Concealed Carry: New Fashion Options for Women 9 Apr 2019 5:45 AM (5 years ago)

Have you just acquired your concealed carry license and think that your only option is to rely on a purse enclosure? Do you worry about carrying in a position that is uncomfortable or feels bulky? Are you concerned about your clothing making it too obvious to an observer that you are carrying at all? Don’t stress. The concealed carry options for women are numerous, and attractive!

Not Your Grandmother’s Fashion
Clothing options for carrying were once quite limited. Not that long ago, purse compartments or stocking holsters were the only real concealed carry options for women. Those days are over now. Changes in the fashion industry are now inclusive of women gun owners. Current fashion options for women who carry are now just as varied as the women wearing them.

Snazzy and Comfortable
Forget about shoulder or boot holsters. How about a secure carrying spot in your yoga pants or in your leggings? What about having a carry pocket in your vest or even in a pair of bicycle shorts? There are even T-shirts with secure holders on the side. Those options are so much nicer than having a bulky shoulder holster strapped underneath your jacket restricting your movements. Also, many shoulder holsters were traditionally designed to be worn by men. With options like a T-shirt, you can still be discreet while being super comfortable.

With so many concealed carry options for women, there’s no need to worry about how and where to carry. Best of all, you can be just as fashion conscious while you’re carrying as you are when you leave your gun at home in the safe. Wow, things certainly have changed for women gun owners. Your grandmother would be impressed, and possibly a little jealous.

Shopping for High-quality Riding Apparel 5 Mar 2019 6:47 PM (5 years ago)

As a motorcycle enthusiast, you know how important it is to wear the right clothing while riding. You do not want to expose your arms, legs, and face to the elements. You know how cold the wind can be riding even on the hottest of days.

When you want to don more than just a tee shirt and jeans, you may be in the market for new high-quality clothing that suits serious riders like you. You can shop online today for goggles, hats, and other cruiser motorcycle apparel that is available in a wide variety of styles and sizes.

Shopping for Everyone in the Family
When your entire family is a fan of riding, you may need to stock up on clothing for everyone in the household. Everyone from your parents all the way down to your children may need or want clothing that shows their devotion to this pastime.

The website offers clothing for people of all ages and sizes. You can shop the categories on the website and find something for everyone. You can even find clothing for the smallest of motorcycle fans in the family.

The clothing is also sold for prices that are on par with what you would pay in stores. Some of it is on clearance and marked down to the lowest prices possible. Others are higher priced but also sold at prices that are not much higher than what you would find in local big box stores.

You can likewise find accessories like chaps, sunglasses, skull caps, hats, and other items that will finish off your look. These items also have practical uses and keep you safe and warm while riding on the open road.

You can find the latest styles in riding apparel when you shop on the website today. You can find clothing in your size as well as the sizes of others for whom you are shopping. You likewise get access to a wide array of accessories that you may not find in stores. You can find out more about the inventory by visiting the website of the company today.

Sorting Through Those Hidden Cues 1 Aug 2018 2:14 PM (6 years ago)

No matter how much a person achieves in their life as far as wealth and career success, the fact is that having a loving romantic relationship is still the key to true fulfillment for most people.

Finding that perfect soulmate to fall in love with can be a tricky business, however. Even with all the dating websites now available to help people find their perfect romantic match, the fact is that finding the right relationship dynamic can be a very difficult business.

Many people who are in the dating world have to deal with a lot of mixed messages and hidden cues from other potential romantic partners. Some people seem to send out messages to others that indicate a lack of interest or remoteness to potential partners, when actually that is far from the message that person really hopes to convey.

These unconscious messages are often part of what is blocking a person from attracting a good relationship into their lives, but learning how to release those unconscious blocks can be difficult without the guidance of a highly intuitive person.

All of this is why many people seek out help through a relationship tarot reading from an online reader. Though this approach may seem unusual, the truth is that many people have found insight and healing through the help of a skilled Tarot reader.

Tarot cards are an ancient tool that uses mythic symbols to help create intuitive messages that can help a person better understand the dynamics of any relationship they are in. These readings are an invitation to the soul and can be incredibly powerful.

Many people have experienced breakthroughs in understanding their relationships by calling on the power of the Tarot. Today there are many online sights that offer readings for an affordable price, so they’re a great way to get real relationship assistance.

If you’re ready to experience a real breakthrough in your relationships, go online and call on the power of the Tarot today.

Baby Gift Ideas When There Isn’t a Gender Reveal 1 Aug 2018 4:09 AM (6 years ago)

Sometimes, expectant parents prefer not knowing the gender of their baby until it’s born. One way to make gift-buying easier when you don’t know the gender of the baby is to focus on gifts that relate to the daily activities that go on when there’s a new baby in the house.

Feeding Time
Babies have to be fed so gifts that relate to feeding time are a great idea. You can easily find bibs and burp cloths with animal designs or sayings such as “I love my mommy” that are appropriate for both girls and boys. Gifts such as baby bottles, baby bottle holders and baby bottle drying racks are also fantastic gift ideas.

Bath Time
Gifts that relate to bath time such as the gender neutral baby gifts at can make the baby and the parents happy. Hooded towel sets are a popular gift idea and are available in some incredibly adorable designs. Cute little bath scrubs, squirt toys, bubble bath, shampoo and baby oil are just a few items you could put in a gift basket.

Bedtime
Gifts that make bedtime less stressful and more physically comfortable for the baby are always a good idea. Blankets are available in an extensive number of gender-neutral designs. Layettes and onesies are also good gift ideas. A nightlight, soft toys and lavender-scented baby lotion can make bedtime more pleasant.

Furniture and Accessories
Furniture and accessories can be given as a gift even if you don’t know the gender of the baby. Small shelves, picture frames, a rocking horse, a bank or a play mat are a few options that would fit into any nursery décor. A rocking chair is a gift that would likely make the parents and the baby happy.

Shopping for a baby gift when you don’t know the gender of the baby doesn’t have to be a challenge. You have a broad range of gift ideas to choose from and you have the fun of guessing the gender of the baby.

3 Healthy Summer Pops You Have To Try 23 Jul 2018 11:16 AM (6 years ago)

Summer is still in full swing and the heat is not backing down. Staying cool is the everyday goal, but it can get boring sitting in your air conditioned house (if you’re lucky) day after day and eating the same store-bought popsicles.

Make life a little more interesting with these fun popsicles that any dentist would approve of. Healthy, fun, and delicious? Why not!

Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Pops

Ingredients:4 cups frozen strawberries
3 Tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1/2 cup plain yogurt (non-fat or full fat)
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Add it all together in a food processor or blender, mix for a couple minutes, and freeze in popsicle mold for an hour. Or you can enjoy it right away as a yummy strawberry frozen yogurt by the spoon! Try with other fruits like peaches, raspberries, blueberries, or mango for more variety.

Source: Just a Taste

Chocolate Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Pops

Ingredients:

1 c. Greek Yogurt
¼ c. chocolate chips (semi sweet or milk chocolate)
¼ c. peanut butter chips
¼ c. sugar (optional)

Melt the chips separately and mix with half of the greek yogurt (and sugar if you choose). Pour each mixture into ziploc bags and alternate pouring them into the popsicle mold. Freeze and enjoy!

These are so delicious that everyone in your family will enjoy them, and they might even become a go-to summer favorite.

Source: Ella Claire

Rainbow Fruit and Veggie Pops

Ingredients:

– Ice Pop Pouches
– Cold pressed juices
– Frozen fruit
– Baby Spinach

These are a fun and healthy alternative to Otter Pops. Pick up some ice pop pouches from a store like Walmart. Blend up each fruit with their corresponding juice and some spinach to create different flavors of popsicles. Pour them into the pouches and let freeze. Make plenty because these will become a staple in your home this summer if you want to avoid buying sugar-filled Otter Pops.

Source: Hello, Wonderfu

5 Ways to Get your Food Storage Way More Organized 9 Jul 2018 12:07 PM (6 years ago)

Food, food, and more food; here’s where you can put it and still have your pantry look neat and tidy.

A kitchen is an important part of most people’s homes and is usually the center of all the action because of one thing, food.

Food is essential, but sometimes it can seem like it’s creeping out of every cupboard and countertop, and it gets harder and harder to control it and keep it clean and organized.

From all the baking supplies to all the kids’ favorite cereals, it can be hard to know where to put it all and still have it be accessible to everyone who needs it.

But there are ways to make sure that everything fits in your cupboards or pantry, and is well-organized at the same time.

Here are five ways to get your food storage way more organized in ways that will make you and your family happy, because it means that they will know exactly where their favorite treats always are and you will know that there isn’t a giant mess.

1. Clear containers

This might seem like a strange solution for food storage woes, but clear containers will not only look nicer in your cupboards or pantry, but it will ensure that you can see the contents of each container lot easier than most of the containers that the foods come in.

Your food storage needs likely won’t require dome technology to contain them, so you should be able to find a variety of sizes of the containers to house everything properly.

Just make sure they are air-tight so nothing gets in and out, and you will be happy to find how great they look and the accessibility to your food that they provide you.

2. Roll or pull out shelves

What if you or your family didn’t have to reach into super high or super low cupboards and rummage around for what you needed anymore?
Roll out or pull-out shelves take away the annoying task of having to rifle through everything to find what you need, that way the contents inside those cupboards are more likely to stay organized and well-kept instead of disheveled and all over the place.

3. Use things you already have

Can’t afford a full pantry makeover? That’s ok! There are actually some things you probably already have in your pantry or cupboards that you can actually use to get organized.

One easy but very functional idea is to take your extra baking tray and put smaller things on top of it, and you can use that to slide in and out of your shelves just like a roll out.

Another idea to organize your pots and pans is to use a letter-organizer to divide and place your different cooking utensils or pans.

Another way to do this is by a couple small tension rods and place them in your cupboards to divide the pans up and create more space for the things you need to store.

4. Use hooks and magnets

Hooks and magnets are great tools to help you use previously unused space to hang things up and out of the way.
You can create a place to hang oven mitts with some hooks and use magnets or a magnetic board for things like metal spatulas or stirring spoons.

You can even use hangers with clips to clip foods shut and then hang them on the hooks you put up. Not only are you saving space you are using things you can easily find around the house.

5. Convert other household items for your needs

Don’t have a good place to store your spices? Use a hanging shoe rack! You can hang it in your pantry cupboard and wah-lah! Your spices have a place that is both organized and easily accessible.
Something else you might have laying around the house that you can use is old crates, which you can put on the bottom of your pantry to hold things or even some boxes could work too.

5 Ways to Take Care of Your Infant's Teeth 26 Jun 2018 12:21 PM (6 years ago)

Why take care of teeth that are just going to fall out? Here are five very important reasons why.

Although you can’t quite see them yet, taking care of your baby’s mouth before and after those teeth show up is pretty important.

That toothless smile may seem like the most adorable thing in the world, but it’s not going to last forever.

Since babies are born without teeth, it’s easy to forget that it’s still important to take care of your babies mouth and prepare for when those little teeth come.

Making sure to take care of your baby's teeth from the start will ensure that, when they do come in, they are healthy and strong, and it will be a good foundation for great teeth in the future.

Here are five ways to take care of your infant’s teeth and make sure their smile is always as cute with teeth as it is without.

1. Start from day one

According to the American Dental Association, it's important to start taking care of your infant’s gums even from the very first day you bring them home.

The best way is to take a warm cloth and rub their gums daily. It’s also a good way to soothe achy gums when your baby starts to teeth.

2. Create good habits

Although it’s very tempting to have your child suck a binky or drink a bottle to get to sleep, it can actually lead to tooth problems in the future.

Doing this can lead to something called baby bottle tooth decay, which may not seem like a big deal because baby teeth fall out, but actually, the health of baby teeth can affect permanent teeth in the long run.

3. Go to the dentist

As soon as your infant’s teeth begin to appear, they are susceptible to tooth decay, so a good rule of thumb is to take them to see the dentist as soon as their first tooth appears or after their first birthday.

Most babies begin to get their teeth at around four to six months, but some won't get them until around 12 to 13 months, according to the American Dental Association.

At your baby’s first infant dental exam, the dentist will not only check the baby’s teeth and gums but they will be able to teach you how to continue taking care of your baby’s teeth, what to watch out for in regards to decay, and important things about their growth and development.

4. Use fluoride

According to the American Dental Association, before children are 3 years old, it’s good to brush their teeth with a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.

Unless your dentist says otherwise during your infant dental exam, a good amount is about the size of a grain of rice.

After the age of three, it is okay to use about a pea-sized amount and to encourage them to brush their teeth themselves, reminding them to not swallow the toothpaste.

5. Watch what goes in

A very large part of making sure your baby’s teeth are good from the get-go is to regulate what goes in their mouths and to make sure they eat and drink sugary things in moderation.

Things like juice, candy, and other highly-acidic foods and drinks can cause tooth decay early on, so it’s important to keep your child from eating or drinking them too often, and especially avoid them before bedtime.

Make sure to only give your child breastmilk, formula, or milk before bed and not juice. Also, make sure they drink these before they fall asleep and not during.

5 Toasty Meals for a Rainy Day 18 Jun 2018 1:12 PM (6 years ago)

Rainy days can sometimes be few and far between, so when they come up, we want to make the most of them cozied up at home.

You may love curling up on the couch with a fluffy blanket where you can binge-watch a favorite show, dive into an intriguing book, or doze off with the sound of rain on the windows. Or you might be restive, anxious to pound the pavement with a good workout while you get blissfully soaked.

With your chosen activity will come the need of a delicious rainy day meal that will warm you up inside--aside from your mug of coffee, of course.

Mac and Cheese

If your rainy days are classic and easy going, mac and cheese will definitely fit your style. And why not skip over the box and make your own? It’s surprisingly quick to make, and it will be so good you probably won’t want to go back to the box.

Use your favorite pasta noodles instead of macaroni (I’m a fan of mini shells or fusilli). Creating a white sauce is one of the easiest things you can do. Thicken up your mixture of butter, flour, and milk, then add a combination of your favorite cheeses and cooking spices.

Burgers

For anyone that loves grilling, indoors or out, a juicy burger can be especially delicious on a rainy day. Form the perfect hamburger patties, adding any seasonings you can’t get enough of, and get them sizzling for a few minutes while you bake some crispy fries, too.

If you prefer a healthy potatoes version, whip up some mashed potatoes and switch out the burger for your favorite cut of steak or chicken.

Clam Chowder

Rainy days are the obvious companion for a good, hearty soup, and anyone who loves seafood knows that means clam chowder is on its way. Even better, you can start with the same basic white sauce you use for your mac and cheese.

You can use a combination of spices, including cloves, garlic, and thyme, to get that New England taste. Your potatoes, chopped celery, and onion will do wonders for the flavor, too, and if you can get your hands on fresh clams, you’ll thank yourself. Don’t forget the oyster crackers!

French Dip

You can’t go wrong with a toasted sandwich either, but if you want to go the extra mile, French dip will get you there. Better yet, your slow-cooker will do most of the work for you.

Once the meat is falling apart, you can reduce some of the leftover juices into your au jus. All that’s left to do is toast your bread or buns, shred the roast, then pile it all together with some provolone cheese.

Chicken Quesadillas

Sometimes a dreary rainy day needs some pizzazz infused into it, and a chicken quesadilla is the perfect choice to get that kick. And because quesadillas are already so easy, dressing it up a bit will take hardly any extra preparation.

Start your tortilla in a pan on the stovetop, then layer on your cheese, sliced chicken, and more cheese. If you love veggies, peppers, onions, and avocado are great additions before topping it all with a second tortilla and flipping to get a crispy outer shell. Finish it off by grabbing sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and your favorite hot sauce.

Fun Workout Tees 14 Jun 2018 7:03 PM (6 years ago)

A fitness journey can be understandably challenging. If you're struggling to figure out how to remain focused and motivated, consider these four helpful tips.

1. Visual Reminders of Goals
Sometimes, your visual reminders might be the clothes you'd like to fit into again. Take a look at celebrities or models you have the body you long for. Whether you need to do a lot of cardio or more strength-training exercises, it's up to you and your desired goals. To build curves, do more strength training. To lose more fat, do a lot of cardio. Make a collage of pictures featuring the ideal body and look at it before you head to the gym every day.

2. Motivational Messages
Your mindset is really important as you're looking to achieve a new goal. Many successful people talk about how much the journey is mainly about showing up. When you do the work of showing up, that's half of the battle, but too many people don't show up. Do your best to show up by feeding your mind positive messages. Remind yourself that you're a beast that can conquer anything you put your mind to. Wear fitness t-shirts that encourage you while you're in the middle of a workout.

Im A Beast - Chained Tiger Shirt (Black)

3. Fun Workouts
It's a really good idea to make sure you're incorporating really fun workouts into your fitness regimen. If you don't like the treadmill, don't challenge yourself to get on the treadmill every day. You'll end up quitting and that's not what you want. If you love swimming, it's best to get your goggles and jump into the nearest pool. Swim laps until you get tired and you'll get a great workout in that you actually enjoy.

4. Delicious Foods
If you're eating bland salads all the time, it's going to be harder to stick with your fitness goals. Don't be afraid to make homemade flavorful salad dressings. Add grilled salmon to a salad. Enjoy breakfast smoothies with tons of fruits and vegetables. Get acquainted with vegan cooking so that you can enjoy flavor-filled fruits and vegetables while you keep your caloric intake down.

Better Posture from Head to Toe 4 Jun 2018 7:15 PM (6 years ago)

Good posture is critical to full body health. You may be eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, but if you have poor posture, you’ll still be perpetuating health issues that can bring on more acute problems.

There are a few things which people know they can do to correct their posture, but there are many we don’t talk about. Likewise, there are ways your poor posture is affecting your health that you never considered before. Here is a quick rundown from head to toe that details how your posture is causing further problems and what you can do to correct and prevent it.

Head and Neck

Let’s start at the top. Poor posture for your head and neck means putting your head in a forward position. The weight of this puts extra tension on your neck and muscles going down into your shoulders. This can not only cause headaches or migraines, but it can affect how well you sleep, your mood and level of motivation, and can even contribute to mental health.

Counteract these effects by making a conscious effort to keep your chin level with the floor and aligning your neck with the rest of your spine.

Upper Torso

The posture of the upper torso includes shoulder, chest, and arms. Poor posture here would look like hunched shoulders and a dropped or caved-in chest. This can emphasize the forward position of your head, pulling more at your neck and shoulder muscles, going more deeply into the shoulder blade area.

This position can constrict the space meant for your lungs and heart. You’re likely to breathe in your chest rather than using your diaphragm, meaning you’re breathing more quickly and shallowly. Your arms have decreased circulation which can lead to tingling hands, tighter muscles, and carpal tunnel. It can also increase blood pressure and even incite chest pain.

The most common posture tips can be used here. Keep your shoulders rolled back, imagining your shoulder blades flattening out and your chest lifting. You can also imagine pulling a thread from the top of your head that down your neck and spine to bring those pieces together.

Lower Torso

This area of your body, comprised of your abdominals and lower back, is where your body holds its core strength. If the muscles here are weak, poor posture follows in other places as well as muscle overuse, causing you more pain. You risk misaligning your spine because your muscles aren’t able to support and protect your spine, and it can affect digestion and bowel movements.

Protect your spine by building up the muscles all around your torso with balancing exercises and extension/flexion of the back. Your lumbar spine should keep its curvature without going overboard.

Hips and Pelvis

Your hip flexors are one of the strongest muscle groups in your body and work in tandem with your core muscles when it comes to posture. If your hip flexors are weak, it can cause too much pelvic rotation. If there is a muscle imbalance, it can cause further issues for your legs and feet, even contributing to pain leading you to hip surgery.

Improve your posture in this area with exercises for your glutes and movements where your tilt your pelvis forward and pull your belly button toward your spine.

Legs and Feet

Remember that muscle imbalance in your hips? This can affect the posture of your legs and feet by putting more weight or stress on one side than the other. Leg and foot pain can keep you from equalizing those muscle groups, or even just from wearing your favorite shoes. Additionally, bow legs or knock knees can put added pressure on your knees and other joints.

Do exercises like side leg raises and hip extensions to work toward better leg posture and avoid future surgeries. If you have more serious concerns, be sure to consult your physician or physical therapist for specialized treatment and exercises.

How to Furnish Your Apartment 22 May 2018 5:30 PM (6 years ago)

If you were lucky enough to score a fully furnished apartment, this article isn’t for you. Finding a home is hard enough, but if it doesn’t come with furniture and you have yet to begin a collection of your own pieces, it can be frustrating trying to locate all the right items. But have no fear! Here are some ways and means to go about puzzling your new home together.

Bring it with You

When it’s your first time away from home, Mom and Dad might be willing to help out, especially if you’re not traveling too far away. The most important things you could bring from home are a bed, dresser, and maybe a desk. Because you’ve been using them already, they are tried and true.

A great runner up to this is hitting up your siblings or relatives. They might be ready to buy something new and you could benefit from their giveaway or soft family discount.

Secondhand

Your next best bet is surfing secondhand shops and websites. These are great deals because the previous owners tend not to care too much about making a profit off the item. Most furniture owners will try to be fair as well; if the couch is beaten up and they know it, they likely won’t try to overprice it, or it may not even show up on Craigslist.

Secondhand shops are pretty reliable when it comes to weeding out donated items that shouldn’t be going back out into the world.

Rent

It’s becoming more common that you can actually rent furniture if you don’t have money to buy your own but still want a comfortable living space. These can vary in price and in the amount of customer service you receive. Some companies will work alongside you to create an aesthetically pleasing home.

This is the next best thing to having a fully furnished apartment provided because, when it’s time to move, you won’t need to lug any furniture around with you.

Build

I don’t know how handy you are, but if you’re a fan of crafting and construction, building your own furniture is a plausible solution. Get your hands on some wood pallets or other reusable materials and you’ll not only have a kitchen table, but you’ll have countless works of art that your friends will admire for years to come.

Assemble

For the less handy, though still very capable individual, you can get a better deal on pieces of furniture that you assemble yourself (Did someone say IKEA?). Grab a few friends and make a night of it. You’ll be able to set up all the basics, including bookcases and TV stands.

New

If you’ve made it through all those suggestions and still aren’t satisfied, then it might be time for you to start your furniture collection. You’re picky enough that you know what you’re looking for and you’ll be much happier if you don’t settle. Picking out pieces you absolutely love will be worth the work it takes to move them if you ever decide to change apartments.

When to Pay Someone to Care for Your Yard 22 May 2018 11:42 AM (6 years ago)

It is a business frenzy out there, and as spring turns into summer, there seems to be an overpopulation of lawn care, landscaping, and yard service businesses toting their equipment trailers around town.

Not for the first time you’ve wondered who is lazy enough to pay someone else to take care of their yard, which is followed closely by the question, “Could I get away with that, too?” You might even prefer to take care of your own yard, but here are four reasons that could justify the hire of a local company to do it for you.

You Don’t Have the Equipment

If you’re a new homeowner, you may not own a lawn mower yet, so it could be a better situation for you to hire someone who already does. But seasoned homeowners could have similar issues.

Their mower may need repair or they can never get it to function properly. Your intricate landscaping may need specialized edgers and cutters that can get pricey for one person. In this case, a small company who can provide the right tools is a great option to have.

You Don’t Have the Time

Keeping your yard weed-free can be a full-time hassle on top of all the prep work that needs to happen when spring comes. The routine task of lawn fertilization on its own takes more thought than filling the spreader and pushing it around the yard. So what kind of time do you have available?

If the thought of taking care of your yard stresses you out because of time constraints on top of your already busy work and family life, hiring out can be a godsend. It’s a bonus if the cost of hire allows you to bring in more funds that will offset the extra expense.

Your Yard Requires Specialized Care

Let’s think about that fancy landscaping design you have again. If cleaning it up needs specialized tools, it might need the specialized skills of a professional, too. Landscaping companies are a good investment if you want certified professionals keeping your yard vibrant.

Professionals not only do top-notch work, they have the expertise to fix problems like weed infestations and to suggest the best products and processes that will keep your yard and garden healthy.

Your Health Doesn’t Allow it

Sure, you’ve taken on the yard work for your home single-handedly every year since the year you moved in, but if your health has changed, you might want to back off for awhile. Letting someone else handle it for a few weeks or the whole season will give you the recovery time your body really needs.

If you’re more easily fatigued, experiencing problems with your back, hips, or knees, or have suffered from a recent injury, you can aggravate the problem by diving into the involved manual labor of yard care. To make sure you can return to the yard work you love so much, you can turn the reins over to a dependable team that will leave you in good shape for a comeback.

Is Living in a College Town Right for You? 15 May 2018 1:22 PM (6 years ago)

What do you think of living in a college town? Your answer to this question will depend on your age, personality, and general experience with universities. So what aspects of college town life are sought after, and which are people happy to leave behind?

Engaging with its Social Diversity
Whether you’re a student or not, college towns bring together a diverse group of people. It can be a jarring experience if you haven’t had it before. Though there may be disagreements, fights, and grudges that come with it, once you become familiar with the atmosphere, interacting with individuals with all sorts of backgrounds, interests, opinions, and beliefs is one of the best ways to thrive and improve your understanding of humanity.

It can Feel Overcrowded
As much as people love to get together and be in the company of others, living in a college town can start to feel claustrophobic. If you ever leave the house, there are students everywhere.

They take up space in the grocery store, the movie theatre, your favorite restaurant, and even the playground where your kids want to play. It may be frustrating at times, but you’ll also learn the ebb and flow of busy times so you can avoid a student takeover and instead enjoy the relative quiet of the off time.

There’s Always Something to Do
Because of the masses, you may not always enjoy, there tends to be an increase in activities to take part in for everyone. Those large crowds are part of the reason your favorite restaurant is so close by, and there are usually new, innovative businesses coming in all the time.

It’s easy to find something to do without going too far either. Besides food choices, there are usually several movie theatres, bowling alleys, clubs or live entertainment centers to visit. And it gets better--because college students typically don’t have their own transportation, the public transit system is pretty reliable and cheap.

You See a Hike in Living Costs
One of residents’ least favorite aspects of living near a university is the increased living costs. If you live in an area with growing numbers of people all looking to live right in town, you shouldn’t be surprised to pay higher rent and food costs.

Everyone wants to take advantage of the transport and easily accessible entertainment, just like you. If you’re lucky, you’ll land an affordable BYU-I girls housing in town, but plan to work some overtime or set aside a few extra dollars to offset costs just in case.

Mature, Dependable Population?
College towns are obviously places of learning, where thousands or hundreds of thousands of young adults continue their coming-of-age experiences. And with those definitely come some immaturity, meanness, and failure.

It can become common for business owners to rely on hiring students who come and go like a breeze through the door because their priorities are holiday trips and Spring Break. When the students outnumber the local residents, it can take additional time and patience to make sure their naivety doesn’t affect your own endeavors negatively.

They Become Growing, Energetic Spaces
Just like you, university cities thrive because of the diversity and ambition that the university brings in. Not only is there business growth, but there’s academic and athletic innovation. The energy that comes from this swirl of new ideas invigorates the city and can give you an extra boost of motivation for your own expanding dreams.

6+ Reusable Items to Start Using 30 Apr 2018 9:43 AM (6 years ago)

Everyone is pumped about being more environmentally friendly, but when it comes time to make personal changes, it can be difficult to think of everyday items you use that can be switched out for something either recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable.

Give yourself a refresher with these 6+ things, and chances are your creative juices will kick in to come up with even more ideas.

Water Bottle

Let’s start off easy. Bottled water is so convenient, but it conveniently lends itself to the 50 million bottles used by Americans in a year. And don’t forget the plastic particles found in bottled water that make their way straight into your body.

Buying a case of 24 one-use bottles may be easy, but it’s even easier to grab a water bottle you like and fill it at the tap. There are filtered versions, too, for those who are more leery of their water source.

Wool Dryer Balls

Who forgot about all those wasted dryer sheets in the laundry room? Take them off your shopping list and get a set of wool dryer balls instead.

Toss them in with a medium-sized load and you’ll be amazed that they not only soften your clothes, but they separate them, meaning they dry quicker, and they also remove lint. You can even add essential oils so your laundry comes out smelling wonderful.

Takeaway Containers

If you love your takeaway, start saving those containers. They’re the perfect size to use when packing lunch to the office and they seem to last forever. You can also invest in some great durable containers and jars for storing larger amounts of food.

Reusable Bags

Think about how many plastic bags you leave the grocery store with when you stock up on food for the week. Not only do these add to the plastic problem, they help you justify buying several extra things you hadn’t planned on.

Protect the environment and your budget by investing in reusable shopping bags. Most stores are starting to sell these at the register, and you can find them in several different sizes. There are even bags especially for your produce, and reusable bags for storage and snacks. The next time you stop off at the store, bring a bag with you, and if you absolutely need a plastic bag, make sure the store is using ones made from special biodegradable plastic resin pellets.

Travel Utensil Set

Get in the habit of keeping a utensil kit around. Whether you’re grabbing takeout, eating a picnic, or hiking into the mountains, these are a better bet than one-use plastic utensils. They’re easy to wash and easy to store. You can find sets that are super basic, too, or something a bit sturdier and fancier if you plan on using them quite a bit.

General Paper Products

Don’t overlook the paper products used in your bathroom and kitchen. It’s easy to switch out paper towels and napkins for dish rags and cloth napkins. If you buy a stack of cotton rounds every few weeks to remove makeup, switch them out for a set that can be washed and reused instead.

And if you’re really ready to make the change, there are reusable cloth wipes and toilet paper, too. Pick a few things to try out, and before you know it, you’ll have gone paperless.

6 Ways to Make Someone’s Day 25 Apr 2018 8:26 AM (6 years ago)

Even when you’re trying your hardest, it can be a struggle to be positive and happy. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone would come by and do something to make the day suck a little less? Well, let’s make that person you.

So here’s your challenge: the next time you notice someone really having a bad day, take stock of the situation and do something to remind them that not all humans are trying to tear them down. Check out these 6 prompts to help you get prepared. You’ll be amazed at how changing someone else’s mood will change your own, too.

Say Hello with a Smile

Whether you say it to someone you see every day or a stranger on the street, you’ll be surprised at how quickly they’ll smile back at you.

Don’t worry if your smile isn’t perfect (a Burke periodontist can help with that later if you’re really worried) because a friend will care more that you’re smiling at them rather than just that you’re smiling. At least for one moment in the day, they’ll have something to be pleased about.

Pick up the Check

It’s always fun to treat someone, especially when they’re having a bad day and could use a kind gesture. And it doesn’t have to be when you’re out to dinner; taking care of someone’s grocery bill or a parking ticket while you’re waiting at the DMV will help ease their stress and they’ll be motivated to pass it on to someone else.

Devote Some Time

With the busy world we live in, it’s so easy to put your nose to the grindstone just so you can get your work done as soon as possible. But things don’t wait to come up until you’re good and ready for them. If a friend needs help or someone to listen, devote a few hours to them without any distractions.

Maybe you’ll have to cancel a date or reschedule a meeting. But despite the complexities, you won’t regret giving someone the support they need. You’ll be able to rearrange things so it can all still get done.

Don’t Hold Back on Compliments

Have you ever been surprised to receive a compliment on your style, personality, or work ethic? It feels good when people recognize the effort you put in or how you contribute to the community you live in, so share that feeling with someone else.

It can be easy to keep some of those thoughts to yourself, but it never hurts to let someone know what you admire about them. A compliment can also tell people something good about themselves that they might not have known before. How cool would it be if you were the one to enlighten them?

Share your Reactions

Remember, these should still be positive! Some of the most light-hearted moments are those when you tell your friend a joke and a stranger nearby laughs. So if you’re amused by something or excited to see someone, don’t hide it. Your appreciation may be the pick-me-up they’ve been waiting for.

Let Them Go First

How many times have you been in rush hour traffic and let someone into your lane begrudgingly? You might have muttered a few curse words and glared at them angrily, too. In high-stress situations where everyone is a snapped twig away from losing their patience, you can help make it better or worse.

Whether you’re sitting in traffic, waiting to check out at the store, or herding on to the bus, you can make a little space for someone else. And it may not be much space, but they’ll recognize it as a generous offer. It might even lighten the heavy thoughts they’ve been carrying.

The Most Ridiculous Myths About Acne 14 Apr 2018 7:04 PM (6 years ago)

Acne is something that everyone seems to have an opinion about, whether they're plagued with this annoying skin condition or not. Just about every acne sufferer has heard some silly supposed "cure" or has been told that all they need to do is wash their face. To help dispel misconceptions about blemishes, here are some of the most ridiculous myths about acne.

"People get acne due to poor hygiene."

It's true that blemishes can be the result of unclean or greasy skin. However, it's rare that an acne sufferer can be blamed for his or her blemishes. Even the cleanest people who wash their face twice a day can suffer for acne. The answer to this pervasive skin condition can rarely be found through soap and water and usually requires a trip to a Denver dermatology clinic.

"Only teenagers suffer from acne."

Many young acne sufferers will be told that the condition will disappear once they reach their twenties. While it's true that acne clears up in adulthood for some sufferers, many people who experience acne in their teens will continue to throughout their adult lives as well. Calling acne an adolescent-specific skin condition is quite inaccurate.

"Acne sufferers need pricey skincare products to cure their blemishes."

Sadly, many beauty companies use people's desperation to rid themselves of acne to make money. While there are some great products on the market that combat acne, acne sufferers don't need expensive serums or treatments to fight their blemishes. What they need is a great dermatologist and a simple skincare routine that treats and exfoliates.

Acne isn't the result of bad hygiene and it can't be fought with pricy spa products. Acne is a genetic condition that needs to be combatted sensibly with a good skincare routine and a knowledgable dermatologist.

6 Things To Do When Life Gives You Lemons 11 Apr 2018 12:03 PM (6 years ago)

Let’s be honest, life is really hard sometimes. It can be difficult to find things to be happy about or look forward to when the present feels like such a mess. Even the thought of a hundred things you could be doing, when filling your mind all at once, can just be easier to ignore by queueing up Netflix instead.

But what if you’ve had it and need to do something, even if it’s one tiny insignificant thing? If you’re not sure what to do or where to start (what do people do with all these lemons anyway?!), give any of these six things a try.

1 - Observe

Not motivated to stand up, let alone head outside? Take a minute to decipher the details around you. There may be memories on your shelf or the smell of a rainstorm outside. Are you away from home? Take a look at the people walking by or coming in and out of the room you occupy.

What are they trying to do? How do they treat you or the people around you? How do they carry themselves? People-watching can be enlightening and entertaining all at once. You may even find yourself giggling about the experience for years to come.

2 - Create

Making something can involve a million materials or none at all, and imagination is a great tool for both. There is no wrong way to imagine or create something. Maybe you’re not an artist, but you have a notebook and a pencil to doodle with. Dream up a new animal or an elegant building to design and name.

It can also be therapeutic to tell a story. Has some curious thought from your observations stuck out? Tell the story of how it came to be. You can write letters to family, friends, strangers, or no one at all and see what happens along the way. If you have a buddy nearby, come up with a story together where you take turns writing words, sentences, or paragraphs. You can make them as serious or silly as you like.

3 - Learn

There is always something to learn about or learn to do. You can find a book or website about practically anything, so pick something you find fascinating and get swept away for hours or just a few minutes.

Don’t have access to the wonders of technology, but tons of access to people? Ask them about their occupations, hobbies, or favorite memories. Perhaps you’ll learn a bit about radiation oncologists, but you’ll definitely learn a lot about that unique person. You may end up teaching them a thing or two in return.

4 - Thank

Sometimes we need to give ourselves a shove in the right direction to find a better outlook, if even for a moment. Think about the things you’ve observed, the people you’ve talked to, and the things you love about your life. If you can, give them a call or send a quick message to thank them for the things they do that might go unnoticed.

It might feel silly, but even inanimate objects will accept your thanks with open arms. So thank that cup of water for soothing your scratchy throat or every character of your favorite television show for existing. Everyone and everything likes to be appreciated, and you’ll be glad you could share the love.

5 - Sleep

If all else fails, a nap may do the trick. You’ll give your mind some time to wander on its own and your body some time to recover from whatever could be exhausting you. Plus, things tend to look easier and more conquerable once you’ve woken up from a nap.

6 - Acknowledge

Maybe you’ve read all of these and you’re just not feeling it. That’s okay! Life isn’t meant to be easy, and sometimes the best you can do is get through the unpleasant bits. Acknowledge those moments when you’re depressed. Let yourself retreat from the thing that makes you anxious. Express every thought you have about whatever it is that is making you angry.

Let these moments be what they need to be so that later moments, better moments, can be full of the good emotions you’re looking for. You’re not living a perfect life--no one is--but you are living a life full of quirky, strange things that play their own part in its nonsense, and it’s interesting enough just to see how it all decides to play out.

5 Reasons You Should Own a Sewing Machine 9 Apr 2018 8:46 AM (6 years ago)

Your grandma had the right idea; owning a sewing machine is great.

Sewing may seem like an outdated thing to know and learn in today's world of apps and Amazon, but it's a skill that can bring so many benefits to your life.

Let’s face it, most clothes weren’t made to fit every body type, so learning how to hem or mend clothes can save you a ton of money and help you look good.

If you want to take that up a notch, owning a sewing machine will get you to the next level. Not only are sewing machines super handy, but they make most sewing jobs go ten times quicker and expand your options on sewing projects almost endlessly.

Here are five reasons you should own a sewing machine, from mending clothing to making awesome things that will make your home and those around you feel the love.

1. Make Clothing Better

As was mentioned above, most things that we buy at the store were made in three general sizes: small, medium, and large. If we are lucky, there are stores that have a few more sizes in between, but even those definitely don’t cater to every body type.

One large benefit of having a sewing machine is you can mend and hem clothes to make them fit so much better and look a lot more chic and sharp.

Are your pants too long? Not a problem with a sewing machine. Shirt a little too boxy? Not a problem with your handy, dandy sewing machine! You get the picture.

2. Customized Décor

Sewing machines aren’t only for clothing or clothing-related purposes. Sewing machines can also be used to create décor for around the house from pillows to curtains.

There are so many more affordable options when you make your home décor yourself. You can go to a fabric store and find exactly the color or design of fabric you want for pillows to match your couch.

You can even get really crafty and make your own sheets and comforters.

You don’t even need an industrial sewing machine to do so, any sewing machine will do and it honestly doesn’t take being an expert to know how to do it.

3. Create Your Own Clothing

Even better than customizing clothing is actually making your own. You will become like an industrial sewing company before you know it with all the clothes and accessories you will produce.

Most craft stores have simple patterns you can follow, or (thanks to YouTube) there are many videos that show you how to make your own patterns by tracing your favorite shirt or dress or any other clothing item you have that you want to replicate.

Say you love a dress but it is designer and out of your price range; you can use your sewing machine to create your own economical version of it.

Creating your own clothing is also a benefit if you have kids, who tend outgrow their clothes super fast. Plus, if you have a baby, it will be even more special and sentimental knowing you made some of their first outfits.

4. Save Some Money

Something that may be motivating for some when it comes to buying a sewing machine is that fact that this little gadget can save you some serious money.

Making and hemming your own clothes, making your own pillows and other home décor, Halloween costumes and...the list goes on and on with the different ways you can save.

5. Good for the Environment

Just like you will save cash by buying a sewing machine, you will also help to save the environment.

You can re-purpose so many different materials to make things that you need, or even go to flea markets and yard sales to find old fabrics. You can also go to second-hand stores and find old clothes and turn them into something new and stylish.

Easter Dishes You Won’t Want to Miss Out On 26 Mar 2018 12:02 PM (6 years ago)

Easter is a time when friends and family gather together to celebrate new life, new beginnings, and each other. Many families get together and share a big meal, which means lots of yummy recipe traditions.

We’ve compiled this great list of Easter recipes you won’t want to miss out on this year. So get busy in the kitchen and make some of these to impress your family and friends.

Healthier Mashed Potato Casserole

This healthier mashed potato casserole is the potato dish you need to try for your Easter meal. With Greek yogurt and cream cheese for the perfect blend of flavor and texture, you’ll want to make sure you make plenty of this delicious potato dish.

If you want more great potato dishes, check out Klondike Brands. They have tons of healthy potato recipes that everyone will love.

Easter Carrot Cheese Ball

This Easter carrot cheese ball from Kraft is sure to have your guests pleased right from the start. It’s the perfect appetizer to enjoy while you chat with your family and friends around the living room.

Dip crackers, pita chips, and veggies in this yummy cheese ball of goodness! All you need is green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese.

Creamy Italian Asparagus

What’s better than vegetable smothered in a creamy cheese sauce? Not a lot.

This recipe from Will Cook for Smiles will have even the veggie haters coming back for more. So make sure you make plenty to go around. Whipping cream, asparagus, seasonings, and cheeses go a long way with this dish.

Chick Deviled Eggs

These chick deviled eggs from Cincy Shopper are absolutely adorable! And you can’t have a fun Easter gathering without some fun Easter food! These deviled eggs are the perfect appetizer for any get together this holiday.

You can use this recipe or your own favorite deviled egg recipe and just decorate the finished product to look like these cute little chicks. Your guests will be raving about how adorable they are.

Easter Egg Cookie Dough Truffles

You can’t have a great Easter meal without some kind of Easter themed dessert. And these cookie dough truffles from Wine and Glue will not disappoint. You can follow this cookie dough recipe, or make your favorite recipe and dip in into colored chocolate melts after you shape the dough into an egg and freeze it.

Get creative and have fun with your Easter meal this year.

Here are 5 scary reasons you should be afraid of cavities 14 Mar 2018 3:20 PM (6 years ago)

And not just because they require a trip to the dentist.

Nobody wants to hear the dreaded words from their dentist, “I’m sorry we found a cavity.”

But are cavities really that bad? Other than a filling or two are cavities something you really need to worry about?

The answer is that cavities that are taken care of aren’t really that bad, it’s what they can do to your teeth and wallet over time that’s the scary part.

Here are five reasons you should be scared of cavities, and be running to your toothbrush and floss on the daily.

1. It is a disease

What many people don't know is that cavities are in fact a disease. Actually, they are the most common preventable disease in kids and adolescents, according to the Center for Disease Control.

But just because you are all grown up doesn’t mean that this disease still doesn’t affect you, because according to the CDC, 9 out of 10 adults have cavities.

2. It is preventable

A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by acid erosion from bacteria in your mouth that is used to help you break down food. The pain comes from your tooth's nerve ending being exposed to the bacteria causing erosion.

So why would anyone expose themselves to a preventable disease?

The answer probably varies from person to person, but in reality, it's probably because we forget that doing the simple steps of brushing and flossing our teeth daily or after each meal is all it really takes.

Brushing your teeth the night before you see your dentist in Twin Falls isn’t really going to help a probable that is already there.

3. The cure is slightly uncomfortable

The only way to get rid of a cavity is to drill them out.

Because it is a hole in your mouth involving an exposed nerve, the only thing to do is fill it with something that will protect that nerve from future pain and your tooth from more erosion.

And the only person that can take of that is your dentist.

4. Brushing and flossing alone won’t protect you

Although brushing and flossing daily are the key ingredients to preventing cavities, that alone will not keep your mouth safe.

The food that you eat and the drinks that you drink can also be contributing factors to getting this disease.

If you drink a lot of soda, alcohol, or juice and eat a lot of acidic and sugary foods, those can be huge factors in getting a cavity.

Limiting those foods as well as making sure to take care of your teeth after eating them will help prevent a trip to the dentist and a drill to your tooth.

5. Just because the tooth is filled, doesn’t mean it’s safe

Just like the rest of your mouth, a tooth that had a cavity that is now filled is still susceptible to another one.

Just like the rest of your teeth you need to be vigilant about daily brushing and flossing, diet, and taking the necessary checkups your dentist in Twin Falls, Las Vegas, New York City, or wherever you are from.

7 Ways to Begin Sustainable Living 7 Mar 2018 4:27 PM (6 years ago)

Sustainable living isn’t just for hipsters and farmers; it’s a way of life that can be beneficial to you too.

According to Wikipedia, sustainable living is defined as, “A lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources and personal resources.”

You are probably asking yourself, “Why should sustainable living apply to me?” and the answer would be quite a few reasons.

Just like anything else, natural resources aren’t just going to last forever and ever - especially the way we are using them - unless we find a way to contribute back to them or sustain them. Hence, where the term “sustainable living” comes from.

And although it can seem like something daunting or something that requires a complete lifestyle change, it is, in fact, a lot simpler than that.

Here are seven relatively easy ways to begin sustainable living, and some of them may be things you are already doing.

1. Grow your own garden

No one can deny there is nothing better than the taste of fresh fruits and veggies, and how awesome would it be to have them literally right in your own backyard?

Creating your own garden has never been easier, with small plant beds and seeds being easily available and YouTube and the internet at your fingertips to guide you the whole way.

If it still seems intimidating, and that your thumb isn't very green, start with something simple like growing a couple herbs on your windowsill or even in just a mason jar.

2. Food storage
Start to store non-perishable or long-lasting foods for a rainy day.

Some great foods to start out with are wheat, rice, peanut butter, and salt. Now, we are not saying your wheat storage has to resemble a large silo or anything like that, it can start off small with just filling some 5-gallon buckets and adding a couple cans of food in that cupboard that’s been empty for a while.

3.Make your own sauces
A great and tasty way to start living sustainably is making and canning your own sauces and jellies.

This is especially true if you happen to start that garden that was mentioned, creating sauces out of tomatoes, fruits, and other yummy veggies.

You can even take some of that wheat storage and create some soups to bring to work instead of buying a lunch every day.

4. Support local farmers markets
If growing your own garden seems like way too much of a daunting task for you, there is still a way to live sustainably by supporting those who do grow their own food at local farmers markets.

Farmers markets are a great way to buy locally grown food and food which is in the season, both of which are ways to lessen your carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Most cities’ websites list the location of their local Farmers Markets, or you can use websites such as localharvest.org to lead you to the nearest one.

5. Learn to sew
It may seem super old school, but learning how to sew is not only a step toward more sustainable living, it’s a great way to save some money and help your clothes look even better on you.

From mending to actually sewing your own clothes, there are a lot of benefits to learning sewing. Plus, if you get good enough, you could actually sell some clothing or other items you sew on sites such as Etsy and earn a little extra cash.

6. Learn about composting
Compost is organic material, such as banana peels or egg shells, that can be added to plants to help them grow, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA also said that food scraps and yard waste currently make up 20 to 30 percent of what we throw away, and should be composted instead. Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

The EPA, as well as other websites, can teach you how to compost at home, or your city could have places to drop off materials for composting as well.

7. Shop at thrift or second-hand stores
Shopping at thrift stores is not just a trendy thing to do, it is actually a way to be more sustainable.

Buying gently used clothing or having clothing swaps with friends is a great way to save some money as well as help the environment.

According to National Geographic to make just one pair of jeans requires 2900 gallons of water. So by just buying one pair of second-hand jeans instead of new ones you are taking a very big step to living more sustainably.

Wheat storage, old banana peels, and used jeans might seem like strange ways to help the environment, but these as well as the other things listed, are easy modifications we can make in our everyday lives to contribute to more sustainable living.

7 Fun Outdoor Spring Dates 1 Mar 2018 7:18 PM (7 years ago)

For all you romantics out there, spring is just around the corner and it’s time to start planning those fun outdoorsy dates again! Whether you are married, single, in a relationship, you can’t beat the fun of a good old-fashioned outdoor date.

And we’ve recruited some experts to help us out. The Landing, BYU-Idaho student housing, knows college students and they know dates. They’ve helped us put together this awesome list of fun dates to start planning for the springtime.

Campfire

Campfires are great for single and group dates. Get some firewood, matches, s’mores fix-ins, and head out into the great wide somewhere to have a super romantic date by the fire. You plan a fun dinner date and cook dinner over the fire. There are so many possibilities with this one!

Stargazing

Stargazing, if you’re in it for the stars, can actually be a lot of fun. Make a competition out of it to see who can spot the most shooting stars. It is also a great excuse to snuggle up for warmth under some blankets. If you really want to impress your date, bring a telescope to see a more in-depth look at the night sky.

Hiking

Take your date on a hike! This is a great opportunity to talk to them and get to know each other better while also improving your physical fitness! Pack a picnic lunch (peanut butter honey sandwiches are great), plenty of water, and have fun. Enjoy the calm environment that nature offers you.

Rent a Puppy

If you don’t have a puppy, and don’t want the responsibility of owning one, then rent one for a day! Many animal shelters are always looking for volunteers to come give their animals some love. Some places even have dedicated “Rent-a-puppy” businesses for just this purpose. Who doesn’t love puppies?

Visit a National Park

Most people are within 1-2 hours of a national park. Take advantage of that! Go on a date to a national park, learn the history, get lunch, hike around the park, and learn more about each other in the process. This is an especially great idea if you like to take photos.

Try Mini Golf

Find a local mini golf course and give that a try! A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, and it will help you get to know your date on a deeper level. Competition tends to bring out people’s true character.

Attend a Sporting Event

Take your date to a local sporting event (if they’re into that). Baseball starts up in the spring, you might even be able to catch the end of the basketball season. Support your local college or your town’s professional sports teams. Wear the team’s colors and go all out. It’s always more fun when you have someone to root for.

5 Children’s Books To Encourage Exercise 22 Feb 2018 7:36 PM (7 years ago)

Many children today are entranced by electronics and their mobile devices. While there can be benefits to monitored and moderate use of these devices, they often are used so much that they take away from other areas of a child’s life - like physical fitness and playing with friends.

Socialization and physical health are so important in young, developing children. Because of this, a pediatric clinic helped us put together this list of books to encourage exercise in your little ones.

1. Keep Running, Gingerbread Man

In this book, one of our favorite fairytale characters helps to teach his friends about physical fitness. He encourages them and teaches them how to exercise after he outruns them all in a race of strength and wits. It teaches children the importance of working out with a fun twist on a classic.

2. Good For Me: Play and Exercise

Some kids like the facts, plain and simple. This nonfiction book about the importance of playing and getting proper exercise will show your kids some fun activities that they can do with their friends to stay happy and healthy.

3. What’s So Yummy? All About Eating Well and Feeling Good

This book combines healthy eating with fun family activities. The family in the book goes on a picnic, to the farmers’ market, the grocery store, and has fun participating in a variety of activities together. It shows children that eating healthy and staying active can be a fun adventure every day.

4. Yoga Bunny

Yoga Bunny uses an adorable creature to teach your children beginning yoga steps. In this fun book, Yoga Bunny teaches his friends how to do yoga, and your kids can follow along with each of the different poses. Sometimes running fast and staying busy is good, but it’s also important to slow down sometimes for some good quality yoga and mindfulness.

5. The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness

The Busy Body Book teaches children how all the different parts of their body work together so they can exercise and be healthy. With an array of fun activities and education about the importance of getting enough exercise and staying active, this book will get your child motivated to get the fitness they need each day.

How to Dress Appropriately for a Fun Family Farm Tour 16 Feb 2018 8:47 PM (7 years ago)

Taking a visit down to the farm is a super exciting way to spend the day with the family. Farm tours show families how their food, clothing, and household goods are produced. In addition, the children get to greet the animals; this translates into a fun, messy day! By dressing in the correct attire, the family can have fun without worrying about their clothing choices.

Image may contain: one or more people, people standing, grass, sky, outdoor and nature

Avoid Open Toe Shoes
Open toe shoes are never a good idea on a farm. In shoes like flip flops, it is very easy to slip on wet surfaces, get the stuck in the mud, or get stepped on by an animal. Instead, the entire family should wear boots, galoshes, or heavy duty tennis shoes that will protect the feet. The higher up the calf that the shoes reach, the more protection there is from mud and water too.

Wearing Thick, Comfortable Jeans
One of the best types of pants to wear is thick and very comfortable jeans. While it is unlikely that there would be an issue, it is always smart to wear clothing that can be moved in easily when spending time around livestock. Even though the animals may be very docile, unforeseen events (such as a nearby automotive accident) could send herd animals into a panic. It is important to be able to react quickly. Jeans are also fairly easy to wash mud out of, and they protect the legs very well from thorny plants and insects.

Holding It All Together
To add a bit of country flair, try pairing a western cowboy hat with the outfit. This will serve to keep the sun out of the eyes, too. Next, tuck in a button up shirt, and use country girl belts to secure the jeans around the waist. Tuck the legs of the jeans into the boots, with the socks overlapping over the jeans. For the true farm environment, this dressing procedure helps to prevent ticks from biting the family. They are given almost no entry point within the clothing, especially on the lower body.

Protecting the Hands
Always keep a pair of gloves on hand for each member of the family when visiting the farm. Not only can things get messy, but they can protect small fingers from being nibbled on by the animals. They are also good for picking pumpkins, blackberries, blueberries, and more.

With the right outfit, a trip to the farm will be incredibly fun. The key is to wear something that's comfortable, ready to get dirty, and protective. It never hurts to give it a cute country twist, either!

30 Fitness Tips We Can All Use 15 Feb 2018 9:25 AM (7 years ago)

If you’re still working hard on your New Year’s resolutions, you rock! Even if you have fallen behind a little, you can always get back up and keep going.

Dallas Rindfleisch, a coolsculpting certified doctor, helped us compile this list of fitness tips that we can all use.

1. Drink lots of water - especially before meals.

2. Cook with coconut oil. We need healthy fats, and coconut oil helps your metabolism!

3. Cut back on sugar. Substitute sugar sweets with fruit to satiate that sweets craving.

4. Cut out highly processed foods (cookies, chips, crackers, bread, etc.).

5. Use smaller plates. This will help you eat better portion sizes.

6. Keep healthy snacks available for when you get hungry.

7. Brush your teeth after dinner - it will lessen the temptation to have a late-night snack.

8. Do aerobic exercise. Cardio burns fat and helps improve your mental health.

9. Lift weights. It can keep your metabolism high while your dieting and build muscle strength.

10. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. If you eat a wide enough variety, you’ll have all the nutrition you need just from produce.

11. Find exercises you enjoy. Fun workouts will make it that much easier to keep moving and stay healthy.

12. Eat whole foods. Foods that are natural and contain little to no additives are the best for you.

13. Indulge occasionally. Don’t cut all indulgences out completely or you might find yourself bingeing later on.

14. Eat slowly. Savor your food and notice when you start to get full.

15. Cook at home more. Home cooked meals will (almost) always be healthier than eating out.

16. Have healthy on the go foods ready for your busy days.

17. Meditate, relax, practice stress relieving techniques. Your mental health is just as important as your physical fitness.

18. Don’t keep junk food in your home. Whether it’s for you or someone else, keep it out of your home.

19. When you make a poor choice (eating a sweet treat or way too much at dinner), balance it out with a good choice (drinking plenty of water and going on a run).

20. Don’t wait til a new day, week or month. If you fall back, start again right now.

21. Find a fitness buddy who can help you with your goals - and who you can help!

22. Take an ice bath after an intense workout. Take care of your muscles when you use them.

23. Pick out a good playlist. Get yourself some good pump up music for your workouts.

24. Buy new, comfortable workout clothes - and wear them!

25. Get good sleep. It’s just as important for your physical and mental health as eating healthy and exercising are.

26. Eat more protein. Add protein to smoothies and eat lean meats. It boosts your metabolism.

27. Don’t “diet”. Eat healthy. Don’t think of dieting as cutting things out, but rather eating the healthy things that you need.

28. Take a break for lunch. Eating while you work causes mindless grazing that results in eating too much.

29. Find healthy fast food. You’re going to want to eat out for convenience sometimes, so have a list of places on hand that are healthy and delicious.

30. Work out in the morning. For one, you get it done first thing and don’t risk skipping it from exhaustion at the end of the day. For two, morning workouts give the perfect boost to your metabolism and get your body burning calories first thing.

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