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You can create a functional and inviting kitchen your entire family will enjoy without spending a fortune. The average cost of a kitchen remodel is $12,700 to $33,200. Instead of breaking the bank, get rid of that remodeling itch with these ten DIY kitchen updates, all for less than $100. Give your chrome sink a fresh look when you paint it. Use sandpaper and a $4 can of spray paint designed for metal to refresh your sink for a fraction of what you would pay to replace it. If painting’s not your thing, upgrade the faucet, a focal point in your kitchen. Select a stylish faucet or a design that fits your personality. A decorative light fixture upgrades your kitchen’s appearance and only costs $30 to $90. Select a fancy, rustic or chrome light fixture that matches your existing decor or kitchen’s color. Alternatively, you could add a statement floor lamp or hang $8 battery powered LED lights under or inside the cabinets, two smart and affordable ways to increase lighting and create a cozier and more welcoming kitchen space. A coat or two of paint or stain allows you to update your cabinets on a budget. Refinish all the cabinets in the kitchen with a kit for around $75, or focus only on the doors, trim, or shelves to cut costs. For best results and to maximize your time and money, spend adequate time on prep and follow these tips: • Fill in nicks or holes with wood putty. • Sand the surfaces between paint or stain layers. • Allow the paint to dry completely. Consolidate weekly menus and give your kids space to draw when you paint a chalkboard on your refrigerator doors. With painter’s tape, outline the shape and size of the chalkboard. Then apply a few thin layers of $20 magnetic primer and $10 chalkboard paint. When the chalkboard dries, your family will enjoy your new and functional fridge doors. A pop of color on the wall draws the eye and adds excitement to a kitchen. You can create a DIY ceramic backsplash for $25 per square foot or a stainless-steel backsplash for $36 per square foot. You can also choose tile, stick-on metal, or chalkboard paint. Once complete, your colorful or textured backsplash will add visual appeal above your sink or behind your stove. Colorful, textured or decorative outlet covers in chrome, bronze, or Steampunk give your kitchen a new look. To save even more money, decorate your existing covers with paint, paper, or decoupage. Your cabinet handles and drawer pulls may seem insignificant, but they make a big impact on your kitchen’s appearance and style. With your new hardware, a few tools and a bit of time, you’ll add personality and style to your kitchen. The average kitchen has 40 drawer pulls or knobs, so browse your local big box store for an affordable set of hardware. For fine vintage, decorative, or colorful hardware, check out local estate sales or a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Customize your kitchen and maximize its space when you transform an empty wall, cluttered drawer, or unused cabinet into storage for pantry items, cookbooks, or pans. The cost of this kitchen improvement depends on the size, type, and finish of the shelving units, single shelves, pull-out trays, lazy Susans, and other storage options you choose. Now’s a wonderful time to update your kitchen decor and ensure the room reflects your personality and style. For a few bucks, replace worn rugs, boring curtains, and collectibles you no longer love with a new floor runner, bright fabric curtains, and pretty artwork. Spend a few hours clearing clutter from your kitchen cabinets and counters. Toss outdated or unwanted food, donate utensils and appliances you no longer use, and remove items that don’t belong in the kitchen. You won’t spend a dime to create a tidy kitchen that’s also more functional and spacious.
Opioid abuse is defined as an individual not taking his or her medication as prescribed and using the prescription to get high. Opiate addiction is a serious epidemic and, currently, a public health crisis. Typically, a person addicted to opioids is treated with medicines, behavioral and counseling therapies, medication-assisted therapy, and hospital- and residential-based treatment. Here are the four most commonly used medicines to treat opioid addiction. Methadone has been used for over 50 years as a successful treatment for those addicted to opiates. When used appropriately, it’s one of the safest and most effective forms of addiction medication. MD Edge explains, “methadone provides the patient with pain relief by blocking the receptors in the brain that opioids affect. It eliminates or reduces the terrible withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with opioid addiction to prevent relapse.” The changes in brain chemistry take much longer in a detox program. Most patients will benefit from a single dose as the effects last between 24 and 36 hours. On the flip side, methadone will show up on a drug test for employment, and making daily visits to the methadone clinic may be difficult for some. According to Right Path, “in 2002, a different medication was introduced to the market designed to address a new approach for treating those suffering from opioid addiction called Buprenorphine.” Suboxone is a trade name for a drug made up of four parts of an opioid called Buprenorphine and one part opioid antagonist, Naloxone. Suboxone changed the game because it provides relief from withdrawal symptoms and cravings by blocking opiate receptors in the brain. It’s combined with buprenorphine and naloxone making it unlike its competitors. If an addict uses opiates while on Suboxone, it will induce nausea, vomiting, sweating, and restlessness, making Suboxone a deterrent from opioids. Unfortunately, Suboxone also has the potential for becoming addictive itself with long-term or repeated use. Naltrexone blocks the adverse effects that opioids have on the brain. Users will not experience euphoria or the sedative effects of opiates. According to Cochrane, “unlike other medications that are designed to reduce cravings, naltrexone eliminates the desire to take opioids completely. If you are currently dependent on opiates, naltrexone will trigger painful withdrawal symptoms.” It’s difficult and dangerous to come off of opioids cold turkey. Opiate withdrawal symptoms are extremely unpleasant and usually result in the addict choosing to use again. Withdrawal can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. It’s vital to seek medically-assisted detoxification through a facility, especially if you have a long history of opioid abuse. If you or a family member are ready to get help, seek help immediately. There are several resources and clinics available that can ease the painful symptoms of withdrawal and help you succeed. Here are two other articles on the topics of medicine and mental health we think you’ll enjoy:
What happens to those caught up in the toxic lies of conspiracy theorists? The Guardian spoke to five victims whose lives were wrecked by falsehoods. Conspiracy theories used to be seen as bizarre expressions of harmless eccentrics. Not any more. Gone are the days of outlandish theories about Roswell’s UFOs, the “hoax” moon landings or grassy knolls. Instead, today’s iterations have morphed into political weapons. Turbocharged by social media, they spread with astonishing speed, using death threats as currency. Together with their first cousins, fake news, they are challenging society’s trust in facts. At its most toxic, this contagion poses a profound threat to democracy by damaging its bedrock: a shared commitment to truth. Their growing reach and scale is astonishing. A University of Chicago study estimated in 2014 that half of the American public consistently endorses at least one conspiracy theory. When they repeated the survey last November, the proportion had risen to 61%. The startling finding was echoed by a recent study from the University of Cambridge that found 60% of Britons are wedded to a false narrative. The trend began on obscure online forums such as the alt-right playground 4chan. Soon, media entrepreneurs realized there was money to be made – most notoriously Alex Jones, whose site InfoWars feeds its millions of readers a potent diet of lurid lies (9/11 was a government hit job; the feds manipulate the weather.) Now the conspiracy theorist-in-chief sits in the White House. Donald Trump cut his political teeth on the “birther” lie that Barack Obama was born in Kenya, and went on to embrace climate change denial, rampant voter fraud, and the discredited belief that childhood vaccines may cause autism. Amid this explosive growth, one aspect has been under-appreciated: the human cost. What is the toll paid by those caught up in these falsehoods? And how are they fighting back? The Guardian talked to five people who can speak from bitter personal experience. We begin in a town we will not identify in Massachusetts where a young man, who tells his story here for the first time, was asleep in his bed. Falsely accused of being the Parkland shooter. Valentine’s Day 2018 was Marcel Fontaine’s day off. He slept late into the afternoon, having worked a double shift the day before. When he woke up, a wave of happiness washed over him – he was in a relationship, had a job he loved at a local concert venue. His life was good. By the time he roused himself, the deadliest high school shooting in US history was already over. A 19-year-old with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle had entered the Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Florida, and opened fire. Seventeen had been killed, though Fontaine, who has no cable TV or radio, was oblivious to the tragedy. Then he received a text from a friend. A photo of Fontaine was flying around the internet and he was being accused of carrying out the terrible Florida shooting. His immediate response was bewilderment. What shooting? Where? He was in Massachusetts, 1,500 miles away. It would take a four-hour flight to reach the school. He’d only visited Florida once when he was a little boy to see Mickey Mouse. Fontaine, 25, describes himself on Twitter as a “non-binary gay queer autistic commie that loves horror movies and metal!” He was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum as a child and for years has struggled with anxiety and a debilitating stammer. At moments of heightened stress, he flaps his hands like a bird. In short, Fontaine is a vulnerable leftwing individual who would not harm a flea, which apparently makes him perfect fodder for the sadistic mockery of 4chan, the anonymous message board that hosts alt-right activists and other extremists. A few days before the Parkland shooting, a photo of Fontaine wearing a T-shirt of Marx, Lenin, Mao and other communist luminaries dressed in party hats had been grabbed from his Instagram feed and posted by an anonymous use...
Snacking can be part of any healthy diet, but it can feel impossible to find options that are nutritious and tasty AND that keep you full. So we enlisted the help of registered dietitian Jessica Jones, co-host of Food Heaven Made Easy, to guide us through the snacks maze. In determining what qualifies as healthy, here are her rules of thumb: 1. Aim for less than 6 grams of added sugar per serving. This is crucial, and the downfall of most snacks. Foods with lots of sugar will raise your blood sugar and that spike can be followed by cravings for more carbs and sugar, and mood swings, Jones tells BuzzFeed. “In the long run, high blood sugar can lead to weight gain, pre-diabetes, and diabetes.” Keep in mind that something innately sweet like a serving of fruit will have more than six grams of naturally occurring sugar, but the fiber in the fruit will slow the release of sugar and help minimize those spikes and crashes. 2. Pick a snack with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. A snack with more fiber is going to be more satiating and help you stay full. At minimum, your snack should have 3 grams of fiber. 3. Look for reasonable serving sizes. You’re setting yourself up for excess calories if you start munching on a bar where the serving size is a quarter of the bar, because you’re less likely to simply consume a quarter. And keep this in mind when you’re reading the nutrition label: Whatever numbers you’re seeing have to be multiplied by the number of servings the item contains if you want to eat the whole thing. 4. The less processed the better. Generally speaking, the less processed something is, the more nutritious and the lower it will be in added sugar, sodium, and other additives. The fewer ingredients you see listed on a label, the less processed the product will be. 5. Balance is best. Pick a snack with a good balance of carbs and protein, carbs and healthy fats, or protein and healthy fats — this’ll keep satiated you for a longer amount of time (e.g., cheese and crackers, or apples and peanut butter.) Many snacks people think are “healthy” don’t actually fit these guidelines, says Jones. Here are nine common ones that you want might want to think twice about — plus her suggestions on what to snack on instead. Packets of flavored, instant-cooking oatmeal tend to be high in sugar and made from oats that are highly processed to ensure a faster cooking time — meaning they’ll be lower in fiber and provide less satiety, and ultimately not keep you that full for long. Healthy swap: Opt for steel-cut or rolled oats made without added flavoring, sugar, or preservatives. Both options are less processed — as they aren’t designed to cook instantly — are digested at a lower rate, and will keep you fuller longer. To add a bit of flavor, add nut butter or fresh fruit. Unfortunately, fruit juice is often loaded with as much sugar as soda, and is devoid of the fiber that helps with digestion and slows down the absorption of sugar. Healthy swap: Instead of juice, reach for a piece of fruit — it’ll have less sugar and more filling fiber to help you reach your daily recommended intake of 25 and 38 grams for women and men, respectively. “Even when it comes to fresh-squeezed orange juice, I’d rather have someone eat an orange,” says Jones. Yogurt can be a great snack — high in protein, super portable, and a great vehicle for fruit, nuts, or whatever you like to top it with — but flavored yogurt is often quite high in added sugar, especially the low- and fat-free varieties that rely on lots of added sugar so they still taste good even with the fat removed. Healthy swap: Stick with plain Greek yogurt and add your own fruit to the mix. It’ll have more protein, be a lot more satiating, and keep your blood sugar more stable (which goes hand-in-hand with maintaining steady energy levels and enough willpower to make better eating decisions!). The idea of granola is great — whole grains mixed with some fruit for flavor and nuts for healthy fats a...
Meghan Markle Just Made It Easier To Guess Her Due Date
There is going to a new royal baby in 2019 thanks to the blessed fruits of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The couple announced they were expecting their first child during their first Australian tour late last year telling us the new Duchess of Sussex "is expecting a baby in the spring of 2019". While Kensington Palace never discloses
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Rosie O’Donnell is making a big real estate move following speculation she and girlfriend Elizabeth Rooney are engaged. The 56-year-old actress is selling her $5.9 million English-inspired country estate in Saddle River, New Jersey. She’s taking a small loss to get rid of the property, which she reportedly purchased for $6.375 million in 2013, according to Homes.com. Despite the timing, the sale doesn’t appear to be a sign that she and Rooney, a police officer from Worcester, Massachusetts, are looking for a new home to call their own. A friend of The View cohost tells PEOPLE that, “she’s selling because she is living in New York City full-time now and most of the kids are grown and did not need the big house.” O’Donnell has three daughters — Chelsea Belle, 21, Vivienne Rose, 15, Dakota, 5 — and two sons, Parker Jaren, 23, and Blake Christopher, 18. She has been dating Rooney, who recently suggested she was engaged with a subtle change to her Instagram bio, for nearly a year. Her page now includes the letter “R” followed by a diamond ring emoji. Radar Online first reported the possible engagement on Oct. 8. O’Donnell’s New Jersey mansion sits on 5.7 acres, according to the listing with Special Properties, a Division of Brook Hollow Group Realtors Inc., an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate. It boasts six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms and two half baths, a gourmet kitchen, multiple living rooms with fireplaces, an elevator and a guesthouse. Outside, amenities include an in-ground pool with a grotto and waterfall, a plunge pool, spa, basketball court, three-car garage, artist’s studio and multiple balconies with sweeping views of the property. It was totally remodeled and renovated in the early 2000s. O’Donnell and Rooney went public with their relationship in November 2017 after O’Donnell revealed she was dating a younger woman during an appearance on Howard Stern’s SiriusXM radio show. “It’s the first time I’ve dated someone younger than me,” she said. “It’s a very trippy thing.” “I get along so well with her, it’s kind of fascinating,” she added. “The one thing that she doesn’t know? Streisand. I made her watch Funny Girl. She’s like, ‘It was good.’ I’m like, ‘Come on!’ ” At the time, O’Donnell also told Stern she would “never” get married again.
Gathering with family is one of those things that we look forward to. It’s important to stay in touch with brothers and sisters, parents, cousins, grandparents, and other relatives. But you need to make plans when you are going to have a family gathering. Everything from ensuring that your house is ready to hold a large number of guests to having enough food needs to be done. And if you’re like most people, you probably need a list to make sure that you don’t forget anything. Here are a couple of important preparations to consider adding to your list. If you’ve never hosted the family gathering, you might be wondering how much food you need to prepare and what you should make. How much food you need will depend on how many people are coming, so make a list and prepare a little more than what you think you will actually require. In a worst-case scenario, you can send leftovers home with some of your family. When preparing your menu, remember to plan for the dinner, which will most likely include at least one main dish and a couple of side dishes. But when you’re having large groups of people over to your house, you should also remember to have appetizers before the meal. It builds a cushion in case the meal takes longer to set up than you expected. Good appetizers don’t have to be complicated. They include easy things like nuts, chips and salsa, crudite (cut up vegetables), and cheese and crackers. Also, remember to have plenty of beverages on hand for all ages. One thing that’s easy to forget is that children might want to play outside, so you need to make sure that everything is child-friendly so that children don’t get hurt. If you want to prevent kids and pets from running off, make sure your yard is closed off with sturdy fencing for the children to play in while the adults mingle in the kitchen. If you’re going to have a lot of people over to your house, make sure that you spend some time planning the layout of your party. You need to make sure that there are enough places for people to sit while they eat and that you have plenty of space for people to walk. Kids’ tables are one option. If you have too many people, consider turning your table into a buffet and bring in extra seating; people can eat on trays or laps if needed. Planning a family gathering is a lot of work. It’s best to plan at least a week in advance so that you don’t forget anything. You can also enlist the assistance of other family members so that you’ll remember every detail or for help remembering and addressing any special needs from a family member. Did you like this article? Keep reading: • None Great Ideas to Keep Them Busy All Summer! • None How to Catch a Break as a Stay at Home Parent
Kids start to develop their personality in early childhood. These personalities will become more full-fledged as they progress through elementary school. As a parent, you need to do everything in your power to help your kids develop their own unique personality. One of the best ways to do this is by letting them explore their own interests at a young age. Why Kids Need to Explore. Exploration is vitally important for children because it is the only way they can truly find a new interest or passion. Kids are never going to discover their passion for soccer if they are never exposed to the sport. Finding their own interests helps children build their creativity, become more independent and enhance their decision-making skills. Since participating in clubs and activities help make children more developed, schools are starting to let their young students explore their interests. The days of waiting until middle school to begin exploring hobbies and interests are gone as many elementary schools now offer electives and activities. The developmental skills gained by finding a hobby are far more beneficial when discovered at a young age. This means that children are never too young to start exploring their interests. Pays Off Later in Life. Finding and developing an interest at a young age is going to pay off in a big way later in life. Participating in a hobby is a great way to relieve the stresses of adulthood. This will lead to an overall happier life without having to use alcohol and other vices to cope with stress. There is also a strong chance that your child’s interest will lead to a rewarding career in the future. A child that loves learning about the earth can very easily use their knowledge to become a geologist. The only way interest exploration is effective is if you let your children find their own passion. Let them pick the next hobby they want to explore. Do not get mad or discouraged if they quickly decide to pursue a different interest. This is all part of the discovery process. You also need to avoid pushing your agenda on your child. It may be tempting to lead your child towards your hobbies, but this is not going to help them develop their own personality. The goal of every parent is to see their child live a long and happy life filled with unique experiences. A great way to ensure this happens is by letting your kids explore their interests at a young age.
Whether you have been to Walt Disney World many times or it’s your very first visit, there are quite a few special things to experience. If you are not sure where to start, consider these five unique moments at Walt Disney World.
The Good Night Kiss
As the last guests are leaving the park, position yourself so that you can clearly see Cinderella's Castle. You will see it light up two or three times, and then a narrator will make a very special announcement telling you that when you wish upon a star, your dreams really can come true. While the whole thrilling performance lasts only about two minutes, it may become your favorite memory of visiting Walt Disney World.
Unique Character Dining
While you will want to be sure to check the calendar for unique experiences like storybook dining, the only place that you can see The Beast is at dinner at the Be Our Guest Restaurant. Bookings open 180 days before the meal, and they usually fill up the very day that reservations start. Therefore, you will want to make sure to mark that date on your calendar. You cannot find unique characters like The Beast wandering in the park.
Play Dress-up With Belle
If you have a princess in your family who adores Belle, then give her an experience that she will never forget by letting her get transformed with Belle. Each special experience designed for ages three to 12 offers a chance to put on a special gown, get her hair done and her nails designed. In order to arrange for this unique experience held inside Cinderella's Castle, contact the park before your arrival.
See Citizens of Hollywood
While many visitors run right through Hollywood Boulevard, stop and see the shows there. These shows held at random times through the day are each unique because they each involve different characters along with audience participation. Many of the shows are designed to allow visitors to relive the Golden Era of Hollywood.
Take a Surf Lesson
If you have someone who wants to learn to surf in your group, then send them to the Typhoon Lagoon two hours before the park opens. Participants do not need to bring their own surfboard to ride the waves that can be up to six feet tall. After a short instruction period on land, participants can ride the waves with two specially-trained instructors.
There are many unique activities occurring daily at Disney World. Make the most of your time by participating in these activities and many more.
DaPulse hears all about the latest in entertainment, movies, and more.Check out our online entertainment content to get the best insights into your next trip to the Happiest Place on Earth.
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Essential oils are fantastic because they help to relieve a number of mental and physical health issues. Unfortunately, there's been a lot of bad press about essential oils recently because people are beginning to see that they can be bad for the environment. It's important to note that it's not necessarily the oils themselves that are bad, but it depends on how they are sourced that can make the difference.
How Some Companies Work
Some companies work on a give and take basis. They might use natural sources for their essential oils, but they give back to the environment by continually planting and growing more of what they've taken for the products. However, not all companies are like this and some will simply take ingredients more than they give back. This is when it becomes a problem for the environment.
Related: The Guardian | How to Source Wild Ingredients Ethically and Sustainably
Why Essential Oils Themselves Aren't the Problem
Essential oils are good for the environment because they're made using natural and often organic ingredients. It's not a worry that they are not made using chemicals and other ingredients that are bad for the environment. However, it depends on how they are sourced when it concerns how good they are for the earth. If the sourcing is done unethically, it is going to result in a lot of barren land and a ton of bushes, trees and other plants to be torn down specifically for the essential oils.
Related: doTERRA | Ethical Sourcing for Essential Oils
Unethical Practices by Companies
Before buying any type of essential oil, be sure that you're purchasing it from an ethical company that sources its oils from readily available plants and trees. The company might also work to regrow the plants they are harvesting, which is also important if they are mass producing a specific oil. Keep in mind that you need to know which type of company is good and which one is unethical. By doing some research on different oil companies, you can decipher which ones are good for your own healthy lifestyle.
Related: Consumerist | Young Living Sentenced for Harvesting Essential Oils from Endangered Plants
Essential oils are ideal for living a healthy alternative lifestyle, but it's crucial that you look into the wide range of oils available to you and make it your mission to find one that is going to be perfect for your needs. You can then learn the myriad of ways for you to make use of these oils on a regular basis whether this is for yourself or for one of your loved ones through massage or aromatherapy. If you are using essential oils as a way to find relief from pain or symptoms of illness, check out this article to see if it might be able to help you!
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SHANGHAI (AP) — A luxury hotel opening outside Shanghai is offering guests with deep pockets the chance of a very deep sleep.
The 18-story Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland Hotel has been built into the side of a huge hole in the ground left by a former pit mine. Sixteen of its floors are below ground level, looking out onto the rest of the former quarry. Two floors are underwater.
“I designed many different types of buildings in U.K., in Europe, in Dubai, and so on but this one was totally different and became almost life work, so that’s why I’m saying it’s probably the most important building that I have designed,” said chief architect Martin Jochman, who is known for the sail- shaped Burj Al-Arab skyscraper in Dubai.
The project began in 2006 and construction got underway in 2013. The team faced delays and a host of technical challenges, including meeting strict earthquake regulations and maintaining water levels.
UNESCO representative Michael Croft described the 336-room hotel as a model for sustainable development.
“It’s a model that has been inspired by a vision of a better future, and a present that looks to its past for answers,” he said at a news conference introducing the hotel Thursday.
The hotel, which is in Songjiang near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, opens Tuesday. Rooms are priced from 3,666 to 6,000 yuan ($530 to $860).
“We could have abandoned this quarry,” said Xu Shitan, vice chairman of Hong Kong property developer Shimao Group, which developed the hotel. “But we didn’t. We turned it into a treasure.”
| Original Post
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As of today, essential oils are dominating the health industry, but understanding why that is you first have to understand what essential oils are.
What essential oils are
Essential oils are living fluids extracted from plants that are often used in aromatherapy due to their distinct smells. The living fluids that are extracted are part of the plant’s seeds, bark, roots, leaves, and so forth. Once these fluids are extracted, they are put together with a carrier oil which makes them accessible for human use.
How Essential Oils are Used
Essential oils can work with your body in many different ways and are applied by being placed on the skin or simply smelled. Smelling these oils are the most common form of intake and once it is inhaled the chemicals present in this concentrate help the part of the brain that is responsible for feeling calm.
Related: AromaWeb
The Effects of Essential Oils
Not all essential oils share the same effects on people. Almost every different essence has a different application and result. The majority of positive results claim to be improvements in various health issues. According to a study documented at the US National Center for Biotechnology Information, essential oils appear to be effective when helping a health issue along with another form of therapy. For example, one study suggested that if a participant has a massage with the use of essential oils can help relieve stress but only as long as the massage lasts. However, another study published in Science Direct suggests that essentials oils have the same stress-relieving effect separate from receiving another therapy treatment at the same time. In this case, it was shown that people waiting in a dentist’s waiting room reported less stress before going in while essential oils were being used in the air for everyone to smell.
Related: doTERRA
Side Effects of Essential Oils
It’s a pretty mixed bag in regards to an individual's results using essential oils. In some rare cases, people experience negative side effects which are most commonly rashes. However, these rashes are more susceptible to people who already have sensitive skin and mainly form when the oil is applied directly to the skin as opposed to smelling it in the air.
Related: Kitchen Stewardship
Essential oils are taking the world by storm because of the potential health benefits they have along with a low risk of side effects. Although more serious tests have to be conducted to confirm positive claims about essential oils, the fact that people have reported positive impacts from using it is enough to get consumers excited. For most people, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain by using essential oils, and it can act as a natural remedy.
If you liked this article, we think you’ll also enjoy this one as well!
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Being arrested for DWI is never a positive experience when all things are considered. When you see this sort of thing happening in the news, you probably never realize how difficult a legal battle is for the people involved. Many defendants actually accept the fact that the state has a solid case and plead guilty without the benefit of legal counsel.
This is never a good decision, and many times the court will still appoint an attorney when the defendant cannot afford private counsel. The problem with this circumstance is that the attorney often works for the same state that is prosecuting the case, so their priorities in representation could be compromised.
When you get a DWI lawyer to represent your personal interests, life after the DWI can be much easier. Your lawyer can negotiate a charge reduction or even a dismissal when all of the evidence is evaluated.
Potential Fines and Incarceration
Fines and court costs for even a first conviction of DWI can be upward of $1000. Subsequent convictions are even more expensive, and fine payment reviews will be conducted on a periodical basis if the defendant is allowed time to pay.
While most first DWI convictions do not carry an incarceration period with the exception of some states, multiple DWI convictions always carry mandatory jail time of some type, largely based on the material case factors.
Additional charges may also be pursued in cases of fleeing an officer or a fatal accident, which will make life even more difficult following the fact. To make matters worse, there is often no allowance of work release without effective legal counsel, which could result in employment termination.
Additional Punishment
All DWI convictions will require the defendant to enroll in some type of state-approved alcohol education program that will typically last at least one consecutive year. Defendants must also bear the cost of this additional requirement.
Treatment program completion might be required by the court in certain situations. Legal action for injuries can also be the result of a DWI accident with the potential for punitive damages as well.
States can impose the installation of an ignition-interlock device in your vehicle that requires you to pass a breathalyzer test before your vehicle can be started. This condition also typically lasts for one year or until a fine is paid in full.
Of course, possibly the worst problem with life after a DWI is the fact that the incident generates a criminal history and can prevent future employment in certain fields, such as truck driving or delivery work. Public housing approval can be impacted as well when the case is based on driving under the influence of illegal drugs or results in a felony conviction of some type.
When all things are evaluated, it is always best to get a lawyer as soon as possible and fight a DWI charge.
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Apartments can easily feel overcrowded due to their small size. This makes it very important to keep clutter under control. You can do this by sorting through your belongings, deciding what should stay and what will go, and locating a new home for unwanted items. Use the following tips to declutter and re-organize your apartment:
Sorting the Clutter
You should sort through your belongings first. Put them into three piles. One pile is to keep, one is to throw away, and the third is for recycling. You can quickly identify things you won't need by asking yourself when you last used it. If you haven't worn that old sweater for several years, the chances are that you never will.
Be careful to only keep what you need instead of what you want. Your wants are not necessary, while your needs are what you can't live without. Focus on areas of concern such as the kitchen and bathroom where extra space is needed the most.
Finding Room for What You Keep
To find enough space for the things you have in your keep pile, you’ll have to declutter your storage unit the same way that you did your apartment.
Having a storage space with ample room for your most important belongings will free up a lot of space. You can reserve that space for things you use daily. Use your storage unit for seasonal items like decorations, furniture, equipment, snow shovels and brushes. Look at each item and ask yourself whether it’s a seasonal piece.
Recycling
There are a lot of places where you can recycle your unwanted goods. Donate items in good condition to charities. You can also drop many housewares, articles of clothing, and furniture off at your local Goodwill store or thrift shop. Even consignment shops and online auctions are helpful. You might make some money while you’re at it.
Recycling isn't limited to finding places that can make use of your discarded things. Plastic, paper, metals, and other material resources can be dropped off at your local recycling center.
Once you’ve sorted your belongings into categories, found a place to donate or recycle unwanted items, and made room for what you will keep, your apartment will feel organized. This organization leads to more room for the things you treasure most.
If you found this helpful, check out the rest of our lifestyle column for more inspiring content!
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Humans have been inventing for many years, and every so often inventions help revolutionize our modern way of life. There are some inventions out there that are so strange you won’t believe they exist, and others you didn’t know you needed. Some of these amazing inventions are actually pretty useful, while others are real head-scratchers.
Here are inventions that’ll have you wondering why you didn’t think of it first and some that will make you say… wtf!
- Umbrella With a Cupholder
Holding your coffee while holding an umbrella can be a difficult taskWhat if I told you that there is an invention that could hold your cup of coffee while holding your umbrella? Genius, right? That’s what Urban Zoo has put together with their “I can’t believe I didn’t think of it first” idea.
See on Amazon
- Onion Holder
Tired of accidentally cutting yourself while slicing onions, potatoes, tomatoes, or other veggies? Well, the Orblue All-in-One Onion Holder could help. Holding this comb-like instrument helps keep the vegetables in place so you can cut them perfectly.
See on Amazon
- Rotating/Interchangeable Power Strip Outlets
Tired of bulky adaptors taking up multiple plugs on your power strip? This (or any number of others available on the market) rotating power strip allows you to shift and move the outlets on your surge protector so that bulky or boxy plugs no longer block other plugs. The Echogear Power Strip Surge Protector has a near-perfect Amazon rating from its many satisfied fans.
See on Amazon
- Hourglass Traffic Lights
The design of the traffic light could soon change. Yanko Designs created a new design for traffic lights and it looks awesome. The hourglass counts down the time left before the light changes. No more guessing how long that light’s going to be red, or trying to speed through a light unnecessarily before it changes from yellow to red.
- Pizza Scissors and Server
Oh pizza, where would we and millions of college students be without you? Lucky for us (the world?), some genius devised one simple tool that not only slices our pizza, but offers a nifty tool to serve it as well. These Pizza Scissors and Server could be the breakout invention of the 21st century.
See on Amazon
- Smart Contact Lenses for Diabetics
This invention could save the life of a diabetic. Pharmaceutical company Novartis announced in 2014 that, in a partnership with Google, they were working on contact lenses that not only correct vision, but monitor the blood- sugar levels of diabetics via their tears. If the glucose levels are imbalanced, the person becomes aware when the color of the lens changes.
- Faucet Thermometer
Worried about the correct water temperature for your newborn’s bath? This company was genius enough to invent a faucet thermometer so you can see the temperature as the water fills the tub. Take the guessing out of bath time.
See on Amazon
- See-Through Highlighters
While you might not have much use for highlighters in your adult life, these See-Through Highlighters would have made highlighting that book passage so much easier back in college. Maybe you still highlight documents at work, so these may still be useful for the adults reading this.
See on Amazon
- Light Saber Room Light
Got a Star Wars fanatic in the household? This deluxe Light Saber Room Light is the perfect idea for them. And even better yet, the light can adjust to eight different colors, so you can go from Sith to Jedi at the push of a button.
See on Amazon
- 2-in-1 Colander Cutting Board
Why take up valuable counter space while cooking when you can have two gadgets in one? This cutting board easily transforms into a strainer/colander when doing your meal prep. No more transferring food between appliances.
See on Amazon
- Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Lock
Have a roommate who loves to skim a little of your Ben & Jerry’s from the pint? Or maybe kids who sneak a quick snack? Then the Ben & ...
Though the United States is unique in the world for having a free citizenry that has a great deal of personal liberty, some things still fall under the strict rules of law. One of these things is alcohol consumption. Every state in the union has its own set of alcohol sale and consumption laws. Nationwide, these laws are a mixture of historic temperance statutes and guidelines that are established by law enforcement recommendations. Some are strange, but they all contribute to how alcohol is perceived.
Idaho: Huge Land Mass, Sparse Population
Idaho’s liquor laws center around alcohol’s presence per capita. This state measures more than 83,000 square miles in area, but it limits liquor licenses by population. Liquor licenses are issued at a rate of one per 1,500 hundred residents. With only about 1.5 million people, it is possible for several towns, in more than one county, to have access to only one establishment that is allowed to serve spirits. Of course, most businesses with liquor licenses are found in urban centers. Unfortunately, in this state, urban centers are separated by hours of driving along dangerous and lonely highways in the wilderness.
Louisiana: It’s All About Intent
As one of the last states in the country to raise its drinking age to 21, Louisiana has left plenty of room in its alcohol laws for hardcore enthusiasts. Having alcohol in your vehicle is not considered a violation by Louisiana law. It isn’t even a violation if the containers are open. What is a true violation, however, is a drinking apparatus in the containers. That’s right, Louisiana law enforcement tends to only look down upon containers that are set-up for consumption. This includes straws, glasses, funnels, and anything else commonly seen on a street during Mardi Gras.
Pennsylvanian Puritans and Wine
The United States is the best place in the world to practice capitalistic methods of business. This is true even for businesses that make a profit from selling things like exotic and craft wines. No matter how popular an establishment is for selling great wine, in this state, it is only allowable to have about 1,000 bottles of wine in storage at any one time. If stores exceed this amount, excess bottles must be confiscated and destroyed in a public place with witnesses. This is one Puritanical influence that has remained for centuries, though Pennsylvania wine sellers are some of the most popular in the country.
Nevada: The Sin State is Light on Liquor
Nevada bucks the trend of every other US state when it comes to carrying open containers. Public intoxication and consumption from an open container is considered a violation of alcohol laws in all other 49 states. However, Nevada has written legislation that states that alcoholism is a disease deserving of humanitarian protection. From the open desert to the Las Vegas strip, it is not illegal to be in public with an open container of alcohol. Be warned. There are harsh rules and regulations if you misbehave while enjoying this lax liquor law.
Did you enjoy reading this article? If so, be sure to check out our Lifestyle column for more interesting content!
Sources:
MONEY Magazine | These Are the States With the Craziest Liquor Laws
Liquor.com | 7 of the Most Bizarre Alcohol Laws in the United States
Aim to Serve | Weird Alcohol Laws and Other Useless Trivia
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After living in Silicon Valley for almost 20 years I have personally seen the rich of Silicon Valley at the following places:
The original pancake house Los Altos. It was on a weekend morning some time before 2004 directly across from our table was Scott McNealy with his family.
Flea Street Cafe in Menlo Park Eric Schmitt, Larry Ellison.
Chez Panisse in Berkeley sometime between 2004–2006 Steve Wozniak
Chef Chu in Los Altos many times between 2002–2018 the daughter of the owner use to work for the office I worked out in 2003 she always is so nice to me and my guests whenever I go there. I've seen Sergey Brin, Stephen Schott, Sheryl Sandberg, the late Steve Jobs. The walls are covered in memorabilia of past guests such as Presidents, Royalty and Super Famous athletes and Celebrities.
Starbucks in Los Altos over the years saw many that included: Anne Wojcicki.
Bucks in Woodside people have included John Doerr and Tim Draper.
Nut House in Palo Alto: Mark Zuckerberg.
Whole Foods Market, Redwood City, Tom Brady.
Not saying it doesn't happen, but not once did I witness any of these highly successful people being disturbed by a person they didn't know even though I and others in the venue recognize who they are. I love Silicon Valley for that. You can go out and not be disturbed.
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CBD oil has become increasingly popular as more states are embracing medical marijuana. However, medical marijuana and CBD oil are different in many ways that you shouldn’t immediately jump to thinking that it’s basically the same thing. It is important to understand these differences to make the right choice regarding your potential usage of this oil.
Hemp CBD vs. Medical Marijuana
CBD (or hemp) oil, coming from the cannabis family, has most people believe that hemp is marijuana. It’s not. Hemp is cannabis and marijuana is also cannabis, but hemp is not marijuana. CBD, or cannabidiol, is present in both hemp-producing cannabis sativa and drug-producing cannabis indica. The hemp oils are derived from industrial hemp. This does not contain THC, the chemical in marijuana that produces psychoactive effects. The difference between the two largely includes there being no THC in hemp oil, and that the two are derived from different sources.
Types of Hemp CBD Oil
When you are using hemp CBD oil, there are several forms to choose from. These include:
Tinctures Capsules Sprays Vapes Concentrates Topicals
All of these forms come in an array of dosages. It is important to know which dose is ideal for the specific condition you are using this oil for. Tinctures are the most popular administration method, but vaping allows you to more easily tailor the dosage you are taking compared to every other method.
Legality
Medical marijuana is legal in some states, but not all of them. Hemp CBD oil falls into a gray area. In all 50 states, it is available for purchase both online and in various retail establishments. The DEA states that they have no desire to go after anyone using hemp CBD oil for health or recreational reasons. This makes hemp CBD oil more readily available and a far safer choice regarding legal implications.
Uses for Hemp CBD Oil
The endocannabinoid system in the body responds effectively to this oil. It impacts receptor activity in this system, helping to alleviate pain. It also interacts with neurotransmitters and reduces inflammation.
Anxiety disorder may benefit from this oil. One study provided either a placebo or CBD to those about to engage in public speaking. Those who got the oil had a far less cognitive impairment and anxiety.
Other potential benefits for hemp CBD oil:
Might improve heart health May reduce seizures Might alleviate acne May have neuroprotective properties
It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before using CBD oil. This ensures proper use, and doctors might also be able to recommend the best form or strength for your condition. After all, if you’re taking it for stress, as many people do, there are many other ways to alleviate that. CBD oil is available and can have some potential benefits, but that doesn’t change that you should consider your own individual situation before deciding to try it.
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When your mental health takes a toll, you may end up in a psychiatric ward for help. Although the media and movies have portrayed these places to be strange and scary, is that really the case? Only people who have been inside the doors know for sure. These confessions are from those patients who have been admitted to a mental hospital. Their stories will surely shock you.
That's heavy.
Sometimes you find hope in the darkest of places.
Everyone is different.
Where is the security at!?
Feeling less alone really helps.
Everyone just wants to fit in.
Connections can happen anywhere.
Sounds like a good time, actually.
Yikes.
So scary.
The outside world can be so scary.
Oh no!
Noted.
Not good.
Nothing wrong with spoons!
So scandalous!
Crazy.
LOL!
Don't be so fast to judge.
Awww.
The post 15 Jaw-Dropping Confessions On What Staying In A Mental Hospital Is Actually Like appeared first on DAPULSE.
Someone is crowdfunding online to launch a delicious project - packs of chocolate-filled ice cream cone tips.
Muddy Bites was launched by Nick Cavegn, after he noticed a gap in the market, and the idea sounds absolutely delicious.
Each bag will cost approximately £2.68 ($3.49), and you will get around 15 bite-sized cones in each bag. You can pre-order a pack of them here.
Nick is currently trying to raise £22,939 to launch the project fully, and he has so far had £3,127 pledged from 127 backers.
However, there is a catch. Muddy Bites currently only ships to the US, so we might have to wait for them to take off a bit before we can get our hands on them.
Nick also teased the possibility of new flavors like peanut butter, cookies and cream, caramel and mint chocolate chip, which we are totally on board with.
Discussing his idea, Nick said: "After eating hundreds of sundae cones throughout my life, I noticed that a ton people loved the bottom part filled with chocolate.
"It was weird, despite the massive popularity of the tasty treat, when I looked around, there was nothing on the market for it."
As well as being delicious, chocolate was added to the bottom of ice cream cones for more practical reasons.
To stop melted ice cream from leaking out the hole at the bottom of the cone, chocolate was poured in and frozen to seal it, which stops you from getting sticky.
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Instagram, the cradle of the craziest beauty trends in the world, is seeing a new fashion born. This is a very Marge Simpson look spring version that was baptized as the #FlowerVaseHair It all started when this YouTuber, inspired by the cover of Beyoncé in the September issue of Vogue, wanted to find a floral version “easier to carry”, so she created this tutorial: She also made a popular video in which she went out through the streets of Hong Kong with her hair in the shape of a vase … and it went super well in her adventure. This was the incredible, and crazy, result: Because it is such a strange look, but also fun, it has quickly gone viral and many people are recreating it on Instagram. There are those who add their own personal touch, such as: recreating not one, but TWO vases. There are also people who experiment with other types of plants … Even with eucalyptus leaves. Some even wear the floral look, not only on the hair, but also on the face. But all the styles have two things in common: one, that the hair must go up, and two, it must be decorated at the tips with flowers. Fabulous. And if you have short hair, No problem. You only need imagination. The idea is that, if it catches your attention, you venture to do it, and take a photo for Instagram. Do not forget to use a bottle of water, so that it stays up, and use the hashtag so that others can look for you and it rains likes on your picture: #FlowerVaseHair. Ready to try your vase-hair? The post Instagram users are turning their hair into a vase, and it looks weird but fun appeared first on DAPULSE.
Fish has always been touted as a healthy food, but when it comes to today’s farmed salmon, experts say that description couldn’t be further from the truth. During the making of the documentary, “Fillet-Oh-Fish” by director Nicolas Daniels, an investigation among the Norwegian fjords that contain salmon farms found a layer of waste about 15 meters high, consisting of bacteria, drugs, and pesticides. And with the sea farms being situated in open water, it’s impossible to contain the pollution. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, “Today’s fisheries are faced with a range of severe problems, from overfishing to chemical pollution and genetic mutation from toxic exposures.” Farmed salmon has been proven to be five times more toxic than any other food product tested. In fact, Norwegian environmental activist Kurt Oddekalv claims that today’s farmed salmon is one of the most toxic foods in the world, adding that the farming of salmon is “a disaster both for the environment and for human health.” “I do not recommend pregnant women, children or young people eat farmed salmon. It is uncertain in both the amount of toxins salmon contain, and how these drugs affect children, adolescents, and pregnant women,” said Dr. Anne-Lise Birch Monsen, a biologist at the University of Bergen in Norway. She adds that the contaminants detected in farmed salmon have a negative effect on brain development, are associated with autism and that they affect other organ systems in the body’s immune system and metabolism. Additionally, according to Living Traditionally, eating more than one meal of farm-raised salmon in a month can increase your risk of developing cancer in the future due to the cancer-causing chemicals and high levels of dioxins it contains. It’s also said to provide your body with higher levels of inflammation which leads to many diseases including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, coronary artery disease, and Alzheimer’s. Now, more than ever, it’s incredibly important to not only be mindful of what we eat but to know where exactly it comes from and what it contains. Our health — and lives — depend on it. The post Farmed Salmon Is One Of The Most Toxic Foods In The World – See Why You Should Stop Eating It appeared first on DAPULSE.
Every couple fights, but it’s how people handle the fights that can make or break relationships. While it’s never easy to deal with someone who is in a bad mood, there are things you can do to deal with it. These boyfriends open up about the lengths that they go when their girlfriends are mad at them. From sweet to vengeful, find out what goes on in these surprising confessions. The best way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach.
It’s a test.
OMG.
Hiding does the trick.
Gross. Sneaky.
Awww.
Make her laugh.
Kill her with kindness.
Force it out of her.
You do you.
Adorable.
You’ve sacrificed a lot.
Conflicting emotions.
If only…
Why not keep it going?
It really gets to you.
Smother her with affection.
You gotta do what you gotta do.
Signs of trouble?
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You’ve probably heard about checking your credit score before, and usually, you’re told you need to it in order to get a big loan such as a mortgage, car loan, or business loan. At this stage of life, you probably don’t need to worry about those things quite yet. But credit score also affects your auto insurance premiums, your approval for renting an apartment, and even your chances of getting a job. Fixing your credit score is really not a hard thing to do if you keep in mind these five easy tips. Check Your Credit Report And Have Errors Removed If you go to Annual Credit Report, you can request one free copy of your credit report from Equifax, Transunion, and Experian. You might be surprised at what you find, and even a small error fixed could boost your score immediately. Since it costs nothing to do this, this tip is a must. Keep Your Credit Card Balance Low Sometimes you hear tips to avoid using credit cards at all costs and stick to cash. That’s not good advice because you need to use credit in order to build it. But if you avoid running up a balance on your credit card and always keep it paid, your score will be kept good. CrediReady recommends that consumers should use only 30% of their available credit. Get A Credit Limit Increase While you don’t want to use all of your credit card balance, getting a higher limit will keep your score up since it improves your credit utilization. Your credit utilization is the percentage of credit you use of your credit line. The lower that is, the better your credit score will be. Don’t Apply For Too Much New Credit All At Once As Bankrate mentions, you don’t want to make multiple credit applications in too short a time because the credit bureaus are watching. As they mention, applications for certain loans like student loans are not counted against your score. But still, you want to make sure not too many hard inquiries are made on your report. Pay Other Bills On Time Even if certain bills paid are not credit card bills, they could still make their way over to your report. This is especially true if you get delinquent on a certain bill and a collections agency is brought in or an asset such as a vehicle is repossessed. No matter who you’re paying, always make a way to pay them on time and if you can’t, then negotiate the debt. When you take the right precautions, it’s not hard to build a healthy credit score. However, it is hard to build one back up after your credit score has decreased. As they say, the best solution is prevention. If this helped you out, be sure to check out similar lifestyle points here! The post 5 Ways to Build a Healthy Credit Score appeared first on DAPULSE.
For years women have been told what to wear, how to wear it, how to look more feminine and so on, but there came a time when it had to stop; thus the adoption of the pantsuit. The pantsuit is defined as a pair of slacks, a matching blazer, a blouse, and some sort of sophisticated footwear. This was a way for women to become more than just objects or housewives, the addition of a pantsuit in their wardrobes gave them a masculine vibe thus creating the allure of the pantsuit. Back in the 1920s, when the pantsuit became a thing, the women who wore them were seen as confused about their gender or too modern, granted in the 20s women also wore monocles and used walking sticks. However, the normalization of the pantsuit in the decades to come changed its meaning. A woman wearing a pantsuit was no longer seen as someone who mimics a man, now she is seen as the most powerful woman in the room. There is this aura that a woman in a pantsuit possesses, it’s like her confidence is ebbing off of her and flowing into the surrounding women, empowering them to be the queens they know that they are. Because now at a board meeting they won’t be asked to take notes or get coffee, because now this woman looks more like an executive rather than a secretary (no offense secretaries, you rock!). In other words, the incorporation of the pantsuit into a women’s apparel sort of created a decline in the power of men. Yes, of course, the playing field is far from even and the wage gap is still there but look where the pantsuit has gotten women. A woman now has the opportunity to become anything that she wants, yes some countries that don’t allow women to have jobs, but those countries are largely outnumbered. Although, the need for a pantsuit to make a statement has largely declined. Now, women are more interested to let their inner confidence shine, rather than having their clothes imply it. Wearing a pantsuit used to be a phenomenon, where once you put on a suit you can take on the world. Now, the pantsuit is just a template, women can use their own style and confidence which allows them to have control of the room. The pantsuit used to be what commanded everyone’s attention, but now the woman has become the embodiment of this phenomenon. The post The Power of a Pantsuit appeared first on DAPULSE.
Minneapolis and St. Paul, also known as the Twin Cities, are two cities that flank the Mississippi River in Minnesota. Since the winters in the Midwest of the United States can be long and brutal, locals and tourists are always looking for outdoor activities in the summer. Minnesota is also full of lakes and rivers, so there is always a plethora of water activities to do. Minnehaha Falls is a beautiful park that has trails, beaches, wading pools, and several other activities. Minnehaha Falls is located in Minneapolis, next to the river. This park is ideal for families or a solo trip out in nature. The park also has historical sites, restaurants, and gardens. Their gardens can be used for weddings or a beautiful place to rest during a hike. During the summer they hold music and movies in the park. The waterfall itself is definitely one of the best parts of the experience.
Fort Snelling State Park is a historical site that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in St Paul. This is one of the original forts in Minnesota. It was used during the fur trade because of its proximity to the river. Now it is used for camping, fishing, biking, and hiking. They host historical reenactments and have a large amount of information on the local tribes in the area. It is really a sight to see and something that should not be missed.
Chain of Lakes Regional Park is located in Minneapolis. Much like its name suggests. It is a chain of lakes consisting of Brownie, Cedar, Harriet, Lake of the Isles, and Bde Maka Ska, formerly known as Lake Calhoun. This park is breathtaking and boasts several different activities including archery, biking, hiking, and fishing. Chain of Lakes is good for both winter and summer. You can play hockey or ice skate in the winter, then play soccer or tennis in the summer.
Amsterdam Pedals is a great adult activity to do in St. Paul. The tour allows you to see the city while sitting and you are able to have a great drink! It is a great way to cap of the day after visiting one of the many parks in the area. This would be fun to do with a group or on your own!
There are many other places to visit in the Twin Cities during the summer. If you are planning a trip to the area make certain you look into all of these places! The post The Best Outdoor Places to Visit in the Twin Cities appeared first on DAPULSE.
I was invited to a wedding and the terror settled in my head: What am I going to eat? Should I bring food with me? Luckily everything went well and I am going tell you how I “survived” this challenge ♡ Taking into account that I have been vegan for only 1 year, this was the first time I was invited to a big party, being vegan. Even better, it turned out on my birthday, so I really wanted it to go well. I admit I was quite afraid. First of all, I did not want to offend anyone by bringing food with me. Second: I hate being the center of attention. When we received the wedding invitation we alerted the bride and groom that they would need 4 100% vegetarian and gluten-free meals. The bride and groom, fortunately, were very receptive and said they were going to speak to the chef. Did this calm me down? Not even a bit. I did not feel comfortable with this wedding (party) Do not get me wrong, but who is vegan or even vegetarian, certainly has already been “cheated” with some food, or because of ignorance of the responsible people or because, according to them, “once does not hurt, right?”. I had a huge fear of getting there and being served with ovo-lacto-vegetarian meals. We decided that we were going to take food from home, just in case. We took tofu sandwiches in gluten free bread. I took food from home. The big day came and I admit that I was super nervous. I did not want to cause problems or dramas to anyone. But I could not be more wrong. From the reception until the end of the party I was served with great care, with very careful employees, who were asking if I wanted more, if it was good, and taking all possible and imaginable doubts. I am going to show you my 100% vegetarian and gluten-free menu, which I said already, it was delicious ♡ Hope you like it Eggplant stuffed with vegetables, in the oven Mushrooms sauteed in olive oil and garlic, with tomato salad, lettuce and grated carrot, with coriander. Rice, fries with sauteed vegetables and mushrooms. For dessert fruit: watermelon, melon and mango For dinner, chickpeas with coriander and onion, and … Pasta with sauteed vegetables. Unfortunately, it has gluten so I could not eat it. The food was delicious, they were all super nice and could not have gone better! The post I’m vegan and survived a wedding! appeared first on DAPULSE.
Stress can affect every one of us at some point in our lives. If left untreated, it could change our mental and psychical health, making us fatigued and weak. In most cases, stress is not a matter of grave hard work, but an inability to regulate its burden and unbalanced attitudes towards and without work. Moderate stress can have a positive and empowering role in helping to raise the motivation. In the event of prolonged stress, the body’s resistance to diseases weakens. Symptoms of Stress There are many signs of stress, but I am gonna list 10 of the most common sings. Chronic pain You may start to have a headache or any other type of pains every day or more frequently. Anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness Mood swings Your mood changes for no reason. Appetite changes You may start you crave more food than usual or you could have no appetite at all. Nightmares, insomnia Trouble sleeping or having nightmares could also be a sign of stress. Forgetfulness You start to forget small things. Reduced productivity Productivity decreases and you won’t have the motivation to do your work at all. Social withdrawal Being with people is very hard for you and you’d rather be alone. Tiredness, weakness, fatigue Because of lack of sleep or sleeping way too much you become more tired. Weight changes Your weight drops or increases for no reason without a diet. Relieving Stress Yoga It’s a physical, mental and spiritual way of getting to control your body and mind. Breathing exercises You can do them anywhere anytime, and it helps you calm down a lot faster. Walking For me, personally, it’s the best way to reduce stress. Fresh air and the beautiful views make me a lot happier and calmer. Reduce caffeine intake Caffeine makes your heart beat a lot faster and drinking way too much could become a problem to your heart. Don’t procrastinate You don’t have to do everything at the same time. Take small steps, it could motivate you to do more. Mini-vacation When’s a vacation, not a good idea? Relaxing somewhere nice and quiet could make you motivated as well. Cultivate mindfulness Bringing your attention to the things that are happening at this very moment, it helps to get rid of worry and rumination. Music Like a lot of people say, ‘music helps with everything.’ I think that getting into the sound and the lyrics of the music is what helps you forget the troubles and makes you a lot happier. Get organized When your place looks like a pig’s lair, it’s quite hard to stay motivated and get stuff done. Write it down This, for me, helps a lot. Getting your feelings on a paper and out of your mind is like a mind cleanse. The post 10 Signs of Stress and 10 Ways to Relieve It appeared first on DAPULSE.
School bathrooms are often hotspots for graffiti, with profanities sketched on to the walls and stalls. In girls’ stalls, there are often insults about others’ bodies, making the mirror an especially difficult place for young students. Boys have their fair share of negativity in the bathroom as well. So, one group of middle school teachers in Forney, Texas are trying to counteract that at Warren Middle School Forney ISD. Though it’s still the summer holidays for many, this group of teachers came back to campus early so they could help spread good vibes to the 800 students returning in the fall. Mrs. Reigelman, Mrs. Torres, Mrs. Durant, and Ms. Moore came in to decorate the school’s bathrooms with positive messages. The school shared the project on their Facebook page on July 23 and it has received lots of encouraging feedback from parents, students, and strangers. The photos show the teachers decorating the boys and girls’ restroom doors with various messages of encouragement, such as, “Bloom where you are planted,” “Your mistakes don’t define you,” “Work hard, dream big,” and “No one ever made a difference being like everyone else.” In the girls’ bathrooms, the positive quotes above the mirrors feel especially poignant. The stalls have messages such as “Real girls aren’t perfect. Perfect girls aren’t real.” After the post received thousands of comments, the teachers thanked everyone for their support and held a Facebook Live event on July 26. They shared their process, exact paint colors and answered questions people had. Their goal was to inspire others to get involved in the positive movement. “Our hope is that our vision will be shared with students around the world!” they wrote. A number of commenters have revealed that other schools have redecorated their bathrooms in similar manners. For instance, the Fayetteville Academy in Fayetteville, N.C. transformed their girls’ restroom into a positive space. With both designs going viral, the positive messages will hopefully continue to pop up in bathrooms. Joshua Garcia, Warren Middle School principal, told WFAA that school bathrooms can be a place where gossip happens or where people go to escape. The staff wanted to create a positive space when students enter the bathroom. “We just wanted them to see that every day,” he said. “And know that what is up there is true.” “Everywhere you look is a canvas,” continued Assistant Principal Kristy Mach. “You can spread that positivity anywhere. It’s just, how creative can you get?” The post Teachers Decorate School Bathrooms With Inspiring Messages To Bring Positivity To Campus appeared first on DAPULSE.
Life can be busy and demanding. If you are a parent, you have children to look after, after-school activities, and homework among other things. Even if you do not have children you have to balance work, maybe a partner, and friends or family. Careers are more demanding and you possibly work for long hours. All of these things can plague your mental health. It is important to ensure that you look after yourself while you try and balance life. Here are five simple, small things you can try and do daily, or a few times a week, to help with mental health. Try and go for a twenty-minute walk. This will give you time to be outside and breathe. Just these few minutes every day can clear your head. Additionally, being outside can help with things like sleep, concentration, and boost vitamin D. It is good for morale to get up and move outside to get away from your desk. Unplug for some time ever night. This one can be very difficult to do. Especially if your job requires it. However, staying off of social media for just thirty-minutes and read a book or pick up a hobby can give your brain the time it needs to separate. There is a need to keep up with all of our friends and family on social media. It can become overwhelming to make sure you “like” everything on your friend’s pages. You can come back to them later in the day, you do not have to be glued to your phone. Sleep is important for you physically and mentally. Not getting enough sleep can make you irritable. Again, this is another task that can be difficult to reach. It is one that is important. To try and get a good night’s sleep make a routine. Simple things like showering before bed or use the thirty minutes before bed to unplug. What you eat can make a difference in how you feel. While greasy, fried food tastes good in the short term, over the long term it can take a toll on your body. Eating sweets and junk food should not be completely cut out. However, you should try and keep it to a minimum. Be positive and give yourself a pat on the back. Do what you can with your friends and family when it works best for you. Think of one thing every day that you love or are grateful for. Overall, do what is going to help you best. If you cannot do these things daily, start off trying them once a week. Remember that mental health is as important as physical health.
If you would like to learn more about mental health visit NIMH The post 5 Small Ways to Help Mental Health appeared first on DAPULSE.
Key facts Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain that affects people of all ages. Approximately 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Nearly 80% of the people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries. People with epilepsy respond to treatment approximately 70% of the time. About three fourths of people with epilepsy living in low- and middle- income countries do not get the treatment they need. In many parts of the world, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain that affects people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized), and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function. Seizure episodes are a result of excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells. Different parts of the brain can be the site of such discharges. Seizures can vary from the briefest lapses of attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. Seizures can also vary in frequency, from less than 1 per year to several per day. One seizure does not signify epilepsy (up to 10% of people worldwide have one seizure during their lifetime). Epilepsy is defined as having 2 or more unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest recognized conditions, with written records dating back to 4000 BC. Fear, misunderstanding, discrimination and social stigma have surrounded epilepsy for centuries. This stigma continues in many countries today and can impact on the quality of life for people with the disorder and their families. Signs and symptoms Characteristics of seizures vary and depend on where in the brain the disturbance first starts, and how far it spreads. Temporary symptoms occur, such as loss of awareness or consciousness, and disturbances of movement, sensation (including vision, hearing and taste), mood, or other cognitive functions. People with seizures tend to have more physical problems (such as fractures and bruising from injuries related to seizures), as well as higher rates of psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression. Similarly, the risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to 3 times higher than the general population, with the highest rates found in low- and middle-income countries and rural versus urban areas. A great proportion of the causes of death related to epilepsy in low- and middle-income countries are potentially preventable, such as falls, drowning, burns and prolonged seizures. Rates of disease Approximately 50 million people currently live with epilepsy worldwide. The estimated proportion of the general population with active epilepsy (i.e. continuing seizures or with the need for treatment) at a given time is between 4 and 10 per 1000 people. However, some studies in low- and middle-income countries suggest that the proportion is much higher, between 7 and 14 per 1000 people. Globally, an estimated 2.4 million people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year. In high-income countries, annual new cases are between 30 and 50 per 100 000 people in the general population. In low- and middle-income countries, this figure can be up to two times higher. This is likely due to the increased risk of endemic conditions such as malaria or neurocysticercosis; the higher incidence of road traffic injuries; birth-related injuries; and variations in medical infrastructure, availability of preventative health programmes and accessible care. Close to 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries. Causes Epilepsy is not contagious. The most common type of epilepsy, which affects 6 out of 10 people with the disorder, is called idiopathic epilepsy and has no identifiable cause. Epilepsy with a known cause is called secondary e...
Being physically active can do wonders for the body… and the mind. Find out how brain health relates to physical fitness in this post from guest blogger Anabel Cooper. It’s long been assumed that there is some kind of link between physical fitness and brain health. However, the majority of studies that investigated this link have gone for a methodology less than completely accurate. Generally, scientists have depended on self-reporting by volunteers of their levels of exercise. However, a recent series of tests adopted a new methodology and confirmed that: Increased aerobic fitness is reflected in integrity of white matter The largest results related to executive and memory function Poor aerobic fitness resulted in poor memory and reasoning results The main way this test differed from previous ones was in a new methodology. Aerobic tests were carried out with and measured by VO2 Max. As a result, scientists were able to take precise measurements of the fitness levels of the participants. From these results, they were able to work out some definite correlations between fitness levels and integrity of white matter. This isn’t to say that fitness is the be all and end all, or that it plays a definitive role in the development of white matter. The scientists noticed that in many cases, there was little difference in development between a subject with high fitness levels and one without. However, there is nevertheless an important correlation. While these results may have little significance for younger people, their effects on an aging population are significant. Naturally, the importance of fitness throughout a person’s life is a given. However, considering the impact fitness could have on the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease, these results are worth sharing. The surge in an aging population is set to have serious effects on our approach to healthcare and aged care. Already, countries such as Japan are struggling to find solutions to the problem. An aging population requires a high amount of care, and that required for dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers is even higher still. The ability to slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s could play a significant role in reducing the necessary care an aging person may need. Definitive Answers Have Not Yet Been Found That said, the scientists behind the recent experiment have been quick to point out that, while there is certainly a correlation, they are yet to alight upon any definitive answers. Points such as how much exercise is needed to make a difference, and whether specific types of exercise have a greater effect than others, remain unanswered. However, given the progress the current experiment has made, we hope to see these questions answered in the near future. The ability to issue a definitive compilation of advice for aging people looking to make the most out of their fitness could prove extremely useful. What is perhaps remarkable is that this is the first time that scientists investigating these correlations have thought to base their methodology around V02 readings, rather than reported personal experiences. The resulting change in approach is responsible for this new available data. What is clear is that, with an increasing senior population around the world, scientists and others in many countries are working to come up with a model that can support this greying population. Regardless of the possible effects it may have on the brain, higher fitness levels in old age allow for increased independence, and a reduced reliance on aged care. Naturally, there are limits. Sooner or later, we all die of something, and it may not always be a swift decline. There is also the danger that we may start shifting the goalposts: an increasingly able and healthy aged population could result in retirement ages being pushed back in order to try and force more productivity on those who are apparently capable of it. All these questions are becoming ever more pressing. But regardless of the implicati...
There coming up farmer markets! Nowadays you see small or large farmers markets at every main street here in California. There seems to be a resurgence in Southern California due in part to California’s healthy lifestyle choices. They are so adequately equipped with every known produce. Like delicious turnips or tempting papaya. You can fill your fridge with every known produce, making it a season for any colored and every tasting fruit or vegetable out there. With so many farms and dairies working these farmers markets, there is no doubt that you will leave with something. Here are just a few farmers markets in Southern California that are Cali favorites: Santa Monica Farmer’s market You will find Ultra-fresh produce at this great sunny outdoor gathering, where you can even rub elbows with Hollywood celebrities and famed chefs. The farmers market mostly draws locals though. You can find tanned beach bodies and basically people enjoying the ambiance and what it has to offer. Whether they splurge on a fish taco or swim in the water, the farmers market at Santa Monica is a wonderful place to discover a unique charm! Even local chefs search for produce here. Pacific Beach Certified Farmers’ Market Saturday: 8:00 am-Noon 4150 Mission Blvd between Reed & Pacific Beach Blvd Pacific Beach, California 92109 This is a fantastic beach location and will likely be the place to gather treasures. What more can anyone want? But a glorious beach setting for a farmer’s market Little Italy Mercato in San Diego If you love a farmer’s market that feels more like a street festival, then this is the spot for you. In addition to organic produce, you’ll also find local vendors galore selling handmade goods and wares. Brentwood Farmers Market You can always experience a great farmers market experience Saturday at the Brentwood Farmers Market. Located in downtown Brentwood on Oak and First Street, this market is thriving with fresh produce from local farmers. You’ll also find it very festive and energetic Old Town Temecula Farmers Market You can gather great produce, from farm-grown fruits, veggies and flowers at the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on 6th and Front Street. Which is held every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8-12:30. There are many farmers market to check out there in the entire state of California, not only in Southern California. You will find them online here: www.seasonalchef.com/socallist.htm www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/California.htm The farmers’ markets are becoming fast staples in Southern California. They not only feature farm fresh fruits or vegetables but offer great entertainment, food, and atmosphere. You won’t be disappointed with what you will find and do there. However, you should never rush through each booth, rather savor the taste of samples and shop for one of a kind foods and drinks. It will make you realize why I should not have I had visited a local farmers market in the first place. It has everything to offer and enlightens those who are learning to enjoy good healthy, clean food from our local farms. The post The Importance of a Neighborhood Farm appeared first on DAPULSE.