Recognize the Signs: Knowing When an Elderly Loved One Needs Daily Care
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It can be difficult to tell when your loved one can no longer live alone safely. There may have been occasional signs that this was the case, signs that may have been overlooked for years or dismissed as clumsiness or simple forgetfulness. It’s not unusual for family members to deny that a problem exists if it means admitting that a much-loved elderly relative is succumbing to the effects of old age. Sometimes, seniors are able to mask their decline by laughing off its symptoms or becoming angry and refusing to discuss the situation.
Ultimately, the risk must outweigh your loved one’s fear of losing independence. To deny the problem is to risk serious injury as a result of physical weakness or mental incapacity. It’s important to recognize the signs and accept that a worsened mental or physical condition must be dealt with. The following are some signs that your loved one may need live-in help.
Frequent Falls
Keeping a close eye on an elderly family member may reveal unexplained cuts or bruises, signs of falls that are serious enough to cause damage. It’s essential to take action when falls become a common occurrence because just one can do significant, even life-threatening, damage. If they’re taking place in the course of normal household activity, it’s a sign that medical attention is needed and that a caregiver should be present on a daily basis.
The consequence of a bad fall can be devastating, and may require your loved one to have round-the-clock care in a nursing home. It’s worth taking a preliminary look at potential facilities as your loved one ages. You don’t want to have to find and choose one under duress.
Weight Loss and Poor Hygiene
A dramatic drop in weight and neglected hygiene are warning signs that depression and disorientation have taken hold. A gradual weakening can make it very difficult to go shopping for food, bring it home, and prepare meals. Failing to perform basic hygiene tasks can mean that normal activities of daily living have become too difficult. If that is the case, a caregiver’s help is definitely needed.
Bills Left Unpaid
Cognitive decline can manifest in many ways, from short-term memory loss to an inability to recognize close acquaintances. Leaving a bill unpaid may be a simple oversight or an effect of stress. Missing multiple bills or having a utility or cable TV shut off is a clear indication that something is wrong and that assistance is needed. It’s a serious situation that requires a rapid response.
A Messy House
You would expect something to be seriously wrong if a family member who’s always kept a tidy house suddenly allows it to fall into disrepair. A few articles of clothing left lying around is one thing; dog urine left uncleaned or stacks of dirty plates left in the sink is considerably more troubling. It’s a sign that your loved one is incapable of performing basic household duties.
Medication Mistakes
Failing to follow instructions concerning medications can be a serious problem. It’s important for your loved one to follow all instructions, such as frequency, dosage, and special instructions, in order to get the full benefit. An elderly adult suffering from dementia can easily get confused and take too much, which could be life-threatening. Medication management is an area in which a caregiver can be especially helpful by keeping track of each dose and the care subject’s use.
Caring for a Senior with Mobility Issues
If you are caring for a loved one with mobility problems, there are a number of steps you can take to help manage the situation. Try keeping your loved one active as much as possible by encouraging walks or some simple stretching exercises that will keep muscles loose and flexible. Institute a healthy diet to help restore any unhealthy weight loss and build muscle mass. Eliminate the possibility of falls by placing a rubber mat in the bathtub or shower and having grab rails installed next to the toilet.
When it comes to caring for a senior loved one with mobility issues, choosing appropriate clothing is key. It's important to select pieces that are not only comfortable and easy to move in but also fashionable and stylish. Look for clothing made from soft, breathable fabrics that won't irritate the skin or restrict movement. And don't be afraid to add some fun accessories like scarves or hats to spice up your look!
It’s important to take quick action when an elderly loved one shows clear signs of physical or mental incapacity. If no family member is able to help on a daily basis, consider hiring a professional caregiver, someone with experience and knowledge in protecting seniors from suffering injury.
If you’re searching for creative clothing for creative women, shop Steel Pony today!
The Busy Woman’s Guide to a Well-Rounded Life
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Life can be a grind, especially for those who have a lot going on at any given time. Women are often faced with challenging career paths and family life while also having to find ways to manage physical and mental health — often with little to no support system to boot.
It’s easy to fall into a cycle of stress and exhaustion, but it doesn’t have to be that way. From Steel Pony, here are some tips for beating the negative cycle and cultivating work/life balance so you can feel better overall.
Improve Sleep
It's vital to secure a sufficient amount of refreshing sleep every night to sustain your health. You can get at least 7-8 hours of rest nightly by avoiding blue light screens before bedtime and observing a relaxing nighttime ritual. Our bodies require time for rejuvenation and recovery so that they can operate properly during the day, and quality sleep can make a huge difference in the way you feel and look.
Eat Mindfully
Just like good sleep, what you eat has an enormous impact on your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of water will boost your energy levels and improve mental clarity throughout the day. Avoid processed foods as much as possible, as they can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and other health issues.
Tackle Bad Habits
If you find yourself engaging in detrimental patterns, make sure that you prioritize your health and well-being by working towards eliminating them. Focus on replacing unhealthy practices with healthier alternatives so that you can live a happier and longer life. You might even try picking up a hobby that will allow you to refocus your energy.
Get Close to Nature
Finding new hobbies, such as gardening, can reduce stress levels while also providing an outlet for creativity or relaxation. Taking time out of your busy schedule for activities you enjoy can keep you motivated while also improving your mental health. Learn more about starting a garden by taking a look at professional advice and product reviews.
Assess Career Satisfaction
It’s important to assess whether or not you are truly satisfied with your current career path. Are there any aspects that could be improved upon? Are there any opportunities available within the company? Is it time to start looking elsewhere? Think about where you'd like to be in five years and set new goals.
Ready You Resume
If you are considering changing careers, updating your resume should be a priority. Having an updated resume with your relevant qualifications will make applying for jobs much easier when the time comes, and it will give you confidence as you start heading to interviews. This site could be helpful when you're ready to create an eye-catching resume using a customizable template.
Become Your Own Boss
Starting a business can be intimidating, but it can also be incredibly rewarding if you're tired of grinding at a job that doesn't fulfill you. Research different business models before starting up so you know what kind of resources are needed before taking any risks with your money or time. Having a mentor who has been through similar experiences can be beneficial as you navigate uncharted waters.
Whether you want to find a new career, start a business, or just take care of your mental health, there are things you can do every day to improve your overall wellness. Finding balance will enable you to enjoy your day-to-day more, so use this guide to create a plan that will help you meet your goals.
Revamp Your Wardrobe With These Easy DIY Fashion Tips
With the need to save money and live a more sustainable lifestyle, a lot of people are going the DIY route, and this applies to fashion as well. A report from e-commerce site Depop shows that 90% of its community members are making active changes to live more sustainably, which means a lot of upcycling and DIY fashion. This also ties up with the desire of most Gen-Zers to have clothes that feel unique and shows their true self. If you’re interested in DIY fashion, here are some tips that can help you look unique and stylish while supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Go Thrifting
Thrifting is an excellent way to curate a unique wardrobe. When you buy clothes from popular brands, there’s a big chance that you’ll come across someone wearing the same outfit. However, with the diversity of clothes in thrift stores, it’s easy to find one-of-kind clothes that fit your own style. This is also a very sustainable way to find stylish clothes. Every year, 84% of clothing end up in landfills. By thrifting, you can help in cutting down the number of clothes that go to waste, too.
The key to thrift shopping like a pro is to create a list of the clothes that you want even before stepping into any second-hand store. Then, you need to have patience and flexibility. Do not just settle for the first cute find you will see. Try to look around just to check if there are other options. As well, it is better to go for clothes that are on the larger side as they are easier to alter to fit your size.
Support Start-Ups
If you’re looking for a more unique look, another way to have a standout look is by supporting start-up fashion brands. Not only do smaller start-up brands have unique designs that are easier to personalize, but Vogue Business also states that these brands are driving the entire fashion industry to rethink how things are done. This is because fashion start-ups tend to go to more ethical clothing manufacturers to create their clothing lines, or they make them themselves. Fashion start-ups are also keen on improving their environmental impact and adopting responsible business growth.
When looking for fashion start-up brands to support, researching is key. These brands tend to use social media platforms, particularly Instagram, as their primary marketing tools. This should not be surprising since 71% of consumers say that social media affects their purchasing decisions. As such, browsing through social media platforms is a good way to go when looking for start-up brands to support. Look for brands that are in line with your personal style so that at the end of the day, you still end up with a cohesive wardrobe.
Try DIY Kits
The main point of DIY fashion is to do things yourself, so it’s good to also learn how to alter your clothing and accessories – things like sewing patches, tie-dyeing shirts, and adding beads and studs to your existing clothes will go a long way in revamping your old clothes. Honing the skills and acquiring materials for your DIY projects are easier these days as well. There are countless websites dedicated to DIY tutorials, and DIY kits are also available online.
One tip is to start with easier projects. Learning new skills takes time, so if you’re new to sewing or quilting or knitting, don’t expect to be an expert at it on your first go. Look for tutorials done by experts, ideally those with detailed explanations. Finally, instead of splurging on new materials, try looking around your home for anything that you can use, such as old clothes and fabrics that you can repurpose.
Following these simple DIY fashion tips is a good way to show your style without breaking the bank. Moreover, DIY-ing your own fashion helps you live more sustainably. With a little bit of patience and creativity, you are surely able to come up with a wardrobe that is undeniably you.
5 Unique Ways to Style Star Hoop Earrings to Jazz Up Your Looks
Uncovering your True Self
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and feel like you’re stagnating. While it can be tempting to focus on the external, such as your job or relationships, it's equally important to make time to get to know yourself better. Knowing yourself can help you be more mindful and make conscious decisions that align with your values. Here are some tips for women over 40 who want to learn more about themselves.
Take Time To Reflect
It's important to take some time each day (or even each week) to reflect on where you are in life. Ask yourself questions such as “what have I achieved recently?” or “what did I do well today?” Taking the time to think deeply about your life will help you understand your current situation and reflect on how far you’ve come since this journey began. Additionally, by reflecting on what works and what doesn't, you can start making intentional changes that lead towards a happier future.
Explore Your Interests
Take the time to explore different interests and activities that bring joy into your life. Whether it's painting, cooking, running, yoga or something else entirely, try out new hobbies and see which ones stick! Don't feel pressured to commit if something isn't working out—just let it go and find something else that resonates with you better. The most important thing is just getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things!
Find Your Tribe
Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about being exactly who you are! Find friends who share similar interests as yours or those who have different perspectives that challenge your own beliefs. Having a strong support system is essential for personal growth so don't be afraid to reach out and make connections! Hopefully you will join our Challenge and meet some great people.
Getting to know yourself better is essential for personal growth and fulfillment in life. Take some time every day or week for reflection, explore different hobbies and interests, and find people who make you feel supported no matter what – these are all key components of self-discovery! If nothing else helps, remember one thing – you're exactly where you need to be right now. Embrace the journey ahead because there will always be something wonderful waiting around the corner if only we remain open-minded enough to accept it!
Our New You Challenge is all about Uncovering your true self. Won't you join us?
Adorable Teddy Bear Necklace: To Inflate the Beauty of Your Little One
To most little ones, a teddy bear necklace means security and love. However, the symbolic meaning of a teddy bear necklace can also be tenderness, humanity, and care. A teddy bear reminds us how people need to open their hearts to be more understanding and gentle.
Teddy bear necklaces for kids do not just make great accessories but stylish and exclusive gifts for Christmas, Birthdays, and other occasions. The reason they make perfect gifts for inflating the beauty of the little ones is because of their high commemorative value.
Some designs of teddy bear necklaces and their features are as follows:
Gold Teddy Bear Necklace
The gold teddy bear necklace is a novelty charm finished with textured details and glossy polish. The necklaces made using pure rose gold and available in a choice of 10 to 14 Karat gold make a perfect choice.
Let your little one shine bright and create a dazzling appearance with a teddy bear necklace in gold. It is a kind of jewelry that will surely steal the show when combined with matching earrings.
Sterling Silver Teddy Bear Pendant Necklace Set
This, made using sterling silver, is elegant jewelry for kids, specifically girls. Pendant and necklace sets in this category consist of a pendant, a necklace, and an earring set. They make the perfect gift for birthdays and are great for surprising new parents.
However, when going for a sterling silver teddy bear pendant and necklace set, choose items with a special anti-tarnish coating. That's because pieces of jewelry coated with special anti-tarnish polish are good at preserving their shine and luster for a very long time.
At the same time, take good care of these pieces if you really want them to inflate the beauty of your little one for a very long time. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals and corrosive liquids to keep the pieces scratch-free and shining. And since you are buying them for little kids, make sure they are lead and nickel free, absolutely safe, and non-allergic.
Just the Teddy Bear Pendant
Teddy bear pendants make the perfect gift for little girls because they are something that the girls can carry around with them always. There's no one who does not like a teddy bear. They imbue joy and warmth into babies and thus make the ideal choice of accessory for the little darlings.
The best thing about the teddy bear pendant is that it goes with every kind of dress that you choose for your little one. And yes, it works for all occasions as well. You will not have to make major sacrifices to ensure that the pendant works well for any event you carry your little one along.
A child's introduction to the world is valuable. You can make it more noteworthy by deciding to give adornments to the little one. Gems are a gift that is constantly loved not at all like other gift choices. Moreover, you have so many gems to browse yet the primary disarray lies by the way you will pick the ideal one for the child.
You really want to remember a few significant variables like - the plan, size, and solace.
Solace plays a significant component as the child's skin is sensitive. From birthday events to the naming function, and from baby neck bands to infant kid accessories, you can pick lots of plans in pieces of jewelry.
Pick The Right Accessory Size
At the point when you want to purchase child jewelry, you'll need to remember the right size. You can get a size that you wish in tweaked choices. It ought not be too large or too little relying upon your need.
There are accessories accessible that can be changed likewise. Thus, you can pick a size greater and change it. It means quite a bit to adhere to a possible size.
A more modest size could hurt the child and a size greater could break. Besides, you can gauge the size and afterward pick it as a gift choice.
Actually look at The Material
You want to ensure that the material you pick is proper. It ought to be produced using hypoallergenic materials as that won't hurt the child in any capacity.
A great many people pick gold or real silver as a choice. The jewelry material can have a gamble of a hypersensitive response. In the event that your child's skin is super delicate, you should accept exceptional consideration in choosing the material for a jewelry.
In the event that you don't focus on the material of the jewelry, then, at that point, you ought to get it done the following time you get it for your little one.
Wellbeing of The Neckband
It is critical to screen a youngster that is under three years old. In the event that it is for a newborn child, you need to check continually. Yet, in the event that the kid is under three years, you ought to keep a beware of the kid after each couple of hours.
Never leave the youngster unattended for extended periods of time. Assuming that the accessory breaks because of any explanation and your little one swallows it? You don't believe that should occur, right.
You want to eliminate the jewelry when your child is resting or in the vehicle seat. Oversight is significant, as it will make you sure that your kid is protected.
Track down The Right baby jewelry,
On the off chance that you're looking for an ideal child kid neckband or child young lady jewelry, then you will get numerous choices on the web. The reach in neck bands is perfect and you can get season limits.
The most amazing aspect of purchasing from an internet based gems store is; the fast reaction and item ensure. Also, you can browse the choices by taking a gander at the item pictures.
BABY JEWELRY is Significant
It might gauge a gram or less, yet the heaviness of feelings it conveys is generally boundless. In straightforward words, gems for infants/kids is the most significant gift any parent can propose to their little one, simply close to the endowment of life and the endowment of good childhood.
Among the accessible choices with top brands and dealers, knick knacks made in valuable metals like child gold adornments and silver knickknacks go the distance and significance.
With absolutely customized choices like name arm bands, individualized accessories, mother and kid matching adornments and so on the importance of gems for children amplifies breathtakingly.
ENCAPSULATION OF A TIMELESS BOND
Toys may keep going for a couple of years however child gems will constantly endure forever. Multitudinous societies and civilizations across the world venerate the endowment of gems upon entering the world as an impression of an immortal connection among parent and kid, great guardians and their grandkids, obligation of more distant family with the freshest part and that's just the beginning.
Along these lines, each time your kid views this valuable gift as they develop, they will know that they are so significant to their folks and family.
BABY JEWELRY ARE Commendable Legacies
Passing down to your kid what your folks had introduced to you at your introduction to the world is a heavenly inclination. Child gold gems and, surprisingly, those created in silver make amazing legacies that maintain additional esteem as they age.
Adornments encrusted with valuable/semi-valuable jewels additionally qualify as immortal treasures regardless of whether they are not set in valuable metals. These choices might require somewhat more support in correlation with unadulterated valuable metals, however merit the venture.
Inspirational tones AND Assurance FROM EVIL
In many cultures around the world, baby jewelry is associated with protection from evil vibes and destructive energies. Charms, Hostile stare gems and unadulterated iron bangles are a couple among the large numbers to specify.
Pendants, anklets and child gold rings with engraved favors are normal gifts given by relatives to babies in many societies. It offers a good feeling to overpowered guardians that constantly stress over the fate of their youngster.
Sensitive YET Solid
There is generally a message in the gift you provide for your kid. With regards to adornments for infants, the message you pass on is that your kid is consistently more grounded than they look… very much like the bits of little knickknacks that seem fragile however rarely break or twist under tension.
Guardians right now are showing a huge tendency towards Lord Child Adornments to embrace and mirror the fragile yet solid message.
While it is difficult to evaluate the flood motivations to experience passionate feelings for child gems, the value and pertinence of these small knick knacks is in every case more when bought from and individualized by perceived and respectable brands/merchants. Along these lines, you will have the confirmation of immaculateness and wellbeing for your priceless little dear baby consistently.
Conclusion
Teddy bear necklace collections are generally made up of pieces in various metals like 18 karat gold and sterling silver. You can even find necklaces and pendants with gemstones, including diamonds and spinel. They are the most precious jewelry pieces for their special beauty and brilliance.
Applying These Ten Tips Will Make Starting a Beauty Business in 2023 Smoother
When most individuals consider beauty brands, they imagine attractive models with perfect makeup and hairdos.
But despite the glitz and glam we see on Instagram daily, starting a business, producing fantastic products, and finding a unique name for your business are very difficult, especially in the beauty industry, and most first-time founders face stiff odds.
To build an appealing beauty company, you'll need a lot of zeal and creativity, excellent people skills, unwavering devotion, and a fundamental knowledge of your industry. All these are the essentials for starting a successful beauty business in the market.
And, of course, there are some other things you should know as an entrepreneur wanting to enter the beauty industry but don't worry because today, we'll be revealing them step by step.
Let’s now look at what to do when starting your beauty business.
Ten Areas to Build on When Launching Your Beauty Business
1. Create an Exciting Identity and a Reliable Name
In the beauty market, your brand is your most visible and acknowledged asset. Customers are more inclined to favor a firm because of its brand than its products or services.
As a result, you must devote sufficient time to grasping your beauty brand's guiding values, distinct features, vision, and mission statements.
Gathering this information can help you quickly develop an engaging tone and come up with an attractive business name that aligns with the essence of your company. And once you’ve found a good brand name, don’t forget to get a suitable premium domain name that matches it.
2. Improve Your Online Presence
The effectiveness of a beauty business's social media presence impacts its success or failure. Every new beauty company must embrace social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, to establish a strong foundation for long-term online success.
Many of your customers enjoy using social media, creating an opportunity for your business to interact with most of your clients. Get people's attention on social media by providing entertaining, engaging, and information-rich material on your products and business.
3. Use Innovative and Creative Marketing Strategies
Advertising is a tried-and-true method of spreading the word about businesses and their new offerings.
But instead of using advertisements in the normal way, make your commercials current, amusing, and informative so that they would get the attention of anyone who sees it, and people would know a thing or two about your brand.
4. Keep Your Beauty Brand at the Leading Edge
Hundreds of cosmetics companies have previously introduced similar items and engaged in activities similar to yours. However, one way to stand out from the crowd is to offer clients a one-of-a-kind product that solves their growing needs at that time or take a different approach to the industry.
Clients are constantly searching for something new and exciting, as well as the next business to show them something they’ve never seen before.
5. Be Known for Appreciating Your Customers
The simplest way to build a positive relationship with your customers is through effective communication. Make it a point to show your customers how much you respect and value their support and feedback.
You could even reward long-term clients for sticking with your brand or endorsing it online. Well-known beauty businesses care about their clients and ensure they address their issues and exceed their expectations.
6. Recognize Your Audience’s Interests
Customers like businesses that support their beliefs and share their values. Therefore, prioritizing and accepting your customers' ideas and opinions will make your business even more desirable to them.
And it’s not just about saying it. You have to walk the walk just as much as you talk the talk. You don't have to imitate another brand's marketing strategy; instead, focus on being authentic while engaging with your customers.
7. Choose Your Niche Wisely
Unless your company is already well-known, concentrating entirely on one area is the most efficient way to establish a trustworthy brand and expand your client base in the enormous beauty industry.
Choose your specialty with discretion, as an obscure niche might limit the growth of your new venture. Meanwhile, stiff rivalry in a well-known and saturated field could choke your young business.
8. Find Excellent Partners
Most businesses today value having experienced and trusted partners. This is because, while you concentrate on the most critical areas of your business, you may delegate any of your company’s promotional, technical or other duties to your partners.
Your partners can provide monetary support, offer testing labs for your products, manage your e-commerce site, and deliver orders. Your business will grow quicker with the right partners than without them.
9. Examine the Products You're Selling With Care
Before releasing your items to clients, thoroughly test them with a qualified team to ensure they fulfill your performance and safety criteria. Recalling your beauty products because they endanger your customers is the most embarrassing—but necessary—action you will have to take if you forego this step.
Imagine Claire's embarrassment when they recalled her eye shadows for asbestos contamination.
10. Look Into Failed Beauty Companies
Beauty companies fail for a variety of avoidable reasons, and it's vital to understand why previous beauty ventures in your industry failed. This can help you avoid making the same mistakes and develop a successful branding plan.
Grant Polachek is the head of branding for Squadhelp.com, 3X Inc 5000 startup and disruptive naming agency. Squadhelp has reviewed more than 1 million names and curated a collection of the best available names on the web today. We are also the world's leading crowdsource naming platform, supporting clients from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies.
8 Sustainable Must-Have Items When Traveling
On April 13, 2022, over a thousand scientists staged a worldwide protest to bring attention to the worsening climate crisis. The accumulation of decades upon decades of greenhouse gases has led to extreme weather conditions and the worsening of the earth’s condition.
At this point, even the smallest step towards saving the planet counts. Everyone must do their part to preserve the environment and save the only home we have in the universe.
For instance, people who love to travel can contribute greatly in curbing the fast-paced deterioration of the planet. How, you ask? Read on to find out!
Sustainable Items to Bring on Your Next Travel
Big changes start from simple things. Case in point, adapting zero trash tourism.
Here are eight sustainable items that you should bring on your upcoming trips;
Ditch the paper cups and plastic bottles. If you find water bottles too bulky to bring, try collapsible water bottles instead. This type of bottle is designed to make it easier and convenient to carry around everywhere. You can fit them even in your bag because it doesn’t take much space. Best of all, you can wash them and reuse them for your next trip. You can even bring collapsible water bottles with you at work, at the gym, or in picnics.
People tend to carry packets of shampoos and bottles upon bottles of conditioners, lotions, and toothpastes. Depending on the duration of their trip, these containers end up being discarded in the trash. Worse, some are so inconsiderate that they simply toss used toiletry bottles into nearby bodies of water.
Don’t be like these tourists. Instead, opt for solid toiletries that you can bring home with you and continue using on your next trip. Shampoo bars, cleansing balms, natural tooth brushing powder, and deodorant sticks are examples of eco-friendly alternatives to your usual toiletries.
As eco bags became more popular, so did portable and reusable bags. Instead of contributing to the growing piles of plastic bags that take years to decompose, do the environment a favor and stock up on reusable bags. Whether these are eco bags or foldable variants that you can fit into your bag pocket, these reusable bags will surely come in handy. You can use them to store used clothes, toiletries, or even take them with you when you go shopping for souvenirs.
For those who need to bring eye drops or any other type of eye treatment with them wherever they go, there are eco-friendly containers for eye treatments that you can purchase. These containers are made of biomass plastic derived from plants and high-polymer materials. What makes biomass plastic an ideal item to carry during trips is they are practical, essential in neutralizing carbon emissions in the atmosphere, and promotes the use of renewable energy and resources.
Carrying reusable utensils on your trip makes a huge difference. Aside from the fact that spoons and forks made of plastic hardly help slice big chunks of food into smaller bits, reusing them for future use is not advisable. After all, plastic utensils are typically meant to be used once. In contrast, using a bamboo or metal dining set is safe to be reused multiple times. You also diminish the amount of trash you throw out after each meal. How difficult could it be to wash your utensils after use, anyway?
Does your itinerary include visiting your destination’s local marketplace? If so, then bring some mesh bags with you for all the fresh produce you’ll be purchasing. Mesh bags help keep fruits and vegetables from getting spoiled. Also, they’ll make quite the colorful statement with all the healthy shades of greens, purples, yellows, oranges and reds peeking out of your mesh tote.
Cloth pads and diapers are more comfortable and skin-friendly than the usual synthetic ones sold in supermarkets. Similar to the reusable containers and bags recommended earlier in this list, these cloth alternatives make them perfect for reusing. All you need to do is give them a good wash after use and store them in a cool and dry area to keep them sterilized and safe for reuse.
Whether you are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to protect your uneven skin tone, moisturize your skin, tint your lips with the perfect eye-catching shade, or brighten your eyes with the right mascara, eye shadow, and eye liner, nothing beats looking beautiful while doing your part to save the earth. There are several eco-friendly beauty brands worth checking out. Take the time to explore these brands and find one that suits your skincare requirements.
Tourism is sadly among the industries who are the biggest contributors of pollution to the world. As such, while traveling and exploring the whole world is quite a majestic journey to take on, it’s best not to forget one’s responsibility to keep the surroundings clean and uphold the safety of other living beings.
Break Free From the “Beauty Standard”
There should be no such thing as a “beauty standard”, everyone is beautiful in their own way. There is no way to compare beauty or set a standard for women. However, in today’s society, it can be very hard to remember that. We look at people on social media, in movies, and all around us and wonder what “beauty” really looks like. According to a research by Dove, “only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful.” That statistic is upsetting to hear, so we want to share some tips we found to make sure you start embracing your beauty and start feeling more confident.
Get Off of Social Media
Social media is addicting and can have a strong impact on your mental health. Photos of influencers and models can get into your head and make you think that they perfectly fit society’s “beauty standards” and that you have to look like them to be beautiful. This is not true. Social media has been linked to many mental health issues, especially in young women. Try to detox from social media every once in a while. Taking a little break from social media will help you live in the moment more and focus on what is important, which is yourself. Try tracking your time spent on social media and taking a look at how much of your day you are spending on your phone. Maybe for a week try to cut that time in half and see how you feel. It could be a game changer for your daily life and habits as well as your mental health.
Do Not Compare
No two people look identical, so why would we compare? Your main goal should be to be, look, and feel like the best you possible. When you’re looking at yourself and think you want to make changes, it’s important for you to stop and think, am I living a healthy life? Am I living a happy life? If your answer to both of these questions is yes, then why would you compare it to someone else? You do not look like anyone else, but that's the beauty of it. Take some time alone to focus on yourself and not the people around you. Having some alone time and time to reflect can help you get out of your head especially when you can not spot the comparison in your mind.
Embrace Your Beauty
Let your natural beauty shine through. A lot of women have so many things they want to change about themselves. However, you should lean into your differences. You may see your skin breaking out from your strenuous makeup routine, or your hair damaged from using heat styling products. Instead, embrace your natural hair and prioritize your skin health. Find a nighttime skincare routine that works for you to keep you feeling fresh and clear. Do the same with your hair. Embrace your natural hair when it is full and healthy. If you find that your hair isn’t full, but rather thinning, one habit that might help you to improve it’s health is taking a once-daily hair loss pill. Consult a medical professional to see if it would work for you. With healthy hair and clear skin, you will start to feel more confident and feel beautiful from the inside out.
Speak Kindly About Yourself
The voice inside your head is the voice you hear the most, so what it’s saying to you every day is important. If you are unsure of how to change your internal voice or your thoughts try these beauty affirmation journals to help prompt you. Affirmations can change your mindset which will help you feel more confident and calm as you go through your day. Focus on the part of yourself that you love and try to grow more confident in the other areas that you might want to change. Confidence is gorgeous and the more you believe that you are beautiful, the more beauty you radiate to the people around you.
Everyone is beautiful in their own way and there should be no “beauty standard” that you feel like you have to live up to. If you are struggling to feel beautiful we hope some of our tips and tricks help you. Together let's try to get rid of the “beauty standard” and find our own beauty.
The stories behind the sustainable clothing at Steel Pony
We were so excited to be featured in the WHYY show You Oughta Know and want to show you the segment. So here it is.
The Beginner's Guide to Smart Home Assistants
Are you ready to upgrade to a smart home? From smart light bulbs to thermostats and security systems, there’s plenty of devices available on the market. One of these is a smart home assistant, that can control other devices linked to the same network.
If you're just getting started with smart home assistants, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. With so many options to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? This guide will help make your decision easier, by outlining the benefits, as well as looking at the main two devices on the market today.
What is a smart home?
A smart home is one that connects the tech in your home with your Wi-Fi network to conveniently control different aspects of your home, such as your heating.
Usually, you can control the tech through voice control as well as through an app on your smartphone or tablet.
Pros of smart home assistants
- Convenience. As already mentioned, you can control your appliances easily through either voice-activation or an app on your device.
- Information. Your smart home gadget will be able to quickly provide an accurate list of data on your home, such as a full history of activity on your smart security camera. For smart energy meters, you can quickly find out how much gas and electricity you are using. This can help you take control of your usage and keep bills down.
- Automation. Although slightly time-consuming at the start, you can set up routines and rules for your smart assistants to action automatically. For example, when your security sensor is triggered by you entering your home, you can set a rule for the lights to turn on.
Of course, using smart home technology does require some digital ability, but most of these devices come with easy to follow instructions, and they’re designed for everyone to access.
Popular smart home assistants
Photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash
There are currently two main smart home assistants that are leading the market, the Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant. Both offer models at different price points, so it can be hard to know which option to go for. Let’s look at a comparison below.
Speech
Alexa and Assistant are both activated by 'wake words' – 'Ok, Google' or 'Hey Google,' for the Assistant, while the Amazon Alexa allows you to select from a set of wake words from the app.
When it comes to the AI conversation between you both, there really isn't much difference. Both assistants are good at understanding follow-up questions, as well as interpreting the context around situations.
Functions
When it comes to performing functions around your house and collating information for you, the two are closely tied. For Google, the Assistant has an extensive knowledge graph, meaning a faster rate of providing information when you need it. However, Amazon's Alexa is showing rapid growth, with easy information access on the rise.
In terms of connecting to the rest of your devices in your smart home, the assistants are again divided. For Google, their number of services means ease of access. For example, Google Express allows for easy purchasing of items online that are delivered to your door. It also features a Digital Wellbeing service, helping you to take a break and enjoy some 'me time.'
For Alexa, there are obviously tight integrations with Amazon services, meaning easy ordering through Prime, as well as music playback and reminders.
To sum up
Smart assistants, once you’re used to how they work, can become invaluable in making your everyday life easier and less time consuming. Both of the main brands are good options, so think about the services you already have subscriptions for, and start your decision there.
4 Ways to Help your Brain Stay Young
As we age, it's normal for our brain to change. But that doesn't mean we have to just accept these changes – there are things we can do to help keep our brain healthy and functioning well. Here are four ways to help your brain stay young:
1) Exercise regularly –
Most people are aware that exercise is good for their physical health, but not everyone realizes the benefits that exercise can have for brain health. Research has shown that regular exercise can help to improve cognitive function, memory, and brain plasticity. Furthermore, exercise has been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related dementias. So, if you want to keep your mind sharp as you age, be sure to get some exercise into your daily routine. Brain health isn’t all about mental exercise though – physical activity is essential as well. So get out there and start moving! BTW Dancing is exercise!
2) Eat a healthy diet –
Eating nutrient-rich foods is important for both the body and the brain. Make sure you're including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats in your diet.
3) Stay mentally active – Puzzles, cross
As we age, it's important to stay mentally active in order to keep our brains healthy. One way to do this is by doing puzzles and brainteasers. Crosswords are a great option, as they can be done solo or with others. They're also portable, so you can take them with you on the go. Brainteasers like Sudoku and Kaboom are also good options. These can be done alone or with family and friends. Not only are they fun, but they help to keep your mind sharp. So next time you're looking for something to do, consider solving a puzzle or two. It's good for your brain! My friend from Galaxy Puzzles has some great ones. Check her out HERE
4.) Take some time for relaxation and stress relief every day
Relaxation and stress relief are important for brain health. When we're stressed, our brains go into "survival mode" and all non-essential functions are put on hold. This means that we're not able to think as clearly, our memories are affected, and we're more susceptible to anxiety and depression. Taking even just a few minutes out of our day to relax can help to reduce stress levels and improve our overall brain health. There are a number of ways to relax, including yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, and reflexology. Find what works for you and make relaxation a part of your daily routine. Your brain will thank you for it!
Of course our comfy clothing are a natural for relaxing in...Find out what's new HERE
Have some other suggestions? Comment below.