August 26, 2020

How to Spot Signs of Mental Illness

All emotions are valid and are experienced at different levels by the majority of people. The difference between experiencing a healthy emotional spectrum and a mental illness is the pathology of the emotions. Essentially, this pathology is the consistent endurance of behaviors or emotions that negatively affect a person’s life, which can then be used to classify mental illness.

This piece will discuss some of the signs of mental illness to look out for to help those that are in need.

Factors in Mental Illness

There are many factors to consider when it comes to mental illness. Genetically, some are more predisposed than others to developing a mental health issue if mental health issues run in the family. Traumatic experiences including childhood can serve as a trigger for mental illness, and also environmental problems such as homelessness, financial issues, death of a loved one, or any other difficult life circumstances can all contribute to the development of mental illness.

Extreme Emotions and Mental Illness

Extreme emotions are not always a sign of mental illness and are very normal under certain circumstances. However, if these emotions continue for long periods of time, this can become extremely disruptive to daily life and can make it difficult for those who are experiencing the symptoms to carry on as normal. Examples of this would include consistent and strong feelings of hopelessness, irritability, anger, and fits of rage, extremely hyper and difficult to calm, or nervousness, sweating, and panic attacks. These could all be demonstrated separately, or together, with other symptoms. 

 For more information on mental health and treatment, please visit igniteteentreatment.com.

Fatigue and its Relation to Mental Illness  

Tiredness is extremely common and sometimes there is nothing we can do to stop ourselves from crawling into bed and staying in there for a few days. However, when it comes to excessive tiredness and fatigue no matter how much sleep is had, it can point to a bigger issue. Mental and physical illness can be interlinked as the mind and body work together, so physical symptoms could point to either a physical health issue, a mental health issue, or both. 

Determining the cause of fatigue is the first step to diagnosing a mental illness, and often, accompanying symptoms such as extreme emotions or reckless behavior such as drug and alcohol taking, could help point to a mental illness diagnosis.

Mental Illness and Drug and Alcohol Abuse

There is a significant link between substance abuse and mental illness. Around 60 percent of adults who are enrolled in a substance abuse program also meet the diagnostic criteria for mental illness. Because of this, those who use drugs and alcohol in a problematic way, detrimental to their life could be exhibiting signs of a mental disorder. That being said, what comes first? Aside from genetic predisposition to both mental disorders and substance abuse, substance abuse commonly ends up forming because of a need to deal with the painful symptoms of mental illness. So, keeping an eye out for those who both have a change in mood, and also in recreational habits, could help prevent a mental illness from progressing.



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August 25, 2020

Postponing a Wedding in 2020: 4 Etiquette Tips to Keep Guests Informed

 

Like many industries, the wedding industry was largely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions, venue closures, and government-issued orders have all changed the way we navigate our lives. Despite these anything-but-normal circumstances, engaged couples have shown resilience through these challenging times.

While nobody initially plans to postpone their wedding or take their ceremony online, many grooms and brides-to-be are making lemonade out of lemons. Over the last few months, there has been an uptick in virtual weddings — they are also commonly referred to as commitment ceremonies — and others are working diligently to postpone their big day with the help of wedding professionals and flexible vendors.

Experts are advising that ceremonies and in-person celebrations be rescheduled to the fall or winter of 2021. The overall future of the wedding industry remains highly unpredictable. However, despite all the uncertainty, there are a few things you can do to keep your guests informed about any changes to your big day.

1. Start by First Alerting Family

Although it’s crucial to keep your guests in the know about any changes to your wedding day, your family, bridal party and closest friends should be the first to know about the potential of postponing your wedding. Call those who are closest to you directly, so that they can add your new date to their calendars. Through these conversations, you might find a support system to help you and your betrothed express your feelings and emotions about these unlikely circumstances.

2. Update Your Wedding Website

Your wedding website can serve as the command center for your event. It is likely the first place your guests will go to find up-to-date information about your postponed wedding and any changes you’ve made in response to the pandemic. Be sure to include your new date and any additional, relevant information your guests may find useful. If you haven’t decided on a date or if you are still working with a venue or vendors, noting that your wedding is postponed and a date is yet to be determined is entirely justified. Your guests will understand.

3. Trim Your Guest List

Capacity limitations laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention restrict group gatherings to a maximum of 50 persons. Some federal guidelines go even further and suggest no more than 10 people can congregate as a group. These limitations and guidelines may mean trimming your guest list.

While it’s not a task you ever envisioned having to do, it may be necessary. Although difficult, you’ll have to communicate this fact to your guests who will no longer be included in your in-person celebration. When having these difficult conversations, remind them you care and love them, while stressing that you’re taking the necessary safety precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

4. Keep Guests Informed with Save the Dates

After updating your wedding website and calling your VIPs, consider sending out another set of save the dates (some are calling them “change the date cards”) by snail mail that include your new date and any pertinent information regarding the adjustments you have made. Follow up with your final, trimmed guest list by later sending out a formal invitation.

No one Said This Would Be Easy

Wedding postponement isn’t part of the typical wedding planning process. While unexpected, these tips can help you navigate your wedding postponement, all while keeping your guests informed.

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August 18, 2020

Lucy Hale Wears Paradigm!

Lucy Hale stepped out for her daily hike yesterday while wearing sunglasses from Paradigm! The actress shaded her eyes from the summer sun with Paradigm‘s 19-32 Sunglasses in Gold ($145, www.baxterandbonny.com).
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August 18, 2020

Dental Visits – Dealing with the Fear

Let’s face it! Fear of the dentist isn’t a new phenomenon. It affects most people around the world. Who likes the idea of a dentist holding drills to pluck out a tooth or two? This isn’t a pleasant experience.

Nevertheless, dental health forms an integral part of your health overall. Even the slightest dental issues can be life-threatening if left unattended. If you suffer from the dentist’s fear, you have no option but to deal with it.

Check out practical ways to overcome dental fear and anxiety:

  1. Seek dental services from experts

There are various dentists in most cities. For instance, Smile Place Dental extends affordable dental in three locations, and you can get services ranging from general, cosmetic to orthodontics. You may have developed fear due to previous terrible experiences from dentists. And it’s critical to seek help from professionals with a proven track record. Seek recommendations from loved ones on the best dentist near you.

  1. Go with a friend

For the first few visits, have a close friend accompany you. Being with someone you trust who doesn’t fear the dentist will help ease anxiety and make you more comfortable. It’s also advisable to schedule a consultation and gauge whether the dentist is someone you can trust. If you don’t feel comfortable, try seeking the services from another dentist.

  1. Ask questions

The best way to overcome fear and anxiety is by talking to your dentist. Express your worries and concerns, and the dentist will handle them appropriately. The dentist may also change their approach to make you more comfortable.

Ask any questions that you may have. The dentist will discuss and help you understand various dental health-related issues. These range from caring for your teeth, teeth whitening to cosmetic procedures like dentures, and braces.

  1. Relax!

Take time to clear your mind before your dental visit. Schedule your appointments for morning hours. You’re likely to get stressed by other issues during the day and will aggravate your fear.

Consider relaxation techniques like taking a big breath, then hold and let it out slowly. Doing this slows down your heartbeat and slackens your muscles.

  1. Regular dental visits

Regular dental visits are critical for healthy teeth. They can also help you overcome the fear of the dentist. Although you may find it scary at first, regular visits to the dentist will go a long way. Just have a positive attitude, and if possible, stick to one dentist. This way, you’ll likely feel more comfortable during the visits.

  1. Consider sedatives

Talk to your dentist about the sedatives available and whether they are appropriate. Some of the options available are, for example, oral sedatives, laughing gas, and intravenous sedation. However, over sedation is dangerous, and only a few dentists are qualified to administer IV sedation.

Conclusion

There are various reasons why people fear visiting the dentist. These range from injuries in previous appointments, terrible experiences to harsh health providers. However, most fears start in childhood, and there are numerous ways of dealing with them. Talk to your dentist about your concerns, and discuss the probable ways to help you overcome your fear.

 

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August 17, 2020

Ashlee Simpson Ross Loves this Under $100 Maternity LBD from Seraphine!

Ashlee Simpson Ross was photographed for the third time wearing Seraphine Maternity this weekend! The mom-to-be can’t get enough of the Little Black Maternity Dress ($55 at www.seraphine.com). The affordable and versatile LBD is proving to be an essential piece in her maternity wardrobe!
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August 17, 2020

Gabriel & Co. to Match $25K in Donations for Beirut Recovery Efforts

NEW YORK, NY – August 14, 2020 – In swift response to the unimaginable disaster that took place in Beirut, Lebanon last week, Jack and Dominic Gabriel founders of jewelry brand Gabriel & Co. and natives of Beirut have set up the Gabriel Love Foundation Beirut Disaster Relief go-fund me to aid in recovery efforts and help raise funds for victims. Gabriel & Co. will be matching all donations until $25,000 is reached.

It is estimated that over 300,000 people are now homeless, on top of the already high percentage of Beirut’s population living below the poverty level. The Gabriel Love Foundation Beirut Disaster Relief is asking for donations to aid SpreadLife.org, located in Beirut, who are on the frontlines helping victims through this horrific tragedy by providing immediate medical care, feeding the now homeless population and aiding in the recovery of the severely damaged city.
Gabriel Love Foundation Beirut Disaster Relief fundraiser was initiated by Jack and Dominick Gabriel, co-owners of Gabriel & Co, a New York City based fine jewelry company. They grew up in Beirut, Lebanon and are still deeply connected to their heritage and the people of Beirut. With the tragic news on the explosions that killed hundreds of people and left thousands injured, the Gabriel family is shocked and saddened, and wants help to raise funds directly to SpreadLife.org, an organization that offers immediate help on the ground in Beirut.
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August 17, 2020

Aubrey Plaza Wears avre and LAPCOS!

Aubrey Plaza braved the Los Angeles heat-wave wearing shoes from avre! The comedic actress stepped out to walk her dogs Saturday morning in the Limitless in Black and White ($95, www.avrelife.com) while staying protected in her LAPCOS Live Well Face Mask (set of 3 for $9, www.lapcosusa.com)
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August 11, 2020

THE NEW BEAUTY NORM

How can prolonged mask wearing affect the skin?
Can you still wear makeup with a mask? 
Experts answer below.

MAKEUP & MASKS: Below Sèbastien Tardif, celebrity makeup artist known for his work on clients Naomi Campbell and Olivia Palermo, as well as Co-Founder of Veil Cosmetics who has sold over 1 MILLION concealers (offered in shades from deep tones to fair) dives into his tips on how to adapt to these new routines:

  • SPF is still essential!  First you still need to take care of your skin so an SPF lotion is important, especially when wearing a face mask outdoors to avoid any accidental mask tanning lines. We all despise that sticky feeling that comes most often with SPF products so make sure to layer a water based hydrating primer like Sunset Light on top as it let’s your skin breathe underneath the extra mask layer.
  • Avoid Silicon Primers (LESS breakouts!):  Avoid silicone based primers especially if you have sensitive skin, as this may cause more breakouts than normal.
  • Minimize Pores & Fine Lines (without transferring product on your mask!):  A must to polish the skin and to help minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines and that will not come off with the face mask, is Veil AutoMatte Matifying Balm. It feels silky smooth to the touch and the best part is that it feels like you are not wearing anything.
  • It’s all about brows!  Get those eye brows on point, for this I really like water resistant eye brow gels as they groom the hair upwards and can also add a correcting tint or simply additional color for a quick fuller brow effect.
  • Weather Proof Makeup:  Waterproof mascara is a must have, as it is summer after all, and a self-set liquid Concealer like Veil Complexion Fix that does not require powder to stay in place.
  • Use eyeliner only on the top lash: If you like eyeliner, it is important to only line the top lash as any extra layers of makeup under the eye area will simply get wiped off from mask wear. Some of these masks can easily rub near the eye area so don’t risk it.
  • Bonus tip!  Keep Complexion Fix Concealer in your handbag or wallet for a quick on-the-go spot concealing touch up on your face once your mask can be removed. No time for foundation here.

SKINCARE & MASKS: Eugene He, Clinical Naturopath, CEO & Co-founder for Ceramiracle dives into the skincare side of wearing a mask.  MORE DETAILED TIPS: HERE
  • Uncomfortable Pressure Marks?  Moisturize the skin every few hours to prevent dryness. Using a moisturizer like the Ceramiracle First Light The Serum, can support the skin and reinforce it’s natural barrier. In the evening, calm and support the skin with a gentle sheet mask or an overnight sleeping cream (like Ceramiracle Cuddly Dreams Sleeping Mask).
  • Uneven Skin Tone?  Wear a good sunscreen for SPF protection, up your intake of brightly colored fruits and vegetables so the antioxidants can help reduce skin redness and increase skin resistance. Consider pairing this with additional skin support supplements like Ceramiracle’s Invi-Sun.
  • Avoid acne and clogged pores:
    • Wash your mask daily!
    • No lipstick!?:  Lipstick can contain comedogenic oils and wearing a mask may spread the oils all over your face, potentially clogging pores.
    • Use a moist towelette after meals:  Wipe your lips and mouth area clean!  Grease and oils from your food will transfer to your mask and spread all over your face.
    • Use an oil or balm cleanser: Oil based cleansers deep clean pores without stripping essential moisture from the skin.  Ceramiracle Cell Soldier Cleanser Balm is great for this!

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August 10, 2020

Soul Journey Jewelry – Not Just another pretty accessory

 

These days, during our quarantine time, many of our jewelry pieces are sitting in our jewelry boxes and cases. Wearing rings and watches make it difficult to thoroughly wash our hands remove germs. “Just another pretty accessory” seems less important right now.

Soul Journey Jewelry introduces you to the healing gemstones that are a “cut above” those that are “just another pretty accessory.” Take the journey of self-discovery with the jewelry that offers healing properties.

Whether you believe the ancient stories behind these stones or simply love them for the fashion statements they make—either way—this is the jewelry that lifts your spirits.

Experience the collections that exude elegant, bohemian and spiritual style. More details below. Let me know if Soul Journey Jewelry fits a story you’re working on.

TRUE SELF Aquamarine and Labradorite

TRUE SELF – Aquamarine and Labradorite

Find Peace, Happiness and Self-Acceptance While Expressing Your Unique Style

Soul Journey Jewelry is hand-crafted in California out of fine gemstones, each charged with a specific energy and intention. Find the elements that speak to your soul, and remember, Mother’s Day is right around the corner for the meaningful gifts you’re looking for.

For the Mystique

These are the accessories astrology lovers can wear with passion. Channel your stars through the collection of Celestial Bracelets, express your zodiac sign through Soul Journey’s Petal Earrings and compliment your overall look with a Celestial Necklace.

Golden Moon – 18 inch 14kt gold filled paper clip chain necklace

For the Nature Lover

Make no mistake, Soul Journey is the brand inspired by nature. The Elementals collection is a perfect example as it represents earthly elements with elegance. For a modern twist on your favorite blooms, incorporate the Pebble & Flower collection into your look.

 

https://souljourneyjewelry.com/ 


 

 

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August 6, 2020

Jaw-dropping Party Shoes To Keep You Dancing All Night Long

Lorelai Block Heeled Sandal

A good pair of shoes can always make you feel a million dollars on a night out. Shoes play a huge role when it comes to planning an outfit for a party or the club. We want on-trend shoes that allow us to stand out from the crowd and feel comfy enough to dance away the night in.

Style over comfort can backfire when it comes to footwear. Of course, we all want to rock the latest shoe trend, but that doesn’t mean we ignore the comfortability factor completely. Foot pain can ruin a night out quicker than spilled red wine on your favorite dress.

The key to being able to dance all night long (if you so wish) is to find a pair of shoes that give the right balance between fashion and comfort. Here are the best comfy shoes trending in 2020 that you won’t be itching to take off as soon as you enter the club.

Block heeled sandals

Block heeled sandals offer the perfect balance of comfort and style. They feature a wider heel and soft padding to significantly reduce heel pain. Many of these sandals, such as the Lorelai block heeled sandals from Justfab also offer a wide width size. This offers extra space across the footbed, ball of the foot, and instep. 

Many women with slightly wide feet will resort to squishing their feet into too-narrow shoes. A wide width can prevent that painful toe crushing feeling experienced from wearing shoes that are too narrow for you.

Platform sandals

Platform sandals are huge this summer. Although it’s tempting to opt for high heels, platform sandals are an awesome summer footwear choice for a night out. They provide the additional height that many of us desire, however, they rate much higher in comfortability than classic high heels. 

Moreover, platform sandals don’t have tight, scratchy ankle straps that dig into your feet, neither do they squish your toes. Flatforms allow your feet to breathe and keep them in a healthy condition while looking stylish. 

Clear-heeled wedges

Wedges are generally much comfier than stiletto style high heels and they look just as glitzy and glam. All styles of clear heeled shoes are big right now. Therefore, opting for a pair of wedges with a clear heel will massively boost your style rating. 

Because of the height that wedges give, ankle support is vital. We all know just how easy it is to lose your footing, causing your foot to turn inwards, and putting your ankle in a compromised position. 

Look for wedges that offer supportive ankle straps that won’t cause irritation or dig into your skin. Like with all shoe straps, consider the material and strap size to get the most support.

As you can see, it’s easier than you think to find party footwear that offers both fashion and comfort. With these styles, you’ll be dancing in jaw-dropping shoes until the sun comes up. 

 

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