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Halloween Costume Ideas For Women
If you are like me then you love Halloween. I love everything about Halloween. I love the decorations, the excitement of the kids, taking my girls trick or treating, handing out candy, and the crisp air on Halloween night. Best of all are the costumes, although they are the hardest to decide on.
Each year there is a decision to made on how big or small to go for costumes. Keep it simple with some cute ears, or a witches’ hat, or go big with a full on costume, wig, and make-up.
As I discussed with my girls what their costumes this year might be, I started pondering my options as well. I have narrowed my options, and I think I have made my choice. Any guesses?
As for you, whether you want to exude power or be a super hero, I have the costume for you. Now all you have to do is decide. Easier said than done, right?
Halloween Costumes For Women
If you were looking sexy police woman, sexy firefighter woman, sexy teacher, or sexy…well I think you get my point. This blog consists of funny adult costumes for women that don’t include the word sexy in the description. It’s not the costume or the clothes that make you sexy, it’s your attitude and the way you carry yourself.
What are your thoughts on adults still dressing up for Halloween? I have kids so that still gives me an excuse for now, but I hope to never lose the joy and fun that comes with playing make believe and dress up. Please share your experience and opinion!
What Really Annoys You? You Are Not Alone...Top 10 Annoying Things People Do
In all honestly, I am more easily annoyed by behavior of others than I would like to admit. But in all fairness, I probably do my share of annoying others as well. Truth be told, nails on a chalkboard does not really bother me, but someone talking with food in their will drive me crazy.
I am willing to bet that when you read the title of this of blog some annoying things that people do immediately came to mind. I think there are some universal habits and behaviors that annoy just about everyone. Or maybe I am just knit picky and easily annoyed. You be the judge.
10 Most Annoying Things People Do
Slow Drivers In Passing Lane
Not that the expectation is that cars should be speeding, but it is extremely annoying and inconsiderate for a driver to be in the passing lane (far left), and driving barely the speed limit. What makes this even worse is that their speed is matching that of the car driving in the slower speed lane, and everyone ends up stuck behind them, for miles sometimes.
Unattended/Or Bad Kids in Restaurants
I am a mother, so I get that kids have their moments, and can be unruly and misbehave at times. However, when I am out trying to have a nice meal, it infuriates me to see kids running around, yelling, and throwing things, and have the parent make no efforts to correct the behaviors. Or worse, the parents are on their phones, or just not paying attention as their child completely disrupts everyone’s meal.
Kids in Adult Movies
All children are different, and varying attention spans, but I never find it appropriate for parents to brings children to Rated R movies. Often the children become disruptive because they are bored since they do not understand the adult content, and struggle to sit quietly for a 2 hour movie.
People Whose Bags Take Up Seats In Public Areas
In many public places there tends to be limited seating. Whether you are at the airport, or the DMV, it never fails that even though there are more people than seats available, people put their bags on seats taking up a spot.
People Who Leave Their Carts In Parking Spots
If you are disabled or dealing with small children by yourself in a parking lot I give you a pass. But for the other people who leave a cart in a parking spot because they are too lazy to take it back to the cart return is just annoying and rude. It’s very frustrating to be looking for parking, think you found and spot, only to turn into it and see a cart sitting there. Ugh!
People Who Talk Loud On Their Cellphones In Public
I don’t think some people realize who much louder their voices get when they are on the phone. Regardless, personal calls in public places are annoying and rude. Whether you are in an elevator, at a doctor’s office, or on a train, there is never an appropriate place to discuss your personal business in the ear shot of strangers.
Holding The Door For Someone When They Are Still Far Away
The intent behind holding the door for someone is good, but sometimes it can get a little weird and awkward. The general rule should be if someone is more than five paces out, just go and do not hold the door. Otherwise people feel the need to hurry now because someone is “politely” holding the door.
Noisy Eaters
People who chew loudly, with their mouths open, and smacking their lips is both annoying and gross. This also in includes slurping, and licking fingers. It can definitely ruin an appetite and a meal.
People Who Don’t Pick Up After Their Dogs
Being a pet owner comes with many responsibilities, and one of them is walking your dog. Usually when you walk your dog, it is going to entail picking up their poop. Unfortunately, far too many people walk their dogs unprepared to pick up after them, or are just to lazy to bother. Either way, it is no treat to see walking trails or sidewalks littered with dog poop, not to mention accidentally stepping in it.
People Who Tailgate Your Car
Tailgaters are just as annoying as slow drivers, but more dangerous. I have no problem moving over for someone who wants to go faster, but tailgating me in heavy traffic when clearly I cannot go any faster is obnoxious and ridiculous.
This list really could go on and on depending on your tolerance threshold for people in general. Do you agree with the list? What annoys you? Please share your experience and opinion!
Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels
Best Harvest Wreaths For Your Front Door This Fall
September kicks off my favorite time of year, and it is just a few days away. I love fall. The weather is so crisp, and fresh. It feels almost perfect. Then add to the near perfection with the beauty as leaves start to turn, and kids go back to school, it is just heavenly. For this blog, I decided to offer some suggestions on some of the prettiest autumn wreaths to hang on your front door.
Fall is my favorite season, and one of my favorite times of year to decorate. I do simple decorations both indoors and outdoors, and change it up as the season progresses. The options are endless with fall because you can keep it simple, and still have lovely decor. I usually start off fall with beautiful, colorful wreaths decorating both the inside and outside of my front door. I also hang one off the Juliet balcony in the front of my house. It literally takes minutes to transform the look of your home.
5 Beautiful Harvest Wreaths
Appalachia Berry Silk Fall Door Wreath 22 inch - Autumn Berries and Foliage Enhance Home Decor, Approved for Covered Outdoor Use, Beautiful White Gift Box Included
Montgomery Hollow Silk Fall Door Wreath 26 inch - Large Autumn Door Wreath for Outdoor Display, White Storage Gift Box Included
For me, there is just some about wreaths. Adding a wreath to your door or hearth somehow makes your home feel more cozy and welcoming. I have several wreaths for every season, which keeps my wreath storage container packed.
Weston Fall Berry Wreath 22 Inches - Enhances Front Door Decor with Designer Quality, Approved for Covered Outdoor Use, Beautiful White Gift Box Included
As the weather cools, you can start to add pumpkins and gourds to your garden for additional pops of color. While this blog is about harvest wreaths, which work great at Thanksgiving as well, don't be afraid to shake things up with halloween themed wreaths.
Saranac Berry Fall Front Door Wreath 22 Inches - Lush Seasonal Foliage and Berries, Approved for Covered Outdoor Use, with Beautiful White Gift Box
Montgomery Hollow Silk Fall Door Wreath 26 inch - Large Autumn Door Wreath for Outdoor Display, White Storage Gift Box Included
I hope you found my wreath suggestions helpful. They really are quite beautiful. How will you decorate your front door and home this fall? I am always on the lookout for more lovely wreaths. Please share your wreath or decoration suggestions!
September 2018 Book Club Recommendations...10 Great Reads For You And Your Book Club
If you are like me you love a good book. I read all of the time, but tend to stick to one or two genres and authors. A great way to find new authors and be exposed to literature you would have never considered is by joining a traditional bookclub, or signing up for a book of the month club.
If you are already in a bookclub, but looking for some suggestions I am here to help. Or if you are just trying to figure out what to read next I think I have some great choices for you. I enjoyed all of the below books, albeit some were more satisfying than others, but that's the beauty of reading a book. You never know what you are going to get, or how it is going to end.
10 September Book Club Recommendations
What Alice Forgot
The Handmaid's Tale
The Silent Wife
Unfu*k Yourself
The Tuscan Child
The Ugly and Wonderful Things
The Mountain Midwife
Small Great Things
The Orphan's Tale
Tell Me Three Things
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
Alice Love is twenty-nine, crazy about her husband, and pregnant with her first child.
So imagine Alice’s surprise when she comes to on the floor of a gym and is whisked off to the hospital where she discovers the honeymoon is truly over — she’s getting divorced, she has three kids and she’s actually 39 years old. Alice must reconstruct the events of a lost decade, and find out whether it’s possible to reconstruct her life at the same time. She has to figure out why her sister hardly talks to her, and how is it that she’s become one of those super skinny moms with really expensive clothes.
Ultimately, Alice must discover whether forgetting is a blessing or a curse, and whether it’s possible to start over.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - After a staged terrorist attack kills the President and most of Congress, the government is deposed and taken over by the oppressive and all controlling Republic of Gilead. Offred, now a Handmaid serving in the household of the enigmatic Commander and his bitter wife, can remember a time when she lived with her husband and daughter and had a job, before she lost even her own name. Despite the danger, Offred learns to navigate the intimate secrets of those who control her every move, risking her life in breaking the rules in hopes of ending this oppression.
The Silent Wife by Kerry Fisher
Lara’s life looks perfect on the surface. Gorgeous doting husband Massimo, sweet little son Sandro and the perfect home. Lara knows something about Massimo. Something she can’t tell anyone else or everything he has worked so hard for will be destroyed: his job, their reputation, their son. This secret is keeping Lara a prisoner in her marriage.
Maggie is married to Massimo’s brother Nico and lives with him and her troubled stepdaughter. She knows all of Nico’s darkest secrets – or so she thinks. Then one day she discovers a letter in the attic which reveals a shocking secret about Nico’s first wife. Will Maggie set the record straight or keep silent to protect those she loves?
For a family held together by lies, the truth will come at a devastating price.
Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop
Are you tired of feeling fu*ked up? If you are, Gary John Bishop has the answer. In this straightforward handbook, he gives you the tools and advice you need to demolish the slag weighing you down and become the truly unfu*ked version of yourself. ''Wake up to the miracle you are,'' he directs. ''Here's what you've forgotten: You're a fu*king miracle of being.'' It isn't other people that are standing in your way, it isn't even your circumstances that are blocking your ability to thrive, it's yourself and the negative self-talk you keep telling yourself.
The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen
In 1944, British bomber pilot Hugo Langley parachuted from his stricken plane into the verdant fields of German-occupied Tuscany. Badly wounded, he found refuge in a ruined monastery and in the arms of Sofia Bartoli. But the love that kindled between them was shaken by an irreversible betrayal.
Nearly thirty years later, Hugo’s estranged daughter, Joanna, has returned home to the English countryside to arrange her father’s funeral. Among his personal effects is an unopened letter addressed to Sofia. In it is a startling revelation.
Still dealing with the emotional wounds of her own personal trauma, Joanna embarks on a healing journey to Tuscany to understand her father’s history—and maybe come to understand herself as well. Joanna soon discovers that some would prefer the past be left undisturbed, but she has come too far to let go of her father’s secrets now…
All The Ugly and Wonderful Things: A Novel by Bryn Greenwood
As the daughter of a meth dealer, Wavy knows not to trust people, not even her own parents. Struggling to raise her little brother, eight-year-old Wavy is the only responsible "adult" around. She finds peace in the starry Midwestern night sky above the fields behind her house. One night everything changes when she witnesses one of her father's thugs, Kellen, a tattooed ex-con with a heart of gold, wreck his motorcycle. What follows is a powerful and shocking love story between two unlikely people that asks tough questions, reminding us of all the ugly and wonderful things that life has to offer.
The Mountain Midwife by Laurie Alice Eakes
Ashley Tolliver has tended to the women of her small Appalachian community for years. As their midwife, she thinks she has seen it all. Until a young woman gives birth at Ashley’s home and is abducted just as Ashley tries to take the dangerously bleeding mother to the nearest hospital. Now Ashley is on a mission to find the woman and her newborn baby . . . before it’s too late.
Hunter McDermott is on a quest—to track down his birth mother. After receiving more media attention than he could ever want for being in the right place at the right time, he receives a mysterious phone call from a woman claiming to be his mother. Hunter seeks out the aid of the local midwife in the mountain town where the phone call originated—surely she can shed some light on his own family background.
Ashley isn’t prepared for the way Hunter’s entrance into her world affects her heart and her future. He reignites dreams of having her own family that she has long put aside in favor of earning her medical degree and being able to do even more for her community. But is it commitment to her calling or fear of the unknown that keeps her feet firmly planted in the Appalachian soil? Or is it something more—fear of her growing feelings for Hunter—that makes her hesitant to explore the world beyond the mountains?
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years' experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she's been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don't want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?
Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy's counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family—especially her teenage son—as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other's trust, and come to see that what they've been taught their whole lives about others—and themselves—might be wrong.
With incredible empathy, intelligence, and candor, Jodi Picoult tackles race, privilege, prejudice, justice, and compassion—and doesn't offer easy answers. Small Great Things is a remarkable achievement from a writer at the top of her game.
The Orphan's Tale: A Novel by Pam Jenoff
A powerful novel of friendship set in a traveling circus during World War II, The Orphan's Tale introduces two extraordinary women and their harrowing stories of sacrifice and survival
Sixteen-year-old Noa has been cast out in disgrace after becoming pregnant by a Nazi soldier and being forced to give up her baby. She lives above a small rail station, which she cleans in order to earn her keep… When Noa discovers a boxcar containing dozens of Jewish infants bound for a concentration camp, she is reminded of the child that was taken from her. And in a moment that will change the course of her life, she snatches one of the babies and flees into the snowy night.
Noa finds refuge with a German circus, but she must learn the flying trapeze act so she can blend in undetected, spurning the resentment of the lead aerialist, Astrid. At first rivals, Noa and Astrid soon forge a powerful bond. But as the facade that protects them proves increasingly tenuous, Noa and Astrid must decide whether their friendship is enough to save one another—or if the secrets that burn between them will destroy everything.
Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum
Everything about Jessie is wrong. At least, that’s what it feels like during her first week of junior year at her new ultra-intimidating prep school in Los Angeles. Just when she’s thinking about hightailing it back to Chicago, she gets an email from a person calling themselves Somebody/Nobody (SN for short), offering to help her navigate the wilds of Wood Valley High School. Is it an elaborate hoax? Or can she rely on SN for some much-needed help?
It’s been barely two years since her mother’s death, and because her father eloped with a woman he met online, Jessie has been forced to move across the country to live with her stepmonster and her pretentious teenage son.
In a leap of faith—or an act of complete desperation—Jessie begins to rely on SN, and SN quickly becomes her lifeline and closest ally. Jessie can’t help wanting to meet SN in person. But are some mysteries better left unsolved?
All 10 of these books are great choices for your September bookclub selection, or for just an "any time" read. What are you currently reading in your bookclub? Have you read any of these books? If so, which is your favorite? Please share!
Open Stride Machine...Get Your Best Calorie Burn!
My latest gym obsession is the Open Stride machine! I cannot tell you how much I love this machine! I did an hour on it tonight and burned almost 900 hundred calories, 882 calories to be exact!
Yes I know not everyone has an hour to spend at the gym on one machine, and I usually do not either. But on this particular evening, I had about an hour to kill while my daughter was at dance class, and I had some stress to burn off.
I have always loved working out, but with back and knee injuries I have struggled to find my fitness groove. Up until recently, walking trails, and the elliptical machine have been my best friend.
Walks are nice because they are relaxing and get you out in the fresh air. Walk the right trails and you will find yourself with nicely toned legs and bottoms. While I enjoy walking, I am more of a fast paced, high intensity workout kind of girl.
I got on the machine, and after an awkward beginning because it takes a little coordination to get it moving, I was pleasantly surprised. There were so many movement options, including one that feels very similar to running, which I never do anymore because of my knees.
For the purpose of this blog, I am specifically discussing the Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer (AMT), because Precor is the brand of machines at my gym.
Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer Description
A Total Body Workout In One Piece of Equipment
Users can go from short stride to long stride, walking to running, climbing to lunging, allowing them to target different muscle groups. Pushing and pulling the moving handlebars will engage the upper body, resulting in a total body workout. - Precor.com
Burn More With More Enjoyment
The Precor AMT delivers a higher level of caloric burn while giving users a lower perceived level of exertion. So they can go longer and harder—and get better results. - Precor.com
Creates An Elliptical, Bike, and Treadmill Workout All In One
Open Stride lets you not only change the length of your stride but also the height, providing an infinite variety of motion paths. Go vertical and it’s a stepper. Increase resistance and it’s a climber. Then go more horizontal and walk, jog or sprint with a stride length that goes up to 36 inches (91 cm). - Precor.com
Needless to say, I am in love. I have found the machine that challenges me, burns lots of calories, and allows for variation so I don't get bored. Have you ever tried the Open Stride machine? What are your thoughts on it? Please share your experience!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. The purpose of my blog is to share my experiences with food, fitness, and life—not to dole out advice. When it comes to your health and fitness, do your research and consult your doctor.
The Life Of Being A Lefty...I'm Talking Handedness
I usually write with my left hand, therefore I am, for the most part considered to be left handed. I actually prefer to do just about everything else with my right hand though. I also can write with my right hand, and with both hands at the same time.
So perhaps maybe I am cross-dominance or mixed-handedness with left hand dominant.
Slap whatever label you want on it, people still find it interesting when they realize I am writing left handed. Why the fascination you might ask? In the past, I was really fascinated when someone brought up my handedness, but not so much anymore.
Well, let us delve a little deeper into the odd interest society has had with what hand one uses for tasks.
For starters, only about 10 percent of people are naturally left-handed, mostly men. Only about 1 percent are cross-dominant. For many years there was a stigma and repression of left-handedness.
My mother told me stories of growing up seeing children who were naturally left-handed being forced to write with their right hand in school.
In society, many tools and machinery have been designed with right-handedness in mind. Historically speaking, left-handers have been considered unlucky, awkward, sinister, and malicious. The list actually goes on and on. I mean being right-handed is "right". Needless to say, there are some disadvantages to being a lefty.
Disadvantages Of Being A Lefty
Hand Shakes
Scissors
Writing (smudges)
Elbows While Eating With Righties
Spiral Notebooks and Three Ring Binders Against You Hand
Now don't go feeling sorry for left-handers. Lefties tend to be higher achievers due to the way a left-handers brain is structured. The brain increases its range of abilities to allow for left hand function.
Some of the world most famous and brilliant minds are lefties. Taking a look at the list below, I am proud to be part of the left-handed club
15 Famous Lefties
Albert Einstein
Buzz Aldrin
Bill Gates
Barack Obama
Ludwig van Beethoven
Wolgang Mozart
Mark Zuckerberg
Oprah Winfrey
Neil Armstrong
Michelangelo
Marie Curie
Leonardo Da Vinci
Winston Churchill
H.G. Wells
John F. Kennedy
I received a comment on a blog two years ago from "Glenn" regarding the historical perception of left handedness, and his words could not have been more accurate. Glenn said, "The French word 'gauche' is translated to left or left-handed in addition to awkward (and worse).
In America, it is often used as a pejorative. As a lefty, I hardly ever give it a thought until I run into another lefty or someone points it out to me."
Being left handed can be a great conversation starter, and I do not believe there to be any negative association with being a lefty in today's society. Hopefully, ignorance and stereotypes based on the hand you write with are long gone. Or am I wrong? Do you have any experience with being a lefty, positive or negative? Please share!
Fun Fact - International Left-Handers Day is every August 13th.
8 Life Skills All Teens Should Have Before Heading Off To College
Very few things are scarier and more heart wrenching for a parent than the day they leave their child at college. It is a proud moment for a parent to see their 'baby' leave the nest, but it is also sad and worrisome.
A friend recently shared her experience with me about the day she dropped her daughter off to college, and the feelings that followed for months. Her words, "no one told me it would feel like this" really resonated with me.
My friend was not alone in her sadness and anxiety in leaving her daughter at college. Many parents feel this way. As the college drop off day approaches, you may start to question if you have prepared your young adult, or forever baby, for the world.
Unfortunately there is no magic pill, formula, or tutorial that helps us raise the perfect child, or perfectly prepare a child to go off into the world. But there are things we can do as parents to help them grow into capable adults and ease the transition.
Life Skills Needed Before Heading Off To College
Manage Money/Budget
Your teen should have a decent understanding of how to manage their money, and how to stay within a budget. One of the best ways to do this is to give them a debit card or refillable cash card in their junior or senior year of high school, or at an even earlier age depending on the child, and have them make some basic purchases for themselves.
Add a specific amount of money to the account or card and have them stay within a budget on the card. If the money runs out before the specified time, they will have to wait until more money is added by you.
How To Do Laundry
Your young adults needs to know how to do their own laundry. Cleaning their clothes and doing laundry is a basic function of self-care. There is no mommy or maid at college to pick up their clothes off the bedroom or bathroom floor and wash them. Laundry is simple to us, but we all know you can ruin clothes if you do not know what you are doing.
How To Cook
Despite what your teen thinks, they should not survive on fast food. Not only is it unhealthy, and adding to the freshman 15, but it is also a budget buster. Male or female , having some simple culinary skills are a must. Not being able "to boil water" is not cute.
Whether it's scrambling or boiling eggs, making salads and sandwiches, or taking ramen to the next level by adding some frozen veggies and protein, give them the tools they need..
How To Shop For Groceries
If they are going to cook occasionally, your teen will need to know how to grocery shop. They should know how to bargain shop, find the deals, check expiration dates, and calculating their spending before getting to the cashier.
How To Pay Bills
Allow your teen to have a couple of bills that they are responsible for to teach them responsibility, and help them get use to managing their finances. The bills can be something small like a cell phone bill or car insurance.
The bill doesn't matter so much as that they understand the importance of paying bills timely, and understand the consequences of when they fail to do so.
How To Clean
Many teens keep their rooms like pig sties, but we can all hope they will eventually outgrow being messy, eventually. Your teen should know how to clean a bathroom, how often to wash their bedding, how to vacuum, and cleaner to use for different surface.
Drive/Use Public Transportation
Whether you are sending your kid off with a car or a bus pass, they should know how to get around and navigate their way in a new city. Ensure they know how to read a map, change a tire, and understand the importance of regular maintenance for a vehicle.
Sense of Self
If there is any one skill your child needs to leave home with let it be a sense of self. Your child should know right from wrong, know how to say no, and be confident enough to stand up for themselves.
There will be a lot of temptations and a lot of freedom in college, just like the real world in general. But having a young adult who is confident, and does not feel the need to do any and everything for the sake of fitting in can make a big difference.
It is never easy to see our children grow up and leave home. However, there can be some comfort found in knowing you have prepared them for the day that they go off on their own. Teaching them some basic life skills will make their life, and yours, all that much easier.
I didn't include getting a job as a life skill needed before college, because I think that many see college as a means to getting a good job. However, work ethics should be taught at home by giving responsibilities with chores around the home. What are your thoughts on the needed life skills before college? Please share!
10 Fruits And Veggies To Help You Stay Hydrated This Summer
Summer is finally here! We wait all year for the long, warm and sunny days. This is the time of year when we spend the most time outside swimming, having picnics, going to the beach, and hiking and playing.
All of those activities are great, but it is very important to remember to protect our bodies while out in the heat.
Hydration is the key to feeling good, and taking care of ourselves during the summer months. We can become dehydrated rather quickly in hot weather, especially when engaging in activities. Many people do not drink enough water, which is why it is important to recognize when we are dehydrated.
Also know the signs of dehydration in infants and children as well.
Signs Of Dehydration In Adults
Extreme Thirst
Dizziness
Fatigue
Dark Urine/Low Urine Output
Confusion
Signs Of Dehydration In Infants And Young Children
No Wet Diapers For 3 Or More Hours
No Tears When Crying
Irritability
Dry Mouth/Tongue
Listlessness
Foods That Hydrate
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are over 95 percent water. They contain vitamins C and E, and is great for the skin.
Tomatoes
Incorporate tomatoes into your diet by adding tomatoes to your salad, sandwiches, and wraps. Tomatoes are 95 percent water, and contain vitamin C, which is good for skin health.
Watermelon
Watermelon is 92 percent water, and may actually hydrate faster than water. Watermelon contains magnesium, potassium, and sodium, all of which are needed to properly hydrate.
Strawberries
Strawberries are 92 percent water. Strawberries are plentiful during summers months, and easy to incorporate into your snacks, and meals.
Grapefruit
The grapefruit is 88 percent water. Start off your day right with a grapefruit for breakfast. Grapefruits contain vitamin A and C, potassium and biotin, all of which are good for the skin.
Carrots
Snack on carrots in the summer. Carrots are 87 percent water, and loaded with beta carotene, which helps protect the skin.
Cantaloupes
Cantaloupe is 90 percent water, and loaded with vitamin A.
Celery
Hydrate with celery. Celery is 96 percent water, and may hydrate you just as fast as drinking water.
Zucchini
Cook with zucchini this summer. Zucchini is 95 percent water, and a great source of folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
Iceberg Lettuce
Add iceberg lettuce to your meals this summer to stay hydrated. Iceberg lettuce contains 96 percent water, and has vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
One of the easiest things to do this summer to help with hydration is to just make a salad. Make a super hydration salad by adding iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, and carrots. Or you can make a nice fruit salad with watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, and grapefruit.
Most fruits and vegetables have high water content. Whatever your plans are this summer, remember your sunscreen, and don't forget to hydrate.
What do you do to stay hydrated in the summer heat? Do you primarily rely on water and sports drinks to provide your hydration needs? Or do you enjoy eating all of the fresh fruits and veggies? Please share!
Photo by Toni Cuenca from Pexels
My 5 Favorite Places To Travel...And They All Make The Best Honeymoon Destinations
I became a worldwide traveler at a young age thanks to my time in the military. Since leaving the military I have continued to travel on my own. I have a love for traveling and my hope is to be able to retire within the next 10 years from the conventional work force.
Once I retire, I plan to move abroad for a few years and be home-based in Marseille, France. I will write novels, do freelance writing, and travel Europe and Africa. Travel writer perhaps? Not sure the world needs another travel writer.
The below cities are my top 5 places that I have visited and plan on visiting again. I am going to share a little about each of these wonderful places with the hopes of encouraging you to get your travel on as well.
My Top 5 Places Vacations and Honeymoons
Bali, Indonesia - Bali is an Indonesian island located just 8 degrees south of the equator. It is breathtakingly beautiful and a popular destination for honeymoons and those looking for great resorts. The weather is pretty warm all year long, pretty hot on some days. During the day you can hike a volcano, surf, do a jungle excursion, or visit ancient temples or palaces. I spent a lot of time relaxing on the beach during the day. The nightlife is nice with great dining, dance clubs, bars, and moonlit walks. I also spent a lot of nights dancing it up.
Corfu, Greece - Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. I fell in love with Greece, Corfu in particular, although I never developed a taste for Ouzo, which seemed to be everywhere. I became a greek food fan (yummy lamb gyros on the street) and enjoyed the shopping experience. I bought lots of lavender scented goods. I found Corfu to be both stunning with amazing views from all points of the island and wondrous with all of the Greek mythology. The Mediterranean weather is wonderful and warm and the setting is romantic. Definitely worth a return visit.
Mallorca, Spain - Mallorca is a Spanish island and all I can say is "PARTY". Actually I did all of my fun-having in Palma, which is a city on the island. I nearly had enough fun to last a lifetime in Mallorca. It is beautiful, and fun, and made me feel a little wild. I spent my days sipping daiquiris on the beach, swimming, and parasailing. I spent my nights dancing up a storm and flirting with an endless parade of really cute guys. Ahh to be young. My return will be somewhat tamer...somewhat.
Marseille, France - I love, love, love Marseille, which is why I will be moving there. Marseille is a port city in the south of France. It is France's second largest city behind Paris. I like Paris as well but Marseille is slightly slower and gives me better access for all of the European travel I plan on doing. Plus the cost of living in Marseille is very reasonable. Marseille is a lovely city by the sea with wonderful Mediterranean climate. It is also a very culturally diverse city and many people speak English. I used to be fluent in French but not so much anymore. Before moving there I plan on regaining my fluency as well as learning passable German. I picture my future self seated at an outside cafe reading a book and sipping a cafe au lait.
Napa Valley, California - Yes I am aware that Napa is neither foreign nor exotic like the others on the list, but that does not make me love it any less. I love great wine and great food and Napa has both. Plus I am a California girl and it's a relatively short trip to get away to a nice B&B in Napa. There's some really good French restaurants located in Napa, some very pricey ones too. For me, Napa Valley is romantic and relaxing. If one doesn't feel romantic and relaxed in this locale, you are doing something wrong or you are with the wrong person.
This is my past and my future travels. Life is too short, and although we all have the what ifs, and the shoulda coulda lists, I am doing my best to keep my list short. Live your life with few regrets and missed opportunities. You are not getting any younger and time will not wait for you.
Side Note: Ouzo is a distilled alcohol beverage that tastes like black licorice. Yuck!
Photos provided by Pexel
Drunk Shopping...The 5 Signs That You've Been Drunk Shopping
Drunk shopping...the billion dollar industry that no one really talks about. Are you familiar with drunk shopping? I know I had never heard of drunk shopping until a girlfriend of mine mentioned it. Once she explained what it was, I immediately recognized the behavior, and had to know more.
I started researching drunk shopping, and all that it entailed. There is a funny, silly, harmless element to it for most of us, but it is a behavior that can very problematic for others.
Drunk shopping is basically the act of making purchases while having had alcoholic beverages. Your inhibitions are lowered, your decision making skills are reduced, and your judgement is poor.
Drunk shopping occurs more frequently with men than women, but many of us have done it at one time or another. It can be as benign as paying for a taxi or Uber to take you from bar to bar when you could have just walked a block over. It can also be as serious as doing a lot of online gambling while under the influence, which can be be very costly.
The 5 Signs Of Drunk Shopping
Unexpected Packages
If packages arrive at your home, and they consist of items you have no memory of purchasing, you were likely drunk shopping. Usually big tickets items, and clothing items are purchased while drunk shopping.
Bank Notifications
If your bank is sending your texts or emails regarding unusual or large purchases you may have been drunk shopping. Of course you want to be sure to check that you are not a victim of identity theft, but if you can track your previous online activity to the purchases, then you know you were the culprit.
Receipts For Unknown Purchases
If you sometimes find receipts in your car, purse, or wallet for food, alcohol, and Uber rides with no memory of the purchases, you were likely drunk shopping. The good thing is that at least you have a record of your purchases, and can call your credit card company if you deem necessary.
Hangover/Upset Stomach After Night Out
After a couple of drinks at your favorite bar, food that didn't appeal to you when you first arrived, suddenly starts to smell and look so good. Before you know if, you are ordering another round of drinks, getting wings, and mozzarella sticks.
Overeating, too much drinking, and lots of greasy food may leave you feeling miserable the next day. Not to mention that you spent way more than you planned too.
Lower Bank Balance Than You Thought
You check your bank balance or credit card statements and realize that you have spent way more than you thought. Spending too much money on your debit card or credit card can be addressed by setting limits that prevents over spending on any particular day or location.
If you recognize some of the signs of drunk shopping you are not alone. A study found that Americans are spending over $30 billion a year drunk shopping. Millions of people drunk shop every day, but it is important not to make a habit of this bad behavior. If you receive packages from drunk shopping, return them if you can.
Also consider just carrying cash on your nights out to keep a better handle on your spending. Lastly, maybe opt for a movie on Netflix on nights in with your glass of wine, rather than web surfing.
Any experience with drunk shopping? Please share.