Life Lessons You Are A Story 7:00 PM Everyone is a story. Each vital to the world. You are a story. That person you sat beside on the bus or train, that little girl you saw sitting on her mom's lap at the park, that guy smoking a cigarette from the building across your office, or the homeless man you pass by every day near the subway, or the lady who got off the elevator as you're about to get in. All of them has a special story waiting to tell. They are stories for everyone to read. You are a story yourself. The world needs to hear your story more than you'll ever know. They need to know your joys and heartaches. They need to learn your lessons. People need to see your scars to know that their wounds will someday heal too. They need to know they're not alone in their journey because someone out there is exactly on the same page. Or has been through what they're going through. Make your story a beautiful one. One that even when you leave the world, those who have been privileged to get to know you will continue to tell with fondness and joy. Don't leave the world confused because they're not sure which part of your story is true and which is just a show. Don't leave the world worse than when you get here. Aspire to live in such a way that strangers would wonder if there are more like you, and inspire them to be like you to another stranger. Live in such a way that people will miss your absence, not rejoice over it. Live in such a way that if you are a book, people will not only give you a five star review, but will keep re-reading your story. That if someone asks them for a recommendation, they will recommend your story. Your story need not be known all over the world (although if you can, why not?). As long as those around you are inspired and blessed by it, you're good. Mother Teresa said, "Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." Never underestimate your story. If it can change one person, it can change the world. If you like this blog post about life and love, please share the article using the social media buttons below or on the left. Thanks!
Travels Something About Travel and Snorkeling 12:09 PM Snorkelling is an under-the-sea activity that involves viewing the underwater depths with the help of a snorkel, a proper diving mask and swim-fins. This happens in shallow water where you get to watch the life under the sea for a long period of time. The best part it; you do not need any sort of physical effort. The sport happens in calm and warm seas where the water is clear. The best spots are the amazing coral reefs and the rich seabed. Something About Travel and Snorkeling How you can do snorkeling You can do it from the water surface without any oxygen cylinders and there is no need to go under the waters. Therefore there is no nervousness involved. You do not need a guide; you can explore the seabed on your own. This activity does not cost any huge amount so a lot of tourists can take part. It’s fit for any age provided you are fit. Snorkeling gears Masks are available in various shapes and sizes so try buying/renting the best full face snorkel mask. The mask is supposed to fit perfectly so that it does not leak at all. Don’t settle for a fogging mask or else you won’t be able to see through. When it comes to buying masks, you will be spoilt for choices. The main consideration is the glass quality and the strap. There are masks that come with digital cameras and video recorders. This is great because it helps to capture underwater images. Now try getting a dry snorkel that comes with a splash guard. Water dripping down the snorkel is a real bad experience. Have fins that fit you just right and do not hurt. Fin is a floating device, a life jacket. These are designed to save lives but there is another advantage as well. You need to work lesser while you are swimming helping you to focus on exploring. If you are doing it for the first time, practice well with your gears and know the skills. The location factor Location plays a major role so if you are indulging for the first time, chooses an interesting but calm location. It can be a bit tough for you to jump off from the boat so better go from the beach. Do not touch any underwater life, treat the ocean well. A good location is all that matters because relaxation should be the aim. If you are not used to snorkeling before, doing breathing practice is a must. You can do this before in a pool or in any shallow water. The breathing should neither be too light or too deep, just accurate. Once you practice and feel confident, go for it. Cleaning the snorkel Cleaning the snorkel needs quite a practice as it involves immersing the head and snorkel deep into the water. The best you can do it take a deep breath and blow out via the mouthpiece and water will come out through the tube. Snorkeling made easy Are you are first time snorkeler? Take a look at the challenges first time snorkelers experience: Leaking face mask Fear Exhaustion Water accumulating your snorkel tube Injury Boredom Conclusion Snorkeling is a fun activity and has basically no such risk. While you are under the waters, there are a few things you must remember. Swim slow and carefully while you take care of the breathing patterns. It is important to judge the distance and see where you go. You are wearing a mask and goggles so things will appear closer than it is. Enjoy the activity, have fun under water and explore sealife at its best. This post may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Home 3 Easy Ways To Improve Your Home With Lighting 11:40 AM Wouldn’t it be nice to come home to a house that’s not only beautifully decorated but also well-illuminated? There are many unique ideas you can find on how you can dramatically improve your simple home with a little lighting help.Lights should not be just a boring bulb or lamp. It must be nice to look at, a conversation starter, and should go with your house’s design or theme.There are 3 easy ways to improve your home with lighting I want to share. 3 Easy Ways to Improve Your Home with Lighting 1. Access Outdoor Wall Lighting Start with the outdoor light. The first thing you see when you get home and what would welcome your visitors is your outdoor light. Get a bright and beautiful welcome with access to outdoor wall lighting. Get one that creates a dramatic effect and will set the mood right. If you check out websites like Lighting Miami, they have outdoor lights made from different materials like metal, steel, and aluminum, as well as finishes like bronze, silver, and pewter. So you can choose which one goes best with your outdoor designs. Outdoor wall lighting comes in different designs too that can be used around garage doors, along privacy fences, and on entry gates or posts. Hey, it’s your home, you design it the way you want it. 2. Access Lighting Semi Flush Mount What can improve your ceiling light with drama and character is a semi-flush mount light. It’s a mix between a flush mount and a pendant-type fixture. They are generally close to the ceiling, but the shade is suspended from the base by 1 inch or more by a decorative rod or rope. This kind of light will not just be the center of the room but will also surely become the center of attention. 3. Bathroom Lighting An essential part of the house is the bathroom. They say it’s also called a comfort room because it’s where you go when you’re uncomfortable and needs some “comfort”.Linger a little longer in the bathroom by making it more appealing to the eyes and adding warmth to it. Have bathroom vanity lighting that can transform your bathroom into your personal sanctuary; a space that reflects your personality and indeed comforting for anyone who wishes to enter. Conclusion There are many other ways to improve your home by adding an accent. It’s all in the details as the expert says. You can make your home more dainty, more interesting, and more attractive. Make it more Instagram-worthy. All you need is to bring out your creativity, a lot of planning and researching, and a little help from people who are experts in making any place beautiful. Lighting Miami gives you options after options in making lovely spaces even more beautiful with their lighting designs. I like to keep things simple. An ideal house is that which is not only aesthetic but also functional. House items should be both functional and decorative.A light is not just added to gather dust or grime. They can make the house brighter, more beautiful, and better.Beautiful lighting is a must to improve your home.Photos from Lightning Miami
Home Don’t Let Pests Ruin Your Cozy Winter Evenings: This Year’s Top Tips 7:00 PM Don’t Let Pests Ruin Your Cozy Winter Evenings: This Year’s Top Tips Fleas are a pain any time of the year, but just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that pests like fleas die off. They can really ruin your winter coziness, jumping around and biting at your ankles, so it’s best to invest in some kind of pest management to keep them at bay this winter. We spoke to Empire Pest Control who have given us some useful tips on this topic. Although they’re based in London, pest problems are the same the world over. Our central heating keeps our houses nice and warm in the winter months, and this heat easily ensures that the flea population in your home will survive and thrive. Pet owners often don’t treat their pets for fleas in the winter because it seems unnecessary. While flea infestations are less common in the winter, it can still cause major issues for you if you don’t practice flea removal. Regularly treating your pets for fleas all year round is vital for flea pest control. Your vet will have the best recommendations on what pest control products to use on your pet that will be the most effective. Even if you treat your pet every month when they don’t have fleas, you will be preventing an infestation from happening. Washing your pets bedding is a vital part of treating your home for fleas in the winter. Putting the bedding on a hot wash will kill all fleas and their eggs that may be lurking there. Washing the bedding along with regularly using flea treatments on your pests will make sure there are no fleas on the bed, and prevents flea infestations. If you are already suffering from a flea infestation this winter, you need to take steps to clean and rid your house of the problem. This includes vacuuming under your beds and furniture (fleas love dark places and can jump great distances to get to shelter). Coping with a flea infestation is hard work, so taking regular action to stop them happening in the first place is always recommended. If you can’t seem to get rid of a flea infestation in your home, it’s time to call in the experts. This is often the best (and only) way you are going to rid your home of a flea infestation. A flea pest control problem can happen in the winter just as much as it can in the warmer months. So if you’ve been slacking on flea prevention, now is the time to hop back to it. This article was submitted by site supporter and may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Health & Wellness Best Healthy Fats Which Can Do Wonders To Your Body 10:45 PM If becoming obese is enough to cause you in having sleepless nights, and then trust us, you are not alone in this race. Our body seems to react adversely whenever we hear that out diet consists of a certain fat content. But contrary to popular belief, all forms of fat are not detrimental to our well-being. Some are necessary for our daily functioning while others can actually help us in accentuating the weight-loss drill. In our today’s article, we shall discuss about some such healthy fats, which can bring along a bevy of health benefits in the form of maximizing the metabolism, increasing satiety and much more. Best Healthy Fats Which Can Do Wonders To Your Body Avocado Having Monounsaturated Fat Loaded with monounsaturated fats, this wonder fruit which easily fills up our belly courtesy the oleic acid content also lowers down bad cholesterol level in our body. Packed with the wholesome benefits of Vitamin E, avocados boost up our immunity prowess by acting as an anti-ageing stimulant for our skin. Doctors are seen readily recommending the same to pregnant ladies to safeguard them from the hazards of birth defects. In case you are not much of a fan of avocados, you can induce the same in your diet by opting for avocado oil. Contrary to other oils, the mild taste of avocado does not overpower your dishes. Omega-3s In Health Supplements Not manufactured naturally by our body, the Omega-3 fatty acids need to be added to our system by means of external supplements for lowering the risk of depression, heart disease, arthritis and dementia. Fishes like salmon are the richest source of EPA and DHA form of Omega-3 fatty acids, whereas ALA is found in walnuts, flaxseed, dark leafy vegetables and vegetable oils. Omega-3s lowers the level of triglycerides or blood fats and slows the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels. Coconut Having High Saturated Fat Content With a high content of lauric acid, coconut oil helps in improving cholesterol scores and battling bacteria. Intake of dietary supplement containing coconut oil reduces abdominal fat. You can either make use of coconut oil while stir-frying those greens or sprinkle it unsweetened flakes on top of the yogurt. Dark Chocolate Ever thought that chocolate could help melt those stubborn love handles? Well, it actually can but only if you limit your consumption to the dark section of chocolates with high cocoa content. Rich in stearic acid, a digestion-slowing saturated fat adds inertia to your weight loss process by starving off hunger. Dark chocolate also comes packed with polyphenols which improves the flow of blood to our brain. Nuts Polyunsaturated fats found in nuts trigger off genes which improves insulin metabolism by reducing fat storage. Sticking to a diet filled with walnut oil and plain walnuts brings down the level of diastolic blood pressure and aids in fighting off stress. Extra Virgin Olive Oils Loaded with monounsaturated fats, extra virgin olive oil brings down the chances of heart diseases. You can also stay abreast of cell damage courtesy its high volume of antioxidants. A large array of diseases, crop up from chronic inflammation, which extra virgin olive oil guards us against apart from improving cognitive and memory function. MCT Oil MCT Oil is a tasteless and translucent fatty acid is processed in our liver rather than being metabolized following the digestion drill. They act as a lasting source of energy which can be of great help to athletes and those looking out for a gruelling gym session. This article was submitted by site supporter and may contain affiliate links. Photo provided by contributor. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Health & Wellness The Benefits of Standing for Your Health 8:00 AM Sitting around is something we’re all getting plenty of in the 21st century, with our computers being the main culprit. Desk bound jobs with a computer make up a huge part of our sedentary time. Unbeknownst to many of us, this constant sitting increases diabetes and heart disease and promises to send us to an early grave. Add to that the burning of fewer calories and we’re seeing more desk bound office workers battling with weight gain and obesity. The Benefits of Standing for Your Health Putting more Standing Time into Your Day Fortunately there are many ways to survive a sedentary job, and one of these is to look at investing in a standing desk. The idea isn’t to go into a full standing mode, as this can be perilous in itself, especially for people suffering with heart related diseases. This is because standing puts greater strain on the circulatory system. Prolonged standing also increases the risks of varicose veins. Here are some of the health benefits of standing more on the job and giving your body the chance of more movement throughout the day: Studies show that after a meal, blood sugar levels return to normal faster when standing compared to sitting. Long hours of sitting are linked to cardiovascular disease, certain cancers such as breast and colon cancer, diabetes and obesity. Your risk of weight gain is lowered when you stand more. However the dangers of sitting all day go beyond just obesity. Sitting hour after hour is associated with a range of mental- and physical health problems. Desk risers and Standing desks can reduce back pain, and participants in one study show that there is a 32% reduction in back pain after several weeks of using a standing desk. Standing more has a positive influence on mood and well being. Health experts tell us that standing up every 20 minutes, even if it is only for a minute or two, can significantly reduce our risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. As people become more aware of ways they can improve their health, there has been quite a bit of hype over standing desks. Alternate Between Sitting and Standing The issue isn’t really about sitting or standing, but rather how much flexibility and comfort you have with either. Research has been done on groups – those seated throughout the day – and those who using a combination of sit/stand opportunities. The sit-stand group could raise or lower their desks as needed and they could sit or stand at their workstations. The study revealed that those who could stand from time to time were 46% more productive than the sit-only group. Those using standing desks report less stress and fatigue than those who remain seated throughout the work day. Findings like this also link a sedentary lifestyle to an increase in stress and depression. Standing More isn’t Just the Latest Health Fad Research of the benefits of standing aren’t just originating from manufacturers of standing desks, but from studies conducted by endocrinologists. They confirm over and over again that a sedentary lifestyle is seriously detrimental in the long-term. Besides just standing, try to incorporate some exercise into your workplace to further boost the health benefits. Try these stationary yoga moves for example at work to improve your posture and improve blood circulation. A Gradual but Steady Start of Standing More Failing to stand more and introduce more activities into your day can be linked to obesity and other diseases. The key to reducing the risk of obesity isn’t to go from a sitting lifestyle into a full-time standing lifestyle, but to rather introduce moderate levels of standing and movement throughout the day. Reference: 1. Shmerling. R. Harvard Health Publishing. The truth behind standing desks. Available at https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-truth-behind-standing-desks-2016092310264 2. Banar, M. Livestrong.com. How to Lose Weight While Standing. Available at https://www.livestrong.com/article/371881-how-to-lose-weight-while-standing/ 3. CUErgo. Sitting and Standing at Work. Available at http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/cuesitstand.html 4. J Muller. Ergonomictrends.com. 10 Beginner Friendly Yoga Poses to Relieve Back Pain and Strengthen Your Back. Available at http://ergonomictrends.com/beginner-yoga-poses-relieve-back-pain-strengthen-back/
Food 4 Reasons to Consider a Low-Carb Diet 12:25 AM 4 Reasons to Consider a Low-Carb Diet With all the diet trends and hacks, it's a jungle out there in the fitness universe! Calorie-counting, fat-slashing, carb-cutting - you name it. But let's keep things straightforward and wholesome. How about giving the low-carb diet a shot? It's got some pretty nifty benefits for your weight and health. Why not peek at what the low-carb life has in store for you? It might just be the ticket! Here are four reasons to consider a low-carb diet. 1. Banish unhealthy sugars. Some of the most obvious offenders that would be eliminated for a low-carb diet are processed foods high in refined sugars. Refined sugars and refined carbs often appear in products like bread, pastries, snack foods, and sodas. Consuming too much sugar, as most Americans do, is hazardous to your heart health. It increases blood pressure and chronic inflammation and is directly related to weight gain. A low-carb diet requires you to avoid foods that are high in sugar. You'll focus instead on proteins and fats. 2. Lose weight comfortably. Many dieters associate weight loss with deprivation and restriction. While a low-carb diet limits some food choices, participants tend to report fewer adverse effects and less hunger than those on low-fat diets.Low-carb diets are also more effective than calorie-restricted diets for losing weight and body fat. LifeSum can help you find delicious picks for a low-carb diet. You can enjoy a juicy steak with a heaping side of broccoli, choose nutrient-packed eggs, or dine on tasty salmon with Brussels sprouts or cauliflower. You won't feel like you're suffering while trying to lose weight with these picks. 3. Alleviate chronic conditions. If you're struggling with or at high risk for chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, a low-carb diet is an excellent choice for your health. This diet can help manage blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. (Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet plan). Low-carb diets target deep visceral fat. This is the layer of fat in the abdominal area that's most heavily associated with heart disease and diabetes. Your food choices in this diet increase HDL, or "good" cholesterol, levels. Decreasing the refined carbs in your diet will also lower triglyceride levels in your blood. Achieving a healthy ratio of HDL cholesterol to triglycerides will reduce your risk for heart disease, increase insulin resistance, and help you battle metabolic syndrome. 4. Gain lean muscle mass. If you're interested in building and supporting muscle, you'll need a diet high in protein and low in carbs. A low-fat diet simply won't work. You must continue consuming healthy fats and adequate calories to help you develop and sustain lean, fit muscles. If you want to focus on extreme muscle mass, choose low-carb meals and do not restrict your variety too much. Even while limiting carbs, don't go overboard. Just try incorporating protein-rich healthy carbs, such as whole grains, beans, legumes, and nuts.What is considered a low-carb diet? If you want to consider the low-carb diet, here's a list of options for you:Low-carb diet suggestions for omnivores:Lean Meats: Chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef and pork.Fish: Salmon, tuna, and sardines, which are also rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.Eggs: A great source of protein.Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, to name a few.Low-Carb Vegetables: Think spinach, kale, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli.Avocados: They're not just low-carb but also packed with healthy fats.Cheese: High in calcium and protein.Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are relatively low in sugar compared to other fruits.Plain Greek Yogurt: High in protein and probiotics for gut health.Healthy Fats: Like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados.Olives: A good source of vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants.Dark Chocolate: Choose the kind that's at least 70% cocoa Vegan-friendly low-carb foods:Tofu and Tempeh: High in protein and versatile in many recipes.Leafy Greens: Such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard.Non-Starchy Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and broccoli.Avocados: Packed with healthy fats and fiber.Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts.Berries: Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are lower in carbs than other fruits.Mushrooms: Low in carbs and a great meat substitute in many dishes.Cauliflower: A versatile low-carb vegetable often used as a rice or potato substitute.Seitan: A high-protein meat substitute made from wheat gluten.Coconut and Almond Yogurt: Dairy-free yogurt alternatives.Healthy Fats: Like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados.Dark Chocolate: Look for dairy-free versions of at least 70% cocoa for a low-carb treat.Learn more about low-carb diet plans for vegetarians and vegans from Healthline.Low-carb diets offer a satisfying way to lose weight, prevent chronic health conditions, and fuel muscle growth for a healthier, trimmer body. These are great reasons to consider shifting to this simple diet plan, isn't it?
