Tips On How To Become A Morning Person

Do you have issues falling asleep or staying asleep? Lucky for me, I'm the type of person who passes out the minute my head hits the pillow. My husband is so jealous of this special power I have. He has to go through a series of drinking bedtime tea, meditation, or listens to soothing music to get him relaxed enough to fall asleep. 

Below are some simple tips to help you get a better night's sleep, from Leesa, an online mattress provider. You might even become a morning person in the process.

Graphic courtesy of Leesa.com.

Keep Track of Your Platelets To Fend off Disease (Guest Post)

Platelets are regarded as the most crucial cells which are found in our blood. They have the function of binding together whenever our body encounters vessels which have been damaged in order to prevent blood loss. There are a lot of benefits our human body receives from having such cells. They have the main role of forming blood clots in order to stop bleeding which would otherwise prove out to be harmful. There are a lot of factors which come into play when dealing with thrombocytes and more info can be found at Thrombocyte.com

These amazing cells are the smallest one in our blood and are able to be seen only from a microscope. They have the shape of small plates, thus their name. When one cuts a blood vessel due to various causes, they quickly receive an alarm signal which puts them in formation to stop the bleeding. Under a microscope, they form just like small tentacles to bond together in order to repair the damaged vessel.

Healthy Platelets are Extremely Important

One of the many problems our blood vessels can encounter is a sudden drop in platelets, which might lead to some serious bleeding if the problem is not addressed immediately to a medic. One should take into account the fact that blood diseases are extremely dangerous and are potentially life-threatening if not taken care of appropriately.

Such diseases are extremely dangerous and usually signal the fact that something is terribly wrong with our blood and have a worrying potential to significantly damage our bodies. On the other hand, having too many platelets will lead to the formation of unwanted blood clots which have a serious threat regarding our lives when taking into account that such clots can reach our brain and slowly damage it.

Few Platelets Disease

When one person has too few platelets the disease is called thrombocytopenia and there are a lot of symptoms to take into account as individuals are extremely prone to bruising and encounter frequent bleeding from their gums as well as nose. Such drops in platelets are encountered when a few factors such as inherited conditions as well as medication and too much alcohol happen.

Such conditions can easily be inherited and if one of the members has it, one is advised to immediately alert a doctor if such events occur. The most common blood-thinning medication is aspirin but recent studies have shown that it is too ineffective to completely cure such problems.

Diseases related to platelets are extremely dangerous as they have the potential to put your life at risk and should be immediately addressed if one presents the aforementioned symptoms. We strongly recommend getting regular checks at your doctor in order to make sure that one stays safe from such conditions which may put your life at risk.

My Kitchen Cleaning Must Have Item- Chore Boy Golden Fleece Cloths

Do you have a specific thing you use every day that you can't live without? That is how I feel about my Chore Boy Golden Fleece Scrubbing Cloths . These scrubbing cloths are unlike any scrubber I have ever used. I cook in stainless steel pots and pans as well as cast iron. The golden fleece cloths work so well to get my cookware super clean. I will put it like this: my cookware sets are 24 and 18 years old, and you would never know it! I cook every day of the week so my pots and pans get a lot of abuse use. The golden fleece cloths are what has kept them in such good shape. I also love using them on my cast iron pans because it cleans the stuck on food without damaging them. I give my worn out scrubbing cloths to my husband so he can use them for his outdoor cleaning projects. These babies get so much use!

I have been using them for over 20 years! Sadly, I have been experiencing issues finding them in my local stores. It seems like no one carries them any more. Last year I found them on Walmart.com, but when I went to place an order last week, they no longer carried them. I looked around on Amazon and found them. I can't even begin to tell you how relieved I was. Yes, it's that serious to me! When the USPS truck pulled up this morning to drop off my Amazon Prime package, I was internally screaming with joy! I have tried almost every scrubber around and this one can't be beat. I have no idea why they are so hard to find, but glad I can order them on Amazon. I plan to buy up a bulk so I don't run out. I really hope they don't get discontinued, because that would break my homemaking heart.

Have you ever heard of or used these scrubbing cloths before?

This post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase anything, I will get a teeny tiny commission. 

Vitamin D Deficiency Update

Over three years ago, I had some lab work done at my doctor's office and it was discovered that I was vitamin D deficient. My doctor explained that this is very common in people of color and that our skin simply does not absorb vitamin D easily like a fair skin people. The normal range you should be in is 30-100. I was coming in at 12.5. I was placed on a high-dose supplement for 12 weeks and was rechecked. I then came in at 21, but my physician was not happy with that and recommended that I take a daily 5,000 IU D-3 supplement. 

I have been doing that for a full year and would notice a difference in how I felt if I skipped a few days to a week. Since taking the vitamin D supplement, I have felt a lot more energized. Also a lot of odd issues I was having like leg or foot pain, depression, and a few other things seemed to have lessened or ever disappeared altogether. It is amazing how your vitamin D level can affect your overall health. 

 

I went in last month for my annual physical including labs and my results were amazing. Everything came back normal and my vitamin D level is currently at 50! That is a HUGE improvement and proof that the supplement does actually work. I have even noticed my hair, nails, and skin look even healthier. I have been taking the brand pictured above that I purchase at my local Kroger store, but any kind will do.

If you find yourself feeling sluggish, depressed, achy or just off for no reason, chances are you might be vitamin D deficient. It won't hurt to try a supplement, even at a lower dose to see if it helps. I had such great results and figured I would share it with you all. Be well xoxo

Why We Love Mr. Fish Restaurant in Myrtle Beach, SC

We frequently visit Myrtle Beach, SC and have tried many of the dining establishments in the area. One of our go-to places is the Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant located at 6401 North Kings Hwy. We discovered it a couple years ago when we were on the hunt for a very specific menu item. When you first walk into Mr. Fish, you will be greeted in the traditional southern way and escorted to your table. The decor is very funky and whimsical. Very beach-y and fishy, of course. Maybe we have been lucky the times we have been because we have never had to wait and we were served quickly. Once you place your drink order, a basket of golden brown hush puppies are brought over to your table to tease your taste buds. Don't they look tasty?

We dined at Mr. Fish last weekend and I had a grilled chicken sandwich. I was impressed and loved how tender and flavorful the chicken was. I'm always happy when I can see the seasoning. The roll is soft and perfectly toasted.

The steamed oyster are so fresh and delicious. It's actually a lot of fun prying them open and making a big mess. We love topping them with their special cocktail sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

The special menu item we were on the hunt for in the past was the soft shell crab sandwich. Oh man, it is SO good! It's super fresh and prepared so simply to highlight the natural crab flavor. This is a must try if you haven't had a soft shell crab sandwich before.

Nobody would believe this when going to a seafood joint that collard greens would be on the menu. I know we are in the south, but still. Well let me tell you this, these greens are the star of the show! They are the BEST we have ever had and you find yourself craving it. It has an unusual sweet taste that I can't explain. Mind you, I don't normally like collards. I feel like we need to order a bucket of it on our next visit. You can't go to Mr. Fish's without ordering the greens! 

The best part is that the prices are very reasonable and you will not ever leave hungry. Mr. Fish serves a variety of seafood dishes including fish, shrimp, crab, oysters, lobster and even sushi. Of course they offer non seafood options as well. They have something for everyone. We are going back later in March and I plan to try some sushi rolls and of course a side of greens. If you are ever in Myrtle Beach, you must try them out. We have really enjoyed the times we have dined there and figured we would share our experience here. If you go, let us know! 

You can check out the full menu on their website and find them on Facebook. 

Ways to Give Your Breakfast A Healthy Boost

If you are a parent, you probably have found yourself asking a family member if they had breakfast. We all know how important breakfast is to start our day and sometimes it's hard to eat healthy things. The following items are great to add an extra boost of healthy nutrition that you can feel good about.

Viki's Granola

Available in 5 varieties: Original, Blueberry Almond, Maple Cranberry, Banana Walnut, and Apple Cinnamon

This granola is simple. There are no unnecessary ingredients at all, just wholesome all-natural goodness. It's not coated with sugar or artificial ingredients like many popular brands and are a great addition to your breakfast or snacks.

Viki's Granola is Gluten Free, Non-GMO Verified, Cholesterol Free, Zero Trans Fats, Sodium free, Dairy Free, and Kosher Pareve. I tried the Blueberry Almond variety and it tasted as it should. It was not sweet and was well balanced. A big difference from what I have been used to. It is great on top of yogurt, ice cream, applesauce or as is for a snack. Get some recipe inspiration on the Viki's Granola site and purchase them here.

Carrington Farms Organic Chia

Chia seed is an excellent source of nutrition that can be added into almost anything. My son LOVES it on his oatmeal every morning and that makes me happy. He was even eating a rice dish the other day and requested a sprinkling on top. It helps that chia seeds make you feel fuller longer which aids in weight loss. My husband and I enjoy chia seeds on salads and in baked goods.

Carrington Farms Organic Chia Seeds are:

• 100% Organic
• A sought after, nourishing “superfood”, loaded with beneficial properties that support a healthy lifestyle
• Contains the richest plant source of Omega 3’s, containing more Omega 3’s than salmon
• High in fiber, has more calcium by weight than milk, high in iron, potassium, folate, phosoporus, magnesium and manganese
• One of nature’s highest plant based sources of a complete protein and are extremely high in antioxidants
• Naturally gluten free
• Can be added to salads, cereal, yogurt and smoothies
• Perfect to make the popular Chia Seed Pudding

Buy them here. 

Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeeze

They come in 5 flavors: Blueberry Acai Flax, Peach Chia Vanilla, Maple Pear Quinoa, Raspberry Coconut, and Apple Quinoa Cinnamon. 

This Ready-to-eat Oatmeal Fruit Squeeze is perfect for busy families. You get the goodness of whole grain, gluten free oats and delicious fruit bites in one convenient squeezable pack. No more excuses of having no time for breakfast since they are portable. They are available for purchase in Publix Supermarkets, Whole Foods, Earth Fare and more. 

Any of these products are convenient ways to boost your breakfast in a healthy way. 

I received product samples for review and all opinions stated are my own as always. Thanks for reading! 

Enroll in a Teaching Position for Amazing Benefits (Guest Post)

There are one too many reasons one enrolls into a teaching job. We’ve all had those teachers who were an inspiration and contributed towards the people we are today. Not only do people not forget about their influence upon us, but they will surely remain remembered for as long as we live. Many people who wish to enter the education system want just that and tuition jobs (click here to sign up as a tutor) are the place to start.

The benefits of becoming a tutor are endless as there are a lot of subjects to be taught and not only will people have the opportunity to help other people to become more self-aware individuals, but also people who enroll in the teaching position will never get bored as classes are extremely interactive and simply amazing taking into consideration that you will work with a whole lot of different people from different backgrounds. A tutor positions has a lot of advantages and they should be highly regarded if one desires to make the big step in becoming a teacher.

Chance to Earn Amazing Money

Teachers do not usually earn a whole lot of money in one single go but salaries are extremely competitive to other professions. Teaching careers will give those who opt for such professions to get promoted over time and will have the option to give private tutoring classes in order to supplement their earnings.

Important Benefits

There are a lot of extra benefits of becoming a teacher and these include health insurance as well as some amazing pension plans which are becoming rarer among other professions but one can count them as an added perk in a career which involves teaching. Other benefits which come from being a teacher involve sick days as well as tuition reimbursement and one could easily find that a teaching job offers a lot more than one would initially think.

Amazing Education Career

One has to take into account the happiness factor when enrolling in a profession but teachers usually have it all when it comes this factor as their job is generally stress-free and motivating to do. Teachers will feel extremely motivated and confident when they are practicing their job and a lot of people will benefit from these factors starting from students and going up to friends and family as you will always be energetic and invigorated. A career in education will always yield some amazing opportunities to develop as an individual and feel great about the job.

Mastering a Subject by Teaching It

There’s an old saying stating that it takes some years of teaching before one could state that he or she can master a subject. One of the best ways to learn a favorite subject is teaching it as students might ask you questions which require some research in order to clearly explain it. Being a teacher will always come with opportunities for improvement and research.

Why We Switched Our Dog To Nature's Logic Dog Food

It's so hard to believe that we have had our dog Rocco for almost three years now. He has really grown in a lot of ways. We have worked hard to train him to obey rules and have good manners. Like any dog, he has his naughty moments. Overall, he is a very friendly, healthy, and happy pup. There is one thing that hasn't really been 100% with him and that is with his diet. We have been purchasing premium food and it seems like he has lost interest and some days won't eat a whole lot.

We also noticed that Rocco seems to have some type of allergy because he has been particularly itchy, more than a dog should be. We use natural, organic bath products and wash all of his bedding in unscented detergent. We narrowed it down to his diet.  I've been really nervous about changing his food, but knew we needed to do something. I was presented the opportunity to test out Nature's Logic nutrient dense meat based dry foods and after doing some research on the brand, I decided it was worth a shot. 

What makes Nature's Logic dry kibble so good for your dog? The first thing is that it's made of whole foods and no synthetics. I mean, you won't eat anything that is synthetic, so why feed your dog something like that? Below are some product details.

Highly palatable and nutrient dense meat based dry foods with  concentrates of select fruits and vegetables, containing no wheat,  corn, rice, soy, potato or chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or trace nutrients. Each dry diet is specially coated with digestive enzymes and plasma protein containing high levels of natural vitamins, minerals, and albumin and globulin proteins.

•Over 55% Animal Ingredients
•Gluten Free
•Probiotics
•Enzymes
•100% Natural
•No Synthetic Vitamins or Minerals

Nature's Logic is not genetically engineered, free of common allergens, and is family owned and made in the USA.

Rocco is only 8 pounds so I was very happy to see such small bites that are perfect for his size. We transitioned him from his regular food to the Canine Lamb Meal Feast, and I quickly learned why it got such a name. Just the mere sound of the kibble dropping into the bowl made Rocco sit anxiously until I told him it was okay to go to his bowl to devour it--- truly a meal feast! 

He took a few sniffs and immediately dove in. In less than 3 minutes, it was all gone. He looked at my like I was going to give him more. Ever since he started his Nature's Logic food, he has been extra stalkerish for his meals. He doesn't hesitate to eat anymore and stays on his feeding schedule we prefer him to be on. We feel so good knowing he is eating wholesome food that is giving him the proper nutrition he needs. 

Also, a little TMI-- my husband cleans the yard and noticed more consistency in Rocco's poop. This is good, since he was not eating properly before. 

Just how we feed our human family members, we want to ensure that our furry companion gets the same. It has been so good to see Rocco eat normally again. We will continue him on this food and will be using Chewy.com to purchase it. For a complete list of online outlets and local stores visit here. They offer a really good variety of items like the dry kibble, wet food, treats, and supplements. Oh, and Nature's Logic makes cat food too. 

If you are thinking about switching your dog's diet, I highly recommend Nature's Logic. Your fur baby deserves a meal feast every day! I am keeping a close eye on him to see if this food helps with his allergies. So far he seems a little less itchy, but I think he needs a solid month of eating this diet to know for sure.

Be sure to check out Nature's Logic on the web, and follow on Facebook & Twitter for product promotions and updates. They also periodically have coupons, so be on the lookout for those.

I received products for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine as always, and this is one of those times where a review has turned me into a new customer.

Food Is Fuel: Easy Ways To Boost Your Nutrition

We all know what kinds of foods we need to consume to live healthily. But life isn’t perfect- sometimes we’re busy and make choices that aren’t the best due to convenience. Other times we might make bad decisions due to emotional issues- who hasn’t reached for a big bar of chocolate at the end of a stressful day at one time or another! It’s all a balancing act, it’s fine to indulge in the things you enjoy now and again. Just make sure you’re getting the good stuff into your body too. Here are a few ways you can go about it.

Add Salad To Everything

The great thing about salad is it’s versatile and goes with most things. Having a sandwich or burger? Pile on the salad. Pop it onto the side of your plate at dinner time, or if you’re having a meal that it really doesn’t work with it, have it as a starter. It’s fresh, crisp and delicious- an easy way to get another one of your five a day at both lunch and dinner. Skip the heavy, creamy dressings which will be high in fat and calories. Create simple vinaigrettes instead: olive oil, honey, mustard, and vinegar make a delicious combination which is perfect for livening up a salad. Don't just limit yourself to boring old iceberg either. Experiment with different mixed leaves, and add extras like pickles, olives, and jalapenos for a tasty kick. Put some red and white cabbage through the grater attachment on your food processor along with some red onion and carrot for a delicious slaw. You can eat this as it is, or mix some natural yogurt with mustard for a tangy alternative to mayo.

Take Supplements

As well as a healthy diet, a supplement is like an insurance policy to make sure your body isn’t missing anything that it needs. You could check out AlgaeCal reviews if you were after a calcium supplement, this is especially useful if you’re vegan or dairy free. You could take a vitamin capsule or blend which is specifically targeted to your gender and age group. Vitamin C effervescent tablets are popular too. Work out if you’re likely to be lacking anything in your diet and go from there.

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Drink Your Nutrients

Smoothies and homemade juices are a fantastic way to give your body a hit of nutrition. Not only do they taste great but they’re easy to consume, perfect if you’re not massively keen on certain ingredients but want the health benefits of them. They make a great breakfast, especially for those who struggle with traditional breakfast foods. To make life easier, chop up all of your fruit and then portion it into sandwich bags. Pop in the freezer, then you can take one out and empty it into the blender whenever you want a smoothie. Much easier than messing around chopping fruit every time. Add some fruit juice or almond milk to get the mixture going, and add other ingredients of your choice to boost it. Goji berries, spinach, beetroot, and avocado all work well. Added to the base smoothie, you can’t really taste them with the sweetness of the fruit but still get the health benefits.

Disease: Emotional And Nutritional Remedies

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If you or a loved one is living with a life-threatening disease, it can be a massive pressure on any strong family unit, and it’s not a surprise really, is it? The emotional strain, not to mention the financial strain if you are looking for affordable treatment, can be completely unbearable. It can feel like a weight bearing down on you, and, to be honest, it can be really difficult to find any positives in that sort of situation. We all have ways of coping, and here are some pearls of wisdom to think about if you or someone you care deeply about is going through this difficult period.

Diet Can Still Help

Your body requires essential nutrients and vitamins to feel that bit better. Of course, if you are going through painful treatment, it is not likely to be high on your priority list, but having some healthy food can help to take the edge off in some circumstances. Now there is research that eating ten portions of fruit or vegetables a day instead of the usual five will do your health a world of good. And if you aren’t having any in your diet, you are likely to feel the benefit.

Seeking Closure…

This is a big one. It depends on your own specific view of what you would define as unresolved issues in your life. For a lot of people, living with a disease helps to focus the mind and get rid of all the pointless things in life that they worried about incessantly. For people that have mesothelioma, it has been a common step to take part in legal proceedings against the firms responsible. And while it can be a taxing process, sufferers could get a settlement that can provide for their families after they have passed away. There are firms, like Madeksho for all benzene lawsuits, that work with sufferers of chronic and terminal diseases. Only you can decide that if it is worth going through for closure, or if you wish to provide for your partner or family. But one thing is true, your relationship with your family will never be better. You will start to realize what life is all about, and it all sounds a bit whimsical, but sometimes it really takes a serious incident to focus the mind on what you want, which leads me to the next point…

Use This As An Excuse To Do Anything!

If you have shied away from making your mark on the world, now is the time. Jump out of a plane, go to a Mardi Gras, or experience the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. Life is short, and we all say this, but there's no point in ever regretting anything. What does anxiety do for us? Nothing! It makes us feel bad in the head and bad in the body. So, make the most of life, it’s the only one we have. Live, laugh, and love, and you will find your way of coping with one of the most difficult things in the world.

Head in the Sand: Why the Most Dangerous Thing an Addicted Person Can Do is Nothing

Burying your head in the sand is one of the most dangerous things you can do if you have an addiction problem. These things don’t go away by themselves. You have to take action if you want to get your drinking problem back under your control. It’s not easy to do that, but it’s certainly better than doing nothing at all. So, here are some more reasons why inaction is so dangerous.

Inaction Means That Their Mindset is Wrong

When someone who has an addiction does nothing about the situation they’re in, it suggests that their mindset is completely wrong. When a person’s mindset is completely wrong, there is not much hope of that person getting the help that they urgently need. That’s why addictions can be so tricky to deal with. Mindsets are perhaps more difficult to change that the physical problems themselves. You have to be in the right frame of mind and have the right kind of outlook if you are going to make a huge change to your life.

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Other People Can’t Force Someone to Change Their Way of Thinking

People can’t force themselves to change their way of thinking either. On top of that, other people can’t force them to change how they think. So, if someone has a friend or relative who has a drug problem, it won’t be solved by pressuring them into change. Addicts normally have to hit rock bottom before they make changes to the way in which they live. Other people can only point them in the right direction and give them the support and advice they need. Beyond that, the addict themselves have to be in charge and control of what happens.

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Problems Pile Up Quickly for Addicted People

Another issue is the fact that problems can pile up very quickly for people who are experiencing addiction. It’s not just the physical addiction that has to be addressed. There also has to be an approach to dealing with the other impacts on your lifestyle that an addiction can have. You can have career problems, fall out with friends and family because of your problem and even have to move out of your home if you have money problems. If you have trouble with the police because of an addiction, you should turn to top-rated DWI lawyers to help you. But when all of these problems pile up, you’ll regret having not taken action sooner.

It Often Takes a Big Problem to Wake Them Up

Sometimes, it takes a big problem to hit a person before they wake up and realize the situation that they’re in. When they hit by a problem that makes them think about how bad their situation has got, that person might then take steps in the right direction. Unfortunately, it can be even harder to recover from the problem because the addiction will probably already be at an advanced stage by then. That’s why it’s always better to take action sooner rather than later if you can.

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Try New Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion

Softsoap has added an all new hand wash to their product line-up, and you must try it when it becomes available in stores March 1, 2017. Introducing Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion. This hand wash gives you the cleaning and sanitizing power you expect from Softsoap, with the added touch of lotion. I know I am a habitual hand washer and usually immediately have to put lotion on afterwards. Now I can wash my hands in one step and skip the lotion! 

Softsoap Hand Wash Plus Lotion is available in three luxurious fragrances, including Shea & Cocoa Butter, Aloe Water & Lime, and Orchid & Coconut Milk. I love all of the fragrances and so does my family. My little one keeps all of a sudden needing to wash his hands frequently. He has taken a liking to the Aloe Water & Lime hand wash and I am not even mad about it!

If you are an avid cook, baker or gardener, this new hand wash is a great choice. They come in 8 oz pump bottles and retail for $2.49. I am hoping Softsoap will make a large refill for these hand washes. Be on the lookout for it in select stores, March 1st. Also, grab this money-saving coupon whiles supplies last.

Products were provided to me from Colgate-Palmolive for review purposes. All opinions are my own.