Unhealthy Habits That Are Damaging Your Health

You know that avoiding exercise and eating junk food aren't good for your health. But certain habits you may be doing have the potential to do significant harm to your body from making you sick to putting you at risk for chronic health conditions. While the occasional vice isn't always a hazard, here are some unhealthy habits you may want to keep an eye on to avoid inadvertently doing serious harm in the long run. Playing your music too loud Many of us like to crank up the volume on our music, especially when the beat really slaps. But it's important to make sure you're setting your music at a safe volume level. About 15% of American adults (37.5 million) report having some trouble hearing, and listening to loud music for prolonged periods of time puts you at greater risk for … [Read more...]

Osteoarthritis and Women: Simple Ways to Reduce Your Risk

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common types of arthritis. OA is a condition where the cartilage that protects your joints begins to break down. This causes the surfaces of your bones and joints to rub together, irritating the surrounding tissue and causing chronic inflammation. Anyone can experience osteoarthritis. However, more women than men develop OA at a younger age. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in five U.S. adults has OA and 24 million of them are women. The reasons for this aren't well understood. Several factors can increase your risk of developing OA including excess weight, trauma, injury, joint overuse, and genetics. That said, to help you reduce your risk of developing OA in your late 40s and early 50s, here are a few ways you can improve your … [Read more...]

How to Adjust to the ‘New Normal’

Our lives have drastically changed in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the things that were part of our regular routines that we never thought twice about have been significantly altered or halted entirely. Millions of people are now working from home, kids are learning from home, and many of the businesses we used to visit have closed their doors to slow the spread of the virus. We live in a new world and a new normal, but adjusting to these changes is easier said than done. Thankfully, there are many tools at our disposal and various steps you can take to adapt to the new normal, less strenuous. Digital Services We are fortunate that the virus has struck during the digital age when we have a slew of digital services at our fingertips. Though getting used to using … [Read more...]

The Importance of Basement Waterproofing to Prevent Mold

Your basement, often an underappreciated part of your home, is a potential breeding ground for mold if not properly protected. Mold can lead to a variety of health issues and cause structural damage, making a basement waterproofing system a crucial investment in your home's health and longevity. Preventing Moisture Intrusion: Mold thrives in damp and humid environments, and basements are particularly susceptible to moisture intrusion. Basement waterproofing involves sealing cracks and gaps in your foundation and walls, preventing water from seeping in during heavy rains or flooding. Health Concerns: Mold spores can trigger allergies and respiratory problems, making it essential to keep your indoor air quality pristine. Waterproofing your basement not only prevents mold growth but … [Read more...]

3 Safe Summertime Activities For Families During COVID-19

There's little doubt that the novel coronavirus has thrown a wrench in your family's plans for the summer. Whether your daughter's day camp has been canceled or you've had to postpone your big vacation until next year, it's not easy to deal with the disappointment we all feel brought on by the pandemic. But not all is lost. Although it's important to continue staying home when possible, wearing masks when in public, and practicing social distancing measures, there are still plenty of activities in which your family can participate this season. Outdoor activities tend to be a bit safer than those that take place indoors, but you'll still need to be discerning when making your summertime selections. Here are three ideas to get you started that are both highly enjoyable and relatively … [Read more...]

What You Need to Buy in July

Just like last week when I was telling you about all the things I love right now we are keeping the thread going. Face Mask Fashion A Social Moms post about face mask fashion and finding a DIY hair mask that is right for your hair.  Slip Dresses, Maxi Skirts, & More I have a few days a week where all I want is to feel totally free in my clothes without any constrictions. Thanks, Coronavirus.  You totally have me wearing skirts and dresses again.  Gone are my cute shorts and tops from summers long gone by.  I want dresses in light fabrics, things with wide pockets, and no waistlines.  I want easy to throw on stuff that feels good against my body but also keeps me looking put together. Muscle Burns Fat (#mbf) I'm REALLY excited about the start of #mbf.  It's a fat-burning … [Read more...]

What I Love This Week

I'm on a mission to find fun, engaging, sustainable, and easy ways to make our life more enjoyable, as well as those that give back.  It's summer and it's Covid Summer #Quarantinelife still (did we really think this would still be a thing?!) so our world is different.  I'm looking for new businesses to support and ways to help my community because we are all suffering, growing (PLEASE!), and finding ways to learn. Social Moms, Social Stuff I write for the website Social Moms on the regular.  Here's the latest from me. 10 Black-Owned Beauty Brands You Need to Discover and How to Soothe Irritated Skin (I'm looking at you, face mask). Feeling anxious?  How about eating your way to being anxiety-free?   Shocking No One My Teen is Bored Looking for some fun DIY beauty ideas to … [Read more...]

All I Want for Summer

Is it just me or is this week exhausting?  It doesn't feel like the Fourth of July is imminent either. We'll be socially distanced with our sparklers and fire pit in our cul de sac, I think. Whoo Hoo! Happy Fourth everyone! Sports bra courtesy of Pineapple Clothing Company. Use code: vicmas for 20% off. At this point, I feel like all I want to wear is either activewear, bright colors, and tropical prints or snarky t-shirts with skirts or shorts. Tuesday left me tired but this bright pink top and layered necklace from OnePosh.co made me feel put together and able to power through the day.  You know how I like jewelry, especially delicate, minimalist pieces like this one from @oneposh.co has the cutest jewelry, check them out, and I have special discount code for 30% OFF now: … [Read more...]

Best Gadgets to Upgrade Your Workout

man running

With everything going on in the world, your drive to exercise may be drained. It is essential to remember that exercise is a crucial element to a healthy life even though it may be harder to make yourself exercise. Studies have also shown that regular exercise helps improve and maintain your mental health as well as your physical health. Regardless of your current daily routine, there is always a way to incorporate exercise. Now is the perfect time to revamp and upgrade your exercise routine to make working out a fun part of your everyday life. Working out involves more than just you and exercise machines. Modern technology has provided us with a multitude of different gadgets to improve our workouts. There are gadgets for improving the fun element of your work out, enhancing your workout … [Read more...]

10 Best Tote Bags & More

coffee scrub, cbd beauty

Hello, and welcome to another week of quarantine!  Are you sick of quarantinis yet and are ready to move on to some mocktails?  Samesies! I *think* I might have cracked up last week.  Homeschooling three kids, trying to do some form of work, figure out my mental health and my families too had me feeling depressed, out of sync and done in.  I have not been in a good place.  But you know what I'm talking about don't you?  We all feel this way. I tell myself that every day is a day to learn something new, to educate my kids, to start over, and see good even when life is hard and we all feel like we are overwhelmed or unsure what to do.  To daily show kindness, love, respect, and that I am listening and learning and I care. I stand with you.  Hate has no place here. Kindness is always in … [Read more...]