6 Things To Remember When Taking Care Of Your Parents

One of the toughest jobs you'll have to take on in life is that of being a dependable, caring child. You can't just let your parents fall into disrepair while you go out and live your own life - at least, not if you care about them. Unfortunately, there can be some hard times along the way when it's your duty to "put them in a home" or some other tough yet necessary task.

Imagine having to make the tough decision of taking care of your last living parent in their twilight years. That's never easy, but it can be even harder to take on that responsibility when you don't see eye-to-eye with them.

Here are six things to remember when taking care of your parents!

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Holding The Reins - But Don't Be Silly About It.

Your parents are still human beings, even if they have aged quite a bit since the days when you were in high school. Even though it can be difficult to see their point of view on some things, try to put yourself in their shoes. They've lived a lot longer than you, so they may have some wisdom to impart.

Visiting Is Good

As much as helping them around the house is good, it's also important for you to visit them on occasion. Maybe once every other week or even less often is fine. Every parent has different needs, and it's important that you figure out the best amount of time on your own.

Trying New Things

When you were a kid, going out to eat with your parents probably meant you were going somewhere cheap - often a fast food joint or some diner. Although these places may seem more convenient for them, they don't always have the best food. Seek out a new place that you think is suitable, and let them pick where to eat next time since they're the ones who have lived longer.

Routine Is Key

Your parents may not be as active as they used to be, so it's important for them to stick to a strict schedule. Make sure their days are filled with activities that are suitable for their age. If your mom is an avid reader, consider getting her a Kindle so she can read more books.

Being Nice

Your parents may have been tough on you growing up, but now it's time to be the nice one in this relationship. Don't give them too much of a hard time about things that don't really matter anymore, and put aside any old grudges. Your parents did a lot for you when you were younger.

Finances - It's Not Just For The Birds

Even though it may seem like since they're getting older, your parents probably aren't earning as much money as they used to be. Make sure you take care of any necessary expenses on their behalf. Look into what retirement plans or Trilogy Care they have available, and make sure to keep an eye on them so that they don't get cheated out of money by shifty contractors or other seemingly-trustworthy individuals.

In Closing

Even though taking care of your parents can be difficult, it's also a very fulfilling experience. Your parents did a lot for you when you were young, but now it's time to return the favor!

How To Manage Your Health When You're A Freelancer

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Self-employment has become a much more popular way of working for a lot of people. The COVID pandemic has also led to many more companies introducing remote and hybrid working as standard. There are huge potential benefits to this way of working, including creating a much healthier work-life balance for yourself. 

Yet many freelancers are finding that the opposite is true, and their health and wellbeing take a backseat as they build their freelance careers. 

So what are the health implications for freelancers and what can you do to keep yourself happy and healthy. 

Here are our top tips to get yourself into a great routine. 

Get the right insurance

If you don’t live in a country with free health care, it can be tempting to try and save money by skipping health insurance and hoping that you won’t fall ill. However, you need this safety net should you become ill or injured and unable to work. Many policies will also cover things like mental health support and alcohol rehab as part of their terms. 

Another good insurance policy to have is to have in place is income protection. This provides you with a percentage of your monthly income should you be too ill to work. You might wonder how this affects your health. If you do become ill and don’t have any income protection in place, you may keep working when you shouldn’t and prolong your illness or even make it worse. 

Keep regular working hours

One of the great things about being your own boss is deciding when you’ll work. This can be especially helpful if you have family or other commitments, or something crops up unexpectedly. But many established freelancers recommend setting a schedule and sticking to it as much as possible. Otherwise, you will find yourself working longer and longer hours and never being able to truly switch off. 

Set boundaries with clients and suppliers

The technology that allows us to work remotely, also means that we rarely switch off completely. Establish your working hours communicate these to your clients and protect your personal time as much as you can. 

If clients insist on trying to contact you outside of these times, stand your ground. Turn on your out-of-office if necessary and get yourself a separate phone number for your business calls. You can then leave it switched off or send all calls to voicemail after a certain time. 

Schedule exercise into your week

If your work involves working at a computer for long periods, then you’re at risk of a lot of different health issues. Initially, there are the aches and pains which come with sitting for long periods. Your muscles become tight and this can lead to backache, neck ache, and cramps. If this continues for a long time, then a sedentary lifestyle can result in weight gain and higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and a host of other conditions. 

Schedule exercise as you would an appointment with a client. Whether this is going out for a run, the gym, or doing a fitness video in from of your TV, find what works for you. Some people prefer to get out of the house to exercise, especially if they work from home, but if time is very tight then setting up an area in your home might be a good alternative for you. 

In addition to keeping you physically healthy, regular exercise can help you sleep and give you a mental boost too. 

Adopt a healthy diet

When you work from home, you’re never too far from your fridge, which can be a bad thing if it’s full of unhealthy snacks. A balanced diet is vital for good health so make your life easier by keeping tasty and nutritious food around and preparing your meals in advance. This way you’re more likely to avoid snacking or ordering takeout. 

Designate a workspace

While it’s nice to have the option of sitting on the sofa on your laptop to do your work, it can sometimes be helpful to have a clear distinction between your workspace and personal space. Whether you have a dedicated room or a corner of a kitchen table, you can increase your productivity and learn to switch off after you’re done for the day. 

Set your workspace up correctly

A poorly designed work area can cause you a lot of problems with posture, neck ache, and eye strain. Learn how to set up your workspace in a way that works for you. This includes where to position your computer, the correct angle for your wrists as you type, and the height and lumbar support of your chair. 

It’s worth paying a little extra money for a good ergonomic chair as it can prevent you from losing precious working hours to backache in the future. 

Work smarter, not harder

Running your own business means that you have a lot of different responsibilities alongside your core activities. Find ways to delegate or automate as much as you can. 

Network

Being self-employed can be an empowering experience, but it can also feel quite isolated at times. Especially if you are in a remote role with little face-to-face contact with people. 

A way to prevent this feeling is to network with other freelancers. Being around others who are dealing with a lot of the same issues as you are can be very liberating and is less stressful than networking for new business. Check what opportunities there are in your local area. If there is no face-to-face events, then you will be able to find a virtual one. 

Building connections with people is great for your confidence and mental health. 

Final thoughts

There are many advantages to the freelance lifestyle, but it’s still very easy to fall into bad habits that can have lasting consequences for your health. With some careful planning and some self-discipline, then you can ensure that you keep yourself mentally and physically healthy throughout your career. 

Feel Better About Your Smile with This Advice

Smiling is not only something that we do when we're happy but also something that can make us feel happy in itself. Even if you're not in the mood to smile, putting on a grin can actually help you to feel better by releasing endorphins. But it can be difficult to smile and laugh if you don't feel very good about your smile. A lot of people don't feel too confident about their smile, whether it's due to what their smile looks like or because they lack confidence or self-esteem. If you want to feel better about your smile, here are some things that you can do.

See Your Dentist

A visit to your dentist is essential if you have any dental problems that you need to fix. The longer you leave an issue with your teeth or gums, the worse that problem might become. Many people feel scared or anxious when thinking about going to the dentist, but dentists know how to treat nervous patients well. They can help to fix broken teeth with dental crowns, give you fillings, and replace missing teeth. Your dentist can also simply give you a checkup and ensure your teeth are clean and healthy.

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Improve Your Oral Care Routine

Seeing your dentist is important, but you're still responsible for the day-to-day care of your teeth. A good oral care routine is important, not just to help your teeth look healthy but so that they feel clean and healthy too. When you take care of your teeth, they'll feel smooth and clean, and you'll have a nice, fresh breath. Plus, you can help to prevent stains by cleaning your teeth thoroughly every day. Take care of your teeth by avoiding anything that can damage them too, from playing contact sports without a mouth guard to eating hard candies.

Rethink the Perfect Smile

What is the perfect smile? With so many perfectly straight, perfectly white smiles in Hollywood and all over the media can feel hard to compete with. Even when you take care of your teeth, you won't necessarily have the perfect smile. Your smile doesn't have to be perfectly symmetrical, either. Everyone's smile is unique and yours doesn't have to look a certain way. Rethinking what a smile should look like can help you to embrace your own and feel better about what you look like when you smile and laugh.

Boost Your Confidence

Feeling more confident about not just your smile but also overall can really help you to have a more positive view of your smile. When you feel confident and have good self-esteem, you can smile without having to worry about what you look like. If you can work on your confidence and smile with confidence, you won't feel the need to hide your smile. It can take some time to improve your confidence, but practicing your smile in the mirror is one way to do it.

If you want to feel better about your smile, work on how you feel inside as well as what you look like on the outside.

Powerful yet Easy Ways to Raise Your Self-Esteem

If you want to raise your self-esteem, then you are not alone. Here’s how you turn things around.

Write Things Down

It is essential that you write things down. You need to write down positive affirmations as often as you think of them as this will help you to boost the way that you feel when you are down. It may be that you are super good at crosswords, or that you are thoughtful. If you are good at cooking, write that down too. Things like this can help you to be seen as a good friend and it can also help you to raise your confidence.

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Know what you’re Good at

Another thing that you need to do is know what you are good at. It may be that you are good at puzzles, being a good friend, singing or anything else of the sort. You may also find that you enjoy doing things that you are very good at and doing them is the best way to increase your mood. Don’t be afraid to take some time out for yourself because if you do, then you may find that you are able to raise your self-esteem and your mental wellness.

Do Something for Yourself

It is vital that you take the time to look after yourself. If you are not happy with the clothes that you have, then take the time to go out and buy yourself something new. If you feel bad about your teeth then why not invest in some dental implants? This is the best way for you to instantly boost your self-esteem and you may even find that it has a knock-on effect on your confidence overall.

Use your wardrobe to give you confidence

Have you noticed that your mood and confidence levels vary in different outfits? The clothes we wear can have a significant impact on how we feel, as well as how we look. If you’re trying to boost confidence and self-esteem, create a new capsule wardrobe and put looks together that make you feel great. Focus on trends that you love and styles, colors and prints that suit your taste and personality. Always make sure that you feel comfortable. Browse stores and search online for the best casual clothes for ladies if you’re looking for activewear or comfy items you can wear at home, to work or in your leisure time. Take time to try different pieces and be bolder in your choices if you usually gravitate towards the same colors and shapes. 

If you’re shopping for outfits for a special occasion, have fun with fashion and consider items you might not usually go for. Try new looks and see how you feel. You may be surprised by your reaction when you look in the mirror. Concentrate on finding clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident rather than feeling like you have to check off every catwalk trend or follow the crowd. 

Build Positive Relationships

If you feel as though certain people try and bring you down all the time, then you need to spend less time with them. This can be difficult if you feel as though you have very few friends, but you have to know that toxic friendships will do you more harm than good. When you have let go of the toxic people in your life, you can then focus more on building positive and more meaningful relationships.

Be Kind to Yourself

Being kind to yourself ultimately means that you need to stop putting yourself down so much. Stop being critical and think about what you would say to your friend if they were in the same situation as you right now? It is often easier to give good advice to other people as opposed to telling yourself the advice you need to hear. For this reason, the next time you hear yourself talking negatively, you need to try and turn things around by putting a stop to your thoughts, and by replacing them with the affirmative phrases that you have listed. This will help you more than you realize and it is a powerful way to raise your self-esteem.

Why not see if you can boost the way you feel about yourself, by implementing these tips for yourself?

These Troubles Could Be Playing Havoc With Your Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical wellbeing. You need to guarantee that you do avoid the issues that could be causing you to feel anxiety and leave you lethargic. Here are some of the key examples to focus on. 

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Stress

If you’re looking for the number one impact on your mental health, then this is always going to be stress. High levels of stress are a massive concern because they can cause issues with anxiety and even depression. To cope with stress, you need to find ways to relax and calm down more. For instance, you might want to think about options such as meditation. Research shows that meditation can retire your brain so you can deal with high-pressure situations far more effectively. 

Low Sleep 

You might find that your mental health is impacted by a low level of sleep in your life. If you are not getting enough sleep, then you are always going to feel drained of energy. Your body won’t be getting the proper rest that it requires. To get more sleep, we recommend that you think about improving your sleep environment. Research shows that different tech devices can disturb your sleeping pattern enough that it stops you from reaching the deepest level. This can leave you turning all night and ensure that your body is exhausted by the time that you wake up in the morning. 

Pain 

You could be dealing with pain on a daily basis. Chronic pain is a common concern for every individual, particularly as they get older. By the time you reach sixty-five it’s likely that you will be dealing with some form of chronic pain in your life. To handle this, you should think about exploring different treatment options. Be aware that chronic pain can also impact your mental health due to the level of stress it brings. You could constantly be worried about how you are going to cover the costs. That’s why if your pain is caused by an incident that wasn't’ your fault, such as a mistake by a doctor, you should consider speaking to medical malpractice lawyers. They will help ensure that you can rest easy knowing you can claim the right amount in damages to cover the additional costs associated with your pain. 

Environment 

Finally, it’s possible that your environment is impacting your mental health. This could be true whether we’re talking about your home or work environment. The wrong environment can lead to you feeling overwhelmed and completely drain you of energy. That’s why you need to make sure that you are setting up your environment the right way. For instance, you might want to think about exploring options such as biophilic design. Research shows that biophilic design and reigniting your connection with nature can have a huge impact on your mental health overall. It will guarantee that you feel more relaxed and can even inspire greater levels of productivity. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key issues that could be causing havoc with your overall mental health and the right steps that you should take here. 

How To Take Good Care Of Your Roof

Looking after the roof of your home is always something that is going to be important, not least because it is a primary safety concern and one of the most common exterior elements that can go wrong or become damaged. If you know how to take proper care of your roof, it is going to mean that you can keep your building intact much more easily, saving you money and trouble in the long run. So let’s look right now at how you can take good care of your roof.

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Regular Inspection

One of the most important things you should do is to carry out regular inspections of your roof. This is the only way to keep on top of it and make sure that you are aware of any damages and so on. In doing this, however, you do need to take care - you can’t simply go crawling around the roof without harming yourself. It is usually best to hire a roofer to come and inspect the roof for you, but make sure that you are asking them to do it regularly and that you hire a trusted professional.

Tile Replacement

From time to time, that inspection might show up certain breakages and damaged tiles, and as such you will need to make sure that these are being replaced as soon as possible. If you don’t replace them, you might be opening up your home to the elements in a way that is just not necessary, or good for your home. When replacing tiles, remember that you need to choose the right material, the right metal roof colors, and make sure you are replacing all the relevant parts of the roof. Again, a professional should be able to help you out with these decisions.

Natural Disasters

If you should live in a part of the world where natural disasters are a real probability, then you will need to bear this in mind too as you try to take care of your roof. Hurricanes, storms, tornadoes and even just heavy rain can all be problematic if you are trying to care for your roof. The best thing you can do is to prepare for them, have a plan for when they occur, and ensure that you are replacing and repairing the roof after the fact too. If you do that, you should be able to keep your roof in a good state of repair in general.

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Signs Of Damage

There are signs of damage to the roof that might occur which you should pay attention to too. For example, you might find that you have leaking water coming into a room, which is a definite sign that you need to have something to look at on the roof. The last thing you should do is ignore such signs, at the very least. You never know what it might be or how bad it might get, and keeping on top of it will help to save you money and hassle in the long run.

Planning A Vacation When You Have No Money

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Now and again, we all deserve a break from the daily grind - and a fresh change of scenery. Going on vacation can provide both, but what if you can’t afford a vacation? Taking out a loan is one option, but it’s not ideal, as it could result in further financial problems down the line. Fortunately, there are a few ways in which you can enjoy a trip away without spending much money at all. You may not be able to afford anything luxurious, however there are plenty of ways in which you could still get away. Below are a few examples.

Go wild camping

Camping is generally a good cheap option. You can save money further by considering ‘wild camping’ - this involves pitching up in the wilderness as opposed to in a campsite (saving you money on campsite fees). National parks are great places to go wild camping - if you’ve got one on your doorstep, consider planning a camping trip here.

Of course, you will need some essentials to camping, which could cost you some money if you don’t already own them. A tent and a sleeping bag are a must, plus you’ll need to bring some food and water. You can buy other camping gear at sites like EcoGearFX.com. Once you’ve got all the gear, you can head out on camping trips whenever you want.

Try car camping

You may not even need a tent to go camping. If you’ve got a car, you consider going car camping (sleeping in your car). This is best suited to larger cars in which you can fold down the back seats and comfortably lie down. You can pad out the back with lots of blankets and pillows. It’s not very luxurious, but it won’t cost you anything.

You will of course need to factor in the cost of fuel and tolls. It may also be useful to have a roof box so that you can pack lots of stuff without having to take up trunk space.

Visit distant family

Got some family members that live in a state - or maybe even another country? Why not ask to stay at theirs for a couple nights and take advantage of the free accommodation? This could be a great opportunity to catch up and enjoy some time away. Just make sure you provide enough warning.

You will still need to pay for travel, so factor this in. Book far ahead in advance and plan to fly on a weekday to reduce flight costs. 

Do volunteer work

There are many places such as farms, animal rescue centers and schools where you can get free accommodation in exchange for doing volunteer work. This might not be what some people consider a ‘vacation’, however if you’re more interested in travel rather than relaxing, it could be an option worth looking into.

As with visiting distant family, you will still need to pay for your travel, so make sure that you’ve got the money for this. Check out sites like Helpstay.com to find volunteer opportunities.

Start saving now

Still can’t afford any of these options? Or perhaps you’d prefer to stay in a hotel? Another solution is to start saving now. This can take a lot of discipline, but could ensure that you’re able to get that vacation you need. 

Even $10 per week is better than nothing - consider setting up a savings account that you can automatically pay into each month and avoid dipping into it for other purposes at all costs. 

Skills You Need to Possess If You Want to Work in Healthcare

The healthcare industry is a booming one. It's been projected to grow from $3 trillion in 2016 to over $4 trillion by 2025. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts that the number of health care jobs will increase by 19 percent between now and 2024, which is three times as fast as other industries are expected to grow.

If you're considering working in healthcare, then there are several skills that you will need to develop. There's no one skill that is more important than the other; instead, it's about developing a well-rounded set of skills and abilities. It's good that things like inclusive leadership coaching and other related services are being offered to people who want to work in healthcare these days. This way, people can be sure that they have the best chance of succeeding in this industry.

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Working in Healthcare

Choosing a career path is no easy task, especially if you want to work in healthcare. Many factors go into choosing the right career for you, which can change depending on your personal situation.

However, some skills will be helpful regardless of which field you choose to pursue. Here is a list of the skills needed to succeed in healthcare jobs:

• Being able to manage and coordinate care

One of the essential skills you need working in healthcare is managing and coordinating care. This includes managing patients' care, coordinating with other healthcare team members, and making sure everyone involved is on the same page.

To be successful in this field, you need to be able to multitask and stay organized. This way, you can easily keep track of all the different aspects of a patient's care.

• Working with people from diverse backgrounds

You also need to be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds. This means understanding and respecting different cultures, religions, and lifestyles.

To provide the best possible care for patients, you need to be able to work with everyone on the healthcare team. This includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and more.

By understanding and accepting diversity, you can help create a positive and welcoming environment for patients. This way, they will feel more comfortable and safe while receiving care.

• Being compassionate and patient

You also need to be compassionate and patient. This means being able to understand and respond to the needs of patients. Sometimes, patients may be in pain or feeling anxious. They may also have a lot of questions about their care.

It's your job to listen to them, answer their questions, and provide comfort whenever possible. If you can show compassion and stay patient, the patients will feel more at ease.

• Being able to work well in a team 

Working in healthcare means working with people-patients and other professionals alike. So you also need to be someone who can work well within a group or team setting. You should know how to communicate your ideas clearly when working together on projects or plans.

• Having strong communication and interpersonal skills

Having strong communication and interpersonal skills is key when working in the medical field. This includes listening attentively, expressing yourself clearly, and being respectful of others. It's also important to be patient and understanding, especially when working with patients who may be stressed or frightened.

• Being proactive 

In any career, it's always a good idea to be proactive when it comes to problem-solving. Healthcare is no exception. When working with patients, there may be times when something unexpected comes up. It's essential to have the ability to stay calm under pressure and think on your feet. This way, you can always provide the best possible care for your patients.

• Having a good bedside manner 

One of the most important skills you can have when working in healthcare is a good bedside manner. This means being kind, compassionate, and understanding towards your patients. It's also important to communicate effectively with them, whether it be working with their families or other healthcare professionals. If you're someone who can work well in a team, this is definitely one of the best skills to have when working in healthcare.

• Being able to make critical decisions quickly

In healthcare, it's vital to make quick decisions that are right for your patients. You should be working closely with other healthcare professionals, so it's important you can communicate effectively and work together as a team. This way, you can work together to put the best treatments and plans in place.

Taking the Challenges in Healthcare

Of course, working in healthcare means working long shifts and sometimes working through your lunch break, or other times you would usually take a break for yourself. If working well under pressure comes naturally to you, this could be another great skill for you to have when it comes to working in healthcare.

You can develop plenty of other skills to make sure you're the best possible fit for a healthcare career. The examples above are some of the most important ones.

Tips for Staying Sane During Your Home Construction or Renovation

Home seekers often spend many months or even years saving up and getting ready to either buy an established home or build the dream house that they always wanted. But it is a common occurrence that homes typically need some adjustments made so that they work well for the individuals or families that want to move in. Complete construction may be the task at hand, or a renovation to structures or systems in an existing home may be in order before you and your loved ones will feel completely comfortable in your new digs. You can stay happy through the process by keeping a few suggestions in mind to help make the process go more smoothly for you.

Schedule The Work

You will make life easier if you consider your schedule in earnest before arranging to have home construction or renovation work done. Some families find it works well to be away from the dwelling while the majority of heavy work is accomplished. Others discover that they will maximize their effectiveness by being on the worksite to answer questions and expedite the project. Factors outside, such as the impact of weather, may also come into play. Thinking about these aspects in advance will make for a much more pleasant experience for all concerned.

Examine The Systems

Renovation or construction is an excellent time to examine and repair or replace entire systems in your home. Consider your need for plumbing services, electrical workers or landscape designers at this important juncture in the project.

Hire Professionals

When it comes to large projects such as the building or renovation of a home, it makes sense to not try to go it alone but instead to reach out to trained professionals. You may need to consider the expertise of electricians or those who provide plumbing services Berlin MD to help bring your ideas for your home to fruition. If you live in a mobile home, it’s a good idea to get advice and assistance from specialists such as Top Notch Mobile Home Services. Think about what (or who) it is you need, and then reach out. You can get prices, information, and of course, book the work too. This will speed up the process and give you a much better end result.

Home construction or renovation can take anywhere from a few days to several months for professional work crews to make the changes needed. It pays to preplan to maintain a great experience for all concerned.

Maid of Honor Duties: Throwing a Party Extraordinaire for Your BFF

Not everyone is born with party genes. We are not born automatically with the talent to throw extraordinary parties at the drop of a hat. However, what's important to remember is that this party isn't for you. It doesn't matter if you're not fond of big parties as long as the bride is. You are tasked to throw a party for her and not for yourself. Forget your misgivings about having a grand party or an intimate one. It's the bride's last hurrah, as they say. Make it worth their time.

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Decide on the Location, Theme, and Date

First things first. Decide on when it will be, where it will be, and what theme it will be. You know the bride well enough to be the one to throw this party for her. Make sure that it will be something that she wants to spend time on. Are you going to surprise her, or will you let her know about the plans? If a surprise party is improbable, then make sure the bride agrees to the date and time. It doesn't matter if other of her friends can't make it. What matters is her schedule permits it.

Are you going to have a three-day party or just a night of revelry? Make sure the bride knows she will be away for a couple of days if that's your plan. Remember that brides have a lot on their plates. If you're sure she can be gone for a weekend, then throw that weekend party for her.

Think Outside the Box

Forget about a nice dinner or a spa date. Those are boring bridal parties (unless, of course, that's what the bride wants). If the bride wants a big party, you can rent a vacation home or hire a superyacht boat. There's nothing like partying in the middle of the sea. Just make sure everyone follows safety precautions to avoid incidents. Also, hire some lifeguards and put everyone's safety a priority.

If budget is not a problem, should you hire her favorite band? Can you rent a mobile bar and drink to your heart's content? You can ask other members of the bride's party to chip in so that you don't have to shoulder the whole expense of hosting the party.

Plan It Weeks in Advance

You can't throw a good party in a week, much fewer days. Make sure that you think about this plan weeks before. That allows everyone in the bride's circle to cross off that date and be there. The more people can attend the party, the merrier, right? Also, you don't want the bride's last party as a single woman to be so close to her wedding. It cannot be the night before because she will look swollen and puffy if she drinks too much alcohol.

At the very least, plan it two weeks before her big day. That gives the bride enough time to recuperate. She can have her skin glowing again.

Go Easy on the Activities

Don't feel like you have to pack the night with tons of activities. This is not a tour or a trip. This is a party, so let everyone mingle and talk. You can have a jukebox and have everyone take a spin of being the DJ for the night. Activities can be exhausting to think about and execute. Do not waste your time planning a program for the bride. At the very least, all you need to do is play a couple of games. As soon as the alcohol kicks in, partying is not a problem anymore.

Be All Out on Food and Drinks

Parties are all about the food and drinks you serve. Don't stress out too much about the food you want to serve. It helps to have a theme for the food such as the Mediterranean, American comfort food, Asian, and the likes. However, it is also okay to throw in all of the brides' favorites or everything that everyone will love. Lately, grazing tables were such a hit, so make sure you have one of these.

A cocktail bar might be the most important part of the food and drinks section of party planning. You can serve vodka, tequila, and wine. Try to avoid beers because they'll make everyone feel bloated fast.

Planning a party for your BFF doesn't have to be stressful. You know her better than anyone else. This party is for her. So, as long as she enjoys it, nothing else matters.