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Review: Yerba Mate Unsmoked Green Energy Tea

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Lately I’ve been testing out an array of teas. I want to gain more energy in a natural way to help me get me through my long days that require a lot of thinking and writing. I’ve opted for energy drinks in the past, but they are full of caffeine, sugars and chemicals. Plus they are expensive to maintain on a smart budget.

So I tried a product called Yerba Mate Unsmoked Green Energy Tea. It can be consumed hot or cold (think of a summertime tea).

Yerba Mate Unsmoked Green Energy Tea

Benefits

  • certified 100% organic & sustainably grown with fair trade
  • provides natural energy, raises metabolism, regulates appetite and aids in digestion
  • full of necessary antioxidants, minerals, amino acids and b vitamins
  • yerba mate’s main ingredient is mateine — it assists with mental and physical stimulation
  • affordable (you can get 24 tea bags for about $4)
  • quick steeping, strong and robust taste

Yerba Mate Unsmoked Green Energy Tea comes from the rain forest of South America and is the national drink in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. It’s not my favorite tea, but some days I have a craving for it. The only way I can describe it’s taste is “robust.” I do feel a little burst of energy when drinking it — especially after a couple of cups. The brew can be added to smoothies and other drinks for a quick antioxidant boost.

I would give this Yerba Mate Unsmoked Green Energy Tea a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5.

Posted by Jade

11 Self-Care Must-Haves for Women

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More and more women are starting to get familiar with the idea of self-care—taking care of yourself to ensure that you’re okay physically, emotionally and mentally. It’s usually targeted to women because we ladies tend to be loaded with the stress of caring for children, husbands, elderly relatives and work demands while not having much left over for ourselves. This can lead to avoidable health and wellness problems, and is a major contributor to depression in women.

If you’re ready to get serious about self-care for women, here are a few items that you should invest in. Just order them by importance (depends on your lifestyle) and get one or two items from the list as time goes on!

Flickr/proflowers

A Good Juicer

Juicing is an activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle. It allows you to get more than your necessary daily amount of vitamins without having to eat loads of fruits and vegetables. It helps boost your energy throughout the day, fights off disease and can even help you lose weight. So get a good juicer that extracts the nutrients from your veggies and fruits while leaving you with an easy clean up process afterwards.

Activity Pedometer or Fitbit Wristband

You may be surprised to learn how many steps you take in a day. Get a pedometer or a Fitbit wristband to keep you informed of your activity level throughout the day. Seeing numbers on a screen may encourage you to walk even more each day to reach a certain level.

Massaging Gel Insoles

If you ask a podiatrist what is the top reason for foot problems, 9 times out of 10 she’ll probably tell you that it’s your shoes. Your feet are your foundation and should be a top priority for you. Get massaging gel insoles to wear in your heels and work shoes—especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet, or have to walk a far distance daily. It helps by providing cushioning and shock absorption. It also assists in alleviating heel pain. If you’re having a problem with calluses, pick up some callus pads. Get a referral for a podiatrist if you have bunions, hammertoes or pain that doesn’t go away—these aren’t just aesthetic problems to laugh off. Get help, you and your feet matter!

Massaging Foot Bath

Have you ever heard of reflexology? It’s the study of the foot-body connection. It says you’re your feet can have an effect on just about every part of your body. Reflexologists manage the left and right sides of the body by stimulating the corresponding foot.

If this is true, giving special love and attention to your feet will indirectly do the same for other areas of the body. Get a personal foot bath that has massaging and gentle heat to give direct comfort to your feet with indirect benefits to your whole body.

Cool Mist Humidifier

If you have sinus or allergy problems and feel stuffed up during the day, get a portable cool mist humidifier to use at home or when you’re on the road. The cool mist will help with certain nasal and cold conditions. It helps with breathing so that you can get a better night’s rest. It may also help alleviate dry skin.

Portion Control Tupperware

If you talk to a nutritionist, many will tell you that weight loss and a good diet isn’t as much about what you eat as it is about how much you eat. Get portion control tupperware so that you can accurately measure out the recommended daily portions to lose weight. Be sure to get Tupperware that is dishwasher, microwave and BPA safe.

Quality At-Home Nail Kit

Details matter, and every lady loves having pretty nails. Going to the nail salon can cost up to $50 per visit. Though this is a self-care for women favorite, it isn’t always economical. So invest in an at-home gel nails kit (including UV light) or a French manicure press-on kit (they’re of a much better quality these days). These will save you a lot of money by allowing you to do your own salon-style manicures that will last for an extended period of time. Some nail kits that you can find at the store will last up to two weeks. Give one a try to find the one that’s right for you!

Electronic Foot File for Pedicures

One indication that you’re not paying enough attention to yourself is to take a look at your feet. If they’re dry, crackly and covered in tough calluses, they need some TLC. Get an electronic pedicure foot file to remove dead skin from your feet. Use it at least weekly to keep your feet smooth and looking well-groomed when wearing heels or sandals.

LED Tweezers

A good tweezer can be an essential part of your beauty routine. But if you tweeze too eagerly and often, you can leave dark marks on your skin. Get a pair of tweezers that has a built-in LED light. This makes tweezing more accurate and less time consuming.

Curlformers Hair Curlers

Having the right hairstyle can give your self-esteem and self-confidence a boost. Curlformers are a must-have if you like to do your hair in curls or beach waves. They’re quick, easy to use and must better for your hair than using drying sponge rollers or direct heat from a curling iron.

 

A Vanity Mirror Set

How often do you take the time to sit down and really look at yourself? Pamper yourself? In the past, women had beautiful vanity mirror sets where they would sit and take care of their beauty needs, including oiling their skin, putting on makeup and pinning up their hair before bed. Invest in your own vanity to make a clear statement to the universe that you matter! Spend at least 15 minutes at your vanity every day to take care of yourself and relax.

 

Compiled by LovingOurHome.com Staff

 

* Advice given should not replace that of your doctor or other medical professional. Please consult your doctor before making any significant lifestyle change.

Photo credit: Flickr/proflowers

7 Self Care Ideas and Tips for Women

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Women have so many responsibilities, from caring for family members to taking care of business at work. It can be difficult to find time for some much needed pampering, but self care is extremely important. The University of Kentucky defines self-care as any purposeful actions that you take to care for your “physical, mental and emotional health.” Here are some self care ideas and tips for women.

1- Make a foot bath with Epsom salt and apple cider vinegar. Fill a foot bath or tub with very warm water. Then add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to water. Then add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. The salt has healing properties, such as soothing tired feet, relieving aches and pains. The vinegar will help soften calluses and assist in removing excess skin from your feet. Make sure to soak your feet for at least 20-30 minutes. It helps tremendously if you have a pumice stone to remove excess skin. Just gently use stone in a circular pattern on feet and don’t forget to do your heels. When you are done the last step is to moisturize your feet with lotion. Your feet will thank you and you will feel rejuvenated. Do this at least once a week to renew your tired feet.

Flickr/basheertome2- Buy yourself a really good pair of comfortable shoes. Sometimes I wonder if stores that sell cheap shoes are owned by podiatrists! If you ask any foot doctor, wearing poorly made, cheap shoes is one of the top reasons for foot problems, including bunions, heel spurs and hammertoes. So one self-care idea is to go out to a very nice store and purchase one pair of really good, comfortable shoes. $50, $100, $200… it’s okay to spend some money on yourself–especially when it means you’ll have healthy, happy feet.

3- Make a coconut oil deep conditioner for your hair. Using coconut oil as a deep conditioner will strengthen your hair. The oil penetrates deep into your hair and can actually reduce hair loss and thinning. First, in a medium size bowl add 1/4 cup of coconut oil and combine with 4 tablespoons of warm water. Mix well. Apply mix to scalp and hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap, plastic wrap or a plastic bag for 30-45 minutes. Shampoo afterward and style as usual. Do this at least once a month.

Flickr/diophoto

4- Buy an ice cream cone for yourself and go sit OUTSIDE to eat it. Many times when you eat ice cream, it’s while sitting in front of the television or feeling sorry for yourself. If you’re going to enjoy some ice cream, go outside and enjoy nature as well. If you’re going to have a treat, have it when you’re feeling good.

5- Give yourself a full body massage with your favorite oil. When you put on lotion in the morning, you probably do it so quickly that you don’t even have a chance to reach every spot. Set aside at least 10 minutes out of your day, sit down with some music and massage every part of your body with your favorite oil–the neck, arms, hands, feet and back of your knees. Don’t stop massaging until every part of your skin is properly covered and treated.

6- Make your own hydrating water to drink throughout the day. As you know beauty starts from the inside out. Drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water can become boring, so make some hydrating water. This water will be a tasty thirst quencher that encourages you to get enough water each day. Slice a half of a cucumber and add 6 mint leaves to 2 quarts of purified water. Allow the water to chill for at least 1 hour before drinking.

7- Do 5 Minutes of Yoga. Many people assume that they yoga has to take hours and is very difficult, but it can actually be fulfilling in short spurts. Pick your five favorite positions, rotate them for about five minutes, then lay back and relax for the last 30-45 seconds. Get up and proceed with your day.

These self care ideas and tips for women will help you begin to take better care of yourself. Remember that if you are not happy you can’t make others happy. So take care of YOU and make the most out of every free moment.

Posted by Eve

Photo credits: Flickr/basheertome Flickr/diophoto

Tips to Stay Cool During a Heat Advisory

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Depending on where you live, it can really get oppressively hot during the summer months. When the heat becomes dangerous, weather authorities will issue a heat advisory for the public. Here are a few tips for how to stay cool during a heat advisory:

Tip #1. If you don’t put an AC on at any other point during the summer to save energy, put it on during a heat advisory. If you don’t have access to the lovely comfort of central air or an AC unit in the window, travel to your local library, coffee shop or a big box store and spend the hottest hours of the day relaxing there. Also, it is often cooler sitting outside under a large shaded tree than in your enclosed home. Get a comfy chair and have a seat there with a small battery operated fan and a spray bottle filled with cold ice water to spray on your skin (don’t forget your sunscreen and bug deterrent).

Tip #2. Do not allow sunlight to penetrate into your home. All it does is raise the temperature in your home. Invest in affordable room darkening shades or blinds that will block out the heat. Keep fans on in every room to keep air circulating.

Flickr/gagilas

Tip #3. Eat foods that don’t require you to turn on the stove top or oven. You can try eating cold sandwiches, salads, etc. If possible, consider ordering take out.

Tip #4. Wear thin light colored clothing. Dark clothing absorbs more heat therefore, raising your body temperature. 100% cotton clothing is best since it’s a breathable fabric. Stay away from polyester or polyester blended materials.

Tip #5. Avoid all types of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol causes your body to dehydrate. Instead of consuming alcoholic beverages, keep a bottle of ice water with lemon and fresh mint leaves handy. Make a pitcher of ice water and make sure to squeeze in plenty of lemon juice while muddling in the mint leaves. This drink will keep your body hydrated and cool.

Tip #6. Fill a bucket with ice and get a clean washcloth. Dip the washcloth in the ice water periodically, wring it out and drying your face and neck with it frequently during the day to stay cool.

Tip #7. Take a cold shower at the hottest time of the day. A cold shower really helps to balance out your body temperature, rinse away sweat and make you feel refreshed.

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Follow these simple tips to stay cool during a heat advisory. Also, make sure you check in on older folks to ensure that they’re staying cool during the summertime.

Posted by Eve

Photo credits: Flickr/gagilas, Flickr/stevendepolo

Tip to Quickly Soothe Mosquito Bites

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It’s too late. The mosquito got ‘cha and you’re already noticing swelling and redness in the area. What to do?

One way to quickly soothe a recent mosquito bite is to wash the area with oatmeal soap. Just lather up, wash it just like you would wash your hands, leave it on for about 3 minutes, rinse and dry. The oatmeal helps to reduce swelling and itching.

Natural Oatmeal SoapThe best solution is prevention. Be sure to spray yourself with a good mosquito repellent before you go outside with bare arms and legs.

* Make sure you’re not allergic to oatmeal, oat products or other added ingredients.

Posted by Jade

 

Image credit: Flickr/madaise

4 Ways to Better Manage Your Depression

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Depression is a very serious issue that can negatively affect a person’s life in a number of ways. It can have negative effects on both the mind and body. You may feel tired, sad, lacking energy and sometimes like life doesn’t have much meaning. If you’re having a chronic problem with how to manage your depression, of course the first course of action is to seek the help of a professional because in some cases it can be the result of a chemical imbalance, hormonal issues or even heredity.

Manage Your Depression

 

However, depressive disorder is also often caused by outside forces, like stressful life events and eating bad foods, so a holistic and natural approach to managing this condition may help as well. You can also try implementing a few new stimulating activities into your daily routine to better manage your depression.

Change Your Diet

Did you know that some foods can actually exasperate your feelings of depression? Researchers from the University of Navarra and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canariain in Spain found that eating foods high in trans fats and saturated fats can actually make depression worse.

You may also be missing necessary vitamins and minerals from your diet. Buy a daily pill container and fill it with vitamins, including a multi-vitamin, vitamin C-ester, vitamin D, vitamin B and any others that your doctor says you need for proper nutrition.

Read

When you’re depressed, your mind is unhappy with your current surroundings and situation. So if you’re feeling down, try sending your mind elsewhere for a while by picking up a good book or other type of reading material. Be careful not to read negative things, such as sad news stories, depressing articles and magazines that advertise things you can’t have at the moment; that could depress you even further. Read positive stories of triumph, feel good news and if possible, stories about other people who have overcome depression.

Do Just 5 Minutes of Yoga

The mind-body connection is a very real thing. Sometimes exercising or simply stretching the muscles in your body can help you manage depression. If you aren’t motivated enough to do a full workout, just pause and do about 5-10 minutes of yoga stretches. Here’s a quick beginner’s yoga video you can follow. This one helps energize you. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much better you feel after doing just a bit of yoga. The more you do it, the longer you’ll probably want to do it, but don’t feel pressured. Just take it one day at a time.

Talk to Someone (Or Even to Yourself)

If you have someone in your life that you can confide in, it helps to tell them what you’re going through. Sometimes just getting your feelings out can help relieve negative tension. It’s not wise to keep all of those depressed and repressed feelings bottled up for long stretches of time. If you don’t have someone else to talk to, sometimes talking through it with yourself (or a Higher Power that you believe in) each day is just as effective. And of course, talking to a qualified therapist who understands depressive disorders is also a good idea.

If you’re suffering from depression, you certainly aren’t alone. Even high profile celebrities with lots of money and fame, who seem to have great lives, report that they have experienced bouts of depression. Try changing up your routine, lifestyle and diet to manage your depression and overcome those negative feelings. It’s also important to seek the counsel of a trusted professional if it gets worse — talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can really help you get some relief and see things in a more positive light.

Seeing the Light

Posted by Jade