National Stress Awareness Day 2022: 10 Ways to Live a Less-Stressed Life

National Stress Awareness Day is coming up on April 18, 2022! In preparation, we wanted to share 10 ways that you can live a less-stressed life. Whether you're dealing with work-related stress, family stress, or just general stressors in your life, these tips can help. Implementing some of these ideas may take a bit of effort, but they are all worth it, in the end, to help improve your mental health.

Top Ten Ways Manage Stress

Get enough sleep

Most adults need around eight hours of sleep per night. If you're not getting enough shut-eye, it can lead to increased stress levels. Make sure to get to bed at a reasonable hour and turn off electronics an hour before you sleep.

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and to live an overall healthy and positive life. It doesn't have to be anything too intense, even a brisk walk can help. Just get your body moving and your heart rate up for a bit!

Eat Healthy

Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best. When you're feeling run down, it's harder to deal with stressors in your life. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.

Take breaks

When you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a stressful situation, take a step back and take a break. Go for a walk, read your favorite book, or just take some time for yourself. It'll help you recharge and be better equipped to handle whatever stress comes your way. Learn to meditate! Deep breathing is a simple form of meditation and a great way to improve mental wellbeing. Practice taking a few moments on a day-to-day basis to pause and breathe!

Be organized

Having a plan and being organized can help reduce stress. Make to-do lists, keep a calendar, and set reminders for yourself. That way, you won't have to worry about forgetting something important. Getting organized is not just to reduce feeling stressed by to increase personal growth! What would you do with more time on your hands?

Say no

It's okay to say no sometimes! If you're already stretched thin, don't feel like you have to commit to anything else. Just politely decline and focus on taking care of yourself and your well-being. This applies to both personal and professional lives.

Delegate

If you're trying to do everything yourself, it's going to be tough – and stressful! If possible, delegate tasks to others who can help out. That way, you can focus on the things that are most important to you.

Set boundaries

Along the same lines, it's important to set boundaries with others. Let them know what you're comfortable with and what your limits are. That way, you won't end up feeling overwhelmed or taken advantage of. Whether it is with a friend or a family member, sometimes you just need to set boundaries to help with anxiety and stress.

Simplify

Sometimes, the best way to reduce stress is to simplify your life. If there are things that you can eliminate from your schedule or life in general, do it! You'll feel much better without the extra weight on your shoulders.

Set Realistic Goals

Part of simplifying your life is setting realistic goals. If you're constantly putting pressure on yourself to achieve unrealistic goals, it's going to lead to stress. Set goals that you know you can reasonably achieve and be proud of yourself when you reach them!

We hope these tips help you in living a less-stressed life! Remember, make sure to take some time for yourself and de-stress!

Winter Skin Care Routine: 4 Steps to Get You Through Winter

Winter is here, and it's time to take your skincare routine to the next level. It can be hard to know where to start when you have so many products available. But don't worry! We've created a winter skin care routine that will keep you looking radiant all season long and make your skin happy!

Step One: Cleanse your skin.

Cleanse your skin every day with a gentle cleanser so you do not strip the natural oils In the colder months, your skin can accumulate dirt, dead skin cells, and even make-up from harsh wind or cold weather conditions. A good cleanser will remove this build-up without drying out your skin.

It's important to cleanse your skin every day, no matter what the season. In winter, it's especially important to remove all of the dirt and makeup that can accumulate on your skin. Choose a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. My favorite cleanser is the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Makeup Remover and Daily Face Wash. This is for normal to oily skin but does not dry out my skin too much. If you need a cleanser that can provide more moisture, try the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

**Try to use a toner that works well with your skin like the THAYER'S Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner with Aloe Vera Formula, Rose Petal after you cleanse your skin!

Looking for a new cleanser to help keep your skin healthy and glowing this winter? Check out our top picks!

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

This is my go-to facial cleanser. I have been using it for over two years now and love how it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed without feeling dry or tight.

Boscia Charcoal Makeup Melting Cleansing Oil

This is a great option if you're looking for an oil-based cleanser. I love how it gently melts away all of my makeup (even the most stubborn eye makeup) without leaving my skin feeling oily or greasy.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

If you're looking for a chemical exfoliant, this is the one to try! It's very effective and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth with no irritation at all. Plus it has an amazing citrus scent that I love.

Burt's Bees Essential Everyday Cleanser

This is a great option if you're looking for a more natural cleanser. It has an invigorating, fresh scent that I love and it leaves my skin feeling clean while still being gentle. Plus the large bottle lasts forever!

Step Two: Apply a moisturizer.

Apply a moisturizer to keep you looking healthy in the chilly air outside! Choose a product that contains hyaluronic acid if possible, as it works well at absorbing water into the outer layer of our skin where cells are more likely to dry up during these cooler temperatures. I like to use the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This moisturizing cream can be used not just on your face but for your hands, knees, elbows and anywhere else you want to remedy flaky skin, dull skin, and irritated skin!

**Try using a serum like the Ordinary Vitamin C Serum to create a glowing complexion before applying a moisturizer! This has done wonders to brighten my skin and increase my skin health all year round!

Looking for a moisturizer that will hydrate your skin without feeling greasy? Check out our top picks!

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

This is my go-to winter moisturizer because it's super lightweight, absorbs quickly, creates a protective barrier, and doesn't leave me with any residue or greasiness behind. It also helps to soften the skin, reduce redness, and doesn't clog your pores.

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream

This eye cream is perfect for hydrating the under-eye area without being too heavy or greasy. It also has a unique yellow tint that helps brighten dark circles while you sleep! This one takes some getting used to but I love it now because of how lightweight it feels on my skin. :)

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Moisturizer

If you have normal/combination skin then this moisturizer will be ideal for you in wintertime - just make sure to use sunscreen with an SPF 15+ daily since this product does not contain any sun protection! I don't recommend it for those with oily skin types though, as it may be too heavy.

Step Three: Use an eye cream.

The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate, so it's important to use a specialized eye cream to keep it hydrated. Use an eye cream daily on any areas around the eyes that seem puffy or dry. You may notice dark circles under your eyes due to the colder weather, so it's important to use a cream that will help hydrate this delicate skin.

Looking for an eye cream that will help with those pesky dark circles and puffiness under your eyes? Check out our top picks!

The Ordinary Eye Serum with Caffeine

I have seen a drastic improvement in my baggy under eyes and dark circles since starting to use it over six months ago. I apply this right after I apply my Vitamin C serum and then moisturize. Highly recommend!

Caudalie Vinoperfect Eye Serum Anti-Dark Circles Concentrate

This is a more expensive but luxurious eye serum. I have been using this for years and definitely notice a difference when I'm not consistent with it on days that my under-eye area looks puffy or dark circles are worse than usual. This one absorbs easily, glides smoothly over the skin, and leaves no residue behind so you can apply concealer and foundation without any problems.

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Brightening Eye Serum

I only started using this about a month ago but it has quickly become one of my favorites! It's very lightweight so I don't feel like I'm wearing anything on my eyes, absorbs quickly, and doesn't cause any stinging or irritation. It also helps to brighten the under-eye area and diminish any dark circles.

Step Four: Protect your skin from the sun.

Don't forget to protect your skin from the sun! The winter sun can be just as damaging as the summer sun, so make sure you're using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. I personally use CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, Sunscreen, and Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid & Ceramides.

Looking for a sunscreen that will protect your skin from the sun but doesn't feel heavy or greasy? Check out our top picks!

CeraVe Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

This sunscreen is perfect for everyday use, non-greasy, and doesn't leave a white cast on your skin. I have been using it for about two years now and love it! This lightweight formula protects your asking from free radicals and UV rays even during the winter months.

COVERGIRL Clean Matte BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20

This is my go-to sunscreen for when I'm going to be spending time outside but don't want to wear a full face of makeup. It has an SPF 20, comes in a variety of shades, and doesn't make my skin feel oily or heavy.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

This sunscreen is ideal for those with oily/combo skin like myself. It's very lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast or feeling greasy. It also has an SPF of 60 which is one of the highest on the market.

One final tip for the Ultimate Healthy Skin Routine: Drink Water!

One of the most important things you can do for your skin during the winter drinks plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, more if you're active or live in a cold climate.

Thanks for reading! I hope this winter skincare routine helps you keep your skin looking its best all season long. Be sure to check out our other skincare posts for more helpful advice and different routines you can follow. What's your winter skincare routine? What are your favorite products to use in the winter?

Ultimate Healthy Living - Five to Flourish Health Habit Trackers FREE

Do you have health goals that you’ve been trying to reach? I don’t know about you but I most certainly am. At the very top of my list is getting more sleep!

My friends at Ultimate Bundles came up with what I think is a practical and helpful idea (and it’s free!)

It’s called Five to Flourish and here’s how it works: you pick a health goal you want to work on. Each goal has five simple daily habits and if you complete those habits every day, you’ll be well on your way to making that important health goal a part of your life!

When you register for the Five to Flourish Health Habit Trackers, you’ll get recommendations from healthy living experts and printable habit trackers to help you:

• have a balanced and productive day

• reduce sedentary time

• increase energy levels

• maintain a healthy mindset

• learn something new every day

• improve your digestive health

• fuel your fitness goals

• prepare for your 2020 garden

• encourage healthy, lifelong habits for your kids

• enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep

• Plus, you’ll also get some blank habit trackers so you can customize them for exactly what you need!

  Register for your Healthy Habit Trackers right here before August 30th: 

If you sign up for this tracker and give it a try be sure to comment below and provide feedback. I’m going to be trying this myself.

7 Tips to Healthy Skin

I can’t possibly be the only person who struggles with having healthy skin. As I get older, (which I’m NOT getting older) skin care has become more and more important to me. I get frustrated looking for a product that will work for me when there are just so many out there. You can rack up a serious bill just blindly trying things, crossing your fingers that they work. Personally I have incredibly dry skin. Like desert dry. I also have pores that are starting to get larger, which is driving me crazy and bags under my eyes. Bags big enough, that I have to check them at the airport. With all that being said I decided it was time to interview Stephanie Karstetter-Miller, a Mary Kay Consultant, to see what helpful tips she had to achieve healthy skin. Here’s what she had to say.

“Proper skin care is important because our skin is the largest barrier against infection that we have. Keeping our skin healthy and moist, helps keep this barrier strong. Here are 7 tips to healthy skin:

1) Wash your face - Best skin care practice includes washing your face in the morning AND at night. I say, if you have to choose just one time to do it, it should be at night. Wash off all the makeup, stress and dirt from your day.

2) Remove your eye makeup - Our eyes are two of our body's most important organs. Going to bed with eye makeup on, leaves them more prone to infection or eye diseases that can cause irreparable damage to our vision.

3) Apply toner - While this is a step you don't have to do twice a day or even once a day, it is one I like to do once or twice a week, depending on how oily my skin is. Toner removes dirt and makeup from deep down in your skin's layers. It always amazes me what I can find on my cotton pad AFTER I've washed my face.

4) Use a charcoal mask - Again, this is something I try to do once a week, unless I'm having an episode of really oily skin. The charcoal helps dry up some of the oil for me. I find myself doing this on Sunday evening, as I prepare and gear up for another work week. I've found it boosts my confidence a little, for some reason.

5) Moisturize - I use specially formulated moisturizer for my eyes. I do this because of the sensitivity of that area. Then I use a separate facial moisturizer for the rest of my face and neck. I also use a different day and night moisturizer. It's scientifically proven that our skin has different needs at different times of the day. For instance, my day moisturizer contains SPF 30, while my night moisturizer has lots of anti-aging and firming properties. Very much need for a 40+ working mom with active kids and little sleep.

6) Treat your trouble spots - Apply special treatment creams to blemishes or dry patches.

7) I personally believe this should be #1 simply because of the MANY health benefits. DRINK WATER!!!!!! Studies have shown that drinking 40+ oz of water each and every day keeps your skin hydrated and flushes impurities from your entire body.”

Not sure what is the right product for you? No problem. Stephanie has you covered. You can contact Stephanie via email at stephmiller1010@comcast.net

Also be sure to join her facebook group to stay up to date on special offers, new items and skincare tips she has.

Below are the products Stephanie recommends for each of the steps.

Time Wise Age Minimize 3D 4-in-1 Cleanser

Botanical Effects Cleansing Gel

Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

TimeWise Firming Eye Cream (Wonder if they carry this in gallon size? haha)

Clear Proof Blemish Control Toner

Botanical Effects Refreshing Toner

Clear Proof Deep Cleansing Charcoal Mask

TimeWise Age Minimizing 3D Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Indulge Soothing Eye Gel

Oil Mattifier

TimeWise Replenishing Serum

I’m really curious if anyone has success stories with any of these products. Especially the Firming Eye Cream. I might just have to give that cream a try. If you’d like to talk about your trials, frustrations, success with products, etc. Comment below. I’m here to chat.

As always thank you for stopping by to read my blog.

Migraines Suck. Here's a Few Tips to Manage A Migraine

Migraines suck. I’m pretty sure we can all agree on that. If you’ve never had one, consider yourself incredibly lucky. I’ve suffered from migraines and headaches for as long as I can remember, and have tried almost everything to prevent/relieve them. Unfortunately, for years I have experienced a headache nearly daily. These headaches vary in severity and type. In addition to those daily headaches, my migraine occurrence has increased to at least 4 a month, sometimes more. There are people who experience migraines for days on end and I truly don’t know how they do it. I have sought treatment from my PCP and two neurologists and have not been able to find relief. Below is a list of things I have tried, and found to be of some help. Perhaps you can find some relief in these methods too.

1. Daith Piercing - My Best Decision Yet!! I recently took the leap and decided to give a daith piercing a try. My ultimate goal was to never experience a migraine again, but at this point I was willing to accept any relief whatsoever. I got my piercing from Ikonic Ink in Altoona, PA. Rachel was the technician and she was absolutely amazing throughout the entire process. I highly recommend her. I got my piercing on April 18, 2019 and have not experienced a migraine or headache since. I have only had the feeling like I am about to get a headache. This I am so very happy about. It hasn’t been all that long so I’m trying not to get my hopes up too much. I’ll keep you all updated on my progress as the piercing heals.

2. Essential Oils - My sister was nice enough to purchase an essential oil for me to try. I LOVE the scent, and since my piercing I have only been experiencing a feeling of the onset of a headache. So far this oil has taken care of that feeling. It’s call BrainRelief, and is a mixture of lavender and peppermint. I have been using this oil inside my aroma therapy locket so that I can smell it throughout the day. Just add a dab to the lava rock disk inside and I’m set all day. It’s advertised to help with sinus congestion, mood relief, and anxiety among other things.

3. Green Tea with Honey - This may be a personal preference, however a cup of hot tea always seem to relax me to some extent. Especially if I can sit in peace and quiet. Green tea is one of my favorites. Paired with local honey, it’s excellent.

4. Breathing Techniques - I have been researching and learning about the power of breathing. This may sound stupid or over the top, but I’m telling you it’s worth a try. A friend told me about a man named Wim Hof and a breathing technique that he’s perfected to help with all kinds of ailments. After reading and watching some videos I believe I have the breathing down, at least at a novice level. He has a website, however even googling his name you will finds lots of information and videos. Again, the information can be overwhelming especially if you haven’t tried anything like this, but I have found it to be incredibly helpful in relaxing me. If you suffer from anxiety I would absolutely give it a try.

I apologize for the quality of the photo, but I had my sister snap a quick picture immediately following the daith piercing. Thanks again Rachel at Ikonic Ink! Despite what many reviews say, it didn’t hurt at all. Just a feeling of a decent amount of pressure. Afterwards there was a burning or throbbing sensation that lasted about an hour.

Aroma Therapy Locket

This is an example of an aroma therapy locket that can be ordered from Frugal Fashionista. I’ll add more pictures of the particular locket that I wear tomorrow. I wear mine almost daily now.

If you have techniques that you find helpful please feel free to share in the comments below.

July Raffle

I hope you all have been enjoying the monthly raffles.  This month I've decided to switch things up just a little bit.  Instead of a larger gun concealment bag I have chosen a smaller style crossbody also made by Montana West.  Don't underestimate this bag.  It may be small but the detail and craftsmanship that went into creating this bag is amazing. 100% genuine leather, hand tooling and braiding makeup the front of this beautiful bag while the back is simple plain leather.  This comes with a strap to clip on (in pictures it's tucked away inside).  

Also included in this raffle is a large grapefruit scented bath bomb with jewelry inside!  At the core you will find a stainless steel ring.  

Total retail value of this raffle is $84.98 but you could win this for just $3!! What a deal!  Having said that tickets are $3 each and there will only be 20 tickets sold.  You must pay promptly in order to participate in raffle.  Once all tickets are sold, winning name will be announced.