Nosey Neti

Tis the season for sinus pressure, disgusting drainage, coughing, sneezing, and nights full of tossing and turning. Dry irritated sinus membranes and germs of all sorts floating about make it very difficult to keep a clear nostril. Once those pathways are clogged, it becomes a battle to clear them. For the most part, we take sinus medication and hope it works within a reasonable amount of time. We try to ignore the side effects as best we can. The Neti pot offers an alternative.

Shaped to resemble a small one-cup teapot made of either ceramic or glass, the Neti pot makes good use of nasal irrigation. Filled with saline, it is poured into one nostril with the head tilted forward. Saline should wash through the clogged cavities, breaking up the mucus and flushing it out the opposite nostril. While a bit messy, it does provide instant relief.

While easy to use and with no foggy-headed drowsiness to accompany it, it is very very important to clean and dry the Neti pot after each use and not to fill it with anything other than the saline solution when using it. All in all, a very natural and simple way to get through the cold and flu season.

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The Many Benefits of Coconut Oil

Nearly everything we see has an advertisement for one wonder product or another. So many are directed at improving our appearance in one way, shape, or form, and every one promises a miracle. Walking down a beauty product aisle can make the mind reel, but have you ever looked at the ingredient lists for some of these products? Most are very long and require a chemistry degree to decipher. It can be quite alarming and off-putting.

Instead of using so many chemicals, why not try an all-natural product that can be used in a myriad of ways: coconut oil. Coconut oil is well-known as a natural moisturizer and skin care product. Its fat content and antioxidants can reduce skin irritation, redness, and can help to prevent wrinkles. It’s great at repairing chapped skin due to winter’s icy touch and doubles as a very nourishing lip balm. When mixed with a little sugar, it can be used as a scrub to remove dead skin.

Even heat-styled hair can use a little coconut oil love and care. Heat-styled hair can become very brittle and dry from the amount of stress it’s put under. Coconut oil’s fats soak into the hair follicle strengthening it and making it softer, silkier, and easier to manage. It’s versatile enough to be used as a conditioner or a hot oil treatment.

As if all its moisturizing properties weren’t reason enough to take a gander at adding coconut oil to your beauty routine, it can also be used as a makeup remover. No more scrubbing at sensitive eyelids with chemical-laden pads. No more red and burning eyes. All in all, coconut oil is a must-have for product-conscious beauty gurus.

Yoga, Finding Your Center

As a mother of three with a full-time job, I can easily attest to the fact that life can get out of hand. School, work, bath time, diapers, bedtime, and household chores all combine to form a hair-pulling, eye-twitching, stress-fueled melt-down. I needed a bit of help unwinding, and after a little research, I found the perfect all-natural solution that calls for nothing but an open mind and a small section of floor: yoga.

Yoga means union and is a mind and body practice that hinges on harmonizing the two. It has an expansive history that covers centuries as well as a multitude of countries. There were many different schools of thought under the large umbrella of “yoga”. Modernized yoga, however, gained popularity in the 1980s and completely exploded in 2001 when its many physical and mental health benefits were made more widely known. Its poses call for quiet and gentle movement, an awareness of the body that helps to still the mind and drain away the stress of daily life as well as helping to keep the body fit. The different movements and poses build the core, refine balance, and help with posture.

For me, a quiet living room and an instructional video that is only a search engine away combine to create the perfect scenario. I’m comfortable, content, and able to focus on what I’m doing. There’s no need for a babysitter, and I can feel refreshed, relaxed, and recharged. For many others, a classroom environment with a knowledgeable instructor is preferred. Many gyms and fitness centers offer yoga classes at convenient times and at affordable rates. Whichever environment helps you to rejuvenate, yoga is a wonderful way to relax. Namaste.

Water, the Ultimate Energy Drink

Whether it’s the blue-salted waves of the ocean, the rippling brooks that cut through forest floors, or in a frosted glass with softly-clinking ice cubes, water is an essential part of life. We, as busy people trying to function in an even busier world, tend to forget that we need this oh-so-important mineral for our bodies to operate the way they should. We know that we are roughly 70% water. We know that it’s a healthier choice than sugary sodas or caffeinated super drinks designed to give us an extra boost, especially since the rush given by caffeine is often followed by a dive and crash into fatigue. Do we really know what water can do for our bodies though?

Proper hydration can increase energy and relieve fatigue. Your body’s cells are getting what they need to carry out all of their moment-to-moment tasks without all of the extra “garbage”. Thoughts are clearer, concentration is more acute, and your brain is just all around more alert. Your digestive system can function more smoothly and allow waste and toxins to be flushed from the body, reducing that bloated feeling after meals. Drinking plenty of water can aid in weight loss as appetite can be reduced as well. Many times the need for something to drink is mistaken as hunger pangs. With no added sugars or calories, water is the ultimate diet supplement.
Water, be it around us or inside of us, is a necessary component of life, and the more we utilize it, the better we will feel.

The Best Essential Oil Diffuser

There are plenty of options on the market for essential oil diffusers. This can make it pretty difficult to find the right one for you. When dealing with essential oils I have found that having a diffuser that is easy to use, reliable, and affordable is the best way to go.

There are some companies that are offering essential oil diffusers that go above the hundred-dollar price mark, I find this crazy when there are perfectly good alternatives available that cost a fraction of that price. It is best to keep things simple when looking for an oil diffuser to make a part of your home.

I have tried multiple diffusers, and after testing them out, there is one that stands out from the rest. The VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser is reasonably priced, works every time without fail, looks great and modern, and most importantly, it does a great job at diffusing oils.

My official review of this diffuser is as follows: “I bought this as my first ever essential oil diffuser, so I was not really sure what to expect. I loved the modern design of this oil diffuser. Compared to the ones that I have seen in stores, it is superior in design. When it arrived I was a little surprised that it is all plastic, it looks like real wood but is plastic. However, it is built well and functions perfectly. It was super easy to learn to use and has great safety features that turn it off when the water is all gone. It also looks better than in the images in my opinion. The images here make it look dark and almost like a black-colored wood pattern, however, in actuality, it is more brown. I will attach a photo to show what mine looks like. Overall, if you are looking for a great-looking oil diffuser that does exactly what it claims to do, get this one!”

So to sum up, you don’t need an expensive diffuser to get the job done! Don’t fall for marketing tricks that some companies try to use. Based on my experience using essential oils, this is the one to go with! Click here to get a great deal on this diffuser!

Atman Tea Co. Relaxes The Body

I have the pleasure of smelling the relaxing aromas of the tea from Atman Tea Co. as I write this. The smell reminds me of a health spa and I find my mind drifting to scenes of zen gardens. In this day and age it is more important than ever to take a few moments to relax and enjoy life. The Atman Tea Co. promises a stress-free experience when you drink their teas.

The brand itself is focused on providing a product that is beneficial to the customer. I am also happy to report that their teas are completely all natural and organic. I drink a lot of tea and have found that more and more companies try to trick their customers into thinking that they are getting a wholesome product, but in truth they are tricking them into buying processed ingredients. The Atman Tea Co. is very transparent and honest with their customers, so you don’t have to worry about the quality of the ingredients.

They also take the frustration out of making a cup whole-leaf tea by packaging their teas in biodegradable pyramid tea bags. There is much to be said about a company that takes special care of their product and customers to provide an all-around unique experience. Their teas are hand blended, that means a machine isn’t preparing your blend for you, and their whole business is personable. If you are looking for a product to help you relax, look no further. I highly recommend checking out their website for more information.

Atman Tea Co. – Click here to learn more!

Instax Camera Buyers Guide

There are quite a few choices in the world of instant photography. You might be asking yourself, “What is instant photography?” The short and most accurate answer would be that instant photography is a type of photography where the photo that you take is instantly and physically available. That’s right, you can take a photo and then hold that photo in a matter of seconds! If this sounds awesome to you, and it should unless you are a robot (no offense to robots), then you should keep reading to find out which instant camera is right for you.

The most popular type of instant camera on the market is known as the FujiFilm Instax. There are a variety of models and they all boast some pretty unique features, but it can make it hard to decide upon just one. There are two main types of Instax camera to choose from. The instax mini is the most common, but the instax wide is growing in popularity among those who want a more traditional “Polaroid” size for their photo.

Is the Instax Mini right for you? The main appeal of the instax mini is that it is extremely portable and takes a really high quality instant photo that develops in a matter of minutes. Most people go with the instax mini because they want to be able to take it everywhere that they go. This model will give you a business-card sized photo that looks cool, is the perfect size to give as a gift, and can easily fit in a wallet or purse.

Is the Instax Wide right for you? Maybe you like instant photography, but you want a photo that is a little bit bigger. Currently, Fuji does not make a camera that will take a “Polaroid” sized photo, but the wide model will get you pretty close. The picture quality is fantastic and the size of the photo is about as good as it gets! The only downside is this camera’s size. It is significantly bigger and heavier than the mini.

In the end, it really is up to you and what you are looking for in an instant camera. If you’re ready to start capturing your memories instantly in a way that is unique and easy to share, the instax series of cameras is for you! Be sure to check out the Toast Pop Shop for a really great deal on one of these cameras. You can learn more or purchase one for yourself by clicking here.

Falling and Staying in Love

Love is a common word we hear every day. Love is equated to so many things. As you may have heard the famous cliché, we sometimes look for love in all the wrong places. What is love? What should I love? Is too much love a dangerous thing? Merriam-Webster defines love as a strong assurance of affection. I can say I love you, but if you’re not strongly affected in any way, love cannot be perceived from such words. Hugs, kisses, random talk, and spending time with someone all falls under the meaning of love.

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In today’s society, it’s very easy to fall in love, but staying in love is where the game begins. Some fall in love at first sight while others fall in love as time progresses and they learn new things about the person or thing they admire. Love comes in categories. The four categories of love are Storge, Philia, Eros, and Agape. In order to reach an area in your life where you remain in love, you have to reach the agape level. Think about your favorite food or dessert for a moment. When I was young, I enjoyed candy apples. I would help my mother bake them and glaze them in the wee parts of the afternoon. Putting on the peanuts was my favorite part. It took a while for me to love candy apples. Once I gained an agape love for them, I began doing anything I could to obtain one or a few. I hope this blog post achieves the very same thing you are seeking for.

To begin, one must understand that “love” and “hurt” cannot mix just like light and darkness cannot. They are separate entities. Many times, people can accept hurt as a form of love. In my childhood years, they called it tough love; the child that got kicked out of his parent’s house and forced to live on his/her own. True love is not tough and it shouldn’t hurt. True love requires sacrifice, not hurt. If someone tells you about your actions and how you are hurting them, you’ll change or make progress to change if you love them. If not, you’ll continue hurting them. Love is sacrifice and will be discussed when I talk about agape love.

Secondly, you must love yourself. You cannot love anything or any person until you love yourself. Love what God created you to be from the inside out. Many times, we focus on the physical appearance and if we don’t look the part or fit in with the crowd, we feel we’re rejected and not loved. Loving you starts on the inside. Take a moment to sit down and write down all the things you like about yourself; your gifts, your smile, your skills, and so forth. There’s always something you can love about yourself if you try really hard to think about it; even if it’s small.

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Thirdly, find a reason to love. When you find the reason to love, find out if it’s healthy or detrimental to your emotional health. Your joy and self-esteem interprets your view and mindset on the things around you. Ask yourself – why do I love this? How does loving this benefit me? Love is give and take. The giving is the sacrifice and the taking is the benefit you receive from loving. It’s a two-way street and if both parties aren’t making “love” work, it won’t be successful.

In closing, make the sacrifice to achieve love! Sometimes, you’ll be placed into circumstances where you have to agree to disagree and give up the right for the wrong. A mother’s birth is the best example. Though she didn’t agree with the pain and procedure to bring you into the world, she loved you so much that she was willing to sacrifice. What are you willing to give up today to show your love? Would you give up money and time? Would you give up some selfish ways and become selfless to others? Once you make the sacrifice to love, love yourself, and find a reason for loving, you can fall and remain in love with anybody and anything. It’s a process, but it’s worthwhile in the end!

Choosing Your Career (Career Choices)

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Choosing a career, for the first time, can be scary and difficult! You’re walking into the unknown; not knowing if you would sink or swim. Many things come across your mind, such as “How much money would I make”, “Is that type of business booming today”, and “How do I know if this is really the career for me”? In excitement and eagerness, you outline your SMART goals and begin looking for ways to accomplish those goals. Today, I want to encourage you about career placement and advancement.

Society teaches the average individual to seek booming careers, such as law, medicine, and IT. In these careers, you’ll always find a job because they’re expanding and becoming necessities to the world. The statement is true, but I caution you to choose wisely. A lot of people start out in one career and transition to another; not because they aren’t intelligent or capable of handling their responsibilities, but because they’ve learned that it doesn’t guarantee happiness and self-satisfaction.

When I graduated from high school, I wanted to be a school teacher because I loved the character of the teachers I had. Educating others seemed self-satisfying to me, so I started pursuing a career in Education. I wanted to help others as well as help myself. Teaching benefits the student and the teacher. As I got through the first two semesters, I began noticing how this career did not meet my expectations. Expectations tend to change as we get older and as we experience new things. I couldn’t cope with my studies, so I dropped out of the academy and started seeking all over again.

There are so many people today that have wasted months, even years, trying to find the career that fits them. They go from one career to another and one job to another. The truth is they haven’t taken the time to stop and think about what makes them happy. Happiness increases productivity. If you engage in a career that makes you happy, you’ll do great at it and always look for ways to improve. Computers, coding, and technical stuff make me happy, so I don’t mind learning as much as I can about the IT field. Major and go into a career that makes you happy. Some of you may be saying, “What if I don’t know what makes me happy?”

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Sometimes, people take Undecided majors because they really don’t know what makes them happy and self-satisfied. One thing I’ve learned to do is watch and analyze those already in the career field. There’s no harm in reaching out to professionals in your desired career field and asking them questions about their experiences. Perform an informational interview with them and after reviewing their experiences, make sure it’s something you would be willing to handle. The second thing I’ve learned to do is job tours. Certain companies will allow you to tour the facility and speak to professionals in the company about their day-to-day duties. Google is a good example. They put videos on YouTube of their employees; showing you how they enjoy working for the company. If this doesn’t suffice, you can schedule a tour to meet Google employees; giving you the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like. Some people need visuals and if that’s you, seek job tours. Besides job tours and informational interviews, you can test out the career for 90 days. Your career today doesn’t have to be your permanent career. Get a feel of things and take in variety from different companies.

All in all, invest in and pick a career that brings you happiness and self-satisfaction. If you do, you’ll find yourself active in the career for a long time rather than becoming burned out after five to ten years. Once you’re placed in your career, be respectful, obedient, and mannerly towards leadership. Take the “baby” approach and learn as much as you can about the business’ overall objectives as well as your annual to-dos from management. Over-accomplish and don’t worry about rewards and compensation at first. It’ll find its way to your lap after a while. Be the sparkle, example, and role-model your team and its members need.

Status Quo for Indie Authors

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What’s an Indie author? The word “indie” comes from the root word individual. An Indie author is an individual author who has self-published a book without help from other entities. A lot of people may find this to be uncommon, but it’s not at all. Hundreds of years ago, every author had to go through a press in order to get noticed and published. Times change, people change. Today, media and technology is advertising a lot of indie authors and supporting them through countless interviews and book blurbs.

So, what’s the status quo, Carl? It’s been predicted by many researchers that Indie authors will become more prevalent and presses will become nonexistent by 2020. Yeah, 2020! Perfect vision, perfect writing! Why? The root reason is Indie authors are taking the time to learn all of the loops in getting a book published. Recently, I wrote a blog post about Book Publishing 101. Myself, as well as others, have had these experiences and going through a press for an agent and/or editor becomes unnecessary. Many presses of today do not publish certain books because of their content, theme, and the notion of them not making an abundance of purchases. It’s vital for Indie authors to understand how to maneuver through the hidden fees they encounter. To conclude, Indie authors must build up a network of readers and writers, as well as doing freebies to draw a bigger audience. The bigger your network, the more successful you become in advertising your book!