trying to conceal the parted areas of their scalp. They do this to get a job interview, required in a job to look good like being a front desk officer, conceal thinning hair like to that of cancer patients, and many more practical reasons.
Others wear extensions basically for fashion and for no other practical reasons. Japanese and Korean women made brightly colored hair extensions so popular in Asia that it has reached its popularity to the west - just to look like anime characters. Wearing colored extensions can do get attention and it is the most common tool of trendy women. So think whether you need to look like Usagi Tsukino or Faye Valentine!

2. The Cost
There are many cheap hair extensions out there but I must warn you - you know what "cheap" means right? Some specifically from popular brands or stores cost unreasonably higher than most stores while you can get the same quality at a much lower price - but you need to find them.
These extensions would cost you between $15 to over $200 depending on the type, color, and the type of bonding used. You don't have to buy those hair extensions costing more than $200, just pick those fair priced and with fair quality as well. And besides, this hair attachments are either temporary or semi-temporary and that would mean you need to spend every time you need a new set!

3. The Risks
This is a bit controversial. But here are some of the information I got from my research and from asking 15 of my girl-friends who are and were using extensions.
Many claimed to have split ends after using it. As to my research, this is possible when the binding agent used is not hair friendly. Other documentation even claim to have women left with different patches on the different areas of the scalp and other scalp problems. But as I have asked my friends, 4 of them had split ends, 2 left with itching scalp but the rest had no major or minor problems after wearing hair extensions.
However, there are newer technologies on fake hair magic that do not pose damage to your hair. Better bonding agent and other manufacturers even claim to have products that does not need gluing but performs like glued extensions thus eliminating the risk for split ends and other scalp-hair problems.

4. The Management
There are many horrible stories about managing hair extensions - let's find the facts. Horrible stories are things of the past. Today, these fake magic hairs are more durable and easier to manage. You can have regular baths and saunas without worrying that it would fall off. Semi-permanent hair extensions can be worn for as short as three months to even more than nine months. But you need to have a regular visit to your favorite salon and should take care of your of it more than taking care of your normal hair. Hair extension bonding and fusion are on the next level. Technology is not limited to computers and phones but to hair too!

5. Type To Use
There are many types of hair extensions sold in the market today. However, there are five common types which are popularly used by women. These different types vary greatly on the way it will be bonded with your hair or being worn, the material and quality, and of course the price. Also, each type has its ideal way to be worn. Some are for temporary like the Clip Ins or the semi-permanent like Pre Taped or Pre Bonded which are durable and can last up to more than nine months. So whatever is the purpose of having hair extensions, be sure to know what is best for you and only your honest hair stylist can truthfully help you. So here are the common types you can choose to have:
Clip Ins
Pre Bonded
Wefted
Micro Rings
Pre Taped

These common types of hair extensions come in different colors, length, type of attachment or bonding agent used, and material whether it is synthetic or natural human hair.

Consider the things discussed before deciding to have one. Evaluate whether you need it or not. Foresee how it can affect your looks and health in the future. You now know more about hair extensions, now it is time for you to decide.