Tag Archives: life

Jun24

Completely Natural Ways To Relieve Pain

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Completely Natural Ways To Relieve Pain

If you are someone who suffers from chronic pain or acute pain occasionally, such as headaches or migraines, then using medication or even booking a specialty Massage can definitely help with pain relief. However, long-term use of medication can cause some harmful side effects, and if they are made to be something to rely on, then that could have long-term addiction consequences. That is why looking for some more natural ways to relieve pain can be a good idea.

For generations, herbs, essential oils, and other natural therapies have been used as pain relievers. There is evidence that these can work and it could be beneficial to try some to see what works best for you if you’re looking for a natural alternative. Here are some ideas to consider:

Lavender essential oil:

If you are looking for natural pain relief, then lavender essential oil is something that can help. It can be used in a number of ways, from helping people to sleep better to easing anxiety or relieving pain. There is some research that suggests that lavender oil can help animals with pain relief too, as well as acting as an anti-inflammatory, so it really can be used in a number of ways.

Rosemary essential oil:

Rosemary is an amazing herb to add to your food, but did you know about its pain-relieving properties? Rosemary is a plant that you can grow yourself very easily and it can be used to help muscles and pain in bones, as well as treat headaches and help with seizures. One of the best ways to apply rosemary essential oil is to combine droplets with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Then it can be easily rubbed on the site that needs relief.

CBD oil:

CBD is something that you have probably heard a lot about lately, as it is taking the world by storm for the amazing health benefits that it has. Derived from the hemp plant, it is completely natural and one of the most popular forms is CBD pain relief cream. They can be used for a variety of different things from pain to anxiety, as well as helping with stress. If you are not keen on a pain cream, CBD can come in several other different forms too. For instance, CBD edibles, oils, and capsules are widely available and provide an easy and discreet way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. Additionally, more concentrated options are also gaining popularity for their effectiveness. Products like CBD Moon Rocks offer a more potent alternative for those looking to explore the versatility of CBD.

Ginger:

Ginger is a root that has been proven through research to be a completely natural way to relieve pain. A review of it found that having even just a small amount, such as 2g per day, can help to relieve pain, especially muscular pain, when taken for at least five days or more. The same evidence also showed that consuming ginger can help to aid recovery and reduce any muscular inflammation that is associated with exercise.

One way to include it in your diet can be through drinking ginger tea, but you could put it raw into smoothies or chop pieces up to have with other drinks like tea. You can find ginger supplements too, which could be a simpler way to get more ginger into your diet.

If you experience pain frequently, try incorporating any of these suggestions into your life for a natural relief.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jun23

How To Give Your Dog The Healthiest Life

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How To Give Your Dog The Healthiest Life

Our dogs are our family members. They are just as important as anyone else and they need to be taken care of accordingly. There are so many different opinions when it comes to taking care of your pooch, but there are a few universal bits of advice that every dog lover and owner needs to take to heart. Here are four doggy care must-do’s for your pup:

What Are You Feeding Your Dog?

Many commercials will tell us that what we feed our dogs is important. Many foods on the market are made of not-so-healthy materials with “spray on flavoring.” You wouldn’t want to eat that yourself, so why would you give it to your dog? Go to your local pet store or pet supply store and find organic dog foods that list healthy ingredients in their recipes. You can get several great and affordable products that will keep your dog’s immune and digestive system on track and healthy, which will give them a good and long life.

Is Your Dog Anxious?

Many dogs suffer from anxiety. Dog anxiety is very common and there are symptoms to look out for when interacting with your dog. Dog anxiety can be treated by doing something as simple as making sure there is always a quiet place for your dog. You can do something more out of the ordinary like doggy spas or meditations. Whatever works for you and your dog is best, but having an effective solution will help you get your dog feeling better.

Is Your Dog Getting Enough Playtime?

Everyone is busy. That goes without saying, but taking a few moments out of the day to walk and play with your dog is a huge benefit to their life. Interactions allow your dog to feel comfortable around people and will help them socially. Playtime is also the most optimal time for you and your pooch to bond and create friendship and loyalty that will last your dog’s entire life. This is also a great opportunity to train your dog to do tricks, behave, and be calm and affectionate around other people. Your dog will be so happy that you do this for them.

Some of our sweet dog friends might suffer from mobility issues or arthritis that can really limit their ability to play. Thankfully, there are so many ways to help your dog keep moving. A trip to the vet will be in order and, from there, they can recommend different options for treatment and accommodations they can use to continue to play all day. For example, a back legs dog wheelchair can give them the support they need while allowing maximum comfort in mobility. With this tool, your dog will be back to running circles around you or around themselves when they chase their tail!

Are You Going to the Dog Park?

A lot of people are weary of the dog park and for good reasons. Your dog could get into a fight or get injured playing. But the benefits of the dog park far outweigh the negatives. This is a great opportunity for your dog to get all the exercise they need to remain strong and within a healthy weight range. The biggest thing the dog park does is allow your dogs to be around other dogs. That’s great for helping them adjust socially and for teaching them how to be respectful of other dogs. When your dog has this experience, they are less likely to go after other dogs when you are on your walks, and they will be more gentle with their furry friends.

Give your four leggeds the best life with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jun20

Married Life

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Married Life

Hello! Ever since tying the knot on June 4th, Johnny and I have been asked time and time again if we feel any different and we always answer with no. Being married to Johnny is the best thing in the whole world but we both agree that it feels exactly the same as it did before when we were dating and recently engaged. We have had a wild bag of replies back of people concurring or feeling the polar opposite but we can all agree that married life rocks!

Since our nuptials, Johnny and I have enjoyed double birthday celebrations, a road trip to Marietta, trivia night, and the endless support of our loved ones and it has been awesome. In fact, all of these outings after being in the apartment for over a year due to the pandemic feels more like when we first started dating! It has been so exciting to finally be fully vaccinated and have the opportunity to go out and about with our friends and the novelty has yet to wear off.

While our now weekly date days and hang outs with friends have been great, our favorite thing to do is veg out together after work. Whether we are playing video games, watching documentaries, or endless hours of Family Matters we both love our time to relax and enjoy each other’s company after a long day. As soon as I exit my car and walk to the apartment when I return home, I always feel butterflies knowing that my Johnny will be there to greet me and it never gets old.

We have both come to realize that married life doesn’t feel much different because we have never left the honeymoon stages of our first dates and there is no better feeling than that. Here’s to our never ending honeymoon! ❤

Did married life feel different to you? How so? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun9

3 Things You Should Do To Take Care Of Yourself Today

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3 Things You Should Do To Take Care Of Yourself Today

Whether you want it to or not, time keeps moving forward. Why not embrace it instead of dread the march? By achieving a proactive mindset, you can care for your body and mind to stay healthy and age with grace. Here are three proactive steps you can make today to better care for yourself:

Make An Appointment With Your Healthcare Provider:

Everyone looks into a mirror multiple times each day. As you do, you will notice changes in your face and body, and perhaps things that you may want to change. One thing that many people hone in on are their eyes. If you observe that one or both of your eyelids are drooping, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your options. They may diagnose you with ptosis, which is the medical term for drooping eyelids. Your provider can prescribe FDA-approved ptosis eyedrops to treat the drooping eyelid. Any further treatment or issues can be brought up at this visit.

Be sure to add any other issues to the visit to maximize efficiency. Have your annual physical, well-check, and mole check at the same time. Talk with your provider about any aches or pains you are experiencing. Go over all medications and vitamins to determine efficacy and potential interactions. This is a great opportunity to ensure you are receiving the proper dosages. As time passes, your body will change. Keep your provider up-to-date on anything you need.

Another important thing to discuss with your provider is any cosmetic procedures you might be interested in. This could be something small like lip filler or a more major surgery like blepharoplasty houston (or your local area). Your GP can assist in recommending top surgeons so you can get a head start on finding the best fit for you.

Check In With Your Mental Health Professional:

After living through different stages of the pandemic, you have likely experienced some sense of helplessness, isolation, or frustration. You may have lost your job or even your home. Differing outlooks on politics and science have led family relations and friendships to areas of strain. Whether any of these topics impacted your life or not, taking care of your mental health is an imperative step towards overall well-being.

Contact your insurance company regarding available mental health providers in your area. Another option is telehealth or virtual visits. Insurance may cover these or you can find licensed professionals online that offer reasonable fees. Do your due diligence and research before you engage to ensure you are getting the best services for your needs.

Meditation is a useful tool in the practice of mental health self-care. Here is a relaxing ten minute video to enjoy:

Create Or Maintain An Exercise Routine:

No matter what your current stage in life, exercise will benefit your general health. (Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise program or if you have any concerns.) You can start slowly with leisurely walks and then build up to more intense sessions. If you like strenuous workouts, consider signing up for a local 5K and begin training. You can get personal bonus points by finding a run that benefits a charity that you support. If you enjoy human interaction and as gyms reopen, sign up or reactivate your membership. Another option for you if you appreciate alone time is to sign up for a fitness streaming service to get fit in your own home.

Pexels Image

Take time out of your busy schedule to take care of your body and mind. The steps you take will benefit you both now and in the future.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun2

Tips For Dealing With Seasonal Allergies

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Tips For Dealing With Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies aren’t fun and when they roll around, it can feel frustrating to have to deal with them. They can often stop you from enjoying the warm weather, particularly when the pollen count is high. With that being said, it’s worth considering some extra advice when it comes to coping with seasonal allergies. Read on to find out more:

Keep The Home Clean:

Just like dust, pollen gets everywhere so it’s important that you’re staying on top of cleaning house. Try to maintain clean surfaces and look out for cleaning products that are going to help tackle pollen and any residue that often lingers around in the air and on surfaces from the outside world. Even though it gets hot, try to keep windows closed when you can or open them just slightly.

By having your home nice and clean on a regular basis, you’re more likely to reduce the amount of pollen that comes inside and have your own space that is safe for your allergies. The more you can be proactive with your cleaning, the better. There’s a helpful guide on how to beat spring allergies with carpet cleaning that’s worth looking at.

Avoid Peak Allergy Days:

Peak allergy days are often a lot to handle and so many will stay indoors. This is likely to be necessary for some but it’s advisable to keep up to date with the pollen count and see just how likely it is that you’ll experience an aggressive allergy reaction. If you have to go out, then try to avoid any areas where there will be lots of pollen in the air, ideally staying in a city environment rather than out in the countryside. It’s a frustration, but one that will certainly help you deal with your allergies by picking and choosing where you go when you’re out.

Have Medication On Hand:

Medication on hand is extremely important because you never know when an allergy reaction might occur and how bad it will get. Making sure that you have some medication on hand or in your home during these peak periods is essential and will help you to reduce the impact on your health and overall productivity throughout the day. There’s a lot on the market when it comes to medication, so do your research and of course, inquire with your doctor to make sure it’s okay for you to take.

Remove Outdoor Clothing When You Get Indoors:

Outdoor clothing of any kind should all be removed when you get into your home. Put the clothes in the wash immediately and you will minimize the spread of pollen throughout the home as a result. It’s all helpful in reducing the likelihood of an allergy reaction.

These tips should, hopefully, help you cope well with seasonal allergies regardless of how high that pollen count rises!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May31

Live A Healthy Lifestyle During Quarantine

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Live A Healthy Lifestyle During Quarantine

Though vaccines are now being mass-produced and administered, some start to slack when it comes to focusing on their health. Vaccines can help protect us, but they do not guarantee 100% immunity. That is why we should put extreme importance on maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. Now that you are spending more time at home, you can use this opportunity to start devising a plan on how you can further improve your overall health and well-being. Try starting with the following:

Exercise Daily:

Our regular visit to the fitness center and outdoor walk in the morning are some routines that were disrupted by the ongoing lockdown. Many find it hard to continue their usual exercise because they do not have the same equipment that they use in the gym. However, the lack of daily exercise has many negative side effects.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the lack of adequate physical activity can lead to illnesses, such as obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, as well as type 2 diabetes. Not exercising also causes bone and muscle weakness, which can lead to serious illness as you age.

To help your physical body, experts say that you need to engage in some form of physical activity once or twice a day for approximately 30 to 90 minutes. You do not need to have special equipment to exercise at home. If you still cannot jog or walk outside, you can start by going up and down your stairs or walking briskly around your garden or backyard. You can also do jumping jacks, sit-ups, planking, and side bends.

Eat Nutritious Foods:

The pandemic caused fear worldwide, and the idea of running out of supplies caused many to hoard non-perishable foods that can be stored for a long time. Canned goods have been the go-to items of many. But in reality, these types of food are often unhealthy. Studies show that bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical used in canned packaging, can migrate from the can to the food itself. Ingesting high amounts of BPA can lead to type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Many find it hard to buy fresh produce because most markets are still closed because of the lockdown. However, the fruits, vegetables, and meat you see in the supermarket are as good as what you can get from local butchers and farmers’ markets. Though they are perishable, there are still ways for you to extend their shelf life. Make a conscious choice to cook fresh and nutritious foods instead of turning to canned goods or instant-cook items.

Pay Attention to Your Body:

Excessive weight gain has become common since the lockdown began. Aside from eating unhealthy foods, many are at risk of obesity because they turn to eat as a way to cope with the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic. As mentioned above, the two main things that you can do to prevent this from happening are to exercise regularly and eat a healthy, balanced diet. You can also stock up on fresh foods like leafy greens and fruits that can boost your immune system.

If you are older or near your senior years, you will also notice body changes, such as weakness of bones and muscles. Though these are normal changes, you can still help your body by taking in calcium-rich foods like milk and dairy. Hair loss is also common for older people and younger adults that are experiencing high levels of stress. Since salons are not yet open in many places, you can give yourself DIY or chemical-free hair treatment solutions right in your home.

Get Enough Sleep at Night:

Some adults find it hard to sleep at night because of the anxiety and stress caused by the pandemic. But time and time again, our doctors advise us to get adequate sleep at night because it is the time when our bodies repair and recharge. You are also giving your brain the chance to rest and function correctly the next day. Generally speaking, humans need to have at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep at night, but this still changes depending on one’s age:

  • Newborn 0-3 months: 14 to 17 hours
  • Infant 4-11 months: 12 to 15 hours
  • Toddler 1-2 years: 11 to 14 hours
  • Preschool 3-5 years: 10 to 13 hours
  • School-age 6-13 years: 9 to 11 hours
  • Teen 14-17 years: 8 to 10 hours
  • Young adult 18-25 years: 7 to 9 hours
  • Adult 26-64 years: 7 to 9 hours
  • Older adult 65 years and older: 7 to 8 hours

Living in a world threatened by a deadly virus is not an easy thing to do. Many are trying their best to adapt to the new normal, especially when it comes to their way of life. If you are struggling to find your footing, know that it is a process and you are not alone. Soon enough, you’ll be able to find effective ways to stay fit and healthy while living amidst a pandemic.

May19

Crunch Time!

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Crunch Time!

Hello! The countdown for my wedding is on and I definitely feel like I am in crunch time now. And, mind you, this is just for a super small ceremony – I couldn’t imagine the stress that soon to be married people feel for a big wedding! Thankfully, if there’s one thing that Lil Red loves to do, it’s plan and Johnny and I are constantly checking things off of our wedding to do list. In fact, I was able to cross three things off in just one day.

This past week, I got halfway through with removing all of the horrible and heinous disk sequins from my wedding dress. It is a night and day improvement with just having the top half completely sequin free and it is so worth the painstaking, time consuming effort. Later that afternoon, Johnny and I went to the courthouse to get our marriage license application sorted so that is all good to go which is very exciting!

After going to the courthouse, I treated myself to brand new jewelry for the four studs in my nose at Lucid Body Piercing. I never change the jewelry in my nose so my crystal studs were looking incredibly dingy and that just won’t do for my wedding day. The professionals at Lucid were able to hook me up with slightly bigger studs with a disk backing, which means a little more bling and no more screw posts forever getting tangled. 😀

Once my jewelry was selected, the owner of the studio, Alex, put them all in for free and it was such an amazing experience because he is so skilled and knowledgeable. We had many a laugh while he swapped my studs out and when we weren’t chit chatting, he thoroughly explained what he was doing which made me feel so comfortable. After my wedding, I am playing around with going back to the shop for a potential new nose piercing. Just being in a piercing studio to have jewelry changed out was enough to have the body mod bug come back biting!

Mine and Johnny’s wedding check list is winding down and soon, we will have nothing left to do but wait for our big day. I have really enjoyed doing the wedding preparations with my fiance and I can’t wait to get married! ❤

What helps you stay organized? Are there any new piercings or tattoos in your future? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May18

Radio Silence

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Radio Silence

Hello! For the past year or so, my radio in the Little Red Love Machine would do this adorable thing while I’m driving and stop working. Lol, I used to joke that the ghost from my apartment had made his way into my car because it would always start working again after a day or so. While super annoying, I was never too bothered by it because I knew it would turn on the next time I ran over a bump in the road.

Your girl doesn’t know anything about cars but I knew that there was definitely some type of issue and, unfortunately, my radio stopped working altogether about two months ago. I drive a lot for my job and this has meant no more Top 40 singalongs, CDs, or using the aux cord for my iPod. The only thing I can do is play my iPod at full volume and continue recycling the exact same songs that I have been listening to since I was fourteen! Haha.

Normally, it’s a good thing when you don’t hear any noises from your car because that means everything is in working order. However, radio silence is a whole different ball game – especially for me. I work for myself and provide care for people with special needs. My time in the car with my music while driving between clients or returning home from work allows me to decompress from the stresses of the day and it is very hard being without.

“Then why haven’t you gotten your radio fixed, Sarah?” I was just getting to that! Between paying taxes, repairs for my car in April, and purchases for my wedding I can’t justify another charge to my bills. But trust and believe that my car radio will be fixed sooner rather than later and the Little Red Love Machine will return to her former glory in no time!

What is your go to driving music? Do you have a name for your car? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May17

3 Tips For Buying Gifts In A New Relationship

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3 Tips For Buying Gifts In A New Relationship

You’re in a new relationship and things are going well even though you haven’t been together for long. But then, disaster strikes. Their birthday or a holiday is coming up and you have no idea what to get them. You don’t know them that well yet and it’s tough to work out how much you spend or how romantic you should be with your gifts. Buying gifts in a new relationship is difficult and it can lead to some awkward situations if you miss the mark. But if you follow these rules, you should be able to find the perfect gift:

Talk About Gifts:

Communication is key in relationships, especially when things are new and you are still learning about each other. Before buying gifts for the first time, ask them about it so you can both set expectations. Do they like big gifts or are they happy with something small? Should you set a price limit on gifts? What kind of things do they normally like? Asking these questions means that everybody is on the same page and there are no awkward situations where one person spends way more than the other or you make a big fuss when they don’t like gifts.

Speaking of communication, really pay attention to your partner’s hobbies or when they mention something they would love. For example, if your significant other is an avid golfer, new gloves and golf balls would be very well received. Or maybe there is a movie coming out that they are dying to see? Gift a date night!

Don’t Go Too Romantic:

Some people have a tendency to go for over the top romantic gifts early on in relationships. They want to demonstrate to the person that they really like them and they are invested in the relationship. However, this isn’t always the best way to go because it can put a lot of pressure on that person. It might make them worry that things are moving too fast or that they are less invested than you. So, it’s best to avoid anything too romantic and over the top in the early stages. Look for funny t-shirts for sale rather than a big stuffed bear with a heart. Picking something like a funny t-shirt shows them that you understand their sense of humor and their interests, which demonstrates that you care without putting too much pressure on. Or, you can give a gift that taps into their favorite fandom, which shows that you really are listening to their likes and dislikes. A Game of Thrones fan would love a dark sister sword while a Harry Potter fan would be over the moon with their own wand – no over the top romance required!

Of course, you should never discount flowers as “too romantic” of a gift because everyone loves receiving them! These options for gift hamper delivery Melbourne (or something similar in your local area) are a great place to start for inspiration. Your significant other will receive gorgeous blooms as well as a candle, wine, or candies depending on what you choose. Gift baskets are an excellent gifting idea as they offer a little bit of everything for your partner to enjoy!

Don’t Leave It To The Last Minute:

When buying gifts in a new relationship, it’s important to show that you care and you put thought into your gift. If you come up with something at the last minute, that suggests that you are not invested in the relationship and are not putting effort in. If you do find yourself in a bind, this list of last minute gifts can help you find something good. However, you should try to avoid this situation and start thinking of gift ideas early. Pay attention to your partner and start listing things they are interested in or things that they talked about buying. Other than hobbies, it’s also a good idea to remember certain scents or flavors that your partner loves. A gift like bath and body care or fragrance gift sets could be very well received if you know just what they like! The whole process will be far less stressful if you start early and have plenty of ideas.

Buying gifts in a new relationship can be difficult and you might worry that you gifted the wrong thing. But if you follow these rules, you will be able to make the best choice!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May11

Summertime Q & A

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Summertime Q & A

Hi! In Akron, Ohio it has been nonstop rain day after day and I am so over it! The grey, chilly days have left me yearning for summertime weather and fun – especially after my family enjoyed a beautiful preview of what could be when we all went to the zoo together two weekends ago. To put myself into a sunny state of mind as the rain pours down on my apartment skylight, I decided to do a little summertime Q & A so let’s get to it:

What is your ideal weather in the summer? Although I am really looking forward to summertime, I absolutely hate super hot weather. In Lil Red’s perfect world, it would be seventy or so degrees and sunny all season long with a couple of eighty degree days peppered in for swimming.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? My wedding, of course! And Johnny and I share June birthdays exactly one week apart from each other so it’s fun to have combined celebrations for our big days. While there are, obviously, major events that I am looking forward to, I also can’t wait to be more active in the community again now that Johnny and I are both fully vaccinated. His band will begin playing their first outdoor shows in well over a year, which is so exciting!

Where is your dream summer vacation destination? As mentioned before, really hot weather is not my bag at all so a location where it’s a bit cooler would be ideal for me. I would skip the sandy beaches and head for New England. I loved the mild temperatures and the scenic terrain when my family visited Vermont and New Hampshire in my youth.

You won a contest to select three headliners for a music festival. Who are you picking? Well, my whole family was supposed to see the Rolling Stones last year so they would definitely be on the list so Johnny could finally see them live. Then, I would pick Cardi B to keep the party going followed by AFI so we could all have a good cry afterwards.

Do you have a summertime wardrobe staple? Can we all just agree that shaving our legs constantly is such a hassle? Lol, that’s why I love maxi skirts and dresses during the warm weather! They are cute, cool, and cover up my legs when I am too lazy to shave. 😀

Favorite warm weather outdoor activities? Let’s see, I enjoy going for hikes. I like farmers markets and outdoor shopping centers. Zoos and swimming are also always fun. One of the things I love the best during the warm weather is playing outside with my niece with bubbles and sidewalk chalk. There are also a lot of wonderful parks in my area for her to explore too!

Favorite summer memory? One of the best family vacations that we ever took was, easily, Universal Studios in Florida and I often think back to that trip and how much fun we had. I would love to go back!!

How would you answer any of the above questions? Do you have any exciting plans this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah