Month: May 2024

Our Blog

How to Organise a Child Funeral

A child funeral is a way to honour the life of a baby or child who has died. It is an opportunity to say goodbye in a way that feels right to the family. This can help children and their parents come to terms with the death and find ways to move forward in their lives. If the decision is to have a ceremony for your child it’s important that you talk to them about what will happen and answer their questions in a way that they understand. It’s also important to give them the option to choose if they want to attend or not. Children are still children first and they may decide on the day of the funeral that it is too difficult or that they would like to leave early. This is completely normal. If they choose to stay and are upset it’s helpful to have a trusted adult with them who can comfort them and take them out of the setting for breaks. When a child decides to go to the service they will probably be very interested in what will happen and will have many questions. If possible, allow them to visit the funeral home and other venues before the event so that they know what to expect. This can make them feel more comfortable and it gives them an opportunity to express their feelings before the services begin. It can be useful to explain that other people will be sad and happy, that it’s ok to cry, and that there will be times when they might laugh too. Depending on your child’s age and personality you may wish to involve them in the planning of the funeral or memorialisation ceremony. For very young children, this might include deciding how they would like to be dressed for the funeral and choosing photos or other items to put in their coffin or on display. For older children, they might like to write a poem or letter for their sibling or choose music to play during the ceremony. It is also possible to arrange a memory book where friends and family can record their memories of your child. You may choose to have a small ceremony at the funeral home or other venue to say goodbye to your child in the presence of close family and friends before arranging for their burial or cremation. You will need to discuss this with your funeral director or celebrant. For a full religious service, it’s a good idea to invite your child’s friends and siblings to join in the ceremony. This can be a very moving experience for everyone involved and it can be comforting for your child to know that they have their family members and friends with them. Some families prefer to have their child or baby buried or cremated within their own family cemetery or garden. This allows them to have a private farewell that can be a very healing experience. It is important to discuss this with your funeral director or celebrant and to ask them to provide a personalised ceremony.

Our Blog

Baby Clothing Essentials

For newborns, there are few things more essential than soft, breathable clothes. Their skin is sensitive and they don’t regulate temperature as well as adults, so clothes made of natural fabrics that breathe are the best choice. They also help reduce the risk of irritants that can lead to itching and other health issues, which is especially important given how often newborns need to be changed for diaper changes. In general, it’s helpful to have a few basics on hand in different colors and patterns that can be mixed-and-matched to build a baby wardrobe. Pre-matched sets like Target’s Cat & Jack line are a great option, and come in coordinating sizes that will make it easy to get your new little one dressed. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive collection of newborn outfits, Honest Baby Clothing offers an array of clothes in different sizes and styles that are all made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. The brand has a full range of apparel, from dresses to tops to bottoms to rompers, and they come in many different color options as well. The outfits are designed to grow with your baby, and are made with zippers that can be opened and closed for easier dressing. During the first month, it’s also good to have a few wrap-bodies and bodysuits on hand. Unlike traditional tees, these baby outfits have fasteners between the crotch that make it easy to change a diaper. They’re also a great choice for warm weather because they allow your newborn to stay cool without restricting their movement or causing overheating. Once your baby is a little older, it’s important to have several sweaters and coats on hand in case of colder weather. You’ll need at least one light jacket and possibly another heavier jacket depending on where you live, as well as a few sweaters to layer with when it gets colder. A cozy fleece, a pair of wool boots and an extra pair of socks are also a good idea. For nighttime, you’ll want to stock up on a few pairs of footie pajamas. These adorable outfits are a comfortable way for your infant to sleep and keep them toasty warm during the night. They’re also a great choice if you plan to attend family functions because they let your baby look dapper, while still providing warmth and covering up their legs for rugburn protection. Baby clothes can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. Many retailers offer discounts on larger baby sizes, and it’s often easy to find used newborn clothing online on sites like Poshmark and ThredUP. If you do end up buying new clothing, it’s also a good idea to purchase at least one size larger than what your baby is currently wearing so that they can wear the garments for longer. Inconsistent sizing is common in newborn clothing, so don’t be afraid to try on some clothes and shop around before making a purchase.

Our Blog

Burial Gowns For Babies

As the grieving process continues, families must make many practical decisions. One is what clothes to dress their loved ones in at the funeral or memorial service and burial. Although a traditional suit or formal dress are common choices for men and women, there is also an option for a more casual outfit. And, for babies, there are a variety of handmade baby funeral gowns available for those who want to honor their life with a special outfit that will be a remembrance of their brief time on earth. As with clothing worn during the funeral or memorial service, the attire for a burial is important in that it can be symbolic of their personality and style. For example, a loved one may have been known for always wearing certain styles of dresses or skirts. Choosing an outfit that will be a special reminder of their style in death can help to bring comfort to the family members. Burial gowns can be made of a variety of materials, but they are typically soft and satin-like to provide dignity for the deceased. They are usually designed to be straightforward for the funeral director to dress the body in and can be a unisex design. There are also garments that resemble smart night gowns or pyjamas, and these are often used for older people or those who may have lost a great deal of weight. These garments can be designed to be a more formal wear and are available in a range of appealing fabrics and colours. For babies, there are many different options that can be made from repurposed wedding dresses or from new fabric designed specifically for infants. Some of these gowns are tailored to be a unisex style, while others have a religious motif or are used for babies who will be buried in the Catholic faith. There are even a number of organisations that create handmade baby burial gowns from donated materials such as old t-shirts and jeans. In shrouding cultures such as observant Jewish and Muslim communities, there is a strict order of dressing that includes specific garments and shroud pieces (sometimes gender specific), an elaborate way to tie the knots, and prescribed prayers and songs. However, for most people, there is no need to be so rigid when deciding on the clothing for their loved ones. If you are planning ahead for your own green burial, it is best to choose a natural fiber garment that will be biodegradable and sustainable. This will ensure that you are preserving the environment, reducing the waste that goes into landfills, and supporting local economies. It is also recommended that you avoid synthetic or silk fibres, which can be harmful to the earth and your loved one in a similar manner as plastics.

Our Blog

Donate Wedding Dresses

Whether you’ve never worn your wedding gown, are planning to get married again or are just a little bit too old for it now, donating your dress can make someone else’s day. Plus, it will declutter your closet and give you a tax deduction. When you donate your wedding dress, you can be sure it’ll find a good home. The charity shops that accept them can’t possibly go through all the dresses, so they’re usually very selective. Most of them will only take your dress if it’s still in good condition and not too outdated, so sorry ‘80s brides! Some charities use your wedding dress as part of a bigger project, such as creating bereavement gowns for newborns who pass away at an early age. This project is a great way to recycle your wedding dress and bring some comfort to families who have lost a child. Others repurpose your wedding dress to create something new, such as a veil, cape or even a handbag. You could also use your wedding dress to frame a photograph or hang it on a mannequin to keep as a memento of your special day. Alternatively, some charities will sell your wedding dress so you can get a little extra cash for it. It’s important to research the companies and charities that sell used wedding dresses before you buy, as some will charge high prices for your gown. It’s also important to clean your wedding dress before selling it to ensure it’s in a decent condition and free of stains. One bridal boutique with a heart that accepts wedding dress donations is Cherie Amour in Maryland. The organization takes gowns up to five years old and donates them to other nonprofits. They’ve donated over 300 dresses since 2013. Another option for those interested in donating their wedding dress is Brides Across America. This nonprofit outfits military and first responder brides with the wedding dress of their dreams. They’ve given away over 2,000 dresses since 2008, and they’re accepting gowns through their Operation Wedding Gown event this fall. If you don’t want to donate your wedding dress, but it’s not quite time to say goodbye, it can be kept in a safe storage space. But it’s best to wash your gown before storing it so that the fabric doesn’t deteriorate. This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when some fabrics and items can develop mold if not cleaned in advance. The more you keep your wedding gown, the more it will lose value over time, so donating your dress can be the best way to get rid of it. If you decide to store it, be sure it’s in an acid-free box or plastic wrap to keep it safe from damage. You can also put it in a dress bag for additional protection.

Our Blog

Angel Gowns – A Small Symbol of Hope

For families coping with the unimaginable loss of their infants, these special garments called angel gowns can offer a small bit of comfort in their strife. They’re crafted from donated wedding dresses and are offered free of charge to families who have suffered the heartache of losing their child before, during or shortly after birth. The gowns are designed by volunteer seamstresses who turn wedding dresses into one-of-a-kind burial outfits. They’re given to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes for parents to dress their babies in for final photos or for their memorial services. And although they are only a small gesture to those in need, the gowns have become a symbol of hope. In 2014, Judi Gibson was a registered nurse at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. When she read an article in a local newspaper that a registered nurse in her town was recruiting seamstresses to make tiny gowns for newborns who died during or shortly after delivery, she knew she could help. Despite her own loss, Gibson’s family and church members rallied around her to support the cause. But she soon realized that her small effort was insufficient to meet the tremendous need. She recruited her friend Edith Martin to join her team and started what’s now known as Hillary’s Cherished Gowns. Judi and her team have made hundreds of gowns to date. The number grows each year. But they’re limited by their sewing space and by the number of families who need them. So if you know of someone who would like to get involved, please share this story, and let them know about the program’s website. Northridge Hospital recently received its first box of angel gowns and is incredibly grateful for the work that these volunteers do. Their dedication is inspiring to us all. The Northridge Hospital angel gowns are a gift from the community of San Pedro, CA. The first angel gown donation came from a woman named Brandy. Her daughter Karolina lived for only four days. During those days, her mom and dad adored her and made many precious memories. And it was these memories that helped her heal. Stacy Wright, a Grandview United Methodist member from Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, also serves with the group. She was inspired after her own experience of grief after the death of her baby boy. In addition to volunteering with the group, she has been an active parent leader at her school and works full-time as a pediatric occupational therapist. She also enjoys her role as a wife and mother to three young children.

Our Blog

A Child Funeral is a Way of Saying Goodbye

When a child passes away, the parents and other loved ones are faced with an extremely difficult decision. One of the most important decisions that is often made is to have a funeral service, a memorial or some other way of remembering and saying goodbye. This is often the first time a child has to face death and it can be a very overwhelming experience for them. A child funeral is a way of saying goodbye in a way that’s more meaningful and appropriate for the child, their family and friends. It can take different forms and be held in any setting that is comfortable for the family. This may be at the graveside, a funeral venue, in the garden or somewhere else that is meaningful. It can involve family and close friends in a farewell ceremony or simply include a few people they know. It can be as long or short as it takes and it’s a time to share photos, anecdotes and memories. If a child is going to attend the funeral, make sure they are aware that it will be very quiet and that they need to sit still for a while. It’s also a good idea to explain what will happen: where they will go, who they will see and why it is happening. The more prepared they are the less they will be fearful of what will be happening. It’s especially important to be honest if the child will be seeing their sibling in a casket. It’s best to offer a clear explanation that their sibling’s body will be in a coffin or a container, that it won’t be cold and that it is their sibling’s body but they don’t need to touch it. It’s also a good idea if you can to reassure the child that their sibling doesn’t feel any pain anymore and if they are uncomfortable with the sight of their body it’s okay for them to leave the funeral or memorial service at any time. Children of this age often have lots of questions and can feel overwhelmed during a funeral or memorial service, even when there is plenty of reassurance that it’s okay to be sad. It’s often helpful to have someone with them who can read a book, play with a favourite toy or take them outside if they need a break. It’s often a good idea to give the children of this age an opportunity to participate in the funeral service by lighting a candle, placing a flower or writing a message on a message board or matted picture frame. It can help them process their feelings and it gives them a sense of ownership over the event. It’s a good idea to ask them about their favourite things about the person who has died so they can feel like they are contributing something positive to the service and that it is for them too. Children can also be involved in a service by helping to choose the music, reading prayers or a tribute poem.

Our Blog

Buying Baby Clothing For All Seasons

As any parent knows, babies can get very messy and need clothes that are durable enough for everyday wear and easy to wash. Organic cotton and other sustainable fabrics are ideal because they are breathable and help regulate body temperature, which is crucial for infants with sensitive skin (especially if they’re sleep deprived). They also don’t contain harsh chemicals or dyes that could irritate your baby’s delicate skin. Look for fabrics that are certified to the GOTS standard or OEKO-TEX, which ensures that the entire manufacturing process — from harvesting the fibers to printing the designs — has been tested for harmful chemicals. Also be sure to check out the label for care instructions. The best way to keep your baby’s clothes clean and safe is to choose items that can be worn with a diaper underneath, which reduces the number of clothing changes and the amount of laundry you’ll need to do. Consider buying a few pieces of baby clothing that are in larger sizes than your infant is currently wearing, to prepare for growth spurts. For example, a newborn can fit into 0-3 months outfits right up to about eight pounds, so stocking up on some of those can save time and money as you do more frequent loads of laundry. In warmer weather, focus on lightweight and breathable baby clothes like one-piece rompers made of cotton or bamboo. Pair them with a blanket to wrap up your little bundle of joy, and don’t forget a cute hat to protect their head from the sun. When the temperature drops, opt for heavier knit clothing like a baby sweater or cardigan, which will keep your little one warm without overheating. You might also consider a bunting, which is designed to keep your baby warm in cold weather and usually includes a hood. If you plan to take your baby out in the rain or on breezy days, a raincoat or windbreaker is an essential. A winter hat is also a good idea to keep your baby warm, while a summer hat or sleeveless dress can keep them cool and comfy. A muslin blanket is an essential, too; it’s the perfect size to drape over your baby for a photo shoot or to cover their stroller or car seat when they need some extra shade from the sun. And don’t forget a set of photo-ready outfits for those first special occasions, including their first holiday. You might even want to grab a coming-home outfit for those sweet newborn photos.

Our Blog

Burial Gowns

The choice of clothing for a funeral or memorial service can be an emotional part of the planning process. A burial gown is a cloth garment that is worn over the body of the deceased as a final act of love and respect. The attire is typically dark in color, but the specific style can vary depending on the individual’s personality or what the family feels most comfortable with. If your loved one’s death was unexpected, you may not have much time to shop for a new outfit for them in the days leading up to their funeral. If this is the case, you can check with your local children’s hospital to see if they have any gently used infant clothing that could be used for burial, or contact a charitable organization that makes handmade garments for babies. Many of these organizations accept donations from people with sewing skills who wish to contribute their work. Burial gowns are also often referred to as funeral dresses, pyjamas or night gowns. They are made from fabrics such as satin, silk, chiffon or velvet. Some have ribbons and bows, and others are simple in design. They are designed to be easy for families to dress their baby in and to protect them while they are being cared for. Some of the more popular brands of burial gowns are created by a group of volunteers who meet on a regular basis to design and sew these special garments. They are available in a wide range of sizes, styles and colors. Many of the fabrics are embroidered with names and dates, which helps to personalize the gown. They are often created from materials that are both ecologically produced and biodegradable, making them ideal for green funerals. Whether you decide to buy or make your own burial gown, you should be aware that some funeral homes have their own policies regarding what is allowed in the casket with the body. For example, some will not allow shoes. This is usually to prevent people from taking the shoes after the service and keeping them as a memento of the person, which some feel violates the spirit of the funeral. While it is perfectly normal to put personal effects into the casket with the deceased, you should be mindful of what your loved ones’ wishes would be. If your mom always wore her favorite fox fur coat and you can’t reconcile your differences, maybe that should stay in the closet for another occasion. In addition to clothes, you can use other items such as stuffed animals, dolls or blankets to help memorialize your loved one at their funeral. Those who want to take a more natural approach can choose to wear a shroud that is made from linen, which is biodegradable and free of synthetic linings and buttons. This type of garment can be purchased from a number of online vendors. Alternatively, some green funeral sites recommend a burial shroud made from cotton or wool.

Our Blog

Rahasia Jitu Rumus Togel Macau: Keluaran Terupdate & Prediksi Togel Hari Ini!

Dalam dunia perjudian, togel Macau menjadi salah satu permainan yang begitu populer dan diminati oleh banyak orang. Dengan berbagai keluaran terupdate setiap harinya, para pemain togel Macau selalu mencari prediksi yang akurat untuk meningkatkan peluang menang mereka. Macau pools menjadi tempat terpercaya untuk mencari data terkini mengenai hasil togel Macau hari ini dan memantau perkembangan Macau prize. Selain itu, hadir pula toto Macau dan togel online sebagai opsi bermain yang semakin memudahkan para penggemar togel Macau dalam memasang taruhan. Jadi, tidak heran jika togel hari ini selalu menjadi topik yang hangat diperbincangkan di kalangan pecinta judi togel. Metode Prediksi Togel Macau Pertama, metode prediksi togel Macau yang paling umum digunakan adalah dengan menganalisis data keluaran sebelumnya. Dengan melihat pola angka yang sering muncul, pemain bisa mencoba membuat prediksi untuk hasil togel Macau berikutnya. Selain itu, banyak pemain togel Macau juga mengandalkan tafsir mimpi sebagai salah satu metode prediksi. Mereka percaya bahwa mimpi yang dialami dapat memberikan petunjuk tentang angka-angka yang akan keluar di togel Macau. Terakhir, ada juga metode prediksi togel Macau yang mengandalkan feeling atau insting pemain. Beberapa orang percaya bahwa dengan mendengarkan intuisi mereka, mereka dapat melakukan prediksi yang akurat untuk memenangkan togel Macau. data macau Pengeluaran Togel Macau Hari Ini Hari ini, keluaran togel Macau menjadi sorotan para pecinta togel online. Banyak yang menantikan data terupdate dari Macau pools untuk meraih kemenangan besar. Dengan informasi keluaran terbaru dari Macau hari ini, pemain togel dapat membuat prediksi yang lebih akurat. Data Macau prize menjadi acuan utama dalam strategi taruhan togel online. Tidak hanya sekadar angka keluaran, togel Macau hari ini juga melibatkan faktor keberuntungan para pemain. Dengan menyimak hasil toto Macau, diharapkan setiap pemain dapat mengoptimalkan peluang menangnya. Strategi Menang Togel Online Untuk meningkatkan peluang menang dalam permainan togel online, penting untuk memahami pola keluaran togel sebelumnya. Analisis data macau hari ini dapat membantu dalam merumuskan prediksi yang lebih akurat untuk taruhan Anda. Selain itu, memilih situs togel online yang tepercaya dan terjamin keamanannya juga sangat penting. Pastikan situs tersebut memiliki reputasi yang baik dan telah terbukti membayar hadiah kepada para pemenang togel secara adil. Terakhir, tetaplah disiplin dalam pengelolaan modal dan jangan terlalu terbawa emosi saat bermain togel online. Menetapkan batasan kerugian dan kemenangan serta mengikuti strategi taruhan yang konsisten dapat membantu menjaga stabilitas keuangan Anda dalam jangka panjang.

Our Blog

Top 5 Places to Donate Wedding Dresses

Weddings are a magical event, but for many brides the expense of buying a new dress is not feasible. Fortunately, the gown you wore on your big day can still have a meaningful impact on another bride. You can donate your wedding dress, and the proceeds will go to help fund charity projects that benefit women around the world. According to Zola, a green online wedding planning site, there are many ways you can give your gown the second life it deserves. You can sell your dress, but there are also plenty of charities and bridal stores that will accept dresses for donation. The key is to find one that matches your values and that you can easily reach with a quick phone call or email. Reselling your wedding dress can be a great way to make money, but it’s time-consuming and requires a lot of work. Finding a reputable retailer, getting it professionally cleaned and mended and taking high-quality photos are just a few of the steps involved. Plus, you’ll need to set aside some space in your home for storage. If all of that sounds like too much work for you, consider donating your dress instead. Most charity shops and thrift stores will clean your wedding dress before reselling it or donating it to a cause. However, it’s best to contact the organization before you drop off your dress. It will help save you time, and ensure that your donation goes to the right place. Here are a few of the top places to donate your wedding dress: The Bridal Garden will accept your gown for donation and use the proceeds to fund educational programs for children in New York City’s poorest communities. This non-profit organization has donated more than $4 million to date, and you can make your gown’s second life even more special by donating it to this worthy cause. The Brides Project is a non-profit that sells donated wedding dresses to raise funds for breast cancer causes. It also supports other women-focused nonprofits. It has bridal showrooms in Portland and Seattle, Washington, and Sacramento, California that resell the donated dresses. If you have a newer dress from 2016 or later, you can donate it to this organization. The resale proceeds will be invested in international non-profits that focus on empowering and educating vulnerable young women to allow them to choose their own future. This Texas-based charity will transform your dress into an infant burial gown, or Angel Gown, for families who have lost a baby in the NICU. You can donate your dress through a donation form on the website or by calling the nonprofit to book an appointment.