Health & Wellness 5 Simple Ways To Improve Your Overall Quality Of Life 6:59 PM Life is so hectic that most of the time the days, weeks and months can pass you by without you even noticing where time has gone. When you are under the pressures of a tight schedule at work, a busy home life and trying to maintain order amongst the chaos, it can be easy to find yourself getting lost within all of the commotion. When life starts to get on top of you like this, it can be detrimental to the overall quality of your everyday experience. If you feel like this is something that is happening to you, then here are five simple tips which will help you to regain some more quality of life. 5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Overall Quality of Life Find some inner peace Whether you do it through meditation, quiet contemplation, or a long walk in nature, finding some inner peace within yourself is an important part of improving your mental and emotional well-being. Take some time to reflect and reconnect with yourself, as this will give you the grounding that you need to be able to tackle everything that is going on in your daily life. Do fun physical activities Exercise is important for both your physical and mental well-being. Aesthetic physical benefits aside, regular activity keeps your metabolism running well, promotes the release of endorphins, and focuses the mind. However, trying to fit in types of exercise that you don’t enjoy into an already busy schedule is just going to seem more like a burden than a benefit, which is why it is important to find activities to partake in that you will actually enjoy. Go outside and spend time with your family, swim, dance, or play a team a sport: whatever works for you. Be proactive It is so easy to find ways to put things off and procrastinate, but this will only add to your stress levels in the long term. Therefore, it is important that you find the motivation to be proactive at tackling your to-do list. Whether it’s resolving to do the housework before bed, getting round to booking that dentist appointment, or finally looking into treatment for your Golfers Elbow, the more proactive you can be about addressing the small things, the better your quality of life will be on the whole. Voice your opinions A lot of the time if you disagree with something, many people decide it is easier to just let it go than to speak up and cause conflict. While sometimes this practice of keeping the peace is the most important avenue to go down for everyone’s overall well-being, on occasion, having to keep a lid on your emotions can be detrimental to your own personal health. You don’t have to silence yourself for other people, and it is perfectly healthy to engage in some civilized debate. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind, as long as you’re doing so with consideration for others. Find what makes you happy The most important thing to enjoying a good quality of life is finding the things which make you happy, and actively pursuing them. Big or small, just make sure to do one thing each day which is solely for you, and take the time to enjoy it.
For Moms 5 Cute Valentine's Day DIY Gift Ideas For The Whole Family 10:57 PM 5 Cute Valentine's Day DIY Gift Ideas For The Whole Family Most people think of Valentine's Day as a time to get romantic with their spouse. But the truth is, there is just as much fun for the kids as for the adults. So if you're a creative mom, why not get your kids in on some artsy and cute Valentine's Day DIY gift ideas for the whole family?Not only will these make for sweet gifts for your most cherished loved ones, but you'll be grateful for the memories you make as you get creative with your kids. 1. DIY Family Fun Book Do a family take on this "book of date" Valentine's Day DIY gift idea by compiling a list of fun family day activities you would like to do together. Buy construction paper and cut them into equal sizes. Decorate them with family idea vouchers such as: Going on a picnic Making a blanket fort in the living room before an unforgettable movie night Family board/video game night Go to the zoo Finish off your booklet by punching holes through the "coupons" and tying them together with string or stapling them together. 2. Chalkboard FramesThis cute Valentine's Day DIY gift idea involves a trip to the craft store. Buy an ornate picture frame. It can be as big or small as you like. Next, buy some chalkboard paint and a paintbrush. Carefully remove the glass from the frame and set it over scrap newspaper. Paint the glass with chalkboard paint. Once dry, put your glass back into the frame and write a cute message for your sweetheart or the kids. Take inspiration from this Picture Frame Style Chalkboard.3. DIY Valentine's Slime For this cute - and slimy - Valentine's gift idea for her, pick the glitter color of your choice, confetti hearts, liquid starch, and glitter glue. Here's how to make a DIY Valentine's Slime:Pour two cups of the glue into a mixing bowl and add in any extra glitter you like. Optional: Throw in some aromatic essential oils.Add two cups of liquid starch until you have reached your desired, slime-like consistency. Package this in an old glass candle jar or clear plastic container for a gooey, messy, fun DIY gift! 4. DIY Valentine's Treats Sometimes the best present you can give someone is something you make in your kitchen. Find your favorite sugar cookie or brownie recipe and have your kids help you gather and measure the ingredients. If you're making sugar cookies, roll out the dough and let your little ones go crazy with the heart-shaped cookie cutters. Supervise them closely and ensure it's not too hot before they handle it. You can make this an extra-special baking treat for the kids by dipping your cookies into melted chocolate and then dunking them into a separate bowl of sprinkles for a truly gourmet dessert. Here's a simple DIY Valentine's Day cupcake recipe from Ollie. 5. Reasons I Love You Envelopes Studies show that the couples who have the highest rate of marital satisfaction are those who regularly express gratitude for one another. Make this your reality by making this romantic DIY Valentine's gift idea for him. Start with 10 envelopes and write different titles on each of them. For example, "I love you because you can always make me laugh"Take out some fancy paper and write your sweetheart a letter about why you love them. Share a cute or funny memory together. Write out 10 different letters and get the kids in on it. Some ideas to write on this cute Valentine's Day DIY gift: I love you because... You are a great dad! I love you because... You sweep me off my feet. I love you because... You are weird, just like me.I love you because... You're my best friend. Valentine's Day DIY Gift Ideas for the Whole Family Do-It-Yourself gifts are a fantastic choice for this love-filled day because they come directly from the heart. Not only are they thoughtful, but the recipient of your gesture will love knowing that you put time and energy into making your cute Valentine's Day DIY gift. Author: Rachael Pace is a relationship expert with years of experience training and helping couples. She has helped countless individuals and organizations worldwide, offering effective and efficient solutions for healthy and successful relationships. In addition, she is a featured writer for Marriage.com, a reliable resource for supporting healthy, happy marriages. This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.Hero image
Events Guide When Looking For A Condolence Wreath 12:00 PM Guide When Looking for a Condolence Wreath One simple way for you to show sympathy to a grieving family because of a loved one’s death is by sending a condolence wreath. This could help you comfort and somehow alleviate what the family feels showing that you are there for them. You can go online and browse the different funeral wreaths that you can choose from and go for the one that you know is perfect for the deceased and will also suit your budget. How to Choose a Condolence Wreath? Sending funeral flowers is something that you have to take seriously f you don’t want to upset the grieving family. Remember that the reason why you are giving flowers is to show respect to the deceased. It is necessary that you search for information about the types of flowers perfect for a wreath such as roses, orchids, lilies, carnations, and chrysanthemums. It is also important that you get the flowers from a trusted florist if you want to be assured that it is fresh and properly arranged. If you can’t go to the funeral, then all you have to do is call the florist and let them deliver the sympathy condolence wreath. There are various factors that you have to consider when choosing a wreath such as the following. Choose the type of flowers according to the preference of the deceased. If she is your friend, then maybe you know something about her favorite flower. It is also essential that you choose the right color for the flowers. Most of the time choosing flowers in light colors suits such situations because it represents peace. Make sure that the wreath is not that too big or too small. Compare the costs of the wreaths if you don’t want to spend a lot. You can even look for a florist online that could offer you discounts. If ever that you have the time to go to the funeral, then it is best that you give the wreath personally to avoid paying for the delivery service. Besides, this can be more effective to show your sympathy to the family. Flowers are always connected to situations that involved intense emotions. It somehow uplifts the spirit of people during times that they feel down. So if ever that you are looking for a condolence wreath, visit a flower shop near your place or look for the best florist online that could offer you a variety of wreaths at reasonable costs. 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!
Health & Wellness 4 No-Brainer Tips For Living A Long And Healthy Life 7:00 AM 4 No-Brainer Tips For Living A Long And Healthy Life Living a long and healthy life doesn't just happen. You make it happen.A long life expectancy may be influenced by genetics but there are other factors to consider.So, what is the secret to a long healthy life?It's not as difficult or as expensive as you think. The right diet and a switch to a healthful lifestyle are crucial. Make it a habit to maintain your mental and physical health, and get professional attention when necessary.Here are 4 no-brainer tips to follow if you want to live a long and healthy life. 4 No-Brainer Tips for Living a Long and Healthy Life 1. Make time for your friends and family Both your friends and family are a huge part of who you are and what you can become.Make time for people who lift you higher, and who fill your love tank.When was the last time you spent quality bonding time with the people who are good for your heart?Happiness and a positive attitude greatly impact your well-being. The more you surround yourself with good and positive energy, the healthier you'll become. 2. Daily health habitsThere are two habits that are keys to your overall health: Nutritious meals - Eat well-balanced, rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein foods.Working out - Choose an exercise or workout that suits your lifestyle and personality. You can work out at home, in a gym, or participate in sports.Our daily habits determine how our future health condition would be.Consider what you do today a deposit to your "health bank". Is there enough for you to withdraw later in life when you need it the most? How we spend our days is of course how we spend our lives (Annie Dillard). Here are 10 daily healthy habits to help you live longer. 3. Do MORE of what makes you happyYour mental health is just as important as your physical well-being.Whether it's pursuing arts, traveling, reading a good book, participating in a group activity, or staying home with your fur baby, for as long as it gives you a good endorphin rush, do it.Do more of it.Being in a good mental state can improve your overall physical health condition.Negative emotions can cause sickness. The morbidity and mortality due to stress-related illness are alarming. To be happy and healthy or to be miserable and sick are choices you must make.Which one would you pick?4. Get professional help when necessary The older you get, the more prone you are to health deterioration. Visit your doctor or other medical professionals to get the help you need. An annual or semi-annual general check-up is vital as not all health problems are visible or obvious. Have your hormone levels checked.Hormonal imbalance is common among men and women. Ehormones MD offers Testosterone replacement therapy in Philadelphia. Depending on where you're located, there are health care professionals guaranteed to assist you. A lifestyle switch may sound daunting at first but once you've started making it a habit, it's a no-brainer. Living a long and healthy life is achievable. Start today.
For Moms How Will Fostering Affect Your Family? 5:40 PM If you are interested in fostering, you will have to consider its short term and long term impact on your daily life. Whether you have a family or live by yourself, fostering will have an impact on your daily routine. Fostering is not an overnight decision and you need to consider how it will change your life before you make any decisions. There are some changes that are unique to fostering children and there are many others which occur when there is an addition of a new family member. How Will Fostering Affect Your Family? Needs Every child has their unique set of needs and a reason why they are in foster carer. There could be numerous reasons why children end up in fostering and the reason will have an impact on their behavior. Children might have gone through an abuse or neglect and this could have an impact on how they adjust in your home. Some of their behavior might be annoying or disturbing to you and it could also have a negative impact on other children in your home. You will have to consider how your children will behave with the foster child and how will their behavior impact your child. Are you willing to give up the evenings and weekends that you spent by yourself? Do you have the patience to allow the foster child to adjust in your home? Can you help the child process their feelings? You need to remember that the entire atmosphere in your home will change and you will have to spend more time looking after the children. You might have to give up your ‘me’ time in order to ensure that the foster child adjusts inside your home. Appointment As a foster parent, you will be responsible to ensure that the child always reaches on time for the appointment. You will have to take them to and fro and ensure that it does not disrupt your schedule. If you have a tight schedule, you will have to take out time for the child. There could be some last minute appointment as well and you will have to add them to your schedule. Fostering is not an easy job but it is the most rewarding job you will ever undertake. You can check here to learn more about fostering. Social Workers Your main point of contact for fostering will be the social workers who will make regular visits to your home. This is done in order to ensure that the family is adjusting with the child and they aim to check the well-being of the child. You should be prepared for regular visits from the social workers and you will have to let them in your home. Entertainment You might be a travel enthusiast and before fostering, might have traveled across the world without giving a care. With a foster child, you will have to get permission before you travel with them. You will have to speak to the social workers for day travels and if you wish to take the child out of the state, you will have to seek permission from the court. You also have to understand that there are restrictions in terms of entertainment activities as well. Foster children cannot participate in risky activities and sports without the permission from the social workers and the parents. Fostering will definitely change how you are as a person and how you travel or indulge in adventure activities. Schedule Your entire schedule will change with the addition of a child in your life. There will be a change in your routine due to the appointments, social worker visits and also your travel plans. Depending on the age of the child, you might not have a consistent schedule. If the child is an infant, you might have to constantly be there for them, they need to have food at a certain time, they need to be in bed at a certain time and you need to be around whenever they need you. Fostering means changing the various aspects of your home in order to meet the needs of the child. You might have to seek help from your family members to ensure that the foster child feels safe and comfortable in your home. Consider fostering only and only if you are ready for the changes in your daily routine and in your life. You need to understand the looking after a child is not an easy task and you will have to give all your heart and head into the process. 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!
Fashion & Style Searching For Flawless Skin? This Will Help! 1:38 PM When it comes to skin care and skin products, it call all get a little confusing. There’s so much to add to your routine, like toners, moisturizers, hydration boosters, facial plumping serums, BB creams, primers – the best of the best, and a whole lot of other products that seem to promise winding back the clock and giving you the skin you had ten years ago. So if searching for flawless skin leaves you feeling a little, lackluster then don’t worry. You’re not alone! The truth is that a simple, straightforward skin routine will get you a step closer to the flawless skin you’ve always wanted. Don’t believe me? Try these tips. Searching For Flawless Skin? This Will Help! Get more sleep Hate to break it to you, but beauty sleep is real. And you’ll find that those with gorgeously flawless skin get on average about 7 hours of it each night. Those unsightly dark circles under your eyes? They’re caused by a lack of sleep! Skin looking tired and grey – it’s all related to a lack of sleep. So if you want the skin of a princess, you’ll have to get as much uninterrupted sleep as one! Protect your skin We’re all aware of the dangers that prolonged exposure to the sun can have on our health. Not only that, but sunlight and UV rays are linked to obvious signs of aging, such as wrinkles., facial lines, freckles and skin thinning. If you protect your skin by using a foundation with as SPF rating or simply add sunscreen then you’ll be protecting your skin from aging and the risk of skin cancer. Even if it’s winter, the sun is still powerful, and you can still suffer from sun damage. Learn how to relax Easier said than done, I know. We all live such busy and hectic lifestyles, it’s a miracle if we get to sit down and relax any earlier than 8pm. However, if you want flawless skin you need to try and find a way to combat your daily stress struggles. Stress releases causes outpourings of a hormone called cortisol which breaks down collagen, and basically gives you wrinkles! So have a go at finding a way to relieve your stress. Whether that’s meditation or even exercising a little more. Moisturize regularly Retaining your skins natural moisture is difficult so those with flawless skin give it a helping hand by using a good moisturizer. If you want good skin then you need to be in tune with when your body might need a bit of help to retain it’s moisture. So, straight after your hot shower, you should be moisturizing, in the cold harsh winter winds – you need to moisturize more, if the weather starts to warm up again as Summer rolls around, then you can ease up a little. Sweat Desperate to imitate that gorgeous, natural glow? You need to start a regular exercise routine. Exercise means getting the blood pumping throughout your body and in turn, nourishes your skin cells. Helping them to look younger!
Lux Thinking Aloud Celebrating My Fantastic 36th Year On Earth 11:29 AM The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes. -Frank Lloyd Wright Just finished celebrating my fantastic 36th year on earth. It’s my last birthday as a single woman. Time flies when you’re having fun. Wasn’t it only yesterday I was reveling in my single journey, embracing the ups and downs, feeling the joy and pain of being “set apart” in a world cruel to someone choosing to walk alone? A bit dramatic, isn’t it? But that’s based on my experience. I’ve loved my single life. Every part of it---the good, the bad, and the ugly. I love the me-time, the quiet, the independence, and the freedom, even when I feel empty sometimes. Because that’s when I felt God’s presence the most. That’s when I’m most desperate for Him. Fantastic 36th Year on Earth Eating kindly This year I’ve decided to take baby steps towards eating kindly. However, I’m not a vegan yet. I'm a pescovegetarian. The reason being where I currently am, food choices for vegans are minimal. But I started because every time I eat meat, I can’t help thinking that what I am eating used to be alive and, if given a choice, I would not want to die just so I can eat. He’d instead be playing on the grass, eating, sleeping, and enjoying life. Not to be confined in a dirty, uncomfortable cage with little room for moving, enduring heat, getting tortured, and eventually killed in who knows what way. In the words of Jessica Chastain: “I don’t want to torture anything. … it’s about trying to live a life where I’m not contributing to the cruelty in the world. … While on this planet, I want everyone I meet to know that I am grateful they are here.” Nutritional and environmental reasons also pushed me to change my food choices---and lifestyle in general. I’m on my way to eating purely plant-based. I’ll get there someday soon. This year, I decided to eat kindly, which is fantastic! More travels I discovered my love for traveling when I was still single. It’s one of the things I wanted to do for myself: to find joy and be in awe as often as possible. To discover new places and experience new things. This year, that didn’t change. I am thankful for a fiance who loves traveling and seeing nature. And who stays in control, takes care of everything from planning to packing, and oversees everything that’s needed. That’s something you must strive to find, my dear single friends. Someone who lets you be independent but whom you can also always depend on. I’ve traveled both for leisure and business this year. Both I’ve enjoyed and am thankful for. Gift of romantic relationship I was single for six years before I met my fiance. Six years of no dating, no flirting, no emotional involvement. Six years of pruning, healing, spending time with friends, serving, working, and traveling. Most of all, it’s been a long journey of making peace with myself. It wasn’t easy. It was so loud outside. People judge and laugh at my choices. Well-meaning friends pressured me to settle with apparently just anyone they thought was “okay” for me. Thankfully, there is calmness inside me. Despite my doubts and fears, everything will work out in the end. I was so tired of kissing frogs that I was willing to forego dating for as long as the next one I kiss is the actual prince. I couldn’t help but marvel at God’s greatness. Although we are not perfect, He finds someone who is perfectly imperfect for us. And no matter how different we are, we fit just right like puzzle pieces to create a beautiful picture. When I was still single, I would take note of the things I wanted and did not want for my future husband. Sometimes I’ll be watching a movie, and when I love the spouse in the film, I’d whisper a prayer to God and say, “Please give me a husband like that, Lord.” Sometimes it happens when reading a book or even in real life. I’m very observant. If I see someone acting like a jerk, I’d say, “I’d rather stay single for life than be with someone like that.” This was when I decided that if I could not get married someday, I’d be okay with it. I’ll just keep traveling and enjoying life as it is. Somehow in my heart, I knew I was leading in this direction. Knowing that you’ll be happy to stay single and ready should there be a shift in the universe is such a wonderful feeling. 😉 God has plans for us far better than we have imagined. His generosity is boundless. I will forever be grateful to Him for finally giving me the gift of a romantic relationship. All worth the wait and the heartaches. “Adulting” at its finest One of the many Save-the-date templates I tested I’ve never felt more “adult” in my life than I have this year. What could be more mature, serious, and adult than planning for a wedding and paying bills? I can’t (and don’t want to) delve into details. But so far, this year has been the most stressful, busiest, challenging, and overwhelming time in my adult life. By the way, I’m selling my property. So if you’re interested, just shoot me a message. 😏 The gift of uncertainty Just because I’m thirty-six now doesn’t mean I have figured out everything about life. My future is still uncertain. I have plans and goals, but obviously, in my past, God has proven that His will is stronger and far more beautiful. Yes, there are still times when I doubt and worry. There are still times when the enemy seems to be winning in discouraging me. I want to always know what’s next. But I guess that’s the beauty of the future. You can create it today. I don’t know where I’ll be in the next year. I’m not sure how I will spend 2019, to be honest. All I can do is work on the things I can control and let go of the things I cannot. Allow God to do the impossible, as that’s His expertise. I can only hold on to His promises, remember the times He’s been faithful to me even when I wasn’t, and keep praying. I’m thankful that in all these uncertainties, there are two specific things in my life: That God will be there is already there, preparing everything I need, and that I have an excellent partner holding my hand as we’re facing the unknown together. That’s why my 36th is fantastic! How about you? How’s life been so far? Other birthday posts: Post-birthday Reflections Another Year Older And Hopefully Wiser My Birthday Gratitude List Life So Far This 2016 My Big Day Is Coming! Birthday Life Lessons
