How To Enjoy The Outdoors More

wildflowers

When asked, a lot of people probably wouldn’t consider themselves to be particular lovers of the great outdoors. They will spend most of the time indoors, even when the weather’s great. Yet going outdoors more often is something we should all try to do – it’s good for our physical health as it usually involves at least a little exercise (more so that staying indoors, at least), and it’s good for our mental health because it improves the mood and reduces stress. With that in mind, here are some ideas to help you enjoy the outdoors more so you can do there when you can.

Dress Appropriately

Sometimes the reason that someone might not be so fond of being outside is that they find themselves subject to various forms of injury. They might get sunburned, bitten by bugs, scratched by brambles, and their feet might start to ache. This is not the fault of the outdoors; this is all due to not dressing appropriately.

Just because you’re outside and just because the weather seems good, that doesn’t mean you can necessarily wear shorts and a t-shirt. On the beach, this would be fine (although you’ll have to cover up your bare skin using sunscreen), but when you’re going on a hike or a bike ride, it’s a bad idea. It’s much better to wear long sleeves and cover your legs to protect yourself. You should also wear a hat and sunglasses.

Stay Hydrated 

It’s crucial to your overall health and wellbeing to stay hydrated even when you’re not outside, but if you do plan to enjoy some fresh air, make sure you have a bottle of water with you. Keeping the body hydrated means you are more able to stay alert, and your muscles and joints will work better too, meaning you can move more comfortably for longer. 

Because you won’t be able to just stop what you’re doing and grab a glass of water from the faucet, taking a reusable water bottle in your bag along with some healthy snacks is ideal. Perhaps you could make some sandwiches using this cashew cream recipe. You can then enjoy yourself in the fresh air for much longer. 

Start Slowly 

If you’re very much into being outdoors and you spend as much time there as possible, then you’ll already be used to what the elements can throw at you, and you’ll have built up a tolerance, enabling you to stay outside for a lot longer. 

If, however, you spend most of your time indoors, but you want to start getting outside, a good way to do it is to start slowly. In this way, you can be sure that you’re not going to overdo things, which can put you off the idea entirely. Just go outside for ten to 15 minutes to begin with. Take a slow walk around the block or a trip to your local park, for example, before you head off into the mountains for a full-on hike. In this way, you can build up to bigger trips and gradually start to love being outside.

Healthy Post-Surgery Recovery Tips

Many of us will have to go through surgery at some point in our lives. The prospect of having an operation can be a scary one but for many people, it is the recovery after the surgery that causes the most worry.

Most people want to be able to get back on their feet and start feeling healthy again as soon as possible after surgery, but that is often easier said than done. The good news is, there are lots of things, as you will see below, that you can do to recover faster and more effectively from surgery.

recovery

Maintain excellent personal hygiene

 

Whether you have had major surgery like total hip replacement surgery or a minor keyhole procedure for an injury, there is always a risk that you will end up with an infection post-surgery. You can significantly reduce the chances of this happening by maintaining excellent personal hygiene, washing your hands regularly, and keeping your wounds clean. If you can shower, then try to do so daily too.

 

Eat a healthy diet

 

Food is the best medicine, so when you are recovering from surgery, if you want to be back up on your feet as soon as possible, eating a healthy diet rich in whole foods is the best way to do so. Staying hydrated is also vitally important because dehydration can make you feel weaker.

 

Move around

 

If your doctor has said it is okay to do so, then getting up and moving around for at least a few minutes each day will help to build your strength back and prevent issues like bed sores which can cause complications when you are recovering from surgery. If you feel worried about moving around, only do so when you have someone who can walk beside you to keep you steady and ensure you are safe.

 

Install a pill alarm

 

If you are taking painkillers post-surgery, then to maintain good health and avoid any accidental overdoses or to prevent yourself from forgetting to take any important medications that will keep you healthy, it is a good idea to install a medication alarm that will alert you when you need to take your next dose. Most smartphones support these apps and they will help to keep you safe if you are taking medication for whatever reason.

 

Check your wounds

 

Checking your wounds and incision sites daily is really important as it will help you to quickly detect any infections or other issues that might make you sicker for longer, healthy wounds tend to be pink whereas wounds with a yellow tinge may be infected and need quick attention, Kepo a close eye on them if you want to avoid any complications.

When recovering from surgery, you should always listen to what your doctors tell you and act accordingly, but if you are able to incorporate any of the above into your recovery period, it will definitely help you to heal faster and more effectively so you can start feeling healthy again as soon as possible.

Carakit – Care Kits to Send to Those in Treatment

 

Carakit Gift Box

Trigger Warning– this is a post that touches upon cancer. If you or a loved one is suffering right now, or you’ve lost someone, we are very sorry and hope this post isn’t upsetting to you. Please know that it’s intention is good, and to show off this product and company that gives comfort and care for people suffering with cancer. We think that it’s valuable.

Women are typically the caregivers, and when they face a crisis we need to turn around and return the favor. Carakit makes it easy for you to send a loved one the self-care and love they need to beat cancer. Flowers are nice but not very useful useful, and certianly don’t last long.
This box is full of luxurious, and comforting products that are carefully selected to be what individuals with cancer really want, can use, and will be comforting. Focused on items that manage side effects with extras to pamper, every product in a Carakit is well researched and chosen by hundreds of women who have tried them out personally. Along with some of the product suggestions, each kit comes with a “how-to” card that comes from doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and other health professionals, so you can trust the advice to be truly helpful. Visit their website to find the perfect kit, whether they are going through Chemo, Radiation, or are in Recovery. They also offer the items individually if you find something that will show the person you love how much you care about them, and give them the little extras that might make their day easier.
For more information, watch this video or visit carakit.com
Here is our unboxing video below- when we got it, I didn’t know what it was going to be. I don’t usually google items to see what they are before I open them if I’m not familiar, I like to be open and surprised. I definitely was. It was very surprising and took me back for a minute, but really I think this might be the nicest thing I’ve seen in a long, long while.
Thanks for reading, watching, and anything else- and if you need this or know someone who does, feel free to shoot me a message. We would definitely add them to our prayer list if you would like, and can send you the items from this box. Happily, I don’t need them.
Have a good day.

How to Help Your Employees Feel Valued

It’s no secret that happy employees lead to successful businesses. When employees feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to be productive and innovative. In addition, studies have shown that employee engagement is a crucial driver of business success. So, how can you make sure your employees feel valued? Here are a few tips:

happy employees

Offer Praise and Recognition

One of the simplest ways to make your employees feel valued is to offer praise and recognition for a job well done. Publicly acknowledging an employee’s accomplishments is a great way to show your appreciation. You can also give small tokens of appreciation, such as gift cards or thank-you notes. For example, a nurse necklace is an excellent gift for a nurse to recognize their achievement in the field. You can also give flowers or dinner vouchers to your employees.

Create Opportunities for Learning and Growth

Giving employees opportunities to learn new skills and grow in their careers is one of the most important things you can do to make them feel valued. When employees feel stuck in a rut, it’s only natural for them to start looking for new opportunities elsewhere. By offering learning and development opportunities, you’re letting your employees know that you’ve invested in their growth and want them to stick around for the long haul.

One way to create these opportunities is to offer tuition reimbursement for any job-related courses or programs your employees want to take. Another is to provide paid time off for attending conferences or seminars related to their work. You can also encourage learning by creating an internal mentorship program where more experienced employees share their knowledge with newer employees.

Provide Competitive Packages and Benefits

To make your employees feel valued, you need to provide them with competitive salaries and benefits. Employees who feel like they’re being underpaid or that their benefits aren’t up to par are much more likely to start looking for new job opportunities. By offering competitive packages and benefits, you’re sending the message that you appreciate your employees and want to keep them happy and healthy.

Provide Constructive Feedback

No one is perfect, and employees are bound to make mistakes from time to time. However, you must provide constructive feedback rather than criticism. This will help your employees learn and grow while still feeling valued.

Always aim to be specific, objective, and actionable when giving feedback. For example, rather than saying, “you’re doing a great job!” try something like “I appreciate the way you handled that customer issue – thanks for going above and beyond!” or “Thanks for staying late to finish that project, it made a big difference.”

By taking the time to give specific and positive feedback, you can help your employees feel valued and appreciated. This will, in turn, motivate them to continue doing their best work for your company.

Making your employees feel valued is essential to the success of your business. Following the tips above shows your employees that you appreciate their hard work and dedication. As a result, they will be more likely to stick around and continue working hard to help your business grow.

 

10 Burning Questions About Rescue Dogs, Answered

Rescuing a dog is a great thing to do, both for the animal itself, and society as a whole. When you take on a rescue animal, you’re adding to the well-being of the world, and showing our furry friends that there are people out there who really care

Naturally, though, you probably have a lot of questions about the process. That’s why we’re here. In this post, we run through all the questions people have about rescuing pups so that you can learn everything you need to know before taking the plunge. 

 

What Are The Benefits Of Adopting A Rescue Dog?

 

The benefits of adopting a rescue dog are profound. When you save a dog from a shelter, you’re also saving their life. Plus, you can free up room for other rescue dogs that will inevitably arrive in the coming days and weeks. You’re giving them a chance to live before being destroyed. 

 

Where Can You Adopt Rescue Dogs?

 

The pound or animal shelters are the best places to find rescue dogs. Look for reputable organizations that appear on national official accreditation lists. Try to avoid agencies that don’t have any formal status or recognition in the community. 

Some shelters will ask you to pay an adoption fee. This covers their costs. 

When you purchase a dog from a reputable shelter, they’ve usually received an examination from a trained vet. They should be free from infection, parasitic disease, and any obvious medical conditions that could adversely affect their quality of life. 

You can, of course, go to the internet to find dogs for adoption. However, the dogs may not have had the same checks. If you’re just looking for a new dog, it is always best to go to reputable pet breeders. They have procedures in place to reduce infection and keep animals healthy. 

 

What’s The Best Way To Introduce A New Dog To Another Dog?

 

Dogs tend to get on well with each other when they live in the same home. However, things can get a little challenging when you first introduce them to each other. Dogs won’t necessarily get along from the get-go. 

Start by asking the shelter or rescue center about how the dog generally behaves around other animals. Usually, they will tell you if they are social or not.

If you expect there will be trouble, bring both your dogs to a neutral location (not your home), and let them sniff around each other for a while. Getting them used to each other’s company in the park for an hour or so can be a great way to break the ice when you bring them back. Just dumping a rescue dog alongside an existing animal on your property is a recipe for disaster. 

If you want to encourage them to socialize more, try walking them together on the same reins. These shared experiences will help with bonding. 

 

How Do You Introduce A Rescue Dog To A Cat?

 

Dogs and cats don’t usually mix straight away. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep them separate for a few days so that they can get used to each other’s scent. 

When you introduce dogs and cats to each other, put a baby gate between them for the initial interactions. This will give each animal a chance to get to know each other for the first few meetings, without the risk of direct conflict. During the experience, provide both animals with plenty of treats to sweeten the deal. Dogs and cats often require a lot of encouragement to be polite to each other. 

 

What Will A Rescue Dog Be Like For The First Few Months?

 

How your rescue dog behaves when it arrives at your home depends on its experiences so far in life. Dogs from happy homes are usually trusting while those with abusive pasts may be reluctant to bond with you. 

Remember, dogs have no idea they have been adopted and that your intention is to care for them. All they know is that they have been taken out of their previous environment and put in a new one. Many feel scared. 

During the first few months, take it slowly. You don’t have to establish a secure bond with your dog immediately.

Try to avoid stressful interactions. Take a laid-back approach to life with them. Don’t take them to busy locations or parks where there are lots of other dogs and children running around all over the place.

Pay close attention to your dog during this time. Let them take the lead. If they want to make contact with them, let them come to you. Avoid unwanted hugging and kissing. 

 

What Do You Need To Do To Prepare For A New Dog Coming Home?

 

Before your dog comes home, you’ll need to prepare some basic supplies, including food, water bowl, dog bed, treats, collar and leash. You’ll also need to make sure that your house is safe. Don’t leave any dangerous foods or chemicals lying around at dog-eye level. 

You’ll need a dog crate. These are useful for confining your dog when you want to transport them or leave them home alone. 

Dogs also need stimulation. Therefore, it helps to have some chew toys and treats for them when they get bored. 

 

What Should You Feed A Rescue Dog?

 

You’ll want to avoid feeding your rescue dogs any of the items they aren’t supposed to eat. These include onions, avocados, coffee, grapes, raisins, and chocolate. You can find a full list of foods that dogs shouldn’t eat online if you are worried. 

 

Can You Tell In Advance Whether A Rescue Dog Will Have Behavioral Problems?

 

Shelters will try to provide you with as much information about a dog’s behavior as possible. Most have history forms filled out by their previous owners that you can read. These tell you about what you should expect from the animal, what’s normal for them, and how you should respond if there is trouble. 

Even better are behavioral assessments. These provide owners with a full list of behavioral problems that a dog might have. Potential owners can find out about all their quirks before taking them home with them so there are no nasty surprises. 

Remember that the way a dog behaves in a shelter is often different from the way they are when they get home. When in large groups, dogs can become more boisterous, aggressive, or timid. However, at home, they may feel far more peaceful. 

 

Do Rescue Dogs Have Any Additional Needs Compared To Regular Dogs?

 

Generally speaking, rescue dogs do not have more needs than dogs bought from pet stores or private breeders. However, they may be more suspicious of humans because of their past. 

As such, you may need to tread lightly around rescue dogs for the first few weeks. Once they settle down, you can treat them like any other dog in your home. 

 

What Type Of Dogs Are Available For Adoption?

 

As you can imagine, there are as many different types of rescue dogs available for adoption as there are dogs in the world. You never know what breeds are going to show up in shelters. 

For some owners, this is a good thing. However, many prefer to go to private breeders because this way, they know exactly what they are getting. 

Owners generally prefer to rescue puppies. Therefore, older dogs are much less likely to be picked up from rescue shelters. You can talk to staff about the likelihood of any particular animal being rescued, based on its looks and behavior.

Two Classic Plays About Love, Not War #LoveNotWar #Theater

russian classic plays
Blueprint Productions presents Chekhov + Turgenev, two Russian classics presented in repertory, and scored in jazz: About Love, a musical play with songs, inspired by Ivan Turgenev’s novella, “First Love”; and Three Sisters, a sparkling new adaptation of the play by Anton Chekhov. Both productions are adapted and directed by Will Pomerantz, and feature an original jazz score by Nancy Harrow, performed nightly by a live jazz quartet. Chekhov + Turgenev plays a four-week repertory, May 10 through June 5 at The Sheen Center (18 Bleecker Street at the corner of Elizabeth Street, NYC) in The Frank Shiner Theater. The official opening is Thursday, May 19.
THREE SISTERS
Sat, May 14, 2PM
Tues, May 17, 7PM
Thurs, May 19, 8PM (opening)
ABOUT LOVE
Sat, May 14, 8PM
Sun, May 15, 3PM
Thurs, May 19, 2PM (opening)
“About Love” tells the compelling story of a young man who expects to spend a quiet summer with his parents in the Russian countryside, but soon discovers those three months will be the most consequential of his life, as he learns the difference between love and passion, and the ephemeral nature of life itself. About Love is inspired by Ivan Turgenev’s beautifully crafted short story, “First Love,” originally published in 1860. Turgenev was one of Russia’s first modern writers to achieve international acclaim with his novel, Fathers and Sons, and his play, A Month in the Country.
In Chekhov’s masterpiece,”Three Sisters”, Olga, Masha and Irina are talented, cultured young women who were raised in urban Moscow, but have been living in a small provincial town for eleven years. Within these less than vibrant surroundings, each pursues her dreams and passions amongst the soldiers garrisoned there, all the while yearning for a return to Moscow. In this world-premiere version, audiences will experience afresh what makes this writer so memorable and indispensable.
Russian classics
The company of Chekhov + Turgenev features John Ahlin, Silvia Bond, Essence Brown, Harrison Bryan, Manny Dunn, Nathan Hinton, Miles G. Jackson, Nehal Joshi, Amanda Nichols, Tom Patterson, Elizabeth Ramos, Tommy Schrider, Jean Tafler and Pilar Witherspoon.
Chekhov + Turgenev features a live jazz quartet nightly: music director Misha Josephs  on guitar, Ben Sutin on violin, Ryan Berg on bass, and Steve Picataggio on drums. The scenic design is by Brian Staton, lighting design by Allen Hahn, costume design by Whitney Locher and sound design by Sean Hagerty. Heather Arnson’s YesAnd Productions serves as General Management.
“Chekhov + Turgenev is a unique theatrical opportunity for audiences to experience, in rotating repertory, two writers who changed playwriting forever, and  whose influence still resonates today,” says  adaptor and director Will Pomerantz. “Both Chekhov and Turgenev strived to contain the entirety of the human experience in their work, and they did it with a combination of heart, humor and humanity that remains unparalleled.  The original jazz scores by beloved jazz singer and composer Nancy Harrow punctuate and underscore these timeless works. Both productions will share a company of actors who will delight audiences with their versatility, as they double the many singular roles created by these two celebrated writers.”

Montage – ABOUT LOVE.mp4 from About Love on Vimeo.

Chekhov + Turgenev is two Russian classics presented in repertory, and underscored in jazz: About Love, a musical play with songs, inspired by Ivan Turgenev’s novella, “First Love”; and Three Sisters, a new adaptation of the play by Anton Chekhov. Chekhov + Turgenev plays a four-week repertory, May 10 through June 5 at The Sheen Center (18 Bleecker Street at the corner of Elizabeth Street, NYC) in The Frank Shiner Theater. The official opening for both production is Thursday, May 19. Tickets are available online at SheenCenter.org, by phone at 212-925-2812, or in-person at The Sheen Center box office Monday to Friday noon to 5PM and one hour before performances. Tickets are $39 – $69. Premium seating is available. Rush tickets will be available at the box office an hour before any performance for $20. See calendar below for a complete playing schedule for About Love and Three Sisters:

Fresh Content: 3 Ways To Make Sure Business Premises Are Always Comfortable For Customers

customer service

Keeping customers comfortable is important for any business. Whether you are reassuring them that their money is safe with an online purchase or that they are secure when they are on your premises, it’s crucial to ensure that customers are happy when they are with you. This is especially important for companies that have buildings that customers access, like stores and showrooms. But how exactly are you supposed to make them feel comfortable in places like this?

Cleaning

Cleaning is a priority in any building that customers visit. Being surrounded by dust and other muck will leave anyone feeling uncomfortable, especially if they have to spend a good amount of time there. Options like environmentally safe commercial carpet cleaning services make it incredibly easy to keep your space clean. This is great for any business with a lot of foot traffic on floors that can be a challenge to clean, but you can find similar services for other aspects of your business.

Warmth & Air

Keeping customers warm is another crucial element of a business like this, but you have to be careful not to make your building feel stuffy or unpleasant. Airflow is important here, as this will help to keep air fresh while also moving heat around the building. Considering the idea of installing air conditioning systems to make sure that the whole building has access to fresh and warm air is a good approach to take.

Comfortable Furnishings

Keeping your building comfortable is as much about furniture as it is about anything else. You need to make sure that customers have access to chairs that will make them feel good, along with tables and other comfortable furniture where it is appropriate. There are loads of companies out there that specialise in producing furniture for businesses, giving you everything you need to get started with this without having to rely on low-quality home furniture for the job.

Light

Many people fail to consider light when they’re trying to make a space comfortable. Bright lights can be overwhelming, and dull lights can make it hard to see, making both options bad for a business. You need to find a comfortable middle ground that makes it easy for customers to see products without having to squint or close their eyes. Using white decor can help with this, as it will make the light you use go further.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling confident in the steps you need to take to make your business comfortable for your customers. This process can be a challenge, but it will be well worth the effort, giving you the chance to get more out of your customers. Of course, though, this process will always take a small amount of investment.

Painless Ways to Cut Your Expenses

piggy bank

If you are looking to tighten your belt, whether because you want to pay down your debt, pay off the mortgage or save some extra in your kid’s college fund, you could be forgiven for thinking that doing so would be a painful road filled with many sacrifices, but it really doesn’t have to be that way.

It is totally possible to cut your expenses, start spending less, and not feel the pain when you do so. Here are a few ways you can do exactly that:

  1. Track your spending

There are lots of simple apps and software packages you can use to track every cent you spend, and they are very easy to set up and use. Why do that? Because, when you track everything that you are spending, it is really easy to immediately identify any expenses that are unnecessary to you. You can then choose to stop spending money on those things or continue depending on how important they are to you.

  1. Cut your energy consumption 

Right now, energy bills are one of the biggest regular expenses that many of us face, but it would be unthinkable for us to go without heat and electricity for long. Luckily, you can lowe tout energy bills without having to sacrifice a thing. For example, you can learn more about lowering our energy use here by doing simple things such as turning off appliances and better insulating your home. These ideas are all fairly inexpensive and easy to implement, and once they were in place, you can carry on as normal while also benefiting from much lower utility bills – what’s not to love?

  1. Cancel unused subscriptions

From Netflix to Kindle Unlimited, most of us have a subscription or four on the go at any given time, and you know what? Many of us rarely if ever use those services we have subscribed to, so a really easy way to painlessly cut your expenses is to do an audit of all of the subscriptions you currently have active, and then systematically cancel any you do not use often enough to justify the cost or impact upon you if you were to no longer have access to them, Have every member of the family do the same and you’ll be surprised at just how much money you can save. 

  1. Consider downsizing

This is not always possible to desirable but for many families, downsizing can be a great way of potentially saving thousands of dollars each year. The bigger your home, the more your mortgage is likely to cost and the more money you are likely to spend on maintaining it, so by moving to a smaller space, you can easily cut your expenses, and if you choose a home that has just the right amount of space for you all to live comfortably in, it will be a pretty painless change to make. You may even be able to move to a better neighborhood while still saving a significant sum, so your quality of life could actually impede as a result of downsizing!

  1. Batch cook

Eating at home, rather than eating out may seem like a hardship at first if you are used to dining out most evenings, but when you think about it, it really is not. When you eat at home, you have complete control over the ingredients you use and what you make, which means you can always eat your favorites. You can also make your food healthier than it would otherwise be, which might help to keep your health costs down too!

When it comes to eating at home, one way to really cut your expenses is to batch cook. If you work out in advance what you are going to eat for the next week or month, then you can be sure to only buy the necessary ingredients, and by cooking them in one big batch you will use less fuel, while also ensuring that you don’t have to worry about finding something to eat after a stressful day at work. It doesn’t get much better than that.

  1. Use cash

Something that many people find useful when trying to lower their expenses, is to use cash instead of a credit or debit card. It is all too easy to spend more than you really should when you are paying with a card and you don’t see the money physically leaving your hands. By drawing out a set amount of cash for the month and using that and only that to pay for things, it is much easier to keep track and rein in your spending. So, if you are something of a shopaholic, and you often buy things you don’t really need, you may find that this technique is a huge help.

  1. Keep a list of wants

Speaking of shopping, something else that can help you to painlessly give up those impulse buying instincts is to have a list of wants. When you see something you want to buy, instead of purchasing it then and there, make a note of it and wait 30 days. If, after 30 days, you still want to buy said item, go ahead and do so, but more often than not, you will find that the initial rush of dopamine that makes you want that things vanishes and you no longer feel the desire to own that dress or car or whatever it is. This can really help you to curb unnecessary spending and get a better perspective on things.

Cutting your expenses and saving money really doesn’t have to cause you a lot of heartache if you don’t want it to and you will quickly find you can live just as well on less. As you can see above, there are lots of simple things you can do to lower your monthly expenditure that will not only not impact your life particularly negatively, but in some cases, may actually enhance it! So, what are you waiting for?