Tag Archives: advice

Dec6

5 Modern Travel Hacks You Shouldn’t Skip

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5 Modern Travel Hacks You Shouldn’t Skip

There are entire blogs filled with modern travel hacks that you can use to ease the stress of a vacation. However, there are some things that everyone should take note of that can really help things go more smoothly. From using packing cubes to first aid kits, here are some suggestions:

Prep Your Smartphone:

Your phone can be your best friend when traveling. You have all the apps and web access you need for traveling easier with a smartphone. With a phone you can check transport times, flight info, and accommodation availability in seconds, and you have access to advanced features like GPS for getting around more easily. You may not have access to your usual network, but you can save on roaming costs while travelling with an eSIM designed for easy access anywhere.

Pack with Cubes:

The laws of physics seem to go out of the window when trying to cram in as much clothing as possible into a suitcase, you know, that is too small! So what can you do? Fortunately, there are these handy inventions called packing cubes. Packing cubes are like mini travel bags you can place in your luggage. What makes them so useful is that they make it easier to use the limited space inside your suitcase much more efficiently as you fill the cubes and arrange them perfectly.

Modern Travel Hacks for Clothes:

Around 1 billion people per year travel to other countries. From the most beautiful places to visit in the fall to summer vacations, everyone has their idea of the best getaway. Something as simple as your clothing can ruin the best day, though, so always stay prepared:

  • Check if there are local storage lockers at stations or near tourist locations.
  • Always pack spare clothes and underwear just in case of an unfortunate accident.
  • Pack the opposite for the weather (such as a jacket if it’s sunny), as it can change.

Pack a Mini First Aid Kit:

You never know what can happen when traveling, and your adventurous side can get the better of you. Perhaps you feel like a Segway ride in a forest at 65 years old. It’s not the best idea, but heck, you’re on vacation. But alas, you realize you really shouldn’t have done that as you tumble off your ride like a drunken toddler. Maybe you are pretty far away from a local clinic, but you remembered to pack a little first aid kit. No more bleeding and an expensive bill avoided. Yay!

Stay Up-to-Date with Travel Info:

Traveling can be stressful, and the whole transportation industry doesn’t help. Delays, cancellations, and hackers are pretty common these days. Knowing your travel times is essential for organizing your day and making sure you never miss a departure. Things can change, and when they do, your plans need to as well. Make sure you stay up to date with travel info by using official websites or travel apps that can alert you ASAP when something changes.

Smart preparations for your vacation will ensure a stress free time in your dream destination paradise!

Featured Image By: Freepik

Dec5

Fashion Holiday Gifts

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Fashion Holiday Gifts

Howdy! I am pleased to report that my holiday shopping is donezo! I made excellent use of Black Friday sales for my remaining giftees and I am so excited to pop on one of my comfort shows and wrap everything up. For those who still have some holiday shopping to get done, fear not! We’ll be having gift guides leading up to the big days to give you some inspiration. Let’s venture into the world of fashion. Whether you have a giftee who is a full fledged fashionista or keeps their style simple, these gifts will always go over well:

Pajamas:

New PJs are an excellent option for wearing to bed or just lounging about the house. In the cold winter months, people want to feel cozy and curling up in some soft pajamas is the best way to do it! Regardless of if a set of PJs are your giftee’s thing, they are certainly going to use it and can break up the pieces as they choose. 5 Below has an amazing selection of pajamas for fifteen dollars and you can often find sets at TJMaxx for around twenty. Jammies are something people rarely buy for themselves as sweatpants and old T’s make an equally viable option so this gift would feel like a real treat. I know I would love it because thanks to 5 Below I have become pajama obsessed!

Cold Weather Accessories:

Let me say something controversial but so brave: Winter is cold lol. How many times have you not bundled up and instantly regretted it after two minutes? Too many to count on my end! Lovely hats, scarves, and gloves can not only provide an added boost of warmth but gives the opportunity to shake up outfits too. If you’re unsure of which colors to choose, opt for something neutral like cream, tan, or black. That way the accessory can be paired with anything and will still work beautifully.

Bejeweled:

Who doesn’t love a touch of bling? For the fellas you could go for cuff links, tie clips, watches, or chains. Delicate, meaningful jewelry always makes a great gift for the ladies. I am especially partial to best friends bracelets as well as mother related jewelry for my mom, sister, and mother-in-law. When you put some genuine thought into a jewelry gift, it will turn into not just an accessory but a treasure. Find pieces that speak to your giftee’s style and your own relationship and I just know they will love it!

Cozy Up:

Did I mention that winter is cold?! Plush throw blankets, fuzzy socks, slippers, mug and drink koozies, or even weighted stuffed animals are all fabulous options to curl up on the couch with and watch your favorite holiday flick. For items like blankets or koozies you could go the customized route with a local vendor. There is also never a shortage of fuzzy socks or slippers in store to choose from. Cozy gifts are fun because they often fall under someone’s “nice to have” but not necessary category when they are making purchases. Even if your giftee is a blanket fiend like me, they will simply say the more the merrier. 😀

Organized Fashion:

Do you know someone whose wardrobe constantly runneth over? Anyone with jewelry and earrings scattered around like breadcrumbs (Me!)? Or perhaps a giftee who could use some extra help organizing? Come in with the assist! Jewelry boxes, shelves or hanging organizers, and plastic bins to keep seasonal clothes safe are practical and can transform a cluttered room. You can double gift by lending a hand during the installation and organizing the space so their clothes and accessories get the treatment they deserve.

The options above are a practical look at fashion gifts. You know your giftee best and when you find that perfect item that speaks to their style, you will definitely know!

What is your favorite type of present to gift? What is a fashion gift you would love to receive? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec2

Crafty Holiday Gifts

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Crafty Holiday Gifts

Hi!! Crafty gifts for the holidays are a great idea for kiddos and adults alike. It is perfect for the crafting enthusiast, someone who is interested in starting the hobby, or simply offering a pleasant way to kill time. There are also countless places that offer wine and paint classes, pottery lessons, or flower arranging tutorials that can turn a crafty gift into an experience one too. Let’s explore some different options to get everyone on your list fully utilizing their creative side:

Craft kits for kids:

I am extremely partial to gifting crafty presents to my nieces and nephew because they absolutely love it. Their favorites are the paint your own pottery figurines and I have to concur. They are so proud of their creations and I am so happy when I am lucky enough to receive one of their masterpieces. From jewelry and slime making to mini pottery wheels and coloring books, there is surely a crafting kit to fit your little giftee’s interests. It will also be a bonus gift to the parents while their kids are focused on creating museum worthy art!

Experience crafts:

If there is a style of art that your giftee would like to learn, sign them up for a class! Community centers, libraries, and even community colleges all offer crafting classes to provide both the gift of knowledge and creativity. You could take the class too for some fabulous quality time! Studios that offer candle making, glass blowing, or crafting scents could also be a fun way to spend a day together. Top it off with a dinner or happy hour out – craft cocktails, anyone? *See what I did there!*

Diamond art:

I don’t know about all of you, but I am amazed by diamond art! If you have a giftee with a steady hand and laser focus (Both of which I have not!), a diamond art kit could be a great way to go. These crafts create an image out of tiny rhinestones and the end results are simply brag worthy. Such a cool hobby and your giftee will have a work of art made by them proudly displayed in their home.

Beauty crafts:

There is nothing better than homemade skin and bath and body care. How about setting up a crafting workshop to make them? Invite your friends over, have the supplies like essential oils, coconut oil, and beeswax ready, and make your new favorite products. Once everyone has their creations ready, you could have a pseudo spa experience with candles, mint tea, and calming music. Take a vote on whose product you like the best for a prize and have a blast with your besties!

Craft gifts are engaging, unique, and just pure fun. Even if you’re a far cry from an artist, it’s always nice to try something new!

What is your favorite craft? What is on your holiday gift wish list? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec1

Starting A Business Over 50 & Staying Healthy As An Entrepreneur

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Starting A Business Over 50 & Staying Healthy As An Entrepreneur

When most people think of entrepreneurs, they usually envision people in their 20s or 30s. Maybe people in their 40s, too. But, that doesn’t mean starting a business over 50 isn’t a possibility. It could just take a bit of an adjustment. It doesn’t have to be as complicated as you’d think, though. Focusing on a few startup tips should be more than enough to help with this moving forward. Three of these should have a significant impact on your startup’s success, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t help you moving forward:

Leverage Your Experience & Network:

You’ll likely start your business in an industry you’ve spent a significant amount of time in, as it’s where all of your skills will be related to. Your skills are far from the only area your business can benefit from. It can also benefit from your experience and network. You can use these to find opportunities to expand, new clients, and industry events that’ll help your company. Take advantage of this as much as possible from the start to fuel your initial success and kick start everything quickly.

Manage Your Risks:

Starting a business is always a risk, no matter what age you are when you start off. But, that doesn’t mean you should just settle for it being overwhelmingly risky. Implementing risk management strategies should help you minimize this as much as possible. You won’t be able to completely negate all of the risks, but you could avoid some as time goes on. At least, they shouldn’t be as major as you’d think. Proper financial planning is one of the most significant areas to focus on.

Balance Health & Ambition:

When you’re starting your business, you’ll be quite busy, but you shouldn’t push yourself too hard and neglect your health. Make sure you look after yourself so you can stay healthy while running your business. This could help you in more ways than one. If you notice any hearing loss during business meetings, for example, hearing aids could help make sure communication isn’t an issue. The same could be said for more than a few other health and lifestyle aids.

Starting a business over 50 feels like an uphill battle at the best of times. But, this is usually the case no matter what age you are. It’s just a matter of making sure you’re taking the right approach for you and your business!

Featured Image By: Caden Norcott from Unsplash

Nov27

Beginner Modeling Tips That Make You Stand Out

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Beginner Modeling Tips That Make You Stand Out

Making it in the modeling world can be tough, and it takes more than just being photogenic. Whether you dream of doing clothing photo shoots or walking a runway in beautiful gowns, there are things you can do to give yourself a stronger chance of getting signed and finding regular work. Like the following:

Find your hairstyle:

One of the first things to figure out is the kind of hairstyle that suits you best. Speaking to a professional stylist can help you test different ideas and learn which cuts or looks work with your face shape. If you are not sure what you want yet, you can experiment with wigs to see how you feel about different lengths and colors without committing to a haircut. Once you settle on a look, take care of it properly. Regular trims, gentle products, and visits to your stylist will keep your hair camera ready. Try to avoid anything too extreme because modeling often requires you to change your look to match different jobs.

Keep yourself healthy:

Models need to keep their bodies in good condition, not just in terms of weight, but for their skin, stamina and overall health. Eating well, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly will help you feel more confident and make you look your best on camera. Glowing skin is especially important because it reduces the need for heavy makeup and shows professional agencies that you are taking care of yourself.

Have a portfolio:

A strong digital portfolio is one of the most important tools for any model. You will need professional photographs that clearly show your face, body type, and personality. It is worth investing in a trusted photographer rather than trying to take everything yourself. Phones can take great pictures, but a photographer knows how to light, pose, and edit images in a way that agencies take seriously. Once you have your images, display them clearly on your website and social media pages.

Know your style:

Having a sense of personal style helps agencies understand what you are best suited for. Make sure your clothes fit properly, right down to your underwear. A well fitted bra or a supportive set can change how you look in an outfit. If you want to see what is on trend or explore more options, you can shop lingerie in the U.S. online to find styles that match your body shape and personality. Once you understand what works for you, it becomes easier to show agencies your potential.

Smile:

Not every modeling job requires you to smile, but having a great one makes a huge difference. Keep up with dental check ups, brush properly, and take care of your teeth. If you feel insecure about your smile, whitening toothpaste or speaking to your dentist about options like veneers can help you feel more confident.

If you stay consistent with your look, maintain your portfolio and keep posting high quality images online, you will give yourself more opportunities. Do not wait for agencies to find you. Reach out, apply for casting calls, and stay active. The more your name and face are seen, the more likely you are to land the jobs you want!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov27

How To Shop For Your First Pair Of Hearing Aids

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How To Shop For Your First Pair Of Hearing Aids

Shopping for your first hearing aids can feel a little daunting, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for or what the market of hearing aids looks like nowadays. There’s been a lot of significant advancements in hearing aids, so your idea of what they might look like may be a lot different from reality. It’s good to know what to expect when shopping for hearing aids and what steps are required to get them that are tailored for you and your hearing needs:

Get a comprehensive hearing test:

The first step to getting hearing aids is to book in with your local hearing specialist for a hearing test. A comprehensive hearing test will look at anything and everything when it comes to your hearing to understand what exactly is missing and what needs improvement. Have a thorough hearing test to not only check your hearing but to rule out anything that might be underlying as a medical condition that you weren’t even aware of. There are often reasons why your hearing loss is the way it is, and for some, that might be an infection or wax buildup.

Discuss options and choose a professional:

Based on the test results you’re given, the audiologist will recommend some suitable hearing aid options. These may be prescription or over-the-counter options. Those who have mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase OTC hearing aids, but those with significant loss will be required to work with a professional to get a prescription device instead. This is due to the need for custom fitting and ongoing support for the user. Shop around for your options, as hearing care providers will often set their own prices and costs, which are bundled into the service.

Select the right hearing aid for style and features:

This may be the point at which you realize that the options for hearing aids are vast and a lot more versatile than you first thought. To find hearing aids, the right style and features are a personal choice. Take a look at everything that’s offered to see which ones match your style and needs. Common devices include Behind-the-Ear (BTE), Receiver-in-Canal (RIC), and In-the-Ear (ITE) or Completely-in-Canal (CIC) models. Features of the device are important to consider too, like noise reduction, rechargeable batteries, and Bluetooth connectivity, for example.

Trial periods and aftercare:

Before you commit to the hearing devices, review any associated policies and be aware of any warranty attached to them. Be aware of what trial period you have available so that if needed, you can return them for a refund if they don’t work well for you. You also will want all of the details when it comes to the aftercare of your devices to ensure its longevity.

Get fitted and follow up:

Finally, it’s time to get the hearing aids fitted properly and to adapt to these devices as you navigate day-to-day life. Keeping up with follow-up appointments will help to address any concerns you have so that adjustments can be made accordingly.

Life will change for the better once you find the hearing aid that is just right for you. Use the tips above to get started!

Nov26

What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

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What To Do When You’re Worried About Your Child’s Health Problems

It’s completely normal to be worried about your child’s health problems. After all, you love them and want the best for them. But what should you do if you find yourself in this position? What action should you take? This issue comes up more than you might think. Many parents go into meltdown when something goes wrong with their child’s health, no matter how minor it might seem on the surface. Fortunately, we’ve written this guide to help. It runs through some of the tactics you can use to be your best to help your kiddo:

Trust Your Gut:

One of the best things you can do as a parent in this position is trust your gut. Accepting what’s happening and then trying to get to a solution is essential. Usually, you’ll know if something is seriously wrong or not. What’s more, as a parent, you know your child. You understand what’s normal behavior for them, and what isn’t, so your senses are attuned to theirs.

Track Their Symptoms:

It’s a good idea to track their symptoms. You want to know how they’re evolving over time. If you can figure out when it started and then measure the severity, you’re often in a good position to know how long it will take them to recover and what’s wrong. Tracking symptoms is also going to be so helpful when you take your child to the doctor so they will have a full history of the problem.

Check For Red Flags:

Red flag situations are when it is essential to take action. For example, things like a high fever or persistent vomiting: these are signs that something might be seriously wrong. You might also notice things like not responding to sound. Perhaps they need to go to the audiologist for grommets or hearing aids. Seizures and extreme lethargy or not waking properly are all red flag signs too. Get help immediately.

Call the Pediatrician:

If you encounter something you haven’t seen before or symptoms seem worse than usual, getting on the phone with the pediatrician is a good idea. They can provide advice on what to do next, including whether or not to go to hospital.

Provide Comfort:

Sometimes, just providing your child with some comfort can have a profound effect on their well-being. Their bodies are highly tuned to their surroundings. Even skin-on-skin contact, which seems quite simple, can have a huge effect. You can also do things like bring them their comfort items or put them in a room that feels safe to them. These small changes may improve their health.

Ask “Dumb” Questions:

Lastly, if you do go to the doctor with them, don’t be afraid to ask dumb questions. The more of these you pose, the more likely you are to understand what’s happening in the future if something similar happens again. Every question you have is worth asking and your child’s appointment is the time to do so.

Any health concern for your child can be scary. Keep a level head, find a solution with the doctor, and do your best to accommodate!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov26

How Hearing Loss Affects More Than Just Your Hearing

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How Hearing Loss Affects More Than Just Your Hearing

Hearing loss can feel like a gradual change at first, but it affects far more than just the sounds you hear. It can change the way you move through your day, how you communicate and even how confident you feel. Because it often develops slowly, you might not notice the full impact right away, but those little struggles can add up over time. Understanding how hearing loss reaches into different parts of your life can help you spot changes earlier and get the support you need. A simple hearing evaluation can give you clarity, but paying attention to the emotional and social effects is just as important:

How hearing loss affects your confidence:

When sounds become harder to follow, it’s natural to lose a bit of confidence in certain situations. You might avoid busy restaurants, step back during group conversations or worry that you’ll miss something important. These small moments can slowly change how comfortable you feel in everyday life. Over time, this can make you second-guess yourself, even in settings where you used to feel relaxed. Getting support early helps you feel more secure, because clearer sound reduces the effort you need to keep up and brings some of that lost confidence back.

How hearing loss can affect your friendships:

Clear communication is a big part of staying close to the people you care about. When hearing becomes difficult, you might miss jokes, misunderstand comments or feel a step behind in conversations. These small gaps can make socializing feel more tiring than enjoyable. If this keeps happening, it can quietly hinder your friendships, because you may start turning down plans or avoiding noisy places where conversation is harder. With the right support, you can stay fully involved and enjoy those moments again without feeling stressed or left out.

How hearing loss affects focus and mental energy:

Hearing loss doesn’t just change what you hear. It makes your brain work harder to fill in missing sounds, which can lead to mental fatigue. You might notice you feel drained after conversations or struggle to stay focused in meetings, even if you’re trying your best. This extra effort can affect your productivity and your ability to concentrate throughout the day.

How hearing loss changes your daily routines:

Small adjustments in your routines often appear before you realize they’re linked to hearing loss. You might turn the TV volume up a little higher, avoid phone calls or worry more about being in loud environments. These changes can creep in slowly and completely change how you plan your day. Being aware of these shifts helps you understand what your hearing needs. With early support, your routines can stay simple and enjoyable instead of built around avoiding uncomfortable listening situations.

Hearing loss affects many parts of life, not just the sounds you hear. By paying attention early and reaching out for support, you can protect your confidence, your relationships and your daily comfort!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov26

Ways To Prevent Hearing Loss

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Ways To Prevent Hearing Loss

There are various techniques that you can use to prevent noise-induced hearing loss and the worsening effects of that which is directly related to age. Let’s start with the workplace. If you work in a particularly noisy environment, you can invest in some specifically designed earmuffs that are designed to bring loud sounds down to a more acceptable level. You could also look into getting some custom-designed earplugs made of plastic or rubber to protect your ears from damaging noise.

We have already talked about having a hearing test, but it is worth reiterating here. If you get a professional to check your ears often, you will be in a better position to prevent further hearing loss later in life. You should also make an effort to avoid the recreational risks out there. Limit the activities which involve exposure to loud noises such as motorbiking, snowmobiling or going to live concerts. Wearing hearing protectors can also make a big difference, though you should also aim to take breaks from the noise as much as possible. When you are listening to music through earbuds, turn down the volume and limit your exposure to no more than an hour a day.

Helping Others with Hearing Loss:

There are plenty of ways that you can help someone who has hearing loss, and you can also apply this advice to yourself if you are the one who is suffering. When you are communicating with someone with hearing loss, use their name to get their attention. Try to limit any background noise which is causing them difficulties such as the TV or stereo system. Speak slowly and clearly, but don’t increase the volume at which you are speaking as this is only likely to make your words more distorted and difficult to follow. Try to make the topic of the conversation as consistent as possible too.

If your kids are the ones who are suffering from hearing loss, make sure that you take the time to explain to other parents what is going on, so they can then pass on good communication tips and advice. Consult with specialists on a regular basis, and take the time to look out for any products which may provide a helping hand. Sometimes, showing a bit of empathy and listening to the way that they are feeling is all that is required.

Whether you or someone close to you is going through hearing loss, there is no doubt that it can be an extremely challenging time. A strong support system between family, friends, and medical professionals can be so helpful!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov26

Get Into The Holiday Spirit

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Get Into The Holiday Spirit

Hi! We are full fledged into the holiday season and I think everyone could use a heaping dose of holiday cheer. This has been a crazy few years, to say the least! Spreading holiday cheer can be with grand gestures, but oftentimes it’s the little things that mean the most. Small acts of kindness that can turn someone’s entire day around. The ideas we’re about to discuss will put you on the Nice List, for sure, but that’s beside the point. It just feels good to do good! Let’s discuss:

Help a Neighbor:

Spreading holiday cheer can start right across the street! Should you have a neighbor that might need some extra help, be the person to offer. This could include shoveling snow, stopping by with a delicious meal, gifting a wreath for their door, or lighting up the outside of their home for a festive touch. I know firsthand the power of these gestures. Our downstairs neighbor is one of our best friends and whenever I am cooking, there is always a plate ready for him too. It makes both of our days and that is exactly what friends are for. ❤

Donating:

Toy drives and food pantries are amazing ways to share your good fortune. Lots of local businesses in my neck of the woods are hosting drives for toys and food so ask around for a place that you can drop off to. This is also the time of year for grocery stores to run promotions like “spend X amount and get a free turkey or X Y and Z”. A local shelter could really benefit from that for their holiday meals. A gesture like this can truly do a world of good so give what you can so everyone in your community can have a special holiday too.

Blessing Boxes:

In the same breath, I have seen countless posts on talk of the town pages about people creating Blessing Boxes. It is essentially a Little Free Library but for pantry items. Food insecurity is such a major issue and creating a Blessing Box for your neighborhood would be fantastic. When an entire neighborhood gets together, there is nothing you can’t do to help so give what you can. Even if what you can give is not a lot, don’t downplay it. It still makes a huge difference!

Care Packages:

A resounding need at homeless shelters as the weather turns is cold weather clothing items like thick socks, gloves, hats, scarves, and jackets. Other items that are always needed include personal hygiene supplies, underwear, and diapers. If you look on their websites, you might also find wish lists for families that are living there. Creating care packages to drop off can help keep the neighbors in your community warm and comfortable. You can also make cash donations on websites too and find ways to volunteer your time. This is always a need and you might find yourself returning at least once a week.

Nursing Homes:

There are so many people who have no one to spend the holidays with, especially those in nursing homes. You could host a holiday card or gift drive to drop off or simply be there and spend time. I often see posts from local nursing homes requesting something like this on talk of the town pages. If you can’t find any posts, call around. This can create such a bright memory for all parties involved!

Everyone deserves a safe and happy holiday season. Do what you can to make it happen and remember, anything you do is something! ❤

Do you volunteer anywhere? How do you spread holiday cheer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah