7 Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat Healthier

Every parent knows how it’s difficult to encourage healthy eating habits in kids. But with a few sneaky ways, you can easily get your kids to eat healthier so that they won’t even notice it. As a parent, you need to encourage you child to eat healthier food. Not only will they grow up healthier, but they’ll also have a healthy attitude towards food and they’ll teach their kids to eat healthier too. Read on to find out the list of 7 ways to get your kids to eat healthier.

1. Don’t lecture

I hated it when my mom lectured me about the starving kids around the world and how terrible those chips and fries were. While it’s important to explain to your kids that eating fast food and packaged foods is unhealthy, make sure you don’t lecture them. It’s absolutely unhelpful and you’ll only encourage them to associate lectures and stress with meal times.

2. Set a good example

One of the most important ways to get your kids to eat healthier is to set good examples. You will never encourage healthy eating habits in your kids if you eat unhealthy food. Eating with your kids and showing them that you enjoy eating healthy foods will help encourage your kids to eat healthier. If you often skip your breakfast, it’s no wonder that your kids don’t want to eat in the morning. Or, if you consume packaged goods such as potato chips, candy bars, or pretzels, your children will see that they can eat them too.

3. Cook together

Get your kids to help you prepare food to show them how to make healthy meals. This is a perfect way to get them interested in healthy eating. Ask your little ones to arrange foods on the plate, measure or stir something. Or, let them add their favorite vegetables to the salad or fruits to the fruit salad. They will like it!

4. Introduce new foods when they are hungry

Introducing new foods to kids is tricky at times. I remember when I introduced a plate of delicious spinach salad with carrots and cucumber to my little niece. She turned her nose up in disgust and told that she hated veggies. Now, it’s her favorite salad. What’s the trick? Well, the next day when she was hungry I made the same spinach salad and she ate it with a big pleasure. I introduced plenty of healthy salads to her this way. We often cook together and she likes to try different vegetables and fruits. If you are going to introduce new foods to your child, try to do it at the beginning of meal times. If they don’t like the new food, try again the next day or try mixing different veggies into their favorite meals such as pasta sauce.

5. Healthy snacks

There are so many sugary and salty snacks available for kids these days, that it seems impossible to encourage your kids to eat healthy. But, when you keep a few healthy snacks, such as raw vegetable sticks, cheese slices, and some fruit on hand, your children can eat healthier between meals.

6. Cut down on sugar

Children love sugar, but eating too many foods and drinking beverages with added sugar can cause numerous health problems, including obesity and tooth decay. Sure, you can’t be with your kids 24 hours a day and when they are at school, they can reach for sugary snacks, even if you prepare healthy snacks. Try to inform your children about the dangers of tooth decay and obesity if they eat too much sugar, and don’t give them sugar-sweetened beverages.

7. Make exercise a habit

If you are trying to encourage your kids to lead a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to make exercise a habit. Again, setting a good example is the key here. Start eating healthy and exercising together on a regular basis. Nowadays kids are leading sedentary lifestyles due to the TV and computer games. Encourage fun outdoor games and activities wherever possible so that your kids can enjoy an active lifestyle daily.

Getting your kids to eat healthier doesn’t have to be difficult. A few little tricks can do wonders. Do you have any tips for encouraging healthy eating in kids?

9 Tips on How to Teach Your Child to Swim

Teaching your child to swim can be really difficult. Children, especially young ones, are known to be impatient and annoying when it comes to learning how to swim. If you have a temperamental child and you want them to learn how to swim this summer, check out a few helpful tips on how to teach your child to swim.

1. Safety first

You wouldn’t believe how many parents don’t think about dangerous things that can potentially happen when teaching a child to swim. It’s important that you make sure you have enough space in the ocean or pool to swim, make sure your child always stays hydrated and, of course, healthy. Remember to be aware of dangers of cracked skulls, broken bones and drowning. Also be sure to know standard CPR or have someone who can help.

2. Think of pool toys

Many people think that pool toys like life savers or noodle floats can be distracting, but if you’re having a difficult time with teaching your child to swim, all those pool toys might be very helpful. If you don’t want your child to get turned off from swimming, add some pool toys so your kid can associate swimming with staying active and having fun in the summer.

3. Think of floaties

Okay, not every child likes the idea of wearing floaties, but if your child is excited to wear floaties, consider yourself lucky. Floats are extremely important, especially when you first start teaching your little one to swim, since that’s usually when your kid may need them the most. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

4. Don’t work alone

If you’re a single parent, ask someone else to help you, for instance, close family members or neighboring mothers. Even if you’re used to taking care of your little one by yourself, it’s always good to have another swimmer to assist you. Moreover, your child may learn much faster with 2 different teaching styles than only one.

5. Teach your child to breathe underwater

Another step to go through when teaching your little one to swim is to make sure that your child knows how to breathe underwater. One of the best ways to go about it is through the counting method. Watch your kid blow bubbles underwater and count to 5 as he/she holds on to you. It is very important to master this technique. You don’t want to see your child suffocate herself/himself while swimming because they couldn’t find out how to breathe underwater correctly.

6. Teach your child to float

Children often have a difficult time learning to float. Although it requires a lot of patience and reassurance, it’s actually worth the effort since floating is such a vital safety skill. At first, your little one might struggle and this tension can cause them to fold in at the waist. Explain to your child that they should relax if they want to learn to float. Try to encourage your child to lie back in the bath or in the pool first. This will take a few attempts and lots of reassurance, but both you and your kid will be satisfied with the results.

7. Teach your child to kick their feet

Help your kid learn to kick their feet. Have them scissor kick their legs and ask them to make as many bubbles as they can. You can even make a fun game out of it and see how much froth your child can make. Help your child to fully enjoy their lesson. Once they have acquired the basic skills, you can start to teach beginning arm strokes as well as more advanced swimming techniques.

8. Look for professional help

If teaching your kid to swim on your own seems impossible, don’t give up! Opt for some professional swimming lessons at the community center. A lot of young people, who were successful swimmers in high school or college, offer swimming lessons at a reasonable price. If you can teach your child, these lessons may not be necessary, but if you have a busy schedule and you want your little one to learn how to swim, enroll them in some good swimming lessons.

9. Be patient

One of the best ways to teach your little one anything new is to display as much patience as possible, and don’t overreact when you kid looks to you for help. Everybody has different learning styles and speeds, keep it in mind and try to be patient when teaching your little one how to swim.

Have you had a difficult time teaching your little one to swim? What tips can you suggest to other moms looking to teach their children to swim? Share your tips with us please.

7 Tips for Choosing a Baby Name

A little bundle of joy is about to be in your arms a few months from now, but you haven’t got any possible choices for names yet. How do you capture your unique style, incorporate your spouse’s choices, and give your baby a name she’ll be proud to live up to? Use these easy tips to choose a baby name that will satisfy you, your child, and your spouse.

1. Take time to think

What are you really looking for in a baby name? Do you want something traditional and close to your heart because of a beloved family member? Are you looking for an exotic, unusual name? Or would you rather use a name that isn’t of American nationality, so your child can be unique? Sit down with your spouse and get this part of the process over with. Let your spouse contribute his ideas, share your own, and think of a general category you want your baby name to fall under. Once you’ve done this, look up these types of names on the Internet and choose a possible few that sound promising.

2. Make a list

One organized document that contains all the names you’re considering is crucial. Computer documents work just as well as a notebook and pencil. Keep this list as organized and as easy to read as possible. If you’ve decided to be surprised by the baby’s gender, create different-colored tabs in your notebook for the boy name section and the girl name section. If you’re considering names from several different categories, create different sections in your computer document that consider names from each section. Let categorization be a major part of keeping your list organized, so it’s easy to flip to what you want to find.

3. Consult someone important

Sometimes, even you and your spouse aren’t enough to come up with the just-right name for your baby. Ask someone truly important to you who impacted your life and you know is an excellent advice-giver. Good choices include your parents, siblings, grandparents, or life-long friends you share the same taste with. Write down the good suggestions these people give to you and add them to your list.

4. Be thorough

Just because a name sounds beautiful rolling off your tongue doesn’t mean it’s the perfect one for your baby. Look up the meaning of the name and see if it is something you want your child to be named. It’s been said for centuries that baby names affect the child’s personality, and some degree of this is true—children live up to their names, so make sure you choose a name accordingly. The name “Sapphire” may produce a gorgeous visual in your mind, but does a blue gemstone exude importance, strength, and other moral values you hold dear? Check your outlining and see what kind of meanings you want your child’s name to hold.

5. Mix and mingle

A group filled with mommies-and-daddies-to-be can be just the right thing to help you choose your baby’s name. These women and men are going through the same experience you are, worrying about the same panic-inducing questions you are, panicking over the same situations you are. A person who you can relate to is more likely to offer good suggestions and tips, and they’ll take your concern in stride rather than brushing it off. And not only can these groups benefit you and your family, but you can have the chance to offer your wisdom, however limited, to another future parent as well. Groups for pregnant women and their husbands can be a great outlet to share your thoughts, express your worries, and glean some tips on how to name your child.

6. Consider middle names

You’ve looked through thousands of baby name dictionaries, consulted several people, and had so many meetings with your spouse your brain is starting to hurt from all the thinking. A few promising names are on your list, but they don’t sound quite right with your last name. Have you considered middle names? A name that you’d automatically reject might make a wonderful middle name for a first name you like. It could also be the other way around, with a name you thought weird making an excellent first name and a previously chosen name as the middle name. Throw middle names into the equation and see how this affects your search.

7. Trust yourself

If the names you like sound odd or don’t appeal to people around you, don’t let this stop you from adding them to the list! Trust your own thoughts and listen to your instinct. This is your baby, after all. Let yourself consider every name you like, whether or not it’s a popular choice among others. And if it’s the other way around, with several people pressuring you for one name that you’re not particularly fond of, tune in to your mind and reject it. Don’t be afraid to step out and choose a name that reflects your style.

With so many wonderful baby names out there, naming your baby is not an easy task. Consider all names you and your spouse like and don’t let anyone pressure you into a name you actually don’t like.

10 Best Ways to Encourage Yourself during Hard Times

Looking for some good tips for staying encouraged when things aren’t going your way? I’ve got a few of them! People love to encourage themselves during difficult times. Even though it helps to have a shoulder to lean on, sometimes we have to encourage ourselves. Encouraging yourself is an important part of motivation and self-acceptance. Read on to discover some of the most effective ways to encourage yourself during hard times.

1. Be proud of yourself

Whether it’s getting everything done on your to-do list, finishing school, or losing 15 pounds, you should always feel proud of your accomplishments! Self-esteem plays an important role in feeling encouraged. When you have really low self-esteem, it is much easier to be down-and-out.

2. Do good deeds

Sometimes, when we help someone else, it makes us feel much better than if we spent an entire day at the spa! Helping other people can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from all those daily worries, thus encouraging you along the way!

3. Listen to your favorite music

Listening to your favorite music is one of the best and easiest ways to encourage yourself. It may be something that pumps you up or something that relaxes you. Music is great! I really like this way of encouraging yourself during hard times, since I can listen to my favorite music almost anywhere, of course, with the help of my earphones!

4. Put up the reminders

Another way to stay encouraged is to put up the reminders in the places you’ll certainly see them. For instance, write the notes and tape them to the fridge door or on your bathroom mirror. I often place the pics of the things I’m aspiring to accomplish on my desk or even fridge.

5. Have a good sense of humor

Having a good sense of humor can help get you through even the hardest days. Don’t allow anything to get you down, no matter how difficult it can be. And don’t be afraid to laugh at a situation or at yourself – a positive mindset never hurt anyone!

6. Lead a healthy lifestyle

If you eat fast food every day, don’t drink enough water, and skate by on minimal sleep, you will never feel as good as a person who gets a full night’s sleep, eats wholesome meals, and exercises on a regular basis. Try to lead a healthy lifestyle and you’ll see a big difference.

7. Write a diary

Writing a diary is not only provides you with an outlet for your thoughts and feelings, but it’s also one of the best ways to judge your personal growth. You will see the progress you have made in certain areas, mistakes you’ve learned from, and how far you have come.

8. Spend more time with those who make you feel good about yourself

If you are really feeling low in spirits, try to spend more time with your parents, your partner and your friends! You don’t have to say them that you are feeling blue, just hanging out together can really encourage you during hard times.

9. Practice gratitude

I know how it’s hard to be thankful for everything you have in your life when everything goes wrong. However, it can actually help you feel better. No matter what’s going on for you right now, be thankful for who you are, what you have and what you don’t have. Realize how lucky you are to be alive. Practicing gratitude will benefit your spirit, mind and body.

10. Be your own best friend

If you don’t have best friends, why not become your own best friend? It’s absolutely okay and there’s nothing wrong with you. You might have a lot of good friends, but you might not have a best friend to talk to. Talk to yourself like you’d talk to your best friend or friend who needed support. Say things like “I believe in you,” “You can do it,” or “You’re strong so you will cope with all your problems.”

What are your tips for encouraging yourself during hard times? Share them with us please, and thanks for reading. Hope, my little tips helped you feel a little better.

10 Tips on How to Feel Happier During the Week

If something happened in your life that really upset you, or if your weekly routine seems to be lacking in some way, you need to know some ways to feel happier during the week. Don’t stay miserable until something happens to cheer you up, try these 10 best ways to feel happier during the week.

1. Get organized

An unmade bed, a dirty kitchen sink and a stack of papers can all cause stress. So take several minutes to reorganize your house, and start with making your bed in the morning and washing the dishes. It’s a happy feeling to know that you will come back to an organized and clean home rather than a messy and dirty one.

2. Subscribe to a daily laugh

Another great way to feel happier during the week is to subscribe to something that can supply you with everyday content that makes you laugh. For instance, subscribe to a blog that posts funny animal pics. When we laugh, we increase blood flow, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to our tissues and organs, and decrease stress hormones.

3. Play with your pet

Whether it is your pet or your friend’s pet, focus on them when you’re in a bad mood. Try to find time to play with your cat or dog, or offer to walk your friend’s or neighbor’s dog. It is really wonderful how pets can lift your spirit by just being themselves.

4. Bring fresh flowers into your home

Certain smells can actually change your mood and it’s difficult to feel upset or angry with a nose full of flowers. If you have a garden nearby or you have some extra money, bring some fresh beautiful flowers into your house. They are not only beautiful to look at, but also have a very nice aroma that will make you feel happier all over.

5. Exercise

Regular physical activity can also leave you feeling happier. But try to avoid the gym, since going from your office back inside under fluorescent lighting will not boost your mood. Go for a walk with your dog or around your block. Getting some fresh air is one of the best ways to feel good every day.

6. Compliment someone

I always feel happy when I compliment someone. I try to compliment someone at least once a day. Aim to compliment someone every day and you’ll feel really great about making someone else’s day a little happier. It will also leave you more open to getting some compliments yourself, which will help you feel much happier.

7. Paint your nails

It may sound strange, but I feel much better when I look down at my nails and see them polished to perfection. They make me feel prettier, and when I feel prettier, I definitely feel happier. Take some time out every week to relax at home and make a manicure. This is one of the best ways to feel happier during the week!

8. Write a diary

Writing out your problems can release some of the negative energies associated with them. Writing a diary has lots of benefits. Write about your daily activities and thoughts, or write about everything you like or did great that day. Writing out your problems and worries always helps.

9. Stop thinking and talking about your ex

There is nothing that may put me in a stressed out mood than thinking or talking about my exes, whether it’s venting to friends about them or coming across their Facebook pages. Sometimes thoughts of my exes tie to anger, stress, or depression, and I want to stay away from those feelings! So I do everything possible not to think about them. Stop thinking and talking about your exes. Stay away from their Facebook pages or avoid conversations that lead to them!

10. Avoid social network

Study from the University of Michigan psychologist Ethan Kross shows social network makes people more unhappy and lonely and less sociable. While social network provides an easy way for us to stay in touch with people from all over the world, it’s better to avoid it during the week. Stop checking your Facebook page 10 times a day and refreshing Instagram every 2 minutes. Instead of wasting your time on social network, go for a walk, exercise, read your favorite book, or spend some quality time with your family or friends.

Smile as much as you can and try to make the best of every day. Positive thinking is the key to happiness. What do you do during the week to make yourself feel happier? Share your tips with us, please.

10 Pretty Amazing Reasons to Eat Kale

There are many awesome reasons to consume kale on a regular basis. Kale is a wonderful nutrient-rich vegetable with some important health benefits. Kale can do a lot of wonders in your everyday diet and it can positively impact your health. Check out the list of 10 pretty amazing reasons to eat kale regularly.

1. Low in calories

Kale is rich in fiber, has no fat and low in calories. A cup of kale has 5 grams of fiber, 40 calories and 0 grams of fat. It’s excellent for helping improve the digestion process and make it much more efficient thanks to its high fiber content. Kale is also a wonderful weight loss food so be sure to add it to your diet. Plus, kale is packed with vitamins, nutrients, folate and magnesium.

2. Rich in calcium

Strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis by consuming kale. This leafy green has even more calcium than milk. Kale helps prevent bone loss and keep a healthy and more efficient metabolic rate. For stronger bones, be sure to eat a lot of kale on a regular basis.

3. Helps fight cancer

Since this leafy green is in the cabbage and broccoli family, it is filled with cancer-fighting phytonutrients. This means that kale can help you to fight cancer. I personally think this is a good reason to consume more kale, and you?

4. Great taste

I love the taste of kale. It tastes amazing with a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of olive oil. You can also add a little sea salt. Place fresh kale leaves on a baking pan, bake for about 10 minutes and enjoy the best tasting and healthy kale chips. It has become a staple snack in my house. Give it a try and you’ll see why.

5. Helps cleanse the toxins from the body

If you are looking for a natural cleanser to get rid of toxins in your body, make sure you eat plenty of kale. Kale can also help improve your immune system as well as boost your energy levels. This green leafy vegetable is full of vitamins. It’s an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, which help improve your immune system.

6. Helps fight ovarian cancer

Kale is rich in an antioxidant, which is called maempferol. Many researchers found that maempferol helps fight ovarian cancer. So why not prevent cancer by eating this wonderful leafy green? If kale isn’t your favorite vegetable, try adding it to your green smoothie or omelette to reap all its benefits.

7. Perfect swap-out for Romaine lettuce

Now it’s time to move over romaine or spinach salad because there’s a healthier green that tastes awesome! Kale is a great swap-out for Romaine lettuce. It tastes great and has bigger health benefits than the other greens. Start eating your kale salad right now, you won’t regret it down the road.

8. Fights aging

Did you know that kale is one of the most powerful anti-aging foods? The thing is, kale is packed with powerful antioxidants as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Antioxidants in kale help prevent aging and numerous serious diseases. Add kale to your green smoothie or salad, or snack on kale chips to fight those wrinkles.

9. Good for your eyes

High in carotenoids, kale is one of the best foods to eat for healthy eyes. Kale’s high Vitamin A content helps keep your eyes from optical disorders that may come with age. So if you’re interested in healthy eyes and amazing eyesight, make sure you incorporate kale into you daily diet.

10. Healthier skin, nails and hair

The perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in kale helps keep your body strong, beautiful and healthy from the inside out. Kale’s high concentration of essential nutrients gives the skin’s appearance and health a boost. If you experience hair breakage, try drinking kale juice that will help increase your hair elasticity.

As you can see, kale is just a nutritional powerhouse. It’s beneficial to our health in numerous ways. You can blend kale in a smoothie, stir fry it, juice it, steam it, chop it and add to your healthy salad or make kale chips. I like to stir fry kale with lemon juice and garlic. It tastes amazing! Do you eat kale frequently? How do you usually cook this green leafy vegetable? Please comment below.

10 Great Ways to Cheer Up Your Friend

Every person needs to know how to cheer up friends. Life isn’t always easy and we have to handle difficult times every now and then. If your close friend is going through a rough time, check out a few ways to cheer up your friend. It’s one thing to say you’ll be there, but another thing is to prove it.

1. Listen and understand

One of the most important ways to cheer up your friend is to be there for them. Focus on what your friend is saying and try to understand how they are feeling. Your friend may not be looking for opinions or advice, they may need someone to listen to their vent and encourage them.

2. Bake some cookies

Bake up a double batch of your friend’s favorite cookies. Give the first batch to them in person, and hide the second one somewhere for them to find later. Warm cookies and a big glass of warm milk seem to be the ultimate comfort food! Don’t you agree?

3. Send a bouquet of beautiful flowers

I don’t know any person who doesn’t like receiving flowers! Flowers can automatically brighten everybody’s day! Choose your friend’s favorite flowers and have a bouquet delivered to their work. If you want to include some sweet message, let it be anonymous. Not sure what their favorite flower is? Send a mixed flower bouquet. All flowers are incredibly beautiful.

4. Have lunch together

Having lunch together is one of the best ways to cheer up your friend, especially if they are having a particularly stressful day at school or work. Just make sure you talk only about fun stuff. Choose the place you know they like, and don’t forget to order some delicious desserts. Sometimes those extra calories are not bad!

5. Do some crazy things together

Lighten the load with laughter and do some crazy things together! My two best friends and I once danced in the rain in our PJs until we’re soaked to the skin. Really, it was so fun and we made unforgettable memories! To lift your friend’s spirits, do something crazy together, but be safe!

6. Dance

Speaking about dancing, it’s another way to cheer up your friend. While it can be tricky to urge your friend to dance when they have a difficult day, it’s worth trying. Put on some uplifting music and dance together. Music can heal body, mind, soul and dancing is a great exercise and a fun and easy way to keep fit. Even 15 minutes of dancing can make your friend feel better.

7. Help out

If your friend is stretched out to the max, do what you can to help them. Offer to help accomplish a project or some tasks, run errands, walk the dog, or babysit. You can even make a surprise. Clean up their apartment, get their car washed or grab a healthy snack and leave it at their desk.

8. Make a photo collage

If your friend is feeling down, make a photo collage for them including pictures of all the things they love and hold dear to their heart. Don’t forget to frame it, so that your friend can display it on their desk or shelf to see it every day.

9. Have a spa day

If your friend is experiencing hard times, why not create a spa day at home? Invite your friend over and spend the whole evening relaxing. Consider the mani/pedi, facials, and hair care treatments. If you don’t have store bought face masks, make your own masks using ingredients from your kitchen. This way, your friend won’t only feel better, but they will also look better.

10. Take a road trip

Finally, if your friend is feeling down for a long period of time, think of going somewhere fun for a small weekend trip! Even if it is a couple hours away, it will get your friend’s mind off of what is going on around them. Pack your picnic basket if you do not want to eat out each meal.

Everyone experiences hard times and it can be difficult to go through them alone. If your close friend feels down, help them and chances are that they will help you when times get tough. What do you usually do to cheer up your friend when they feel down? Share your tips with us, please.

15 Warning Signs You Are Living Beyond Your Means

Nowadays most people are trying to improve their personal finances. Some people cut out unnecessary expenses, while others seek for some ways to increase their income. Living within your means actually makes good financial sense to be debt free. Check out these warning signs you are living beyond your means and start making some financial changes in your life right now.

1. You can’t pay bills on time

If you forget to pay your bills, it’s one thing. But, if you don’t have enough money to pay bills on time, you are overextended. Examining your spending habits and adjusting them can solve this problem. Perhaps, you can’t afford regular massages or weekly salon visits. So think it over.

2. Lack of a financial cushion

If you don’t have any savings account, it is one of the warning signs that you are living beyond your means. Money in the bank will support you after a job loss, a sickness and another emergency. When you live beyond your means, you spend all your money and you don’t think about saving them. Try to break this habit and you will free up money for a financial cushion. Eat out less, shop less and vacation less.

3. You’re constantly borrowing money

Do your family members or friends dodge your text messages and phone calls? Probably it’s because they know that you’ll ask for money. If your current income can’t support your lifestyle and you are always borrowing money, you are living beyond your means.

4. Housing ratio is higher than 28%

When you live within your means, your housing ratio is less than 28% of your income. To compute your housing ratio, divide your monthly housing expense by monthly income. You are living beyond your means if the ratio is higher than 28%.

5. Bad credit

Don’t think that the late payments are the only cause of poor credit. Too much consumer debt also affects your credit score. Even if you pay the bills on time monthly, your credit score never increases. So think of paying off your debt. Don’t rely on your credit cards since it can cause high credit card debt.

6. You’ve exceeded your credit card limit

Have you ever maxed out a credit card? It’s a bad feeling, right? And when you have exceeded your credit card limit, it’s even a worse feeling, because now you are paying your bill, interest and over-limit fees. That’s a ton of money to put towards only one bill. Plus, it can lower your credit score.

7. You use your credit card to pay bills

Using your credit card to pay off your basic bills such as utilities or other credit cards’ bills is a red flag. And transferring balances from one card to another is also a warning sign of living beyond your means because you are not paying anything down.

8. You only pay the minimum payment

If you only pay the minimum payment every month, its’ one of the biggest sign you are living beyond your means. Paying the minimum won’t help you pay off your debt and you will be paying more in interest, and this can only add to the problem.

9. Denied new credit

If you do not have the cash, but you want a new laptop or flat screen television, you might apply for store credit. You think that you have enough income and you can afford the monthly payments. However, income is not the only factor that can determine whether you’re approved. The stores also take into consideration your existing debt. Denied new credit indicates living beyond your means.

10. Your credit balances are high

It’s okay to have more than two credit cards. However, if all of the balances on your credit cards are high, you are definitely living beyond your means. Moreover, if you have high balances it will prevent you from getting a new credit and it’s more difficult to pay off, thus you will end up paying tons in interest.

11. You try to keep up with your friends

Does your best friend shop and vacation often? Do you try to keep up with her lifestyle? If so, you are probably living beyond your means. There is nothing wrong with a little fun, of course, if you can afford this fun.

12. You buy everything you want, even if you can’t afford it

Many people are guilty of this, including me. Although I write a good budget, sometimes when I get my paycheck, I spend all money on the thing I really want. Then, I end up living paycheck to paycheck, thinking where to get money to buy the essential things, including food. That’s hard to do. If you really want to buy something, try to budget for it. Don’t just buy it. You should always remind yourself that if you can’t pay for it with cash, you shouldn’t purchase it.

13. You spend more than 25% of your income on eating out each month

Do you know how much money you spend on eating out each month? If you spend more than 25% of your paycheck on eating out monthly, you are definitely living beyond your means. You might have a super busy schedule, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t cook at home. There are lots of healthy snacks and meals which are quick and easy to make at home. Meal planning can save you a lot of money.

14. You are saving less than 10% of your income for retirement

If you have not been saving at least 10% of your paycheck for retirement each month since age 25, that’s a red flag. Saving for retirement is among the most important things everyone has to do. Even if you are in your 20s, you need to start saving. The earlier you start saving for retirement the less you’ll need to put aside monthly to achieve your retirement savings goals.

15. You don’t have a budget

Finally, if you don’t have a written budget, you have a high chance of overspending your money and living beyond your means. A written budget shows if you’re spending more or less than you can afford. Start a budget now and you will see how much money you are actually spending and how much money you can save each month. This will help you live within your means without debts. If you have credit cards, make sure you keep track of the money spent with them too.

7 Fun Spring Activities to Try Right Now

Spring is here and it’s time to think of all the fun activities you can do this season. I think the beginning of spring is a great time to plan how you will enjoy the rest of spring and you may even want to have a spring bucket list. I like to sit and think about the interesting things I want to do in spring. The weather is already warm and the sun shines brightly, so why not try one or two of these fun spring activities right now?

1. Go to a botanical garden

One of the best spring activities you can try right now is to go to a botanical garden. Enjoy a day of walking through breathtaking flower gardens and admiring their beauty. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to take beautiful photos. If there is no botanical garden in your city and you’re not sure where the nearest botanical garden is situated, Google will help you to find the one that is closest to you.

2. Plant your favorite flowers

Have you ever tried planting your favorite flowers at home? Spring is the best time of the year to do it. I enjoy planting flowers and nothing boosts my mood like seeing them cheering up my yard. Each time I come home and see my flowers peeking up at me, it really makes me smile and happy. Plus, it reminds me that winter is already gone and the summer is near.

3. Take a stroll

Spring is a wonderful season when everything comes to life again. I like that feeling of newness of life. I like to hear the birds sing in the morning and see kids playing in the yard. Taking a stroll is one of the best ways to do both. And it’s also the perfect way to get your exercise without actually exercising.

4. Have a picnic

I’m sure you would agree that there are a few awesome things about having a picnic. The first thing is that it gives you a wonderful opportunity to spend time outdoors and enjoy the spring weather. The second thing is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on it. The last thing is that picnics are great for all ages.

5. Grill burgers

After a long winter of hot stews and soups, I’m craving a tasty grilled burger by the time the spring season arrives. While you can fry burgers on the stove, you can’t capture that delightful taste when you grill them outdoors. There’s nothing as great as the first burger from the grill yearly. I also love to grill various vegetables that taste oh-so delicious.

6. Enjoy the brightness

Who doesn’t like to soak up the warm sun in the spring? After a few months of the dull days and grey skies, it’s so great to enjoy the brightness. I believe sunshine makes people feel happier and overall better. Each time I have a bad mood or simply hard day, I make time to sit and soak up some sunshine. It really helps me.

7. Enjoy watching the stars come out at night

If you can’t enjoy spring during the day, you can enjoy it at night. I like to sit out on my patio and watch the bright stars come out. It helps me relax after a hard work day. Watching the stars is an amazing thing to do when you are out on a date or after you put your kids to bed. Have a cup of herbal tea while you enjoy the stars and talk with someone you love. It’s also a great way to spend some ‘me’ time.

Spring is a wonderful season and these are only a few great spring activities to try right now. Which of these activities do you want to try first? Do you have any other fun things to do in spring to add to this list?

9 Surefire Ways to Get Rid of a Bad Habit

Many of us have one or several habits that we consider bad and we want to break, but not all of us know how to do it. Perhaps, the worst thing about bad habits is when they rule our life. Before you start breaking your bad habits, you need to realize them first. Write your bad habits down and follow 9 tips that will help you to get rid of them.

1. Break one habit at a time

If you have a few habits, don’t try to break them all at once. This way, you won’t break any of them. Break one bad habit at a time, starting with the worst one. Find out which habit is harming you the most and begin with that one. If you get rid of one habit, it will be easier to break the other bad habits.

2. Find out your triggers

It’s important to know why your habit is harming you and why you can’t break it. Find out your emotional triggers and work on clearing them. Maybe you had a few failed relationships and you drink alcohol, hoping it will help numb the pain. However, alcohol will not solve your problems and will not make you feel better. Drinking alcohol is destroying the body and you should realize it and get rid of this bad habit.

3. Team up with your friend

If your friend or family member is going through a similar problem, team up with them. Help one another get rid of the bad habit. After all, it’s always better to deal with the problems together than alone.

4. Choose a substitute

Stop using up your energy and time feeding your bad habit, look for a healthier substitute instead. If you are trying to quit smoking, you can satisfy the craving by munching on a healthy snack. It will help to distract you and get rid of your bad habit. Just be patient because it will be hard the first few months.

5. Spend more time with people who encourage you

When you are trying to get rid of your bad habits, surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to live a happier life is a must. If you want to live an alcohol-free life, a drug-free life, or a stress-free life, avoid people who are keeping you stuck in your bad habit. You should also avoid toxic people. Spend more time with positive people and you will become more positive as well.

6. Make barriers to your habit

One of the most effective ways to get rid of a bad habit is to create barriers to it. If you want to quit smoking or stop drinking, ask your friend or family member to monitor your cigarette or alcohol intake. If you want to stop eating unhealthy food or biting your nails or whatever, create barriers that will help make it hard to turn to this bad habit.

7. Reward yourself

Everyone loves to get rewarded when doing a great job. Feeling a sense of accomplishment is a wonderful feeling. When you resist temptation, feel free to reward yourself. Buy a new pair of shoes or a gorgeous dress, get your nails done, or simply eat your favorite cookie.

8. Stay patient

Getting rid of a bad habit can be extremely difficult and even painful at times, so it’s important to stay patient no matter what. Remember, you won’t break your bad habits over night. Learn to be patient and dedicated to achieving your goal and you will definitely see the results. Everything is possible, when you have patience to do it.

9. Stay positive

No matter what others say or think about you, you should believe in yourself and do what you think is right. Believe that you are strong and you are able to break any bad habit. Compliment yourself every day and tell yourself that you’re the master of your own life and you have the power to make your life what you want it to be.

When dealing with a bad habit, you should remember that you’re stronger than your bad habit and you’re a wonderful person. Even if no one believes in you, you should believe in yourself and your strengths. I believe in you and I’m sure that you will get rid of your bad habit no matter how hard it will be! Do you have any bad habits?

4 Do’s and Don’ts of Becoming Financially Stable

It’s extremely important to become financially stable as early as you can in your life. You want to build good habits and avoid getting into financial situations that can be difficult to get out of. Here are 4 do’s and don’ts of becoming financially stable.

Do: Begin saving today

Saving should never wait until tomorrow or next year. If you haven’t already started saving money, start today. You need to add money to a savings account on a monthly basis in order to build up a good amount of savings. It’s so important to have at least 6-8 months worth of living expenses saved up in case you lose your job. This is not something you should put off saving for because a job loss can happen at any time. You also want to save for the future. You have to save for retirement and also things that you may want to purchase one day. If you ever plan on buying a house, you should begin saving for a down payment now. Starting a few months before won’t help very much especially if you’re only able to save a few dollars a month. If you can’t spare a lot of money to save each month, don’t worry, save anyway. Saving $10 each month is better than saving nothing at all.

Don’t: Be an impulsive shopper

If you are the type of person who wanders around the mall and buys things at random, this is a habit you have to break immediately. Shopping is not a good hobby to have. You are only throwing money away when you buy things on impulse. Impulse buys can be as small as a package of gum at the checkout stand or as large as deciding you really need a new laptop because you saw one on sale. Impulse buys are usually things you don’t really need. If you really needed it, you would have made the trip especially for that item. If you think you need something, take the time to research cost and your budget and wait a couple of weeks before making the purchase to see if you still need and want it.

Do: Pay off credit card balances in full

It’s important to pay off your credit card balance in full every month to avoid interest charges and a hit to your credit score. If you find yourself unable to pay off your bill each month, it’s time to lay off the credit card use. You want to have a good credit score, but you also don’t want to owe so much on your cards. If you have more than one or two cards, you might want to hide the majority of them and only keep one on you in case you need it.

Don’t: Use pay day loans

Pay day loans should be avoided at all costs. They might help you out when you are in a tight spot, but the amount of interest you’ll end up paying back is ridiculous. If you use these loans more than once, you will find it difficult to pay off the money you owe as quickly as you’d like. These kind of loans are like traps that you have to fight your way out of.

Even if you’ve gotten into a bit of financial trouble in the past, you can still become financially stable. It does take some dedication and sacrifice, but it will be worth it.

4 Signs You’re on the Right Track in Life

It’s easy to be influenced by the people around us. If everyone else is doing one thing, you start thinking it must be the correct thing to be doing. The following are four signs that you’re on the right track in life.

1. You have a healthy savings account

If you have a savings account that you add to regularly, you should be proud of yourself. It might seem like everyone does this important thing, but the truth is that not enough people do. Everyone needs to have a savings account. Most people start too late because they are enjoying spending their money on indulgences that they probably won’t remember a few years down the road. You can save and still enjoy spending, but saving should never be put on the back burner.

2. You don’t put up with toxic people

Toxic people will always be around. You might have one in the family. You may have even dated one or work with one. If you are able to spot a toxic person and keep him out of your life as much as possible, you have learned to do something that takes a lot of people many years to get the hang of. Toxic people have no place in anyone’s life. Toxic people only drag you down and crush your dreams. You’ve obviously learned that you deserve only optimistic and healthy people in your life.

3. You can take care of yourself

If you can support yourself financially and in any other way necessary, you’re ahead of a lot of people. This means you have a good job and have the life skills you need. This isn’t true for many people. A lot of things such as laundry, organization, and cooking are foreign concepts to people who have never left the comfort of their parent’s house.

4. You don’t require anyone’s permission for anything

If you want to do something, you don’t make sure others are okay with it before you do it. You know that you can do anything you want and you do. If you have a dream, there is no one who can stop you. If someone doesn’t think what you’re doing is a good idea, you don’t just stop. You have faith in yourself to make decisions that are good for you.

Sometimes these things seem like they don’t matter much, but they do. They impact your life now and in the future. If you’ve managed to succeed in any of those four areas, you should be proud of yourself. They’re not always the easiest things to do, but they are smart.

7 Most Effective Ways to Let Go of the Past Today

It can be a big challenge to let go of the past, especially if you’re not aware of ways to let go of the negative memories and feelings. However, it’s important to let go of anything that can ruin your future. Letting go of yesterday’s troubles is a great step towards happiness and bright future.

1. Don’t give up

When a child falls off the bike, they don’t stop trying and they don’t give up. They get up and get back on their bike to try again and again. If something terrible happens in your life, don’t give up. You can always turn a new leaf and you have the opportunity to start afresh. If you only focus on the negative past, even the smallest trifle can bring you down and ruin your future.

2. Forgive and forget

Perhaps, the most important tip for letting go of the past today is to forgive and forget. It may sound like a cliché statement, but it’s the most influential one. Forgive yourself for making those huge mistakes that cost you your job, a relative or a friend. Forgive your mom and dad for not understanding you. Forgive your best friend for betraying you and forgive those guys who ruined the image of a real man in your eyes. You should forgive everyone and forget everything in order to be happy and have a happy future.

3. Appreciate everything you receive in life

No matter how bad you think your life is, there’s always something to appreciate. Take moments throughout your day to appreciate all of the wonderful things in your life. When I say “the wonderful things” I don’t mean money, relationships or marriage. The sun shining on your face, having your cat by your side, or the child who smiles at you while strolling in the park are a few little things that must be appreciated.

4. Understand that everything happens for a reason

We can’t change the past, but why not try to change it mentally? Don’t let anything from previous years, weeks, or even days keep you from living your life to the fullest. It’s vital to realize that everything happens for a reason. Sure, life gets hard at times, and it’s not easy to understand why certain things occur, but you need to accept that there are things in your life that you can’t control. Don’t focus too much on them, think of your present instead.

5. Think of the present

As I mentioned above, you need to think of the present. Let go of the past and don’t obsess about the future. Although you can’t change everything overnight, you may start making some changes right now. You’ll feel better about the situation and about yourself if you spend more time focusing on what you are doing now rather than concentrating on what happened yesterday.

6. Love yourself

If the reason why you are holding on too tightly to your past is because somebody has not believed in you, hurt you, or belittled you, remove those people from your life and forget their words and actions. You’re special and you’re loved, trust me. One of the best ways to let go of your past today is to love and respect yourself. Don’t let anyone to bring you down, be confident and believe in yourself even if no one else does.

7. Don’t be mean to yourself

Often people are their own worst nightmare or bully. If you are not kind to yourself, how can you let go of your past and live a happy life? If something terrible occurred in the past because you made a mistake or hurt someone or got blamed for doing things that were not your fault, don’t be too mean to yourself. Everyone makes mistakes, you are not alone. It’s just a part of growing up.

If you want to start seeing happiness and peace in your life, let go of your past today and create a new feature. Did you let go of your past? How did you do that?

7 Easy Ways to Get More Time to Yourself

Nowadays many people are too busy to think of themselves. If you are one of them, you should certainly learn how to make more time for yourself. I know, you work hard, care about your family, do everyday household chores and finding time during every day to take care of yourself seems impossible. But fortunately, it’s possible, even if you are overscheduled. Below is the list of seven simple tips on how to get more time to yourself. Read on.

1. Nurture your spirituality

Nurturing your spirituality is one of the best ways to sneak time in for yourself every day. I always find time to do that. Since I’m a morning person, I prefer to do that in the morning. I think it helps me have a better perspective for the whole day. Plus, it’s a great way to start your day. Nurturing your spirituality daily can lower your stress levels and make you a better person.

2. Work out

One of my favorite ways to get more time to myself is exercise. I know it can be boring, but if you do anything you like, you will understand me. I enjoy running and swimming, which help me relax after hard work day. Exercise is good for your physical health, emotional well-being and your weight. Perhaps, your family or friend doesn’t want to join you when you work out. So, it’s a wonderful way to get some me time.

3. Enjoy doing your hair and makeup

We often rush through getting ready to go to work or party and we don’t have time to enjoy the process. For me, doing my makeup or hair is important and I don’t like it when I’m in a hurry. I’d rather get up earlier than worry about time. Enjoy doing your hair and makeup and you’ll feel better about yourself. The best thing about it is that you focus only on yourself.

4. Enjoy shopping alone

Going shopping alone is another simple way to sneak time in for yourself. Take your time, browse to your heart’s content and have a lot of fun. You don’t have to seek anything in particular. When you go shopping alone, you don’t have to make conversation with anyone so nobody will distract you. While I love to go shopping with my mom and friend, I also enjoy shopping alone. I feel amazingly relaxed and refreshed after shopping alone.

5. Watch your favorite show or movie

A favorite TV show or movie can be a good way to relax and get some time to yourself. Think of your favorite movie or show, find it online and watch it alone. I think it’s a really fantastic way to spend your evening after a hard, busy day. You deserve it.

6. Call your friend

One of the most enjoyable things you can do for yourself is to call your close friend. When I feel tired or depressed, I can close myself in the bedroom, call my best friend and enjoy a nice chat with her. Luckily, my kids and husband respect my time being on the phone and they don’t disturb me.

7. Social media

While social media has many negative effects, it’s a great way to get more time to yourself. In fact, we can use social media for good when we don’t overindulge in it. It’s a great distraction from the fuss and stress in the life. Enjoy social media for a while and return to your real life. It’s vital not to let social media overwhelm your life.

So, there you have it, some of the best ways to get more time to yourself daily. It’s important to sneak in a little me time every day, no matter how busy you are. It helps reduce your stress and anxiety and can even improve your health. How do you get more time to yourself? Share your tips and tricks with us.

7 Tips on How to Become a Morning Person

Learning how to be a morning person is never easy and you won’t become one overnight, but there are a few tricks and tips on how to become a morning person you may want to try. Numerous studies show that people who get up early in the morning every day are more successful and more productive. Frankly speaking, I’m not a morning person by nature, however, I must become one by necessity. Read on to learn some tips on how to become a morning person.

1. Light room

Since a dark morning makes it much more difficult to get up early in the morning, you should make sure your room is light. Consider placing your bed in front of a large window, or try sleeping with your curtains open. It’s not easy to become a morning person, but if you keep your room dark, it makes the process even more difficult.

2. Go to bed early

If you’re going to bed late and getting up early, it’s no wonder you are feeling tired and sleepy in the morning. When you wake up tired, your day is not as productive as you want it to be. So try to go to bed earlier and you’ll see how you feel full of energy the next day. If you have difficulty sleeping, reading a book in bed can help you to fall asleep faster.

3. Work out

I know, I know, exercise is the last thing you want to do in the morning, but it can actually make you feel more alert and energized. Once you realize how great you feel after 15 minutes of yoga or a morning jog, you will start your morning with exercise every day. Exercise can also boost your mood and help keep your weight under control.

4. Don’t skip breakfast

The most important meal of the day, breakfast, is something you should never skip. Never swap your breakfast for a black coffee and a chocolate bar. Your breakfast must be healthy and it must consist of whole grains, protein, and colorful fruit and vegetables. You can try a bowl of hot porridge or Greek yogurt with your favorite berries and fruits. You might not see this as the way to become a morning person, since it doesn’t involve coffee, but a healthy breakfast is a must when it comes to a healthy lifestyle.

5. Wash your hair in the evening

If you always don’t have time for exercise in the morning, here is one tip on how to find this time. Wash your hair in the evening and straighten it, if you have curly hair. This way, you will have more time for your breakfast and exercise in the morning. Also, never sleep with your makeup on, and do your nails in the evening. Not only do you become a morning person, you can save you a lot of stress as well.

6. Treat yourself

If you got up before your alarm or you didn’t snooze today, reward yourself. Read a newspaper, or watch a little TV while you’re getting ready or while you’re having your breakfast. You will see how it’s great to be a morning person.

7. Dim the lights

When the evening draws in, turn the lights down and turn the radio and TV down several notches. This will help you to go to bed earlier and fall asleep faster. And if you go to bed earlier, you will wake up earlier in the morning feeling fully energized and completely alert.

As you see, morning is actually not your enemy and it’s possible to become a morning person. Even on Mondays you can get up early and feel full of energy. If you are a morning person, could you give us any tips on how to get up early every day?

Things to Do to Become a Better Person

Everybody wants to become a better person, but many of us don’t know how. Life is not easy and we often make mistakes we don’t want to do. But I think everyone deserves respect no matter what, and everyone can become a better person. If you really want it, you can change yourself and your habits by taking a few little steps described below.

1. Forgive everyone

The first step to becoming a better person is forgiveness. This can be a difficult one, but by learning to forgive everyone, your life will become much easier and happier. First of all, you should forgive your parents. Everybody has some scars from their childhood, even if they’re raised by wonderful parents, and perhaps you are no exception. Remember it was in the past and you live in the present so let go of those past childhood hurts and you will feel much better. No parent is ideal. They have never raised kids before, and sometimes they’re learning as well as growing with their kids.

2. Learn to keep your dignity

Another important thing to do to become a better person is to learn how to keep your dignity. Keep in mind that only you’re responsible for your choices and decisions in life and never get down on yourself when you do something wrong. Even if someone hurts you or you have a big disagreement with somebody, don’t let anyone or anything bring you down and remind yourself that your life is unique, special and really worthwhile.

3. Pursue your passion

It’s important to find yourself and pursue your passion. Learn to listen to your inner self, and this will help you make your dreams a reality and become a better person, even when someone is trying to bring you down. Some people try to bring you down because they’re too weak and diffident to pursue their passions and they think you shouldn’t pursue yours. Don’t listen to them. Spend time with yourself and think about the thing that bring you joy. You’ll soon discover your passion and start pursuing it.

4. Share your time, energy and talents

Every person has talents, including you. You might not aware of them, but you have them. Sharing your time, energy and talents can help become a better person, so learn to share more of your precious time with others and help people in need and you will feel much better about yourself.

5. Become a morning person

Every time I get up at 6 or 7 a.m., I see a lot of things I wouldn’t usually see when I get up at 10 a.m. It’s a great feeling to rise with the sun, listen to the birds that are chirping their nice songs, and watch people exercising outdoors. I’m not a morning person, so it hard for me to get up early in the morning, but when I do, I have some time to do things I usually don’t have time to do, such as reading a book, practicing meditation or running. When I get up early, I feel much better and my day seems to be more productive.

7 Things to Be Grateful for in Life

When times are hard, it can be difficult to find things to be thankful for. We often spend a lot of time complaining about the things we don’t have or thinking about the things we want to have in future, and forget about those things we have now. If you feel down, you should remind yourself that things will certainly get better soon and you actually are a happy person. One of the best ways to do that is to write down a list of all the things you are grateful for. Here are some of them:

1. Your family

Even if you have a difficult relationship with your parents, you should be thankful for your family. Whether you come from a small quiet family or a big noisy one, remember that these people truly love you, even if they don’t show it. They will always be ready to help you in any situation.

2. Your health

Another important thing to be thankful for is your health. We often forget about our health until we are sick. Whether you have a headache or something more serious, you can’t accomplish your tasks and you can’t focus on anything else except that pain. If you are a healthy person, be thankful for it each day, and make sure you lead a healthy lifestyle in order to be healthy, happy and successful. Health is wealth!

3. For all the small things

When I have a hard day, one of the best things I love to do is looking up at the sky and the sun. It reminds me how wonderful this life is and how it’s great to be alive. Have you ever stopped and smelled those beautiful roses? I know, it sounds silly, but give it a try next time you feel down and you will remember my words. There are many small things we should be thankful for, such as the warmth of the sun, the first spring flowers, the chirping of birds… this list of little things goes on and on. Just stop for a moment and look around you, you will certainly notice those tiny, but amazing things.

4. Your friends

No matter how many friends you have, be grateful for them, even if you have only one. From personal experience, I can say that one good friend is always better than a few so-called friends. Be thankful for your friends and try to remind them how much you care as often as possible. If you have furry friends, be grateful for them too.

5. The future

Yes, we don’t know our future, but being grateful for it and being thankful for what is to come is very important thing to do. Maybe you are going to enter the university or buy a car, be grateful for it now.

6. The present

It’s also important to be grateful for your present. Be thankful for your current job, even if you don’t like it, your house, even it’s very small, your car, even if it’s very old and other things you have now. All these things help to make your life a bit easier, so why not cherish them?

7. The past failures and mistakes

Before you think I am crazy for telling that, hear me out. I think every person should be grateful for their past failures and mistakes. Every failed relationship or missed job opportunity made you a better person. Sometimes mistakes are great since they help you become better and improve your life, of course, if you learn from them. Just don’t dwell too much on your past.

There’s always something to be grateful for in your life, even in rough times when it seems that your life has no meaning. Also, remember to be thankful in the great times when it’s even easier to forget. So, what are you thankful for in your life? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

7 Easy Ways to Look Younger No Matter Your Age

Every woman wants to look younger, whether she is 30 or 60. As we get older, we tend to lose the natural, beautiful glow of our skin. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks to use to look younger no matter your age. The main tip to follow is to take good care of your skin every single day. Remember, the healthier your skin is, the younger it looks. Read on to find out some of the most effective ways to look younger regardless of your age.

1. Increase your vitamin C intake

One of the best ways to look younger is to increase your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen in the skin, which means it’s good for keeping your skin looking fresh and young. Vitamin C is good for the skin all over the body so it’s important to add foods rich in Vitamin C to your eating plan. Consider eating oranges, bell peppers, kiwis, grapefruits, tomatoes and strawberries.

2. Boost your protein intake

Protein plays a significant role in almost each aspect of the skin, including collagen production, appearance, cell turnover as well as structure. This makes it a vital nutrient in your eating plan. Opt for lean protein like fish, sirloin steak, pork loin chops and chicken breast. Low-fat dairy foods, eggs, nuts and beans are also wonderful sources of protein.

3. Use oil in your salads

Mayo is great and tasty, but not so healthy. I suggest you to start using oil in your salads. Try combining a bit of canola or olive oil with a bit of vinegar on your healthy salad. When you mix greens with some oil, not mayo, your body absorbs Vitamin C, E and any other antioxidants much better. Plus, it’s super healthy! Such salad will help combat free radical damage and help keep your skin looking glowing and youthful no matter your age.

4. Don’t use your powder

Although powder has its wonderful value, I don’t recommend using it when you are trying to look younger. The longer your powder is on your face, the more it creeps into your fine lines and small wrinkles, making them even more visible. You can still use your foundation to hide blemishes and even things out, but try not to use your powder.

5. Add bronzer

All those age spots and sunspots that tend to crop up on the skin can easily be hidden with bronzer. Not only does bronzer mask all those discolorations, it also gives your skin a beautiful glow. You can add a little bit of bronzer to your foundation, or apply it on your nose, cheeks and forehead using a large brush.

6. Care for your hands daily

While it’s important to care for your face every day, don’t forget about your hands. Make sure you care for your hands properly every single day. If you are on a budget, try rubbing your facial products into them. It’s not necessary to use special hand creams. Also, don’t forget to use sunscreen daily. This is a huge step to look younger no matter how old you are.

7. Wear the right makeup

Did you know that some colors you might be wearing can wash you out and even emphasize all your wrinkles and fine lines? To look younger, make sure you wear the right colors on your lips, eyes and cheeks. Go for a more natural look and stay away from the bright, bold colors.

It’s possible to look younger no matter your age, you just need to pay attention to your skin care routine and your diet. Which of these tips do you want to try first? Do you have any tips not mentioned on this list that you use to look younger every day?

7 Proven Ways to Exfoliate Your Skin Properly

There are a lot of great benefits of exfoliating and it’s very important to exfoliate your skin on a regular basis. It removes dead cells and leaves you with softer, younger, healthier skin. But, when you exfoliate your skin you should make sure you don’t overdo it and don’t do it too often. Many women don’t know how to exfoliate their skin and how often to do it, and this is the major reason why many of us end up having severe breakouts. In fact, it’s recommended to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. Here are a few tips to follow to exfoliate your skin without any damage.

1. Buy the right exfoliating product

There are tons of exfoliating products available on the market these days and it’s extremely difficult to choose the best one. You need to buy one exfoliating product specially made for your body and another for your face. A drugstore is probably the best place to look for exfoliating products, but you can also buy them from your dermatologist.

2. Apply exfoliator to wet skin

Before applying your exfoliating product, get your skin wet. This will allow all the ingredients to suds up for a while and will help make your face and body super soft. I like to exfoliate my skin in the shower since it’s easier to wash off when I’m done.

3. Apply your exfoliating product in circular motions

Start applying your exfoliator in small circular motions to ensure that you do not miss any spot. This way, it will feel like a mini massage, which incredibly beneficial for your face and body. Begin with your face and work your way down your body, taking care to get every nook and cranny, including the backs of the knees and the insides of the elbows. On larger body parts you can widen your circles and use smaller ones on areas such as the soles of your feet and your face.

4. Pay attention to the areas you exfoliate

When exfoliating, make sure you are very gentle on sensitive areas of the skin, such as the bikini area, neck and face. These areas have thinner skin, so it’s essential to use gentle motions. Apply more pressure on your knees, elbows and feet where the skin is naturally thicker.

5. Use a loofah

In case you have a tough skin, try using a loofah with your exfoliator for the best results. Although a loofah looks similar to a sponge, it has a rough texture that doesn’t soften when it’s wet. You can buy a loofah at most drugstores. Look for them where bubble bath and body soap are sold.

6. Wash off

When you are done, rinse the exfoliator off. Don’t leave it on your skin too long, or you will end up having dry, itchy skin and no lotion will help you to cope with such problem. I recommend you to exfoliate your skin in the shower or bath. Quickly wash it off with lukewarm water and a blast of cold water to close your pores.

7. Apply your lotion

After your exfoliating treatment, apply a great dousing of your lotion to your skin. Apply a facial cream to your neck, face and hands and use a body cream on your arms, torso and legs. Make sure you apply your lotion right after washing the exfoliator off. This way, you will seal in the moisture and keep your skin hydrated, soft, radiant and healthy.

Do you exfoliate your skin regularly? How often do you do it? Personally I exfoliate my skin once a week and I use a one to one mixture of olive oil and sugar to do it. It’s my favorite way of exfoliating.

7 Tips on How to Fake an Outgoing Personality

If you are a shy person or natural born introvert, it can be difficult for you to be outgoing in most social gatherings. I know it because I’m a true introvert and any social event for me is a real challenge. I enjoy my quiet time and like being at home, but when I need to be an outgoing personality, I just fake it. How? Read on and find out a few useful tips on how to fake an outgoing personality and survive any social gathering without stress.

1. Say hello

For most people, it’s easy to say hello to any person they meet, but it can be really hard for shy people and introverts. When you’re trying to fake an outgoing personality, saying hello is a must. Even if you’ve never spoken to anyone first, you can do it now. Force yourself to make this big step. Say hello, give them your name, in case they don’t know it, ask their name and this will help you to start a small conversation.

2. Smile

Saying hello is not enough when you are trying to fake an outgoing personality, you should also smile at others. Smile can do wonders and can make you look friendlier and more approachable. Moreover, smile will make you look confident and help make new friends. I’m sure your smile is unique and beautiful, so feel free to give someone your genuine smile.

3. Imagine that others like you

Many times people that are shy and quiet feel uncomfortable at any social gathering. They usually think that they sound or look awkward and that others don’t like them. But it’s not actually true in most cases. Maybe someone doesn’t like you, but most of those around you enjoy your company. Before going to any event, imagine that people will love your look, jokes and everything you are going to talk about. This will help boost your confidence and reduce stress.

4. Try to sound outgoing

If you’re trying to appear outgoing, learn to sound outgoing. It’s not an easy task, but you have to do it. Perhaps you’ve noticed that outgoing people are more excited at social gatherings than those who are not. Try to put more excitement into your tone and you will certainly appear more outgoing. Just don’t overdo it.

5. Laugh along with others

Even if you don’t like the joke and you don’t think it’s funny, try to laugh along with others. You might be dreaming about how much you’d like to be at home reading your favorite book, but you are not at home and you need to appear outgoing now. So laugh, relax and have a lot of fun.

6. Give yourself some pep talk

I often use this tip before I go into a situation where I need to appear outgoing or before any important meeting at work. Giving yourself a pep talk is one of the most effective ways to boost your confidence and improve your mood. Tell yourself that you can easily do it. Remind yourself why people love you and enjoy your company. Think about all the positive things. Positivity always breeds positivity.

7. Put yourself out there

Yes, you read it right, put yourself out there and tell others some stories and jokes about yourself. I know it sounds like a difficult task, but it has to be done. In fact, this is a good way to interact with people and make yourself feel like a part of the group setting. Plus, it will help you appear more outgoing.

Social gatherings are unavoidable and you can’t stay at home forever, so it’s important to learn how to fake an outgoing personality every now and then. If you’ve ever faked an outgoing personality and you have any other tips, feel free to share them with us, please.

9 Most Common Myths about Happiness

It is often said that happiness is impossible without sticking to certain rules. All these beliefs exert influence upon our consciousness and make us a bit superstitious. Sure, you can try to stick to these happiness rules, but it’s difficult to figure out how they would make you feel happy. Here are a few common myths about happiness, read on…

1. Money makes you happy

It is undeniable that money can give you a short-term feeling of happiness that flies away very fast. We shouldn’t forget that money is not the key to happiness. If to think wider we realize that money cannot substitute family, friends or hobbies. No matter how rich you are, if you feel yourself miserable you are not happy. The only sign proving your happiness is a frank smile on your face.

2. Happiness in your head/mind

What is happiness? Does it really exist? Some people find happiness as a temporary emotion, while others treat it as a state of being. By the way, experts point out that happiness as a feeling is as powerful as a depression. It’s up to you what state of being prevails in your head.

3. Don’t compromise

It turned out that people treat compromises as a kind of a loss and think that such barrier can lead to unhappiness, but others do not agree. Happy people are less irritable and often allow small compromises handle the situation. Remember that quarrels just kill the nerves. There is no doubt that your hard-edged character won’t make you feel happy.

4. Don’t be too happy

This myth is really a contradictory thing. It’s absolutely normal to express your emotions, smile, joke and share your positive mood with people around. There is no certain definition to it and no one knows what is to be happy. Frankly speaking, people don’t mind how happy you are.

5. Based on progress

Almost everyone admits that happiness is based on a goal. We often promise ourselves to become happy when we succeed in something. As a result, we feel miserable in a way until we reach the goal. Moreover, we can easily set ourselves for failure if we base happiness on achieving goals. It is proved that you will succeed faster if you feel yourself happy.

6. Happiness isn’t for everyone

I’m sure that happiness is for everyone. After an off-day, my friends try to relief me, explaining that happiness isn’t for everyone. Such a misconception usually puts me out of temper and makes me mull over different things. If we often face troubles it doesn’t mean we are losers. Think positive by all means and fortune will make your smile shine.

7. Kindness makes you happy

Certainly, doing good things and wonderful mood can make your day positive, but it often happens that our kindness can play a bad trick with us. If we care for others every minute, we lack time to work on our hobbies and share emotions with the people we love. Random acts of kindness can make us feel exhausted, but not happy at all.

8. Horoscopes

For the great majority of people, horoscopes and stars are of great importance. They can have a great influence on our mood imposing us certain positive or negative information about their success. As a result, it either ruins or improves the day of emotional and trustful people. Try to be happy in spite of everything.

9. Must be perfect

Many people believe that perfection is an irreplaceable part of happiness. There are moments when we think we don’t deserve to be happy, because we often make mistakes and sometimes fail. Basing your happiness on perfection is a quick way to feel despondent and lose hope to succeed in it. Just be yourself and don’t fear to make mistakes.

To my mind, every person deserves to be happy. There’s no need to base your happiness on different misconceptions, just let something wonderful ruin all barriers and find you! Do you believe in these myths about happiness?

11 Tips for Accelerating Your Life to Excellence

Many people want to accelerate their lives to excellence these days, but they don’t know how to do it the right way. In fact, people have six needs and the most essential needs are growth and contribution. If you want to increase your focus on growth and contribution, here are a few tips to follow:

1. Listen to your intuition

Nowadays, living in a high tempo of modern life, we don’t to our intuition. We are snowed under a great number of rules, traditions and laws which often conflict with the signals of our gut feeling. Human intuition always knows the answer to any question, but it’s quite challenging to reach harmony and balance between mind and heart (gut feeling). People become really happy when they listen to the heart that makes them closer to excellence.

2. Concentrate on clarity

Focusing on clarity is an indispensable part of reaching excellence in your life. Moreover, it is necessary to know what you want that is quite challenging for many people. For example, only 5% of North Americans know what goals they want to reach. Clarify your dreams and ideas to accelerate your life to excellence. Remember that accomplishing dreams is not an easy thing, so be ready to sacrifice some time and energy.

3. Learn to say no

Learn to refuse to be involved in actions and projects you don’t have passion for and try to get satisfaction doing your favorite business. It’s absolutely normal to say “NO” but try to be considerable and use your diplomatic skills to avoid offences. When you become more skillful, you will know how and when to say “NO.” Our life is full of situations demanding you to get inveigled into different projects, but you are not a superhuman it’s impossible to be everywhere and do everything.

4. Don’t fear changes

Changes can be either scaring or wonderful. When we change something, we are getting new experiences and open new horizons. Changing life helps us find out what is better for us and to make a comparison of things. But sometimes we are afraid of new, because human beings fear unknown things, especially if it goes about future. Be positive and try new roles, facing new conditions and changing the atmosphere.

5. Live a happy and fulfilled life

There’s no need to think over everything in your life, just take actions. Change your life to live a happy and fulfilled life. It is impossible to do it if you are still wandering the ways of doubts and uncertainty. Listen to your heart and live your life that is full of wondrous things. Try to do things which drive you and fulfill your heart with excitement. If you follow these rules you can become the happiest person in the world.

6. Seek a mentor

Life is not an easy thing and you don’t need to tackle life alone, because the whole world is ready to help you. Good and experienced mentor can give you a hint how to treat various life situations and how to handle difficulties. Many people possess an ability to inspire each other. If you find a mentor, you will make a significant contribution to your mental or physical development. Your life will become easier in a way. You won’t feel lonely and confused with your own inner conflicts.

7. Don’t mull over the future

Never focus on your future. Every day, we have 24 hours to fill yourself with positive emotions and colorful events. Don’t allow the unknown things to rule your thoughts and your life. If you are a dreamer, you can think and enjoy your future deeds and actions. But if you are a pessimist, then stop it. Enjoy the moments of life and don’t mull over the future much, because it’ not the best way to accelerate your life to excellence.

8. Take time for yourself

Being alone for a while is sometimes very important. You need some time to recollect your mind and set new life priorities. We often take care of others and forget about our needs and problems, which make barriers on the way to excellence. Do not focus on what others are expecting from you. It’s not a good idea to get one’s approval by giving all your energy and time. If you take time for yourself, you’ll have a chance to become self-known and all-sufficient person.

9. Don’t settle for the second best

Our life is full of opportunities and everything is temporarily. We all meet new people, face different situations, lose valuable things, so there’s no need to feel miserable and settle for the second best. It won’t make you happy and it’s a bad form to date just to date. Every person has equal chances for happiness, so try to hear your gut feeling and get what is best for you. This will help you achieve the excellence.

10. Don’t compare yourself to others

Don’t waste time focusing attention on the other peoples’ achievements and successes. Such actions can make you feel miserable or confused in a way. You may feel yourself discouraged when you realize that someone is better in something than you. Be sure, we are all unique and everyone is “good enough” in several spheres. Live your life and make your dreams come true.

11. Know your desires

Try to imagine the achievement of your dreams. This way you send a signal to the Universe and get in tune with your destiny. Simulate the vision of your success in a certain sphere and track it in your mind a number of times. This way you are getting a chance to achieve excellence.

Remember that the power of thought is very mighty, so don’t fear to celebrate your desires. The way to excellence can be tangled, because everyone has personal ideals and visions of that concept. Try to motivate yourself to become the happiest person in the world, enjoy your life and celebrate every day! What are your secrets to achieve excellence?

9 Types of People You Need in Your Life

The truth of life is that in most cases there are the people around us that make us inexpressibly happy. Sure, it’s our family and those people who understand and accept us no matter what. They all are close to and very dear to our heart so spending time with them always makes us extremely happy. But apart from that any person that you happen to meet on your way makes their own contribution to your happiness without even knowing that. So in order to enjoy all the colors of your happiness you need to have various types of people in your life. I have identified 9, here they are.

1. Role model

It is great to have a person in your life who would be a role model for you so that you keep improving yourself. I’m not saying about jealousy, by no means. You just know a person who is, to your mind, really awesome and you want to have some features of character or some life principles you would also like to have. This is a good motive to be more professional at what you do, look after yourself better, start taking dancing classes or whatever.

2. The one to encourage

There are such special people that inspire and encourage us to live our lives to the fullest. If you are lucky to have your encourager than you will always know how special, strong, beautiful and just amazing you are. Such people make us move forward, reach goals and fight for our dreams.

3. Your any time rescue

It is the most precious feeling when you know that there is a person (or few) who will come to help no matter what. The situation may be of any type but the point is that you don’t feel awkward calling them and asking to give you a ride because your car went broken. Most probably you will be lectured on how great it is to have you as a friend (jokingly, of course) but you will be safely brought home. And next time when something goes wrong you won’t get a refuse either. And I’m sure you will be ready to act the same in return.

4. Good listener

As a flood of problems and worries catches you up, sometimes it is the best remedy to talk to someone who would hear you out. You don’t need any advice or help, just to talk to that person and not to see judgment in their eyes. If you have such a person, you have to value them.

5. A soul mate

My experience and observations show that as a rule each person has only one soul mate, though having numerous friends apart from them. A soul mate is more than just a friend, this person understands all your feelings and thoughts no matter how confusing they may sound to others. Actually, you would voice them only to your soul mate, wouldn’t you? You may relax and be yourself in their presence, silence is never a burden when you are together and this is just fantastic.

6. The big brother

Every woman is to have a man friend in her life which would mean friendship only without romantic feelings from each side. The stereotype persuades us that friendship between a man and woman doesn’t exist so you may try to prove it wrong. It is a very nice feeling to know that he will protect you as if your elder brother and you can always have a sincere conversation together finding out more about male and female nature.

7. A man of wisdom

You have many really smart people around you but it is not an easy task to find a wise person. This is not about age, position or amount of misfortunes gone through, this is an ability to give a good advice which you would really take into consideration or follow. If you find such a person this means that your vision of life and life principles coincide and you will surely go through any challenge that stands in your way together.

8. Who keeps you accountable

Don’t confuse it with the person who usually encourages you. You share your goals and dreams with each other, build plans and discuss the possibilities. Once in a while you meet or have a phone conversation inquiring about the progress. This is also a kind of motivation for you to go on and make progress.

9. Having common career

The sphere of professional realization is very important in life of every person and it usually takes most of our time. It requires much of attention, pains and simply time. It is hard not to talk about it so when your family doesn’t have a clue of what you do at work, they won’t understand you. That’s why there should be a person you can freely talk about your job with and this may be your friend busy in the same sphere or a co-worker. Anyway, such people can support you when you are going through a tough period in your career or share your joy of success.

You can never predict what people will be in your life, they will come in and leave, changing you and bringing you happiness. The most important thing is that they must be there for you when you need them the most. Have you already found your special friends? What’s type of people make you happy?

7 Ways to Cheer Yourself Up When You’re Feeling Lonely

We all feel sad and lonely every now and then and it seems difficult to cheer yourself up when you are feeling down. However, there are a few wonderful things that can cheer you up in no time. I know, it’s easier said than done, because when you feel depressed, it seems like nothing can cheer you up. The first thing you should do is to stop dwelling on your sadness and start focusing on finding happiness. No matter how terrible the situation might seem, believe in yourself and don’t think you are absolutely alone. Below is the list of 7 ways to cheer yourself up when you are feeling loney.

1. Enjoy nature

Enjoying nature is one of the best ways to cheer yourself up, of course, if you love nature. Ride your bike around your town, enjoy beautiful flowers, watch birds and enjoy wonderful scenery. Everyone can enjoy nature and you don’t need money for it. It’s so amazing to witness such breathtaking beauty, isn’t it?

2. Play with a pet

Your pet can make you feel better in no time. When you are feeling lonely, play with your pet because he relies on you and he really loves you. If you don’t own pets, go to the pet store and just look at those cute puppies, kittens or any other animal. Playing with a pet will definitely improve your mood. Pets can help with loneliness and they can make you happier.

3. Listen to cheerful music

Listening to cheerful music is a sure way to boost your mood. I know it’s so tempting to listen to sad songs when you are feeling lonely, but they can make you even more sad. Instead of glorifying despair, inspire hope. Cheerful songs can improve your mood and even make you feel less lonely.

4. Create new things

Creating something new requires creativity, hard work, and dedication, but it’s a great way to cheer yourself up when you are feeling lonely. Whether you whip out the waffle iron or pick up a paintbrush, keep yourself busy by creating something new. You will be proud of yourself because you’ll know how to create useful things out of nothing.

5. Read some celeb stories

Read some celeb success stories and you will be able to connect with many of them. Many celebs felt like they were absolutely alone in this world, but now almost everyone loves them. The point is that your life can change drastically at any minute, and celebs prove it. Stay positive even when everything seems to be going wrong.

6. Exercise or join a local sports team

A great number of studies show that people who exercise on a regular basis benefit with a positive boost in mood. Exercise can even help fight anxiety and depression. Running, jogging, swimming can help you feel better and look better. If you feel like you are completely alone, try to join a local sports team. You will know that people rely on you, and you will feel like you are a part of something greatly important. Sure, it’s easier to stay at home and feel sorry for yourself. But if you want to be happy, get out and enjoy life.

7. Find new friends

Nowadays the Internet is a good place to make new friends. Go to Twitter to feel like you are great friends with some popular celebs, make a Tumblr to find someone to discuss your favorite shows, or post your favorite photos on Instagram to share with everyone. If you feel lonely, the Internet will instantly connect you to many people across the world. Just make sure you don’t give out your phone number or address to anyone online.

Many of us go through periods where we feel like no one understands and loves us. Hopefully, these tips will help you to boost your mood when you feel lonely. How do you cheer yourself up when you feel sad?