March 4, 2022

Creating the Next Generation of Conscious Men

by Lisa Gal

There is no doubt communication is at the core of all relationships, both personal and professional; that it determines the quality of our results. But how do we know if we are communicating effectively? As men in the modern world, could it be we’ve been culturally indoctrinated to ‘not’ communicate? ‘Deal with it.’ ‘Suck it up.’ ‘Put on a brave face and get on with it.’

When we are truly honest with ourselves, we can tell by the quality of our relationships and results, if we are communicating effectively. But can we improve, and continue to improve our experience of life through more conscious communication? The answer is a resounding ‘YES indeed!’

Throughout his wonderfully colorful and varied life around the world, Jem has been on a mission to explore, understand, connect and communicate with people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. Over the last 20 years of leadership, coaching, and facilitation, Jem has been sharing strategies that improve the way we think, focus, act and communicate; profoundly enhancing individuals’ lives and the lives of those around them.

In this book, Jem takes us on a journey of personal discovery, with honest and raw stories from his life, and a practical look at how small steps in awareness can make big changes in everything we do.

We are thrilled to include The Art of Conscious Communications for Thoughtful Men in our “covid-style” baskets for the nominees of next month’s big red carpet event.

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March 4, 2022

The benefits of living in senior apartments 

Senior apartments offer many benefits to those who are looking to live on their own. They are the perfect option for seniors who no longer wish to live in their homes but don’t want to move away from the friends and family they love. When moving to a senior apartment, they can move out of their home and still stay close by, without having to relocate themselves or all of their belongings.

Many seniors often don’t think that they want to live in an apartment because they believe that it doesn’t offer enough privacy. However, senior apartments are often tricked out with amenities that you won’t find in a home. For instance, many communities have a communal kitchen as well as laundry facilities. Some also have walking paths, playgrounds, and swimming pools for residents to enjoy. It’s almost like living at a vacation resort!

Also, many senior apartment complexes are located near hospitals and doctors’ offices so those who live there will be close by if they ever need them. This can be especially comforting for the elderly who need extra medical attention.

Here are our top benefits of living in senior apartments:

  • Seniors have access to lots of activities as well as medical support

Seniors can live in an apartment complex that offers amenities like swimming pools, walking paths, or even an on-site beauty salon if they move into one of the right kind. Many allow seniors to bring their pets as well!

Many senior apartment complexes offer medical support. In fact, they can even be an excellent source of help if you’re having problems with your health.

  • Seniors in senior apartments will be close to their loved ones and enjoy maintenance-free living

If you’ve been living alone and worrying about healthcare, living conditions, and the safety of your home, senior apartments are a great option.

Seniors who move into a complex will have less to worry about when it comes to maintenance. Oftentimes, seniors who live on their own have a hard time keeping up with the maintenance of their homes or paying for repairs if they need them. Living in a senior apartment will help them eliminate these worries so they won’t have to think about it. 

  • Seniors get the privacy they need, but also companionship whenever they need it

If you’ve been living in a condo without separate bedrooms, senior apartments will give you that much-needed privacy in an apartment-style setting that is often more spacious than a home. Senior apartments can also allow pets who like having company!

Senior apartment complexes can be a great place to meet new friends and make positive connections with others who are in the same position as you. It’s even more fun to live in an apartment with people you like. 

To your elderly relative, it may feel that they are giving up their home. It may surprise them how quickly they adapt to a new lifestyle and start this new phase of their lives.

  • Seniors can still enjoy home-cooked meals.

Many senior apartment complexes provide a communal kitchen where residents can cook for themselves instead of eating out at restaurants all the time. Some also have dining facilities on-site so that family and friends can visit more often, too!

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March 2, 2022

How To Have The Most Luxurious Bathing Experience

Taking a bath at the end of a busy day can be such a relaxing experience, especially when you know how to take it to a whole new luxury level. Thankfully it doesn’t have to be difficult to have the most opulent bath ever, as this guide contains everything that you need to know to unwind like never before. So, if you’re ready to feel ultimate relief, then check below to find some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of now!

 

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev from Pexels

Add Bubbles

Bubbles are the most important part of any good bath, and there are so many different options that you can explore to get the bubbles of your dreams. Liquid bubble bath comes in so many different scents and formulas, with some boasting moisturizing ingredients like shea or cocoa butter, while others may have perfumes to give you that extra scent boost. If a liquid bubble bath isn’t really your type of thing, then why not try a bath bomb? Bath bombs can be so much fun, as you simply pop them into the water and watch as they burst into a display of color and leave fizzy bubbles on the surface of your bath. Bubble bars are also an option, and all you need to do is hold or crumble them under the tap as you’re running your bath to get a wealth of rich bubbles.

Try Essential Oils

Essential oils can make an excellent addition to make your bath more luxurious, as they provide your body, skin and mind with so many benefits. Good quality essential oils are totally natural as they come from plant based sources, so you can expect no nasty side effects when you take a dip at the end of a busy day. Whether you want a relaxing lavender or chamomile soak or an invigorating lemon or peppermint bath, essential oils can provide you with the most amazing bathing experience. Most often, you only need a couple of drops to spice up your bath, so make sure you don’t go overboard and pour too much in – you’ll soon be overwhelmed by the scent!

Sprinkle Some Petals

For the perfect finishing touch, why not sprinkle some petals on your bath? Dried flower petals can make you feel as though you’re floating in paradise, and they can offer a beautiful scent that fills your bathroom. Rose petals are the perfect romantic addition for a valentine’s Day bath, whereas white daisies are ideal for a summertime soak. You can find properly prepared petals online – it’s best not to go into your garden or pick flowers outside, as it might not be the safest option.

Having the most luxurious bathing experience has never been so simple when you can take the time to utilize some of the brilliant ideas detailed above. You’ll no doubt feel amazing after such an opulent soak, so there’s no time like the present to turn on the taps and let the water flow.

(Image: HERE)

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March 1, 2022

Essential Home Maintenance for Spring

While many of us are still shivering our socks off, the blooms have begun to peek up through the grass and there are the soft sounds of birds tweeting more regularly as the mornings get a little lighter. It is the sign of spring. As with all the changes of seasons, there is usually some sort of maintenance and alterations that need to be done.

This piece will offer you some of the useful ideas for getting your home and garden into tip top condition. 

  • Clean Up Outside 

If you are a big fan of spring, then there is a good chance that you will be itching to get outside as the weather starts to get warmer. Making sure your outside space is clean and clear of winter debris, leaves and other junk will help you create a nice space ready to get the garden furniture out.

After you have gotten rid of everything you do not need any more, you can start working on the basics in the garden. Start pruning and preening down any dead plants, and think about reviving any patio floor space you have. Using a pressure washer works as an excellent cleaning gadget to get your slabs looking as new as possible.

  • Check Your Home’s Exterior 

Your home’s exterior is just as important as its interior, so making sure you have given it a thorough inspection after winter can prevent any issues. For example, if you happen to find some cracks in your siding, you can hire a siding contractor to make any repairs or replacements. This kind of pre-emptive or seasonal vigilance can prevent further damage to your home’s exterior, which can also help save you any bother, and any money!

  • Clean Out Your Gutters

There is a good chance that your gutters will have accumulated a bunch of nature’s offcuts, which you may have already discovered through the very wet winter weather. If you were fortunate to have stuffed gutters and not notice until your maintenance checks, now is the time to get them cleared out.


If you notice your gutters are sagging, then be sure to replace them or refix them to your roof to prevent any overflow. 

  • Sort Out Your Air Conditioning 

Summer will be here before you know it, and you will not want to wait for the hot weather to kick in before you realize your air conditioning unit needs a service. Unsurprisingly, summertime is usually the busiest time for AC experts and electricians, because plenty of people do not realize their air con is broken until they go to put in on, on a scorching hot day, only to find that it needs professional assistance. 

  • Wash Or Wipe Your Outdoor Furniture 

Getting your outdoor furniture out of storage and ready for the garden is another great spring tip. You might have already properly washed everything before storing them properly for the winter, but if you have not, now is a good time to give them the once over.

 

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February 28, 2022

The 5 Body Parts Women Feel Most Insecure About

 

Pexels. CCO Licensed.

Many of us are self-conscious about the way we look. This often comes down to one or two body parts that we view as ‘imperfect’. Overcoming these insecurities is important for our own happiness. Below are 5 of the most common body parts that women are insecure about – and how you can learn to accept and love these features.

Tummy

The tummy is the area of the body that many women are most ashamed of – one study found that 82% of women worry about their belly and waist. Most of us think our belly is too big and go to great lengths to get rid of that belly fat.

So just how do you get rid of belly fat? Abdominal and core exercises along with a healthy diet are one of the best ways to flatten one’s stomach. Reducing stress can also help a lot – stress increases our appetite and lowers our metabolism, making it easier to gain weight around the stomach.

It’s worth getting rid of any major tummy fat, but you shouldn’t worry too much if you can’t achieve a completely flat stomach. Many of us naturally have a lower metabolism or a pear-shaped body, which can make it much harder to achieve a flat stomach. In these cases, it may be worth learning to love your ‘love handles’.

Face

Many of us are also insecure about the way our face looks. A lot of us apply make-up daily to hide flaws with our face such as spots and wrinkles. Some of us even invest in cosmetic treatments like botox and facelifts to change the way our face looks.

Learning to love one’s face typically comes down to not looking at our face as much. If you spend lots of time in front of the mirror or taking selfies, you’re more likely to pick up on facial features you don’t like. The reality is that no-one’s face is perfect – we all have some kind of asymmetry going on. The best thing you can do to make your face look more attractive is to look after your skin by keeping it clean and moisturised. It’s certainly a lot easier than lengthy make-up rituals or expensive facial surgery.

Teeth

While a smile can make us more attractive, many of us are too ashamed to smile because of how our teeth look. This could be due to teeth not being straight or being discolored.

Nowadays, there are so many procedures you can do to improve your smile. More adults are getting braces fitted to achieve straight teeth, while there are many cosmetic dental procedures you can look into such as laser whitening and implants to fight discoloration and decay.

Of course, to protect your teeth from further damage, the best thing you can do is to adopt a good dental regime. Consuming less sugar and quitting smoking can also make a big difference.

Boobs

The shape and size of our breasts is something that is largely inherited. Nonetheless, many of us are self-conscious of the fact that they’re not big enough or perky enough.

There are three solutions to this: you can make your boobs look more flattering by wearing the right bra, you can consider getting surgery or you can accept them for how they are. More women are starting to embrace the latter option – it’s natural for breasts to be all shapes and sizes, and there’s often so much more to female beauty than big boobs.

Thighs

Many of us wish we had perfect toned up thighs. The best way to achieve this is through exercise and diet – unlike perfect boobs, no-one is born with perfect thighs. Check out these great exercises for toning up thighs.

Of course, as with the tummy, not everyone finds it as easy to get their legs looking perfectly defined. It’s important to be active and eat healthy for the sake of your whole body. However, not everyone can achieve legs like a model.

(Image Pexels. CCO Licensed.)

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February 28, 2022

What To Wear On A Night Out With The Girls

You might all meet up once a week on a regular basis for a fun evening together. Then again, you might find that you can only see one another once a month, perhaps even less than that. No matter how often you manage to find the time for a great girls’ night out, you’ll want to look your best. Here are some tips on how to dress for the occasion so you can be as fashionable as possible when you all get together.

Photo by Dellon Thomas from Pexels

Dark Wash Jeans

Jeans really are the most versatile item you’ll have in your closet. You can wear a pair to go to a club, bar, or restaurant, to go to the theater or the cinema – you can wear jeans to do anything and go anywhere.

The key to making them look great for your girls’ night out is to opt for a dark wash. The darker the jeans, the more slimming they look, plus darker jeans are dressier so you’ll feel more comfortable wearing them to go out because you’ll feel smart and a little less casual. There are so many different styles of jeans and the one for you will depend on your body shape. Skinny jeans are popular, but they’re not for everyone, and if that’s the case for you, why not try a slight flare or boot cut?

Make The Top Interesting

Try to keep your bottom half as plain as possible so that your top half can be the star. Choose a bright pattern or color for your t-shirt, sweater, or blouse if you can, but if you prefer, then just go for an interesting color or a different kind of fabric; something shiny always stands out and makes a good impression.

Leave It Hanging

Although it’s important to be comfortable, it’s best not to tuck your top into your pants if you can help it. It’s a much more flattering look to leave your top hanging out, so you’ll feel less self-conscious about it and enjoy your evening more. To add a little variety and to show off your figure, you can always wear a belt (thin or thick is fine) if you like that idea.

Put Your Heels On

High heels are not something you should be wearing every day; they are bad for your back, hips, and legs, among other things. However, wearing them every now and then for a fun night out is a great idea. Heels can make or break your outfit and can turn casual wear into something much smarter. If you can’t wear heels because they hurt too much, compromise with a pair of wedge shoes instead.

Accessorize

Whatever you choose to wear, don’t forget your accessories. Jewelry is an important part of any outfit, so once you know what you’re wearing, you can find pieces of jewelry to match. If you have a favorite piece, then why not flip things and find an outfit that matches the jewelry instead? This works well when you know just what piece from Acordoi Jewelry you want to wear. Don’t overdo it; one or two statement pieces will be enough.

(Photo by Dellon Thomas from Pexels)

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February 26, 2022

Wear What Makes Your Soul Shine

Get to know the latest and brightest collection to help put that extra spring in your step to get your Spring wardrobe ready by Lobe Love! ​​The Spring collection is a combination of bright, neon and neutral colors for every fashion-forward outfit.

“I truly believe in the power of a beautiful statement earring for an instant confidence boost,” says Jenn Loyd, Founder and Creator of Lobe Love Earrings. 

The Spring Earring sets include:

Lloyd wants to inspire women to live fearlessly, love themselves unconditionally, and dare to leave their mark on the world. She’s also inspired to give back, a portion of every sale of Lobe Love earrings goes to Love Society, an Arizona non-profit that donates love bags to families and children ranging from cancer, homeless, foster and human trafficking. Both Lobe Love and Love Society are inspired by the desire to help others see the best in themselves.

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February 26, 2022

Crafts to Make This Floral Design Day (2/28)

With Spring just around the corner, we wanted to share some of TheSoul Publishing’s crafts that feature different floral patterns in honor of National Floral Design Day on 2/28! TheSoul Publishing is the publisher behind one of the top five YouTube channels, 5-Minute Crafts, which has 69M subscribers and 140M+ followers across Facebook and Instagram.

 

Pulled from some of their floral-focused videos, here are some great design ideas that make for a fun craft perfect for all ages:

  • Tissue paper flowers: with less than a handful of supplies, you can easily craft beautiful flowers out of any colored tissue paper you like!
  • Spring t-shirt: using a few faux flowers and any style shirt, simply detach the pedals and sew them onto the shirt, creating a unique and beautiful t-shirt design!
  • Rainbow flowers: you can make your own rainbow flowers quickly and easily at home! Simply purchase any white flour, mix food coloring in a tall glass of water, and allow the flower stems to soak up the colored water. Within minutes, you will have beautifully colored flowers!
  • Find instructions to the above and more of TheSoul’s fun floral crafts linked here!
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February 26, 2022

Introducing Venice-inspired Stella Bridal Collection, by Simon Ardem

Simon Ardem Introduces the Stella Bridal Collection, a New Venetian-Inspired Bridal Capsule Collection, Featuring Rose Gold and Platinum Looks. Infusing the warmth of rose gold into winter and spring weddings, Simon Ardem layers and mixes precious metals for timeless, romantic Venetian style. 

New York, NY. February 17, 2022. Throughout history, tokens of love have been gifted to symbolize commitment and commemorate unions. The presentation of an engagement ring and wedding band embodies this promise and tradition as wearable art—an everyday emblem as enduring as the foundation it represents…a covenant of a couple’s dedication to one another. In celebration of a new year and new beginnings, world-renowned bridal atelier Simon Ardem launches a capsule collection of classic engagement and wedding ring styles, infusing the warmth of rose gold layering and pink accents, alongside traditional all platinum and diamond designs. Inspired by the romance of Venice, where Simon Ardem co-founders Ardem and Cynthia Aslanian married nineteen years ago, the collection celebrates their love of the city, and the beauty it emanates.

Ardem Aslanian, Co-Founder of Simon Ardem and President of the Armenian Jeweler’s Association, says, “Venice stands out as one of the most unique places in Italy, not just for the canals it’s famous for, but for its rich history in the arts. The craftsmanship of its city and architecture has stood the test of time. Our inspiration for the Stella Bridal collection pays homage to this beautiful Italian city.” Featuring a mix of cuts, from emerald to princess, the collection encourages one to choose a dream ring amongst a plethora of refined designs. The Bovolo Ring, a square Asscher cut platinum engagement ring, displays the exceptional craftsmanship of the New York City atelier. It is inspired by the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a palazzo in Venice famed for its multi-arch spiral staircase, beauty and intricacy—an architectural jewel translated into a wedding jewel.

An elegant twist on the classic engagement ring is the magical Contarini Ring, an Asscher cut, set in 18K rose gold band. The shank of the ring is set ¾ of the way around with rare Argyle pink diamonds, for next level luxury.  Named after the Contarini family, the family is one of the founding families of Venice, known for their Italian nobility lineage.  The brilliance of the pink diamonds, complementing the rose gold in the setting, adds a breathtaking elegance to this one-of-a-kind piece, perfect for the bride looking for something equally stunning and rare. The Stella Bridal capsule collection’s Dandolo Ring is also composed of elegant 18K rose gold and pink diamonds, set with a sparkling round brilliant diamond. It is an homage to its namesake, Enrico Dandolo, a Venetian Doge. Both the Contarini and Dandolo rings are extraordinary, handmade with acute attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship. Each is wholly unique and rare, as the bond it represents and the wearer who relishes it.

The fourth engagement ring in the Stella Bridal capsule collection is the lovely Loredan Ring, named after the House of Loredan, a political dynasty that shaped both the Republic of Venice and the Mediterranean. Its elegant oval cut diamond is beautifully prong set with four platinum prongs, within an 18K rose gold band. Streamlined and modern, it offers a sophisticated bridal look. 

To complement the collection, Simon Ardem offers a variety of wedding bands, which can be mixed and matched with the four signature styles. A 14K rose gold and round diamond eternity band, oval diamond eternity band in platinum, and an East-West emerald cut baguette platinum eternity band each offer a timeless design that pairs beautifully with the Stella Bridal capsule collection engagement rings.

Cynthia Aslanian, Co-Founder of Simon Ardem, says “The warm pink tone of rose gold is a perfect complement to pure platinum, adding a unique twist to this timeless collection.”

For those looking to embrace the romance, history and beauty of Venice in their bridal look, Simon Ardem’s Stella Bridal capsule collection offers picture-perfect designs that reflect the vision and beauty of the wedding day, as well as the future together, while maintaining timeless style for the bride-to-be. 

About Simon Ardem

Simon Ardem is a boutique jewelry house specializing in white and colored diamond jewelry. Its unique collection is the result of the combined talents of a New York based team of designers, and highly skilled artisans. With over three generations of experience, the company has established relationships with suppliers around the world, acquiring the finest diamonds for its finished pieces. Simon Ardem’s focus is on achieving the finest jewelry through excellence in design and craftsmanship.

 

 

 

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February 23, 2022

5 Fulfilling Hobbies To Start in 2022

It’s a new year and an opportunity to start afresh. January is unique because it gives you a starting point to improve and challenge yourself. It’s the month people make resolutions for the year. Setting personal goals and adopting new hobbies is important for finding balance in your life. By setting goals you:

  • Can perform better at work and become less susceptible to burnout.
  • Give yourself more opportunities to be successful. You may not be reaching your sales targets, but you finally mastered the chord on the guitar; life won’t seem so dull.
  • Can expand your business and career skill sets. For example, taking up coding classes, organizing a school bake sale, or leading a social sports team will not only make you a better person but add to your business and employee skills.

Hobbies are leisure activities that people engage in to relax and destress. They give people purpose, skills, and the opportunity to socialize and a positive mood.

There are numerous hobbies out there, some are productive, and some aren’t. Choosing a productive hobby can have benefits beyond your personal life, so the value is larger than their costs. For example, if you take coding lessons, you not only fulfill an interest in IT, but you make yourself eligible for career advancement. 

Not every hobby leads to financial or career gains; they can be just for fun. But fun hobbies only make sense according to their costs. For example, you can collect stamps as a fun, inexpensive hobby, but collecting cars for fun can be a financially draining hobby that can jeopardize your wealth. 

  • Expand the Mind

Hobbies can also benefit your cognitive abilities. Reading, writing, artistic pursuits, and problem-solving activities like puzzles and games can improve your intellect, memory, mental clarity, and creativity.  If you are in Texas, you should definitely try out the escape rooms at Exit Lab Houston. Other recreational activities that you can adopt to improve your mind and mood include learning a new language, cooking, baking, or gardening. 

  • Get Moving

Exercise is essential to health, disease prevention, and life longevity. On average, a person should get 75 to 150 minutes of exercise every week. To get exercise, you can take on activities that get you moving that are recreational or involve sports. Recreational activities include yoga, pilates, jogging, or dance. Sports activities include basketball, tennis, water sports, winter sports, or boxing.

Exercise is not only good for your health but. It can improve your sleep and mood. If you improve your sleep, you will have more energy for other parts of your life, and your outlook on life will improve.

  • Run the Runway

Fashion is a form of expression; it can help spark conversation, admiration, respect, and a whole host of emotions if you do it right. There are several ways that you can take part in the fashion industry. You can change your personal style, design outfits, or make them yourself.

You can start with your wardrobe. You can change it to align with your goals. For example, you will need sportswear if you plan to become more physically active or better suited if you aim for a promotion. Sprucing up your wardrobe can also be for fun and self-expression. You can become more fashionable or switch your fashion style completely. 

It can be a natural progression, like moving from college outfits to something more adult or adopting a style that piques your interest. You can use clothing, shoes, stylish glasses frames, or accessories to create your new look.

There are various fashion, design, and tailoring classes that you can take up. They will give you the knowledge and skills to make your outfits. You can create sweaters, dresses, or accessories for your friends and family if you are inclined.

  • Be Self-sufficient

A modern lifestyle is one of convenience. You no longer have to hunt for food or even prepare it; you can order it from an app. Although service providers give convenience, you may lose something along the way; a sense of independence. 

Hobbies that promote self-sufficiency and help you gain control over your life. For example, having control over food preparation is one of the ways you can improve your diet. Hobbies that promote self sufficiently include cooking, gardening, carpentry, and camping.

  • Give Back

No person is an island; you need to feel part of a community. Being part of a community requires giving back or making a positive contribution. The collective effort by everyone in the community to improve it is how impactful change occurs.

There are many community-building activities you can participate in within your neighborhood, city, state, or country. Your contribution doesn’t need to be money; it can be your time, skills, or labor.

Hobbying Is Life 

There is a lot of the world you can explore, and hobbies can be your gateway to it. You can take recreational, relaxing, skilled or physical activities. Taking up a hobby will improve your social, mental, and physical health. 

 

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