The Traveling Four

A Lifestyle Blog

Some of Amazon’s Top Selling Personal Care Products

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I think most of us have jumped on the “Self Care Sunday” bandwagon by now. It’s just the perfect day of the week for some me time. I know you should practice it everyday and we do in a sense but with all the responsibilities in life we may not have as much time to pamper ourselves as we would like. That’s why designating a day to really focus on you and thoroughly refresh before the busy work week starts again is such a great idea. Friday night and Saturday night you probably want to spend time with friends and family and maybe even hit the town. Sunday is usually the day we wind down and reset for the week ahead. This is why “Self Care Sunday” has become so popular.

Amazon makes getting all your personal care products so easy. It’s a one stop shop and you just wait for all of it to arrive at your door. And if you’re a prime member that’s a lot sooner that delivery from anywhere else. Amazon has also been gracious enough to list all their best sellers right on the site for you. That makes it that much easier to shop for your self care needs. It’s all just a few clicks away. So let’s dive into some of Amazon’s top selling personal care products and see what we can add to our lists.

Disclaimer: The Traveling Four are participants in the Amazon Associates Program & receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you of course). Click the image or link in the text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support, which helps us keep the lights on. Just click on the picture or link in text to purchase.

HAIR CARE

Let’s just start at the top and work our way down. And what could be more on top than that beautiful head of hair, or maybe soon to be beautiful after you get some of these products. LOL!!

There’s nothing like a good ole scalp massage…oh, I can feel it now. The HEETA Shampoo Brush with Soft Silicone Scalp Massager helps you get your lather on while increasing the circulation to your scalp. Increased circulation promotes scalp health which in turn adds to the health of your luscious locks. I’m always down for items that serve more than one purpose and produce long term results. I’m definitely adding this to my list.

A tool that dries your hair, brushes it out and volumizes all at the same time. I’m wondering why I don’t own it already, LOL!!! Time to add it to the list and for only $41.88 we’re definitely off to a good start.

FACIAL CARE

Give your face all the moisture it longs for while keeping your pores clear with Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Daily Face Moisturizer. The hyaluronic acid contained in this moisturizer keeps skin supple and glowing throughout the day. And for more amazing moisturizers especially during this mask wearing season check out our article on Skin Care Tips While Wearing Face Masks.

This rose quartz Jade Roller & Gua Sha Stone is excellent for firming the skin, relieving muscle tension, as well as increasing circulation and lymphatic drainage on the face and body. All those benefits for just $18.99 well that’s sounds like a great deal to me.

BODY CARE

Release the tension in your muscles and just relax…ahhh. Soak all your troubles away…mmm. Well maybe some of your troubles will still be there once you get out of the tub but the tightness and tension from thinking about them you can drain that away after you’re done soaking with Solimo Epsom Salts. And if all of that tension also has you backed up this works as a great digestive aid.

Cleanse good and smell good doing it with Dr. Squatch Mens Cedar Citrus Soap. This natural, cold pressed soap bar for men is made with Cedarwood, Rosemary, and Orange Organic Oils. It’s great for exfoliating and cleansing the skin without utilizing harsh chemicals.

Finishing Touch Flawless Women’s Hair Remover is great for removing unwanted hair without the pain, skin irritation and redness that normal razors may cause. You will also notice that with this tool hair won’t grow back more coarse like it does with normal razors.

OGX Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Hand-to-Heel Body Cream with Vanilla Bean will have your skin so supple, soft and smooth that you’ll want to stock up on it. This sulfate and paraben free body lotion will keep your skin radiant and hydrated throughout the day for only $8.45.

Burt’s Bees has been holding down the skin care regime for decades and keeps going strong. This amazing kit from this long tested and praised brand is a skin powerhouse bundle. With products for your lips, hands, cuticles and feet your self care routine will already be cut down just with this one kit. So dive into all of the pampering, moisturizing and smoothing now.

Well those are some great choices to start off with from some of Amazon’s top selling personal care products. For the full list of all their best sellers click on this short link.

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Positive Affirmations for Self-Motivation

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So, the year has just started, and you have already broken your new year’s resolutions. The mindset starts to shift “Oh, I’ll get back on track next week…I have time.” and so it begins – you keep putting it off until that resolution is a distant memory. Just like millions of other people you are not alone. We start with good intentions then negative thinking creeps in. The ambition is there but the drive has fallen short. You’ve messed up…now what? Where do you go from here?

Sometimes we end up setting goals that are way too big for us to start without positive reinforcement. So instead of focusing on the goal, focus on building confidence and self-esteem. One way to do that is by reciting positive affirmations to yourself daily.

Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

–Lao Tzu

What are Positive Affirmations?

Positive affirmations are emotionally driven thoughts of self-encouragement. This form of optimistic, self-thinking helps to suppress conflicting feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Positive affirmations allow you to rethink your thought process on how you tackle certain avenues within your life. It helps you to filter out what is important from what can wait.

When to Recite?

The answer to this question is easy; you want to recite an affirmation as often as possible. When you are constantly telling yourself that you are enough you start to believe it. The objective is to believe in what you are saying so that it reflects. Anytime that you feel any form of negativity creeping upon you, recite a positive affirmation or two to yourself. “I’m not going to make it.” needs to turn into “I’m here, so I’ve already made it!”

Positive Affirmation Examples

  • My today is not contingent upon my past
  • I am enough
  • I am becoming the best version of myself with each passing day
  • There will be no settling for anything less
  • I will not limit myself on achieving my dreams
  • I unequivocally rebuke any feelings of doubt that comes my way today
  • My focus will not be on things that I cannot control but the things that I grow strength in
  • Some progress adds up to a large result
  • Yesterday was and will not be my today
  • Today I choose to be happy
  • Today was a great and monumental day
  • I will surpass all things that choose to keep me bounded
  • I am capable of achieving my goals and living out my dreams
  • While focusing on the good, the negative decreases
  • I am fearfully and wonderfully made
  • Beautiful, smart and a strong force to be reckoned with
  • I shall not limit myself in any way today

Positive affirmations yield positive results

Negative dedications equal vanquished capabilities

-Cierra

The Beauty of Buying Affordable Prescription Glasses Online

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I have worn prescription glasses for a long time, and one thing that I know to be true is that they can be costly. Traditionally, going to the eye doctor WITH vision insurance would still cost me, out of pocket, between $100 – $400 easy. This amount includes any on-going sales the vision center might be having at the moment. Typically, I would go for the frames that were on sale and not the name brand ones. The name brand frames would send that price up higher, so I usually avoided them. When picking frames, especially when you aren’t looking to spend a lot, the glasses available aren’t always the ones you absolutely love. Every year or two, I would repeat this cycle when I had to get new glasses until I found out about the beauty of shopping online for new glasses.

One day, I was casually talking with one of my co-workers about the pains of shopping for prescription glasses and how much I wished there was a better way to do things. At that time, she shared with me how she purchased her glasses online from a specific company and how much she enjoyed the process. This little tidbit of information sent me on a mission to research online companies that allowed me to order some new glasses. My research showed me a lot of alternatives, but I’ve only ordered from three. Below, I will share the three companies that I purchased glasses from so far and give you my thoughts on the ordering process and the glasses.

Warby Parker

My co-worker told me about Warby Parker. She said that she got her frames and lens together for $100 through their website. I was astonished. One Hundred dollars for frames AND lens… No Way! I thought, but after going through the process, she was right.

On the Warby Parker website, you can browse through the assortment of eyeglasses and sunglasses that they have available or, you can take a quiz that helps you narrow down your search based upon your face shape and specific likes and dislikes. The quiz gives you a listing of glasses that you can look at. You can choose 5 pairs at a time to try-on. They will mail you those 5 pairs in the mail to try for 5 days. After you have tried them, you send the test pairs back, and you can purchase any or all of them if you want. If none of them are your style, you can try another 5 pairs until you find something you like.

The process was seamless. I received the 5 frames to try-on relatively quickly and made my selection out of those. The pair I chose is in the photos above. One good thing about Warby Parker is they have brick and mortar stores, so if you need to go in for anything, you can search your location to see if they have a shop near you.

Zenni Optical

Zenni, Zenni, Zenni… Oh, how I love my Zenni’s. As you can see from the photos above, my Zenni collection is large. I think that I’ve gone a bit overboard, but the price, quality, and assortment of glasses they have has been amazing to me. With Zenni, I have purchased glasses for as little as $12.00, including lenses (with anti-glare). I have bought so many glasses from Zenni, and each pair has not disappointed me. I have been able to buy various colors and styles (as you can see above) that I probably would not have purchased from a vision center. You can upload a photo of yourself and virtually try on the glasses that are on the website. One important thing to note is that you will need to know your pupillary distance or PD and have to have your eyeglasses prescription.

Zeelool

I found out about Zeelool through a social media influencer that I follow on Instagram. She did a video on the glasses that she purchased, and I thought they were pretty nice. So, I checked out the website. After searching through the site, I found a few glasses that I wanted to purchase. I was able to upload a photo of myself and do a virtual try-on of the glasses. You will need to know your pupillary distance, just like with Zenni. Also, note that these glasses ship from China so, it takes a couple of weeks for you to receive them in the mail.

Many more online eye stores are out there, but I wanted to give you an overview of the three that I have personally used. I have bought my son a few pair, and I recommend it to everyone I know who wear glasses. I now have an assortment of glasses to switch up when I’m trying to create different styles. Hopefully, if you’re looking for a new pair of glasses, you’ll find some you like too. If you have experience with any of the other companies, let us know about them in the comments.

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Skin Care Tips While Wearing Face Masks

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woman wearing face mask preparing to wash face. Showing proper skin care while wearing masks.

If you’re like me your face may be having some adverse reactions to wearing masks for extended periods of time. Whether acne breakouts, dryness, rash or other skin irritations your face is not in the best shape under the mask. Well not to worry, I’ve done my research and found some tips that work for me and hopefully will be helpful to you also. 

First things first – cleanse. Preferably with a pH balanced and noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores) cleanser. Next, you want to make sure you hydrate your skin with a moisturizer that is also noncomedogenic. Moisturize before, after and during the period of wear. Another important factor to keeping the skin under your mask healthy is to ensure that you’re wearing a clean mask every time. It’s best to have many washable masks so you’re able to wear a new one each day. Always keep a spare at hand just in case the one you’re wearing gets dirty in any way.

Fabrics like 100% cotton and bamboo are some of the most breathable out there. These fabrics provide a great barrier to viruses and are most recommended for those with sensitive skin. A great tip is to look for or make a mask with a thicker weave on the outside and a lighter one on the inside. Silk is also a great fabric for those who suffer from maskne but is not as protective as cotton or bamboo. If you follow these tips and are still having issues contact a dermatologist to schedule an appointment. And if you’re not sure which products best fit the categories listed above check out the ones I’ve found below. 

Disclaimer

The traveling 4 are participants in the Nordstrom Affiliate, Top Shop Affiliate, ASOS Affiliate, Pretty Little Thing Affiliate, as well as the Amazon Associates Program and receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you of course). We are truly grateful for your support which helps us keep the lights on. Just click on image or link in text to be taken to site for purchase.

Cleansers

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 20 fl Oz. This hydrating Face & Body Wash is ideal for sensitive and dry skin. It’s non-irritating and won’t clog pores. This Dermatologist recommended cleanser is also fragrance-free and soap free making it ideal for those with eczema and rosacea. Sold on Amazon for $11.61.

Herbivore Botanicals Pink Cloud Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser sold at Nordstrom for $22.00 (3.38oz). This gentle cleanser is Paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free and silicone-free. With a rose and coconut water base it leaves skin soft and hydrated. Gentle plant-based surfactants lift dirt and oil without stripping moisture. Vegan squalane removes makeup, and superfood tremella mushroom provides hydration and gives the cleanser its jelly texture.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (16oz) is a moisturizing non-Foaming Face Wash. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides & Glycerin which is great for those with acne prone skin. Sold on Amazon for $14.64. But, if you prefer a foaming cleanser try CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. Sold on Amazon for $17.80.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser sold on Amazon for $23.98 (8oz). This paraben free facial cleanser is great for those with combination skin (oily in some spots and dry in others). Also, this 3-in-1 face wash tones, cleanses and melts away face and eye makeup in one simple step. No wonder Sephora dubs it as America’s #1 face wash.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (5oz) is an extra-gentle three-in-one gel face wash. It gently melts away makeup and mascara and removes impurities while also toning skin. This face wash is pH balanced and great for all skin types. It’s formulated with amino acid-rich soy proteins along with balancing rosewater. Sold at Nordstrom for $38.00

Moisturizers

CeraVe Body and Face Moisturizer (19oz) with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides it’s great for dry and acne prone skin. This formula is also fragrance free, paraben free, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic. Therefore, it is great for sensitive skin including those with rosacea and eczema. Sold on Amazon for $16.08. Use in combination with the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (16oz) for double the action.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration Moisturizer for Face and Body Original and Pink Grapefruit. These 2oz mini samplers are great for trying out before committing to a larger size. These creams provide instant relief and long-term hydration for dry, distressed and eczema prone skin. Probably due to power packed ingredients like colloidal oatmeal that relieves itching and irritation and allantoin which soothes and calms skin. It also uses shea butter and ceramides which helps strengthen and moisturize skin. Sold on Amazon for $20.00.

Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture for Combination Skin (4oz). This fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic formula controls shine in oily areas while hydrating the dry areas. Sold on Amazon for $9.52.

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream, 2.5 Fl Oz sold on Amazon for $18.50. Instead of using synthetic compounds and toxic chemicals Weleda utilizes flower, fruit and root extracts, minerals and essential oils. This is probably why the plant based formula comes highly recommended by makeup artists and is great for all skin types.

Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (1.7oz) sold at Nordstrom for $50.00. This lightweight SPF moisturizer reduces signs of aging on acne-prone skin. Also, this formula is paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, mineral oil–free, formaldehyde-free, pxybenzone-free, and petrolatum-free.

Link Code

REN Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream (1.7oz) sold by Nordstrom for $49.00. This overnight moisturizer that works while you sleep to visibly increase skin’s radiance and hydration is great for all skin types. Because it contains ingredients like encapsulated algae and phytoglycogen that target dark spots it helps to even skin tone. Also, the formula is paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, silicone-free and won’t clog pores.

Face Masks (non medical)

Nordstrom Assorted Print 4-Pack Adult Face Masks ($25.00) are washable and have adjustable ear sliding straps. It features a built-in cotton filter pocket although the filter is not included. It also comes with a storage pouch so you can keep you masks clean and dust free. These masks is 100% cotton (lining and outside layer) so it’s breathable and won’t irritate most faces.

ASOS DESIGN 3 pack face coverings with adjustable straps and nose clip in black ($13.30). These masks are also 100% cotton and double layered for the best protection and breathability. Hand wash in cold water for increased longevity.

Green Shield Bamboo Cotton Face Mask (3 pack) sold on Amazon for $9.96. These face masks are washable, protective and breathable due to their triple layer makeup. The exterior layer is made of bamboo cotton, the middle layer is a melt-blown filter, and the interior layer is soft fabric, designed for comfort.

Hanes Wicking Cotton masks (10 pack) sold on Amazon for $17.99. These masks are great for working out because the tightly woven cotton fabric pulls moisture away from the face. Also, these masks are made from three layers that provides ample protection while still remaining breathable. And at less than $2 a pair you are definitely getting you monies worth.

L Erickson Peace II Adult Reversible Silk Face Mask sold by Nordstrom for $38.00. This pleated silk charmeuse mask comes in a reversible design with adjustable ear loops that ensure a comfortable fit. Although silk is not as protective as cotton or bamboo it is better for those who are prone to acne breakouts. Therefore, use in settings where you are at the least risk for exposure to viruses and bacteria.

ASOS DESIGN 3 pack face covering in floral prints sold for $14.95. With both outer layer and lining made of 100% cotton you’re sure to get great breathability and comfort out of these masks. These pleated, mixed prints masks are also machine washable and feature adjustable tie straps for those who aren’t keen to the straps behind their ears.

Looking for some autumn themed masks, well check these out http://www.thetraveling4.com/fashion-beauty/fall-fashion-2020/

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Money Saving Tips – That Actually Help You Save Money

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Saving money has always been my Achilles heel. For some reason I’ve always had the hardest time saving money no matter how hard I tried. Have you ever looked at your W-2’s at the beginning of the year and thought “Where did all of this money go?“. It’s easy to look at a lump sum and think “Wow, I made a decent amount of money and have nothing to show for it“. I’ve been there – trying to contemplate over every dime whether necessary or frivolous.

Let’s face it…life is going to throw you curve balls and having a financial cushion helps make those blows a little softer. The rule of thumb is to have at least three months worth of income saved. While this option is one of the best possible outcomes, for some people that may not be easily feasible. For that reason here are a few money saving tips that you can do to jump start your savings account. Start slow and pace yourself.

Remember: The goal is to save, not stress!

Write down & Overstate

You may be the type of person that checks their online banking at least once a day. But what happens on those days when you check your account and your balance looks a lot lower that you anticipated. The average person swipes their debit card at least 4 – 7 times a day, whether in person or online. It’s so easy to forget about items that you’ve purchased.

This is my top pick for saving money because it is one of the easiest methods to save small amounts of money fast. This method helps to create discipline in the mind by helping you physically see what you spend most of your money on. My family was able to save an extra $100+ a month easy by just writing everything down and overstating our expenses.

How this method works:

You’re going to need a writing pad of some kind (spiral notebook, journal, etc.) – I call it my money pad. You can also use notepad or similar app on your phone. Start each week with a spending amount. Whether it be your paycheck amount or just a general amount you do not want to go over. Personally, I use my check amount after bills for that week have been deducted. After you make a purchase with your debit card immediately write the amount down in your money pad…but wait, don’t forget to overstate! For example, if you purchase a cup of coffee and it cost $3.42, what you would subtract is a rounded amount of $5.00 and not $3.42. You would have saved $1.58 on this one purchase. Before you know it $20 will turn into $100 and so on.

Money Challenges

A money challenge is an incremental savings plan. Money challenges are fun and help you feel accomplished as you start to go through each level. There are so many of these challenges all over the internet. There’s the $5 dollar challenge, 52 weeks challenge, $10,000 in a year, $1000 in 3 months, the list goes on.

My suggestion would be to pick one challenge and stick with it. Although these sound like quick fixes with great rewards they can be extremely hard to keep up with. Especially when you get towards the end your initiative can wear off a little. Another tip for money challenges are pick a goal (for example – buying a house, taking a trip overseas, starting a business). Motivation is easier when you have something that you are passionate about.

Stock Investing Apps

There’s an app for that! Of course there are apps for stock investing. Investing is a good strategy for increasing long-term wealth. Stocks are ideal for bringing in higher returns (profit). It’s usually not a get rich quick process but with the right research and portfolio diversification you can generate multiple streams of income.

Stock apps worth looking into are Stash, Robinhood, Fidelity, Acorns, Atom and E-trade. Please remember that investing is a risk. Be sure to do your research before committing your money to any app or stocks.

Snowball Method

The Debt Snowball Method is accredited to personal financial consultant and radio host Dave Ramsey. It is a method of reducing debt by paying off your smallest debt first, then tackle the next debt by adding the ‘freed’ money to the amount you were already paying. The goal is to keep snowballing debt until there is none left.

I am currently on this path and it is working out perfectly. I’ve paid off two credit cards so far and can’t wait to get to the final debt – my house.

Rethink your Budget

Rethinking your budget goes without saying when trying to save money. You would be surprised at how many people struggle to have everything without a little sacrifice. Certainly, there are things in your life that you have become accustomed to but are they really worth not having any money left over at the end of a pay period.

Write down all recurring expenses (everything that you spend money on daily, weekly, monthly and yearly) take a hard look at those expenses.

  • Start with cancelling those subscriptions and memberships that you can truly live without.
  • Next look at your utilities and research ways to cut back cost. For instance unplug appliances that are not in use (trust me it works), double check your thermostats, replace necessary filters and check for leaks.
  • Insurance premiums- whether home, car or health. The good news is that you are not contractually bound to stay with an insurance company for life. You are able to shop around for a better price and switch. Just because you are with a company for 10 plus years doesn’t mean that company is getting you the best rates. They already have your business locked in and are more preoccupied with attracting new business. Please note that switching insurance companies too often can leave a mark on your insurance credit score (yep, it’s a real thing).
  • If you can purchase a car with cash and not with a loan then do that. Depending on certain factors like credit, a car note can be unsettling. Some lenders and car companies have you paying 6-8 year notes for cars that cost $20,000. That is absolutely crazy! Look into refinancing options with your banking institution.
  • I leave rent/mortgage last for a reason. Some of us do not want to compromise where we stay for cheaper living and that is totally understandable. If you are paying a ridiculous amount that you can barely afford then look into downsizing or relocating.

Stash it don’t cash it

“Stash it and don’t cash it” is one of those old school, tried and true methods for saving. I’ve heard many stories of when family members passes away, the family goes to clean up the house and finds money stashed away in some of the most unconventional places.

Every week that you get paid take out anywhere from $20 – $100 and stash it away. Stash it in a place that you will remember of course. Some great places are in jewelry cases, jars, shoe boxes, behind picture frames, safes, containers. Get creative!!!

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Organizational Tips to Maximize Productivity

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In today’s on-the-go lifestyle, a person can easily become overwhelmed with the many to do list that life throws at us. Certainly, the will to becoming organized can seem like a monumental task, whereas the act of being productive becomes an afterthought. Unquestionably, being unorganized and being unproductive for the most part go hand and hand. If you ever feel insurmountable pressure to want to start anew, start with getting organized.

Before you can tackle any mess, you need to assess what it is that you need to organize. Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, this is the step that can cause you the most mental desolation. Notably, fear of not knowing where to start or what steps you should take to make your life align can be unnerving. With a little direction and help we can tackle that mess together.

It is important to start small in order to not overwhelm yourself. My personal suggestion is to do these steps slowly, one at a time. Consequently, if you work at something constantly for 30 days it starts to become routine…that is the goal, to make it a routine!

Disclaimer: The Traveling Four are participants in the Nordstrom Affiliate, Top Shop Affiliate, ASOS Affiliate, Pretty Little Thing Affiliate, as well as the Amazon Associates Program & receive a commission on all purchased items that we advertise (at no cost to you of course). Click the image or link in the text to be taken to the site. We are truly grateful for your support, which helps us keep the lights on.

Declutter

Decluttering is the first step to organizing your life. Purging and reducing clutter that surrounds your everyday life can feel like a figurative cleanse to the body. Follow these helpful steps to help you declutter:

  1. Identify Areas of Clutter – this can be closets, mail tables, offices, virtually any area that collects anything in excess.
  2. Put Things in There Landing Spot – this step sounds easy but it can be the hardest. Not everything that we purchase has a designated spot. In this step you are creating areas for every item in your space.
  3. Reality Check – Use the Decluttering Rule of Thumb: If you haven’t seen it, used it, or wore it within 2 years get rid of it. Ask yourself the honest questions “Do I really need this?“, “Am I going to use it in the near future?“, “Does it look good in this space?” & be truthful with yourself.
  4. Donate Items Rather Than Sell – Saying that you are going to sell something, just gives you an excuse to let the item sit. Making you question the reason you are selling it in the first place. Cut the strings of this vicious cycle…by donating you kill the sentimental attachment. It’s like ripping off an old band-aid.
  5. Re-purpose – some sentimental items that we don’t want to depart with that don’t necessarily fit in your life can be purposed for something more useful.

Calendar/planner

With everything that is going on in your head it’s easy for you to forget an important birthday or due date. One of the common factors to being unproductive can be associated with misplaced time management. A calendar or planner can be your saving grace with time management. Failure to plan your day out can make you less responsive and unproductive. The purpose is to work smarter and not harder.

  1. First step is to choose one calendar/planner. This can be an actual calendar, cellphone calendar, email calendar, or daily planner.
  2. Next you will want to create a reminder system for yourself.
  3. Plan out at least 6 hours of your day on a regular, this step does not have to be in sequential order.
  4. Plan everything- birthdays, anniversaries, meetings, school events, social events, medical appointments, work events, workouts, travels, bills & expenses, due dates, holidays, etc.

BHAG

Goals are essential in becoming productive. If you have nothing to strive for the less likely you’ll want to accomplish anything. BHAG is an acronym that stands for Big Hairy Audacious Goals. This is a chance for you to list the ordinary and extraordinary goals that you have for yourself. The physical list just helps you visualize the goals daily. Therefore, you will want to hang this list somewhere that is easily visible to you daily. Of course, goals are ever changing and evolving each day, so don’t look at this list as a daunting task hanging over your head that you will never accomplish. Look at it as a list to say this is where I am in my life and this is where I know I belong.

Pick clothes out for the week

You can easily spend 20 minutes every morning staring at the millions of clothes in your closet trying to figure out what you want to wear for that day. One day out of the week, preferably after laundry day, pick out an outfit for each day. Outfit meaning- clothes, shoes, and accessories. The time that you are not using to pick out clothes you can use to squeeze in a quick morning exercise, tie up loose ends in a presentation, pray/meditate, etc.

Plan Ahead Meals

Pick one day out of the week to plan your meals for the entire week. Likewise, you can take it a step further by preparing a meal plan for the entire month. Make a full menu of the items that you are going to prepare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t forget to plan snacks, and desserts. Doing this helps take the stress out of the “what’s for dinner” question and creates an effective plan of action. Planned meals help formulate budget friendly grocery list, and aid in making healthier meal choices.

Another good tip is to pre-prep your meals ahead of time. Chopping, marinading, pre-portioning can all be done ahead of time. Utilize that Tupperware that has been collecting dust, or Ziploc bags for fridge/freezer staples. Do not forget to label and date your meals.

File Cabinet/Storage

A file cabinet is a great purchase when you have exasperated all drawers and hiding places available with mountains of paper. Placing things neatly in a file cabinet keeps them out of the way but also easily accessible. The only needed items to get started are hanging file folders, file folders, and a file cabinet. Simplicity is the key here. You don’t want to over complicate your labeling system. Here are a few labeling suggestions:

Helpful Filing Categories

Medical Documents – Health Insurance information, Medical bills/claims, Health Care Expenses

Important Documents– Marriage License, Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, Passports, Power of Attorney, Will, Death Certificates, Car Payments, Car Titles

Finance – Bank Statements, W-2’s/ 1099, Tax Documents, 401 K information, Investment Accounts Info, Student Loan Confirmations, Mortgage, Personal/Business Loans, Important Receipts

Education – Degrees/Diplomas, Transcripts, Report Cards, School rewards, Academic Achievements

Click the picture below to check out our post on a file cabinet refinish to jazz up your boring file cabinet.

Cleaning Schedule

Organizing is all about cleaning and prioritizing. Unfortunately, you’re not being productive if you’re spending all your free time cleaning and not seeing a result. A cleaning schedule is all about making your regimen manageable and effective. Start by picking a day that you will perform certain task, like laundry and let that be your specific day for that task. Try to make cleaning fun by turning on the music, create a game, or get the family involved.

Labels

Labels help you to create organized landing areas for items that would normally just sit on a counter. Using them can help you to consolidate products in one container. For example, if they have a sale on cereal, of which you purchase 3 boxes. You can take those boxes and place in one airtight sealed container to help eradicate counter clutter.

Labels help make things easier to read and understand. For instance, your pill bottles, use generic names to help you easily identify what is in each pill bottle. Try not to over label. When organization you may want to put a label on everything. Be practical, everything does not need a label. Case in point, if you have 3 thumbtacks there is no need to label a drawer for 3 thumbtacks.

Create a Budget

Creating a budget helps you track your spending and income. Budgets come in all shapes & sizes. Furthermore, I have learned that what works for some, may not work for others. Undoubtedly, you’ve heard people complain “I don’t know where my money went“… that’s because they haven’t developed a budget.

First, figure out how you are going to create your budget. Whether it be by making a spreadsheet, downloading a budget app, using your bank features to help you track your spending, or good ole’ fashion pen and paper. Second, follow these basic steps to finish the task:

  1. Determine all sources of viable income
  2. Create a list of all monthly expenses, including any estimated expenses like grocery budgets and gas for the week
  3. Subtract income from expenses. If you have a surplus, that’s a good starting point. If not determine what expenses can be reduced.
  4. Create a separate list for debt that you are not paying on monthly (i.e., medical bills)
  5. Use the snowball effect to reduce debt
  6. Always adjust your budget as needed. Refer back to your budget constantly to help keep you on track.

Don’t overcomplicate it

Unfortunately, it is easy for you to over complicate organizing. Sometimes we develop a system, and then go back in to develop another system because the first didn’t work out as planned. If this happens, take a step back and assess what it was that didn’t work for you. Try not to compound various complex methods in one. For instance, using color coding, with an alphabetized system and over labeling. This just puts you back in an unproductive space all over again.

The objective of these tips are for you to free up time that probably wasn’t there before. Your time is valuable, so of course you want it to be maximized in every way imaginable. By being organized you gain focus from unnecessary distractions and pave a way for productivity.

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Heart Disease: Data, Causes and Prevention

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Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease is the leading cause of death in the world and is the number one killer of women. According to the CDC, Heart Disease accounts for 1 in every 4 deaths in the United States, that’s approximately 610,000 deaths every year.  

Coronary Artery Disease is the most prevalent type of Heart Disease and is caused by a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels leading to the heart. Therefore, the blood supply to the heart is hindered which can lead to conditions such as heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), chest pain (angina), heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke, just to name a few. Some signs and symptoms of Heart Disease are unexplainable tiredness and sweating, indigestion, nausea, chest pain, fluttering in your chest, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, and pain in your jaw or neck that spreads to your arm. 

Some people are born with Heart Disease known as congenital heart defects while others acquire this condition as a result of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Heart disease can also be hereditary so it’s always good to know your family health history. Aside from women other people who are prone to developing Heart Disease are the elderly, overweight, those who have a poor diet, have high levels of stress, heavy drinkers and smokers.  

Have A Happy Heart 

Having a regular exercise routine, drinking in moderation, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, doing stress relieving exercises (yoga, therapy, deep breathing, knowing and avoiding your triggers), getting regular checkups to monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure and eating healthy are just some ways to decrease your risk of Heart Disease.  

Foods you can eat that will make your heart smile

Whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains (brown rice, oatmeal, whole oats, barley), legumes (beans and peas), nuts (peanuts, pistachios), and seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds). 

Heart Walk 

The 2019 Atlanta Heart Walk will take place on September 28, 2019 at the Georgia World Congress Center (Yellow Lot). To participate or donate click the link below:

Heart Walk Atlanta 2019

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The Public Library – A Major Resource For Parents

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When was the last time that you purposely went to the public library?…

I know for many out there, you will probably say that it’s been years but, let me tell you that as a parent, the library is a resource that you should not overlook. There are so many things for you to do outside of just reading and checking out books. And what’s great about the library is that many of the things offered are low cost or free. Let’s check out some below:

Free Passes to Popular Family Attractions

In Georgia, the public library offers its patrons free passes you can check-out for a variety of attractions throughout the state. These passes include admission for families to places like Zoo Atlanta, Georgia State Parks, museums, and more, for free. To get these passes, an adult has to check them out and you typically get to keep them for 7 days before having to return them. Depending on the time of year, these passes can go quickly so, it is best to ask your librarian if they are available before making definite plans. If you do not live in Georgia, check with your local library to see if they offer a similar program.

Arts & Crafts

Whether you have a toddler, a teen, or a child somewhere in between, the library offers a variety of arts & crafts events throughout the month to engage your children at any age. These classes are usually held in the event spaces at the library. There are even adult art and craft classes that you can register for to create some amazing art.

Classes and Workshops

Do you want your children to learn to code? Or maybe they are interested in film making? Before you go out and spend hundreds of dollars on introductory courses, check with your local library. They often provide classes on a variety of topics that might surprise you. There are even classes for adults that include things like yoga, toastmasters, and technology tutoring. The library also offers a number of informational workshops. These events include everything from preparing for college to small business assistance. So, always, always check with your local library. It might surprise you what type of classes or workshops you will find, and most are provided to you for free.

Storytime

Looking for a way to introduce your baby and/or small child(ren) to the joys to reading, while also enhancing their social skills? Many library branches offer storytime for young children where parents can bring them in for a little bit of baby socializing and a good book. There are often theme-related storytimes for school-aged children also.

Digital Access

Whether you’re looking to help your child(ren) with research projects, or your teen is looking for extra help studying for their driver’s test, the public library has digital resources to help with that. With many of these digital resources, you can access them online from home, with your library card number, or in the branch itself. E-books and audiobooks can also be checked out and downloaded to your phone, e-reader or desktop for you to enjoy.

As you can see from the information mentioned above, don’t overlook the benefits that your local public library can offer. These services can enhance your life and the life of your child(ren). Honestly, this information only scratches the surface of what is offered and for many, the services provided will vary depending on the state you live in. So, take the time to check out your local library and let me know what you find.

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Use Me: Parsley

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Parsley is a flowering plant that is native to the Mediterranean and was originally cultivated for its medicinal properties. Eating parsley raw is the best way to get the most benefit from the many vitamins and minerals it’s packed full of and can even help wade off bad breath. So just what health benefits does this powerhouse herb pack in its tiny leaves and lean stems you may ask…. well let’s get into it. 

Parsley is high in minerals such as Iron and Potassium. Iron assists with brain function/cognition and is important in the transport of oxygen via hemoglobin in red blood cells. Potassium is needed for muscle contraction, including your heart and is important for bone health. Potassium helps reduce the risk of kidney stones and can lower high blood pressure. Potassium is also important for maintaining fluid balance in your body and regulating blood pH. Therefore, parsley is a natural diuretic and may assist with bloating during menstruation. 

Parsley is loaded with more vitamin C than an orange which assists in cell reproduction and restoration, promotes heart health, may reduce the risk of cancer, and aids in iron absorption. Vitamin C is also needed to make collagen which promotes healthy skin, teeth and bones. Parsley is packed with Vitamin K as well which plays a major role in blood clotting and is also important for bone health. 

Add honey for more flavor

Parsley is high in Vitamin A which is essential for eye health and is known to boost immunity as well as promote healthy skin. Great for sufferers of skin conditions like eczema and helps diminish acne. To experience the skin healing properties of parsley you can try drinking a cup of parsley tea several times a week. To make parsley tea steep a few sprigs of parsley in a cup of hot water for approximately 10 minutes. Honey, orange slices, and/or ginger can be added to improve taste. 

Always consult a doctor before consuming any product for potential health benefits. Individuals who are pregnant, on blood thinners, or taking diuretics should decrease or avoid consumption of parsley. 

Click on the related post tab below to be directed to the article on how to grow this powerhouse herb.

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Self-Care Tips for Parents

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I always joke and say that there are no manuals or how-to guides for parenting… But really, all jokes aside, there are none. When you have children, you pretty much become a living D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself) show and if you’re lucky, you have women in your life who have been there before you to help guide you in the right direction. You really are figuring things out as you go along. Some times, things go amazingly well and some times, well you just want to go in your room with a bottle of wine (not glass) and close yourself off from the world.

Having to be everything at all times to your children can be draining and can wear on you mentally and physically. In all honesty, I got to a point in my parenting journey where I did not know who I was anymore. I felt utterly and completely lost. It took a minute for me to figure out a balance that works for me and I’m sure most parents will agree with that. I don’t think we factor in just how much we give of ourselves when we become parents.

With that being said, here are some self-care tips that we have found useful on our parenting journey (hopefully these will give you some ideas too):

Go For A Walk

This might sound simple but, this basic idea helps soooo much! Taking a breather can help you get a little bit of clarity and the fresh air doesn’t hurt either. If you have small children, strap them into their strollers and take them on the walk with you. It gives you an opportunity to talk and reason with yourself. When my boys were little, it would even help them fall asleep. Even now on my lunch break, I still go for walks, it helps me think clearly. Try it, I promise it works.

Therapy

So, for me, therapy has been a life-saver. This has not only helped me sort out all of the emotions that come with parenting but also those feelings of despair from different life situations, such as broken relationships. With my therapist, I work through everything that I am feeling about myself. For many, there is a stigma associated with therapy but, for me, it has become essential to me living my best life. I have gone through a whole host of emotions in my therapists’ office and probably will continue to do so for a long time to come. Most insurance companies cover therapy so, make sure you check to see if yours does and find someone that you are comfortable enough with to open up and be honest. This will put you on the path toward being your true and authentic self and watch a transformation happen in your life.

Spend Time With Other Adults

So for me, I would get so wrapped up in baby/kid world that I wouldn’t come up for air. This would cause me to get overwhelmed quickly. There’s only so many times that you can hear the same kid song before it starts to drive you a bit crazy; so having a little time to spend with other adults can help break up the monotony. Meet up at a coffee shop and talk over a cup of hot tea or coffee or if you’re really pressed for time, plan to do one of your weekly routines with a friend. Like, go grocery shopping together because you have to do it. You will literally accomplish two goals in one.

Pray/Meditate

Life throws so many curve balls that you may find yourself overwhelmed with it all. Everyone around has run you so ragged to a point where your days and nights turn into a blur. Out of those many hectic days you may only find 20 glorious minutes to yourself, take those few minutes to pray or meditate. It can be a special corner in your house, a tranquil space out in the yard, or for me it’s when I’m driving home. I cut the music off and let peace overtake me as best as I can. Prayer/meditation can help you find your center. It can help piece together what you deem your purpose in life to be, or help you find answers to what you may be searching for.

If you are into writing start a prayer/meditation journal. Your journal can include things like: what you are grateful for, prayers for loved ones, simple prayers of thanksgiving, short term goals, long term goals, dreams and aspirations. Make it unique, and make it yours!

Listen to an Audio Book

The best way to tune the world out is through a good set of HEADPHONES! An audio book is a downloadable book that has been voice recorded. It allows you to listen to the book instead of actually reading it. Great way to multitask! Apps like Audible, Libby, and Amazon allow you to download books for free with a subscription, or for a small fee. If you are on the cheaper side of living you can download the overdrive app. Overdrive is an app that allows you to use your library card to “check out” audio books as if you drove to the library and checked them out yourself. Whatever you’re in the mood for whether it be a romantic escape or a little night time thriller, there’s an audio book for that.

Dance

Music is therapy for the soul! Dancing is a perfect way to let loose and release. Whether you’re dancing silly with the kids or by yourself in front of the bathroom mirror, dancing is a great way to feel uninhibited. When you learn to let yourself go you experience a new attitude that suppresses your innermost fears.

Creative Outlets

A creative outlet is a great way of relieving pent-up frustration and anxiety. Creativity helps you to release deep rooted negative emotions. Searching for your creative passion enables you to set personal time for yourself and allows you to be slightly selfish while you expand upon a newfound skill. Please keep in mind that it should always be a fun experience when exploring your creative side and should never feel like a chore. If you ever feel discouraged or overwhelmed, try out another outlet. The goal is to have effortless fun and lower your cortisol levels not raise them. Hey, you never know your creative outlet may turn into a multi-million dollar company! Here is a minuscule list of creative outlets that you may want to try:

  • Painting
  • Sculpting
  • Soap making
  • Candle making
  • Creative writing
  • Sewing
  • Gardening
  • Cooking/Baking
  • Re-purposing
  • Design – web, home, fashion
  • Wreath making
  • Brewing or artisanal soda making
  • Screen printing
  • Dancing
  • ATV riding
  • Kick boxing
  • Wrestling
  • Photography

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Natural Remedy for Sore Throat

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*Natural and vegan

I have been doing this natural sore throat remedy to help relieve the pain and uncomfortable feeling of a sore throat and minor cough for years. This has helped me significantly, and I hope that it will help you too! The good thing about this simple remedy is that it is all natural and vegan. You can also tweak this recipe a little to fit your taste by adding just a teaspoon or two of agave nectar to help sweeten the mixture. You don’t want to add too much though, because you want the acid to do it’s job as it coats your throat. 🤧

**As always, please check with your doctor for any concerns, and/or medical emergencies.**

Here’s what you will need:

  • 1 tbsp Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar with ‘Mother’
  • 3 Fresh Mint Leaves
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice

Step 1

Pour the apple cider vinegar into a teacup.

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Step 2

Smash the mint leaves into the apple cider vinegar. This step is done to release the essential oils and natural essence of the mint.

Smash in 3 mint leaves

Step 3

Add in the lemon juice and you’re done!

Sip slowly to relieve sore throat pain.

Benefits and Advantages

Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid in it which is useful for killing many types of harmful bacteria.

Mint is used to help relieve cold and flu like symptoms. The menthol which is found in peppermint oil, is used in many cold and flu medicines. Menthol is also used to alleviate pain and congestion.

The acid in lemon juice acts as an antiseptic for killing bacteria and germs. It is also loaded with anti-inflammatory enzymes.

Lemon, mint tea. Sip and enjoy!

For an added benefit to relieve your sore throat pain, add a cup of hot water and enjoy it as lemon mint tea.

I hope this helps. Get well soon!😁

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