Your body is a temple but if you don't maintain it and keep it clean and tidy, the temple’s a mess. Everyone loves looking beautiful because feeling attractive is one of the best ways to live life. If you feel beautiful, you’ll be more confident, happier and relaxed in your life as a result. You deserve to feel like this and that means that it’s important to take better care of yourself. It’s not about looking thin or trying the newest beauty treatments. It’s about knowing that you can look in the mirror and feel confident and ready to see what’s there.
Your body will treat you well if you do. You know when you’re eating a lot of junk food and you haven't had a sight of a veggie in a few days? Your body hates that. So it makes your skin erupt in acne, your belly bloat and your bowels stop functioning. You feel tired and more sluggish and you can’t function as well. Your body will treat you the way that you treat it, and so you should think of your body as if it’s another person looking for support. Feed it well, fuel it naturally and your body will thank you for the time you take to do those things by sleeping well, feeling well and keeping your bowels regular!
It’s easier and cheaper to prevent than repair. When you don't drink enough water, you put your body at risk of kidney and bladder pain. When you don't stick to a good skincare routine, your skin can dry out, become sore and begin to flake. The key is in ensuring that you prevent the issues from occurring in the first place; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so they say!
You will have bundles of energy. No one enjoys feeling sluggish and sore. No one enjoys feeling as if they are going through sludge in life, and you don't have to. If you are taking better care of yourself, you’ll have much more energy and you’ll feel like you can conquer the world. You will have energy to move, to exercise, to stay up longer when you want to. Your energy levels will expand and you can thank yourself for it!
Avoiding burnout is a pretty good reason! The more you push your body, the further you push it towards burnout. Burning out is your energy levels depleting to the point of being unable to come back. You need to take care of yourself so that you can enjoy the things that life has to offer you and continue to be a major player at work. Burnout prevents all of that. Taking care of you makes sure that you don't burn out.
It’ll be easier now than doing it in 20 years. When you’re young, it’s vital to take care of yourself properly because when you’re older, it’s so much harder to come back from it. You should work on yourself now while you can; it’s harder to repair the damage when it could be too late to reverse it all.
Your mental health matters. As much as it’s nice to look after your body, your mind and mental health matter so much more than you think. You need to think about how your mental health affects your body and how you physically react to things going wrong in your body. When you understand this, you are in a much better position as a result.
You will have far less stress. Being young is not easy, but stress isn't as prevalent. When you take care of your body and your mind, you have much less stress in life in general. You don't have to panic about your health because you’re already on top of it!
You are going to save money. When you take care of yourself now, you save on Botox, weight loss surgeries, therapy and more. Save your life and save money at the same time.
If you want your next vacation to be brimming with adventure and fun then heading to the ocean for a dive is a great idea. Indeed, a successful dive can transform a break into a true adventure. Although there are some factors you will need to consider with care before you jump in. Read on to find out what they are.
Have you chosen the best location?
First of all, you will want to pick the best location when diving on vacation. The good news is there are plenty to choose from including stunning coral reefs, sheltered coves, and even deep underwater caves for the more experienced diver.
To establish the best place to dive into your vacation destination it's worth doing a bit of research beforehand. Happily, the most beautiful sites with an abundance of wildlife tend to be the places where tours are run too.
Of course, to see some underwater flora and fauna you may need to charter a private vessel. This is often the case when it comes to diving a wreck or monument that is a distance off the coast.
Do you feel experienced enough to dive safely?
Next, when it comes to diving on vacation, be sure that you have faith in your skills. After all, diving is one of the most amazing activities around, but it can also be dangerous if not done correctly.
Indeed, if your last dive hasn't been for a few years then getting a refresher course that will go over all the basics such as using your respirator, fitting your tank, surfacing safely, and how to communicate while underwater will be invaluable.
You’ll also be able to relax more and enjoy your experience knowing that you have the skills that will keep you and your fellow drivers safe.
Do you want to try another type of diving?
While scuba diving is a very popular activity for those on vacation, there are other types at which to try your hand such as freediving. Freediving is done without a tank, which means you will need to learn to hold your breath for long amounts of time. Many people also like to invest in kits like these Custom Freedive Wetsuits as well. The reason is that they provide extra comfort, flexibility, and earth which can help to enhance their experience when under the water.
Has your kit been checked and updated?
Indeed, as we are on the topic of kit, if you are going to take your own you must check it thoroughly beforehand. To do this you will need to inspect your wetsuit for any tears or missing stitches. It's also best not to repair your suit yourself but get a qualified technician to do this for you. Check your mask, fins, hoses, and snorkels for wear and tears too, and replace them when necessary.
Lastly, be sure that you check your regulator and BC not only just before a dive but also at least once every year. You will find instructions on how to do this in your equipment manual, or take it to a dive specialist and have them do it for you.
Decorating your classroom is a great way to make it feel like home for your students. It can also be a fun way to get creative and show off your personality! This blog post will discuss some tips on how to decorate your classroom. It will also provide some ideas on different themes you can use for your classroom.
Photo by Arthur Krijgsman from Pexels
1) Make Sure That Your Classroom Is Organized And Tidy
One of the most important things when decorating your classroom is to make sure that it is organized and tidy. This will help create a calm and productive learning environment for your students.
There are many ways to organize your classroom. You can use shelving units, cubbies, or even baskets to store materials. You can also use labels to identify each area of the room. This will help keep your classroom looking neat and tidy!
2) Use Bright And Colorful Decor
Using bright and colorful decor is a great way to make your classroom feel inviting and fun! You can use posters, banners, and other wall decors to add color to the room. You can also look for model trains for sale to add fun pops of color.
Adding color to your classroom will help create a positive and happy learning environment for your students. It will also help you express your personality in the space!
3) Choose A Theme For Your Classroom
Choosing a theme for your classroom is a great way to add cohesiveness to the space. It can also be a fun way to show off your interests!
There are many different themes you can choose from. You can pick a season, like winter or summer. You can also choose a holiday, like Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Or, you could even choose an activity, like sports or art.
No matter what theme you choose, make sure it is something that you are passionate about! This will help you create a beautiful and cohesive classroom for your students.
4) Add Personal Touches To The Space
Adding personal touches to your classroom is a great way to make the space feel like home for your students. You can use photos, paintings, or other decorations to add personality to the room.
You can also use personalized items, like name tags or desk plates. This will help each student feel unique and essential in the classroom. It will also help them feel more connected to the space!
5) Make Sure To Have Fun!
The most important thing when decorating your classroom is to have fun! This) should be a space that you enjoy working in and that your students enjoy learning. So, get creative and use your imagination! There are many different ways to decorate a classroom. The possibilities are endless! So, have fun with it and make the space your own.
In conclusion, decorating your classroom is a fun way to create a cheerful and inviting learning environment for your students. By following these tips, you can create a space that is both beautiful and unique!
*contributed post*
Before I begin I just want to say that an update on moving in light of everything going on in the world right now would seem callous and heartless without acknowledging the brokenness that I feel for all of those in the Ukraine fleeing their homes. I have shared a lot on instagram about different things, news pieces, ways to help, etc. but my heart goes out to those in the midst of a forced move. I can not even imagine...our hearts and prayers are with all of those affected.
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Happy Saturday friends! I hope the start to your weekend is going great! It's been a month since I updated on our move to New York from Tennessee and I don't know about y'all but the days seem to be flying more and more this year!*smiles* I thought today would be the perfect day to update on our move up to New York as I receive so many questions each day about how things are going, how teaching is going, how we are settling in, etc. In many ways it is completely surreal that this week marks nine months since the process really began and a couple of months since we moved again (from Albany to upstate New York). In some ways it seems like just yesterday that I was in Tennessee teaching, that we just did our senior day and yet other times it seems like years because so many things have taken place... time is funny like that- isn't it?
Overall
Overall, I would say that we have been met with peace in deep ways as we have moved back to upstate New York. Honestly a peace that is beyond on my understanding. Last year at this time both of us were completely against moving back here for so many different reasons, but as the Lord opened doors to this space, job, and area it has been a peaceful and sweet transition. I think that there are still so many things that you have to give yourself grace for and so if you are in the midst of a lot of big adjustments and moves like we are... give yourself a LOT of grace.
Teaching
I shared this last week, but since I am often asked if I miss teaching right now in this unexpected season, I wanted to clarify yes. Yes. Yes. Yes... definitely yes.
More than words can express.
More than words can say.
DEFINITELY yes.
This picture (above) popped up in my memories recently (from a precious "senior day" that we did last year in February) and it brought tears to my eyes. Last year was one of the biggest blessings of my life... and I will ALWAYS be grateful. More than words can express.
I am definitely excited to share that there is a potential opportunity of something next year and I would definitely appreciate your prayers about this possibility. I can't say much about it right now, but would definitely ask for prayers as I am hoping and praying that this specific opportunity would come to fruition.
Writing
*picture above found on internet- source unknown*
Happy Thursday friends! I hope that your week has been going well! It has been a very busy week here but a very productive week as we continue to move completely into the bungalow!
Today for my Thursday Health Thought post I wanted to share something that I just recently started doing more. To be honest I am not sure why I didn't do this sooner but am guessing that a lot of people (like myself) don't stop to thinking about it and that is: cleaning and disinfecting your toothbrush.
For my whole life, even through my health journey, I thought I was doing the right thing by buying a new toothbrush often. In fact I know that most dentists will say to purchase a new toothbrush every six months and so I thought I was "ahead of the game" with purchasing a new toothbrush every 1-2 months. Y'all I was SO wrong and I hope that this post can help someone else!
As I started to explore how to help my body heal from so many years of treatment and stress I started reading more and more about how important it is to disinfect your toothbrush. Typically we always think that we are cleaning our mouths (a great thing) but there are a couple of disturbing facts that I learned as I did some research.
First, there is a chance that there may be bacteria on your toothbrush before it even touches your mouth. I know, I know. I am just as grossed out as y'all are. Basically there is no requirement that toothbrushes must be sold in sterilized packaging. Oh my word. I was so disgusted when I learned this y'all.
Second, if you have ever done research on the bacteria in your mouth then you know that there is millions of different bacteria that are growing in our mouths each day. This is why dentists recommend brushing your teeth daily. While many of these germs go down the drain when you are done brushing your teeth, there is still a significant amount of bacteria on your toothbrush.
Third, understand that there is lots of different types of bacteria that could be found on your toothbrush. A 2011 study from the NSF on toothbrushes found that there was everything from different types of mold to yeast and some even indicated potential fecal contamination. (*oh my word*)
After learning all of this and feeling sick at learning all of it, I was determined to try to help the situation as naturally as possible. Here are some basic tips to help you if you are wanting to also disinfect your toothbrush naturally:
(1) Basic Tips
Make sure after brushing to rinse your toothbrush everyday under hot water for at least 30 seconds. Try to have the water as hot as possible - boiling if possible as boiling will kill most germs. After rinsing, store your toothbrush upright in a space that gets lots of good air flow. Do not store your toothbrush in a cabinet or a drawer because dark and moist environments help bacteria to grow. Do these basic tips each day.
Once or Twice a Week:
*picture above found on internet- source unknown*
(2) Soak in Apple Cider Vinegar Mixture
Mix 1-2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a small cup of hot water and let your toothbrush sit in this for at least 30 minutes. After it sits in the apple cider vinegar mixture then rinse again with boiling water.
THIS is the apple cider vinegar that I recommend and personally use! You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE! If you have been around the blog for a while you may remember me recommending the same apple cider vinegar before as this is the same product I use in my daily detox baths!
Tip: If you struggle with the after taste of apple cider vinegar than let your toothbrush sit in hot water for 15 minutes before going on to step number 3!
If you are interested in reading more about apple cider vinegar and its benefits check out these posts below:
15 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
17 Quick and Easy Ways to Include Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Life
(3) Soak in Silver
After rising from step 2 place your brush and soak in silver for at least 30 minutes. If you are not familiar with silver I wrote an entire post all about the benefits of silver which you can find HERE. The post relates to Lyme Disease, but has TONS of helpful information about the antimicrobial ways that silver works.
THIS silver is the silver that I recommend and personally use. You can find it on Amazon HERE!
What about you? Do you clean your toothbrush regularly? If so what have you found helpful?
If you would like to check out all of the Thursday Health Thoughts posts you can find them all HERE!
Happy Thursday friends! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Kids’ birthday parties come in all shapes and sizes, but there are a few themes that work well for just about any group of youngsters. Here are ten great themes to consider for your child’s next birthday bash:
1) Superheroes
Who doesn’t love a good superhero party? Invite your guests to dress up as their favorite hero (or villain) and have plenty of activities planned to keep everyone entertained. Activities could include making masks or capes, playing tag or other games inspired by superheroes, or even watching a movie together.
2) Pirates
Ahoy, mateys! Set sail on an adventure with your friends at your child’s pirate-themed birthday party. Have everyone dress up in pirate costumes, play games like “walk the plank” and “pin the treasure map on the island,” and of course, feast on pirate-themed food.
3) Dinosaur
If your child is obsessed with dinosaurs (or just Jurassic Park), a dinosaur-themed party is a must. Serve up some dinosaur-shaped cookies and cupcakes, put together a few simple games, and watch as your guests roar with excitement.
4) Fairytale
From Cinderella to Rapunzel, there are tons of classic fairytales that would make for an enchanting birthday party theme. Serve themed snacks and drinks, decorate with whimsical fairy lights and flowers, and let your guests have a ball dressing up in their favorite fairytale costumes.
5) Beach party
If you’re looking for a summer-themed party that doesn’t involve superheroes or dinosaurs, try a beach party. Set up a few beach chairs and an umbrella or two, put out some beach balls and sand toys, and grill up some burgers and hot dogs for a poolside feast. And don’t forget the piña coladas!
6) Army
If your child is into camouflage, tanks, and military flags, an army party might be just the thing. Have everyone dress in their best camo gear, play games like “capture the flag” and “hide and seek,” and serve up some tasty army-themed snacks.
7) Airplanes
For the aviation enthusiast, an airplane party is a perfect choice. Serve up snacks like peanuts and pretzels, put together a simple obstacle course, and watch your guests take to the skies in their imagination.
8) Princess
If your little one dreams of being a princess (or just loves all things pink and frilly), a princess party is sure to please. Set the scene with plenty of tulle, lace, and glitter, serve up some sweet treats, and let your guests have a blast playing dress-up.
9) Construction
With all the new buildings going on in cities everywhere, construction parties are more popular than ever. Ask each guest to bring an old shirt or hat that they don’t mind getting dirty, set up some simple construction-themed games, and let the fun begin.
10) Carnival
If you’re looking for a theme that can accommodate any age group, a carnival party is hard to beat. Serve up classic carnival fares like popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs, put together some games (like ring toss and bean bag toss), and let your guests have a blast.
There You Have It
No matter what theme you choose for your child’s birthday party, be sure to have plenty of activities planned to keep the little ones entertained. From face painting to balloon animals to simple games, there’s something for everyone. So get planning and create a birthday party that your child will never forget!
*contributed post*
Too often, we overlook the moments in life when we’re successful and achieve something. It’s easy to be harsh on yourself when things are not going well, but it’s sometimes tougher to celebrate our wins and successes. It’s something that we should do more, but what should that look like? You obviously don’t want to get too far ahead of yourself, but successes deserve to be celebrated. Here are some of the ways to do it right.
Use it to Fuel Future Successes
First of all, you should try to use your success as a source of inspiration for future progress. This is a good way of recognizing how far you’ve come, and it can be particularly helpful in your career. We all want to achieve as much as we can in our careers, and proving to yourself what you’re capable of and using that proof for future growth and success is a great way to mark your progress.
Show Appreciation for Those Who Helped You Along the Way
When you achieve something really big, it’s often good to show a bit of humility and to share the celebrations with those around you. Most of the things we achieve in life are only made possible because of the hard work of those around us. It’s often a team achievement rather than an individual one, and that’s something you should keep in mind.
Dedicate Time to Self-Care
Dedicating some time to self-care could be one of the very best ways to make your progress and to give yourself a break. When we’ve been working up to something for a long time and then it all comes together, we often end the process feeling tired and burnt out. So why not treat yourself to a little self-care and time off? It could be just what you need.
Treat Yourself to the Things You’d Ordinarily Consider Out of Reach
There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to something special. Why wait for other people to give you the gifts you want most; after all, you’re the one who knows your style and preferences best. So whether that means splashing on some sapphire jewellery you’ve always wanted or buying a designer item; go for it. Those successes give you the chance to reward yourself with the stuff that you’d ordinarily consider too much.
Embrace Spontaneity
Finally, you should allow yourself to be spontaneous and do something that might be out of your comfort zone. Some people celebrate their successes by going travelling or doing things that they wouldn’t normally do. That could be the perfect way to celebrate your successes too. We all need to get ourselves out of our comfort zone from time to time.
So next time you achieve something important in your career or any other aspect of your life, be sure to recognize that success and celebrate it in some way. After all, there’s little point in putting in all that hard work and effort if you never take the time to celebrate your success.
*contributed post*
