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.