I love the idea of a portrait rubber stamp as opposed to traditional signing my name on holiday or greeting cards. I wanted to make one for Justice as he's still too young to be able to write his name. Rubber stamps are easy for his little hand to grab and the coordination to stamp is simpler to understand and follow than writing at his age. With the stamp, he can leave a mark on notes and greeting cards himself with little guidance. After making a stamp for my holiday wrapping paper, I got a little addicted to carving and making my own rubber stamp. There's something about gliding through rubber that makes it so therapeutic. It's like carving butter. But instead of just carving out his name, I thought it'd be cute to turn his portrait into a stamp this time. It was a lot harder to carve on such a tiny surface without losing the details. Here are my step-by-step and tips for this DIY so you can also make one for your LO!

Tools and Supplies for Making Rubber Stamp:

• Japanese Rubber Block or Carving Block
• Carving tools 
• Pencil
• Paper
• Ink Pad

Japanese Rubber Block v.s. Carving Block

I used Japanese rubber block for this stamp. But any carving block meant for block printing would do as well. If you're a beginner or first-timer in carving, I recommend starting off with a Japanese block. It usually consists of 2 layers in different colours. The top thin layer is what you'd carve away. The different colours make it easy to tell which areas to carve and which to keep. It'll also prevent you from carving too deep into the block, making your stamp look even and clean. With the carving block, since it's all in one colour, it can be tricky for the brain to remember that you're actually carving out the negative space that you don't need. 

Start With a Sketch

I started by sketching a simple caricature form of Justice's face with a pencil. You can draw directly onto the block but I like to draw on a piece of paper first then transfer to the block. If you draw directly onto the block, it'll be hard to erase if you want to refine or correct a mistake. It's also important to make your portrait as simple with as little details as possible. The carving surface is small and fine lines could easily be tear apart in the carving process. After I'm happy with the drawing, I transferred it onto the rubber block by burnishing the back of the paper. 

Burnish Sketch Onto Rubber Block

To burnish the drawing, place your drawing onto the rubber block, portrait facing down. Shade the back of the paper with a pencil. The portrait will then be transferred onto the rubber block. Now, grab a v-gouge or u-gouge carving tool and start carving away all the unwanted areas. Pro-tip: carve in the direction away from your hand.

Refine your carving as needed. 

Check out my video below to see these steps in action.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ms. Ting Ting | Ting & Things (@tingandthings_)

I hope you like this DIY tutorial! If you give this a try, be sure to share your pictures with me on IG @tingandthings_ or use hashtag #diywithting. I'd love to see your version!

Happy Crafting!

Getting a glow up is a great way to give yourself a confidence boost through some extra self-care, and with it being all over social media it’s natural to want to do it! Some glow ups can get pretty pricey, but there are a lot of things you can do to look and feel better without breaking the bank. It gives your current self-care practice a little boost, and with small additions you can give yourself the feel of that extra boost.

Here are a few things you can do for whole body self-care:

Skincare

It can be overwhelming with all the different skincare products and methods out there, but with a simple boost you can give your skin a little extra TLC. Keep things simple and effective, with just essential products like a good cleanser and a few top-quality products. If you don’t already have a moisturizer and a vitamin C serum that will brighten your complexion, invest in high-quality options for these products and your skin will feel the difference.

Also, educate yourself! There is a lot of skincare tips and advice out there and it is all free. For example, check out these Blue Lagoon skincare tips, precious advice from the world-famous spa in Iceland. The more you know, the more you can try and keep an eye out for when your skin may need some adjustments.

Hair

With just a couple steps, you can give your hair an instant glow up. Start with a trim for your split ends and do an intensive hair mask. You can DIY your split ends trim at home and even make a hair mask at home with simple ingredients like coconut oil. When you’re ready for those days where you want that glow up feel, take the time to style it and you’ll get that confident boost knowing your hair looks great. It doesn’t have to be anything drastic, even just styling your hair in an intentional up-do can feel beautiful.

Body

When it comes to taking care of your body, workout consistently, get some fresh air when you can, and a light fake tan can really give your skin a new fresh look.

Teeth

Boost your smile by giving your teeth a little more attention. Stay on top of your regular cleaning and you can use a teeth whitener as you like.


Updating your wardrobe is another way to glow up! And the best part is you don’t have to spend a lot to do this. Start by clearing out and organizing your closet, dropping off donations, and go thrifting while you’re out! Organizing your current pieces to love them even more is free and you can affordably add some new favorites by thrifting or doing a clothes swap with friends.

Working from home is an option that many Americans want to have. This flexible working lifestyle is greatly desired, and it is understandable why. Many find their productivity levels are far higher than working in an office. One of the reasons for this is that they can create an environment where they feel their most productive working.


If given the option of working from home, having an office set-up can be a worthwhile investment for someone to make. For those who have not already created a home office, here are a few reasons to invest in one.

Choice To Work From Home

An obvious reason, but valid, is that having a home office allows someone to work from home. Knowing they have the space to use allows people more flexibility with their working choices. A home office provides a space a person can work from and still deliver the same quality work they would in an office. If your company does offer the opportunity to work from home, consider creating a home office. This way, you will have a space to retreat during working hours and complete all your tasks for that day.

With your home office, you block out any distractions that feature in other areas of your home. You can shut the door to help deter people from entering whilst you are working. This will help you create a quiet and peaceful place, helping you to focus better on the set tasks you need to complete.

Create Ideal Work Environment

Aside from providing the luxury of choice, creating a home office allows you to create your ideal work environment. This includes how you want your office to look, the temperature, whether you have music or not playing and even choice in what candles or room diffusers you use. All these factors can impact how productive you are when working from home.

Additionally, you can also choose what equipment you use. This is not just what laptop or PC you use to complete work; it includes the chair you sit on, your choice of desk, keyboard, mouse, and other features that you have close to your working quarters. Selecting the right items can help to impact how productive you are. Use all resources available, such as Branch’s guide on the best home office desk. Finding the best home office desk to work from can make a noticeable difference to have you work. You can feel more productive, allowing you to space out all your necessary belongings to ensure your desk does not feel too crowded.

Separate Home And Work Life

When creating a home office, consider what space in your home you have available. If you are fortunate to have a spare room, consider making it an office and a spare room. Having this space where you can close the door will help to separate home and work life. Separating the two is an issue many people have when working from home. Understandably, it isn’t easy to switch off from work when you finish the day when you are working in the same place you would usually relax. That is why separating work and home life is essential, especially when working from home.


For those without the luxury of a spare room or garage, look for alternative spaces to use. It could be your dining table or a corner of the home with the space for a desk. Avoid setting up an office in areas such as your bedroom or living space. You will want to relax in these areas after you have finished working. Setting an office up in these spaces will have an impact on you. You might find that you struggle to feel relaxed as you are now starting to associate your living room or bedroom with a place of work.

Reduces Commute Time And Spending

One issue many have with going to work is the commute. The commute to work is often one of the most time-consuming parts of working in an office. If there is traffic due to rush hour, this adds even more time to your commute, both going to work and coming home. Factoring in rush hour traffic into your commute can often mean some leave work early and go home late. In addition to this, commuting can be costly depending on your mode of transport.

When working from home, the cost of commuting and the time it takes is noticeably reduced. It allows you to minimize the times you are late for work – of course, waking up late is still an issue when working from home. Should you choose to create a home office, you give yourself the option of being able to work from home if your employer allows it.

Creating A Home Office

If the reasons mentioned above have influenced you to have a home office, you will likely begin searching for creating an office at home. If you have limited space, use guides on creating a productive working environment without a home office. All the resources available will help you achieve a space where you feel the most productive. With your chosen ideas for creating a home office, you can implement plans and bring your vision to life. You can reap the benefits of working from home with your newly done home office or office area.

Pregnancy is a beautiful miracle in progress, one which should be as painless and stress-free as possible. Unfortunately, any woman who’s ever been pregnant will tell you it’s anything but painless and stress-free! Pregnancy is nine months of almost nonstop nerve-wracking anxiety about the future coupled with the physical burdens that come with having a baby growing inside your body.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. While nobody can completely eliminate stress and anxiety from their pregnancy, pregnant women can do a number of things to mitigate the negative aspects of pregnancy. The following are 6 ways to make pregnancy as stress-free as possible.

Consult your doctor

There’s no reason to live with fear and uncertainty regarding your pregnancy. Doctors are there to answer questions and provide expert advice. But the stress-reducing value of licensed physicians is only as good as your willingness to consult them. Book an appointment as soon as possible, commit to follow-up appointments, and take what your doctor says seriously. While they might not be able to respond right away, have a way to reach them if you have any pressing questions or concerns between appointments. In doing so, you alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with uncertainty while benefiting from the uplifting nature of reassurance and support.

Bond with your unborn baby

Bonding with your unborn baby is easier than most people think. While the conversation is admittedly one-sided, simply talking to your baby throughout the day is an effective way to grow closer. You can also use an early-detection gender test and at-home fetal doppler as a way to get to know your baby better. Pay attention to when your baby kicks to see if it correlates with certain noises or environments. It could be an early indicator of their personality. These and other ways to bond with your baby will help alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of pregnancy.

Get plenty of sleep

Sleep deprivation is one of the easiest ways to feel stressed and overburdened throughout the day. While quality sleep is hard to come by the farther along you are in your pregnancy, doing what it takes to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night is essential for making pregnancy as stress-free as possible. Consider ways to improve your sleep environment, such as temperature changes, more comfortable bedding, or increased measures to keep light out in the early morning hours. Given the importance of sleep in reducing stress as well as maintaining health, achieving quality sleep should be the priority of every pregnant woman for the duration of their pregnancy.

Avoid triggers

The physical burden of pregnancy is plenty of stress imposed on your body and mind. The last thing you need is more stress coming from outside sources. With this in mind, take steps to avoid known stress triggers in your life. Avoid toxic individuals who always seem to bring drama with them. Limit the amount of cable news you watch to prevent the weight of the world from getting to you. While running away from your problems isn’t the answer, limiting your exposure to unnecessary stress is key to making your pregnancy as stress-free as possible.

Eat right

A healthy diet has been shown to help individuals reduce stress levels and increase overall happiness. With this in mind, pregnant women should stick to nutritious foods high in vitamins and minerals. While the occasional craving for something decadent is one of the fringe benefits of pregnancy and should be taken advantage of from time to time, your overall diet plan during pregnancy should be one that promotes brain health, heart health, and overall physical health.

Talk about it

The stress we bury inside never really goes away. Instead, it festers within, culminating with what is often referred to as a mental breakdown. Rather than let yourself turn into a ticking time bomb with a baby on the way, make a point to talk about what's bothering you to your partner, close friends, family, or a licensed therapist. While you don’t want to burden your loved ones with frequent venting, taking the time to talk it out in a calm and rational manner will go a long way in reducing your overall stress levels during pregnancy.

The miracle of pregnancy is a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, it also takes its toll on the body and mind. While it’s impossible to completely eradicate stress from pregnancy, there are plenty of ways to reduce stress as much as possible.

Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, family, and travel.

All work and no play make Jack and Jill a dull couple, which is why it's important to take vacations and enjoy time away from the normal hustle and bustle. Whether you take the time to travel to another city, town, state or country, or you opt to stay home for a staycation, there are ways that you can kick back and relax. It's crucial that you plan what you'll do; otherwise, you'll be at the end of your time off wondering where it all went. Don't know where to start? We can help!

Find a Relaxing Location

Let's face it, the key to relaxing is finding a place you can let it all go. Resorts, especially those with all-inclusive deals, ensure you won't have to lift a finger if you don't want to. They cater to you with meals, cocktails and an environment designed to let your stressors melt away. Maybe a resort isn't your ideal and you prefer the solitude of camping, whether in a tent in the woods or a cabin in the mountains. If you're choosing to stay home, set up a comfortable space --- such as your living area, with elements that make it easy for you to let it go. Light a candle or diffuser to set a calming effect in the room and remove any stressors.

Indulge a Little

There's nothing wrong with indulging a little; after all, you're on vacation (or staycation)! There are a few ways you can do this. Maybe eat a dessert you wouldn't normally or enjoy some margarita ice pops. Perhaps indulging for you means hitting the local shops and buying a new accessory or outfit.

Get Out and Do Things

Getting out and doing things is a great way to step out of the norm of everyday activities. Take in a concert, take the kids to an amusement park or aquarium --- just get out and do something. No matter what your budget looks like, there are options available. Typically going to the beach is free; you just might need to pay for parking, depending on the area. You could also go to a nearby park. During the summer months, some parks set up water play areas perfect for the kids (or the adventurous adult).

Read, Read, Read

If you live a fairly active life with kids, you're constantly running to extracurricular activities or have a demanding boss that doesn't know the meaning of boundaries --- even if that boss is you --- it's a good idea to just sit and relax. Grab a book, light some incense if you like and just get lost in another world. Reading is a great tool to help relieve stress.

The best part about reading is you can do it from anywhere. Most destination locations have a library, or you can download an ebook. Take your book to the beach and let the sound of the waves wash over you as you read, or sit back on your couch and pretend you're diving into another world. It doesn't matter what you read, whether it's a romance novel, a magazine featuring your favorite celebrity, or a philosophy book focusing on self-care. All that matters is you set real life aside, even for just a little while.

Each of these activities will help you achieve that break from the normal grind of everyday life. If you're heading out for your vacation, make sure you pack the essentials and get ready to have fun. If you're staying at home, put your to-do list aside and focus on just resetting. Trust me, you'll thank yourself when you're in a better mental space.

Staying healthy as we age is a goal shared by almost everybody. Proper diet and regular exercise are essential. Avoiding drugs and alcohol is equally crucial. Limiting sun exposure, getting plenty of sleep, and keeping our minds sharp with hobbies and interests are also important. What else can be done?

While there’s no magic potion for staying healthy forever, several supplements have been shown to boost health and promote healthy aging. The following are seven to consider incorporating into your daily self-care regimen:

Collagen

The natural production of the protein responsible for keeping skin smooth and taut - known as collagen - slows as we age. The result is reduced skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles. Incorporating a collagen supplement into your daily regimen may help slow down the physical signs of aging. Collagen can be found naturally in foods, but many people turn to skin creams and capsules containing collagen as a way to keep their skin looking youthful for as long as possible.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is one of the most widely consumed health supplements available. It’s no surprise, given its long list of supposed benefits. Studies suggest fish oil helps promote heart health, improve memory, and even help us protect our eyesight as we age. The anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil have also been documented, as well as evidence suggesting the supplement helps improve bone health. It all adds up to fish oil being a useful supplement for those concerned about staying healthy as they get older.

Crocin

The spice known as saffron is one of the most valuable substances on earth. The primary reason for its high demand is its use in culinary circles, especially in India and Spain. However, saffron also contains the carotenoid known as crocin. Used as a supplement, crocin has been shown to reduce inflammation and provide protection against UV light. Other studies suggest crocin can even help prevent age-related cognitive decline, making it a useful anti-aging supplement.

Coenzyme Q10

Like collagen, your body produces its own coenzyme Q10, commonly referred to as CoQ10. It’s an antioxidant used by the body to safeguard against cellular damage. CoQ10 may also play a role in maintaining low cholesterol and healthy blood sugar levels. But as we age, natural CoQ10 production slows. Fortunately, red yeast rice with CoQ10 and similar products provides the body with a sufficient replacement. Simply mix a packet into your favorite beverage once a day to start getting the health benefits of coenzyme Q10!

Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is one of the most widely consumed supplements on the planet. That’s because the human body doesn’t create its own supply, requiring individuals to get vitamin C through various foods and drinks. Low levels of vitamin C can lead to scurvy in extreme cases, but the most common health risks associated with insufficient levels of vitamin C include arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. With this in mind, it’s essential for older folks to make sure they’re getting plenty of vitamin C in their diet, either through foods like citrus fruit or daily supplements.

Resveratrol

Another antioxidant found in various berries as well as red wine, resveratrol has been shown to promote longevity by triggering the production of an enzyme known as sirtuin. While further studies are required to bolster the correlation between resveratrol and living longer, existing evidence is promising.

Magnesium

The list of health and wellness benefits of magnesium is seemingly endless. It’s been linked to reduced risk of diabetes, stronger bones, better cardiovascular health, migraine mitigation, and managing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS. While PMS management becomes less of a concern as we get older, the other health benefits of magnesium seem like a perfect fit for those looking to protect health and wellness as they age.

Who doesn’t want to stay as healthy as possible as they age? Doing so is easier said than done but not impossible. While diet, exercise, sleep, and overall clean living are key to making it happen, the secret ingredient may turn out to be one or more of these supplements.

Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, finance, and travel.

With everything happening in the world today, everyone deserves a little time off. But chances are it’s been a while since your last vacation. As a result, your vacation packing skills might be a little rusty.

The last thing any traveller wants is to arrive at their scenic destination and realize they forgot essential items back home. While you might be able to track down substitutes and replacements, that’s contingent on where you are and what you plan to do during your trip.

With this in mind, let’s go over packing essentials for your next trip:

Documentation

Which travel documents you need will depend on where you’re from and where you’re going. Generally speaking, international travellers will need an up-to-date passport. With this in mind, make sure you remember to bring your passport! You may also need to bring proof of vaccination against COVID-19. It’s also smart to bring a copy of your passport and any other documentation you need to bring. That way in the event one or more documents are lost or stolen, you have backups to take to the nearest embassy.

Clothing

Chances are you won’t forget to pack clothes for your trip. But what about the right clothing? Something as simple as forgetting to pack socks can cause major disruptions to your long overdue vacation. There’s also the matter of comfort; pack clothing you not only want to wear but like to wear. From mens loungewear for him to comfy sundresses for her, the key is packing clothes that not only look great but feel great as well. Check your destination to narrow down the list of must-have clothing in order to suit the climate upon arrival; you don’t want to bring a wool sweater to Tahiti or Bermuda shorts to Moscow.

Footwear

Most travel plans involve a lot of walking. All those steps add up to lots of foot pain if you’re wearing the wrong footwear. Rather than choosing which shoes you bring based on style, make a point to pack shoes you know won’t kill your feet. Sneakers, sandals, and flats for the win! Consider packing a pair of espadrilles if you’re planning on going somewhere nice during your stay, as they’re the perfect blend of formal and functional.

Technology

You probably won’t make it out the front door before realizing you left your iPhone on the bedside table. But what about chargers, adapters, and your Apple Watch? Write a list of all essential technology and check them off one by one as they make it into your luggage. The list should include every powered device you plan to bring on your trip, whether it’s a sound machine, laptop, or e-reader.

Self-Care

What counts as self-care varies from one person to another. However, it’s safe to say the list includes toiletries, medications, and anything else you plan on keeping on and around the hotel bathroom sink. It might be a good time to think about self-care products you don’t normally use but sound ideal for vacation. Examples include bubble bath mix, melatonin gummies, and detoxifying cleansers. You may even want to buy a face mask kit for the trip.

Distractions

Long-distance travel is a mix of excitement and tedium. The lulls come in the form of long flights, layovers, and waiting for the train to pull into the station. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to pack plenty of distractions. Books, mobile video game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, and access to your favorite streaming services are just some examples to consider. It might seem like a waste of space when you’re still home imagining all the fun you’ll be having in the days ahead, but distractions will prove their worth when the realities of travel set in.

Many people have put their vacations on hold for the past two years. But with the pandemic waning and borders reopening, now’s the time to book your next travel experience. But before you head off to the airport, remember to pack everything you need. Once you’re on the other side of the world, it’s too late!

Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, finance, and travel.

Hotel accommodations are one of the largest expenses for couples planning a honeymoon. Unless you don’t mind a sub-par motel, you’ll have to pay several hundred dollars a night to enjoy your time away. Of course, there are other options like vacation rentals, but they too can be pricey and hard to find. Fortunately, housesitting provides a practical solution.

There are property owners that will pay couples to watch their home for several weeks. Housesitting is ideal because it’s a free place to stay and puts a little extra cash in your pocket to spend on your honeymoon. The idea of remaining in one spot as you immerse yourself in the culture sounds terrific. It provides you with the opportunity to live like a local and explore the area.


Before you get lost in the idea of wedding sparklers for send off and your airport departure, there are some things you should know to ensure your experience is a good one. Continue reading to learn more.

Required Documentation

Depending on your honeymoon destination (and where you reside), you may need additional documentation to take on a long-term housesitting project. For example, if you’re traveling internationally, you will need a travel visa for your extended-stay.


Consider getting an international driver’s license unless you plan on using other means of transportation. Lastly, you’ll need updated medical paperwork and shot/vaccination records. As it can take several weeks to obtain these essential documents, you should start well in advance.

Local Culture

Housesitting during your honeymoon means you’ll be spending more time in local neighbourhoods and communities. If you’re going to adjust properly, you must learn about the culture. What is the native language? Are there certain religious or cultural beliefs about what you wear or how you should interact with others? The last thing you want to do is offend anyone while you’re in a foreign place. Also, find out the local laws, so you don’t end up in legal trouble far away from home.

Everyday Needs

While bringing things like lingerie, beach gear, fancy attire, cosmetics, and a few mood-setters like flowers, candles, and 36 inch sparklers are common, you’ll need more things to enjoy your extended honeymoon. If you want to further save on your honeymoon, you’ll need access to everyday products and services. Whether it’s the grocery store or the local gym, you want to ensure that you can access everything you need. Fortunately, you can use applications to help you search for everything from haircuts and weaves in San Diego to nearby gas stations and doctor’s offices in the UK. Knowing all of this in advance will ensure that you don’t get lost once you arrive.

Your Budget

The house sitting gig will provide you with some income, but is it enough to live on for the next few weeks or months? Though you don’t have to pay for hotel accommodations, there are other expenses you’ll have to keep in mind. For starters, you’ll need to pay for food and transportation. You should also have room in the budget to participate in activities while you’re away.

If you have financial obligations back home, you’ll need to factor those expenses into your budget as well. If your budget is tight, research ways to save on long-term trips. Whether you use coupons, cook all your meals at home, or find affordable places to shop, every penny saved can make your honeymoon more affordable.

Income Streams

If it turns out that your house sitting gig won’t cover the costs of your extended honeymoon, you’ll need to think about other income sources. There are lots of companies that hire people temporarily that are worth looking into. Remember, you’ll need to have the right paperwork.

If you don’t plan on working retail or a traditional 9 to 5, you can always make money at home. You can start a travel blog, become a freelance writer, design websites, answer surveys, manage social media accounts, sell your photographs, and so much more. Research in advance to figure out what you’ll need to get started and how much you can expect to make to ensure your needs are covered.

Who wouldn’t love to say that they stayed in Southeast Asia, London, or even San Diego for a few weeks or months? While traditionally, this would be an expensive feat, taking on long-term house sitting gigs can make your dreams a reality. You can honeymoon wherever you’d like, explore different cultures, live like a local, meet new people, and try new things while earning a living. Before heading off on your long-term excursion, ensure that you’ve researched the above factors to ensure your experience is worthwhile.