Oct31

Get The Body You’ve Always Wanted in 2017

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Get The Body You’ve Always Wanted in 2017

With 2017 just around the corner, it’s almost time for the annual outpouring of “new year, new me” Facebook posts. Most of these resolutions will be ancient history for most within a week but if you are serious about making some real changes in your health, keep on reading!

Get The Body You’ve Always Wanted in 2017:

As the year comes to an end, it’s a great chance to start reflecting and evaluating how things are going in our lives. Are you on track to achieving your goals? Are you happy? While any day is a good day to make a positive change, the promise of a new year can really give you the motivation you need.

So if things have gone a little off track, you’ve fallen into a rut, or things aren’t progressing the way you want- plan to start fresh in January. Weight and fitness are common resolutions and for good reason; there are few things more important than health. After an indulgent festive season, there’s no better time than to buckle down and do what you need to do. Here are some tips to scoring the body you’ve always wanted in 2017.

Start by Detoxing: After too much alcohol, sugar, saturated fat, and all round unhealthy indulgence over Christmas, starting off your healthy lifestyle with a detox is an excellent way to go. A few days of just fruits and vegetables can help to cleanse and replenish your system. It can ‘reset’ your appetite if you’ve been eating too much and generally provide your body with a massive boost of nutrients. Stock up on fresh produce (organic if possible) and consume it as juices, smoothies, or just as it is. After a few days, gradually introduce different foods back into your diet such as healthy whole grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy.

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YUM!

Adopt a Healthy, Well Balanced Eating Plan: Once you have finished your detox, start eating a regular healthy diet. We all know what we should and shouldn’t be eating- avoid fried, fatty, and processed foods and incorporate plenty of fresh and natural produce. Include a broad range of fruits and vegetables in your diet and drink plenty of water. Try kicking your caffeine habit or at least reduce it, using healthy foods to boost your energy levels instead.

Take Some Supplements: Supplements shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a healthy diet but they’re a great way to boost it. Even with a healthy diet it can be difficult to get every vitamin and mineral you need every day so good multivitamin can make sure you’re all covered. A probiotic yogurt drink can improve gut health by increasing the levels of ‘good bacteria.’

Used properly, a supplement such as Garcinia Cambogia can help to boost your weight loss if you are overweight. This is completely safe and natural and made from a tropical fruit. It can help to reduce appetite, block your body’s ability to make fat, and even keep in check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, too. There are lots of herbal supplements available in health food shops these days which help to target and improve different areas of the body. So it could be worth going in and having a look. For example, milk thistle is good for the liver, which is useful if you have been drinking a lot of alcohol over Christmas.

Get Serious About Exercise: The key to really improving your fitness is to find an exercise that you enjoy doing. If you know that you really hate sweating it out at the gym, your motivation is only going to last for so long. Before long you’ll be looking for reasons to skip it and might eventually stop going altogether. If you find something you enjoy and look forward to, you’re so much more likely to keep it up.

It could be a sport, an exercise class, or even working out from home. You could go swimming, to yoga, or to something more unusual like a circus skills exercise group. Try some new things and go on the search for something you love doing. Finding a reliable training partner is also beneficial. If you’re a bit self-conscious joining groups alone, you will have someone there for support. You can also motivate each other when things start getting a little harder later down the line.

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Oct31

Not Another Headache! Simple Changes You Can Make To Your Life To Keep The Pain Away

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Not Another Headache! Simple Changes You Can Make To Your Life To Keep The Pain Away

It is probably no surprise that millions of people get headaches every day. Whether it’s been a stressful day at work or an unhealthy dinner was eaten, it can lead to a sore head in the evening. A lot of people are fed up of relying on painkillers to help soothe their aching head. Therefore, it’s time to look at your life and see where you can make changes. After all, it’s often down to your lifestyle when you start suffering from headaches. Here are some simple changes you can make to your life to keep the painful headaches at bay.

Try and Stay Happy in Your Life: A lot of us get annoyed during the day. But when it becomes a regular occurrence, you might start experiencing tension headaches. After all, when you are angry, the muscles in your scalp and neck tense up causing a painful sensation! Avoid getting angry by making minor changes in your day to avoid annoyances. If it’s a particular person who makes you cross, limit the time spent with them during the day. Also, you need to find ways to deal with your stress if your kids or partner are causing you some grief. You might want to try breathing deeply which can relax your head and neck muscles so that you relieve some of the tension. And make sure you smile every day, which can help you gain some headache relief.

Avoid Excessive Worrying: There are many situations which cause us to worry in our everyday life. Whether it’s worrying about the kids or getting to a particular place on time, it can cause tension in our body which will lead to a headache. To relieve some tension, find a new favorite way to destress. It might be that you start exercising every day, such as going for a great run in the morning. Or you might want to go for some form of holistic therapy which can help release stress and provide some headache relief. Also, going for a head massage will help you to prevent headaches. You can read more about the benefits of massages in my previous blog!

Move Around During The Day: It’s hard to make sure that we are moving around enough daily. Especially when a lot of us are sat down at desks for work during the day! But if you are sitting in the same place for ages, it can lead to headaches. Poor posture causes tension in your neck and shoulders which lead to a headache. Try to make time to move around during the day. Even if it’s a quick walk around the block at lunch, it will help you to loosen up and avoid a headache! As this article says, try and take a break every 30 minutes to stay healthy.

You need to also make sure you clean up your diet. A lot of us are making unhealthy food choices which could be causing us to get headaches every day. Therefore, cut out some of the common food triggers from your diet which include sugar, caffeine, and processed food to improve your life!

Do Your Research: There are plenty of amazing neurologists that you can contact if your headaches do not subside. Do be sure to put some time and thought into who you end up going to see. Having a good bond with your doctor or specialist is important and it will make your journey to a headache free life a much more pleasant one.

In the meantime, before your appointment, you can check these videos out to help brainstorm some questions and concerns to express to your doctor. These videos cover common questions like what causes headaches, what type of headache do I have, and can migraines cause damage to the brain. Each video is short and sweet, but provides straight forward answers that can put your mind at ease and help you state your concerns pre-appointment.

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Oct31

The Great Escape: Pretty Expensive Panic Rooms

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The Great Escape: Pretty Expensive Panic Rooms

This is straight out of The Purge! Best believe I would want a panic room in that situation! 😉

The Great Escape: Pretty Expensive Panic Rooms

Home security and safety is a cause of concern for all of us. There are petty thieves out there who will jump on any opportunity to steal someone else’s things. There are also smart criminals out there who play the long game and know exactly when and where to pounce.

The best ways we can protect our home and deter criminals is with the use of a CCTV camera, security lights, and home alarms. But what about those billionaires out there who have sparkling diamonds and billions of dollars to protect? Well, you’d be surprised at how many of their magnificent mansions have secret panic rooms in preparation for a great escape. Curious to find out more? Read on to discover just how tight security measures can get.

What Is A Panic Room? Those that are the super wealthy among us demand tighter and better security options at every turn. And a panic room is one of those features that all millionaire’s mansions should have. A panic room is basically a safety bunker hidden behind a secret door in a home. It’s somewhere you would run to for safety if people are invading your home. This is why they are so appealing to the ultra high net worth individual and many a celebrity. Panic rooms are hidden behind bookcases, painting, wardrobes, mirrors, and more. This is nothing brand new – even medieval lords had safe rooms created in case they were under siege.

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Why Are They Useful? To the regular person, having a panic room may seem a little paranoid. But for those who are very wealthy or in the public eye, they offer added security and peace of mind. Secret chambers contain communication systems as well, so that once you bolt the door shut you can contact the emergency services. Does it all sound a little bit James Bond? Well, as we advance more and more with technology, it’s likely that they will become increasingly more common in homes. For the truly paranoid you can also add in smoke systems and have switches to lock down the entrance of your panic room with a reinforced door.

High Tech Panic Rooms: These billionaire bunkers are getting more and more high-tech as new technology comes on the market. The really high tech ones come with reinforced materials, sound-proofing, and gas masks and potassium iodine tablets in them in the case of nuclear or biological attacks. Panic rooms are also used if there is the threat of hurricanes or tornadoes. They may also contain weapons, surveillance cameras, and a fully stocked fridge.

Many panic rooms are there to hide expensive goods, rather than people. So they are like a big luxury safe. The wealthy among us may be trying to protect expensive art, opulent diamonds, or rare antique books. Those who work in secret services may be protecting computer hard drives and other information. And because keys could be misplaced or lost, panic rooms instead have interior deadbolts or retinal or fingerprint scanning as a safety precaution. All sounds a bit crazy? You probably wouldn’t think so if you had millions of dollars to protect!

Personally, my closet is getting a little too claustrophobic when I need some alone time so a panic room sounds just right! 😀

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct28

Ways To Wrap Your Mind Around New Technology

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Ways To Wrap Your Mind Around New Technology

Technology is at the center of everything. With new developments happening every day, it can sometimes feel as though gadgets are taking over. But when things are advancing so fast, how can we keep up? As soon as you get the hang of one new gizmo, there’s another one to get to grips with. There’s no denying that technology has made a lot of things easier, but what do you do when you can’t get the hang of it? There’s no stopping the pace of technology but you can at least take steps to help you get to grip with things a little faster.

Instructional Videos: Presumably, the computer is one thing you are comfortable with. You found this blog post, after all! It may seem crazy to use one form of technology to help with another, but it’s a good tip. A computer can help you with an abundance of things. There is a wealth of information on the internet so it would be silly not to use it. Watching videos is a fantastic way to get the hang of new technology. There are videos on just about anything. Whether you’re struggling with a phone, a camera, or a microphone, there’s sure to be a video showing you how to use it. These videos are fantastic because they’re easy to follow and you can see the steps to take. You don’t have to worry about understanding instructions when you can watch (and rewatch!) somebody show you how.

Product Reviews: If you’re struggling with knowing which product is the right match, reviews could be a great help. It’s worth checking out thesmartcave. They have some fantastic product reviews that are sure to help you navigate the technological minefield. From phones to thermostats, they’ve got you covered. Reviews are excellent at laying out in simple terms what features a product has to offer. You don’t want all the fancy lingo and sales pitches. You just want an easy to understand lowdown of what a product can do! That’s exactly what reviews offer you.

Ask The Kids: This might sound strange, but it works! Kids are growing up in this technological age where there’s a new gadget for them to play with every week. And what’s more, they’re picking them all up extremely quickly. Kids approach technology in an entirely fearless way. Even better, they are fantastic at using it. If there’s something you’re struggling with and you know some technically minded kids, then don’t be afraid to ask for their help. A kid who started using a smartphone before they started walking will be able to set up your new Sat Nav with ease.

The trick is not to let technology overwhelm you. Even if the instruction manual makes no sense, don’t let yourself get disheartened. There is always an easier way. Use old technology to help you understand new technology. Alternatively, use those who have grown up using these confusing gadgets. Either way, persevere. With a little effort, you’ll be a technological whizz in no time!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct28

Want To Look Gorgeous For Your Christmas Party? Start Preparing Today!

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Want To Look Gorgeous For Your Christmas Party? Start Preparing Today!

With the holiday season right around the corner, it is important to look your best. Work parties, family get togethers, bumping into everyone and their brother at the store – it is a time when it might seem like all eyes are on you. It may only be the end of October, but these tips will help you prep for looking your best this holiday season and all year round. Take a look.

Want To Look Gorgeous For Your Christmas Party? Start Preparing Today!

Work Christmas parties are often the highlight of the year and an occasion many people look forward to. It’s a chance for you and your work colleagues to let your hair down and enjoy yourselves after a stressful year. It’s also the perfect excuse to get dressed up and look your absolute best. While you understandably want to have fun, Christmas parties can help your career. If you stand out, network with others and impress your boss, you may have a promotion in your sights. So to give you the confidence to do this effectively, you need to feel good about your appearance.

Even though it might seem premature, there are things that you can do now to help you look gorgeous in time for your work party. Take a look at these tips to help you get prepared well in advance.

Get Style Inspiration: One of the benefits of getting ready for your Christmas party now is that you have plenty of time to find the perfect outfit. But before you hit the shops, you need to get some holiday style inspiration. To help you get started, talk to your boss and colleagues about the type of affair that the party will be. This will ensure that you choose an outfit that makes a statement while also being suitable for the activity. For instance, if you are going out for drinks at a local bar, a ball gown might not be appropriate.

So whether it’s a casual meal or a big holiday ball, you can start getting inspired by potential outfit ideas now. You can go on http://www.pinterest.com/ and look at fashion magazines and blogs. Social media is another resource you can use. You can also try on outfits at your favorite stores and boutiques to see how they look and make you feel. This can give you a clear idea of what suits you and what doesn’t. Don’t forget to look at possible accessories and shoes to accompany your outfit too!

Getting inspired before you start shopping can be extremely beneficial. It helps you find possible outfits that will suit your body type and colors that suit your skin tone. Knowing what kind of outfit you want to buy can simplify your shopping process and make it less stressful. You can also start planning how you want your hair and makeup to look. Don’t forget accessories too! Any holiday look isn’t complete without a touch of bling from paradigm jewelry. All of this information can make choosing a fabulous outfit for your Christmas party as easy as possible.

Whiten Your Teeth: A bright, white smile can make you seem more friendly and approachable to others. This is ideal if you plan to network and introduce yourself to others at your Christmas party. It can also make you feel more confident about your appearance which can make you feel amazing. So if you want to enhance your smile in time for your Christmas party, you need to whitening your teeth now. It can take weeks and multiple whitening sessions to get the results you want. This is why it’s always best to do this sooner rather than waiting till later.

The majority of dental surgeries now offer teeth whitening services to their patients. So contact your dentist to make an appointment. Alternatively, you can whiten your teeth by yourself at home. There are a number of kits you can buy that use either strips or mouth guards. These kits are easy to use and can give you excellent results but some are better than others. See http://TeethWhiteningAtHomeTips.com/ to find out which whitening strips are the most effective. It will be hard for you to stop smiling throughout the party when your teeth look so clean and bright.

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Smile!

Make an Appointment at Your Salon: As soon as the countdown to Christmas starts, hair and beauty salons will be overwhelmed with appointments. Remember that thousands of other people will be attending Christmas parties and want to look their best, too. To ensure that your hair looks beautiful for your party, you need to book an appointment at your salon now. This will ensure that you can have a consultation with your hairdresser beforehand to try out different hair styling ideas. You can also have your hair dyed, cut, and blow dried so it looks as fresh as possible for your party.

If you are unable to get an appointment for a consultation or cut at your hair salon, don’t panic. You can hire a mobile hairdresser to visit you at your home instead. But again make sure you make an appointment quickly as they too will get booked up.

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Start a New Skin Care Regime: When you are self-conscious of your skin, it can stop you from being confident and carefree. This is not how you want to feel when you celebrate the holidays. Instead of letting this continue, start a new skin care regime instead. This can help you get fresh and clear skin that makes you feel unstoppable. Makeup application can also be improved with clearer skin. It will go on more smoothly and stay in place longer. You also won’t have to wear as much because you won’t have blemishes or pimples to cover up.

It’s advantageous to start this regime as soon as you can to give your skin time to heal and adjust. Otherwise, you may not get the results you desire. There are countless products you can try to get glowing skin. But it’s vital that you create a regime with products that suit your skin type for the best results. Visit http://www.webmd.com/beauty/ or talk to beauty specialists to discover what your skin type is.

As part of your new regime, also get into the habit of cleaning your makeup brushes each week. Dirt, sweat, and old makeup can linger on your brushes and clog your pores. So using clean and hygienic brushes can benefit your skin significantly.

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Even though your Christmas party might be not be happening just yet, these preparations will ensure that you look gorgeous no matter what. The more you do in advance, the less stressful the getting ready process will be. So rather than leaving it till the last minute, start preparing for your Christmas party today. You won’t regret it!

What is your perfect holiday party look? What is your winter skin care regime? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct27

Joy Of Garlic

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Joy Of Garlic

I am sure that you guys gathered by now that I love food. I feel like I am constantly talking about cooking, baking, eating, or Taco Bell to someone! But one thing that I really love is garlic. I remember the first time that I had a super garlic-y food. My mom made my brother a snack of spaghetti and pesto when he came home from work about ten years ago and after trying a taste of the garlic filled sauce, I was hooked.

After my revelation of how freaking amazing garlic is, I began seeking out foods and recipes that would be filled with the stuff. When I cook, I use no less than an entire bulb of garlic in my meals despite the recipes only calling for about three cloves! When it comes to garlic, I mean bid-ness so when I was at a farmers market in Asheville, North Carolina at the beginning of summer and discovered the Joy Of Garlic stand, I truly believe that I died and went to heaven.

The Joy Of Garlic boasts, sauces, dressings, salsas, and spreads that are all dedicated to giving you the biggest blast of garlic imaginable. Their salsa is superb but after taste testing their Chipotle and sun dried tomato spread, I had discovered what it means to be alive – they are that good. Take a look on their website and you’ll see what I mean!

Upon returning to Asheville in October, my family bought three of each of our favorite spread flavors which will probably last about a month at most considering we put it on everything! Sandwiches, pizza, French bread, crackers, pretzels, you name it. The reason why it dawned on me to even write this post to begin with is because I had some for lunch today over top a microwave pizza! This spread literally transforms everything that you put on it and it turned my somewhat crappy pizza into instant deliciousness.

I also did promise the lovely woman who sold my family our garlic spreads both times that I would write a post about it on my blog. So if you’re reading this: THANK YOU!!

You can shop online for all things garlic at the Joy Of Garlic’s website and you can also learn how to sell the products in your area! If there are any local farmers markets in your neck of the woods, I cannot recommend starting a stand enough because I one hundred and ten percent believe that it would be a hit!

Thank you so much to the Joy Of Garlic for introducing me to my new favorite topping for literally any food and for also helping me keep vampires away with my breath! What is your favorite topping to put on your meals? Is anyone else super obsessed with garlic like me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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Oct27

October Finishes

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October Finishes

Hellooo everyone and happy Thursday! I cannot believe that October is almost over already! It really seemed to fly by and I am not okay with it. The weather in Ohio has also been less than pleasant this October with temperatures raising from boiling hot to bitter cold with none of that perfect fall in between to spare. One good thing about October, though, is that some fab beauty products were used up and enjoyed so take a look at my empties and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use It Again?

  • The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter: YES
  • The Body Shop Vitamin E Illuminating Moisture Cream: YES!!!!!
  • The Body Shop Nutriganics Smoothing Eye Cream: YES

Why/Why Not?

Body Butter: I got my jumbo sized strawberry body butter from TJMaxx for a whopping ten dollars and it lasted me over a month. I do love the strawberry scent but sometimes it is just too sweet for my liking. Despite being wishy washy about the fragrance, there is no denying that any scent of body butter is going to feel amazing on your skin! My favorite thing to do is take a nice, long bubble bath, shave, and then literally douse my body with TBS butter. There is nothing better and your skin is going to thank you!

Vitamin E: I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this cream. It is the most amazing product that I have used in quite some time. This moisturizer literally leaves natural highlights on your skin and has you completely glowing for the entire day. My favorite thing about this cream is that if you put it on your lips, it will leave them tinted with the most gorgeous shade of bio-luminescent violet. It took me about a month and a half to finish this cream and I cannot wait to get my hands on more soon.

Eye Cream: I have been using my Nutriganics eye cream since I was nineteen or so and I have yet to see any signs of wrinkling near my peepers. The cream goes on so smoothly and absorbs quickly. What I love about my Nutriganics is how awake it makes my eyes look even if I am running on about four hours of sleep. But the best part about this eye cream is how long lasting it is. It took me about five months to finish it!

I feel so pampered this month because all of my finished products were from The Body Shop! I have yet to use a TBS product that I didn’t completely love so I would say that it was a pretty good month of empties! I think November will be even better considering I broke out my all time favorite – TBS cocoa butter after completing my jar of strawberry. I CAN’T WAIT! 😀

So there you have it, my October Finishes! What is your favorite product from The Body Shop? What products do you need to restock soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct27

Moving To A House In The Middle Of Nowhere: Everything You Need To Consider

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Moving To A House In The Middle Of Nowhere: Everything You Need To Consider

There are a lot of draws for families when looking at a house which is in the middle of nowhere. For one thing, you are more likely to have a lot of land which is perfect for children. You could even create a den in the garden for somewhere to escape to in the evenings! And you don’t have to worry about annoying neighbors and the trouble they may cause. After all, you might be miles away from another property. However, before you make an offer, here is everything you need to consider about buying a house in the middle of nowhere.

Will it Take Forever to Get to Work? It’s so important to work out how far away your new property is from the primary locations you go to every day. One of the top ones is yours and your partner’s workplace. You don’t want to be miles away from work if you buy the new house. So work out the route and decide if it’s too far before you make an offer on the property. Also, you should be thinking about future possibilities when you move into a new home. You still want to be close to a city or town where you can go to work if you ever need a new job. As well as your workplace, you should consider how far away schools, doctors, and shops are from the house before making a purchase.

What Will Happen in an Emergency? If you have an emergency, you want to be able to get in touch with a contractor to come and help you as soon as possible. For example, if the power goes off after a storm, you need to be able to get someone to help quickly. You might want to look into local companies and ask them if they would make the distance in the emergency. If you do go ahead and buy the home, make sure you have all the resources you need in case someone can’t get to you straight away. For example, you might want to look into a backup energy generator to give you power until someone can come out. You can look online for diesel generator suppliers in your area. And also stock up on candles so that you can light your path in an emergency!

How Will You Keep Your Family Safe? Although there are lower crime rates if you live in the middle of nowhere, you still need to consider if it’s a safe place for your family. It might take ages for the police to get to your home in an emergency. You should make sure that if you do buy the property, you install a burglar alarm and CCTV at your home. You can even get the alarm connected to the police so that it alerts them if there is an issue!

Remember to consider the weather when deciding if you want a house in the middle of nowhere. After all, if there is snow, nobody might come down your road to salt it for you so that you can drive safely. Therefore, if you do make the purchase, make sure you plan ahead for all of the elements you may face!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct27

Dreaming Of Your December Decor Yet?

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Dreaming Of Your December Decor Yet?

I know it’s early still, but why not get excited about the upcoming holidays? I know I am! All the magic and atmosphere of those few short weeks brings a little cheer that can last through the entire winter. And you get to spend all that extra time with your lovely family! There’s food, drinks, friends, gifts, and lots of lovely decorations. What’s not to like?

Whether you’re a Scrooge with no fairy lights or a grid grinder that lights up the whole street, the festive period should bring you some joy. Most of us like a small number of twinkling fairy lights on the tree. And if you have kids, you might add some outdoor lights to your roof line as well. If you’re worried about the cost, or the effect on the environment, consider LEDs. They use far less energy so they’re much cheaper to run. You can also add a timer so the lights go out automatically when you want them to.

If you love crafts and DIY, you might work on a festive project each year to create your own decorations. Perhaps you like to paint a snowy scene? Or maybe make your own paper chains to hang around the room? Of course, if you prefer to buy good quality tree decorations or fun Christmas ornaments, they will last for years and can be used again and again. Pick a theme that means something special to you and your family. Or choose something quirky each year to bring a smile to all of your faces. If crafting is so not your thing, revel in decor shopping instead. Websites like Hammacher offer a one stop shop for all of your holiday decor wants and needs. Curl up in a blanket, get cozy, and shop away to fully immerse your home in the festive spirit – no crafting required!

If you’re like me, buying gifts might be your most favorite part of the season. Or it might be the bit that you dread the most! It’s always fun, though, if you take someone along with you. A friend, mom, or sister could be the perfect companion to help you make some fun gift choices. Stop off at a cafe for an eggnog and Christmas cookies! Make a fun day of it and you’ll soon be in the festive spirit.

Real tree or artificial? There are lots of reasons for choosing an artificial tree. They can be reused. You can leave the decorations on all year while it’s in storage. And you won’t get all the mess. But you also won’t get that lovely scent. You won’t get the joy of picking the perfect size for your tiny apartment. And you won’t have all the fun of dragging it down the street! Personally, my family has had the same artificial tree for years and the best thing about it is that you don’t have to take it down right away out of festiveness or laziness. Regardless of the reason, my family tree may or may not have been up until May of last year…

Do you like to have a festive centerpiece on the table for your Christmas dinner? You can make them quite easily with a few crafting essentials. Choose candles or battery powered lights for a warm glow. Just make sure your other table decorations are fire proof! Do you add decorations to your wine glasses? Glass charms come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Pick a festive set, and charm your own glasses.

It’s lots of fun decorating the tree and the rest of the house for the festive period. It can be a good way to come together as a family, too. Best of all, it’s something wonderful to enjoy looking at for a few weeks while the weather is bad!

What is your favorite holiday decoration? What was the longest that you ever had a Christmas tree up for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Flickr

Oct26

Stop Your Phobias Taking Over Your Life With These Must-Know Tips

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Stop Your Phobias Taking Over Your Life With These Must-Know Tips:

Nearly every single one of us has some type of phobia. The severity of these can vary, as can their impact on your life. For example, a fear of spiders (arachnophobia) is much more likely to affect your daily life than a fear of clowns (coulrophobia) – simply because we see more spiders than we see clowns. It is difficult to pinpoint the origin of most people’s phobias seeing as a phobia itself is an irrational fear. This means that there is no specific root cause behind such a fear.

However, some studies have been performed which appear to show a link between traumatic events (mainly childhood ones) and irrational phobias. Plus, some experts have also claimed that phobias could be due to our genes. Wherever they come from, they can be debilitating and can cause the individual a lot of anxiety. This is especially true if you have a phobia of something that could potentially save your life. Read on to identify some of the most common medical phobias and what you can do to beat yours.

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Needles: A fear of needles is a very common phobia in young people and adults alike. It is known as trypanophobia and is said to affect up to 10% of the population. Of course, no one really enjoys having an injection or getting their blood tested. But it is when this fear puts the patient’s life at risk that there is a cause for concern. You may need to receive an injection of medicine or maybe you need to give blood to help someone else. Whatever the situation, we all face needles at some point in our lives, so overcoming your phobia is essential. Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used for overcoming this kind of fear, and there are other things you can do yourself too. Explain to your nurse that you are nervous and make sure to reward yourself after your injection.

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The Dentist: Dental phobias are also very common. This can be the fear of undergoing a painful examination or the sounds and smells may bring back bad childhood memories. Whatever it is, you will be relieved to know that most dentists understand their patient’s fears and will do everything in their power to make your visit as easy as possible for you. Getting over your fear of the dentist is important as there may come a time in your life when you need emergency dental care. In order to relax more during your appointment, talk to your dentist prior about having a signal you make with your hand that shows them you need a break. Taking a friend with you or listening to relaxing music during the procedure can also help to ease your fear.

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Flying: Despite it being statistically the safest way to travel, around 20 million people in America suffer from a severe fear of flying. Many of us naturally get nervous if flying through bad weather or if there is turbulence on our flight but a true phobia of aviation can be crippling. If your fear of flying has started to have a negative impact on your life, there are things that you can do to ease your anxiety. Fear breeds on ignorance, so familiarize yourself with just how safe planes are and how they work. Speaking to your pilot before taking off, if possible, can also help you relax. Always try to travel with someone you know and trust and let them know what your triggers are so they know how to calm you down.

What are some of your phobias? What are some of your tips to overcoming a phobia? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah