Tag Archives: pro tips

Jun22

Getting The Right Gear For Your Favorite Workout

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Getting The Right Gear For Your Favorite Workout

Finding the right gear for your chosen sport or workout activity can be a bit of a nightmare. It can vary or depend heavily on a specific brand. It also can depend on the activity you are doing, which may even have rules for proper attire. Here are some tips to get you the gear you need, headache free:

Consider the Fabrics:

The world of sportswear is surprisingly technological, as most gear is designed around protection, comfort, and cooling. You may never wear synthetics in your daily life. But when it comes to sports gear, they are your best friend for comfort and protection. For example, the best golf rain gloves are made of synthetic microfibers that don’t lose grip. For working out, you are better off looking for gear that is made from well-known synthetics such as Coolmax and Supplex.

The Right Gear Depends on the Brand:

Brands aren’t everything with sportswear and gear. But more often than not, you will get what you need and desire if you opt for a well-known brand. You will also save money by paying for a quality brand that lasts, rather than cheaper ones you need to replace often. Major brands like Under Armor, Nike, and Adidas offer superb ranges for many types of sports and workouts. These are usually much higher quality and come with cooling technology built in.

Make Sure They Fit Well:

Your workout clothes are just as important as everyday clothes. Ill-fitting sportswear will feel uncomfortable and downright annoying. Look for sports gear just as you would casual clothing, such as fitting for your body type and whether you prefer loose or tight fits. Tight fits allow you to show off some curves or muscles from your hard work. Loose fits keep it more laid back.

Consider the Activity:

You must consider the activity and what it involves when looking for gear and clothing. This can be tricky, so here is some general guidance:

Tennis clothing: Loose-fitting clothes such as t-shirts and shorts allow for greater freedom of movement.

Yoga clothing: Yoga pants and leggings are common choices with a tighter fitting tank or top.

Gym clothing: Wear clothing that is appropriate for the workout you are doing. A more form fitting option tends to be best to avoid getting caught in a machine!

Outdoors: It is always wise to dress in layers when you exercise outdoors so you can add and remove clothing as you need. Sunglasses that fit well are a must for those early morning or mid afternoon workouts and can be very beneficial for those who enjoy long bicycle rides and runs. Don’t forget sunscreen too!

Buy Multiple Items:

Any activity or sport will make you perspire more and this means your clothes get dirty very quickly. As a rule of thumb for hygiene and saving embarrassment, never wear the same gym or sports clothes before washing them. So, of course, this means you will need multiple items for your chosen sport. This includes tops, bottoms, skirted leggings, socks, and sports bras. It also extends to accessories such as jock straps and protective gear which can become very unsanitary.

Set a Cleaning Routine:

If you go to the gym or do a sport a few times a week, the laundry can pile up. And this is on top of your normal clothing! Set aside time to clean your sports gear separately. A good idea would be a Sunday so they are fresh for the week ahead. Be sure to wash your sports and gym gear on a hot wash to get rid of any lingering bacteria and mold that can build up from perspiration. A 40 or 60-degree wash will usually work fine.

The right gear for whatever sport or activity you are doing is vital and will only enhance your enjoyment of your workout!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun15

Simple Ways To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

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Simple Ways To Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Are you constantly replacing clothes? Or maybe your clothes aren’t looking as good as when you bought them? By learning to extend the life of your clothing, you could save yourself a lot of money. Below are a few tricks to make your clothing last longer:

Invest in high quality clothes:

Cheaper clothing typically isn’t built to last. After only a few months of regular wear with fast fashion purchases, you can expect shoes to have worn soles, sunglasses to scratch, bras to become loose, tights to rip, and sweaters to dethread. Paying a little more for higher quality clothing is often worthwhile as these items will last longer. You may be paying more upfront, but you won’t have to replace them as often – they could last many years without getting damaged. Of course, this doesn’t mean that all of your clothes should be high-end designer items. Being prepared to spend $10 extra may be all it takes to improve the longevity of your clothes. You can often find reviews from customers online by entering a search for “Chummy Tees Review” (or the specific brand you are looking for). Take the time to read through them before making a purchase to ensure that other people are satisfied with the quality of the clothing.

Stick to timeless fashion pieces:

Another reason some of us regularly replace clothing is because we buy into fads. Such clothing can end up quickly going out of fashion. Instead of following fast fashion trends, try to stick to timeless fashion pieces. These are items of clothing that stayed trendy for decades. Prime examples include trench coats, blazers, little black dresses, blue denim jeans, black leather jackets, button down tops, black pumps, and ballet shoes.

Learn how to sew:

Sewing is a useful skill that can extend the life of many different clothing items. It can help you to sew buttons back on, repair broken seams, or even tighten clothing that has become too loose. You can learn to sew using a needle and thread or you can buy yourself a sewing machine. If you choose the latter, make sure to take the time to shop for high quality sewing machines. You’ll find many tutorials online teaching you how to sew clothes.

Follow washing instructions:

Many clothes end up getting destroyed in the washing machine because people do not read the washing instructions. For example, it can be important to consider the heat setting – heavy items like jeans should always be washed on a high heat setting, while stretchy items like yoga pants should be washed on a low heat setting. You may also want to avoid washing delicate items on a fast spin setting.

In most cases, you can find washing instructions on the label. Alternatively, you can find instructions online. Try to learn the best washing machine settings for each item so that you can separate them accordingly.

Hand wash delicate clothes:

Some delicate items like sequined dresses, silk blouses, lingerie, and cashmere sweaters can get easily damaged in a washing machine no matter what setting you choose. Hand washing these items is the best way to prevent damage. Yes, hand washing is more time-consuming, but it could help to save you money on replacing clothes. It’s also likely to use less water and energy, saving you some money on your utility bills.

Air dry clothes in summer:

Tumble dryers can also contribute to clothing damage. The heat combined with the tumbling motion can cause items to unravel or tear. To prevent this, consider air drying your clothes in the summer. If you’re not allowed to use a washing line in your neighborhood, consider simply using a laundry rack indoors. If it’s a hot day, the clothes should dry in a few hours. You’ll not only save money by reducing clothing damage, but you’ll also save money by using less energy.

When you know the ways to make your clothing last, you can keep that brand new feel all of the time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun14

Maximizing Your Child’s Health And Well-Being

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Maximizing Your Child’s Health And Well-Being

It isn’t just essential to keep an eye on your child’s health in the winter; you must take good care of them and do your best to maintain and maximize their health throughout the year. Any season or thing can cause a child to feel unwell. Here are some tips to maximize your child’s health and well-being:

Seek immediate care if they are very unwell:

When a child is really unwell, it is essential to seek help so you can discover what the issue is and resolve their symptoms. Attaining pediatric urgent care will give you immediate support and find a solution to their health issue. A pediatric expert means that your child is in good hands and will feel healthy and well again as soon as possible.

Maintain routine healthcare appointments:

Maintaining routine healthcare appointments is an absolute must. A routine checkup can discover any underlying health issues. If there is an underlying problem, you can find a solution to improve their health. Plus, attending routine appointments will minimize their fear of healthcare practices, encouraging them to attend every time and stay in check with their health.

Help them enjoy school:

Children spend a lot of their time at school so it’s important to know they are enjoying this time. If they aren’t, it can impact your child’s happiness and well-being. When you acknowledge they are not having a good time, whether it be due to friend issues or learning difficulties, it’s a good idea to step in and help. If they are having issues with friends, you can speak to parents and children to find a resolution. If they are having trouble with their learning, you can seek tutors or provide home support to help them develop educational skills and confidence. In time, they will feel more comfortable with education and enjoy their time at school.

Get active:

Another way to optimize the health and well-being of your child is to help them be more active. Being active aids growth and cognitive skills. The more active they are, the more confident they can feel pursuing various activities. For example, taking them on hikes or asking them to help you with gardening will improve their nature skills and help them spend more time outside. More movement and activity will encourage their growth and keep them as happy and as healthy as possible.

Encourage healthy meals:

Educating your child about food and allowing them to get involved with cooking is really beneficial, especially if your child is a picky eater. Allowing them to help you cook will help them feel more responsible and in control of what they are eating, which could encourage them to try new foods. For instance, asking them to help you prepare the vegetables will help them understand where they come from, their nutritional value, and maybe influence them to eat more.

Speak to them about your problems:

If your child is fairly quiet and never speaks to you about their problems, they will never be able to seek support and help. If this is the case, it can be a good idea to speak to them about your own problems to show that it’s okay to open up and share bad experiences. If they are experiencing bullying, finding school difficult, or want to pursue a passion but do not know how speaking to you can help them find an answer.

All of the above are simple steps that you can take today to make sure your child is their happiest, healthiest self!

Featured Image By: Johannes Plenio

Jun9

A Guide For Building A Healthy Food Business

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A Guide For Building A Healthy Food Business

Are you someone who is passionate about healthy food and wants to turn that passion into a successful business? Starting your healthy food business or from scratch may seem daunting, especially if you don’t know where to begin. But fear not, because we have got you covered with this step-by-step guide to help you launch your healthy food business.

Starting a business requires hard work, dedication, and patience. However, once you get the ball rolling, it can be a rewarding experience that allows you to turn your passion for healthy eating into a thriving business:

Define Your Business Plan and Target Audience:

The first step in starting any business is to define your target audience and create a solid business plan. Your business plan should include a unique value proposition, your target audience, and your goals for the business. When it comes to healthy food, you need to be specific about the type of food you will offer, whether it be vegan, gluten-free, organic, or something else. Understanding your target audience will help you decide what healthy food offerings will succeed.

Creating a cohesive business plan that defines both short and long term goals is so important for achieving success. However, it can be a huge undertaking. Software programs like this ERP for the food and beverage industry can be most beneficial in helping you manage and execute your plan accordingly. Using technology like this can boost efficiency and give you the peace of mind that everything is running as it should.

Get the Equipment You Need:

The equipment you need for your healthy food business will depend on the types of food that you plan to sell. You will need essential kitchen equipment like refrigerators, ovens, stoves, and specialized equipment for processing and preparing healthy food products. Don’t forget that you will also need to be well stocked with supplies you need for cleaning too like Commercial Disinfectants, floor cleaners, and sanitizers. Make sure to research the equipment and products required for your specific food niche.

Set Up Your Business Legally:

It’s essential to set up your healthy food business legally and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Setting up your business correctly will protect you from potential legal issues down the road and give your customers the peace of mind that your products are safe and trustworthy.

Register Your Business Name:

Once you have chosen a legal structure, your next step should be registering your business name. This process usually involves checking your desired name, filing the appropriate paperwork with your state government, and paying a registration fee. Make sure to choose a name that is unique, memorable, and easy to spell, and do a trademark search to ensure that it is not already taken. Whether you are creating a vegetarian restaurant or financing a pub, you will want a name that sticks with people so don’t be overhasty with your decision.

Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Permits:

You must obtain licenses and permits to legally operate a healthy food business. These can vary by state and locality, but they may include a food service establishment permit, a retail food store license, a seller’s permit, and a food handler’s permit. You may also need to comply with specific regulations related to food safety, nutrition labeling, and sales tax collection.

Create Your Branding Strategy:

Your branding strategy is a set of guidelines that define your brand’s personality, values, and visuals. It includes your logo, color palette, tone of voice, and tagline. Your branding strategy should be consistent across all of your marketing and advertising materials to boost brand recognition. Start by identifying your target audience, researching your competitors, and defining what sets your brand apart. This is the perfect opportunity to explore promotional products which can help spread the word and keep your business on the minds of your customers. These products could be T-shirts, water bottles, or more unique items like a magic 8 ball for my company. Try printing on a variety of different promotional items and see what is the most popular for your clientele.

Develop Your Marketing Strategy:

Your marketing strategy promotes your products and services to your target audience. With the rise of social media, visual content has become more critical than ever. That’s where commercial food photography services come in. From capturing mouth-watering images of your delectable dishes to showcasing your brand’s unique story, professional food photography can take your marketing efforts to the next level. By portraying your business in the best possible light, you can attract a loyal customer base and stand out in a crowded market.

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Plan Your Advertising Strategy:

Your advertising strategy is about reaching your target audience through paid media channels like Facebook, Google Ads, and print and online publications. Choosing the proper advertising channels to effectively reach your target audience and design ads that capture their attention and resonate with their needs and wants is essential.

Starting your own healthy food business from scratch is an exciting and rewarding journey. With these steps, you’ll be on your way towards building a successful healthy food business!

May30

What To Know About Noses

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What To Know About Noses

Have you ever considered how complex and fascinating your nose really is? From its incredible ability to detect scents and aromas to its intricate network of nasal passages used for breathing, our noses serve us in so many amazing ways! Want to know more about noses? Read on!

All About Smell:

Our noses are our primary organ for sensing scents and aromas, containing millions of olfactory receptors to pick up even the faintest traces of fragrance in the air – from delicious food aromas to freshly cut grass, our noses provide us with new experiences every day!

Different Types of Smell:

There are two primary forms of smell, the sense of smell and gustation. Sense of smell refers to our ability to detect different odors without actually tasting them, usually accomplished through inhaling air through nostrils where it passes over olfactory receptors located within our nose that identify different aromas. Gustation on the other hand refers to tasting different flavors; this occurs when food particles or liquids come in contact with taste receptors located throughout our mouth and tongue connected directly with our brain which recognize sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors.

How Smell Affects Our Sense of Taste:

Taste and smell are intrinsically connected. Aromas from food travel through our nostrils when we eat, altering how we perceive flavor. Without being able to smell properly or having an allergy impending this ability, identifying various tastes may become harder; scent helps build stronger associations between taste and memory. For instance, baking cookies may bring back childhood memories or coffee aroma can remind us of weekend coffee dates.

Nasal Polyps:

Nasal polyps are small noncancerous growths in the nose and sinuses that are usually found among allergy or asthma sufferers. If they become large enough, nasal polyps can block airways limiting breathing. Medication such as corticosteroids may be prescribed, with surgery also being an option in certain instances to help improve smell and taste sensations. Becker ENT & Allergy experts suggest seeing an allergist for diagnosis and treatment of nasal polyps.

Nose Hygiene:

Proper nose hygiene can help maintain clear nasal passages and prevent infections; such as by washing with mild soap or saline solution, blowing gently, avoiding inserting anything up the nostrils, and keeping your hands away from the face in order to avoid spreading germs or bacteria into the nose. It’s essential to practice good nose hygiene if you want clear nasal passages and no infections occurring!

Health Benefits of Maintaining a Healthy Nose:

A healthy nose provides numerous health advantages. From improved breathing to protecting lungs by trapping dust particles and pollutants before they enter airways. Finally, having a well-functioning nose improves the sense of smell – crucial when it comes to detecting danger or warning signals!

Your nose is an integral component of overall health and should be treated as such. Taking good care now can ensure its continued wellness for years to come!

Featured Image By: Eli DeFaria on Unsplash

May29

Easy Ways To Help Your Child’s Social Skills

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Easy Ways To Help Your Child’s Social Skills

It is highly beneficial for your children later in life if you help your child’s social skills as early as possible. Some experts agree that it is never too early to begin teaching your kids – some evidence suggests this can begin as early as in the womb, where babies can form attachments. To help your child’s social skills blossom, you can begin with some of these ideas:

Let them Mix with Other Kids:

An isolated child will find it hard to develop the necessary skills later for mingling with others. This can mean a harder time in school, college, and even carrying on into adulthood. Letting your kids mix with other children will help give them the confidence they need to speak to others, therefore avoiding social isolation. Daycare centers like Play and Learn School offer a wide range of activities to help your children in their vital early years of social skill development.

Engage with Your Kids:

A recent study in the UK found that 10% of children struggle with learning the social skills needed for the best possible education. But simply having your children engage with others helps build confidence, teaches them social responsibilities, and develops language skills. And this is easy to do. For example, have your children converse politely when someone enters your home. Also, teach them to say please and thank you. And above all, talk to your kids often.

Help Your Child’s Social Skills with Activities:

Bonding with your kids over a shared interest is one of the greatest joys of life. But it isn’t always the case that your kids will enjoy the same things as you and forcing them to take part in activities they don’t want to will cause great distress. It helps to expose your kids to a wide range of hobbies and activities, so they can find something they enjoy. Then, you can capitalize on this since they will be more willing to engage with other kids while doing something they like.

Consider enrolling them in an academy:

As educational settings go, academies provide students with the support they need to thrive in any setting, while also helping them to develop a range of social skills. After all, this is because they often require them to live alongside their peers, as opposed to spending just a few hours a day together. During this time, they form life-long friendships while also developing key skills that help them to get on with others, from conflict resolution to clear communication.

Before enrolling your child in these facilities, be sure to do plenty of research to ensure you’re finding the right fit. For example, if you were considering Eva Carlston Academy in Salt Lake City, you should check out Eva Carlston Academy reviews ahead of time.

Teach by Example:

You play a massive role in the life of your children and kids learn most of what they do from their parents. For instance, your children will speak the way you do, treat people how they see you doing it, and even swear if you speak that way. So, your responsibility as a parent goes well beyond taking care of your children. You are the prime example of their social development. Leading by example can play a key role in helping them become more socially well-rounded.

Don’t Push Them Too Hard:

As a parent, you know there is a delicate balance between trying to get your children to do something they don’t really want to do. Forcing them into a situation can cause resistance. And over time, this builds into complete refusal. It’s the same for social activities. It is a good idea to expose kids to social activities and encounters. But some children are naturally shy, and forcing them to engage will make this worse. Let them engage when they feel more comfortable.

It can be tricky to help your child’s social skills develop properly. But you can help them along by having them mix with other kids, talking to them, and being patient for them to socialize more!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May24

Breathing Better With Asthma Or Allergies

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Breathing Better With Asthma Or Allergies

Many people with asthma and allergies can find it challenging to breathe normally all of the time. Occasionally, you get flares which makes it harder to inhale and exhale easily, the way you’d like. This can be super frustrating and, sometimes, downright scary. The good news is that there are several things you can do to improve your breathing and get back on the path to better health. Here’s what you need to know:

Use A Humidifier Or A Vaporizer:

One option is to use a humidifier or vaporizer. Dry air can irritate your airways and make them more inflamed and narrow. Adding some moisture to the air can help soothe your lungs and make it easier to breathe. The range of humidifiers and vaporizers on the market is extensive. Manufacturers equip them with different humidifying rates, letting you determine the moisture content of your rooms. You can use a humidifier or a vaporizer in your bedroom, living room, or even in your office if you have one at home. Just make sure that you clean it regularly to remove any bacteria. (Germs like to grow in water tanks).

Avoid Triggers:

The next step is to avoid anything that can trigger your asthma or allergies such as dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, mold, and chemicals. That might sound like an impossible challenge, but you can now buy air purifiers to filter out the allergens in your home or workplace. You can also wear a mask when you go outside, particularly if you live in a polluted city. Just make sure you use a mask that is able to filter particulates.

Practice Breathing Exercises:

Another option is to practice breathing. Breathing exercises can help you strengthen your diaphragm and improve your lung capacity. They can also help you relax and reduce stress, which can worsen your breathing problems. Various techniques for deep breathing are available online. Consult them and see which works best for you.

Correct Any Physical Abnormalities:

Chronic allergies and asthma can cause physical changes in the body which, in turn, can lead to additional health issues. That’s why it is essential to treat a deviated septum or remove polyps from the nose in some cases. These may narrow the airways, giving you the sensation that it is harder to breathe. They can also worsen the effects of swelling during an attack.

Take Your Medications:

If you have asthma or allergies, it’s essential to take your medications. Always take them as directed and don’t skip any doses. If you have asthma, always carry your rescue inhaler with you in case of an emergency. Don’t be afraid to use it if you need it, but don’t overuse it either.

Visit Your Doctor Regularly:

Lastly, make sure you visit your doctor regularly so that they can monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan if needed. Physicians and medical professionals can also give you more advice on how to breathe better and prevent complications. If you notice a change in symptoms, tell them immediately so they can respond accordingly.

Breathe better with the tips above so you can get back to fully enjoying your time indoors and out!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May10

How To Take Better Care Of Your Hair

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How To Take Better Care Of Your Hair

Taking care of your hair is crucial if you want it to look good and feel healthy. However, it might surprise you to learn just what really goes into looking after your hair, and it might be a little more work than you think. Once you start a new routine and get into the habit of taking better care of your hair, it won’t seem so hard. Read on to find out what you should be doing to take care of your hair in the best way:

Wash Your Hair:

It might seem obvious, but the first thing you need to know about when it comes to taking care of your hair is that you need to wash it. You don’t need to wash it quite as often as you might think, and too much washing is just as bad as not enough. When you wash your hair more than you need to, you’ll strip away all of the natural oils that protect it, leaving it dry and brittle. If you don’t wash your hair enough, you’ll have a build-up of these oils, which makes it greasy. Because all hair types are different, you’ll need to experiment to determine how long your hair can go between washes, but once you know, you’ll be able to keep it a lot healthier.

Just as important as determining a washing schedule for your hair is choosing the right products to wash it with. You will want to find a shampoo and conditioner set that is appropriate for your hair type as well as something that is made with organic, natural ingredients. Handmade Naturals is a great example of a brand that takes this to heart to give your hair its best care. You can browse their products here to learn more about them and the company.

If you are not sure what products are right for your hair, ask your stylist! They will be able to formulate a hair care regimen for you with products and tools to wash and style with. This is not just limited to the ladies, but guys too! If your man doesn’t have a go to person for haircuts, simply enter a search for “Chelsea Barbers” (or your local area). They will be able to pamper and recommend the best product options for their hair type.

While washing your hair with the right products is usually all you need to keep your locks healthy, you might still notice problems persisting. This can include itching, flaking, or thinning. If this is the case for you, research the best scalp treatment available at local salons and spas. A scalp treatment can rejuvenate and nourish to improve the health of your hair and the issues you are targeting.

Condition Your Hair:

Do you always condition your hair? Although shampoo and conditioner go hand in hand, not everyone uses both for every wash. If you want to keep your hair soft, shiny, and manageable, conditioner is going to be one of the best products you can use on a regular basis. Make sure you choose a conditioner that works for your hair type for the best results, and never condition your roots, as these are already the oiliest part of your hair. Instead, use the conditioner part way down the hair and down to the tip.

Brush Your Hair:

It’s likely that you brush your hair every day, perhaps multiple times a day. That’s a good thing, as it will keep it looking nice and shiny and remove any tangles, ensuring it has a sleek look. Make sure you choose the right brush to make your hair look great. For example, if you need a luxury brush for waves, that’s exactly what you should be using – compromising in any way will ruin your look and could cause damage to your hair. You should also be careful not to brush your hair when it’s wet because this is when it’s at its most fragile, and brushing could damage it and cause it to fall out.

Protect Your Hair From Heat:

Many of the tools we use on our hair use heat to give you the style or result you want. Of course, heat is highly damaging to hair, so these tools should only be used when absolutely necessary. If you have to use heat tools like straighteners or a hairdryer more often, and especially if you use them every day, you’ll need to add serum or a heat protection spray to your hair first. Although it’s still better to let your hair dry and style naturally, these products will be helpful and are certainly better than not using any product at all.

Seek Professional Help:

Perhaps your problem with your hair isn’t in regards to greasy or dullness but an issue with hair loss. This is something that can really effect your self confidence and it is absolutely worth seeking professional help. Recommendations could include scalp restoration, trying different supplements or medications, or maybe even injections like the services offered through PRP Hair Restoration Professionals in Lubbock (or a similar practice in your local area). Hair loss is an incredibly common issue but it doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive in improving it.

Keep your locks looking luscious with the tips above!!

Featured Image By: Andrea Piacquadio

May9

Content Creating 101

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Content Creating 101

Hello!! This past week, I shared my pro tips for working from home and self employment that were very well received. So, I decided to do one more 101 post with a focus on content creating. For almost four years, I have been creating daily content for lifewithlilred and I am very determined to continue this streak for as long as humanly possible! These are some of the tips that help me stay motivated and creative and maybe they’ll be helpful for you too:

Patience is a virtue:

Over the past several years, influencers and content creators have made a big splash online and I’m sure we all have a favorite personality with millions of viewers. It might be easy to think that you can immediately start publishing content and hit it big but that is far from the case more often than not. Every popular influencer started off with minimal views and they worked hard to increase them. As a content creator, it is important to be patient and continue posting even if you think no one is seeing it. At the end of the day, this is what you have to do to boost your visibility so stick with it and don’t compare yourselves to other people – nothing good ever comes out of that!

Content is everywhere:

Chances are, you are not going to stumble upon instantly viral content and if you have, then you are SO lucky! Although you might not come across million view worthy things when you are out and about, there is still content everywhere. Sometimes, it helps to think small instead of big in terms of content, especially when you are feeling uninspired. Then, you can appreciate all of the little things that are just as post worthy too. This always helps me! Take a walk and post about how you felt in nature, write about your favorite knick knack at home; if you think that it is worth writing about, then it is. Simple as that. 🙂

Never stop learning:

There is, truly, a lot more to content creating than meets the eye and the online world is changing constantly. There are always going to be new social media platforms, trends, and techniques to learn and it’s important to stay up to date with them. Myself, for example, didn’t get an Instagram until the end of 2021 and I regret that because it’s literally the easiest platform ever and I just said “hard no” lol. Educate yourself by learning about SEO, analytics, trending topics, and ways to increase your visibility and incorporate it into your content. There are so many tools out there to help you, but they’re only going to help if you familiarize yourself with it first.

Have fun:

At the end of the day, I genuinely think that content creating is fun. I love to write, take pictures, explore, and I enjoy being on social media. If you are not feeling the joy of creating something, then it might be a good time to reevaluate what you are currently doing and see where you can improve. It’s okay to take breaks and give your mind a chance to refresh so you can get back to creating and having a blast while doing so.

Stay organized:

I cannot recommend a publishing schedule enough, especially when you are first starting out. This helps your viewers know when to expect your posts, look forward to them, and keep checking in. When I first began lifewithlilred, I was posting willy nilly with no set schedule and I quickly learned the benefits of establishing one. I went from twice a week content to every other day to every day in the near decade of my page’s existence. Having this set in stone schedule definitely assisted my page’s visibility. Create a schedule that works well for you and commit to it. Content is being created every second of every day all over the world. Random postings are very easy to get lost among the crowd!

When it comes to content creating, be patient with the process of it, stay motivated, and have fun. Whether you are getting one view or a million, you created something you were proud of and that’s the best thing of all!

What is your favorite social media platform? What are some of your content creating pro tips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May8

Ways To Help Someone During A Tough Time

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Ways To Help Someone During A Tough Time

Hello!! As you know, it has not been sunshine and rainbows in Lil Red’s world as of late. I have basically been a dual citizen between Akron and Cleveland while a loved one is a long term patient at the Cleveland Clinic. During this difficult time, I have been so thankful to everyone who has reached out to me in case I need anything. In this post, I thought I’d put together a few helpful and not so helpful things that you can do if you would like to offer assistance to someone you know who is going through a hardship too. I know firsthand the merits and annoyances of a few of the following so let’s discuss:

DO – Let the person know you are here:

Sometimes, the most comforting thing that you can do is to just let someone know you are here. You are available to chat on the phone. You can be there in a flash if needed. Help is available if you ask. This puts the ball into the recipients court and gives them the opportunity to take you up on your offer if they choose. Which leads me to my next point:

DON’T – Bombard the person:

One of the absolute best things that you can do is to not bombard your loved one during the hardship they are experiencing. Constantly asking for updates, if they need help, and checking in is coming from a good place, of course, but it can also be a lot. I would highly recommend keeping check ins to a minimum unless asked for it because lots of calls and messages can be extremely overwhelming.

DO – Be empowering:

As much as it is appreciated to receive offers of assistance, there are some approaches that work better than others. I, personally, don’t like when it is implied that I can’t do things like maintain my household, grocery shop, or cook. Be mindful of your phrasing and try to empower the person instead. Something like “you have been doing so much, would it be helpful if I did XYZ?” goes a much longer way than “have you even been able to do XYZ?”.

DON’T – Pressure the person:

I have talked with SO many people during my “residency” at the Cleveland Clinic and one thing that we have all agreed on is how sick we are of hearing “take time for you”. The running joke is that we all reply with “how?” lol. It almost just feels like one more thing that we have to do on top of everything else. It sounds weird, but it is somewhat pressuring when you are hearing it from everyone and their brother! Once again, phrasing is important. “Can I do XYZ for you so you can take a break?” gives you the chance to say yes or no instead of a question mark.

DO – Be understanding:

I have become the queen of sending texts a week after receiving one, ignoring phone calls, and simply not replying back period. This is not coming from a place of being mean – just tired! Of course, I don’t love doing this but what was helpful for me was letting people know that if anything important was happening, they would know too. Your texts and calls might go unanswered and that’s okay! Be understanding of it and try your best to not blow up anyone’s phone in the process. ❤

At the end of July, it will be a year since my hardships began and these are all just things I noticed for myself personally. What is in this post might not be the case for you, but I thought I would pass it along anyway in case anything is remotely helpful!

Are you good or bad at accepting help? What was something that was beneficial or annoying during a difficult time? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah