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October 3, 2018

How Dermal Fillers Make You Look Younger

 

Are trying to look younger without doing anything too drastic like facial augmentation or surgery? If that’s you, then dermal fillers may help you achieve a younger, more attractive appearance without the risks that come with surgery. Dermal fillers are safe, and they come in different types, giving you more options to achieve the type of look you want. In some cases, they are completely reversible and will give you a full-fledged 10-year rewind.

Here’s how dermal fillers can make you look younger:

  1. Reduce wrinkles and lines

Aging causes a gradual decrease in volume and fat on the face, and this, in turn, causes lines and wrinkles to appear. Certain lifestyle habits like smoking or sun exposure can make the skin look worse as you age – but the good news is you can make the lines disappear by using dermal fillers like Juverderm or Vollure, which add softness to your face and restore youthful plumpness.

Dermal fillers can also be used alongside other recognized skin treatments like Botox, microneedling, or chemical peels.  The end result is soft, smooth skin without the wrinkles and fine lines that come about when volume is reduced.

  1. Add volume to cheeks and chin

As we grow older we lose a large amount of the fat around the mouth and eyes, and on top of this reduction, the remaining fat tends to shift downward. This is what leads to loose, sagging skin in the area around the jawline and on the sides of the eyes. Much of this fat goes to the neck and chin, causing a double chin, general bagginess, and other unpleasant results.

So how do you stop this from happening? Dermal fillers fill those shallow contours on your face that don’t have the plumpness of youth. During treatment, the doctor will inject the fillers in areas of your face that need restoration and if you want a more pronounced chin to minimize the appearance of sagging, you can get it with some types of fillers.

  1. Make thin lips appear fuller

Full lips are not always a by-product of good genes. Dermal fillers can give you great lips and make you look younger by giving you a youthful appearance and sensual volume to a part of your face that everyone notices. Remember this treatment is safe, in some cases reversible; and your doctor will work with you to create the look you want.

Should I get dermal fillers?

Unless your doctor says otherwise, you can use dermal fillers to reduce lines and wrinkles on your face without any major risk; however, you need to know what to expect. While the procedure is considered low-risk, it can change your appearance in a drastic way. Note down these points as you go for treatment:

  1. a) Your appearance will change. A lot of times people want to use fillers and still maintain a perfectly natural look. While it’s important to look yourself, the whole point of fillers is to change how you look by altering the shape of your face – so you’re bound to come out different. In small amounts, fillers can be used to make subtle changes, but in the end it’s about creating the kind of change that makes you look better.
  2. b) Once it’s in, you may not be able to remove it. There are some types of fillers like Artefill or Sculptra that once they’re injected into your skin, they can’t be taken out; at least until they wear off. So if you hate your new look, it may be a while before your features look normal.
  3. c) There are always risks with any cosmetic procedure. Because you are injecting a substance into your skin, there is a small risk of a reaction. Most of these procedures go smoothly with no serious reaction to the fillers, but its worth noting the potential risks.    

The best way to decide whether dermal fillers is a good treatment for your skin is to book a consultation with skin specialist so you can discuss the different filler types and the look you want to achieve.

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October 3, 2018

How To Select A Bathroom Mirror

It goes without saying that when a house is being constructed, renovated or remodeled, we tend to take time to find the best fixtures for the house and this includes the bathroom. The type of vanity, the sink, the faucets, the bathtub and the like are all meticulously researched before we purchase them. But what is usually forgotten is the bathroom mirror, we tend to remember the reflection but forget the mirror that reflects our image. The bathroom mirror can add the touch of class that you so desire, in fact it should be the centrepiece of your bathroom, it should be the centre of attraction.

There are many types of mirrors that are available in the market and selecting one can be really tough. The following points should help you select a good bathroom mirror:

  • The first point which you should consider is to whether go for one mirror or to opt for two mirrors. Usually due to space constraints one mirror is enough but if you have two sinks in your bathroom you can think about getting two mirrors or one large mirror that covers the entire length. So sit with your loved ones and/or with your interior designer and decide what you need.
  • The next point to consider is the size of the mirror. The size of the mirror is usually a major point of contention in the family. While some like full length mirrors, others tend to feel that the mirror should be the size of the vanity or should be lesser in width than that of the vanity. The unspoken rule is that the mirror should not be wider than the vanity as it can hamper the overall design of the bathroom. Again the decision on size rests upon factors such as the available space, type of vanity etc.
  • The most important point to note while selecting a bathroom mirror is the frame. There are many types of frames available that will match your bathroom aesthetic. However, it all comes down to personal preferences. If you like you can opt for a frameless mirror which is a very good option because maintaining it is easy when compared to a mirror with a frame. Taking care of the frame can be a difficult task. If the mirror is going to be the centrepiece of attraction then you can opt for an ornate frame or one that looks like an antique.
  • Another option that you can choose is an illuminated bathroom mirror. If you are a person who likes to shave at home then the illuminated bathroom mirror will look like a godsend as you can shave up close and any hair that you missed will easily be seen. If your beloved loves to apply makeup then the illuminated mirrors will surely help. Some manufacturers even provide demister pads that keep the mirror clear at all times. However, you need to provide for a power source to light the LED bulbs.

The above mentioned points will surely help you to select a bathroom mirror, but in the end it all boils down to personal choices and preferences.

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September 28, 2018

Post Summer Blues? Neuropsychologist with 5 Things to Do to Boost Your Mood This Fall

www.comprehendthemind.com

For many people the end of summertime means back to school and back to the grind. Companies launch into their 4th quarter which means the summer slack off season is done and it’s time to get serious as we close out the end of the year. Between the dip in temperatures, shorter days, work and family demands, it’s no wonder people feel sad to part with summer. We connected with Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty at Columbia University in New York City to explain why people get the post summer blues. We also offer some things to do to boost the mood as we say goodbye to summer and hello to fall.

  1. Ease into the routine.

A lot of people expect to hit the ground running immediately after Labor Day. Allow yourself a solid two weeks to a full month to get back into the swing of your fall routine. You can’t expect to go from a more relaxed summer mindset into a rushed pace. “A lot of people make the mistake of going from summer ease to fall hustle and they end up running themselves down leading to a cold. You want to get a realistic handle on the fall routine and make decisions about how much to take on. Planning ahead helps,” explains Dr. Hafeez.

  1. Go outside and play anyway!

The fall means a break in humidity and beautiful crisp air. It’s common to go from 80-degree temperatures to mid 60’s within a month. You can still enjoy your deck, barbecuing, reading in a lounge chair, having a catch in the yard, or going for a walk in nature. “Get outdoors and avoid spending weekends in hibernation which only makes people feel lethargic and depressed,” advises Dr. Hafeez who has been featured on national TV talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder.

  1. Get things done that you put off during summer.

Before the weather takes a turn for the cold and holiday hustle ensues, take advantage of the cooler fall temperatures by tending to things like, auto repairs, home projects, pet care, medical visits, and financial assessments. “When we make a decision to accomplish things we’ve put off and then follow through, we feel more in control and this reduces stress,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Something as simple as taking a few hours to tidy up the yard, clean out the garage, get rid of clothes can elevate the mood.

  1. Recap the summer with a look back at photos and gratitude.

At the end of each season it’s such a great ritual to do a recap. Look back into your social media feeds for the photos posted and memories made. Consider creating a summer photo album with highlights from vacations, pool days, family barbecues, weddings and any other fun that was had.

  1. Start brainstorming next summer’s vacation and must-do activities.

“You really want to move into a forward-thinking mindset instead of longing for the past. This summer is over and another one will come. Brainstorming with the family on where to go next, is a fun way to get excited about what’s ahead. When we think about possibilities it elevates our mood so grab an issue of a travel magazine and get inspired,” suggests Dr. Hafeez.

  1. When in doubt, get a makeover!

Nothing elevates the mood more than a day of primping and prepping. When we are putting the summer clothes away and pulling out the fall clothes we get to edit our wardrobes and make a list of the new things we want to add. Shopping for new clothes isn’t just limited to the kids heading back to school. A new hair color or style can also mark the start of a new season in a fun new way. “Self-care isn’t limited to meditation, juicing and massages. Finding that perfect fall jacket, shoes, new shades of cosmetics can do a lot to lift spirits,” Dr. Hafeez shares.

About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz. Connect with her via Instagram @drsanamhafeez or www.comprehendthemind.com

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September 28, 2018

Styling Tips to make you Taller in Your Casual Kurtis

If you consider yourself short, then there are an instance when thinking about what to wear, you may wish that you were just a few inches tall. If you love Indian wears, and you are under 5″4, you may find it challenging to find the right sizes of casual kurtis for your daily use. However, you should not let this temporary challenge in your way of getting most from your dressings.

There are a few tips and tricks you can use to create an illusion of height and rock any attire just as if you were actually of that height. Discussed herein are a few of the tricks you can use to style kurtis and look as great just as you would have if you were just a few inches taller.

Use slimmer palazzo pants to pair your kurti

Let your kurti and bottoms have the same color shades

The first tip to create an illusion of height for your casual-kurti is to pair it with slimmer palazzo pants. One thing you will appreciate about these pants in addition to making you look taller is that they are always in season all the time and you can’t also ignore the fact that they are smart, trendy and will suit most body types. Irrespective of your height, you will most certainly appear taller than you actually are with these pants.

If you create a strong contrast between your bottom and your kurti, it will be easy for people to quickly notice where the kurti ends, and this will not aid in helping you look taller since people can easily gauge your height from the height of the kurti. In as much as you may be uncomfortable in keeping the two in the same color family because you have a range of option to work with, it is one of the best ways to create an illusion of height.

With a solid color for both the kurti and the bottom, it is easy to create a vertical line in your frame which will easily fool people that you are taller. Also, ensure that both the kurti and the bottom will be of the right fit and if possible, you should consider colors such as purple, red, grey, navy blue, and black. You will never go wrong with these colors.

Use medium flared skirts for the bottom

Many ladies may not think of this as a good idea, but when you want to create illusions of height, with or without kurtis, flared skirts will always get the job done. With kurtis, consider a medium flared skirt with a straight kurti that terminates just below your knees. With such a setup, you will appear to have a petite frame which will create an illusion of height and it will also contribute towards your edgy looks.

Pair your kurti with slim pants

It is a fact that irrespective of your height, slim pants will always make you appear taller than you actually are, and this is one of the best ways you can use to look taller in casual-kurti if you are vertically challenged. All you have to do is to take your kurti then have it together with slim pants which will help to create a straight line in your vertical, thus making you appear taller. The best kurti for pulling this look should be the straight designs.

Use kurtis with elongated patterns

Kurtis will elongated patterns are very good in creating illusions of height compared to those with horizontal strips. While you shop and you wish to get kurti for more height, go for those with vertical plackets or those with vertical strips. Other than creating an illusion of more height, they will also make you look fuller if you had a slim or a petite frame.

Go for V-necks over mandarin collars

It is surprising that you can also use the shape of the kurti collar to create an illusion of height, though so many people never think of this. V-necks has a way of making you look taller, and this is a universal fact has been accepted all over the world. This is because V-necks make the neck to appear elongated unlike neck shapes such as mandarins which will make you look shorter since they are very close to the neck.

Don’t be afraid of wearing heels

Heels are being used be several short people all the time to create illusions of height, and if you are short and you wanted to appear tall in your casual kurtis, then despite every other thing we have talked about, you should never be afraid to rock your heels. The heels will add you a few inches which will not only make you taller but also give you some nice and stylish looks despite your height.

To completely nail it with heels in creating an illusion of height, consider going for straight kurtis that flatters your frame. If you are not comfortable with pencil heels, consider wedges or platforms that will come along with style and comfort.

Use a skinny belt on your waist

Broad belts are known to divide the body into half and this will without a doubt make you look shorter. Skinny belts, on the other hand, will not create any division and will help to define your waist without necessarily diving your body into two parts. The belt you opt for, however, should share the same color with your kurti because you don’t want it attracting unnecessary attention to where people should not be focusing.

Go for minimal accessories

The other trick to make you appear taller in your casual kurtis is to consider very minimal accessories. As usual, less is always more when it comes to getting your accessories right. It is important that you avoid things like chokers, oversized necklaces, or any form of danglers. For the best looks, consider light jewelry such as sleek chains paired with matching pendants. You can also consider a pair of studs and a very trendy clutch bag to complete the casual look.  However, if you want to see things as they really are with the best affordable prices, you can visit stylecaret.

 

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September 27, 2018

Lavaa Lashes – Cardi B’s Go-To Lashes!

Whether you want lashes that WOW! or lashes with a more subtle look, consider Lavaa Lashes.  Lavaa Lashes are luxury cruelty free mink lashes. Their lashes last up to 30 wears and have a lash style for every personality.  They also offer faux lashes made of synthetic fibres that is vegan and lasts 10-15 wears!

Cardi B is among one of her famous fans – the rapper recently wore the Mischief Lashes in her Ring and Taki Taki videos, as well as wearing to numerous events and adding to her day to day looks.

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September 20, 2018

BENEFITS OF A MONTH LONG “BOOZE BREAK”

REHAB EXPERT EXPLAINS WHAT SOCIAL DRINKERS CAN EXPECT

WWW.BEACHWAY.COM

If you’re thinking about taking a post summer break from booze -do it. You may get turned onto a whole new mindset about how you choose to consume alcohol. We connected with Rehab Expert, Carrie Carlton, Clinical Director (LCSW) of Beachway Therapy Center in Boynton Beach, Florida; who offered us numerous benefits of taking a “Booze Break.” Studies have shown that a month-long respite from alcohol can significantly benefit one’s mental and physical health. Here’s why…

  1. Do the math! Less booze means more cash.

According to Fortune magazine in 2018, thanks to the “craft cocktail trend” the overall price for alcoholic beverage and therefor the general cost of alcohol has increased. Let’s say you hit a happy hour twice weekly and bought a round of drinks for 3 people at $15-$20 each, with tip that could be between $80 and $100. More if you are in major metropolitan cities. Then multiply that by twice per week for weeks in a month and you’re saving close to $400 per month just on after work happy hours. Add more money saved if you’re also a weekend social drinker. Add way more money if you’re buying bottles in the VIP for hundreds of dollars.

“People are often amazed at how much free cash they have to put towards other things they want to do such as paying down debt, vacations, car repairs, gym memberships, upgrades to their homes, etc., explains Carrie Carlton of Beachway Therapy Center, one of the most comprehensive Rehab programs on the East Coast.

  1. Wow! Your face looks great! What have you done?

While alcohol doesn’t directly cause acne it certainly messes with hormone levels and immune function which then lead to sallow skin, breakouts and puffy, flushed complexion. If you’re they type who can easily “Rose all day” and love mixed drinks featuring more sugar, syrups and other additives; you’ll quickly see a major change to the texture and tone to your skin. “It’s always great to snap selfies in the same room with the same light so you can really see the difference. Also pay attention to compliments. There will be a visible difference, encourages Carlton.”

  1. Are you losing weight? YES!

A study in the journal of Obesity said that people who don’t drink eat less simply because alcohol heightens the senses. It makes the sauce and cheese on that pizza or those late-night bites all the more delicious. When you remove alcohol intake it diminishes your calorie intake. Think about 3 beers or glasses of wine at about 150 each. Those calories add up. “Your blood sugar and cholesterol levels start to really improve, and since alcohol dehydrates the body’s organs, taking a break from booze with help the body function better overall,” explains Carlton.

  1. You’re more energetic, creative focused and are getting a lot more done.

One of the other benefits of opting to go booze-free for a month is that you’ll notice you’re not sluggish. You’re no longer fading in the afternoon or hitting the snooze 3 times in the morning. You are clear and focused on what you want to accomplish in the day and you have the ability to follow through with a better mood. You’ll be able to concentrate on tasks which also helps you stimulate the part of your brain where memory takes place. This keeps us sharp as we age.

  1. More you time and new friends!

Often when we make a major change to our lives like choosing to lay off alcohol for a month our crew of cohorts changes. This frees up time for you to focus on you. Self care is important and often neglected when going out to socialize over drinks is the norm. When you’re no longer invited out to drink away the work day, you’re now free to get an after work fitness class in, take a workshop, listen to some audio books and check out a cool lecture. You start to realize there is plenty to do that doesn’t involve liquor and you start to meet new friends to do these things with.

“What’s interesting to note is that people who consider themselves “social drinkers” experience these improvements within a few days. People who struggle with alcoholism may actually cause more harm to themselves if they just decide to stop drinking cold turkey. Because there are many social drinkers teetering on the line of having a “drinking problem” given they tend to binge on the weekends with casual drinks with dinner mid-week; committing to going without alcohol may reveal there actually is a bigger issue going on. If someone can’t last a week without alcohol and feels nausea, gets terrible headaches, sweats, and are physically shaky and ill, consulting a doctor would be an important next step,” cautions Carrie Carlton.

  1. What It Does For Your Liver

As much as people might want to believe that taking a vacation from drinking makes up for the excess, Carrie Carlton says it’s simply not true. Excessive boozing and “drying out” for a month won’t even out the score with your liver. A month-long hiatus won’t heal your liver — which processes the sugar in alcohol and can be damaged by excessive drinking. Are you really “healing your liver”? No, though you are taking a month off from causing it any more damage. 

About the expert:

Carrie Carlton, Clinical Director (LCSW), Clinical Supervisor at Beachway Therapy Center

Carrie holds a BSW and MSW in social work from Florida Atlantic University, an MA from Barry University (Miami), and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She also has a background in medical social work. Her understanding of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and family systems guide her treatment of addicts and families. Her clients thrive under her guidance because of her honesty, empathy, and compassion. Recognizing the severe impact of addictions on both the addict and the families, Carrie is dedicated to consistently serve her clients.

About Beachway Therapy Center

Beachway provides a continuum of care, from PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) to Outpatient services. The facility offers a fully individualized treatment plan that meets the clinical and medical needs of each client usually lasting between 30 and 90 days. Beachway provides an extremely low client to therapist ratio and under high level professional supervision, clients can begin to recover in a safe, residential-like environment.  CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) motivational interviewing, addiction counseling, 12-Step orientation, DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy,) trauma-informed practices and a wide variety of supportive group therapies are offered.

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September 13, 2018

Earrings Need A Lift? Try Levears

Earrings Need A Lift? Try Levears

 

Throughout the years, I noticed my ear holes stretching. This is so severe now that the only earring style I am able to wear is a very light weight Hoop.  I even gave most of my studs away after loosing a diamond stud that slipped back and out of my right ear hole.

My ears were pierced by my grandmother when I was about 5 years old. I got pierced the old fashioned way with a needle and thread! It was the 1960’s. I think back at it now in horror. I wasn’t afraid then though. I was numbed with ice and really did not feel a thing.  I just wanted to look pretty with earrings like my older cousins did. I can’t remember exactly how long I had black thread circling through my earlobes. Maybe a month? It seemed like forever.

The piercings were perfectly placed, healed well and I never had an infection or any problems with the ear holes. That is until I grew well into my thirties. I blame the 1980’s for that!  Everything then was big and bold. From my hair to my shoulder pads to my huge, heavy costume earring jewelry. Some of the earring designs were so heavy that they came in clip on styles only.

 

Joan Collins Image The Telegraph

Joan Collins Image The Telegraph

 

The prime time soap opera Series Dynasty ran from 1981 to 1989. I was obsessed with and wanted every pair of earrings that Joan Collins wore on the show.

I paid a price for looking 80’s fab! My earrings holes were no longer round, they were (and still are) oval and stretched. And of course the natural aging process changes the shape of our earlobes and ear holes too.  Gravity takes over everything!

I tried safety backs that never worked and I considered earring hole repair, a pretty common procedure. Recently though, I was able to try Levears  Earrings Lifts and to my surprise, they worked!  I love them and have begun to purchase some of the studs, and post tear drops and chandelier earrings that I have so often wanted to wear. Maybe to the extreme right now but it’s fun to change up my look after so long.

The  Leavers Earring Lifts’ are designed with an Earring Stabilizer Technology that lifts your earrings upwards so they are more secure, and provide for a more youthful appearance. Unlike other earring backers or supports these work!

Learn how a woman named Robin researched, developed a prototype and launched her brand, Leavers right HERE.

Leavers are available in Sterling Silver, Gold Plated Silver, Stainless Steel, 14k White Gold and 14K Yellow Gold.

 

Levears Right Left

 

For the perfect fit, there is a “Right” and a “Left” side. That makes all the difference! They are so comfortable and pretty that you just may think they are earrings themselves at first glance!

 

Levears Back View

 

 

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September 10, 2018

Coffee PM: 4 Ways to Enjoy Coffee After Hours

Lots of people enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee in the morning. Maybe it’s a simple black coffee on the way to work, or a piping hot Americano with plenty of cream and sugar. Either way, it’s a “pick me up” to start the day off right.

But what if you crave the bold taste of coffee in the evening? Here are four ways to enjoy coffee after hours in both beverage and food form.

Decaf Coffee
This first suggestion will seem obvious – drink decaffeinated coffee. Still, we bring it up because it is the essential building block to late-night coffee beverages. But what is decaffeinated coffee? How do they remove the caffeine?

The decaffeination process starts with green, unroasted coffee beans. The caffeine is then extracted using a chemical solvent or, in some cases, a process of water and osmosis to draw out the caffeine. This is an oversimplification, but it works for our purposes.

Unless you are looking to pull an all-nighter, decaf coffee is the way to go.

Luxury Coffee Cocktails & Nightcaps
So, you want a late-night coffee drink without the energetic buzz. We can understand that. But how do you feel about a boozy buzz?


Coffee cocktails and nightcaps are a great way to relax in the evening. You just can’t beat the complex taste of coffee and liquor. While there are dozens, if not hundreds of cocktail recipes, here are a few favorites to get you started.

  • Café Mocha Shakerato. This is an easy drink to make, especially if you use decaf luxury coffee pods from a brand like Caffé di Artisan since they don’t require a brew machine. Start with 2 ounces of strong coffee, add 1 ounce of simple syrup, and 1 ounce of chocolate syrup (Monin brand works best). Toss the ingredient into a shaker with ice, and vigorously shake until there is a nice froth. Strain the beverage into a glass and enjoy.
  • Spanish Coffee. Start with 1 cup decaf hot coffee, ½ ounce of rum, and 1.2 ounce of vanilla coffee liquor. Pour into a glass mug, top with whipped cream and garnish with a cherry. Delicious!
  • Kona Coffee: Kona Coffee is a luxury coffee made in the Kona Districts of the Big Island of Hawaii.  It”s one of the most expensive and exclusive coffees in the world. The traditional Kona Coffee taste profile is light, sweet and fruity.

Affogato: Something Special on Top

Affogato is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s espresso poured on top of another dessert, thus marrying the essence of bitter with sweet. It’s a match made in heaven all right.

While the most popular form of affogato is espresso coffee poured over vanilla ice cream, there are numerous ways to make your desserts extra special with the addition of coffee. You can add espresso to a bowl of tiramisu; add a drizzle of mocha or caramel sauce if you really want something special. Or pour hot espresso over flan just before adding whipped cream and cinnamon on top. Yum!

Desserts: Cooking with Coffee

Speaking of desserts, another spectacular way to enjoy coffee in the evening is by including it in your baking. Again, these are just a sampling of recipes to try. Feel free to get creative. After all, what is more fun than desserts with coffee?

  • Coffee Kahlua Brownies. We hope you like cocoa flavors, because this recipe is full of ‘em. Start by pre-heating the oven to 375. The rack should be 1/3 up from the bottom. Grease a 9x13x2 pan with butter. Melt 8 ounces of unsweetened chocolate with 1 cup of unsalted butter (tip: it helps to chop up the chocolate for quicker melting) in a separate sauce pan over low heat. Once even, set aside to cool. In a large bowl, beat five eggs before adding 2 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons liquid coffee, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until even. Next add 2 cups flour and mix into a batter. Next, combine 2/3 cup hot coffee (decaf) with ¼ cup Kahlua into a separate bowl, mix gently, then add to batter. Pour the batter into the prepped pan and heat in oven for about 35 mins. Cool at room temperature, and enjoy.
  • Decaf Coffee Fudge. Start with a tin of condensed milk (~400 g), 150 ml regular milk, 115g unsalted butter, and 450g fine sugar. Mix these ingredients together in a large saucepan until melted. Be careful to avoid chunks of sugar in your mixture. Turn up the heat to boiling, and simmer for 15 minutes; stirring gently, but continuously. This will keep the bottom of your fudge from burning. Pour the mixture into a bowl. Add 2.5 tablespoons liquid coffee and beat for 10 minutes. The result should be a caramelly thickness. Pour the contents into a lined, flat dish. Make sure the top is nice and even while cooling. Once solid, cut into squares, adding a single coffee bean to each piece for presentation. And there you have it: Coffee fudge.

We bet you never knew coffee was so versatile. So, go ahead, try one of the above suggestions to enjoy coffee in the PM.

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September 10, 2018

The Beautiful Connection Between Music and The Mind

The Beautiful Connection Between Music and The Mind

The Beautiful Connection Between Music and The Mind

The human mind is very powerful. The way it functions on a daily basis is quite amazing. And what’s even more amazing is that there are a lot of things that can affect the way it works. Accordingly, music is one of them.

Music plays a huge role in the society. And it also plays an important role for everyone. In fact, one cannot end a day without hearing any music or sound. Moreover, music provides a lot of benefits. Whether it’s related to the emotional aspect or mental side of a person, music affects almost every aspect of a certain individual.

Hence, it is safe to say that music and the mind has a special connection. And this connection between the two provides a lot of positive things which makes the relationship more beautiful. Now, if you are wondering what are these amazing and beautiful benefits, here are some points that you may want to ponder on:

  1. Music boosts brain chemicals

Brain chemicals are simply the hormones that are normally found in your brain. When you listen to music, especially to the ones that peak your interest, these brain chemicals are boosted. The most targeted hormone when music is around is the dopamine and serotonin.

These hormones are usually called as the happy chemicals. This is because they are largely responsible for making you feel calmer, lighter, and happier.

So, when you listen to music, the production of these brain chemicals is increased and boosted. And the more these hormones are present, the more you will feel calm and happy.

The same goes for when you perform your own music. It is equally therapeutic. To enhance your happiness while playing, you could invest in additional equipment that will work to enhance your performance. For instance, finding looper pedals at Singular Sound will help you record your loops for extended periods of time without having to recharge the device or add extra storage. The ease to save and exporting songs will allow you to share your best loops with your fans and enhance your performance while on stage.

The Beautiful Connection Between Music and The Mind

  1. Music improves your brain’s language skills

Today, music is considered the universal language of the world. Aside from the fact that everyone can relate with one another through music, the music itself can significantly improve your brain’s language skills. In fact, many parents nowadays prefer to enroll their kids in different music lessons. And this is all because music is found to be very helpful in improving the language and communication skills.

According to studies, young people who are musically-inclined are seen to have much more effective communication skills. Also, it shows that music can largely expand one’s vocabulary and grammar skills, as well as sentence structure.

  1. Music can help reduce stress and anxiety

In relation to the brain chemicals, music is found to help reduce stress and anxiety. Apparently, when you listen to music, your brain tends to decrease the production of stress hormones while increasing the production of your happy hormones. This is why many people prefer to listen to music when they feel sad, stressed, and anxious.

The Beautiful Connection Between Music and The Mind

In addition, music can largely affect one’s mood. It elicits the feelings of encouragement and inspiration. Which is why many depressed people are recommended by their respective therapists to have a music therapy. During these therapy sessions, all patients are guided by several musical therapists which would allow them to play musical instruments and listen to music of various genres.

  1. Musical training strengthens the brain’s executive function

Alongside the act of listening to music, playing musical instruments have been found to be very helpful as well. In fact, having musical training sessions is found to strengthen the brain’s executive function, especially the cognitive functions of the brain.

This area of the brain largely includes the reasoning, logical, and mathematical capabilities of a person. It is important for you to note that musical training sessions are not simple and easy. Even so, the benefits of engaging yourself into one are quite amazing.

  1. Music helps you heal

Whether you are suffering from an emotional trauma or physical pain, music can significantly help you heal. It can relieve all the pain that you feel inwardly and outwardly. You could relate this to the increased production of the happy hormones or the brain chemicals.

Normally, when a person in pain, the presence of the happy hormones is not very apparent. Amazingly, music can elicit the production of these hormones and make their presence much more obvious. Hence, you will feel much happier and lighter. And when you feel much more positive, it can dramatically help you cope with what you are currently experiencing and totally help you heal.

Now, isn’t it beautiful how music can really affect your brain and mind positively? So, the next time that you really want to improve the quality and functions of your brain and mind, listen to music or play a musical instrument. And remember the beautiful connection that the mind and music have.

Author Bio:

Curtis Dean

Curtis Dean

Curtis Dean writes on behalf of Sage Music School where they base lessons on the science and research of the psychology of learning. Their effective teaching methods create confident and capable students who enjoy the happiness of making music.

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September 10, 2018

Trendy Fall Wedding Invites with Basic Invite

Trendy Fall Wedding Invites with Basic Invite

Address cards

 

Wedding bells have been ringing all summer long. Everyone’s been swooning over gorgeous bouquets, dreamy decor, and all the blushing brides. Pretty pink color schemes and bright botanicals make for the loveliest weddings, but now that summer is ending we’re ready for rustic, romantic weddings that include fall wedding invites to match.

 

What better time to chat weddings and invitation design than during a change in seasons. And since wedding invitations are one of the first pieces of your special day we’ve called on the stationery design team, Basic Invite to bring us their favorite fall wedding invitation design tips for all you autumn brides.

 

First, a bit about Basic Invite. They have been in the stationery biz since 2006 and are leaders in the digital stationery world offering up timeless designs and innovative options. With more than 180 custom colors and 100 fonts, multiple card cuts and paper types including premium shimmer and luxe velvet options and the ability to customize almost every aspect of every invitation they have something suitable for everyone.

 

Here’s what they have to say on fall wedding invites.

 

Autumn brings a new wave of design aesthetic – earthy tones, neutral colors, and rustic touches. The changing scenery makes decorations and themes a breeze and here are a few of our favorite options.

 

  1. Leafy, woodsy, and other designs containing nods to the season make for super festive looks. Botanical designs fall under this category as well, but rather than light and bright colors opt for a more neutral palette.

Wood Cards

 

  1. One of the most unique choices, real wood wedding invitations. These have rustic, fall vibes written all over them. Created from real cherry wood veneer and pressure mounted on a heavyweight cardstock printed with bright white ink these are a one-of-a-kind seasonal look that will totally impress your guests!

Raised Foil

 

  1. All foil is good foil, but when it comes to fall wedding invites – gold foil rules! Whether it’s raised or flat, gold foil details take any design to the next level. Pairing your foil invite with a metallic envelope will take your suite one step further.

 

Autumn wedding season is right around the corner so if you’re still in need of wedding invitations head over to Basic Invite and use their tips to order your own stunning suite.

 

Don’t forget to use code 15FF51 for 15% off everything and check out their wedding website builders to give your guests access to updated wedding info, photos, and more – all at their fingertips!

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