Our Labor Day weekend plans involve a lot of daydreaming about time spent in faraway lands. That said, jet-setting overseas is not always the most budget-friendly of ventures. Enter Airbnb. Our defacto source for exotic home-away-from-homes that are both wildly affordable and unequivocally unique. To that tune, we've cultivated out ultimate wish list of retreats. Since the end of summer kicks up some of the best weather of the year, many of these distinctive getaways are all about embracing the great outdoors.
From a summer ski palace to a Geo Dome in the Catskills, we combed coast to coast for our very favorite swoon-worthy locations. The best part? They won't break your wallet. Take a break from the daily grind and dive into our world tour of affordable Airbnb vacation spots for Labor Day weekend. Whether you're looking to go off-grid completely or just bask in the lap of luxury, these mini escapes are tailor cut to fit any agenda. We'll race you to the booking calendar.
Malibu Safari Tent
Glamping gets an easy yes in our book. This Malibu Safari Tent retreat boasts all the secluded sophistication of an African-style escape. The roomy canvas tent setup even features an en-suite bath and solar heated shower. Location wise, you'll be nestled into a canyon surrounded by the wonder of nature. This is how you recharge.
Chelsea Houseboat
Located on London's iconic Cheyne Walk in Chelsea, the Rudyard Kipling houseboat is a panoramic haven of picturesque views and gorgeous natural light. Stay onboard for some R&R or venture outside for a quick walk to the shops, restaurants, and bars of nearby Kings Road. It's all very Sleepless In Seatle, with an exotic acGeo Domeross the pond twist.
The Perfect Hamptons Location
Get a group of friends to go in on a palatial Hamptons spread. This self-professed perfect location is aptly named by our standards. One of the largest properties in Sag Harbour Village, it features a 60-foot long heated gunite pool. There's really nothing more to say. We're all in.
Secluded In Town Treehouse
Cultivate a Tarzan moment courtesy of this Atlanta treehouse. A suite of three rooms nestled amongst the trees and woodland foliage, the property is surprisingly just minutes from downtown. Recently featured on Treehouse Masters' Ultimate Treehouses, it's a nature lover's dream come true.
Upstate Catskills Geo Dome
Cooking, hiking, swimming, and a visit to the local Farmer's Market...are you sold yet? We're daydreaming of this Upstate Geo Dome abode situated in Woodridge, a rural community located in the southern Catskill mountains. This is the ultimate respite from New York City's hustle.
Without some of milk’s major nutrients, is almond milk worth drinking?
4/5 experts say yes.
This one’s no cold case. Almond milk is a worthy addition to your fridge, according to most of these experts.
Those looking for a dairy-free milk substitute have probably stumbled across almond milk and wondered, “Is almond milk good for you?” Whether you’re a vegan, sensitive to milk or just don’t like the taste, almond milk is a fabulous alternative.
While almond milk is becoming more and more popular, it’s important to note that it doesn’t provide as much protein or calcium to be a complete substitute, so make sure you receive adequate amounts from other sources. One cup only has one gram of protein versus 8 grams in cow’s milk, and 2 milligrams of calcium versus 300 milligrams in cow’s milk.
As with everything you buy, make sure to check the labels and purchase almond milk that contains the least amount of preservatives and other additives.
10 Benefits of Almond Milk
1. It helps with weight management.
One cup of almond milk contains only 60 calories, as opposed to 146 calories in whole milk, 122 calories in 2 percent, 102 calories in 1 percent, and 86 calories in skim. It makes for a great substitute that will help you lose or maintain your current weight.
2. It doesn’t require refrigeration.
Knowing that you don’t have to refrigerate almond milk means you’ll be more likely to take it with you to work, or on a camping trip. It’s perfectly fine at room temperature which makes it a convenient, nutritious staple to pack, automatically upping your daily intake of all the fabulous nutrients above.
3. It keeps your heart healthy.
There’s no cholesterol or saturated fat in almond milk. It’s also low in sodium and high in healthy fats (such as omega fatty acids, typically found in fish), which helps to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease.
4. It keeps your bones strong
While it doesn’t offer as much calcium as cow’s milk, almond milk does offer 30 percent of the recommended daily amount, as well as 25 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin D, reducing your risk for arthritis and osteoporosis and improving your immune function. Plus, these two nutrients work together to provide healthy bones and teeth formation.
5. It keeps your skin glowing.
Almond milk contains 50 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E, which contains antioxidant properties essential to your skin’s health, such as protecting it against sun damage.
6. It barely impacts your blood sugar.
Almond milk (with no additives) is low in carbs, which means it won’t significantly increase your blood sugar levels, reducing your risk for diabetes. Because of its low glycemic index, your body will use the carbs as energy so the sugars aren’t stored as fat (score!).
7. It contributes to muscle strength and healing.
Although almond milk only contains 1 gram of protein per serving, it contains plenty of B vitamins such as iron and riboflavin, both important for muscle growth and healing.
8. It keeps your digestion in check.
Almond milk contains almost one gram of fiber per serving, which is important for healthy digestion.
9. It doesn’t contain lactose.
Lactose intolerance impacts about 25% of the US population, which means they have difficulty digesting the sugar in cow’s milk. This makes almond milk a suitable, lactose-free substitute.
10. It tastes better than cow’s milk.
Almond milk doesn’t taste like cow’s milk, perfect for those who are turned off by the taste. It has its own unique flavor many describe as being light and crisp. Bonus: it’s versatile, meaning you can use it instead of cow’s milk in recipes that require it. It won’t have the same taste, but it will have the same consistency.
1/4 cup finely shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese (1 ounce)
Salt
Ground black pepper
Snipped fresh chives (optionPreheat oven to 400F. Scrub potatoes thoroughly with a brush; pat dry. Prick potatoes with a fork. Drizzle olive oil over each potato and sprinkle with salt. Wrap each potato in foil. Bake potatoes in the preheated oven about 1 hour or until tender. Remove and discard foil. Let potatoes stand about 15 minutes to cool slightly. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop pulp out of each potato, leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch shell; set potato shells aside. Place potato pulp in a large bowl. Mash potato pulp with a potato masher or an electric mixer on low speed until nearly smooth.
2.
In a 1- to 1-1/2-quart saucepan heat milk and butter over medium heat until butter is melted. Pour milk mixture over mashed potatoes; beat until smooth. Stir in sour cream, the 1 tablespoon snipped chives, and 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mound mixture into reserved potato shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Place potatoes in a single layer in a 2-quart square baking dish.
3.
Bake, uncovered, in a 400F oven about 20 minutes or until golden brown and heated through. If desired, garnish with snipped chives. Makes 4 servings.
Make Ahead Tip
Prepare as directed through Step 2. Place potatoes in a single layer in an airtight container. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Before serving, preheat oven to 325F. Place potatoes in a 2-quart square baking dish. Bake, covered, in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake about 15 minutes more or until potatoes are golden brown and heated through.al)
Variation
Bacon-Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes:
Prepare as above, except in Step 2 stir in 1/3 cup cooked, crumbled bacon along with the sour cream; substitute cheddar cheese for the Gruyere cheese.
Variation
Southwestern Twice Baked Potatoes:
Prepare as above, except in Step 2 substitute snipped fresh cilantro for the chives; substitute Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos for the Gruyere. Serve with purchased salsa. Omit optional chive garnish.
I’ve been a fan of coconut oil for a really long time. It is a highly nourishing oil with hundreds of uses, and lately I’ve run across many sources touting the benefits of coconut oil for hair. It can certainly be beneficial for certain hair types when used correctly, but many sources recommend using it in ways that may do more harm than good.
Before you go pour coconut oil all over your head, make sure know how to use it correctly to get the benefits without harming your hair!
Why Use Coconut Oil for Hair?
Coconut oil is the richest natural source of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), special types of fatty acid with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are very nourishing to the body. It is especially high in the C12 chain of MCFAs known as Lauric Acid.
Lauric acid is naturally occurring in breastmilk as well and is supportive of hormone health and cellular health. This beneficial property of coconut oil is also one of the reasons it can help prevent protein loss in hair (for some people). Coconut oil’s structure allows it to penetrate hair in ways that other oils are not able to, which is why some people notice amazing results relatively quickly when using coconut oil for hair.
The idea of putting oil directly in the hair can seem counterintuitive, especially to anyone with naturally oily hair. Nourishing hair oil treatments have been used for thousands of years, though these use a certain ratio of beneficial oils (and I add honey and magnesium) and these are not used as an everyday product.
When it’s Harmful to Use Coconut Oil for Hair
There is no doubt that certain oils can be beneficial to hair and that many of us strip out beneficial oils from over-shampooing, leading the body to increase natural oil production to compensate. Due to over-shampooing and poor diet, many of us are also missing vital nutrients we need to build healthy hair in the first place, but is adding oil to the hair the solution?
Not necessarily!
Certain oils do seem to be pretty much universally beneficial for hair, but coconut oil isn’t always one of them. For instance, Castor oil is an age-old beauty secret for increasing hair growth. I use it on my hair and eyelashes and have seen amazing results, and hundreds of commenters have had a similar experience.
Coconut oil, on the other hand, gets mixed results. Some people report immediately healthier and smoother hair, while others claim that their hair fell out by the handfull after using it. So what is the reason for the discrepancy and how can a person know if coconut oil is going to be beneficial or cause hair loss?
Coconut Oil Isn’t for Every Hair Type
Not surprisingly, different types of hair respond to oils differently and coconut oil won’t work for every hair type. Because it helps the hair retain its natural protein, it can be helpful for those who lack enough natural protein in hair follicles. Studies have even confirmed coconut oil’s benefits for certain types of hair, but it isn’t for everyone!
Typically, those with fine to medium shiny hair will see good results from coconut oil and notice stronger, shinier hair with more volume. Those with coarse or dry hair may not struggle with low protein at all and coconut oil may lead to more brittle hair and hair loss. These people may benefit more from other types of oil like marula oil or argan oil.
It should go without saying, but anyone with an allergy or reaction to coconuts or coconut oil should not use these products in hair either, no matter what hair type.
The Amount Matters
When it comes to using coconut oil for hair, the amount used also matters. You’ve probably heard the saying “too much of a good thing,” and this absolutely applies when it comes to using coconut oil in hair. Just as with supplements, if a little bit is good, a lot isn’t necessarily better.
Coconut oil seems most beneficial when used in small amounts to coat hair or reduce frizz and hair may not respond well to being coated in large amounts of coconut oil.
For best results, try just rubbing a small amount of coconut oil between your hands to warm it up and then working through hair gently. This should help tame frizz and make hair shiny without the negative effects.
Other Ingredients Matter Too
Coconut oil is often included in recipes for nourishing hair oils, hair masks and hair products and these uses might not necessarily be harmful. When combined with other oils and ingredients, not only is less coconut oil coming in contact with the hair, but the combinations of fatty acids can have different effects completely.
For instance, coconut oil doesn’t seem to make hair dry or brittle when combined with the monounsaturated fatty acids from olive oil or when mixed with argan or marula oil (both great for hair). Honey also seems to make coconut oil even more beneficial for hair and the simple sugars in honey can nourish hair and make it naturally smooth and frizz free.
It Depends on Other Hair Products
Coconut oil may also not be the best choice to use on hair for those who use natural or homemade hair products. Homemade hair products (like my favorite mud shampoo), do not contain the chemical detergents and surfactants that many commercial shampoos and products do, making it difficult for them to remove excess oils from the hair, especially in large amounts. My mud shampoo leaves my hair soft and strong, but it isn’t the best at removing an all-over hair oil treatment (I stick to an organic store bough clarifying shampoo for this).
How to Safely Use Coconut Oil For Hair
Those who think that coconut oil may be beneficial for their hair types can benefit from using it, but there are some best practices when using coconut oil for hair:
Avoid the scalp: Though coconut oil seems to be beneficial for those who struggle with dandruff that has a fungal component, others may see negative effects from using coconut oil directly on the scalp. Coconut oil may clog pores and cause irritation for some scalp types (just as it does on certain skin types), and is best used directly on the hair and not the scalp (of those with the right type of hair).
Start with small amounts: Again, more isn’t better. Especially until you know how your hair handles coconut oil, use a small amount and see how hair responds.
Add other ingredients: Adding other oils can change how coconut oil affects hair. As a deep treatment, blending coconut oil with honey and yogurt may offer more benefit than coconut oil alone.
Eat the Coconut Oil for Maximum Benefit
For all the beneficial properties of coconut oil, hair doesn’t have the ability to digest or metabolize coconut oil like the digestive system does. It can offer some benefit on a strictly chemical level, but you won’t be able to fully utilize the beneficial properties of coconut oil when it is used externally or in hair.
For this reason, coconut oil may offer the most benefit to hair when consumed internally, as its high Medium Chain Fatty Acid content and antioxidants can help improve the rate of hair growth from the inside out. Hair health and growth begins internally, so the long-term solution to healthier, stronger and shinier hair includes addressing internal factors like diet, supplements and sleep. Just like the skin, hair is a reflection of internal health and can be largely controlled by hormones (one of the reasons women lose hair after pregnancy) so consider focusing on balancing hormones and nourishing the body to improve hair.
Adult coloring books are all the rage right now. In fact, many of the popular ones are the best sellers in their respective categories on Amazon (in fact, 1/3 of the top 15 best sellers in all categories are coloring books!). Turns out there are some health and psychological benefits of coloring, a fact that children may instinctively know (like so many other life lessons we should learn from our kids!).
Most children naturally love to draw and color and we actively encourage this in our children. Yet, sometime around “real school” age, we stop encouraging creative activities like coloring and drawing and instead encourage more structured academic activities. By adulthood, the idea of cracking open a coloring book seems almost laughable… except that researchers have been studying the benefits of this classic childhood activity for adults for over a decade.
Benefits of Adult Coloring Books?
It might seem crazy that something as simple as a coloring book could actually be beneficial, but research continually supports this idea. In fact, researchers have known for over 100 years the benefits of coloring on the adult brain and famous psychiatrists throughout history (including Carl Jung) have recommended it to their patients.
Stress Relief
Coloring has been shown to have stress-reducing benefits. The reason? Coloring is said to calm the amygdala, the part of the brain related to the fear/stress response while stimulating the parts of the brain responsible for creativity and logic. A 2005 study documented a reduction in anxiety in subjects after a short time of coloring geometric patterns.
In fact, coloring therapy is being used experimentally for those with anxiety and stress related disorders. Some people report sleeping better when coloring for even 5 minutes before bedtime.
Focus and Creativity
There’s a reason that adult coloring books are becoming a favorite among high-profile business professionals in high-stress industries and creative professionals. There is evidence that even a short coloring session can help improve focus and spur creativity. Some offices are even making time for group coloring sessions for employees as a way to improve group focus and creativity during big projects.
While we may think of group coloring time as an activity for pre-schoolers, high-profile executives are joining the trend!
Social Time
Group coloring time is becoming an increasingly popular activity in many places as clubs and social groups pop up to facilitate it. Even in my own small town, the library is hosting adult coloring sessions and I’ve seen several Mom’s Night Outs that advertise “Coloring and Wine” (count me in!).
While coloring does take focus and promotes relaxation, it isn’t such a difficult activity that it can’t be done while talking or spending time with others, making it an increasingly popular group activity. If you have kids, this is a fun activity that you can do with them!
Alternative to Meditation
The psychological benefits of prayer and meditation have been well studied, but many people find it difficult to “turn-off” and calm the mind. Coloring and other hands-on activities offer an alternative because they allow you to “do” something without the need for active concentration. In studies, activities like coloring are able to produce a similar effect to meditation in the brain.
Benefits Aren’t Specific to Just Coloring
It is important to note that while coloring is a fun activity for many children and adults, it certainly isn’t the only creative activity with these benefits. Music, drawing, crafts and even home repairs (if you enjoy them) were found to be meditative and therapeutic. Knitting has also been studied for its ability to lessen depression and anxiety.
I’ve personally always noticed the same effects from other types of creative activities like painting, drawing, and DIY projects but can see how coloring can be even more relaxing as there is no need to create anything from scratch and the ability to follow a pattern and template removes some of the need for active thought.
Adult Coloring Books: How To
I was surprised to find hundreds of options when I started looking at adult coloring books, as well as dozens of opinions about the “right” way to color them (reading the reviews/comments on adult coloring books is not stress relieving!).
I ended up ordering several books (including one that was on the best seller list) and a pack of colored pencils. Since adult coloring pages tend to be much smaller and more detailed than the coloring books of childhood, I would definitely suggest colored pencils or very fine tip markers over crayons or regular markers.
This has become my favorite book, since the quotes are inspirational and can be used for decoration when you are done coloring them, but there are different types of coloring books for every interest and preference (including animal patterns, geometric shapes and patterns, any many others.
Bottom Line
Though coloring therapy is being used experimentally for those with PTSD, anxiety and other stress-related disorders, it isn’t a substitute for regular therapy or consulting with a qualified professional. Despite its hype, it probably also won’t be a magic fix for any health or stress-related problem.
It is, however, a fun and relaxing activity and an inexpensive way to relax, de-stress and spend some time with friends or your kids. Since it may help sleep, focus, and creativity, I figured a $6 book was worth a try!
What’s Going On When We Color
Just because adult coloring alone may not constitute art therapy, that doesn’t mean the activity isn’t helpful. Theresa Citerella, an art therapy student at Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass., told Medical Daily that she has seen more people using the coloring books, both in class and in therapy, to help them focus.
“A lot of my fellow graduate classmates bring these coloring books into the classroom setting as a tool to focus more on lectures,” Citerella said, explaining that more professors are beginning to welcome this behavior. “For my internship, I find the clients who are fidgeting and cannot sit still ask for coloring the books in order to concentrate on group discussions. We have several adult coloring books at my site to offer the clients.”
And considering the inability to focus is often a symptom of anxiety or stress, it only makes sense that adult coloring books would also help with those as well. Dr. Stan Rodski, a neuropsychologist who also happens to be the author of his own line of adult coloring books, says that coloring elicits a relaxing mindset, similar to what you would achieve through meditation. Like mediation, coloring allows us to switch off our brains from other thoughts and focus on the moment. Tasks with predictable results, such as coloring or knitting, can often be calming — Rodski was even able to see the physical effects they had on our bodies by using advanced technology.
“The most amazing things occurred — we started seeing changes in heart rate, changes in brainwaves,” he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, adding that part of this neurological response in “colorists” comes from the repetition and attention to patterns and detail associated with coloring.
Dr. Joel Pearson, a brain scientist at the University of New South Wales in Australia presented a different explanation for the therapeutic effect: Concentrating on coloring an image may facilitate the replacement of negative thoughts and images with pleasant ones.
“You have to look at the shape and size, you have to look at the edges, and you have to pick a color,” Pearson told Nine MSN. “It should occupy the same parts of the brain that stops any anxiety-related mental imagery happening as well. ... Anything that helps you control your attention is going to help.”
Have you felt self-conscious when watching all the skincare advertisements on TV, seeing all the women and their flawless skin? You touch your own; you might be perfect, however, a Photoshopped image seems to have a stronger control over your perspective. You stare in the mirror, reflecting on how you wish your skin could be or should feel. You run your fingers across your face, your hands, and your neck. Every freckle, every bump, every dot, you carefully examine and you dissect all the imperfections.
Healthy skin requires a healthy mind and body, and young skin requires substances that are more natural. Our cosmetics, creams, and anti-aging serums contain tons of chemicals, which eventually can cause our skin to become dependent. However, our ancestors kept a youthful glow by just using nature’s purest cosmetics.
That’s why I’ve decided to put together a few tips and tricks that will allow you to reach that goal of younger and healthier-looking skin. Fresh and young skin can definitely do wonders for one’s confidence.
1. Tomatoes Are Both For Faces and Bloody Marys
Bloody Marys are well known as a lovely summer drink. However, it’s always been less popular among certain crowds as it can remind one of pizza sauce with alcohol. Aside from being an ingredient in this summer beverage, tomatoes also do possess extensive qualities that tighten the skin’s pores and keep it fresh and young.
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a fortune in purchasing products for a tomato facial. Instead, go to the supermarket and choose the biggest and juiciest tomatoes. The juicer the better, as this makes for a smooth application. Cut the tomatoes into 4 halves and gently rub them all over your face.
Rub clockwise and relax for the next 40 minutes. After washing your face, you’ll feel the difference. Practice this regularly, about three to four times a week, and you’ll start noticing the difference. This method guarantees fewer wrinkles, smaller pores, and tight skin that erases any thoughts of getting Botox.
2. Turmeric Paste: An Ancient Indian Tradition
Indians have always been known to the western world for having amazing flawless skin despite the heat. It’s definitely impressive that their skin remains soft, smooth, and fresh despite the grueling heat. Being part Indian, I’ve learned from a very young age that turmeric doesn’t only make curries taste good, but it’s also capable of making you look good.
For this, you must use the purest form of Turmeric. Either purchase it as a root or walk to your nearest Bio Cosmetic store to purchase the powdered form. Use warm water, honey or yogurt, and 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder and mix them well. Apply it thoroughly all over your face, avoiding your eyes and lips as those are extremely sensitive areas. Wash it off after 20 minutes to avoid your skin from yellowing.
If you’re extremely sensitive, do consult your dermatologist before using turmeric as a form of facial. After you practice applying it once every week for a month, you’ll be able to see the changes, as your skin looks softer and fresher than before.
3. Placenta Pills: There’s A Reason Why Celebrities Use Them
Have you ever wondered why Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, and other celebrities prefer turning their placentas into tiny tablets? Well, the reason is that the placenta contains high amounts of collagen, as it’s the sole provider of nutrients to the fetus. Placenta as a medication for beauty and prosperity has long been practiced in ancient Chinese medicine. It’s known for possessing anti-aging qualities which, to this day, is still sought after.
Fortunately, science has made it possible for anyone to use placenta pills as an anti-aging regimen. Using placentas from mammals such as cows and sheep, it is now easier for many of us to use these pills. Rest assured that placenta pills are made naturally with no chemicals, however the best advice is to always do your own research before purchasing.
It’s been proven that consistent use tightens your skin and reduces cellulite. This gives you a younger appearance and can lead to higher self-esteem.
4. Cucumbers and Sleep
It’s surprising that the key to younger-looking skin is usually the simplest regimen. Sleep and cucumbers are the best remedies for a tired face. One housemate of mine even sleeps for eight whole hours with cucumbers on her eyes. Whenever I see her, she still looks as young as the last time I saw her.
When you sleep, your body replenishes its dead tissues and your skin cells regenerate for another day. However, in our busy world, sleep has become a luxury, therefore our body, mind, and especially our skin suffers. Always try to get a good night’s rest and use cucumbers to help you avoid dark circles around your eyes.
Confidence is something which develops over time and comes with being comfortable in your own body. Use these tips to help you put your best and healthiest face forward.
Your surroundings affect you more than you’re aware of – your environment practically dictates your mood and the levels of your productivity. The home you live in should be your comfort zone and you need to feel free, safe and happy.
For that to happen, you need to roll up your sleeves and do some work around your home by yourself, which is the only way to actually appreciate its aesthetics and enjoy it. Creating a welcoming home doesn’t really require a special skillset, so you don’t need to be worried about that – all you need is a bit of will and persistence. However, I found the next few steps followed in chronological order to be the most effective.
1. Search for Inspiration
You shouldn’t do this because you have to, but because you want to. Improving your home requires creativity and it’s imperative for you to be inspired, so you can be playful and imaginative. Even if you do have a few ideas about where you would like to start, you should check if they are doable and if there is a better way to conduct them. My suggestion is to devote a couple of hours to browsing through home design websites and searching for inspiration, watching gorgeous images of beautifully designed homes. That way you’ll be able to find new ideas and improve existing ones. 2. Remove Clutter
The first active stage of your home improvement project should be decluttering. Like with everything else in life, you need to remove old things that are no longer useful and make room for new ones. If there’s a lot of work to be done in your home regarding this step, you shouldn’t exhaust yourself. Start by thoroughly cleaning one room per day and you’ll be equally devoted to all of them.
By the way, you can and should make some money off this, because one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Organizing a backyard sale is a great solution here, but if you don’t live in a house you should simply store everything you no longer need somewhere where it won’t bother you and find a website where you can sell those items. As a matter of fact, you can use that money for improvements you want to do – practically, your home is investing in itself.
3. Do Minor Home Repairs
Once your home is clean and ready to be worked on, it’s time to get your tool box. If you have no or very little experience in this area, you should know that it’s not at all difficult – right on the contrary, with just a small hammer and a handy screwdriver you can do miracles around your home.
You know best what needs to be fixed and tweaked around your home, but if you don’t know where to start you should perhaps pay attention to your squeaky doors, stuck windows and cabinets and all those little annoying irregularities that you keep forgetting about.
While you’re handling tools, you should perhaps go through your clutter and see if there’s anything that can be restored, like items that can be used to additionally personalize your home and create ornaments, or an old coffee table that just needs a layer of paint.
4. Apply a Fresh Layer of Paint
Speaking of paint – refreshing your walls with a new layer is the refreshment your home desperately needs. First of all, you need to decide whether you’ll do it by yourself or not. Naturally, your decision depends on your budget – hiring professionals will save your time but not your money, and it’s the opposite if you pick up a paint brush and go for it.
In case you do decide to make this a DIY project, it’s not a bad idea to consult an interior designer so they can help you select shades of paint that will bring out the best in your home. Although, you may have encountered combinations of colors you like while looking for inspiration, which was our step number one.
5. Add Homey Touches
This is the easiest, but it’s also the most important step – it’s the small things that make a welcoming home and it’s the cute details you fall in love with. However, this will require time and some money, and my suggestion is to pay regular visits to flea markets because I’m sure you’ll be able to find a lot of interesting things that are pretty cheap.
There’s another interesting purpose of homey touches – you can use them to put a circle around your interior design and connect all the different rooms into a whole. This can be done by properly applying color – it’s a great idea to get things like pillows and picture frames in different shades of your favorite color, for example.
Can you already see the future vision of your home in your mind? If you do, you should be aware of the fact we have already lit a spark of inspiration and it’s up to you to start a creative fire. Yes, this home improvement project will take time and effort, but it’s nothing compared to what you’ll get to enjoy in the end.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been hailed as a superfood containing a huge variety of nutrients, and it also helps with various ailments, including skin problems. It is known to be a great detoxifier, flushing out toxins in the body which leads to a better functioning body all around. These are just a couple of ways that ACV can improve your health as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, but incorporating it as a diluted solution on a daily basis has also been known to help with losing weight. It’s really important to stress that using ACV solely as an aid to weight loss will most likely lead to little or no effect. It’s essential that if you do decide to use ACV to lose pounds, then it should be part of a healthy diet and routine exercise regime, as ACV is only used as an enhancement to your overall healthy lifestyle. With that in mind, let’s find out how exactly ACV has been known to help with shedding those stubborn pounds. Here’s why you should never underestimate the versatility of apple cider vinegar:
How does apple cider vinegar help with weight loss?
Although ACV has been used for a vast amount of time as a weight loss remedy, little scientific research had been conducted to find out why it works—until now. Researchers have found through various studies that introducing ACV into your diet actually helps the body feel more full and carry that sensation through to meal times. This is mainly because there is a rich source of pectin found in apples, and in combination with the acid, this allows the body to break down food more easily and quickly. It also increases your metabolism, helping to burn off calories more effectively when moving and exercising. It has been found that ACV helps to lower the amount of blood sugar and insulin in the bloodstream which allows you to lose weight steadily over time. Combining a high protein diet (that gets you feeling full) with ACV will further promote the feeling of satiety and cause you to eat a fraction less for each meal. This obviously results in a lower intake of calories, which inevitably leads to weight loss. A study in Japan found that over a period of 3 months, obese participants lost fat around their stomachs with daily intake of ACV. This was using different amounts of ACV diluted with water with one study using 2 tablespoons of ACV daily, causing a 3.7lb or 1.7kg weight loss in the three-month duration of the study. It’s not a huge amount, but it is certainly a significant one.
Use organic, unpasteurized varieties of ACV.
It’s important that you purchase the right type of ACV. The type you want is the unpasteurized variety, as this won’t have been through the process of stripping all the much-needed nutrients and goodness that we want from ACV. It’s also a good idea to look for any organic varieties as this will mean it’s free from any chemicals or pesticides used in the treatment of the apples. The purer the vinegar, the more healthy it will be for your body and help aid weight loss most effectively.
The glittery Versace Fall Couture lips of your dreams are now attainable thanks to the newest launch from Pat McGrath Labs: Lust 004. The collection features three lip kit options–Version Flesh, Version Vermillion Venom, and Version Bloodwine–each one includes two matte lipsticks, vinyl gloss, metallic gold pigment, and microfine glitter to mix, match, and customize your own runway-inspired lip look.
And if you simply can't commit to one Lust 004 shade, Version Everything includes–you guessed it–all the things.
A hairstylist’s job is a tricky one that requires the client’s full agreement and compliance to make the experience smooth and happy. With over 250 of New York’s hottest salons listed, we at Look Booker can definitely vouch for that. Behold, the one thing hairstylists absolutely hate dealing with when a client sits in their chair. Read these crimes, and if you’re guilty of one of them, stop now.
When you’re there, but you’re not really there.“My biggest annoyance is when a client isn’t present and they’re distracted by their phone or personal drama.” —Michael Silva, a stylist who works with Kim Kardashian
Arriving late and demanding to be seen. “First, please call and let us know you’re going to be late. And don’t come in demanding to be seen at that moment if we have taken a client in front of you. Everyone deserves to be respected.” —Matt Fugate, a stylist who works with Lena Dunham and Karlie Kloss
Crossing your legs. “Doing this will make your haircut unbalanced and uneven.” —Lacy Redway, a stylist who works with Lupita Nyong’o and Olivia Palermo
Bringing your entourage. “I love a good friend/tandem haircut moment, but the girl that comes in with seven of her girlfriends who want to have a party is a little much. It disrupts the entire salon, and it’s hard to accommodate.” —Fugate
Turning your head when you turn the page on the magazine you’re reading.“When you do this, it pulls the hair out of my hands, and it means I have to start again, which can end up taking considerably longer. It’s also doesn’t allow you to relax and makes your back and neck ache.” —Daniel Galvin, a colorist who works with Fleur de Force
Turning your head when the stylist has scissors in her hand.“I always end up cutting myself several times.” —Jennifer Yepez, a stylist who works with Gigi Hadid
Talking smack about your last stylist.“Listen, I get that not everyone vibes, and not every stylist is a perfect match, but don’t come in saying how horrible the last person is. It’s a small community, and all stylists try their best to give you what you want.” —Fugate
Bringing an inspiration photo that isn’t even close to being realistic for your hair type. “It’s frustrating when a client brings in a picture of a beautiful, blonde hair color like Jennifer Aniston’s or a picture of long, luminous hair like Jennifer Lopez’s and wants those results, yet their hair is thin, short, and the darkest brown. Bring cuts and hair-color images to the stylist that resemble your type of hair color and texture.” —Tyler Colton, a stylist who works with Katharine McPhee
Running your fingers through your hair in the middle of the cut or style. “My first concern is that I may cut them. Our scissors are supersharp and just brushing your hands against the scissors can produce a pretty nasty cut. Also, I section the hair, and doing that messes everything up. I have to recomb it and figure out where I left off. Just like in cooking, you have to wait to see the finished product.” —Losi, a stylist who works with Orlando Bloom
When you’re giving mixed messages about what you want. “It’s bad when clients tell you how open they are to change or to trying something new, but then put so many limitations on what can actually change. For example, they might say, ‘I’m willing to go shorter; maybe my length is too long.’ Then that’s followed by ‘How much did you want to cut?’ followed by ‘Well, maybe that’s too much’ followed by ‘Well, maybe we leave the length and just add a few layers, but not too many, because I like my hair right now.’” —Colton
Talking with your hands. “Some people use big hand movements and strong gestures to make a point. This makes stylists worry about cutting either our own fingers or an extra few inches of the client’s hair.” —Charlie Taylor, a stylist who works with Natalie Portman
Judging your cut before it’s done. “Some styles&Mdash;like curls or wave styles—need extra time to fall into place or need to be tweaked at the very end with brushes or a flatiron.” —Redway
One of the most reliable and effective methods for you to quickly, and most importantly – to correct your vision in our country is the laser correction. Thanks to this unique ophthalmic surgery, you can forget about such unpleasant diseases like farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism.
The main advantages of laser vision correction
Nowadays, almost every third inhabitant of the Earth has some vision problems. Firstly, it’s because of presence of a huge number of different factors that affect the deterioration of eyesight.
Before this, the sight could be improved, only by wearing special glasses or contact lenses. However, not all people like these methods, because such lenses are inconvenient while wearing, and the glasses are also not for everyone.
A more reliable and effective way to improve vision using a special laser was recently developed. After numerous studies, ophthalmologists proved that this method is the one of the most convenient, fast and safe ways to improve eyesight.
And there’s nothing surprising, because such a modern way of laser vision correction has a lot of advantages:
• This eye operation is absolutely painless, because they just use special drops with the local anesthesiologists effect. • In addition, we should not forget that the correction of the eyesight using Laser vision correction – takes about 10-15 minutes. And the laser exposure lasts less than one minute. • A person, who used the laser correction, can forget about contact lenses and inconvenient glasses. • Laser can effect both of your glass simultaneously. • Studies have confirmed that there are not any side effects; your vision won’t deteriorate, and it’s absolutely safe for health. • Using this method, you can overcome the astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia. • The procedure can be used to people from 18 to 55 years. • The effect after the surgery is noticeable after 2 hours. • Person doesn’t need a hospital treatment, and can go home immediately after the operation.
The doctor, who made this ophthalmologic operation, can informs about the degree of efficiency of the performed manipulations
Admit it. People are just fond of making selfies and posting them in social networks. This doesn’t speak for ultimate narcissism, because many people equally like when others post their “self-photos”.
Why selfie has become so mega-popular? On the one hand, one has to admit that a self-photo provides people with an easy opportunity to make a claim about themselves to the whole world, to demonstrate their best sides, to express themselves. Moreover, the photo exchange has become a new form of communication.
Looking from the other point of view, we may start thinking that the author of countless posted self-portraits is making a lazy attempt to hunt for compliments. Some negative comments to this kind of images prove this.
The bright side of selfie
In fact, you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable if you want to make a selfie. A reasonable portion of vanity won’t make its owner any harm, while it may help a person with the deflated self-esteem to become more self-confident.
Many girls post the results of their achievements in networks after mastering the art of make-up. And this is not just a pretty face, it’s a great opportunity to showcase their talent; and in some cases, it can give a start to the career as a make-up artist or a model.
It’s simply a must to remember family holidays, gatherings with friends, unforgettable images brought home from vacations. Selfies – is a wonderful way to compile an album of the best life moments and achievements, which is nice by itself.
The dark side of selfie
But one has to admit that there are negative sides as well. The irresistible wish to take pictures of themselves on any kind of a background can sometimes become the top of indecency and in some cases may even be shocking. Anyone can get into an awkward situation in public, and in this moment no one would want to act as a background for someone else’s photo-bomb. There are known cases, when young people made selfies at a funeral, on the background of the dead relatives.
Having once caught a unique shot, these “treasure hunters” lose control, the sense of decency and go beyond reality, devoting their lives to pursuing a fleeting sensation. Unique moments of life therefore are called unique, because they occur very rarely. And this makes desperate photographers deliberately create acute situations and make extreme selfies.
The rapidly growing popularity of this form of self-expression makes psychologists and specialists in related disciplines give a close look into the new phenomenon. Some of them consider this to be an illness. At the present stage, it’s assumed that selfie – is a hobby, but researchers warn that a serious addiction may develop in immature individuals, which will lead to pathologies in personal development and problems with communication.
Don’t forget that selfie – is just an entertainment
Elegance is a feature of queens and aristocrats. Accuracy, perfection, self-control these are the main qualities of their style. Anyone can be like them, putting some effort and cultivate one’s taste.
Secrets of the elegant style in clothes
Fashion is not mathematics. There is no exact formula for creating the perfect image. It is important to express own individuality, to show a sense of style, guided by simple rules:
1. Always well-groomed and perfectly fitting clothes. Elegant dress in the first place should be neat. Do not wear wrinkled, torn, stained or stretch clothing. Worn heels, wear on the shoes or bag are not allowed. The elegance starts with confidence in every detail of the wardrobe.
2. The correct color. Elegance is not only strict suits in black and white. Other low-key tones are accepted. All shades of blue will look appropriate in marine style. The evening image will be complemented by the noble saturated colors. The main thing is to choose colors which are able to combine with each other.
3. The image may not be complete without accessories. Well-chosen details will complement any ensemble. But they should be concise, low-key and match the image. There should not be much of accessories and jewelry. The classic clutch or accurate bag, gloves appropriate to the case, a light scarf, thin belt, feminine umbrella – all this can be called elegant. But you will have to choose one, two subjects maximum. White pearls necklace, elegant stud earrings will fit if speaking about jewelry.
4. It is necessary to properly apply yourself. It is difficult to imagine aristocrat without the manners. Well educated woman does not allow herself rudeness or vulgarity. Arrogance is also not suitable for elegant image. Straight posture, confident smooth walk, self-restraint and the right manners will emphasize the elegant femininity.
5. To be well-groomed is an integral part of elegance. Whatever stylish would be the outfit, mangy nail polish or bad breath will spoil the image irreparably. The state of your body must be constantly monitored. Elegant lady would not allow herself to go in public without makeup and with tousled hair. But the make-up must match the setting. Nude style is perfect for everyday life. A brighter image of the evening involves emphasized eyes or lips.
Elegant clothes
Choice of clothes in the chosen style is simple, if you abandon the screaming colors and prints, too much openness and undue negligence. Preference should be given to natural materials and classic style.
Not only a business suit and column dress look elegant. Casual and sportswear can also match the style. Pay attention to the aristocratic sports (tennis, polo, horse riding). The bright capris can be combined with polo shirts. In the cold weather knitted sweater or jacket with ornament of rhombuses will be appropriate, and in the heat for the rest you can pick up free shorts or a tennis skirt.
Chosen clothes should match the figure, create a strict, semi fitted silhouette and have clean lines. Elegant style takes into account age, social status and the environment. If every detail looks appropriate and beautiful, then the overall image will be harmonious and will remain long in the memory.
Dieting isn’t always easy, particularly if you have a sweet tooth. But by adding strawberries to your diet, you can enjoy a range of guilt-free dishes, drinks and snacks any time of day. Best of all, strawberries are low in calories, high in fiber, fat-free and feature a wide range of additional health benefits.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of strawberries you can enjoy:
We need healthy meals and snacks throughout the day to maintain energy levels. Strawberries are a great choice when it comes to fighting fatigue as they contain nitrate to promote healthy blood flow.
2. Strawberries can boost your libido
It’s true, strawberries really can make us feel more romantic. The luscious fruit was even used in a traditional soup served to newlyweds in 13th century France. What a great reason to start eating more strawberries!
3. Strawberries can reduce the risk of heart attack
A study conducted by The Harvard School of Public Health in the US and the University of East Anglia in the UK analyzed the diets of over 93,000 women aged 25 to 42. The researchers found that eating three servings of strawberries or blueberries per week could reduce the risk of a heart attack by 32 per cent.
4. Strawberries improve short-term memory
Strawberries aren’t just good for our bodies, they’re great for our brains too. In an article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers found that the high levels of antioxidants in fruits such as strawberries can boost memory and protect against mental decline.
5. Strawberries have anti-aging properties
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and this leads to lines and wrinkles. The Vitamin C found in strawberries is important in the production of collagen. Strawberries also contain anti-inflammatory enzymes and antioxidants which help slow the rate that skin ages.
6. Strawberries promote bone health
When looking to boost our health, it’s easy to forget about our bones but as we age, our bone density reduces. Strawberries contain a range of nutrients that can improve bone health including Vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin K and magnesium.
7. Strawberries boost immunity
Busy lives, stress, and a poor diet are just some of the things that can weaken our immune system. The problem is, if our immune system isn’t working properly we become susceptible to illnesses. If you feel constantly under the weather, a weakened immune system could be to blame. The good news is that strawberries are a great source of Vitamin C which helps protect the immune system.
8. Strawberries help burn stored fat
When the body stores more fat than it burns, it leads to weight gain. However, antioxidants found in strawberries can increase the body’s metabolic rate so the body burns fat rather than storing it. The Vitamin C in strawberries also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy metabolism to aid weight loss. Another fat-burning compound found in strawberries is anthocyanins – it’s this compound that gives strawberries their vibrant color. In a study published by The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, researchers discovered that when animals were fed anthocyanins alongside a high-fat diet, they gained 24 per cent less weight than animals that were not fed anthocyanins.
How to maximize the health benefits
To maximize the benefits of strawberries, always eat the freshest strawberries you can find and choose big red strawberries which will have the most Vitamin C. Enjoy your strawberries at room temperature to bring out the best flavor. Commercially-produced strawberries are often treated with a range of pesticides so always choose organic strawberries. So versatile and easy to prepare, you can enjoy strawberries in a whole host of different ways. They are delicious simply sliced and served with natural yogurt or cereals or can be added to water to create a refreshing drink. But why not be adventurous and try something new? Here are a range of healthy sweet and savoury dishes that make the most of this wonderful ingredient.
When you want something truly indulgent, these stuffed strawberries are just the thing. You can eat just one or two to feel like you’ve had a delicious treat without blowing the calories.
Get a group of friends to go in on a palatial Hamptons spread. This self-professed perfect location is aptly named by our standards. One of the largest properties in Sag Harbour Village, it features a 60-foot long heated gunite pool. There's really nothing more to say. We're all in.
Cooking, hiking, swimming, and a visit to the local Farmer's Market...are you sold yet? We're daydreaming of this Upstate Geo Dome abode situated in Woodridge, a rural community located in the southern Catskill mountains. This is the ultimate respite from New York City's hustle.
