Home Projects You Can Do Over a Long Weekend

For many working adults, it is hard to find a balance between life at work and life at home. Too often, tasks around the home can pile up until it becomes overwhelming to try to start them.  Whether it’s a chore like deep cleaning a room or a bigger project like painting the exterior of your home, completing work around the house can seem like a daunting task, especially amidst stress about work and other things in your life when you feel you should be spending your energy elsewhere. If you find it difficult to keep a good work/life balance, companies like HSI offer Health & Safety courses that can educate employees and create a more positive work environment, which allows for less stress outside of work. A long weekend off from work can be a great time to relax and spend time with family, but it can also be the perfect time to tackle any home renovations or projects you’ve been putting off. 

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Here are a few easy, at-home projects you can take on next time you find yourself with a few days off.  

Seal the Driveway

Many driveways get chipped and cracked with natural wear over time. Sealing your driveway can help to smooth these cracks out and make an asphalt driveway look as good as new. This is a fairly simple task and is completed by just one person, but it can take a few hours for each coat of sealant to dry, so it is a task that is best completed when you aren’t short on time. 

Deep Clean the Garage

Many people find cleaning out and organizing their garage to be a task that never gets checked off their to-do list. Garages can often become a space where things you don’t want in your house but don’t want to get rid of can pile up, making them a cluttered mess. If you find yourself in this category, consider spending your time deep cleaning away the grime that can pile up in a garage and creating storage space for any potential clutter. 

Rearrange Rooms

An easy way to switch up the look of your place with minimal work is by rearranging a room by moving the placement of furniture and other items. Studies show that rearranging a room can have surprising benefits, like boosting your mood and your levels of creativity and comfort. 

Install a New Faucet or Shower Head

A great and practical way to improve the functionality and appearance of your kitchen is by adding a new faucet to an old sink. Adding a detachable hose is a popular option, and can make doing dishes and cleaning the sink a breeze.

A great way to improve your shower experience is by replacing your shower head. Showerheads that allow you to customize the flow and pressure of water are an upgrade to your bathroom that can be both simple and inexpensive but can make a huge difference in your home. 

Update Walls

A day off is the perfect time to paint or add wallpaper to the walls of your home. If you don’t want to commit to a particular color or design long-term, try temporary wallpaper that can easily stick and peel off when you’re ready to make another change. 

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4 Tips for Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet

Eating a plant-based diet has numerous benefits for your health and the environment. Although vegetarian and vegan lifestyles have become more popular in recent years as plant-based products have become more accessible to consumers, the idea of transitioning to a diet that lacks meat or dairy can seem intimidating and impossible for some. Some are worried about finding foods that they will like, missing opportunities to eat out with friends, or risking potentially depriving their bodies of necessary nutrients. People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are most at risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency. Clinics like The Institute of Natural Health offer Vitamin B12, which can give you the nutrients you need. 

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If you have been thinking about switching to a plant-based diet, here are some tips to help you get started.

Rethink Animal Products

If you have been regularly eating meat and dairy for your entire life, it is normal for you to consume these products without a second thought, or without questioning where it is coming from or how it is prepared. Taking the time to research the meat industry and the impact it has on the environment and on humans’ health is a great place to begin reevaluating how you might actually feel about meat and the production of the items you are eating.

Start Slow

Once you have a better understanding of the reasons why you’d like to cut down on eating animal products, be patient with yourself and understand that switching to an entirely plant-based diet is a process that might take some time. To integrate plant-based foods and substitutes into your diet and to learn some new recipes, try something like preparing a vegetarian dinner once a week. 

Eat Your Veggies

Vegetables are the best way to get all of the nutrients your body needs and often act as a base for meat substitutes (for example, cauliflower “chicken” wings). Integrating vegetables into your diet will make the transition into plant-based eating easier, and is the perfect opportunity to explore what veggies you like if you aren’t sure. 

Make Friends Who Share a Similar Diet

One of the easiest ways to tackle plant-based eating is by surrounding yourself with people who eat the same way. Having fellow vegan or vegetarian friends who can share recipes or recommend local restaurants can make your journey easier, and before you know it, eating plant-based will feel like second nature to you.

Switching to a plant-based diet can have countless benefits for your physical and mental health, and is great for the environment. Although switching your diet can be challenging at first, it will get easier with time. With a little preparation and patience, you will be on your plant-based journey and seeing its benefits in no time. 

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The Best Things to Do During Your Visit to Universal Studios

After working for over a year without a break, whether that’s at a medical clinic like ThriveMD or even a clothing company, anybody would want a little break. But when you have a family, picking a destination that can accommodate everyone can be rather difficult. That is, unless that destination just so happens to be Universal Studios. 

This legendary theme park is chock-full of unique and entertaining things to do; so many in fact that you’ll need several days just to experience it all. Here are some of the best things to do during your visit.

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Ride in the Front

There’s something special about waiting in a line that’s an hour long and getting to ride in the very front of a roller coaster, and with some of the best rides out of any theme park in the world, it’s definitely worth the wait.

Rides like The Velocicoaster, Revenge of the Mummy, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will have you raising your hands over your head and screaming as the wind blasts through your hair—now you just have to make your way to each ride in the park.

Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Is there any better place for Potterheads to go than the Wizarding World in Universal? Between Hogsmead and Diagon Alley, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. You could eat at The Three Broomsticks or The Leaky Cauldron, which has a menu straight out of the movies or visit Honeyduke’s sweetshop. There are tons of shops full of wizarding goods, in addition to Olivander’s Wand shop, where you can get your very own wand.

It’s also got a few of the best rides in the park, like Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts, Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, and The Forbidden Journey. And no trip to the wizarding world would be complete without a tall mug of butterbeer.

Watch a Show

Whenever you’re ready for a break from all the loops and spinning, Universal has a great catalog of shows to enjoy. Some of the best live shows include Animal Actors: Live on Location, The Bourne Spectacular, Universal’s Horror Makeup Show, Poseidon’s Fury, and more. 

These shows give you a chance to catch your breath between all the rides and lines that are sure to fill your day and they’re great for the whole family.

Action!

Aside from making you feel like part of your favorite shows and movies, Universal Studios succeeds in simply being a fun place for families and friends to have an exciting time, regardless of whether you’re familiar with the movies and characters that surround you or not!

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Nostalgic Childhood Foods That You Should Try as an Adult

Everyone has that one nostalgic childhood food or snack that they remember fondly. You’d come home from school and your parents would come back from their place of work, whether that’s at an accounting firm or a medical center for Provider's Choice Scribe Services, and they’d get you your favorite snack to enjoy. 

While these probably weren’t technically the healthiest options, we can’t deny that eating them now would likely bring back some fond childhood memories. Here are a few childhood favorites that you should try as an adult.

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Kid Cuisines

Back when Kid Cuisines were first introduced in 1990, they were essentially like the Hungry Man TV Dinner, but for kids, and as children, we were not disappointed. These frozen meals contained just about any sort of processed, readily available meal you could think of: spaghetti, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, pizza, and more, along with sides like crinkle-cut fries, pudding with sprinkles, and brownies.

Do these still live up to the hype? Probably not, but one more won’t hurt us.

Spaghettios

Campbell’s Spaghettios first hit the shelves back in 1965, but many of us will likely remember eating them during the 90s, too. This canned spaghetti you can eat with a spoon was the perfect quick meal, and you could even get them with little meatballs! 

What sort of mystery meat were these “meatballs” made out of? The world may never know, but we know at the time it didn’t matter because we were ready to down can after can.

Lunchables

Plenty of kids today are still eating Lunchables, and that’s because they’re the perfect little snack. You can get them in several different styles, like meals with crackers, cheddar cheese, and turkey, or perhaps one with bologna and swiss. You can also get pizzas, chicken nuggets, and more! They also typically come with a drink like Kapri Sun and a candy too, giving you something sweet to complete the meal.

Kraft Characters Macaroni and Cheese

Who didn’t love picking out a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese with the noodles in the shape of their favorite character? They all tasted the same, but you could get ones in the shape of Shrek, Spongebob, Spider-Man, and more! 

They don’t quite cook right, and there’s something utterly artificial about the cheese packet, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t love it growing up.

The Taste of Nostalgia

If you haven’t had any of these foods in a decade or two, it’s time to make a trip to the store and add them to your grocery list. They may or may not taste as good as you remember them, but they’re sure to bring up old memories.

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Shapewear is the best choice to keep a small belly

It is pretty common nowadays to pack some extra pounds around that midsection due to our modern lifestyle. But having a belly flab is not so useful and very undesirable. We all need to understand that having a large waistline can lead to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or even cancer. Belly fat has always been a problem for people across generations. And as we get older, the harder it is to reduce those stubborn fats. The most common remedy to this is by having healthy eating habits, doing some high-level cardio training, and avoiding lack of sleep. But did you know that if we invest in the right shapewear, we would be able to take extra control on those problematic bumps. Through intensive exercise and wearing of waist trainer, you will be able to burn those unwanted excess fats in no time. Now, if you are not familiar how a waist trainer works. Read through this until the end to know how you can rip the benefits of this must have waist trainer for women.

What is a Waist Trainer?

5 Meters-Black Plus Abdominal Binder Latex Tummy Wrap Compression Band Abdominal Control

A waist trainer is a high compression shaping undergarment that you can wear around the midsection that helps burn and compress those unwanted fats in your waist area. When worn daily, along with proper diet and exercise you it can help you stay motivated in reaching your waist slimming goals.

Is Waist Training Right for Me?

By regularly wearing a waist trainer, anybody can shape their waist especially when it is done right and with the appropriate materials and right fitting. There are also specially made plus size trainer for women. It is a must that your waist trainer is comfortable every time you lace it up.

Which Fabric is the best material for a Waist Trainer?

Wholesale Waist Trainer Abdominal Binder Latex Tummy Wrap Compression

Value for money? Not all waist trainers are made similar. There are lots of variations to choose from, that includes style, sizes, colors, and fabric. There are lot of brands out there in the market that provide high quality waist trainer wholesale. One of them is wholesaleshapeshe, the waist trainers that they produced are made of Latex. Natural latex is durable, elastic, strong, washable, and can be molded into any shapes. This makes it the most suited material for waist trainers. A good waist trainer should be durable and easier to maintain while providing high performance for everyday wear.

Waist Training Results

Once you hooked up that waist trainer, you will be able to see instant enhancement with your shape. Your waistline will look a few inches smaller, and you will have a more defined figure. To keep track with your progress, it is suggested that you do the following:

• Record your progress by taking a photo.

• Measure your waistline every week.

• Have a healthy diet.

• Have a fitness routine that includes intense cardio like HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).

• Include strength training, like simple lifting of dumbbells.

• Religiously wear your waist trainer, even during workouts.

What makes Loverbeauty Shapewear different?

Wholesaleshapeshe Shapewears are made with a purpose. That is for women to overcome their body issues, boost their confidence, and most of all be the best versions of themselves. Their wholesale shapewears and waist trainers are made with the best organic materials, that extends its durability and prolongs the duration of usage. Their plus size shapewear for women can be worn comfortably on any occasions. Aside from its unlimited benefits, Loverbeauty products can be bought at a very affordable price. That means value for your money, while busting those unwanted flabs on your belly!

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How to Help Children Who Have Trouble Sleeping

When your children have difficulty sleeping at night, it can be frustrating and difficult for you to understand how to help. Poor sleep can affect a child’s mood and mental health over time, as well as their performance in school and social behavior. Experts recommend that children between the ages of 4 and 15 get about 8 hours of sleep each night, although national studies report that a low percentage of children within these age groups actually get what is considered to be a full night of sleep. Whether your child is having trouble sleeping due to stress, fear, bunion pain at night, or anything else that could be impacting their rest, here are a few ways that you can help. 

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1. Have a Conversation 

Instead of punishing your child for staying up too late, taking away privileges such as technology in their bedrooms, or trying to enforce an earlier bedtime, have a conversation with your child and hear what they have to say about why they might be having a difficult time sleeping. If your child is not sleeping due to a mental, emotional, or physical ailment, having a conversation with them in which they are not getting in trouble will teach them that they can come to you when they are struggling, and might solve the problem right away. 

2. Create a Routine

Work with your child to create a bedtime routine that works for them and their unique needs. What activities relax your child before bed? What types of things calm them down when they are feeling anxious or stressed? Try to squeeze in as many calming and enjoyable activities in the hours leading up to bedtime as possible. Aim to establish and maintain a consistent routine that does not change each night, so that your child will get into the habit of using this routine to fall asleep. 

3. Consult a Doctor

If you have tried everything at home to help your child get a good night’s sleep and their sleep schedule still isn’t improving, it might be time to consult a professional. While sleeplessness is common in many children, it can sometimes be a symptom of a mental or emotional disorder such as anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and more. A doctor can evaluate your child and their sleeping habits to indicate if their inability to sleep at night is an indication of a bigger issue, and what steps can be taken to help. 

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Tips for Finding Work-Life Balance When Working Remotely

The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have permanently changed life in the workplace for many Americans. While working remotely began as a temporary solution to aid with social distancing and minimizing contact with others during the early days of the pandemic, it is now a more permanent practice for many people across the country working in a variety of fields. While the option to work from home was helpful for some, and many are excited to have the opportunity to continue remote work moving forward, there is no denying that it can have negative consequences, especially for those who have a lot going on at home or were already struggling to find a good work-life balance. For parents, working from home can mean having difficulty separating time for household responsibilities from time for their employer, as well as time for their family once the day is done. While working from home can mean having the flexibility to spend more time with family, it can also mean having difficulty setting firm boundaries and only doing work during work hours. 

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If you find yourself struggling to find a balance between work and your home life as a result of working remotely, here are a few tips. 

1. Develop a Strong Morning Routine

When working in a traditional office setting, it is likely that you have a morning routine that centers on yourself and your family as opposed to work. When working from home, it can be easy to blur the lines between work and home and begin your morning by checking emails, making phone calls, etc. instead of giving yourself time to wake up before heading into “the office.”

While working remotely, you should begin each morning by getting dressed, spending time with your family, and having breakfast. This will make the work days you spend at home feel more “normal,” while setting a firm boundary that your time in the morning is still yours, and leaving work to be done within your designated office hours. 

2. Set Up an Effective Office

The key to maintaining a balance between your personal and professional life while working remotely is setting up a home office that is completely separate from the rest of your home. Limit personal distractions such as a TV or your children’s toys to signify that this room is for business only. Having good office furniture from a company like Key Interiors is also key to making your space look more professional and keeping you on track. Try to limit the number of family members who are allowed to pop in during office hours, and try not to leave your office except for lunch and other short breaks to limit distractions such as housework or tasks that could otherwise disrupt your workday. 

3. Set Firm Hours

One part of working remotely that can lead to a disruption in work-life balance is the fact that work can often be done asynchronously with your coworkers allowing you to work at your own pace, meaning you are likely to be less productive during the day when distractions are present but must catch up at an inopportune time when you wouldn’t normally work. Limit work hours to your typical schedule, and refrain from doing any business outside of those hours, including things as simple as checking your email or making a call. This is an important boundary to set, and will be one of the most effective ways to strengthen your balance between work and personal life.

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