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Quick Breakfast Idea for Work: Egg, Turkey Bacon and Cheese Bowl

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When you get to work first thing in the morning, sometimes you just want something quick to eat that will give you a boost in addition to your coffee. Buying cheap fast food on the way to work isn’t the right move, because it can get expensive and it’s not very healthy. Here’s a quick breakfast idea for work that you can pop into the microwave and take to your desk:

Microwaved Egg Turkey Bacon and Cheese Breakfast Bowl

What to include in bowl:

  • 1-2 eggs
  • 1-2 slices of turkey bacon
  • 1/2 slice of your favorite cheese

Take all of the ingredients out of the bowl when you get to work. Crack the egg in the small bowl, add a little pepper and stir. Cover it up with the lid or a paper towel. Wrap the turkey bacon in a couple of towels. Microwave both for about 45 seconds or until the egg is fluffy (I love microwaved eggs, so fluffy and delicious). Put the cheese on top of the egg and allow it a few seconds to melt. Then, grab a fork and enjoy! The total cost per week is roughly $7 — $4 for the turkey bacon, $1.50-$2 for the eggs, $1.50 for a quarter pound of cheese at the deli — which works out to a little over a $1 a day.

Make this quick breakfast idea for work a daily habit to give yourself a simple and inexpensive protein boost. Try to pick a turkey bacon that’s nitrate-free. Also choose extra large eggs.

Idea Posted by Jade

Automatic Timed Cat Feeder that Talks to Your Pets: A Must for Vacations

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UPDATE: The Homdox Feeder reviewed in this post is not currently available for sale, but this automatic talking feeder has gotten great reviews as well!

I am very protective over my cats — I feed them high quality grain-free food, give them the same spring water that I drink, and shower them with love each day to let them know they matter. As much as I care for them, I need a vacation every now and then and I certainly can’t bring them all with me on a plane to Florida! Recently I went on a planned family trip and before I went, I decided to order an automatic timed cat feeder from Amazon. This is what it looks like:

Automatic Timed Cat Pet Feeder

I already purchased the same automatic cat feeder in the past for the outdoor cats I feed. It works beautifully in my experience. You can set the time of day that the food will be released as well as amount of food. Here are a few of the setting options:

  • Just Breakfast (AM times available)
  • Breakfast & Dinner (AM or PM time available)
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Choose between 1-11 portions per meal (1/4 cup is a portion)

As you can see, these choices are ideal because you can adjust them depending on how many cat babies you have and how often you want them to eat throughout the day. It’s also ideal if you have an overweight cat that you want to teach portion control. The bowl holds 5.5 liters of food and keeps the kibbles fresh.

Automatic Timed Cat Pet Feeder
This is the panel on the automatic timed cat feeder where you type in the settings you want.
Automatic Pet Feeder for Cats with Timer

Just in Time for Vacation!

So I purchased another one to automatically feed the cats during this year’s family trip. I filled it up to the top with food and loaded it with 3 D batteries (make sure you get top quality, fresh D batteries like Energizer or Duracell batteries because if you get cheap ones and they conk out, the food won’t come out).

So after everything was loaded up, I added the settings I wanted. First, you have to put the current time, then decided what times of day you want the food to come out (breakfast, breakfast and dinner, or breakfast, lunch and dinner). Next you’ll be asked for the portions for each of those meal times. I set it for about 1-2 portions per cat, per meal.

The best feature of this automatic timed cat feeder is the recorder! You have the option to add a short recording to play every time food goes into the bowl. The message will play three times, calling your kitty to come eat. Click this link or the photo below to see a short video of how the automatic message for the cat feeder works.

Cat Feeder Video Review

When you’re on vacation for a period of time, your cat (or dog) is going to love hearing your voice two or three times per day. It’s a way to comfort and reassure them while you’re away.

So once you’ve got your food loaded, the brand new batteries are in, and the settings are set, just wait until the next meal time to see how it works. Every cat is different, but I would say that this 5.5 liter container will feed five cats more than comfortably for a number of days.

A Few More Thoughts…

I don’t advocate leaving your pets alone for a long period of time, but cats in particular are usually very independent animals. If you do have to go away for a number of days without your cats in tow, make sure they have plenty of food, multiple options for clean water and a temperate environment. This feeder is very helpful and convenient, but it’s always a good idea to have a backup tray of food on the floor — just in case. I loaded up a large aluminum pan with kibbles in addition to the feeder and that was more than sufficient.

Stay tuned for my upcoming post: a comprehensive list of all of the items you should have on hand if you plan to go away for a number of days without your cats (that list includes this convenient automatic timed cat feeder with timer).

UPDATE: The Homdox Feeder reviewed in this post is not currently available for sale, but this automatic talking feeder has gotten great reviews as well!

Posted by Jade

5 Keys to Optimal Dental Health

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One of the happiest moments you’ll experience is going to your dentist’s office for a checkup and getting a good report. This is especially true if you’ve had a problem with your teeth in the past, such as gum disease or tooth decay. If you want to hear good news from your dentist at your next appointment, you have to go the extra mile for your smile. Here are five keys to achieving optimal dental health.

Brushing, Flossing, and Rinsing Every Night at Bedtime

To avoid problems with gum disease and tooth infections, you must keep your teeth clean and free from debris. While it isn’t always possible to brush and floss after every meal, it is extremely important to completely remove food particles before you go to bed at night. Bad bacteria feed on leftover food, leading to a buildup of plaque, which is the main culprit behind tooth and gum infections. In addition to brushing and flossing, clear debris by rinsing with a mouthwash recommended by your dentist. And of course, brushing when you wake up will give you a fresh start in the morning.

Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks

Another important key to optimal dental health is to avoid acidic foods and beverages. Acid can erode tooth enamel and cause unsightly tooth discoloration, as well as cause bone tissue to deteriorate. Here are a few of the most common foods that have low pH levels:

–          Red meats
–          Processed foods
–          Deli meats
–          Candy and cakes
–          Soda
–          Coffee
–          Beer
–          Citric fruits
–          Any food or beverage with high sugar content

Eating Good Foods (Mostly Vegetables)

What you put in your body can have a positive effect on the condition and health of your teeth. Protect your smile by eating foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, especially green leafy vegetables. Here are a few suggestions for foods to purchase at your next visit to the grocery store:

–          Spinach, which is high in calcium and folic acid.
–          Raw or lightly blanched broccoli are high in iron and antioxidants, and helps clean the teeth with each crunchy bite.
–          Carrots and celery are crunchy, healthy snacks that also help clean the teeth.
–          Apples help scrub away plaque when you chew.
–          Green grapes are high in vitamin C, which promotes bone and tooth health.
–          Low-fat cheese cleans teeth by promoting saliva production, and is high in calcium.

Regular Professional Cleanings

Your dentist can see every part of the inside of your mouth, including places you can’t see when you look into the mirror every morning. That’s why it’s important to see your dentist for a professional cleaning at least twice per year. Having a relationship with your dentist is a crucial part of maintaining optimal dental health.

Consider Reconstructive or Orthodontic Work

Unfortunately, not every person is born with teeth that are perfectly aligned and positioned. Many patients have overbites, underbites, crossbites, crooked or too-small teeth, and unattractive gaps that can make it difficult to eat, talk, and smile. While these issues are sometimes considered cosmetic, they are also potentially disruptive to your dental and oral health. Talk to your dentist about correcting these issues, and the various options available, which may include braces, crowns, or cosmetic contouring.

You don’t have to settle for mediocre dental health. With a few new habits, you can achieve optimal dental health and ensure that your teeth stay healthy for many years.

Love and Money: Are You Financially Compatible with Your Partner?

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Everyone has their own unique view when it comes to love and money. Some people believe that money grows on trees while others believe that it’s in very short supply. Some prioritize saving while others spend liberally as soon as the money arrives in their bank accounts. If you’re currently in a relationship that may lead to marriage one day, now is the time to start thinking about your financial compatibility with your partner. More people divorce due to financial “infidelity” than any other cause. Here are a few things to look out for when deciding if you and the person you’re dating are a match moneywise.

Spending Habits Start Young
You can find out a lot about your mate’s perception of money by learning more about his childhood, because a lot of spending habits and beliefs are rooted in a person’s past. Children of financially irresponsible parents are more likely to take those habits into adulthood. So consider your partner’s family history when deciding if you’re on the same page financially.

Listen to Their “Conversations” About Money
The way someone talks about money, whether in a casual or serious conversation, is a good way to determine if they’re financially compatible with you. Just listen closely:

“This cash is burning a hole in my pocket.”

“Hey, you can’t take it with you.”

“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

People tend to tell on themselves when they’re talking about money–believe them and decide if these ideas are consistent with your own beliefs and goals.

Lying About Money
Finding out that a mate lies about the smallest things, like what she paid for something at the store, should be a red flag for a financially responsible person. Small lies can turn into big problems in the future. A Harris Interactive poll found that as many as one-third of married people who mingle their money admit to lying about finances. And in many cases that deception can lead to divorce.

Cash or Credit?
When you go out shopping with the person you’re dating, does he pay with cash or is he always pulling out a credit card? Some people look at credit cards as a sign of status, but in truth, they are a sign of potential financial trouble–especially when used for small everyday purchases like groceries or home goods.

Is Your Partner Saving for Retirement?
In a society of young people who prefer to live “in the moment,” not enough of them are planning for the future. A 2016 GoBankingRates survey found that one-third of all Americans and over 42 percent of Millenials have $0 saved for retirement. When someone does make a firm decision to save toward retirement, it is an indication that she is serious about her future and wants to live comfortably. If that’s also your goal, you may be with a winner.

Other Signs that You May Be Financially Incompatible
You do due diligence with just about every other aspect of your relationship, why not finances? There are more warning signs to look for that might predict financial incompatibility. Be wary if your partner has these characteristics or behaviors:

– Most concerned with spending money on wants, not needs.
– Finds it acceptable for bills to be paid late or never.
– Comfortable with living in debt with minimal concern
– Impulsive shopper.
– Balks at using coupons for fear that it will look “cheap.”
– Living from check to check.
– Multiple bankruptcies (doesn’t learn from past mistakes).
– Overly concerned with keeping up appearances rather than saving money.

Self-Reflection
While it may be tempting to only look at your partner and his or her financial habits, it’s also important to be honest with yourself when determining your compatibility. Are you really a saver or do you only perceive yourself that way? Are your own beliefs about money healthy? A thorough investigation into these matters will help you decide if you are reasonably safe from future battles with your significant other over love and money.

Posted by Lynn

The Best Way to Fight a Cold or Flu Symptoms Naturally

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Though some people immediately run to the pharmacy for cold medicine at the first sign of a dripping nose and sneezing, in many cases a natural solution is the best course of action. It’s important that you help your body’s immune system fight off the cold. Here are some tips for how to best fight a cold or the beginning of flu symptoms with natural remedies. Keep in mind that it’s always important to consult your physician before trying any new health remedy.

Drink this Special Hot Tea…
Tea has healing properties. It has been used since ancient times as medicine for numerous ailments. It contains polyphenols and phytochemicals that help the body fight disease. Drink this special recipe for hot tea throughout the day in a large tea cup and you’ll soon start to see relief from your cold or flu symptoms:

–    2 bags of potent green tea (antioxidant-rich).
–    Juice from half a lemon.
–    Local honey (honey harvested close to where you live).

Take C-Ester Vitamins Each Morning
C-Ester (or Ester-C) is a vitamin supplement that helps support the immune system. Take three or four of them at the first sign of cold symptoms and each morning after that. It’s important that you go to your local vitamin shop and get the capsules (filled with powder) instead of tablets for better and quicker absorption.

Chew on Zinc Lozenges
Zinc is a mineral that helps your body fight infections. Get a bottle of zinc lozenges (chewable vitamins) and chew them as prescribed throughout the day. Zinc is only intended for short-term use (about three to five days) so only take them until cold symptoms start to subside.

Make a Healing Soup
Open up the vegetable drawer in your refrigerator and start preparing veggies to make a slow-cooked, homemade healing soup. Eat this antioxidant-rich soup throughout the day when you’re hungry if you have cold symptoms. Here are a few ingredients you might want to add to your soup:

–    Carrots and celery
–    Garlic cloves
–    Leek and scallions
–    Spinach or collard greens
–    Fresh herbs (rosemary, basil, parsley)
–    Vegetable or natural chicken broth

Maintain a Positive Attitude–You’re Getting Better Each Day
The best advice for getting over a cold is to stay positive and believe that you will overcome the symptoms. Eliminate stress from your environment and get plenty of rest and relaxation. If you commit to these simple tips at the first sign of a cold, you may find that a visit to the store for over-the-counter medication isn’t always necessary.

5 Tips for How to Lose Weight and Have Fun in the Process

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Eating rich, gourmet foods while watching your favorite shows on television seems like fun until you start to see the numbers ticking higher on your bathroom scale! A lot of people really do want to change their sedentary habits and lose weight, but getting motivated is the biggest obstacle to that goal. Here are a few tips for how to lose weight fast in fun and healthy ways.

Start Walking the Trails

Some people dread working out in gyms because it can be monotonous and boring. Going to the same place every day and looking at the same sights can be less than inspiring. If this is your issue, try walking the trails near where you live. Something about being outside in the serenity of nature gives you the energy and motivation to get healthier.  There’s a good chance that there’s a nature trail within 5 to 10 miles from your home where you can enjoy nature while walking off the pounds. Remember to bring your favorite music or an audiobook to listen to while you’re taking in the sights.

Do Impromptu Five-Minute Spurt Workouts

When you’re reluctant to do a workout routine regularly, it’s often because you aren’t looking forward to doing it for an hour or more, especially if it’s going to make you hot and sweaty. So instead, do your workouts in five-minute spurts throughout the day. Pick about five different videos of five-minute workouts (mix it up with yoga, cardiovascular, and targeted routines) and turn them on whenever you get a moment during the day. Then go back to doing whatever you were doing before feeling much more energized. If you’re driving and aren’t in a rush to get to your destination, pull over and take a 5 minute walk in a nice area or park, then go back to your car. Add a little spice to your life!

Make Healthy Eating Interactive with Instagram

One of the best ways to commit to healthier eating and losing weight is to get a wider community involved. Use your Instagram account to post photos of your healthy meals. People love food photos on Instagram and the “likes” you get will encourage you to post more. You’ll also be encouraging others to join in on the fun. Make a daily habit of posting at least one healthy meal you’ve prepared on your account and build your following.

Create Unique Health Drinks

Discovering and experimenting with new health drinks that can help you drop weight fast can be fun. Just visit the produce section at your local grocery store to see the many options you have for creating new smoothies and juices. Make it a new project for yourself–do research on the specific fruits, vegetables, and natural supplements that help promote weight loss. Examples include lemons, pears, apples, spinach, berries, flaxseed, green tea, and green coffee bean extract. Also consult your physician for specific nutritional advice.

Listen to Comedy When You’re Jogging

Jogging (whether outside or on a treadmill) isn’t the most exciting physical activity for everyone, but it does wonders when you want to drop weight fast. To make jogging more fun, put in your headphones and listen to comedic routines on your smartphone (you can find plenty on YouTube). Not only will you burn fat from jogging, you might also burn off a few inches from laughing.

If you’re looking to lose a few pounds but lacking the motivation to exercise and eat better, try these ideas to lose weight fast in a fun way. You may be surprised by how quickly the fat begins to melt away, and also by how much better you feel both physically and mentally.

 

Posted by Jade