Camping Tips and Tricks For the New Outdoorsperson

Camping is one of America's greatest pastimes. It makes sense given how many national parks and campgrounds we have within the United States. After all, Alaska alone offers more than 75 national parks, preserves, forests, and historical sites for your summer camp sessions. It's thanks to the sheer size of the U.S. that you probably have campgrounds within driving distance of your home. A 2018 report from CNBC notes that more than 77 million Americans go camping each year and a whopping 22% will spend next to nothing to camp. Even though countless people love to go camping each year, especially Millennials, many have still never enjoyed the freedom and solitude of the great outdoors. If you're a first-time camper, it might seem intimidating to spend the night in a tent. Between … [Read more...]

You Can Realize Your Entrepreneurial Dreams Without Sacrificing Your Health

It's no secret that living your entrepreneurial dream is a lot of work. There are approximately 28 million small businesses in the U.S. and up to 80% of them will fail in the first five years. When you're balancing kids, a fitness routine, and a professional life, it can be overwhelming to consider making the first steps toward your own entrepreneurial goals. But you don't need to make any major sacrifices to begin working on your new career. Here are a few strategies you can use to build your business endeavor without sacrificing your health and happiness. Telecommute when you can Telecommuting can help to reduce stress. One study reports that 82% of telecommuting employees reported lower stress levels while they were on the job. Luckily, much of the work that's done today can be … [Read more...]

Want to Avoid Food Poisoning This Summer? Follow These Tips

For many of us, nothing is more enjoyable than entertaining for friends and family during the summer. And no party is complete without delicious food to serve and enjoy. But whether you purchase ready-made items at the store -- which may contain food-safe Renoil white oils, as they're often used in food processing and have a viscosity range of 60 to 500 SUS at 100 degrees Fahrenheit -- or make them from scratch at home, you shouldn't assume that your foods and beverages are inherently safe. Despite the fact that the FDA is exploring ways to make expiration dates more accurate and more easy to understand, you may need to rely on your own food knowledge to ensure no one gets sick from foodborne illness. Want to learn how to avoid food poisoning this season? Here's what you need to … [Read more...]

Stress Symptoms: How Stress Can Impact Your Health

Many people are used to the stress and anxiety that comes with the daily grind of work, home life, social life, school, and more. However, while many people assume stress is just a normal part of modern life, enough stress can actually take a physical toll on your health and well-being. There are a number of ways in which a constant state of stress can harm you, but there are ways to avoid physical illness as a result of your mental health. Soaring Stress Levels Stress levels aren't necessarily static throughout your life; many situational and environmental factors can contribute to rising anxiety and stress. Whether you've recently started a new job or are looking to move soon, there are a variety of life changes that can temporarily increase your stress levels. While this increase … [Read more...]

6 Foods That Can Boost Your Child’s Dental Health

When it comes to your kids' dental health, everyone knows you should be taking them to a kids dental practice regularly for good oral health. However, did you know there are certain foods your kids can eat that can help to keep their teeth healthy? Let's discuss some of them, along with reviewing the basics on which foods your kids should avoid to help them fight back against tooth decay. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you can use healthy foods from the list below not only to improve your child's physical health but also their dental health. Consider the following foods your child can enjoy for a better, healthier smile. Fish. In 2017, there were up to 11.6 million youth participants in fishing. If you're considering getting your child into the fishing game, … [Read more...]

Tackling Ovarian Cysts With Food: Natural Ways To Balance Your Body’s Estrogen Levels

Ovarian cysts are more common than you may think. They usually develop in women during their menstrual cycle and many go undetected due to the fact that they aren't causing any problems or pain; however, approximately 8% of premenopausal women will grow large cysts that require treatment. Ovarian cysts are caused by an overabundance of estrogen; because estrogen is both produced by our bodies and exists naturally in our environment, there are certain foods you can eat and preventative measures you can take to manage your condition. Avoid That Xenoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds in the environment. When ingested or exposed to too many xenoestrogens, our bodies can experience hormonal disruption, leading to the growth or rupture of ovarian cysts. Although most functional cysts go … [Read more...]

4 Reasons Why You’re Struggling To Lose Weight

We're a few months into the year now, and many people who made New Year's resolutions to get in shape or lose weight have probably abandoned their plans. If this sounds like you, don't worry, you're not alone. The long-term success rates for those who attempt to lose excess weight have hovered between 5 and 10% for years. But why is losing weight so hard, exactly? What makes this so difficult? Studies suggest there are a few reasons you're struggling to lose the weight. Using a tdee calculator accurate to your specific needs can help you determine the right daily calorie intake to support your goals effectively. Nutrition, Not Just Calories If you've been eating less but still carrying weight, it's likely that you've been neglecting the impact your overall nutrition has on … [Read more...]

How to Prepare Your Home for Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season is in full force, whether we're ready or not. And with Americans getting about one billion colds every year, there's a pretty good chance someone in your family will come down with a virus this winter. Unfortunately, it isn't possible to be completely immune to colds or the flu. But to give your family their best shot at avoiding getting sick this winter, consider taking these few simple steps. Focus on Air Filtration When it comes to cleaning your house during cold and flu season, many people tend to just focus on surfaces. Unfortunately, there is one part of your home that can greatly increase the chances of you getting sick: the ductwork. Contaminants like dander, dust, bacteria, mold spores, and viruses can easily get sucked into your HVAC system. … [Read more...]

12 Things I Love- More Things to Love This Holiday Season

First up this week is the Archipelago 'Peppermint Bark' candle.  I picked one up last year while getting a massage and still had half the candle leftover for this Christmas season.  It smells slightly sweet but not cloying with a fresh but light peppermint.  I love it.  It makes an excellent hostess or teacher gift too.   Second, is another all-time favorite of mine and is two products from one company, Skincando.  I met the founder, Sara, a few years ago while getting a facial.  She makes her own organic products and they are amazing.  They work, they last, they are pure and feel good to use too. The Miracle Cream goes with me everywhere and is perfect this time of year. I swear by the Combat-Ready Baby Balm and I don't even have babies anymore.  We use it on rashes, bug … [Read more...]

Cyber Monday Deal From Me to You

Welcome to Cyber Monday! This is me. Healthy. Fit. Full of life back in September when H and I went to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic with NO KIDS! Despite all my health issues from Lyme and tick co-infections the best thing I have done in 2018 was to fix how I was eating and starting working on feeding my body the right way and getting it stronger than ever. It's working, don't you think? I would have never posted that picture before. So, how are you feeling about 2019? Are you like, "Ugh, Vicky. It's the holidays. I'm not there yet." That's fine. I get it. I totally understand. We don't often want to think of the things we need to do for ourselves to be healthy until it is too late or already January. BUT.... Maybe you just want to see me before when I was … [Read more...]