Rock your Resolutions - Superior Source Vitamins Giveaway!

As we prepare to ring in the new year, and set a new set of goals for better heath, self care, and more, it is the perfect time to discover new wellness solutions. 

 

I am super excited about this Superior Source Organic Beet Root + Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Powder. This superfood is packed with nutritional benefits.

 

It is an ideal supplement to support weight loss goals, boosting stamina and energy, bolstering immunity and helps naturally detox your body. It boosts Nitric Oxide, which reduces blood pressure and improves circulation. It is non GMO, vegan, and only 20 calories per serving. The only ingredients are Beetroot and Apple Cider Vinegar. 

 

This versatile supplement can be added to your favorite juice, smoothie, baked goods, and much more. Even plain water. It is much less harsh than drinking straight apple cider vinegar.  

If you are interested in this nutrition powerhouse, it can be purchased on Amazon, and there's even a $10 off coupon right now. Even better, you can enter the giveaway below for your chance to win the fantastic product, along with a few other favorites from Superior Source Vitamins.

The prize pack includes: Organic Beetroot + Apple Cider Vinegar Powder, KETO Collagen, Just Women Iron, Advanced Zinc, and Extra Strength Melatonin. A $135 value! 

 

*Although I received these products at no cost to facilitate a review, all opinions are 100% my own.*

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Financial Tips to Make Your Life Easier

As we are in the midst of one of the most financially taxing times of the year, I thought now was a good time to provide a few easy money management tips that may make your life just a little bit easier. 

 

Don't spend above your means

This one might seem like a no brianer, but it can actually be very difficult to follow, especially during the holidays. Things like social pressure can make you feel guilty for not buying in excesses, and people with a kind heart often want to give their loved ones the things they think they deserve or help those less fortunate, past the point where they are able. But material things are not as important as being secure in your finances, and the people you care about will understand if you give them a modest heartfelt gift instead of something over the top. You are what matters to them. Don't forget that. 

Never Pay Interest (*when possible)

No one enjoys paying interest, but many people don't realize or try not to think about how much that actually costs them. If you have the money to pay for things up front, do it. If you use credit cards for points, miles or other perks, but have the funds available, pay off the full balance when it is due. Interest charges can be crippling. A $5000 purchase paid off with minimum payments only would take THIRTY YEARS to pay off, and end up costing almost five times as much. Almost $25000 for that five grand a vacation is not worth it. 

 

Either don't spend it unless you absolutely need it or pay it off in full so you are not paying interest. If you have a lot of credit cards, especially non essential ones like department stores and ones without any reward benefits, it might also be prudent to consider canceling some of the accounts to reduce the urge to shop when it is not in your finances to do so. 

Consolidate Debt

For debts that you are not able to pay off in full right now, there are still ways that you can make it easier on yourself. One great way is with debt consolidation. Essentially, that is taking a new loan, and using that loan to pay off the debts, leaving you will only the debt of the new loan.

If you are unfamiliar with the process, it may seem a bit redundant, but the objective is, the new loan has a lower interest rate. So you are paying off a debt with, say, a 20% interest rate, and replacing it with a new loan that may only require 11%. That can be a huge difference in terms of total amount paid, especially if you are paying only the minimums, as I went over before.

If you have other questions about debt consolidation, there is a lot of great information here. There is also information about credit counseling and other great tips for creating a better financial future.

Holiday Gift Guide

The time has come. Here is my guide for all the best gifts of 2021. As always, I am super excited about the wonderful products featured here, and you should be too.

For Her:

 

Pegai LaSalle Leather Tote

These stunning bags come in various sizes and colors. I got this beauty in Grande, and the shade "Rock". It is even more breathtaking in person. It's so well made and just so roomy. It can hold anything. I love oversized bags, for the aesthetic alone, but it is so practical, especially for travel. Functional and fashionable, it's sure to be a hit.

Bonds & Wonders

Bonds & Wonders is a jewelry brand that I discovered this year. Their pieces are gorgeous. I got this fabulous Owl Necklace and absolutely stunning quarts moon Luna Necklace. I am not always a jewelry person, but these necklaces are lovely, premium quality pieces that add the perfect touch of glam to any outfit and the perfect way to wow any woman on your list.

Morgan Cosmetics

Gift her the gift of healthy, glowing skin with this fantastic Skin Care Gift Set from Morgan Cosmetics. Their products are made with nourishing ingredients like Argan Oil, Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Vitamin C, and Rose Water. In addition to being highly effective, the set is also a great value. 

Presson

Skip the salon and get a high quality Gel Manicure at home with this wonderful Starter Pack from Presson. Gellies are made from flexible, semi-cured gel polish. They are low odor, easy to apply, and, under the included UV light, cure up just like a nail salon manicure. Best of all, Gellies fit any nail size, guaranteed, so each set (of 20) is enough for two manicures. Gellies can be used alone or along with a topcoat for added protection and shine. Each Starter Pack includes a clear gel topcoat. Gellies come in so many beautiful styles, from basic to holiday themed.

Jumper Maybach

Any item from the exquisite Jumper Maybach collection is sure to wow. From ties, scarfs, and t-shirt to Giclée Prints and furniture, to show-stopping handbags, Jumper Maybach has the perfect gift for everyone on your list. These breathtaking items are limited edition, and the exclusivity just makes them that much more special. I got the absolutely stunning In Motion Tote (limited to 50 pieces) and it is by and far the most gorgeous bag I have ever seen.

Joyamo

Give her the gift that says you know her better than anyone. Personalized jewelry is the intimate, thoughtful gift that will always make her think of you. The Infinity 2 Names Necklace is not only a stunning piece, it is a symbol of everlasting love. It comes in 925 silver, 18k gold plate and 18k rose gold plate. I got this lovely necklace, in gold, for my sister (with her and her husband's names) and it is absolutely stunning.

Vim + Vigor Candle

Who doesn't love candles? And the ones form Vim + Vigor are a new level of luxury. Made from 100% soy wax and housed in eco-friendly copper or natural wood containers, these handcrafted, hand poured candles are guaranteed to impress. The scents are fantastic, like this wonderful, cozy Campfire + S'mores fragrance.

 

Groovy Girl Gifts

Groovy Girl gifts has a huge selection of wonderful personalized items for every woman on your list. Everything from jewelry to robes, to drink tumblers, and more. The ability to engrave or monogram the items makes them extra special. I chose this gorgeous Pink Leather Weekender. It is made of vegan leather. The blush color is just lovely, and it is very roomy and perfect for travel.

 

For Him

 

Groovy Groomsmen Gifts

Groovy Groomsmen has a huge selection of wonderful gifts for men. They have been a staple in my gift guide for the past few years, for very good reason. Not only are the products excellent quality, they can be personalized. There is something so special about a gift that's just for them. I chose this engraved Altered Carbon Knife for my husband. The blade is razor sharp, the handle is solid and easy to hold. The knife is even more impressive in person. 

 

Manly Man Co.

For the man who wants everything rugged and full of meat, The Best Jerky Tactical X-Mas Stocking Kit id the perfect choice. This stocking isn't just for show, it's a fully functional tactical bag that can be used on fishing trips, hikes, and more. And it's stuffed with 7 delicious varieties of bold beef jerky. What could be better than that? 

 

 

Joyamo

Personalized gifts are always extra special. This striking Men's Leather Bracelet is certainly no exception. Available in three colors, and customized with silver oval name beads, this bracelet is sure to add a touch of rugged elegance to his everyday style. I got this in black for him husband (with our children's names) and he absolutely loves it.

Manscaped

The Manscaped Perfect Package 4.0 is an all inclusive personal grooming powerhouse. Including The Lawn Mower 4.0 All-new SkinSafe electric trimmer, Weed Whacker ear & nose hair trimmer, Crop Preserver anti-chafing ball deodorant, Crop Reviver ball spray toner, Magic Mat disposable shaving mats, plus The Shed travel bag, and Manscaped anti-chafing boxers. Pair that with Refined Cologne for complete personal care experience.

Save 20% Automatically by visiting https://www.manscaped.com/gifting

 

 

For Kids

Pixicade:

This is not only a fun toy, but a great way for kids to lean coding, build drawing skills, coordination, reflexes and problem solving. Pixicade allows children to design their own games (draw them by hand) and turn them into digital games that they can actually play. It's a great way to develop a love for designing as well, and can inspire interests in other areas from fashion designer to architect.

 

 

 

For Anyone: 

 

Sunday Citizen 

Everyone deserves the gift of a restful night's sleep or a cozy movie on the couch. Sunday Citizen has everything you need to deliver the gift of warmth and comfort. Whether it's their luxurious Woodland Comforter or their therapeutic crystal filled Weighted Blanket, the gift is sure to wow the lucky recipient, and fill their days with joy all year long.

JBL

JBL has a huge selection of great gifts for any music lover on your list. The Flip 6 Portable Waterproof Speaker is a compact speaker that packs a huge punch. Perfect for an adventurous lifestyle. his beauty is great for chilling at the pool or a backyard bonfire. Wherever the party is, the Flip 6 will be there to keep it going all night.

Lively Root

Live plants make the perfect gift. All the practicality of a food gift, but more permanent. The recipient will think of you every time they see the plant, and it's something useful, uplifting, sustainable. Lively Root has a vast selection of wonderful plants that ship right to your recipients door. 

 

Their Eco-friendly coconut planters are so stylish, and my plants even arrived wrapped in a festive Christmas bag with a tiny set of lights. I chose 'You Had Me at Aloe' and Tropical Delight Guzmania Bromeliad. Both are gorgeous and healthy.

 

NanoFoamer  

The NanoFoamer from Subminimal is perfect for any coffee lover on your list. Create coffee-house quality drinks at home with delicious microfoam. You even get free unlimited access to Subminimal's  Latte Art Masterclass.

 

Black + Decker 

Give the gift of working smarter, not harder, with smart and powerful vacuums from Black + Decker. For quick, easy spot cleans, the AdvanceClean Slim Cordless Dustbuster is the perfect choice. Keep cars, couches, and more clean and tidy with this lightweight heavy hitter. For whole-house cleaning, and even more power, choose the Power Series Extreme Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum. Works on a variety of surfaces, offers 70% better debris pickup on carpet, and can run for 55 minutes on a single charge.

 

 

eCreamery

Food gifts are always a great choice, especially ones as delicious as this. The Ultimate 12 Days of Ice Cream & Cookies Bundle from eCreamery is perfect for the whole family. Also great for offices, a teacher's lunge, your favorite small business owner, or anywhere people who like scrumptious desserts reside.

 

 

 

4 Benefits of a Military Friendly MBA Program

Combat training is not all that the military have to offer. This is the core of their existence but they do more than this. This has been the experience judging from how many veterans have ended up doing amazingly well in the world of business.

Just so you know, a good number of top corporations across various industries have veterans as the brain behind them. Some of these corporations include Walmart, RE/MAX, FedEx, Sperry Shoes, WeWork, and GoDaddy.

These are just a few examples of corporations founded by Military Veterans as there are several others (known and unknown). This proves that what these people learn in the military is beyond combat training.

They will be able to do more if they are exposed to the right training. This is why they are strongly advised to undertake a military-friendly MBA program. This improves their chances of doing better in and outside the military.

We will shed more light on the benefits of undertaking such educational programs here. We advise you to follow through to the end and pay rapt attention as they do so.

What Is an MBA?

MBA is an acronym that stands for Masters in Business Administration. It is a degree program for graduates and is chiefly focused on investment management and business administration.

It does this by offering major courses in areas such as applied statistics, accounting, human resources, business ethics, strategic management, business law, and several other courses. One of the tips for choosing the right program is to analyze how the core courses offered can benefit you.

You might as well know that MBA is not designed exclusively for military persons. It is for everyone eligible, having undergone prior educational training that puts them in a good position to run the program.

However, some institutions run these programs and offer more, especially for military personnel. This is because they understand the peculiarities that come with equipping such students.

Time flexibility, especially for people still in active service within or outside the country is an example of what such institutions offer. This is one of the considerations that these schools should have for such students.

Benefits of MBA Programs for Military Persons

Some of these benefits include the following:

An All-Encompassing Program

The practicality of the program is something that should be considered. You should ask yourself the question of how it would benefit you in the long run.

On that note, you should understand that bagging the MBA honors will help regardless of your area in or outside the military. It covers a wide range of topics and some of them will prove helpful regardless of what you are involved in. For more on the courses usually covered, you can visit: https://study.com/academy/popular/typical-mba-curriculum.html

We especially think that this point makes undertaking this program worth it. This is so that they can make the most of their time during active service and even afterward. Many people in your shoes have towed this path and are forever grateful that they did.

Improved Time Management Skill

There are several reasons why business owners are usually willing to pay top dollar for MBA graduates. This is because of the many amazing things these people bring to the table. One of such is time management skills that are impressive.

At the end of it all, these business owners realize that paying what an MBA graduate commands is a profitable deal. Aside from the financial incentive, the need to be better at using your time to achieve several tasks is a reason you should undertake this program.

Financial Benefits

There are financial benefits that come with having an MBA in and outside the military. You become more eligible for promotions for instance and this, in turn, improves your financial status.

The major aim of serving is to protect the country’s interest as much as you can. However, nothing says that you cannot get the best financial reward while doing this. Having an MBA will make this happen.

Best Shot at Life after Active Service

We did explain how some veterans have established top corporations and made their indelible marks earlier. Unfortunately, this is not the reality for every veteran. Some of them become a mess eventually because they are not fully prepared for life after active service.

Having an MBA is one of the ways to prepare accordingly. We strongly suggest that you bag the honors and put what you have learned to good use.

You also need to get your MBA from the right institution as this also counts. The truth is that some institutions offer a lot more than others. You can click here for more on this subject.

Conclusion

There is so much that military persons can achieve with an MBA program. This is why they are advised to undertake an MBA program and make the most of it. We have shed some light on this subject here and hope that you make the right decisions going forward.

Welcome to Rockville 2021!!

I am so excited for this one, guys. Most of you know that I am a huge music fan. With no disrespect for the sickness and loss of life that COVID-19 has caused, it has taken many other things from us too. What I have missed most, is live music. Like most of us, I have tickets I bought in 2020, for shows that are postponed until next year.

So this is an absolutely historic event. Not only is it the first year Welcome to Rockville is taking place in Daytona Beach, FL (it was formerly Jacksonville), but it is the first show I have been to since 2019. What an iconic way to dive back into live music.

Being in my home state, and now practically my home town, this festival is special to me; but, sentiment aside, the lineup is incredible and the atmosphere is electric. With powerhouse headliners like Slipknot, Metallica (TWICE!) and Disturbed, it is already a can't miss event.

I couldn't catch much of Day 1, due to other obligations (day jobs + no fun), but Slipknot was incredible. Though I have been a fan for years, it was my first time seeing them. It will not be my last.

Credit: Steve Thrasher & Danny Wimmer Presents

 

 

Night 2 was headlined by a band I have seen numerous times. Metallica tore the house down. They are my husbands favorite band of all time, so he was even more excited than I was, and that is saying a lot. Many of my favorites were not on the set, but that was to be expected, because they are coming back on Sunday (night 4) to blow us away again.

Credit: Tyler Church & Danny Wimmer Presents

After two days of having our faces melted and our not-so-young bodies put through the wringer in the pits, Day 3, kicked up the intensity even higher. Of course I have to mention the headliner, Disturbed putting on a masterclass for bands everywhere.

Credit: Steve Thrasher & Danny Wimmer Presents

But I need to gush over one of my favorite 'new' bands: Badflower. These guys are amazing. I have been following them for years, and I am so happy to finally see them getting (some of ) the recognition they deserve.

Their performance was full-throttle passion and intensity. Lead singer Josh Katz is a captivating frontman and his charm and authenticity, along with the rest of the band, really set them apart from other bands. Their sets take you through every emotion. From fun, sassy, and sarcastic to angry and hungry for revolution to raw, powerful and emotional, which gutwrenchingly beautiful songs like 'Ghost'. This band is special. 

Credit: Steve Thrasher & Danny Wimmer Presents

After 3 awesome days of incredible music, my concert void had more than been filled, but there was more! A final night full of unforgettable live performances. Metallica once again blew everyone away with an explosive set. This time they did play the songs I was so impatiently waiting for... mostly. Even two sets isn't enough time to play all the songs I love. Shame on them for having too many incredible songs. 

Credit: Steve Thrasher & Danny Wimmer Presents

If you couldn't tell, I had the time of my life at Daytona's first annual Welcome To Rockville festival. If you've never been, I can't more enthusiastically urge you to go next year. And if you have, go agian. This certainly won't be my last Rockville.

Bear Creek Smokehouse

As Thanksgiving approaches, it is time to start planning. Whether you are vaccinated and plan to gather with relatives, or still practice social distancing, and are keeping it to your own household, Thanksgiving is a very special time. If you are looking to try something new for your Thanksgiving feast, I have just the thing.

Bear Creek Smokehouse has a great selection of wonderful foods. Specifically, their smoked turkey is far and above the best turkey I've ever tasted. While you can purchase this fantastic turkey on its own, I highly recommend the Deluxe Sampler. I received one quite awhile back, but life kicked my butt and I never got to tell you about it.



The Deluxe Sampler includes the turkey, as well as a Smoked Fryer Chicken, Sliced Pork Loin, Smoked Peppered Pork Tenderloin, Summer Sausage, Red Rind Cheddar Cheese, and Polish Sausage. These make the perfect selections for a charcuterie board, while the rest can be saved for future meals.

The best part is, all the products in the Deluxe Sampler are fully cooked and ready to eat. So not only will your Thanksgiving dinner be delectable, it will also be as easy as heating them up. They even taste great cold!

Also, with the holiday season fast approaching, let me tell you how great this would be as a gift. Food gifts are always my favorite, and Bear Creek is my new obsession. Whatever you serve, I hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Back To Business

Over the past year and a half, the Covid 19 pandemic has taken so much from all of us. It has been especially hard on small business, especially those deemed non-essential during lock downs and closures. Increased safety practices requirements also posed challenges for business with limited finances to implement new policies. 

Factor in would be customers being too cautious or too sick to patronize the business and employees also becoming more scarce due to illness or preventative caution and the effect is compounded. 

We are still not out of the woods with this pandemic, and it seems like we only keep getting further away from normalcy instead of closer. Still, in many areas, businesses are pretty much starting to re-open as usual. It is important for those of us that have the means to support small business that we really show up and get these businesses thriving again.

Huge chain corporations will not miss your business. They will survive and continue to not pay taxes and underpay workers. There will never be a shortage of McDonald's or Subway. But if your favorite little cafe, bakery, or Mexican restaurant were to close down, it would be impossible to replace.

Not only do these small businesses offer one of a kind goods and services, many times, they pay higher wages than chain corporations. A living wage. A good small business will treat the workers with respect. Most times, they become like family. 

So many small businesses also give back to the community. I have come across so many local small business that donate to those in needs, usually in many different ways. They do profit share fundraisers for local school, provide free food for charity events, and they hold food drives, toy drives, supply drives, and more. 

That is the real beauty of small business. They are your neighbors. We help them and they help us and we are all far better for it. The world needs a lot more of that. More kindness, more empathy, more understanding, more generosity. We all need to do what we can and be the good we want to see in the world.

I found a great article by Max Gorin that talks about some of the ways in which small business can make a bug impact on the community. It is great information and so true. I believe in the value of small business. I believe that we would all be worse off if they don't get the support they need to thrive and stay around for us. 

So, just in case you may need the reminder, as you go back to your girls night cocktails or Sunday brunches, or post quarantine haircuts and manicures, as you shop for your fall wardrobe and home decor, as you begin your holiday shopping, please remember that small businesses need us, and we need them. 

Also remember, that just because we are moving forward, we are not past this pandemic. Please use caution. Be safe and keep others safe.

Business and SOX Compliance

In 2002, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was designed in an effort to protect investors from fraudulent business practices by public corporations. This was a positive change for investors, but made for a larger regulatory burden on businesses. The penalty for SOX non-compliance can be quite severe. Financial loss, reputation damage, dipping stocks, required remediation, and more, are all examples of the cost of SOX non-compliance.



The types of practices the SOX act prohibits are: altering (shredding, mutilating, destroying) or falsifying documents, certifying misleading or fraudulent financial reports, failing to report material conditions or financial changes in real time (as timely as reasonable), and failing to file regular financial reports with the FEC. Some of these sections carry the potential for heavy jail time if violated.

While these measures certainly are essential for a transparent (therefor trustworthy) business, the mental strain and worry of accidentally making a mistake can seem more like a a negative to business and workers. Just more stress.

The good news is that there are many SOX compliant software options that can easily ensure these regulations are being followed appropriately. I found a great list of the top SOX compliance software solutions.

Implementing software that has built in checks and automatically comply with the SOX regulations can help alleviate some of the weight off of your (and your employee's) shoulders.  Modern businesses require many different financial applications, such as SAP Oracle, Workday Financials, and more. It can prove difficult to keep them all SOX compliant. 

Thankfully, solutions such as Pathlock, can help monitor all of the data from these applications, to monitor that data for segregation of duties (SoD) exposures, business process exceptions, or IT general control failures. It tracks and logs all suspect behavior and generates reports that are suitable for SOX requirements.

Not only can it find and isolate these types of violations, Pathlock can also take action immediately when it detects suspicious activity by blocking transactions, masking data, sending alerts, or ending sessions.

When the stakes are that high, no business can afford to cut corners or take risks with their SOX compliance. And the easiest, safest way to ensure these requirements are met is by implementing SOX compliant softwares that are made to watch for and correct any problems before they turn into bigger problems. 

I still have a lot to learn about the SOX act and SOX compliance, applications, and software, but I am thankful I started getting informed and taking action before it became damage control instead of damage prevention. Never take unnecessary risks with your business. It is much too important.

If there are pertinent facts about the SOX act or SOX compliance that I may have inadvertently omitted, I would be very glad to be corrected. I am always willing to learn and improve on my shortcomings. And I want to have the most informed views I can to share with my readers. I think the sharing of knowledge between strangers is one of the most useful tools we as a people have, and we should start making better use of it.

A New Perspective

When you live in the same town most of your life, you start to see things as "just the way it is." It can be hard to shift perspective. For example, our state is one of the most popular destinations for things like Spring Break and Bike Week. And we also have Biketober Fest, which is coming up fairly soon.

As a resident, parent, and driver, I can't say that I look forward to this event. I don't ride a motorcycle, so I tend to view it is more noise, more traffic, and more crowds at the stores and restaurants that I patronize. None of those are particularly appealing to me.

The thing is, that I can get so wrapped up in the ways that it might affect me, that I sort of become numb to the fact that a lot of bikers end up in danger. There is always an influx of traffic accidents during those events. People's lives forever changed.

It got me thinking about what happens afterward, when Biketober fest is over and I move on with my bike free life. So I wanted to do a little research on accidents. What I realized is, that if you are in a motorcycle accident, it can be very important to have someone on your side. Legal representation that has experience and puts your interests first.

I found a motorcycle accident lawyer in Tampa that I think really fits the bill. KF&B can help take care of all the stressful legal matters while you just focus on recovering. There is so much peace of mind in knowing you don't have to worry about fighting insurance companies or trying to gather evidence yourself.

It can be especially difficult to navigate motorcycle accidents in Florida because it is one of the few states that does not require motorcycle riders to carry PIP insurance. KF&B still know how to navigate the process, communicating with the other party's insurance to ensure all your damages get paid, along with medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and whatever other costs may be necessary. 

Our family has never been in an accident, thank goodness, but I still find it very good to be prepared for such things, and I find the process quite interesting. We have needed to take legal action before, and having a lawyer that is specialized in the particular area makes all the difference. They have done this before. They know what to expect and have the experience to handle your case with confidence.

So, if you or someone you love rides motorcycles or needs an accident lawyer, I suggest doing your research. But I just thought we could all use a reminder to try to see things outside of how they affect us. We have to look out for each other more and have more compassion and understanding. We're all in this life together. We need to act more like it.

And, as always. Stay safe out there. And stay kind.

Pride LBTQ+ Makeup Tips for Your First Pride Event

Prepare your skin

One of the essential things to do before applying any makeup is to ensure that your face is ready. The first step is always to clean your face to remove any residue of dirt, oils, or any left-over makeup. Cleaning your skin well will help it glow and will ensure that you do not have a nasty breakout of pimples due to clogged pores. Once that is done, the next thing is to apply a face primer. This will help even out the surface of the skin and thus grant you a smooth appearance.

Use the right foundation

To achieve a polished look, you must select the right shade of foundation. One of the frequent skin mistakes that people often do is getting the wrong shade of foundation. Getting a shade that is either too dark or too light will leave your face mismatched, as compared to the skin on your neck or the hands. If in doubt, consult a professional who will help you pick out a foundation that suits your face nicely. Always remember to apply it evenly.

Select the right eye shadow

Pride events often give you the freedom to experiment with a lot of bold colors, such as bright reds, yellows and blues, and even neon types. If you wish to, you can use makeup to compliment your outfits, along with other accessories such as jewelry, handbags, or statement pieces. Eyeshadow in particular helps a great deal, as it comes in different shades and colors. For your pride makeup, you can even consider getting glittery eye shadow which will help to highlight your eyes. 

Line your eyes 

Eyeliner is a simple but very effective addition to your makeup. When well done, it will help to make your eyes pop and give you that extra confidence boost that everyone needs. We know it may be a little intimidating trying to do a smooth cat eye on both ends, but you can just keep it simple. You do not necessarily have to start with a bold extravagant look, but you can just do a single smooth line, which will work just as well. Do not neglect your eyelashes also, as they help to frame your eyes. There is a wide variety of extensions available that you can try out. If you do not wish to get extensions then you may just keep it classy with a good mascara.

Some random tips 

Always have wet wipes with you, as these are essentially good to wipe off any smudges on your face in case you need to retouch your makeup. Put on waterproof makeup, as this will help it last longer throughout the day. Carry a bag of makeup essentials like a compact or lipstick, as these often come in handy when you need to redo your makeup or help another person out. At the end of the day, no matter how tired you are, ensure that you wash it all off, and moisturize for healthy, glowing skin.

Health Hurdles

Some of you may have noticed that in the past few months I have been very scare with posting here. I am sorry for that. There are several personal reasons that have kept me from being able to work. I am not able to share all the circumstances, but I can mention that I have had to go out of state for a while.

I had to spend some time in New Jersey, where my mother in law lives. She is in increasingly poor health, both physically and mentally, and now requires 24/7 care. Whenever we are able to be with her, I am her primary caregiver. In our absence, she has home health aides that stay with her around the clock.

Still, it seems that she will need even more care, that she may only be able to get in a live-in facility. This is obviously a huge decision for many reasons. Of course there is her health and happiness to consider. Those may be conflicting in this case. She would prefer to stay at home. But she is not really in a sound mind anymore, so she has a power of attorney and a healthcare proxy that can make these decisions in her best interest.

Of course, as much as it should not be a factor, financial matters also play a role in what options we    explore. My mother in law's health is the most important thing, but we need to do a lot of research and find a place that is, first and foremost, trustworthy and secondly that is covered by her insurance, or is worth the cost of going outside of insurance.

I have never needed any expertise in this area, so I have none. It is quite a tedious process and it can feel very overwhelming at times. I have done so many searches that words hardly seem real. Google, of course, medical articles, care facility websites, hospice, AHM, and much more.



Still, it feels like we are only at the very start of this, and the road ahead seems long and bumpy. Aside from how draining and time consuming this process has been, there is also a mental hurdle to overcome. It has become hard to get back to this blog and anything else without feeling I am being selfish and not doing enough. 

I just wanted to let everyone know why I have been so bad about posting, and apologize, but also to say that, while I hope to get back to more frequent posts, that I am not sure that I will be able to for a little while longer.

Also, if anyone else is (or has) also going through this, I want to send my sincere support. Really, we all have invisible battles every day, and if you are struggling or just not at your best, please know that I care and I am wishing you the best. And that just getting up and continuing to try is such a huge victory. Things will get better. Stay strong, but it's okay not to be.

Summer Sips

When I think of "summer" I tend to think of the two and a half month time period where the kids are out of school. But, though my daughter returned to school today, summer is still going strong. According to the calendar, autumn doesn't begin until net month. Living in Florida, though, we have a lot more summery days ahead of us.

It is very easy to become so focused on all of life's responsibilities that you forget to sit back and enjoy whatever moments you can. I find the best way to do that is to bask in the things you enjoy. Be it a bubble bath, taking a walk, making your favorite meal (or ordering it) binge watching your favorite TV series or movies, or whatever else brings you moments of peace and joy.

Sometimes you need just a little bit more than those. I am not the biggest drinker, but once in awhile it is just what I need to stop my mind from racing over the stress that comes with day to day life. When I do indulge in a drink or two, I prefer to find special varieties. Something unique, an experience.

Melvin Brewing has been great for that. They have a huge selection of wonderful craft beers. They have several wonderful IPAs and some great pilsgnar options, but I am a huge fan of the Killer Bees Blonde Ale. It is a light, honey flavored blonde ale. Smooth, clean, easy to drink. Low in alcohol content (great so I can enjoy a few). Just an overall fantastic drink that I would highly recommend to anyone. 

These wonderful beers are the perfect choice for cookouts, parties, and get togethers of any kind, as well as gift baskets and housewarming presents. Anywhere beer is appreciated, these will up the experience. The packaging is really lively, as well, and adds great visuals to the mix, which might not be the most important aspect, but it certainly does not hurt.

I really love these designs. They remind me a lot of street art or old school graphic shirt designs. They are so unique and have a ton of personality. It just makes the who experience feel like an artistic expression.

Whoever you are and whatever you do this summer, or fall or winter, I hope you take some much needed (and deserved) breaks along the way, and maybe have a nice beer (or three) to help you enjoy the down time just a little bit more. 

One last thing, try to keep in mind, as life keeps throwing curve balls at us, that we are all doing the best we can. If you can, try to find ways to help your fellow humans have an easier time. And, if you can't, please don't be one of the things making it harder on them. We could all use a little more compassion, especially right now.

Life is hard enough when we're not battling each other just because we have been conditioned to see the small ways in which we are different more than the endless ways that we are all the same.

Welcome to Rocville comes to Daytona Beach!

I am so excited to announce that this year, for the first time ever, Welcome To Rockville will take place in Daytona Beach, Florida. This was supposed to happen in 2020, but with the pandemic postponing all live events, it will now be this year. As a huge fan of music and festivals, I am so thrilled to have such an exciting festival taking place so close to where I live.

The lineup is stacked! While, of course, the headliners are fantastic, I am super excited by some of the newer acts, such as Badflower who are quickly becoming one of my favorite bands of all time. They were the last band I saw before concerts were shut down, and they put in an incredible show. If you have the chance, I highly recommend seeing them live, especially at Rockville. 

Tickets are on sale now. https://rockville.frontgatetickets.com/

 

If all goes well, I will be covering the event this year, so stay tuned for all the amazing reviews and photos from the shows. Let me know if you plan to attend and who you are most excited to see.

How to Pack for a Summer Holiday

 

Whether you want to spend the weekend by the riverside, embark on a 10-day cruise on an island, or just touring Europe, vacations are exciting. They give you the needed space from your daily routine and the stress that comes with it. You also get an opportunity to unwind and spend time with friends, family, or your partner.

Packing for holidays is not as refreshing as the moments you will spend during the vacay. It actually calls for serious planning because you need to know what to wear on each day of the trip. Now, if you are an indecisive over-packer, this may be harrowing. 

But packing for your trip does not have to be a dreaded chore. We will share tips to help you pack for your summer vacay. You may also be interested in https://www.self.com/story/travel-anxiety-tips if you usually experience pre-travel anxiety. 

Tips for Vacay Packers 

Below are tips to help you prepare for your vacation this summer. 

Draft a Plan 

Every holiday is different; therefore, you will require a different wardrobe depending on the location you’re headed. Since it is a summer trip, you may want to pack some lightweight clothes. However, you must factor in the activities you will engage in when holidaying.

For instance, if you are on a beach in South America, you can’t enjoy the scenery if you are putting on a cheeky bikini that never stops riding up. Also, you will be unable to adore the astonishing Parisian architecture when your under-sized jeans are harassing your waistline. Therefore, you need to make sure that your wears are both stylish and practical. A pair of sandals, loose-fitting tee, and light jeans makes an awesome choice for casual summer vacays.

Do Not Come Prepared for Everything

Trying to pack for all circumstances you may encounter is a trap that leads to over-packing. Most times, you discover that you end up not using 90% of the things you packed. Trying to take enough outfits so you will be ready for any activity or weather condition results in a suitcase that you will need help to pull around. You will also need to dig into it to look for items you want to use.

Yes, we know it is good to come prepared on any trip, but you should only take what you need for the summer season. You can also pack some essential clothes that you know will not malfunction unexpectedly. You can check out Pampelone vacation wear to find stylish summer outfits. 

Wear a Different Travel Outfit 

We previously said you should not over-pack, but you need to wear a different outfit when you are flying or driving. You can’t be wearing the leggings you wore on a four-hour bus ride to dinner when you finally arrive at your destination. No matter how clean the bus was or whatever means you came by, the entire traveling process is a bit dirty. It will also leave your clothes slightly wrinkled and feeling gross. 

You need to make sure that you travel in clothes that you dedicate to that purpose. Also, ensure that the travel outfit is extremely comfortable. You can wear a tank-top or a tee with a pair of comfortable jeans or leggings. You may also want to have a hoodie or lightweight jacket while you are in transit. You never can tell how cold your plane or bus might get. 

Throw in the Basics

When you start packing your bag, you may feel overwhelmed. But you can lay a foundation with the basic items you need. Fill your box with basic tops, shorts, jeans to mix-match on different occasions. Also, mix in some skirts or formal dresses for trips to fancy restaurants or nights out. 

Add Some Focal Points 

Your summer vacation outfits should not be boring. You want to look different every day because the images will be immortalized in vacation photos on your social media accounts. Bring your unique piece and some accessories as focal points to match your classic basics. Statement jewelry, patterned blouses, sun hats, and fashion scarves work wonders. 

Choose Your Shoes Carefully 

Get a mix of comfortable and supportive sandals and tennis shoes. You can pack just a pair of fancy shoes. Also, a pair of wedge heels is versatile and goes with several formal outfits. You can watch this video to learn how to choose shoes for summer vacation. 

Conclusion 

When packing for your summer vacay, don’t stress. Stay simple and select chic outfits that will also be comfortable. Let your worries take the backseat to the fun activities you will enjoy on the trip.

New Insights from Dr. Shelton Zenith Labs

I care a lot about my health. Though I struggle to stay consistent with my diet, personal care, and fitness efforts, they are still very important to me. I have been trying to put more time and effort into my self-care routine and invest in myself more.

I have also recently begun to question if the reason I have so much trouble sticking to my plans is that they are not the proper ones to suit my body's needs. I focused on visible results (i.e. things that would make me lose weight, above all else). Not being hungry in the process was the next most important factor, but I have never given much thought to if it was the smart choice or if the plan met my needs in all aspects.

It can be very hard to find good, knowledgeable, and reputable resources to questions about health. For example, being on keto, I follow many "rules" though I never took the time to research each aspect individually. Many people who are doing keto do things like egg fasts (eating nothing but eggs with only adding fats and possible cheese for several days at a time).

Obviously, that sounds a bit extreme in general. but eggs are healthy, or so we are told, especially on keto. I never really worried that 6 eggs a day (or more, which seems to be the standard for an egg fast) would be bad if you are not doing that along with other foods to cause overeating. 

However, I recently saw an Instagram article by Dr. Shelton Zenith Labs that says that, while eggs are healthy, they should be limited to about 7 per week - or one per day. In that case, eating 7 a day, for multiple days at a time, becomes more concerning. 

 

 

Dr. Shelton has many other very informative articles, as well. While it would be unwise to consider information only from a single source, I found that his editorials are a great place to start. 

He has an article "Top 5 Tips for Better Sleep" that I found interesting. While I was already aware of my aversions to light and certain sounds when trying to sleep, I hadn't realized that cold showers are a good way to induce sleep. In fact, I believed the opposite. I had always assumed the cold would be "shocking" and make me feel more awake. And I always relate hot showers or baths with relaxation.

It is so interesting to discover things you once held a contrary belief about. It's like an "aha" moment. I am really enjoying the feeling. Though I hate to be wrong, I am always open to learning new things. As a matter of fact, I crave that. I never want to be idle or too stuck in my ways.

I would recommend that anyone pursuing any sort of diet or fitness plan take a deeper look into the guidelines they follow and research the origins and benefits (or negatives) of each practice. Stay healthy. Stay safe.