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January 2, 2018

Adding Sparkle to Your Sex Life in 2018

Keeping your sex life exciting can be difficult in a long-term relationship. You’ve been together for years, you don’t have any secrets, and you know each other’s habits like the back of your hand. Add children, bills, and stressful jobs into the mix, and you’ve hardly got a recipe for romance. The good news is, you don’t have to resign yourself to a low-libido, and there are things you can do to heat up the bedroom action without going overboard. So, if you’re stuck in a relationship rut, make working on your sex life your number one resolution this New Years. To help you get started, here are ten ways to bring the sparkle back to your sex life in 2018.

Prioritize Couple Time

Modern life is busy and complicated, so it’s understandable that many of us feel that we don’t have time for sex. However, almost all of us make time for intimacy when we’re dating, so perhaps it’s a question of prioritizing our relationships rather than simply having more time. You’re not always going to feel like being intimate of course, and it’s natural for your sex drive to wane when you’ve been with your partner for a while. However, giving up the housework sometimes or turning off the TV for a couple of hours can make room for the quality time you both need.

Invest in Some New Underwear

In the early days, you probably tried to impress your partner at every opportunity. However, it’s easy to slip into comfortable routines (and clothes!) when you’ve been together for years. Reignite some of that former magic by swapping your sweatpants for sexy underwear and see where the night takes you. Not only will provocative lingerie excite your partner, but you will also feel sexy and empowered. If you want to go one step further, you can make your bedroom look more appealing by dressing your bed in some new sheets, lighting candles, and clearing the room of any kids’ toys and other clutter to set the mood.

Explore Sex Toys

One of the best ways to bring a little excitement into your relationship is to bring sex toys into the bedroom. Not only do sex toys allow you to explore new areas of pleasure, but they also take some of the pressure off the encounter by making it more “playful.” These days, there is a vast choice of sex toys online, all of which can be delivered quickly and discreetly. Alternatively, the two of you can visit a sex shop and enjoy the anticipation of choosing something together.

Help Him Combat Performance Anxiety

Nothing dampens the mood more than a loss of confidence, so if your man is worried about his sexual performance, you may need to give him a helping hand to get things going. Erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men, and it’s nothing for him to be embarrassed about. Why not do some research together to find a product that can help? Bathmate provides safe, all-natural penis pumps that will allow your male partner to reach his desired size and stay erect for longer. The pumps work using only water and can be used in the bath or shower – you could even work one into your foreplay.

Take “Should” Out of the Conversation

Sex is different for everyone, and there is no “normal” amount of sex that you need to keep your relationship alive. Many of us don’t have as much sex as we’d like, but that doesn’t mean our relationships are doomed. Telling someone they “should” be having sex more regularly will only hurt and anger them. Everyone is different, and different people require different amounts of sex. Wanting sex more than your partner or vice versa doesn’t mean your incompatible; in fact, a difference in sexual appetite is a common problem, and it’s one that you can overcome if you’re both prepared to work at it.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

It doesn’t necessarily matter how often you have sex, but the quality of your intimacy is important. There’s no need to compare your sex life to other couples, especially if you and your partner both enjoy sex when it happens. Pressurizing someone to have more sex than they are comfortable with will have the opposite effect, so focus on the quality of your encounters, not the quantity.

Don’t Keep Count

Again, try not to pressure on yourself on your partner to do what’s “normal” or to have “enough sex.” According to psychologists, a sex-starved relationship is one in which couples have sex less than ten times a year, but that it doesn’t become an issue until one person has a problem with that. Whether you and your partner have sex once a day, once a week, once a month or less isn’t relevant if you’re both happy with your arrangement, so there’s no need to keep score.

Overcome Any Issues

Your sex life can be affected by many internal and external factors, including health conditions, medications, psychological triggers, and previous sexual abuse. It’s normal to experience a reduced sex drive as you get older, and we all fall into ruts when we’re in long-term relationships. However, if you think your disinterest in sex could have another cause, then you should consult your doctor or see a psychologist to help you overcome the issue. Keep your partner in the loop on this as you work toward the sex life you both want together.

Don’t Try to Make It PerfectThe quality of your intimate time is what matters most, but, on the flip side of the coin, you shouldn’t wait for the perfect moment to present itself because it hardly ever does. It’s also a well-established fact that the more sex you have, the more you want, and sometimes you just have to get your libido going. If there are stressful jobs, late nights, and a couple of kids in the equation, it’s not going always going to be candles, soft lighting, and sexy underwear. Instead, embrace the perfectly imperfect, enjoy sex, and accept that it won’t always be the best you’ve ever had.  

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December 30, 2017

10 Proven Tips to Get the Better Sleep at Night

Proper sleep is necessary to fuel up the body by providing energy and repair. Lack of sleep can result in the body releasing inflammatory mediators like c reactive protein and also excessive cortisol and adrenaline.  Sleep is also essential to clean the toxins in the brain such as beta-amyloid and TAU protein. In this post, check out the ten proven tips to get the better sleep at night.

  1. Say No to Electronics before Going to Bed

Electronic items such as computers, cell phones, ipads, and televisions emit blue light that shut down the secretion of melatonin hormone.  Melatonin hormone is responsible for inducing sleep at night. It is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that regulates the sleeping hormone in the body. It is formed from the serotonin and when exposed to the light decreased at the night creating sleeping disorders. Thus try to put off the gadgets and electronic items couple of hours before going to bed.

  1. Eat Healthy Food

Take a proper diet and avoid taking the packed or junked food before going to bed. Whenever you eat, the body responds to producing the hormone and chemical reaction takes place to digest and absorbed those foods which turn into products the body uses. But when stress system is activated, then it is impossible to fall asleep. Hence avoid taking alcohol, caffeine, high carbohydrates foods before going to bed.  Alcohol induces sleep but initiates stress response which can wake you up.

  1. Use High-Quality Mattress

The quality of mattress should be high that they guaranteed good night’s sleep. The foam should be such that it acts as the stress reliever. Comfort level is the most important factor as when people wake up they are refreshed without any pains and aches.  Check the durability and do long-term investments to get best mattress. It is suggested to always protect your mattress by adding mattress cover from the accidental spills.

  1. Apply Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil induces sleep by providing the feeling of calmness. According to finding it’s been found that in an ICU setting and in nursing homes, it is helpful in increasing the sleep. All you need to do is apply few drops on wrists or spray in the room so that entire room smell like the flower.

  1. Perform Yoga

Yoga helps to get the better sleep by practicing different poses. It decreases the stress level hormone due to which muscle mass is reduced. It helps in recovering the muscle ability to store the glycogen which reduces the stress and thus increase sleep patterns.

  1. Stick to Routine

It is always good to be in the routine for better sleeping cycles. Set routine makes circadian rhythm which makes mental and physical changes occurring in the body. Going to bed at the same time every day give a signal to the sleeping time. If due to any reason there is any shift in these timings then sleeping pattern disturbs. Thus it is recommended not to make changes in the routine frequently especially on weekends.

  1. Take Bath before Seven

A hot bath helps to induce sleep at night but make sure you take it few hours before going to a sleep. Baths are the great way to clear the stress in the mind. It can raise the body’s temperature, reversing the temperature of the body to get into the sleeping mode.  The reason for less sleeping patterns is anything that disrupts cooling.

  1. Sip Some Milk

Milk is rich in tryptophan which contains the amino acid that helps to improve sleep. On the other hand, it also helps in muscle recovery.  Low-fat chocolate milk is good as it helps in reducing the stress. The ingredients present in the milk such as carbohydrates and protein helps in reducing the muscle damage. Try a warm or cold glass of milk before going to a bed daily.

  1. Take Rich Diet

Proteins are the good source for rebuilding muscles. It contains tryptophan which is made up of amino acids that increase the level of sleep-inducing serotonin in the body. Good sources of proteins are plenty of nuts and seeds, eggs, fish, turkey, chicken. These sources increase the level of tryptophan and serotonin which is better for the sleep.

  1. Meditation and Relaxation Techniques

Regular meditation exercises and slowing breathing reduces stress hormone levels. It is a technique that directs one’s attention and focuses on other object increasing awareness, relaxation and calmness in the mind. It includes visualization in which you have to relax and imagine the scene that you are on the fresh island surrounded by water and breezes. The more you imagine the more effective it will for your mind. Relaxation and Mindfulness are other medication-related exercises.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know how to get the better sleep, practice it from today and have proper sleeping patterns in your daily life to remain healthy.

              

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December 27, 2017

How to Make New Year’s Resolutions that Stick

Every year we begin a new year resolving to do (or quit doing) something and expect to be the game changer in our lives. For some it’s to workout, lose weight, cut out all carbs and sweets. For others, it’s a promise to save more money and get finances on track. Regardless of what you resolve to do, according to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, there is a way to set yourself up for failure or success. The mindset we are in when deciding on a resolution determines it’s stickiness. Below Dr. Hafeez, a New York based neuropsychologist affiliated with Columbia University, shares key insights on how to make New Year’s Resolutions that stick.

1. Envision the end result and reverse engineer it.

According to Dr. Hafeez, neural pathways in the brain can be changed through a combination of visualization and aligned action. She encourages people to journal about what it is they want. Write it all out. “How would life improve? What would all the benefits be? Cut pictures out of magazines of what you want and post them to a wall (or if appropriate, the refrigerator). Get very clear on what you think you will feel like once you see results,” she recommends.

2. Get clear on your triggers.

Set yourself up for success by understanding what may potentially get you off track. “Sticky resolutions come with planning. If you want to lose weight then begin with clearing out your fridge and cupboards of junk food. That in itself is an action that will tell your brain that you are serious. Get recipes and write out a new grocery shopping list. Writing plans, micro goals and ideas that serve the greater accomplishment you’re reaching for creates “buy in” from your brain, says Hafeez.”

For the people resolving to save more money Dr. Hafeez says to evaluate when and why you spend. If you notice you spend $40 a week on coffee, think of alternatives. “You don’t want to cut yourself off from anything cold-turkey. The brain doesn’t respond well to deprivation. It sends brain chemicals that signal displeasure which is what makes resolutions lose their stickiness. Shift to a possibility or curiosity mindset. Asking yourself, what can I do to save $5 per day invites in inspired thoughts and creative ideas,” explains Hafeez.

3. Pace yourself.

“The reason why resolutions don’t stick is because people set the bar way too high and expect achievement way too fast. Think of every week as a win! Break it down into weekly chunks and train the brain to value quick accomplishments,” she advises. The people who resolve to lose weight and get more exercise won’t stick to it if they don’t celebrate small milestones and try to do too much too soon. Resolve to lose 1 to 3 pounds per week. Do this by cutting out soft drinks or juices and drinking water instead. After 10 weeks you”ll be 20 pounds lighter with great skin just because you did one thing week by week until it became your new normal.

4. Trick your brain by making it fun.

“Our language and self-talk is everything and determines if our resolution will fade or will become something we’re still doing in June,” says Dr. Hafeez. “When someone resolves to change their diet, exercise and lose weight they already envision how difficult it is going to be so they are already dreading it before they started. However, shifting the brain to doing something fun that is in line with the goal gets you more committed,” she adds. Create a playlist of great music to work out to. Look up recipes on Pinterest to build your new shopping list. When you do the advance preparation that is more fun, and take small steps towards building the new lifestyle to support your resolution, you’re setting yourself up for a win.

5. Fuel your resolution with greater purpose worth committing to.

If you want to resolve to save more money, it’s is helpful to have a clear purpose for the money you plan to save. Resolving to save more money is vague making it hard to remain on track. Saving more money to take an amazing vacation or to purchase a home or car is something tangible you can stick to. “It’s common for people to commit to doing something when they connect it to a greater purpose beyond them or an experience they want to have. This explains why lifetime smokers can instantly quit when they learn they are pregnant. It’s not about them anymore. We see the man who is 75 pounds overweight lose weight when his daughter gets engaged. Whenever we can connect resolutions to a bigger purpose our minds get on board, and when the mind is all in, resolutions stick,” explains Dr. Hafeez. 

About Dr. Hafeez:

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 twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com 

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December 27, 2017

Types of Exercises to Strengthen Your Hand after Injury

After recovering from a hand injury, you will feel relieved to get back the function of your hands. In many cases, your hand treatment may have involved immobilization of your handthe whole time for it to heal better. The immobilization means that your hand muscles are not getting the required exercise, making them weak. You will realize that you may not be able to do all the things you used to do with your hands as easily as before.

After the bandages and slings are gone, your doctor will recommend therapy in order to strengthen the muscles. This will include a series of exercises that target the individual muscles of the hand, allowing the muscles to get the required exercise and therefore ease how you use them. You will find some easy hand exercises for rehabilitation that you can do on your own each day until your hand muscles get back to normal. Some of these exercises may require some aids such as stress balls.

These exercises may seem passive, especially those that do not require any aids. However, they are instrumental in strengthening specific muscles of your hands, wrists and fingers. They are beneficial in the following ways:

Increase range motion

An injury or muscle degeneration can impair how the muscles and tendons control the joints through arcs of motion. You will need to carry out specific exercises that will support this muscle action needed to bend or straighten fingers. You will notice that when you cannot effectively do this, you will find ordinary actions such as opening a bottle lid to be troublesome.

These exercises work by having your wrists and fingers moving through their specific ranges of motion. This way, the related tendons are able to carry out the functions they specifically support. You can carry out these exercises with the help of stress balls and other aids.

Reduce pain

Sometimes after injury, your hand may still ache. This can go on even after a while and really interfere with your life. You can use simple exercises to manage the pain. These exercises can be as simple as clenching and unclenching your hand in phases. You will notice a reductionin the pain. You can also incorporate stress balls and such other objects.

Pain reduction exercises work by focusing the action on your tendons and muscles. These exercises not only reduce pain by increasing blood flow but they also make the muscles stronger. They help reduce the stress that causes pain by stretching the muscles.

Strengthen muscles

Muscles and tendons become weak after lying dormant for some time. Exercises to strengthen these muscles allow you to go back to your normal routine. You will find it easier to open jars and grip objects. You can carry out these exercises by doing gripping exercises with the help of stress balls. You can also improvise with items around your home. Using exercise aids for your hand exercises helps when you need to create resistance. This resistance helps in strengthening the muscles. You will find that your hand will gradually be able to carry out functions normally.

Bio

Mercy McCain is a renowned physiotherapist. She believes, using simple hand exercises for rehabilitation in between appointments with your therapist allows you to get back the function of your hand faster.

 

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December 20, 2017

Best Diet Tips from Professional Trainers for Building Lean Muscle Mass

 

Muscle building requires a huge amount of effort, dedication, and discipline that most people fail to sustain over the long period that it takes for results to show. Lean muscle gain is much more complex than mindlessly working out with dumbbells; you need a proper strategy that focuses on both the right exercises and the diet. Some professional trainer tips on the right diet:

Eat More Frequently

When you are exercising, your body’s demand for energy goes up so you need consume more proteins and carbs. This will meet your metabolic requirements and deliver a surplus that can be employed towards building muscle. This is important because when the nutrient level is inadequate, the body’s metabolism will break down the same muscles that you are trying to build. Instead of the usual three meals, you should eat at least five meals daily.

Eat More Protein

Building muscle mass requires you to eat lots of proteins as they are the building blocks of muscles. When you work out intensively, you break down the muscles that need to be repaired; this is not possible unless you have a protein surplus that the body can use for building the muscles. You should ensure that every meal you have has a large portion of protein; typical sources are beef, lamb, chicken, fish, milk, eggs, etc. Experts suggest that you should be looking to consume 1-1.5 grams of protein for every pound of body weight. You can buy oral steroids online with credit card if you want to speed up the process of muscle mass building.

Eat Sufficient Carbs

Even when your diet is loaded with more protein, you should not cut out the carbs as they are essential for delivering the energy the body requires for the workouts. Eating sufficient carbohydrates is also important because, otherwise, the body will tend to break down the muscles to access the proteins the metabolic processes require. Thus, not eating adequate carbs will reduce your muscle mass.

Eat Lots of Vegetables

Lest you are thinking that your diet should only focus on protein and carbohydrates, you need to know that vitamins and other micronutrients that are found in vegetables are also critical inputs. Without vitamins and enzymes, the protein synthesis will not take place leading to a slowdown in the muscle growth. Make it a point to include vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, spinach, kale, etc. in your diet. These not only have the essential vitamins but also fiber that is essential for keeping your gastrointestinal system healthy.

Conclusion

Your workout will go far better if you have a shake rich in both carbs and proteins before you hit the floor. Try to have the shake at least 30 minutes before for the best effect. Studies have established that since the exercise increases the flow of blood to the cells, the nutrients from food is best absorbed during that time leading to better muscle growth. Also, ensure that you have protein-rich food within 30 minutes of working out for the best impact on muscle repair and building.

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December 20, 2017

5 Ways to see Venice by Boat

Venice and boats go together like peanut butter and jelly, like hot dogs and mustard, like diamonds and pearls, and there is a very good reason for that. Venice is not just one beautiful city – it’s actually 117 separate little islands, all connected by an impressive 400 bridges. So water plays a huge part in Venice’s past, and its present. It is often said that the best way to see Venice is by boat, and there are a wide range of crafts to choose from. Not all of them are suitable for a tour around the city, however, so pick wisely!

Traghetto

The Italian word ‘traghetto’ translates as ferry, but in Italy it is much more than just a means of getting from A to B. These boats are famous, and they are always crowded. It might be because they are relatively inexpensive, or it could be that their crossing of the Grand Canal takes just a few minutes, but either way, they are a popular means of transport in this great city. These boats are a useful way of getting across Venice without needing to use one of the many bridges, and some people do prefer that.

Vaporetto

A vaporetto (or, in the plural, vaporetti) are like water buses. These can be the best way to see the sights of Venice, but remember – you won’t get a personalized explanation of each famous landmark like you would on a more private Venice boat tour. The vaporetti are fantastic at giving you picture perfect moments as you cruise up and down the Grand Canal, however. Just be aware that this is not a relaxing way to travel thanks to the number of people these boats can hold – plus their luggage!

Kayak

Yes, you really can hire a kayak and use your paddle power to explore the smaller, less busy areas of Venice’s canal system. There is no motor, which can suit some people down to the ground, and you can hire these kayaks for half days or full days. You might even choose to go on your own evening tour of the city. Make sure you have a map with you, and a guidebook, or you might not know what it is you are looking at.

Gondola

Could there be a more iconic boat to be seen in Venice than the gondola? Much like the kayak, these small, narrow boats can be hired for a portion of the day, but the bonus is that you will have a gondolier with you to steer you through the tricky areas, and to offer you information about what it is you are seeing, if you are lucky. Not all gondoliers will give you a tour, though, so don’t expect one when paying your money. The route that your gondola takes is down to you, not the gondolier, so do some research in advance otherwise you may not feel that you have had your money’s worth.

Guided Tour

Booking yourself onto a guided tour of Venice by boat is by far the best way to see the city. You don’t have to prepare anything in advance; you don’t have to know the route, or decide what it is you want to see – that’s the guide’s job. Instead, you can sit back and relax as you travel what might be the most famous waterways in the world, soaking up the atmosphere, and the history.

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December 19, 2017

7 tips for getting through the flu in style

In these cold winter months, it is almost impossible to avoid the flu virus. If you are worried about this illness ruining your festive season, now is the time to take control. Of course, it is important that you do everything in your power to ward off the flu, but maintaining excellent health is not always possible. That is why you need to think about how you are going to deal with this virus if you are unlucky enough to get it. Below are seven tips that will help you to cope in style.

Invest in stylish loungewear

On the days when your health is not up to much, you may not feel like putting in the effort with your wardrobe. Although it is perfectly understandable that you would want to lie around in your comfiest pajamas, this won’t help you to feel any better. In fact, every time you look in the mirror, you will be reminded of just how sick you are feeling. That is why you should invest in attractive loungewear. This will ensure you can relax in style.

When you are sourcing your loungewear, make sure that you think about the materials being used. Ideally, you want to buy garments that are made out of comforting fabrics such as cashmere or silk. This will help you to feel cozy and content. You should also try to avoid mismatched outfits that are thrown together. Instead of buying cheap and flimsy t-shirts and leggings, why not invest in one quality look that you can wear over and over again? You should also opt for multiple layers, as this will help you to take control of your temperature.  

Maintain your beauty regime

It is also important that you try your best to maintain your beauty regime and even step it up a few notches. This may be the last thing that you feel like doing when you are tired and sick. However, spending time on your appearance is a great way for you to avoid looking washed out. It is also the perfect excuse for you to indulge in some self-love. Why not treat yourself to a face mask, a foot spa, or a relaxing bubble bath? This will help you to clear your mind and to avoid headaches. It will also help you on your way to a good night’s sleep. Keeping your stress levels down and giving your body a chance to relax, is the best way for you to speed up the recovery process.

Create a comfortable space in your home

Another great idea is to create a comfortable and relaxing space in your home. This should be an area that is filled with scented candles, calming music, and plenty of throws and cushions. This Zen space will come in handy throughout the year; however, you will need it most when it comes to fighting off the flu. If you are going to restore your health in style, it is vital that your environment is helping you to get better. Ideally, your entire property should be filled with comforting touches. This will prevent you from going stir crazy from spending all of your time in one room. When you are struggling with flu, you may not feel like going out, but it is still important to vary your surroundings as much as you can.

Remember that you can still have fun

Instead of lying around feeling sorry for yourself, it is important that you still do your bit to have fun. Otherwise, the flu will be a truly miserable experience. Why not treat yourself to a couple of new films and indulge in a movie night? Alternatively, if your head is a little fuzzy, you could kick back with a few favorites. This will save you from trying to keep up with a new plot or taking a risk on a film that you haven’t seen. You should also visit MPL Casino and have a go at playing their online games. This is the perfect way for you to enjoy yourself in the comfort of your own home. Filling your time with fun activities will distract you from your symptoms and help you to make the most of your time.

Indulge in comfort food

When you are fighting off the flu, it is important to listen to your body and to provide it with the fuel it needs to get better. That is why you should stock up on plenty of fruit and veg. Although it is important to eat healthily, you should also make the most of your chance to indulge in comfort food. This will come in handy if you are struggling to get excited about your next meal. Make sure that you opt for dishes that are warm and tasty. You should also look out for meals that you used to have when you were younger. This nostalgic treat will help you to feel truly comforted. Alternatively, you could splash out on an exciting treat such as tasty stew and the typical chicken noodle soup (a classic for a reason). This is the perfect opportunity for you to feel glamorous, in spite of your poor health.

Drink plenty of fluids

When you are considering refreshments, you need to make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids. This will help to keep your body up and running. Warm drinks will also give you the chance to feel cozy and snug. What better time to indulge in luxury hot chocolates and herbal teas? You could even splash out on some new designer mugs and cups. This will add a touch of glamour to a necessary part of your routine.

Get plenty of sleep

If your body is going to recover quickly, you will need to get plenty of rest. That is why you should think about how you are going to enjoy a good night’s sleep. You could invest in a white noise machine, treat yourself to new bedding, or buy essential oils to roll across your pillow. You could even purchase a memory foam mattress that will provide you with the optimum level of comfort. Alternatively, you could opt for the more cost-effective option of a mattress topper, as this will work to update your current bedding situation.  In these cold winter months, it is almost impossible to avoid the flu virus. If you are worried about this illness ruining your festive season, now is the time to take control. Of course, it is important that you do everything in your power to ward off the flu, but maintaining excellent health is not always possible. That is why you need to think about how you are going to deal with this virus if you are unlucky enough to get it. Below are seven tips that will help you to cope in style.

Invest in stylish loungewear

On the days when your health is not up to much, you may not feel like putting in the effort with your wardrobe. Although it is perfectly understandable that you would want to lie around in your comfiest pajamas, this won’t help you to feel any better. In fact, every time you look in the mirror, you will be reminded of just how sick you are feeling. That is why you should invest in attractive loungewear. This will ensure you can relax in style.

When you are sourcing your loungewear, make sure that you think about the materials being used. Ideally, you want to buy garments that are made out of comforting fabrics such as cashmere or silk. This will help you to feel cozy and content. You should also try to avoid mismatched outfits that are thrown together. Instead of buying cheap and flimsy t-shirts and leggings, why not invest in one quality look that you can wear over and over again? You should also opt for multiple layers, as this will help you to take control of your temperature.  

Maintain your beauty regime

It is also important that you try your best to maintain your beauty regime and even step it up a few notches. This may be the last thing that you feel like doing when you are tired and sick. However, spending time on your appearance is a great way for you to avoid looking washed out. It is also the perfect excuse for you to indulge in some self-love. Why not treat yourself to a face mask, a foot spa, or a relaxing bubble bath? This will help you to clear your mind and to avoid headaches. It will also help you on your way to a good night’s sleep. Keeping your stress levels down and giving your body a chance to relax, is the best way for you to speed up the recovery process.

Create a comfortable space in your home

Another great idea is to create a comfortable and relaxing space in your home. This should be an area that is filled with scented candles, calming music, and plenty of throws and cushions. This Zen space will come in handy throughout the year; however, you will need it most when it comes to fighting off the flu. If you are going to restore your health in style, it is vital that your environment is helping you to get better. Ideally, your entire property should be filled with comforting touches. This will prevent you from going stir crazy from spending all of your time in one room. When you are struggling with flu, you may not feel like going out, but it is still important to vary your surroundings as much as you can.

Remember that you can still have fun

Instead of lying around feeling sorry for yourself, it is important that you still do your bit to have fun. Otherwise, the flu will be a truly miserable experience. Why not treat yourself to a couple of new films and indulge in a movie night? Alternatively, if your head is a little fuzzy, you could kick back with a few favorites. This will save you from trying to keep up with a new plot or taking a risk on a film that you haven’t seen. You should also visit MPL Casino and have a go at playing their online games. This is the perfect way for you to enjoy yourself in the comfort of your own home. Filling your time with fun activities will distract you from your symptoms and help you to make the most of your time.

Indulge in comfort food

When you are fighting off the flu, it is important to listen to your body and to provide it with the fuel it needs to get better. That is why you should stock up on plenty of fruit and veg. Although it is important to eat healthily, you should also make the most of your chance to indulge in comfort food. This will come in handy if you are struggling to get excited about your next meal. Make sure that you opt for dishes that are warm and tasty. You should also look out for meals that you used to have when you were younger. This nostalgic treat will help you to feel truly comforted. Alternatively, you could splash out on an exciting treat such as tasty stew and the typical chicken noodle soup (a classic for a reason). This is the perfect opportunity for you to feel glamorous, in spite of your poor health.

Drink plenty of fluids

When you are considering refreshments, you need to make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids. This will help to keep your body up and running. Warm drinks will also give you the chance to feel cozy and snug. What better time to indulge in luxury hot chocolates and herbal teas? You could even splash out on some new designer mugs and cups. This will add a touch of glamour to a necessary part of your routine.

Get plenty of sleep

If your body is going to recover quickly, you will need to get plenty of rest. That is why you should think about how you are going to enjoy a good night’s sleep. You could invest in a white noise machine, treat yourself to new bedding, or buy essential oils to roll across your pillow. You could even purchase a memory foam mattress that will provide you with the optimum level of comfort. Alternatively, you could opt for the more cost-effective option of a mattress topper, as this will work to update your current bedding situation.  In these cold winter months, it is almost impossible to avoid the flu virus. If you are worried about this illness ruining your festive season, now is the time to take control. Of course, it is important that you do everything in your power to ward off the flu, but maintaining excellent health is not always possible. That is why you need to think about how you are going to deal with this virus if you are unlucky enough to get it. Below are seven tips that will help you to cope in style.

Invest in stylish loungewear

On the days when your health is not up to much, you may not feel like putting in the effort with your wardrobe. Although it is perfectly understandable that you would want to lie around in your comfiest pajamas, this won’t help you to feel any better. In fact, every time you look in the mirror, you will be reminded of just how sick you are feeling. That is why you should invest in attractive loungewear. This will ensure you can relax in style.

When you are sourcing your loungewear, make sure that you think about the materials being used. Ideally, you want to buy garments that are made out of comforting fabrics such as cashmere or silk. This will help you to feel cozy and content. You should also try to avoid mismatched outfits that are thrown together. Instead of buying cheap and flimsy t-shirts and leggings, why not invest in one quality look that you can wear over and over again? You should also opt for multiple layers, as this will help you to take control of your temperature.  

Maintain your beauty regime

It is also important that you try your best to maintain your beauty regime and even step it up a few notches. This may be the last thing that you feel like doing when you are tired and sick. However, spending time on your appearance is a great way for you to avoid looking washed out. It is also the perfect excuse for you to indulge in some self-love. Why not treat yourself to a face mask, a foot spa, or a relaxing bubble bath? This will help you to clear your mind and to avoid headaches. It will also help you on your way to a good night’s sleep. Keeping your stress levels down and giving your body a chance to relax, is the best way for you to speed up the recovery process.

Create a comfortable space in your home

Another great idea is to create a comfortable and relaxing space in your home. This should be an area that is filled with scented candles, calming music, and plenty of throws and cushions. This Zen space will come in handy throughout the year; however, you will need it most when it comes to fighting off the flu. If you are going to restore your health in style, it is vital that your environment is helping you to get better. Ideally, your entire property should be filled with comforting touches. This will prevent you from going stir crazy from spending all of your time in one room. When you are struggling with flu, you may not feel like going out, but it is still important to vary your surroundings as much as you can.

Remember that you can still have fun

Instead of lying around feeling sorry for yourself, it is important that you still do your bit to have fun. Otherwise, the flu will be a truly miserable experience. Why not treat yourself to a couple of new films and indulge in a movie night? Alternatively, if your head is a little fuzzy, you could kick back with a few favorites. This will save you from trying to keep up with a new plot or taking a risk on a film that you haven’t seen. You should also visit MPL Casino and have a go at playing their online games. This is the perfect way for you to enjoy yourself in the comfort of your own home. Filling your time with fun activities will distract you from your symptoms and help you to make the most of your time.

Indulge in comfort food

When you are fighting off the flu, it is important to listen to your body and to provide it with the fuel it needs to get better. That is why you should stock up on plenty of fruit and veg. Although it is important to eat healthily, you should also make the most of your chance to indulge in comfort food. This will come in handy if you are struggling to get excited about your next meal. Make sure that you opt for dishes that are warm and tasty. You should also look out for meals that you used to have when you were younger. This nostalgic treat will help you to feel truly comforted. Alternatively, you could splash out on an exciting treat such as tasty stew and the typical chicken noodle soup (a classic for a reason). This is the perfect opportunity for you to feel glamorous, in spite of your poor health.

Drink plenty of fluids

When you are considering refreshments, you need to make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids. This will help to keep your body up and running. Warm drinks will also give you the chance to feel cozy and snug. What better time to indulge in luxury hot chocolates and herbal teas? You could even splash out on some new designer mugs and cups. This will add a touch of glamour to a necessary part of your routine.

Get plenty of sleep

If your body is going to recover quickly, you will need to get plenty of rest. That is why you should think about how you are going to enjoy a good night’s sleep. You could invest in a white noise machine, treat yourself to new bedding, or buy essential oils to roll across your pillow. You could even purchase a memory foam mattress that will provide you with the optimum level of comfort. Alternatively, you could opt for the more cost-effective option of a mattress topper, as this will work to update your current bedding situation.  

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December 19, 2017

How to Achieve Your Goals in a Systematic Way with Meditation?

 

Today’s busy life leaves very little to be enjoyed in terms of value or satisfaction. It seems like you are always working to achieve something yet actually achieving very little in comparison to the effort you have put in. Whether it is a short-term goal like making it to the office on time or a much more significant purpose like having a substantial amount of savings in your account after you have worked relentlessly for years at a stretch, there is always a sense of restlessness irrespective of whether you have achieved your target or not. It always seems like not enough has been done; as if there is a lot more left to do. You are fatigued from all the effort that you put in your every task on a daily basis. Slowly, yet steadily, you feel yourself inching towards a point where you will either try to escape your responsibilities or have an emotional outburst that will potentially affect your near and dear ones.

Why and when you should start meditating?

When such fatigue seems to tire you out mentally, it is then that you know you should start meditating. However, it would be wrong to say that you should wait to begin meditating till you have mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted yourself to a breaking point. The truth is, you can start meditating at any point in time. Moreover, the best part is, regular meditation clears your mind, makes you more focused and helps you achieve your goals more systematically.

How to meditate systematically to achieve your personal goal?

  1. Try to calm your mind and focus on an aspect of your life where you have been struggling to achieve some transformation. You can also focus on a particular personal goal.
  2. The next step is to visualize the best possible outcome in that area six months or a year from now. Envision how you would live your life if you can achieve that goal.
  3. Now, try to list out things that would help you get closer to that target, even if by an inch.
  4. Once the steps are clear in your mind, it is time to break them into smaller, simpler steps which are easily achievable in a shorter span of time.
  5. Again, envision, if the sum of those small steps is something close to your target.
  6. Now that you know what you need to do to achieve your goal, you must maintain focus. Every day, meditate to go through the steps again and again.
  7. Only running them through your mind will not do the trick. Set a target for every day. Achieve that objective to inch closer towards your goal bit by bit. Before long, you will be where you had envisioned yourself when you had just started meditating.

One of the most powerful and inspiring things that a human is capable of doing is training his or her own mind to realize its full potential. With the steps mentioned above, you can teach your brain to visualize what your goal is, and from there on, it automatically becomes easier to achieve that goal. It goes without saying that the power of the mind is just astonishing. When backed by mindful practices such as meditation, your mind can attain unprecedented clarity, enabling you to be successful by leaps and bounds.

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December 18, 2017

Best Practices for Winter Skincare

The chilly winter temperature can give your skin a natural blush, making it appear rosy. However, low temperatures may not be exactly good for the health of your skin. It can remove natural oils and can make the skin prone to dryness. It can also end up itchy and painful, which can trigger conditions like eczema. To make sure that your skin will stay at its best even during the winter, keep in mind the things that will be briefly discussed in the rest of this post.

Start with Cleansing

Cleansing is the first thing that should be part of your winter skincare routine. If you usually cleanse your skin three times in a day, you can reduce it to only two times in the winter. Regardless of what else you do after, cleansing is the most important step. You should be cautious about the products that you are using. As much as possible, use plant based skincare products, which do not contain harsh ingredients.

Moisturize More Frequently

If you have a moisturizer that worked perfectly for your skin in the summer, this does not necessarily mean that it can deliver the same level of effectiveness in the winter. Look for an oil-based moisturizer, which can help to replenish the natural oils on your skin. Stay away from those that contain petroleum-based ingredients. Try the moisturizer from Well Within Beauty, which is known for having natural and hydrating ingredients.

Drink Lots of Water

Hydration is not only important during the hot summer months, but also in the winter. Make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water in a day. It will hydrate the skin in and out. Add lemon to your water so that it will be more refreshing. If you drink more water, your skin will also appear more glowing and youthful, which is especially great for people who are fighting aging of the skin.

Go Natural

There are many natural ingredients that can be effective in winter skincare. For instance, you can apply mashed ripe avocado on your face and remove it after 15 minutes. This will be an excellent alternative for a moisturizer. A banana face mask will also moisturize the skin naturally. Meanwhile, aloe vera will improve the texture of the skin and will be an excellent relief from dryness.

Use Sunscreen

Because it’s cold, this does not mean that you can skip the sunscreen. It’s important to note that snow intensifies sunlight, which makes it more important to take care of your skin in the winter. However, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, strong wind and snow can take away your sunscreen, which is why you need to reapply more often to enjoy a higher level of effectiveness.

Even during the winter season, there should be no excuse to not take care of your skin. Just like any time of the year, you need to be proactive in taking care of your skin to prevent the most common problems, such as dryness.

 

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December 18, 2017

It’s a Glam Thing’s December Surprise Beauty Box Giveaway Features Doux Hair Care

July Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive an It’s a Glam Thing Beauty Box™ (valued at over $200.00). Your Beauty Box™ will include the newest, most unique, tested and true beauty products that we love and adore. Each box will include a selection of Full Size products chosen especially for you from our team of beauty experts. Enter today!

FEATURED IN THIS MONTH’S SURPRISE BEAUTY BOX, 

The DOUX is A MUST DO! 

New Hot Hair Care Line Drops at Target 

THIS Christmas Eve

 Shampoo and Conditioner 

*SUCKA FREE™ Moisturizing Shampoo,  *FRESH RINSE™ Conditioner

Sulphate & Paraben-free Shampoo and Conditioning Duo with Shea Butter & Sea Silk. A gentle cleansing system for thick, dry, or color-treated hair. Ultra-hydrating conditioner has amazing slip for easy detangling. Sea silk smooths the cuticle, leaving hair frizz-free and full of body. MSRP: $12.99 each.

MOUSSE DEF™  Texture Foam Non-flaking mousse gives definition to curly styles without stiffness, cloudiness, or crunch. Soy proteins and natural humectants make this humidity-resistant styling aid ideal for thermal styling as well. MSRP: $14.99

THE STORY:

Get ready to “drop the mic” on the beauty aisles at Target stores this December. The Doux® (pronounced The Do) is a “new school” modern hair care system with an “old school edge.” With packaging that is bold and bright and product titles inspired by 90’s hip hop, The Doux is poised to kill it with those seeking a way to smoothing curly, kinky, and wavy hair into both, curly or straight styles.

Created by Maya Smith, a 25-year celebrity stylist and International Curl Master, The Doux was first launched in Europe in 2011 in response to her passion for helping people master the hair they were born with. STRAIGHT, NATURAL, CURLY, or RELAXED, according to The Doux, if you grew it, it’s ALL GOOD. “I was living in Germany at the time, had my own salon there and my specialty was helping clients to transition to a relaxer-free lifestyle. I’m obsessed with people maximizing the potential of the hair they were born with. Mastering curls is my passion and purpose,” explains Smith.

The people felt her passion through her products. The Doux blew up overseas so much so that it caught the attention of media in the USA. “Once we started getting press in the states the demand for The Doux was incredible. I had to return to the states and see this vision through,” Maya Smith explains. In 2014, Maya opened The DOUX Salon™ in Macon Georgia’s historic Downtown district and started selling her professional grade products at her salons and on-line.

Fast-forward three years and a lot of work and dedication, The Doux will arrive in Target stores, on Christmas Eve; no easy feat for an indie brand. “We are so excited to bring The Doux to the masses. It’s 20 years in the making. We listened to 20 years of feedback from actual clients from Minneapolis to Morocco. We listened to what people wanted, a salon grade, high quality product that delivered on its promises. Helping people to manage and maintain their natural hair and celebrate their own bold, unique style is what the last 25 years of my professional life has been about,” Maya Smith shares.

The Doux also redesigned its packaging, with the intention to disrupt the category. It’s bold with bright colors, which is the opposite of the more subdued look you see on the shelves currently. “I’m a fan of 90’s rap so I wanted to incorporate lyrics and titles in the packaging,” adds Smith. With titles such as Bonita Afro Balm, Mousse Def, Sucka Free, Fresh Rinse, and The Light, The Doux will most definitely catch the eyes of Millennials and Gen X’ers alike.

Other products in the line include:

*BONITA AFRO BALM™ Shine Enhancing Texture Cream Delivers shine and manageability for pixies, Afro’s, tapered cuts, and twist/braid/coil sets. Certified organic botanicals, alcohol & paraben free. MSRP: $15.99.

and

*THE LIGHT™ Shine Mist Preserves color and protects hair from heat styling. Reduces drying time and delivers weightless shine to finished looks. Adds natural luster to natural styles. Infused with Black Cacao, Passion Fruit, and Palm Oil. MSRP: $14.99.

 

 

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