Tomorrow is National Hydration Day: Beach Goers Prioritize Packing Snacks More Than Water

 

Tomorrow is National Hydration Day (June 23), and it’s important to remind others to drink plenty of fluids - especially under the hot summer sun. 

MedStar Health recently conducted a

survey and found that beach goers are more likely to pack snacks (78%) than water (60%). 

Skipping out on H2O can lead to major health risks, here are a few things you can do to make sure your body is healthy and full of fluids: 

Be Aware of Dehydration Symptoms 

Nobody is immune to the risks of not staying hydrated enough, which is why it’s important to be aware of symptoms that can easily sneak up on you: 

• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Drowsiness 
• Muscle cramps 
• Dry mouth/skin 

Set Reminders To Regularly Hydrate During The Day

Health experts recommend that an adequate fluid intake is equivalent to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (around half a gallon). Write out reminders on post-it notes or type them into your phone. After following these reminders for a while, they’ll likely become a habit that you’ll practice without even thinking about it.

Make Your Water Tasty 

If you avoid drinking water because you find the taste a little bland, you can add flavor with fresh fruit like berries, lemon or cucumber slices.

Eat Water-rich Fruits and Vegetables

There are lots of fruits and vegetables that have a high water content, such as: watermelon, peaches, pineapple, strawberries, zucchini, tomatoes, and cucumber. Add these to your diet and stay hydrated all summer long! 

I never go anywhere without water. I have a constant nasal drip which makes me very thirsty so I drink a ton of water but my new favorite is !Cactus! Organic Cactus Water. The Desert Hydrator It is so good.

Why Obituaries Are So Famous?

Although they have become a staple of mass media, obituaries aren't just about passing on information: they're also a form of identity politics, aligning the reader with the deceased. The idea of 'ordinary' lives is reversed by the broadsheet obituaries, in which the dead are usually people of color. So what makes obituaries so unique?

'Ordinary Lives' reverses imagined community.

'Ordinary Lives' is an engaging, thought-provoking novel that challenges the community's very idea. While Anderson claims that community is a product of uneven development, Nairn focuses on class, national, and local forms of resistance. He rejects the idea of common humanity or universal forms of resistance. Unfortunately, both approaches are flawed, and the novel's sweeping conclusions are problematic.

Obituaries capture the spirit of the deceased.

There are many things to consider when writing an obituary. One of the most important is how the author captures the deceased's spirit and essence. As you read through the obituary, you will notice that it's well written and captures the deceased's soul. Here are some tips:

The obituary captures the life of the deceased powerfully. If the dead are outgoing people, they want their obituary to be warm and uplifting. You can do this by including critical biographical details. Like Minneapolis Star tribune obituaries, the obituary will paint a picture of the deceased's character and point out his positive attributes and dedication to his family and community.

Obituaries feature LGBTQ people.

Since the AIDS epidemic broke out, obituaries in mainstream newspapers have mostly ignored the plight of gay men and lesbians. They do not even mention that the person was gay; they state that they died of AIDS or other causes. And they rarely list their surviving partners' names. Instead, the cause of death is listed as pneumocystis pneumonia or Kaposi's sarcoma. But in the case of gay men and lesbians, their obituaries often contain revealing personal anecdotes about the deceased and their loved ones.

While an obituary is a standard way to remember a loved one, it can also add to family drama. Although it is possible to chalk up some of the complaints to family tension, it is still an insult to the deceased's loved ones. And excluding a loved one based on sexuality is a deplorable and unjust practice. But thankfully, there are several methods of recognizing and dealing with these situations.

Obituaries feature world leaders.

Obituaries are an excellent way to memorialize a person's life. The most notable examples are those who made an impact on world history or who influenced current events. The obituaries of these people are often beautifully written, making them an ideal choice for the obituary section of The New York Times. Nevertheless, the obituaries of world leaders can also be beautiful and ethereal.

Unlike biographical facts, feature obituaries focus on the life of the deceased. Such a narrative is not easily achieved through biographical facts. Instead, feature obituaries integrate facts and compelling anecdotes into the story, telling the reader a complete picture of the person. While most feature obituaries highlight the achievements of extraordinary people, the "common man/woman" feature obituaries look for the exceptional in ordinary people.

Making Dandelion Play Dough

 A yard full of dandelions means it is time to make some Dandelion Play Dough for my preschool class to play with. 

It was really easy and my class loved playing with it. 

We picked a basket full of flowers. Get rid of as much of the green from the flower that you can. 

We put them in a blender with a little bit of water and puréed it. 

Then I added water, flour, salt, oil and cream of tarter. 

And work it until it is the consistency of play dough! 

Preschool Works Of Art

 Last week for letter W I had my class paint a nighttime sky. We used blues and purples. They painted anyway they wanted. When dry we used a toothbrush to add some white stars far away in the sky then glued a wolf silhouette. I love the way them came out. 

Helpful Tips for Talking to Your Kids About Divorce

Divorce is never easy on anyone, especially the children. Even the most amicable of breakups are never quite as agreeable for kids and this is why we must understand the dos and don’ts of talking to our children about divorce. As difficult as it will be for you, remember that they are young people with little experience in the hurt of the world. Your world may be turning upside down, but theirs is going in cartwheels. Keep that in mind when discussing what life will look like going forward.

Honesty Is ALWAYS the Best Policy

One thing most children seem to do is somehow blame themselves for the problems mom and dad are experiencing. You want to avoid this at all costs so the important thing to do is be as honest as possible without going into all the particulars. For example, if mom or dad had an affair, you don’t need to tell them that! You could honestly say you are no longer getting along but that will not interfere with their love for them.

Reassure Them That You Will BOTH Be Active in Their Lives

You have probably heard this a million and one times in your life, even before you knew a breakup was imminent. However, it is one of the things kids want to hear. Don’t make them pick and choose sides! In fact, according to the Simon Law Group in New Jersey, co-parenting is the perfect solution if you can reach an agreement. 

It goes beyond shared custody in that both parents must, by reason of the decree, be equally active in all things pertaining to the children. This is from financial support to housing to education and everything in between. Coparenting is one of the most effective ways of keeping kids from experiencing pain and trauma.

Let Them Talk As Needed

There is something else you should be aware of when trying to understand the best way of talking to your kids about your divorce. The operative phrase here is ‘talking to,’ not ‘talking at’ the children. This means that you also need to listen to them and their concerns. Try not to shut them down just because it is too painful for you to bear. Sadly, that’s what you signed up for when you decided to parent those children, so let them voice their concerns. How you answer them matters, so answer them honestly and at a level they can comprehend.

Remember, divorce is a family matter, and it affects everyone involved. What many parents seem to forget is that children are involved as well. It may be emotionally more than you can handle at this time, but for the kids, it might be more than they can handle for the rest of their lives. Be honest, gentle, and reassuring. At least in this, you could still make an effort to work together. They are, after all, the children of both parents so let’s keep it that way in everything you do and say.

Thanks to engin akyurt @enginakyurt for making this photo available freely on Unsplash 🎁
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Lyme Prevention Starts at Home. Be prepared!

·       Create a tick kit for your family for use at home and make another for travel. Necessary items include a fine-tipped tweezer, alcohol pads, magnifier, and antibiotic ointment. Or, purchase a readymade kit, the TickEase Tick-Kit, that also includes tick ID, health risk assessment and tick testing info.

·       Remember to wear light-colored long sleeves and pants when in long grass areas

·       Tuck your pant legs into socks, especially if walking or hiking in wooded areas

·       Wear a bug repellent with DEET on your skin and Permethrin on your clothing to keep ticks away

Tick Safety in Your Yard

·       Clear tall grass and brush at the edge of the lawn and create a 3-foot barrier between lawns and wooded areas with wood chips, mulch, or gravel 

·       Cut lawn frequently and keep leaves raked because ticks prefer moist leafy areas rather than sunny open spaces

·       Locate patios and playground equipment in a sunny location, away from wooded areas

 

Tick Safety for Your Dog

·       After walking in wooded areas brush your dog vigorously and do a thorough tick check

·       Have your dog wear a permethrin-treated bandana, i.e. the TickEase Bandana to help repel ticks and other insects. 

·       Quickly remove embedded ticks from pets to reduce the chance of infection. The TickEase tweezer makes tick removal quick and easy as holding down a squirmy pet can be tricky.

Thanks to Erik Karits @erik_karits for making this photo available freely on Unsplash 🎁
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4 Useful Tips to Keep Your Home Tidy

 

Sometimes it can seem as if the mess builds up out of nowhere. No matter how much you wish your home was spotless, it somehow manages to slide back into chaos as soon as you turn your back. It isn't an uncommon phenomenon; life can get on top of you and push tidying out of your list of priorities. When the mess builds up past a certain point it can make it even more difficult to start the process of tidying and the procrastination creates a vicious cycle. Here you will find tips on how to break out of this cycle and keep up with the maintenance of a consistently tidy home.

 

1. Tidy As You Go

 

After completing a deep clean of your home, you will likely want to avoid having to do it again in the future. A great way to avoid this is to tidy as you go. Instead of leaving your belongings around the house and waiting until a quiet day to tidy every room, simply put items away when you have finished using them. This is much simpler and quicker thanplanning a day or weekend of intensive tidying.

 

2. Give Everything Its Place

 

Each item in your home should have a place it belongs to. For example, your kitchen utensils have designated drawers, so why shouldn't your keys or receipts? Take note of which items in particular you tend to misplace or find cluttering up your home, then choose somewhere appropriate for them to stay when not in use. Instead of keeping your paperwork piled up in the corner of a room, figure out a simple filing solution. When everything has its place, it's easier to find an item if it goes missing. If you can't find a place for something that you don't want to get rid of, consider Morespace Storage at morespacestorage.co.uk to keep belongings somewhere safe and out of the way.

 

3. Donate Unwanted Items

 

If you find that there are many unwanted and unused items in your home that take up too much space, consider giving them to people you know who might appreciate them. Have a cupboard or basket in your home with these items and let guests know that they are welcome to take anything from it when they leave. You could also donate these unwanted items to worthy causes or sell them online to make some money.There are plenty ways to get rid of your clutter without throwing it away.

 

4. Appreciate What You Own

 

When you are able to appreciate and value everything in your home, you can distinguish it from the items that don't need to take up your valuable space. This also helps when considering a new purchase. If you have something similar at home that fulfils the same role, you might think twice about adding an unnecessary object to your home out of impulse. Of course, this also means that if you truly need or want something you will know for sure that it deserves a place in your home.

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5 Reasons You Need a Full-Service Laundry Solution Near You

 

Handling laundry needs in your home can prove hectic when you lack time and space. Seeking professional help, therefore, becomes paramount. The availability of laundry cleaning services can offer the solution you need. Here is how full-service laundry solutions can prove beneficial to your home.

Time-Saving

Note that balancing your job and cleaning needs in your home can be hard without help. However, you save time handling your cleaning needs with a full-service laundry solution. You get time to concentrate on other needs while meeting your cleaning expectations through the services provided by the professionals.

A Convenient Solution

As you get busy or incapacitated, handling laundry and other cleaning needs in your home can be hard. You get inconvenienced in many ways when you fail to maintain high cleanliness standards in your home. This is, however, different when you hire Clean Go Solutions as you avoid the stress of moving around looking for cleaning services.

You Get Organized

After the professionals take your laundry, expect them to deliver it back after organizing it. You find everything, including the socks, in the right place in your home. They clean, fold and arrange your laundry as instructed. Hiring full-service laundry solutions makes it easier to organize your home and increase its comfort.

Effective Cleaning Technology

The technology used by these services can help meet your expectations fast. Besides the team of experienced professionals, your home gets to utilize the state of the art technology and equipment to achieve laundry solutions. You get long-term results when you rely on highly effective cleaning technology.

You Get a Brand New Look

Getting a brand new look is another reason you need a full-service laundry solution in your home. The experts you hire can give your clothes a new look. The skills, experience, and technology give the best results fast. You easily take care of the fabrics and colors, making your clothes remain clean and functional for a long time.

The decision to hire a full-service cleaning solutions could prove beneficial to your home in many ways. You keep your home organized, increase your productivity by saving time and give your home a new look in the end. The reasons above should encourage you to hire a full-service laundry solution.

Thanks to Annie Spratt @anniespratt for making this photo available freely on Unsplash 🎁
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Desirable Gifts To Take To A Baby Shower

 

 

 

 

When your best friend or family member is pregnant, it is an exciting time. If you have been invited to the baby shower, it can be a bit tricky to know which gifts to bring, especially if you have never attended one before or don't have kids. What do new parents want? 

Parents to be can never have enough baby clothes and bibs. Rest assured, the baby will have enough cuddly toys. However, you may want to get them something different that they will need. Here is a brief list of what you could give at a baby shower that will be useful. 

Breast pads

It may seem unusual, but any mother-to-be will thank you for gifting her breast pads. Even if she doesn't intend to breastfeed her baby. 

You can get disposable breast pads at any pharmacy, but why not opt for reusable ones? There are many options online made from cotton and bamboo. These options often reduce the likelihood of developing fungal issues. They allow the breast to breathe while also being hygienic. 

Swaddles

Who doesn't love a baby swaddle? They are timeless, functional, and look adorable! These cute baby swaddles will make any parent-to-be coo. While also offering a practical solution for those first few months. 

Look to get a swaddle that is light in color and made from natural material. Once again, cotton and bamboo are your friends here. They are both easy to wash and are reusable as the baby grows.

Room thermometer

Babies cannot regulate their body temperature. So, they almost need a climate-controlled environment to help them sleep and grow. 

There are many room thermometers online that can be a great gift at a baby shower. Many of them can indicate to parents in an instant if the room is too hot or too cold. This is a practical and easy to give gift, that is likely to be accepted with much thanks from parents-to-be.

Toiletries

There are many baby-based toiletry brands online, so it can be tough to choose which item is a must-have. The best option is to get a lotion or cream that is suitable for both mom-to-be and newborns. 

Be sure to get toiletries with a mild scent, preferable hypoallergenic and water-based. Steer clear of anything that is brightly colored or scented. It may also be worth looking for moisturizers that have aloe vera and cocoa butter in them. These can soothe aching muscles and are great for reducing dry skin naturally. They also smell divine, so they will go down a treat.

Pregnancy pillows

Who said the gift at the baby shower has to be solely for the baby? There are great present ideas for moms-to-be to enjoy  as well.  

In the later months of pregnancy, moms-to-be can find it tough to sleep. So, to earn best friend status in an instant, why not opt for a pregnancy pillow? 

This will support the growing bump throughout the later stages of pregnancy. All while helping the mom-to-be get some much-needed rest. Pregnancy pillows can also support aching legs and boobs too. Great for every stage of pregnancy and postnatal. 

Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

Can You Get Out of a Lease Early?

Sometimes things don’t always go as planned and you need to get out of a lease early. Getting out of a lease early can seem like uncharted territory, but it can be possible under certain circumstances. 

How to Get Out of a Lease Early

Getting out of a lease early isn’t typically easy, but there are some ways to maximize your chances. Read the Lease: Focus on the fine print because this is where you will find the penalties and procedures of early termination. Leases generally protect the landlord more than the tenant, so you might owe money to your landlord. 

Communication Is Important: If you need to get out of the lease early, then you need to communicate with your landlord. Some may be more understanding and flexible. You may be able to reason with them before you do anything drastic. 

Get Everything in Writing: If your landlord does agree to end the lease early, then get that information in writing. Verbal agreements can’t be proved if you end up in court and it will be the lease that will prevail. Keep a paper trail if you have ongoing communication with your landlord, especially if there are maintenance issues that mean you need to get out of your lease early. 

Do a Walkthrough before Leaving: Before you leave the property for the final time, make sure you do a walkthrough with your landlord and take photos so you have proof of the state of the property. This will protect you if your landlord wants to sue for damages or keep your deposit.

Avoid Any Assumptions: You don’t want to assume that your deposit is going to cover overdue rent or property damage. Be sure to check local and state guidelines before you assume anything or seek legal advice. 

Get Legal Help: You may need to get legal help if you need to get out of your lease early and have exhausted other options. This is especially important if you think your landlord has acted illegally. 

Reasons to Get Out of Your Lease Early

There are some common reasons why it may be necessary to get out of a lease early. If you are an active-duty military member, then you may need to get out of your lease early if you are deployed. Landlords can be usually understanding in these circumstances. Other reasons to get out of your lease early include your rental unit not being habitable, your landlord enters your home illegally, or you can’t pay rent. 

Does It Cost Money to End Your Lease Early?

There is no set cost associated with ending a lease, but you may be required to pay a significant amount. If you aren’t able to find anyone to take over the lease, then your landlord may say that you have to pay rent until a new renter moves in or your lease is up. It’s possible you could also lose your security deposit if you want to get out of your lease early. 

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