Tag Archives: routine

May25

5 Simple Ways To Add More Joy To Your Life

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5 Simple Ways To Add More Joy To Your Life

Life is to be lived. It should also be full of happiness and joy too – but that isn’t always the case. While setbacks and hardships are a normal part of life, it doesn’t have to consume you. We deserve to enjoy our lives and live them to the fullest. But sometimes, we can get in our own way. When that’s the case, you’re going to want to try and do what you can to add more joy into your life:

Decide What You Want:

For starters, you’re going to want to take a look at what you want out of life. Can you see what’s missing? Is there something that you’d like to be doing with your life but currently aren’t? Sometimes, the simplest way to add more joy is to know what you want out of life (and how you want to spend your time) and to go after it.

Be Kinder to Yourself:

Next, you absolutely need to make sure that you’re being kinder to yourself. If you’re always beating yourself up, it’s never going to be a good day for you. Think about ways to stop the negative thoughts and aim to treat yourself with love and kindness. This can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Get Creative:

Another way to feel happier with your life is to be more creative. Think about how spending more time on artistic pursuits can keep you calm and bring more joy into your life. It could be that you want to try out watercolor, a chocolate quilt kit, or even writing poetry. It’s all about exploring what brings you happiness. Often, the simplest of creative hobbies can make you feel incredible.

Improve Your Life:

This one can seem like a big thing to do, but in reality, it can be much simpler. It’s safe to say that we all deserve to be happier. Yet, that’s not always easy to do. But when you choose to look at ways that you can improve your life, things will start to get a bit better. Can you meditate or practice yoga to calm your mind? Go on walks and drink more water to help your health? Establish a sleep routine for your well being? It can all add up to a better quality of life.

Prioritize Time:

Finally, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re able to prioritize your time so that it works with what makes you happy. All too often, we find ourselves swept up with expectations and prioritizing the things that we think we should or society says are important. But what about what is important to you? It’s essential that you can steal away time for the things that matter to you. When you take the pressure off, life tends to feel a lot lighter.

Making small, simple changes to improve your life and how you feel will result in more joy, calmness, and confidence. Why not go for it today?!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

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Mar28

Vitamin C Skin Care Routine

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Vitamin C Skin Care Routine

Hello!! My skin type would definitely fall under the “normal” category. I don’t experience oil, acne, or sensitivity and my woes usually only come from dry skin in the winter. Thanks to this, I get a lot of free range to try new skin care products; I can’t think of any adverse reactions my skin has had from testing new skin care and I don’t need specific products for my skin type. As you all know, I love to try new products out and the skin care I use at a given time ranges from brightening and hydrating to firming and fine line repair. However, I literally just noticed a major difference in my current routine after several weeks!

I wouldn’t say my skin has a “dull” appearance, but I can tell when I am feeling more tired than usual, which is basically all the time lol. For the past few weeks, I have found my skin to be much brighter than normal despite being a chronically sleepy gal. After examining my skin care routine, I realized that I have been using three Vitamin C products and I know I have them to tip my cap to for the brightening boost:

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It has been a good long while since I stacked like skin care products. Honestly, the last time was probably when I was a teenager and trying to figure out what would work for my skin. Individually, I could see that the Clinical Works cleanser, Spa Cosmetics serum, and Bellyssima moisturizer worked well. Then, after other products got used up and their forces combined, I felt like the sun had nothing on my radiance!

With Vitamin C times three, I feel like a whole new me and it has turned what I used to think was a very solid skin care routine on its head. And, dare I say it, I might just begin limiting myself to like products when I restock at TJMaxx to see what happens! Let’s talk a bit more about the skin care that I am currently using because I think you will love them if you are looking for an extra dose of brightness:

Clinical Works Cleanser: This cleanser is divine! It smells very citrusy and is so invigorating to use every morning. A nickle sized dollop goes a long way and it lathers well, turning into lush bubbles instantly. Not only does this cleanser brighten, but it really does cleanse too. My skin feels squeaky clean after each use and I can feel the grime and yuck scrubbing away, leaving nothing but soft, radiant skin in its wake.

Spa Cosmetics Serum: I have been enjoying this serum a lot. It has a fairly light citrus scent and is thicker in texture. Normally, I don’t like products with a thicker consistency, but I never mind if it’s a serum. Once again, a nickle sized dollop of this product is all you need for full neck and face coverage and the bottle I’m working on is lasting me a long time. It is the perfect serum to activate the work the cleanser put in even more as well as the moisturizer during the next step in my routine.

Bellyssima Moisturizer: This moisturizer is one of the best ones that I have tried in months. I was instantly enamored with the whipped orange scent and the texture is rich and creamy, but absorbs quickly. It also sits so well underneath makeup. The Bellyssima moisturizer locks in all of the good stuff from the cleanser and serum and my skin is left looking like peaches and cream. I can’t get enough of this moisturizer and am keeping my fingers crossed to find it again at TJMaxx!

It has been grey and rainy in my neck of the woods, but my skin feels like sunshine and rainbows with my new Vitamin C routine. I highly recommend each of these products and they are all cruelty free. Check them out if you get the chance!

What is your skin care routine like? Do you stack like products or use a bunch of different things? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar22

The Power Of Focusing On Family Health

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The Power Of Focusing On Family Health

Health is something that affects every family. Despite the numerous advantages of consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and other lifestyle behaviors, many families find it challenging to work these habits into their daily schedules. However, by emphasizing the value of family wellness, parents can foster a culture in which their kids can start developing healthy habits at an early age, preparing them for success as adults:

The Power of Healthy Habits:

Developing healthy habits from an early age is essential for promoting a lifetime of good health. Studies have shown that children learn best through example, so it’s important for parents to lead by example and demonstrate healthy behaviors throughout the day. This includes eating nutritious meals, staying active, and getting enough sleep each night. Parents can also set aside time for family activities like going for walks or playing sports together – activities which encourage physical activity as well as quality bonding time.

Creating a Healthy Environment in the Home:

Parents should work to establish a healthy environment in the home in addition to focusing on their own habits. This includes providing wholesome meals and snacks for the family as well as making sure that there are always healthy choices accessible. Parents can also set limits on screen time and encourage activities like reading or playing board games instead. Having a regular bedtime routine, including winding down before bed, is also important for helping children get enough quality sleep each night.

Benefits of Raising a Health-Conscious Family:

Raising a health-conscious family has numerous benefits for both parents and children. Start by setting clear expectations about healthy habits, such as regular physical activity, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough sleep each night. It will be simpler to remain motivated and incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine when everyone in the family is on the same page. Regularly discussing the importance of health with your children can also help them understand why these choices are beneficial in the long run.

Keeping Up With Medical Check-Ups and Exams:

It’s also important for parents to ensure that their children are up-to-date with all necessary medical check-ups and exams, such as hearing tests. Hearing loss can be a common issue in children, so it’s important to catch any hearing problems as early as possible. If hearing aids are needed, getting them fitted promptly is essential for reducing the risk of developing speech or language delays due to hearing loss. Having hearing aids fitted when recommended will ensure that your child can hear properly and participate fully in school and other activities.

By making family health and wellness a priority in the home, parents can help create an environment of healthy habits that will last well into adulthood. From leading by example to incorporating preventive care into your routine, there are many ways parents can promote overall well-being in their household. By taking these steps now, families have the opportunity to create a lifetime of good health for themselves.

Featured Image By: Terje Sollie

Jan9

4 Concerns About Feeding Your Dog Answered

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4 Concerns About Feeding Your Dog Answered

When you have a dog to care for, feeding them is always going to be one of the major things you need to get right. As long as their nutrition is how it should be, they are going to be so much healthier in general, and you will find that you are more likely to feel that you are really caring for them. There are a few key and common concerns that you need to be aware of if you are keen to feed your dog properly. Let’s take a look at what they are:

The Right Amount:

One of the simplest things you need to get right can also ironically be one of the hardest: Knowing how much to feed your dog. Getting the amounts right is important because, otherwise, you might find that you struggle to keep them healthy. You need to research the specifics of the breed of dog you have, along with considering their size to ensure that you feed them right. Too much, and they might experience the problems of being overweight. Too little, and they might be malnourished, so you must find the balance. Find out more at https://www.zumalka.com/blogs/blog-pet-health/health-issues-caused-by-feeding-your-dog-or-cat-the-wrong-diet.

Routine:

A lot of people swear by having a routine for feeding their dog, and this is something that you will want to think about. For one thing, dogs are smart enough to know a routine and to fall into it. This makes it easier for you too, because they will know that their food is coming at a certain point in the day, which will stop them from begging for it at other times of the day. Generally, feeding at the same time each day will benefit both of you.

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^^^ Pexels Image

Human Food:

Many owners get to a point where they start wondering if they can feed their dog any human food, along with the dog food that should be the staple. As it happens, there are a lot of human foods that your dog can eat, and some that are even quite good for them. Just take a look at https://www.nextritionpet.com/blogs/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-mussels for an example. But you should always take care when doing so, and make sure, again, that you have thoroughly researched the matter and discussed with your vet before feeding them something specific.

Budgeting:

The dog food is one of the main expenses, if not the main expense, that you will have as a dog owner. So you need to make sure that you are able to afford it. If you are not, it might be something that you need to think about before getting a dog. Expenses for pets can add up quickly between the vet, grooming, food, and toys. Your dog deserves to have what it needs to live a healthy life and food is one of the most important aspects.

As always, remember to discuss any changes to your dog’s diet with their vet so you can make the best choices for your companion!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov26

Morning Hustle

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Morning Hustle

Hello!! The past month has simultaneously felt like an eternity while also feeling like there isn’t enough time in the day to get anything done. Because I spent most of the afternoons making the drive and visiting a loved one at the Cleveland Clinic, I have turned into a very early bird. My mental alarm clock has shifted to waking up around five thirty every morning and, damnit, I am tired of getting the worm lol.

With no time in the afternoon or evening, every morning has turned into a scramble to jam pack as much as I can in before getting to work. It’s not all bad, though, because it gives me extra time to love on my bunny babies and that is a major bright side! My mornings used to be a leisurely time and I could often squeeze in a few episodes of my favorite animes before setting out for the day. Now, my mornings look like this after waking up:

As soon as my alarm goes off, the grind begins by practicing my languages on Duolingo. I am well over a two year streak and I will be a monkey’s uncle if I break it! Next and, most importantly, I rush down the stairs to take care of the bunnies. This can be a timely process because not only do I have to get them fresh food, water, hay, and leafy greens but I typically have to clean their litter boxes and the surrounding area. It is so nasty but necessary lol the things I do for those precious angels!!

Once Penelope and Mel are taken care of, it’s time to to take care of me. Every morning, I do one hundred and thirty push ups and as awful as that sounds, my day would not feel right without it. Then, it is time to shower, get my skin care on, get dressed and return downstairs to my computer. My days would definitely not be complete without creating daily content on lifewithlilred, doing blog jobs, and catching up on work emails. I also have to pencil in some time to get some Christmas shopping done too!

After the online portion of my morning is done, I tidy up the apartment, cook dinner if I have the time, and prepare my belongings for the day. Then, finally before leaving, I take Penelope and Mel out for a jaunt in the apartment for their rumpus time. It is SO cute to watch them explore and is also a primary factor in getting up way earlier than usual. Just like their mom, they need exercise too and I am more than happy to facilitate their recess. ❤

The Morning Hustle has never been realer and even though it’s exhausting, it sure is fulfilling. I am a creature of habit and schedules and now that this has been my life for the past month, something tells me I won’t be sleeping in too late any time soon!

When do you wake up in the morning? Are you an early bird or night owl? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct21

Health Habits To Start Today

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Health Habits To Start Today

At times, the problems and responsibilities of being an adult can seem so big that taking on more can seem like a crazy idea. Still, you can’t say enough about how important it is to take care of your own health. If you keep up with some healthy habits for a while, you might find it easier to handle what the day throws at you. Read on to find out what you can do to get to this point:

Eat Well:

Most of the time, we only care about how something tastes and don’t care about our health. But unfortunately, the fast and unhealthy food we eat every day to save time and effort in our busy lives poses a threat to our bodies that we can’t even imagine. This is why we want to talk about how important it is to eat a healthy diet.

If you’ve been eating unhealthy food for a long time, it might be hard for you to switch to a healthy diet all at once. But with time and effort, you’ll get used to it and eventually live a healthy life. Eating healthy doesn’t mean only eating boiled food, eating less, or not eating fat. Switching to a healthy, well-balanced diet means eating everything in the right amount, at the right time, and with the right combination. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a treat or a “cheat meal” but it’s always best to do so in moderation.

Exercise Regularly:

If you want to make sure you have healthy habits, you should also think about adding exercise to your daily routine. Fitness starts with a good workout and what seems difficult now will be so easy in due time. Also, don’t worry about how much it will cost. Working out doesn’t have to be expensive; you just need to search around for something that will suit your budget and interest you. Muay Thai for beginners is a perfect example.

Making a regular time to exercise is the first step if you want to start working out more. Creating a schedule for your workouts can make it far more likely that you will keep up a healthy fitness program. Although routines are great for staying on track, it’s also important to mix things up every once in a while. Introducing some element of surprise into a long-term task can help keep it interesting. So, if you want to make working out more enjoyable, try throwing in some unexpected challenges.

Sleep Well:

Last but not least, sleep is one of the most important things for your health. It can also make or break your fitness routines because it affects your ability to stick with them. So, every night, make sure you get enough sleep. All bodily functions rely on enough sleep. How well our bodies and brains function the following day is impacted, as are our immune systems, metabolism, and susceptibility to developing chronic diseases. The importance of sleep cannot be overstated; it has far-reaching effects on your overall health.

With simple changes in diet and lifestyle, you will be your best and healthiest self. All it takes is a little time and effort!

Featured Image By: Jane Doan

Sep15

5 Ways To Improve Your Self-Discipline

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5 Ways To Improve Your Self-Discipline

If you feel like your life hasn’t been going as well as it could, hen you might need to find some stability and discipline in your life. Here are some of the best ways to start making these improvements for a more fulfilling life:

Dedicate Yourself to a Team-Based Hobby:

Hobbies are an excellent way to get away from the stress of life. Although they won’t get rid of them, you can at least find some enjoyment and forget about your worries for a while. Anything that brings you joy is the best thing to do. Perhaps you love to paint, play video games, or play an instrument. But for more social balance and discipline, a team-based hobby helps you find stability. Working in a team, such as taking ballet classes or volleyball, you feel more responsibility because all members are required to perform well.

Find a Job You Enjoy:

Feeling fulfilled in one’s job and taking pride in accomplishments affects productivity and efficiency. You are more creative and resourceful when you love what you do. As a result, you will improve your overall well-being by increasing hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, you will feel that you have worth at your job and are appreciated. This makes you work harder and more likely to go for promotions. Promotions and work enjoyment open more doors to more money and a balanced life.

Join a Gym:

Incorporating a work out or two during your weekly routine can do wonders for your physical and mental health. It’s great to fill your schedule with meaningful things and joining a gym is the perfect place to start. You can take classes, swim, work out on your own, or hire a trainer. All of this can help you achieve a high level of fitness and it’s exciting to see and feel your improvements. You also might meet some new friends!

Improve Your Work/Life Balance:

Finding a happy medium between work and personal life is crucial to your general well-being. Keeping a healthy work-life balance is essential for avoiding burnout and reducing stress at work. One of the most common health problems in the workplace is chronic stress. This causes severe illnesses like heart attacks and depression. Yet over 80% of people feel like they overwork and don’t spend enough time with their families. So, use your vacation days, don’t take work home with you, and always try to make some time for yourself.

Cut Out Toxic People from Your Life:

Sometimes we can be surrounded by people who are wrong for us at a specific point in time. Genuinely toxic people can deplete you emotionally and make you feel small. You may have noticed someone who does you no good. It can be a partner, family member, or so-called friend. Spending time with them drains your vitality rather than replenishes it. As a result, they have a major impact on your identity. They frequently result in feelings of depression and guilt so you must put yourself first by distancing yourself and setting rigid boundaries.

Stability and discipline are vital factors for a productive and happy life. Fill your schedule with activities you enjoy and set achievable goals. Then, watch yourself flourish!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Sep5

It Works If You Work Out

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It Works If You Work Out

Hello! I wouldn’t call myself the most physically active person on the entire planet. However, I feel like I’ve been getting in much better shape this summer and, I’ve gotta say, I feel GREAT! It also makes sitting on the couch after a long day that much more rewarding lol. We all need that sedentary time to recharge!

To start my day every morning but Sunday, I do one hundred and thirty push ups. This is something that I am very proud of because I could barely do twenty-five last April. I began incorporating this into my routine to help ease some of the pain in my upper body that I acquired when Johnny and I were in a car accident. I can’t say it helped in that regard but it did make me feel good to try something new.

What started with twenty-five would increase whenever I felt ready. It was a slow process and by August of last year, I could only do fifty. It was exciting to add even a few extra when I could, though. Within a year and a half, I added one hundred and five push ups to my morning routine. I do eighty in a row and rest, then I do fifty more. Although it’s tiring, my day just doesn’t feel right without it.

This summer, I also began working with a young man who loves to play outside. For two and a half hours per week we hike and play soccer and pickleball. When we first started working together, I literally thought I was going to keel over after our sessions. Fast forward to a few months later and I wish we had more time to enjoy the outdoors together!

One final thing that I’ve incorporated into my increasingly active lifestyle is several walks per day with the family dog, Archie. My parents currently have a lot going on and I wanted to make sure they didn’t have to worry about one extra thing. Almost every day of the week, I take Archie on two long walks/runs.

This all began last month and we start out at a run and then slow down to a walk when I need. Every day, I notice that I can keep running a little bit longer than I could before and it feels like a big achievement. I know that Archie loves it and I do too! It has brought our bond closer together and it keeps us both in tip top shape!

None of these improvements in my lifestyle happened over night. Some took over a year and others took several months and weeks. But, as I sat back and thought as I wrote this, it feels like a huge accomplishment. I can do so much more than I ever thought possible and it’s nice to look and feel my best!

What is your favorite form of exercise? Do you have a pet that helps keep you active? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul12

Summer Beauty Tips

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Summer Beauty Tips

Depending on the time of the year, your beauty regimens should fluctuate. Think of it this way, you wouldn’t use your super heavy winter moisturizer during a hot summer day! Today, we are going to discuss some beauty tips that are simply summer to have you looking your best during fun in the sun:

Hair Care:

If you have color treated hair, it is so important to protect it from sunlight and water as best as you can. This will fade that salon or box dye job in no time at all so bandanas, sun hats, and caps (ball caps or for swimming) will work wonders. Is it always the most fashionable of options to keep your mane contained? No. But, if you don’t want to be returning to the salon in a month, then it is the way to go.

If you notice that your hair is getting dried out during the summertime, deep conditioning treatments are your friend! Also, don’t forget to use heat protecting products when you are flat ironing or curling your hair. One stop shop places like TJMaxx or Target can assist in getting hair accessories and products all in one trip!

Makeup:

We have all experienced when a full face of makeup completely melts off during a hot day so keep it natural in the summertime. During the warm weather, all one needs is a lip gloss and mascara to avoid any makeup mishaps. The sun will naturally highlight your face! You can also discover the benefits of visiting a skin care clinic to further enhance a more natural look.

Skin Care:

As mentioned before, lighter skin care products are the way to go in the heat. Anything too heavy will clog your pores and this is not good – especially if you are already sweating a lot. Washing your face twice daily for squeaky clean skin as well as a gel moisturizer can really help with keeping summer breakouts at bay. Also, make sure that you are keeping yourself well hydrated in the summer because it will assist in all aspects of beauty!

And, of course, we can’t talk about skin care without mentioning the importance of sunscreen. Yes, this even applies on a cloudy day! How many times have you thought that you didn’t need sunscreen and returned home red as a lobster?! If you are a chronic forgetter of sunscreen, it helps to keep some in your purse or car. That way, you will have it on hand when you are on the go and realize that you didn’t apply any.

Look your best all summer long with the tips above!

Mar8

Beauty Preparations For Your Wedding Day

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Beauty Preparations For Your Wedding Day

Until you’ve been there yourself, you may not know all of the things there are to think about when it comes to wedding planning. As well as taking care of the basics like finding a venue and choosing the food, there is, of course, yourself to think about.

On your wedding day, all eyes are on the bride. It can be a daunting prospect, so it’s no surprise that many brides aspire to be their most beautiful, confident selves. To help you glow a little more, here are some wedding beauty preparations to help you feel your best in time for the big day:

Take care of your teeth:

The happiness of the day is guaranteed to put a smile on your face but if you’re not overly happy with your smile, you might want to take steps to improve it. The lead up to your wedding is the perfect time to pay closer attention to your teeth and make any changes you’d like ahead of your nuptials.

Teeth whitening is a top treatment for people getting married, as is teeth straightening. A treatment like Invisalign can help you get your teeth straightened without braces, with results possible in under six months in some cases. Visit your dentist to see which treatments are available to transform your smile ahead of your wedding.

Step up your skincare routine:

Your approaching wedding can suddenly wake you up to the need to take better care of your skin. Improving your complexion for your wedding can make makeup easier to apply and leave you feeling more confident too. Treat yourself to some new products and create a wedding beauty regimen that will help give your skin a boost. You’ll develop new habits that will leave you with luminous skin for the day itself and long after your wedding too.

Consider hairstyles:

Wedding hair can be a big source of stress. It’s something you’ll want to plan in advance to help you feel happy with how it’s going to look on the day. Finding someone you can trust to do your wedding hair is important and you’ll feel much more comfortable during such an important part of your wedding day prep. Book trials and ask for hair care advice to make sure your wedding hair is exactly how you want it to be.

Try different makeup styles to help you feel the most ‘you’:

Choosing wedding makeup can be another difficult decision. While you’ll want to look flawless, it’s a completely different thing to be unrecognizable. Look at wedding makeup inspiration for styles you might like. You can try to recreate them yourself or book wedding makeup trials to see how they look on you. Pick a style you feel comfortable with that helps you feel special and beautiful when you walk down the aisle.

In the lead up to your wedding, take time to take better care of your skin and hair and start making decisions about your wedding look. By the time the day is here, you’ll feel beautiful, confident, and in control, ready to enjoy the best day of your life.

Featured Image By: Unsplash under Creative Commons