INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Pick a color other than black so the collar and sleeves really pop. If you are feeling experimental, add a men’s button-down top over your dress to create an interesting structure and block coloring. Opt for a throwback to 90’s grunge by tying a plaid, button down flannel around your waist. Pair it with chunky black boots for the full effect. Try an oversized sweater, a button-down cardigan, or a tighter shrug. Use your sweater to add a pop of color to your outfit. Create a casual style that will double as an extra layer in case the weather gets cold. Add an edge to your sophisticated look when you wear a jacket over your LBD for an evening on the town. Go for a tailored jacket to make the silhouette of your dress seem new. Choose the unexpected with a military jacket or give off a cool, tough vibe with a leather bomber jacket. Add a bohemian flair with faux fur. Try different colors and lengths to find the best size and fit for you. Faux fur is a very bold and eye catching material so be careful not to clutter your look. If you choose a faux fur jacket, make your other accessories minimal. Break up the monochromatic palette  of your dress with a long, bold coat. A bright green floor-length or a floral mid-calf length coat is perfect to draw attention away from an older dress that you may have gotten sick of.

SUMMARY: Add a women’s button-down top under your dress for a preppy new look. Wear a sweater for a relaxed look. Pick your favorite mid sized jacket. Try a faux-fur jacket. Go for a long printed or colorful coat.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Having your child take a bath before sleeping will help their body to unwind. The warm water also makes your child’s temperature rise artificially. The contrast between their bathtime temperature and the temperature of the room can help induce sleep. Make sure your child has enough blankets and pillows to feel warm, protected, and comfortable. Close the windows and curtains if possible. While having their favorite stuffed animal nearby is great, avoid crowding their bed with too many toys. They could feel a less familiar one in the night and become scared. Whether a blanket or a stuffed animal, having an object that makes your child feel safe is important. If they can cling to their object when they wake, thay can calm themself. Aim for something soft and preferably washable. Some parents purchase two or three of the same items so that one is always available. Before your child goes to sleep, read a few children’s books. This will help them become calm. Avoid any graphic or scary stories that might upset them. Also, avoid scary TV programming. Focus on creating a mood of happiness prior to sleep. If you are religious, have your child say their prayers before sleeping. They can express any concerns they might have and ask for good dreams. This is also a good time to find out what is troubling your child. If you are not religious, consider having your child make wishes. For example, they could wish for sweet dreams or a fun day in art class tomorrow. You can help to make your child feel more secure by doing something together that will help to prevent bad dreams. Have your child help you develop this activity and add the activity to your child's nighttime routine.  For example, you could create a special "anti-monster" spray and spritz it around the room right before your child goes to bed. Have your child help you make the spray using some distilled water and a few drops of a relaxing essential oil, such as lavender. Another option is to go to the bedroom window and bring down an imaginary shade or bars to keep out bad dreams. Let your child know you are doing this by saying something like, "I am going to lower the anti-nightmare shield now, so you will be safe from them while you sleep!" Then, pantomime lowering a shade over the window.

SUMMARY: Give your child a bath. Create a cozy sleeping atmosphere. Help your child connect with a security object. Read happy stories. Say prayers or wishes. Banish bad dreams with a fun activity.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Before you begin the adoption process you’ll want to make sure that you are prepared emotionally and financially to begin the process. Spend some time thinking about why you want to adopt a child. It’s a good idea to write down your reasons and reflect on them.  You might write down that you want to provide a child with a good home. You might also note that you feel that you are ready to love and take care of a child. Don’t adopt a child if you are doing so to try to fix another relationship in your life. Another bad reason is that you are trying to fulfill some societal expectation. You’ve heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. You might not need an entire village, but you will absolutely need support. If you are in a relationship, make sure that you and your partner are on the same page. An adoption won’t work if you are not both committed. Talk openly and honestly about your thoughts on how to raise kids. Show your hopes and fears about how a child will change your life. You should also talk to other family members. You want your child to be able to grow up in a loving and supportive family. Communicate your desire to adopt, and ask for their support. You’ll need to think long term before you begin the adoption process. If you adopt a baby, you’ll need to be thinking 18 years into the future. Consider things such as:  Whether you will raise your child in a certain religion. What type of child care provider you will use and how much you can afford to pay. How you want your child to be educated. Adoption can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. However, it is important to be aware that the process can be lengthy and even frustrating. You might, for example, become attached to a foster child who is eventually reunited with their birth parents. Be prepared to deal with this sort of challenge. Understand that many adoptions can also be financially costly.

SUMMARY:
Write down your reasons for wanting to adopt a child. Make sure you have a support system. Ask yourself if you are ready for the responsibility. Consider whether you are ready to go through the lengthy process.