Category: Health & Home

Stay up to date with new fashion trends, easy DIY home improvement projects, and wellness routines.

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Health & Home Wellness

Self-Care Routine Upgraded in 10 Ways

Self-Care Routine

2021 is finally here! Throughout the challenges of 2020, we anxiously waited for its successor to arrive. While each of us is cautiously optimistic and hopeful for better circumstances, we also need to prioritize our self-care routines.

If the past year taught us anything, we must make ourselves as strong as possible – both internally and externally. With this thought in mind, here are our top ten ways to upgrade your self-care routine in 2021:

1. Do Not Put Off Your Medical Exam any Longer

With COVID-19 restrictions, you can choose between in-person visits if you’re comfortable or else have an online check-up. However, the priority is to schedule an appointment with your doctor, an optometrist, and a dentist. It is best to ensure you are in top shape, and have strong immunity.

2. Prioritize Sleep

It’s time to set your sleeping pattern in order. Depriving yourself of sufficient sleep damages your cognitive abilities, your mood, and attention span. With time, you lose appetite, productivity, and good health.

3. Analyze Your Mental Health

After the shocking turnover of the entire world and our lives in general, checking your mental health is more important than ever. Take stock of yourself and see how well you manage stress, anxiety, and grief (if any).

Create a self-care routine that helps you cope with your challenges without crumbling internally. Make sure you have peace inside.

4. Learn More

It is time to give your brain more fuel and more horizons to explore. Limiting your pathways will burn you out mentally, and that is not going to improve life. Hence, make it a point to learn something new from now on.

Have you always fancied playing the guitar? Playing basketball? Or becoming a graphic designer? Now is the time to step out and inspire yourself professionally and personally.

5. Analyze Your Relationships

Analyze your relationships and see which ones are just making life better and which are completing you. Then devote time and energy to strengthening those relations that matter in life.

6. Go Offline

The dreadful notifications and the uncontrollable screen time is destroying the quality of your life. Create a routine that helps break this habit, reduces smartphone and laptop usage, and fills your time with more rewarding activities.

7. Exercise

Never could make time for it before? 2021 is the year to make it a permanent habit. You will reap the rewards of it till the last day of your life.

8. Set Boundaries

You need to set firm boundaries around yourself and others if you are to accomplish good self-care. Practice good intentions but do not overwork or be mindless for that.

9. Make Meals Colorful

It is time to eat consciously. Give up on all the carbs and trade them for more greens, vegetables and drink plenty of water. Try new recipes but make sure they fill you up with nutrients.

10. Revamp Your Surroundings

Now that 2021 will see more of us at home, why not make the environment more fun, colorful and refreshing? Fill your home with plants, art, and bursts of color everywhere.

https://thethirty.whowhatwear.com/self-care-checklist-2021/slide16
https://www.specialevents.com/venues/bartolin-hall-completes-convention-center-broadmoor
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Health & Home Wellness

Vitamin C, Am I Getting Enough?

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is among the essential micronutrients that are necessary for optimal function. With the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and rampant flu season, it is gaining more popularity.

Vitamin C deficiency is not very common in the more developed countries, perhaps because of the abundance of fresh produce. Furthermore, supplements and certain foods additionally incorporate vitamin C to provide people sufficient quantities. Hence, you will see only 7% of people lacking in it.

Currently, the RDA recommends ninety milligrams of vitamin C in a day for men and women from age nineteen and above. How do you figure if you are getting enough of it in a day or lacking somewhere?

While most symptoms of this deficiency develop in months, you can watch out for some other signs.

1.    Body Hair

One subtle sign of vit C lacking in your body is corkscrew-shaped body hair. If you notice your hair growing in coiled or bent shapes, know that your protein structure is suffering defeats.

2.    Bumpy, Rough Skin

Vit C is essential for your collagen production: the abundant protein in your connective tissues. These consist of your blood vessels, bones, joints, hair, and skin. When you run low on vit C, you will likely develop skin conditions, including keratosis pilaris, with bumpy chicken skin on your buttocks, thighs, and upper arms.

3.    Damaged, Dry Skin

Sufficient amounts of vit C in your body will keep your skin healthy and supple. The outer layer or epidermis will glow and be smooth. The essential function of vit C is to protect your skin against the sun’s oxidative damage.

Additionally, collagen production combines to plump up and revitalize your skin. When all that lacks in your body from a deficiency, your skin will turn dry and rough.

4.    Fingernails with Lines, Red Spots, and Spoon Shape

If you note thin, brittle, and concave-shaped nails, they are likely a sign of vit C deficiency. Even your nail beds may develop vertical lines and red spots when the blood cells weaken and rupture.

Some Other Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Vitamin C

Some other signs could also be indicators of a deficiency. These include:

  • Joint and muscle aches
  • Weight loss
  • Irritability
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Loose teeth
  • Brittle and dry hair
  • Bruising and bleeding
  • Your gums may change color or turn purple. You may even note bleeding or swelling frequently.
  • Poor wound healing
  • Anemia
  • Scurvy

Best Sources of Vitamin C

If you’re looking for the best vit C sources to increase your intake, consume more of the following foods.

  • Parsley
  • Broccoli
  • Papaya
  • Strawberry
  • Orange
  • Lemon
  • Lychee
  • Kiwifruit
  • Sweet red pepper
  • Black currents
  • Guava
  • Acerola cherry

You must also note that vit C does not take heat very well and breaks down if you expose it to heat. Hence, you’ll be much better off consuming raw vegetable fruits for vit C intake than cooking the sources.

You must also remember that your body cannot store large amounts of vit C at a time. Hence, the best practice is to eat lots of fresh produce daily.

Final Thoughts on Vitamin C

You can find plentiful amounts of vit C in fresh vegetables and fruits. While a deficiency of it is not very common, it is possible if you don’t consume the right foods. Some signs can help you catch the deficit at the earliest.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-deficiency-symptoms#TOC_TITLE_HDR_18
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/am-i-getting-enough-vitamin-c/
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Health & Home Home Improvement

5 Home Improvement Projects to Boost Resale Value

Home Improvement Project

Are you planning to sell your starter home and want to raise its value so you can buy your dream home? Are you trying to flip a fixer upper you recently purchased as an investment? If so, keep reading for the best home improvement projects.

We have four home improvement projects for property owners looking to increase their house resale value. Whether you plan to sell immediately or sometime in the future, we are confident that the following these home improvement projects can make your home more beautiful, comfortable, and valuable.

Install Energy Efficient Products

From Houston to Milwaukee, a well-insulated home makes a huge difference in your energy bills. Therefore, many people seek out homes built with energy efficiency in mind. If your home is especially old and drafty, you need to consider replacing your doors and windows before selling your home.

If the siding has seen better days, we recommend that you upgrade the exterior as well. Not only does this increase your home’s curb appeal, but insulated siding makes your home much more comfortable inside. The same can be said for insulated roofing as well.

That’s not all!

You can also make your home more attractive and valuable with new appliances. Though some homeowners choose to take their appliances with them, many buyers love when they stay, especially if they are energy efficient. You can use this as an excuse to replace your washer, stove, or refrigerator!

Renovate Your Kitchen

Speaking of stoves, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms to many buyers. It’s the place where they prepare all their meals and bake with their children. Buyers want it to be functional and beautiful, but kitchen remodels are often too overwhelming for current owners.

You don’t have to do a total renovation, though. There are plenty of small home improvement projects you can do to upgrade your kitchen without investing too much time and energy. In fact, you can expect a great ROI from: 

  • Cabinet Refacing
  • New Fixtures
  • Backsplash Installation
  • New Counter

Install Hardwood Floors

Since carpet shows sign more wear and tear more than hardwood or tile, it quickly brings down the appearance of your home, which makes it less valuable. Many prospective buyers even look at carpet as an added expense because they know will have to replace it. As a result, they may offer less than your asking price.

On the other hand, hardwood floors hold their value for decades. Not only are they elegant and classy, but they are easy to clean. We recommend installing solid hardwood floors in particular because they are tougher and more resistant to dents and scratches. If they do happen to get some damage, however, you can easily sand and refinish them without having to install all new flooring. For all of those reasons, wood floors are very appealing to buyers.

Finish Your Basement

If you own a home in the South, you can probably skip over this step. However, basements can be a huge selling point for buyers in the Northern and Mid-Atlantic states. A finished basement can add up to $30,000 to the resale value of your home.

Why?

Homeowners love having extra square footage, especially if it is heated and livable. Though an unfinished basement still increases your home’s value, adding carpet, drywall, and trim can elevate the space. Whether you turn it into a place for guests, a man cave, or a playroom, it is sure to impress prospective buyers.

Start Increasing the Value of Your Home

If you can DIY some of these home projects, you can get an even higher return on your investment, but even with help from a professional, you can increase the value of your home. We recommend that you assess your home and budget to find the perfect projects for you. You should also speak with a realtor to find out which items are especially important to buyers in your area!

Categories
Dating Health & Home

New Relationship? 12 Tips to Keep it Healthy

Newly Dating Health Relationship

Have you found the one you always dreamt of? Then it is only right for you to feel new relationship anxieties. When you find your soulmate, you want to do everything to protect the relationship from messing up.

Here are fifteen pieces of advice to help you build your relationship into a healthy and strong one:

  1. Keep your past from your new relationship, especially if it is a bitter or sordid one. By keeping your past away, it does not mean you hide essential events of life from your new partner. Let them know everything because relationships you build on honest last for life. However, don’t keep bringing everything from your previous life into your new one. Keep bitter memories and mistakes away.
  2. Accept your partner’s flaws and not just their attractions. You have to live with the entire being for life and put up with their shortcomings.
  3. Discuss your future as a couple and the life you two plan to spend. Let each other know of your ambitions, how many kids you wish to have, where you plan to settle in the future etc. It is important to be on the same page when planning the entire life together. Where plans clash, it causes irreparable conflicts.
  4. Maintain clear communication from the start. Talk about everything, your hurts, your expectations, and your preferences in the intimate life, your beliefs and values, etc. Your partner deserves to know it all.
  5. Step out of your comfort zone for the other’s sake. Does your partner love paragliding, but you never fancied it? Experience it together. Share in each other’s thrills and passion. It does wonders for the relationship.
  6. Never hold back any aspect of your life from your partner. You are not called ‘soulmates’ without reason. The bonding runs soul-deep, and your partner deserves to be a part of every aspect of your life, both good and bad.
  7. Do not glam up always. No one spends their days at home looking like a model off the runway. Let your partner see you in sweats and PJs, doing the dishes, etc. Let them accept you as you are.
  8. Share all the load together, from house chores to financial burdens. When you share the load equally, life becomes easier for both.
  9. Invest in actions more than words. You need not be too extravagant. Simple acts of love, like giving him/her a rose, making his/her favorite meal one day, helping him/her with house chores, etc.
  10. Do not get too clingy out of possessiveness and jealousy, as it can drive your partner away from you. Being needy of his/her presence, time and attention is cute, but only to a certain extent.
  11. Give them his/her space. Let them spend time with their family and friends even if it means staying away from you for an evening. Honor their plans and space.
  12. Listen to your partner. Be curious about their day and their likes and dislikes but all in a healthy way.
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Health & Home Wellness

Keto Diet: The Ultimate Guide

keto diet guide

Are you planning to lose weight but not sure of the right diet? The Keto diet has been among the most popular eating-plans since past recent years, and we have all the information right here.

Keto or ketogenic diet is high fat and low-carb diet aiming to boost your health while reducing weight.  Many people worldwide have claimed to experience remarkable results, which is not surprising considering how clinical studies provide evidence.

The diet promises to have some significant health benefits for Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, cancer, and diabetes.

What It Is

If you know of the Atkins diet, you will have some similarities in keto too. The latter is a low-carb diet that focuses on more protein and fat intake. It aims to reduce your carbohydrate levels drastically and fill you up with fats that will burn faster and provide you more energy.

When the carb levels begin reducing in your body, we call ketosis into a metabolic state. When you reach ketosis, your body’s burning efficiency improves significantly, and you gain more energy.

The diet’s functions include turning the fat into ketones in your liver and supplying more energy to your brain. Among the many health advantages of the diet, the most prominent is the reduced insulin and blood sugar levels.

We all know how increasing ketones while controlling blood sugar and insulin are highly advantageous for our health.

If you are planning to begin on the diet to experience its results, you can select several versions of it. However, before you start executing your eating plan, it is best to seek your doctor’s approval and consult with a nutritionist.

Often underlying health issues coupled with the diet can cause disastrous results, especially if one is ignorant or negligent.

Types of Keto Diet

The types of Keto diet include:

  • High Protein Keto Diet- you will find this quite similar to a standard keto diet, but you have to consume more proteins in this version. This diet’s ideal ratio is 35% proteins, 60% fat, and 5% carbs.
  • TKD or Targeted Keto Diet- in this diet, you can add some carbs to your meals around your workout.
  • CKD or Cyclical Keto Diet- In this version, you go through periods of high refeeds of carbs. For example, you will have to live through five days of a Ketogenic diet and follow it with two days of high carb days.
  • SKD or Standard Keto Diet- This version includes high fat, moderate protein, and low carbs. The typical percentages have 10% carbs, 20% protein, and 70% fat.

Most of the studies have focused on high protein and standard ketogenic diets, owing to the wide popularity. The other versions, including the targeted or cyclical keto diets, are more advanced in the methods and only suitable for athletes and bodybuilders.

Final Thoughts

Keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to send your body into a state of ketosis. In this metabolic state, your body relies on more fats for fuelling your energy than on carbs. You can reach ketosis faster by observing intermittent fasting modifying your diet.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ketogenic-diet-101#ketosis
https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto
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Dating Health & Home

5 Romantic Dinner Recipes to Make at Home

5 Romantic Dinner Recipes

Great food and great company can make your romantic dinner unforgettable. So, if you have planned to surprise your beloved with the perfect dinner date at home, you need to try the following recipes. These mouthwatering recipes will make your partner fall for you again.

Let’s have a look at them.

1.    Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Dinner

If you and your partner are on a plant-based diet, then this recipe is ideal for you. This tasty and mouthwatering dish only needs good 15 minutes to prepare. It gives you a delicious flavor of roasted red peppers.

In addition to a combo of some spices, it also contains spaghettis. Plus, people who are intolerant to wheat can use gluten-free spaghetti. Its cooking time is not more than 45 minutes, which is perfect to surprise your bae with yummy food.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil
  • Red bell peppers
  • Shallots
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Almond milk
  • Yeast
  • Arrowroot or cornstarch powder
  • Red pepper flake
  • Spaghetti noodles or gluten-free linguini
  • Vegan parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Parsley or basil (optional)

2.    Turkey Piccata Dinner

Indeed, scrumptious turkey dishes should not be limited to the holiday season. It is the best, rich, and royal recipe that you can cook for a perfect romantic dinner. Not to mention, you only need to give 10 minutes for its preparation and 15 minutes for cooking.

The ingredients of this dish give it a creamy and cheesy flavor. It is also packed with energy because of the lean protein.

Ingredients             

  • Turkey breast
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Olive oil
  • Almond oil
  • Garlic cloves
  • Almond flour
  • Shallot
  • White wine
  • Chicken broth
  • Lemon juice
  • Cheese
  • Capers
  • Parsley

3.    Cauliflower Gnocchi Dinner

This is another flavorful spaghetti option that you can cook in 30 minutes. The preparation time for this sumptuous dish is also 30 minutes.

Cauliflower Gnocchi is a blend of hearty vegetables that contains a rich and earthy-flavored sauce. It is highly recommendable if you want to go for a meatless dinner but at the same time an exceptionally pleasing dinner.

Ingredients

  • Onion
  • Garlic cloves
  • Carrot
  • Mushrooms
  • Zucchini
  • Bell pepper
  • Tomatoes
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Oregano
  • Pepper flakes
  • Parmesan
  • Cauliflower gnocchi or regular gnocchi

4.    Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Dinner

Looking for a flavorsome chicken treat? If so, then this should be your pick for your fantastic night. This recipe will take 10 to 15 minutes for preparation and around 50 minutes for cooking.

It is all about flavors. You can feel the sweet and edging flavor of the tomatoes as well as the mild and crusty flavor of the chicken.

Ingredients

  • Chicken stock
  • Garlic clove
  • Shallot
  • Tomatoes
  • Sage
  • Arborio rice
  • Prosciutto
  • Chicken breasts
  • Spinach
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Vegetable oil
  • Butter
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

5.    Steak Frites Dinner

Steak has a special place on the dining table. These are not only healthy and highly nutritious but also offer you a mix of flavors at the same time. If you opt for this recipe, you will surely feel that you are dining in a 5-star restaurant.

The best part is it will only need 20 minutes, from preparation to cooking. Just make sure that your partner loves steak.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil
  • French fries
  • Top loin steak
  • Shallot
  • Mayonnaise
  • Lemon juice
  • Water
  • Tarragon

Bottom Line

So, these are the best recipes that you can cook for a romantic dinner. However, before choosing one of them, try to know what type of food your partner loves. Then, decide accordingly.

Categories
Dating Health & Home

11 Date Nights to Try This Weekend at Home

11 date night ideas at home

Can’t go out for dates anymore because of social distancing? No problem. We’ve got you covered with eleven fabulous ideas for a date night at home this weekend.

1.    Chocolate Party

Wine and cheese are not always fun. It can get boring after some time. A chocolate tasting event, especially for two, is a lot more fun and romantic now. Look for ideas and printables online for this one.

2.    Bake Off Challenge

Trust us; a bake-off challenge is super fun and romantic. Turn your kitchen into a battlefield of cupcakes and delight each other with your baked treats.

3.    Wine Tasting

If you’ve already tried chocolate tasting, then perhaps a wine tasting would be a great idea for this weekend. Buy some fancy bottles be your partner’s sommelier for the evening.

4.    Arabian Date Night

Give your home an Arabian night romantic makeover. There are some great DIY ideas for this one, and you can turn your living room into an exotic dating place for you two.

5.    Play a Game

A game of “would you rather’ can be a lot of fun. You may get to know a lot more about your partner this way, things you never had the opportunity to explore before.

6.    Set a Romantic Spread for two

Yes, turn chef for your partner this weekend. Try to whip up your best recipes and set a romantic candlelight table for two. Put some music on slow, wear a sexy outfit, and charm the socks off your lover.

7.    Karaoke Date

Bring karaoke at home. Sing your heart out with him/her, even if you are both awful at it. If nothing else, you’ll be howling with laughter for sure.

8.    Backyard Theatre Date

Transform your backyard into a romantic, open-air theatre for two. Bring in a screen and put his/her favorite movie on. Keep loads of popcorns, nachos, and other treats on hand.

9.    Virtual Yoga Class

A date where you and your partner get to invigorate your minds and bodies together is a great idea. Try a yoga class for some low-key exercise experience for the two. It will surely be a memorable experience.

10. Spa Date at Home

Lock yourselves in the house, switch off your phones for a few hours and make sure there is no interruption. Then get out the face masks, moisturizers, and whatever beauty products you’ve gathered for the spa.

Slice some cucumbers for your tired eyes and don your sexy robes, it’s time for some rest and relaxation! Also, do not forget the romantic massages and soft music for your partner.

11. Gourmet Meal

Get your recipe books out or search for an exotic recipe or online. It can be anything that catches your fancy. Then roll your sleeves up, top up your wine glasses and cook together. Whether or not you manage to prepare a restaurant-quality meal, you both will certainly savor the fun together in the kitchen.