Tag Archives: water

May7

Summer’s Coming! Health Tips To Prioritize

Posted on by
Standard
Summer’s Coming! Health Tips To Prioritize

Now that spring has seen it’s last few days and summer is finally on its way, it’s time to talk about health. Our health matters differ from winter to summer. When the months warm up, we have certain things that we need to prioritize over others. With the sun coming out in full force and the days lasting longer, we can often focus on having fun over looking after ourselves. But, with these key areas, all you have to do is take precautionary steps now, and your health will be covered all summer long:

Protect Your Skin: When we’re exposed to the sun, our skin can suffer. So, it’s important to take a few precautionary measures before you head out for the day. Along with trying to avoid being in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, you should aim to take breaks in the shade as much as possible. When your skin is exposed to the sun, regardless of how cloudy it may seem, you need to make sure that you wear sunscreen. That way, you’re protected from harmful rays and have a better chance of staying safe and sun burn free.

If you find yourself craving summer heat, but don’t want to risk burning, a trip to the sauna can help scratch that itch. There are distinctive benefits to a traditional sauna experience and one that uses infrared sauna light therapy. Explore both options to find the setting that is right for you!

Tackle Those Allergies: Having allergies can be hard during the summer months. Whether you’re suffering from a blocked nose, itchy eyes, or painful sinuses, the sooner you work on tackling your allergies, the better you will feel. Sometimes, taking a mild antihistamine is all you need. However, if you’re still suffering, then you might want to think about speaking to your doctor about the alternative options you may have, like natural remedies or surgery.

sum34

Pretty!

Prioritize Hydration: As the weather gets warmer, we’re more likely to suffer from dehydration. What you would drink in winter may need to be increased for summer, because we tend to sweat a lot more. So if you drank four glasses of water a day on average in the winter, you might need to make that six for the summer. But everybody is different, so what ‘hydrated’ means to you might be too much or little for somebody else. Some great tips on staying hydrated can be found here in case you feel like you need an extra H2O boost.

Control Circulation: Poor circulation can happen for many different reasons, but when the weather warms up the effects can worsen. Whether you experience numbness in your legs, pain, or even a high level of fatigue, it’s time to take back control of your circulation. You may need to seek advice from your doctor, but you will often find that when you buy compression socks, you can not only promote good circulation again but ease the pain.

Get Active: Exercise is important for a balanced lifestyle. But when it comes to summer, stepping up your activity levels could not only improve your well-being, but give you more energy, too. Now that the sun is shining more, it’s time to get outside because cold winter days are no longer an excuse! Walk rather than drive and head out to enjoy nature parks around your area. Not only will you feel better for it, but you’ll also look it, too.

Summer is a time for fun, sun, and some much needed R&R. When you’re in the best health that you can be, the care free summer vibes will only be intensified!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May6

8 Stylish Ways to Beach up Your Home

Posted on by
Standard
8 Stylish Ways to Beach up Your Home

Hi everyone and happy weekend! This post is compliments of my darling friend and design guru, the lovely Miss Chloe Taylor. Thanks again, Chloe girl! ❤

8 Stylish Ways to Beach up Your Home

It was the year 2003 when the world fell in love with the amazing beach house from the movie “Something’s Gotta Give” with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. The Hamptons house Keaton’s character lives in was everything anyone could wish for from a beach house – light shades of blue, warm whites, soapstone counter tops, an amazing pool, and a fabulous view of the waterfront. However, not all of us can enjoy the benefit of having a shore near our homes, but that doesn’t mean that we should be deprived of laid-back coastal decor. If you are interested in “beaching up” your home, here are a few ways to do it:

Start With the First Impression:

If you want to turn your landlocked home into a beach-like heaven, you should start from the very entrance. Painting the facade in light grey or white (or a combination of the two) should do the trick. Then, you can enhance the vibe with a pastel blue front door and lush green plants on the sides of the entrance.

beach1

Choose a Beachy Color Palette for the Interior:

Once you enter your little sea shore kingdom, you’ll want the interior to match what’s outside and enhance that light summer vacation feeling even more. To achieve that, go with colors like white, light shades of blue, beige, pastels, and light grey.

beach3beach4

Let the Light In:

If you want to show those wonderful colors in their truest light, you’ll have to use precisely that – light. Shine some natural light by leaving the windows bare, or using sheer or linen curtains. Also, especially in the kitchen, you can use bamboo or woven shades.

beach5

Use Rattan and Sea Grass:

Rattan furniture is an instant way to transform an ordinary room into a traditional looking beach house. The living room and the dining room are the best places to introduce such pieces, but you can also use them outdoors to connect the two environments. A sea grass rug in the living room will amplify the summer lightness of the beach decor.

beach6

Cover up:

If you’re a little short on cash and don’t feel like buying new furniture, that’s alright. You can always slipcover the pieces that you already own and bring that special lighthearted feeling to the room. Linen and cotton duck cloth are perfect fabrics for this task.

beach7

Stripe it up:

Don’t you think that after all of these light colors, that it’s about time to add some drama to the whole picture? We have the perfect thing for you: sailor stripes. It is the perfect pattern to implement on an area rug (just like in “Something’s Gotta Give”), accent wallpaper, or an armchair/sofa slipcover.

Sea-Loving Artwork and Accessories:

Now it’s time to sprinkle your home with just a bit of fairy dust. And by fairy dust, we obviously mean some accessories associated with the seaside. Collect some beach treasures like sea stars, rocks, sand dollars, pieces of coral, and driftwood. You can display them independently, cluster them in a bowl, or use them to encrust a chandelier or a mirror.

beach8

Don’t Have a Shore? Make One!

Who needs the sea when you have your pool? It just needs a few upgrades to get close enough to beach-indulgence. And since the waterfront is your main inspiration, this is the very place where you should splurge on outdoor designer furniture (stylish pool lounges sound like a great idea!). Plant some shrubs and bushes around the pool (palm trees are also an option) and add some tiki umbrellas. Pour yourself a margarita and enjoy.

beach9

If there could be one term that would easily replace “a dream home” it would definitely be “a beach home”. Unfortunately, we aren’t all blessed with a Hamptons house (or even better, a Caribbean estate), but we can do our best to introduce just a bit of the sea breeze, sparkly shells, and sunny days into our lives. There’s no shame in being a beachy-keen dreamer!

^^^ Thanks again to my Chloe girl for a beach-tastic post! This was perfect, considering it’s been raining ALL WEEK in Ohio! Are you a beach fan? If not, what type of land/climate do you prefer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr7

Are You Looking After Your Skin The Way You Should?

Posted on by
Standard
Are You Looking After Your Skin The Way You Should?

As the largest organ in the body, our skin’s health is something that we should always take seriously. When we look after our skin, not only do we avoid a range of diseases and disorders but it also looks more beautiful, too- which is not a bad thing! Nice skin can improve confidence and self-esteem and is something that will always be considered an attractive asset. Are you looking after your skin the way that you should? Here are some things to bear in mind:

Cut Back On (Or Quit!) Your Vices:

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs all have a huge impact on the skin. Using these toxic chemicals will make you more prone to age damage, cause the skin to become dehydrated, and even give it a sallow appearance. Not only are these vices horrendous for the body but they’re not good news for the way you look, either. If you’re suffering from addiction, speak to your GP who can advise you on what to do next. If not, cut back on the things that you know are bad for you.

Another habit people have is cooking themselves in the sun in the name of beauty – but that tan will fade. However, the damage it leaves behind won’t! Clinics these days have great treatments to combat the signs of aging, Botox for example from companies like http://kitagawadermatology.com/botox can help to blur fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is a great tool for an instant glow up on your face and it is so important to go to someone reputable for it. This is especially true if you’re going in for a more specialised treatment. It’s now possible for example, to go to a dentist for Botox injections and other oral treatments, but it’s important to be safe. To find a trusted practice, you should search online for a “dentist that does botox near me“ to find a reputable clinic in your area. But of course, keeping your skin youthful for as long as possible is your best bet. So start looking after your skin today, your future self will thank you!

Exfoliate The Right Way:

If you’re regularly exfoliating your skin, that’s great news. It can remove dead skin cells which make the skin look dull and also stimulate the skin to create more collagen. However exfoliating should always be gentle. If your face feels raw, tight, or sore afterwards, you’re either going too hard or using the wrong product. Never use a body exfoliater on your face, the grains are far too large and can cause damage. On the flip side, try to avoid ‘microbeads’, too. While these work well for gently exfoliating the skin, they’re awful for the environment and water companies struggle with removing them from the water. Cleansing brushes are also a good option as they clean deep down into the pores and also remove flakes and dead skin, too. These can be used with your regular facial wash. Again use gentle motions and be very careful not to scrub too hard which will damage and irritate the skin.

Eat The Right Foods:

A well as looking after your skin on the outside, you also need to nourish it from the inside, too. A healthy diet will provide your body with all of the vitamins and minerals that you need to keep your skin at its best. If you lack in anything, it will be quick to show in your skin. Fresh produce, healthy fats (such as avocados and fish), and whole grains will all boost your skin’s health. Hydration is important, too. Eating fruits and veggies with a high water content and drinking plenty of water will all be beneficial for your skin.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar27

Preventing the Aging Process

Posted on by
Standard
Preventing the Aging Process

A lot of us take our lives for granted, and before we know it we are at a stage where we are unable to do the things we once loved. Unless we keep at something, do it regularly, or at least have it on the brain for a bit, there is little chance that we can go back to it and pick it up just like that – and that goes for both physical and mental activities. It also sets a standard for our health and well-being, too; if you don’t take care of your body now, then you are setting yourself up for trouble in the long run. Not everything lasts forever, as much as we wish sometimes that it would. Our bodies change over time, and sometimes there is no stopping what age can bring us … but we can prevent it, if only for a little while with these steps:

Take Care Of Your Teeth: Our teeth don’t last forever. There probably isn’t a person on the planet over the age of 70 who hasn’t had at least one of their adult teeth fall out or had them taken out. With good care they can last longer than expected, but at some stage they will just give up the ghost. This is due to our life expectancy getting longer and longer – the lifespan of our gnashers simply hasn’t caught up yet. They’re still living around 2000 years ago, where you were lucky if you made it to 40 or 50.

There are things that you can do if you are worrying that your teeth have gone past the point of no return. Check in with your dentist for a thorough checkup and see what they recommend or do a bit of searching online for methods that you may want to consider, like dental implants – you can get the info from dental brush. It’s not too late to really start looking after your teeth, and they will always benefit from a good brush and floss. Some people are looking more towards interdental brushes instead of the traditional dental floss for a more precise and thorough clean. Getting yourself into a good routine with it is definitely the way to go to keep your pearly whites picture perfect.

Wake Up Early: Making the most of your day is something that most people can’t do if they sleep in. When you wake up early, you have the chance to use up more time in daylight and generally when the majority of those around you are more sociable; plus you have more chance to get errands done around you with the stores being open. Not everybody lives in an inner city where amenities are open 24/7 and, even if you do, it’s still a thing that you ought to try out. It is said that those who wake up early are the ones with the best sleep routines, and this counts for a lot in life. It means that your body is getting the amount of rest that it needs and waking you up at the same time every day, indicating a pattern that you’re getting used to.

Early risers are linked with having better grades, being more productive throughout the day, and generally being happier people. If you arise before your alarm in the morning, then you have more time to organize yourself for the day and get stuff done – there is less to distract you in the early morning, especially on the biggest time-waster of social media … barely anybody else is awake to interact! It’s also linked to having a better mood, being more sociable, and sustaining a healthier diet. With all of these benefits to go hand in hand with waking up before everyone else, what’s to lose? Give it a try and see how you feel!

Be Kind: It’s hard to get yourself into a personality habit like being kind to everyone and everything around you – especially if you haven’t done it before. It’s not something that can’t be done, it’s just something that needs time and commitment so that kindness comes naturally instead of being forced. We often find it so easy to find the negatives in everything, but sometimes you just need to look for the positives. A lot of people who work with children tend to be kinder than those who are immersed in just an adult world, as the innocence of the kids passes over and you pass it on from them. It shouldn’t be this way – as in, you shouldn’t have to be kind just because you work with the youngsters of society.

In Scandinavia, the first few school years of a child’s life are not learning about the basics of math, science, and English, but teachings of how to be nice to everybody and earn respect. They have proven time and time again, country by country, that they have the happiest nation in the world. There’s definitely something to be taken from that. Spread a bit of kindness and see how far it gets you today.

Get A Good Night’s Sleep: Getting  your recommended eight hours of sleep a day can be tough in this busy world. If you have the chance to nap during the day, take it; it all adds up to your daily total. Quite a few of us have interrupted sleep, with tossing and turning throughout the night. Make your sleep routine better by taking out of your reach anything that can distract you when you wake up for those few seconds. If you have a smartphone, leave it in another room while you rest. These are the biggest distractions and the worst things that can be near us when we’re trying to catch a good night’s rest. The brightness from the screen just by checking the time is enough to wake your body up past the stage that it’s meant to be, meaning that the effects felt in the morning from your disturbance will be exaggerated just that little bit more. That’s definitely not what you want, especially if you have a busy day ahead. Respect your sleeping pattern and it’ll do absolute wonders for you.

Drink Plenty: We are meant to be drinking eight glasses of fluid every day, each containing 8 ounces. This is known as the 8×8 rule, and as long as you stick to it relatively well, there is little chance that you will become dehydrated throughout the day. Of course, you need to factor in more fluids for if you are doing strenuous activities like working out. There are certain things that you can do to push yourself along, such as setting reminders for yourself to get a glass of water, or even investing in a water bottle that will do it for you. Once your get yourself into a routine, you’ll be wondering how you ever got through the day without it; the benefits of drinking the right amount of water are that you will feel more energized, be more focused on what you are doing, and feel less bloated throughout the day. Who can say no to that? Especially the bloated part!

Eat The Right Things: We all know what a healthy diet looks like, and if we are unsure then a quick Google or visit to your local dietician can help. So why aren’t we doing it? Unfortunately, junk food is more accessible for us and generally quicker to get on demand when we are hungry. We look for the easy option. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. If you get the food ready before your week starts by meal planning, then there is less of a chance that you will be queuing up for the drive-thru when you feel a hunger pang. This will help you not only give your body the nourishment it requires, but hopefully set a precedent for those around you, too – especially those with children.

Do Yourself Up: For most, the secret of looking young is … well … looking young! Unless you invest in cosmetic procedures, there is little that can be done to stop the signs of aging apart from a good makeover. Doing yourself up every day and putting effort into your appearance is one of the few things that you can do to give yourself a confidence boost, make yourself feel great, and keep you looking more youthful. Invest in some good quality makeup and go to town on how you want to appear; there are tutorials on Youtube which are great to follow if you’re not sure where to start.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan25

Quick Changes For A Healthier Lifestyle

Posted on by
Standard

One thing that we can all agree on is that we all want to be as healthy as possible. Learning how to live a healthy life is the kind of thing that takes years and years of practice, trial and error, and so on. However, there are a few basic things that can help anyone to enjoy a much healthier life and many of the necessary changes are so quick and easy to make that you can do them pretty much whenever you like. In this article, we are going to look at some of the quickest changes that you can make for a significantly healthier lifestyle. Let’s have a look and see what you can do to improve your health today:

Take A Walk: Many people know that they need to get more exercise into their daily routine, but struggle to make it happen. The truth is, more often than not these people are making the whole routine of exercise to be more complex than it is. If you want a healthier lifestyle, then more exercise is a good idea, yes. But all you really need to do – at least to start with – is go for the occasional walk. Even having a brief stroll every day is likely to make a huge difference to your overall health. And if you decide to walk in nature, then the psychological benefits of the walk will be even more pronounced.

quick.jpg

Love a good hike!

Drink Purer Water: We all know that you need to drink as much water as you can for a healthier life. But something that people often forget is that the quality of the water is just as important as the quantity. The fact is, if you want to be and feel healthier, then it is a good idea to drink water which is as pure as possible. If you are unsure of how to do that, fortunately there are some elegant solutions. One particularly useful one is the use of home reverse osmosis systems. These allow you to have the purest possible water that anyone can get at home, and all for a relatively small price tag. If you are wondering if reverse osmosis is safe for you, the answer is yes, so this is well worth looking into for a healthier lifestyle.

quick1.jpg

High quality H2O!!

Eat More Fruit: Fruit is one of the food groups that need a particular amount of focus if you want to enjoy a longer and healthier life. Yet we often find ourselves avoiding it or not getting enough of it. There is little excuse, in fact, considering that it is remarkably easy to get more fruit into your diet. Drinking juice or smoothies is a great way to do just that or you can always sprinkle berries onto your cereal. As long as you are getting more fruit into your diet, you can be sure that you will live a longer and healthier life. And remember, too, that many fruits are superfoods, which can be particularly useful in improving your health situation.

Nov24

The Health Benefits Of Hydration That Are Too Good To Ignore

Posted on by
Standard
The Health Benefits Of Hydration That Are Too Good To Ignore

We all know that hydration is important but few of us realize how much proper hydration can do for us. Many of the aches and pains that we feel could be caused by a lack of proper hydration. The recommended amount of water per person per day is 3 liters. In other words, 13 cups. If you’re not convinced that this applies to you, take a look at how your life could change with proper hydration.

Increases Energy: Good hydration increases your energy levels by allowing you to get proper rest. Water is magical! It’s not the water itself that will give you energy but the hydration. Hydration increases your body’s productivity. It allows you to convert food into energy more efficiently. Keeping hydrated is also a way to avoid weight gain. If you’re burning the calories you ingest, they won’t stay on your hips!

Speaking of energy, it is so important to keep well hydrated if you live an active lifestyle and work out frequently. There is nothing more refreshing than water after strenuous exercise! You might even want to buy hydration supplements to nourish your body more after a work out.

h21.png

 Jumping Jack Flash

Keeps Kidneys and Bladder Healthy: Being hydrated will also be a huge help to your bladder and kidneys. A lot of bad bacteria gathers here. Drinking plenty will ensure that they are flushed through at all times. Not drinking enough means the bacteria will stay and fester, which can cause a lot of problems. Checking the color of the water you pass is a good way to tell whether everything is functioning. If the color is dark yellow, you can be sure you aren’t drinking enough. It’s also worth mentioning here that the purer your water, the better it is. Hard water comes with its own health risks, so it’s well worth looking around for the best water softener you can find.

he3.png

 Bottoms up!

Reduces Acne and Aging: Proper hydration will work wonders for your skin. By drinking plenty, you can reduce acne and dry skin. You can also slow down the aging process! Skin wrinkles when it’s dry and dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water will ensure that your skin stays firmer for longer. Dehydration is a huge cause of acne, too. The skin is unable to clear any toxins when not given proper hydration. Drinking more will leave your skin looking bright and glowing. It will also ensure that you stay wrinkle free!

Reduces High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: We’ll end this list of magical benefits with the fact that hydration reduces blood pressure and cholesterol. That’s right; hydration is a medical miracle! Your blood predominantly consists of water. Proper hydration allows it to stay thin and so will lower your high blood pressure. High cholesterol can happen when cells aren’t hydrated enough to function. The body releases more cholesterol to allow them to continue working. This creates a cholesterol overload. Hydration allows the cells to function without this added cholesterol.

If this list hasn’t convinced you of the benefits of hydration, why not try it out yourself? Try keeping yourself hydrated for a week and see if you spot any differences. Once you’ve felt what hydration can do, it’s unlikely you’ll go back!

Featured Image By: Flickr