giveaway

$1000 Summer Adventure Giveaway!

by Ann Harrison 11 Comments

Summer Adventure Giveaway

What are your summer plans? Or, are you going the way of a truly laid-back summer vibe and not have any plans at all? Either way, I’m sure having a nice little wind-fall of cash would make your summer more enjoyable, right? Of course! Two lucky winners will receive $500 – paid through Paypal. Enter below. Good luck!

My family has one getaway planned to Black Butte Ranch in Central Oregon. Oh my, it’s just beautiful there! Mountains, rivers, Ponderosa Pine trees that give off the most gorgeous fragrance. I can’t wait to sit on the deck and wait for a deer to wander by, or for a chipmunk to join me for some peanuts.

I’m wondering if we could get away to Victoria, B.C.? We visited two summers ago and feel in LOVE with that city! Our girls were most impressed with the dusk “Ghost Tours” that showcased various buildings full of ghost sightings and other-wordly experiences. (Rob and I did one tour, then let the girls go for another tour while enjoyed cocktails and watched the sunset.) Do you know what a Pickle Boat is? It’s the cutest little water taxi you’ll ever see.

While I dream of heading up to Victoria, and plan on Black Butte Ranch, please do yourself a favor and enter to win one of the two prizes of $500 Paypal cash. Good luck!

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health

4 Warning Signs of a Hoarder

by Ann Harrison 1 Comment

~~~Guest Contributor: H.G. McKinnis

In my early twenties, I lived with a hoarder I’ll call Mae. When I moved in, I saw she had loads of stuff, and I knew instantly she was a poor housekeeper. It wasn’t until I moved out, however, that I realized Mae wasn’t just a person who had a neatness deficit and a high tolerance for roaches. She was a classic example of a genuine hoarder.

We all like our stuff. We chose it, love it, and become attached. Any empty nester can tell you how difficult it is to move from a big house to a smaller one. It’s a challenge to throw out mementos and get rid of things that represent milestones, success, or investment. Not every person attached to their possessions is a hoarder, not even prodigious collectors. Hoarding, like other addictions and mental disorders, can’t always be recognized by outward appearances. Huge piles of clutter may be a symptom, but they aren’t enough for a diagnosis without supporting evidence. Here are a few ways to recognize a hoarding problem and begin to find help.

1) Inability to part with worthless, useless items
A serious problem often starts out small. As I look back on my experiences with Mae, the warning signs were all present. Her tables and chairs were stacked with worn-out books, paper bags, and old mail. She bought food in bulk “to save money.” The food often spoiled in the refrigerator, but Mae refused to throw it out. Instead, she created a “compost pile.” While she claimed she was improving the soil in her backyard, she was really only creating a burgeoning problem with bugs. When I noticed she had three copies of the same book, I suggested she get rid of the copy with loose, brittle, and missing pages. She said she was afraid the tattered version might be hurt or destroyed if she didn’t protect it. I now know that rationalizations for holding on to useless items—and even garbage—are classic signs of a disorder.

2) Insatiable desire for more stuff
Mae made monthly donations to a neighborhood thrift store, usually consisting of clothing her children had outgrown and items she had recently acquired and with which she had not formed a bond. Whenever she made a donation, Mae also shopped at the thrift store for stuff she felt was “too good to stay in the store.” She usually came home with slightly less than she had left with and elated that she had “pared down.” Then she would order things from catalogs as a reward for good behavior. The result? More stuff. I now know that hoarders often have some awareness of their problematic relationship with possessions, but they can rarely make substantive changes without intervention.

3) No problem getting rid of other people’s stuffMae couldn’t part with her own junk, but she had no trouble at all giving away my belongings. “Oh, my friend needed it,” she said when my clock radio went missing. At the time, I couldn’t understand this behavior. Now I know that it’s quite typical of most. Studies on the brains of hoarders have shown that ownership is a key factor when they make decisions. The disorder stems from their unhealthy relationship with their own possessions, but not those of others. Mae was unable to get rid of her old books and trash but had no trouble parting with her children’s belongings—and my stuff.

4) Issues that threaten health and safety
Hoarding problems tend to get worse over time. While stacks of newspapers or boxes of possessions may at first seem innocuous, tall stacks are a hazard. Hoarders have died in fires caused by their accumulations and suffocated under toppled piles. In Mae’s case, her papers and books housed a cockroach infestation. She could see that the bug problem was out of hand, but threw a fit if I mentioned getting rid of any of the clutter. She had a story about the value and use she might get out of each and every item. It is always difficult to intervene, but if health and safety are at risk, remember that hoarders are incapable of making necessary changes on their own.

Because hoarding is a behavior but not a disorder in itself, it is wise to look into possible issues that contributed to it and seek appropriate therapy. Depression leads the list of underlying causes of hoarding, but trauma, family background, dementia, and many other factors may also be responsible. For help with hoarding itself, consider programs like Clutterers Anonymous or Buried in Treasures, twelve-step programs that are run and maintained by its members and uses the mentor approach. If the hoarder herself realizes that change is necessary, and she makes the effort to work with the program, she can develop a tolerance for bypassing unnecessary purchases. As a friend or family member, remember that understanding and compassion can go a long way to helping a hoarder improve.

H.G. McKinnis is the author of the forthcoming novel A Justified Bitch: A Las Vegas Mystery [Imbrifex Books, August 8, 2017], a twisted tale of murder, hoarding and redemption. Learn more about H.G. McKinnis at AJustifiedBitch.com, on Twitter, Facebook and at Imbrifex Books.

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5 Ways To Rid Mosquitoes Naturally

by Ann Harrison 0 Comments

5 ways to rid mosquitoes naturally

In the Pacific Northwest, we know in Summertime one day it can be raining, the next day 90 degrees. (It’s not unusual for our closets to have tank tops next to turtlenecks. You just never know!) With the constant change of weather, you get busy with yard work in between rain storms. But *smack* these darn *smack* mosquitoes are driving me crazy! (I’m allergic to them so that makes it even worse.) And considering mosquitoes also carry the Zika virus, let’s deter these pests the best way we can. After researching natural ways to rid these highly annoying insects here are 5 tips to rid mosquitoes naturally in your yard:

Plant Marigolds – The bright marigold not only adds nice splashes of color to your garden borders and potted plants, it also gives off a scent which repels mosquitoes. Marigolds contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.

Dump Standing Water – mosquito larvae can exist in as little as 2 tablespoons of standing water. Children’s toys are the #1 culprits (here’s looking at you sand pails and water tables!) These pests can develop in any size puddle that has been around for 4 days. I know it’s convenient to keep a pail of water near your plants for quicker watering, but know that this also enables the creation and housing for the nasty mosquito.

Eliminate Decaying Foliage From Ground – Not only is removing fallen leaves from the yard better for your grass, it will eliminate a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Fallen leaves, over time, create mold and/or fungus and mosquitoes love that stuff! Mold/fungus is a sought-after meal for the mosquito so it’s best to remove leaves, branches, any plant from your yard that isn’t living.

Fill Your Pond With Mosquito Eating Fish – Stock your ornamental pond with guppies, koi, or goldfish (most healthy, hungry fish will eliminate the majority of mosquito larvae from ponds).

Remove Debris (a.k.a. Tires) From Yard– The used tire has become the most important domestic mosquito producer in this country. If you’ve done a little automotive repair, and have kept the task of “Take tire to recycling center” on your To-Do List too long, now’s the time to take it away and check it off your list.

These are a few tips that I hope will help you rid your yard of the highly annoying mosquito so that you can enjoy your time in the comfort and beauty of your own backyard.

(*** Information sources: Rutgers Dept. of Entomology – EarthEasy.com – Mr. Mister Mosquito Control)

health

Totally Stressed Out? The Risks To Your Body

by Ann Harrison 0 Comments

You’re trying to get the kids off to school, you can’t find your cell phone, and you’re sitting in traffic. Your hypothalamus, a tiny control tower in your brain, decides to send out the order: Send in the stress hormones! These stress hormones are the same ones that trigger your body’s “fight or flight” response. Your heart races, your breath quickens, and your muscles are ready for action. This response was designed to protect your body in an emergency by preparing you to react quickly. But when the stress response keeps firing, day after day, it could put your health at serious risk. Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City Neuropsychologist who breaks down stress and it’s risks to your body.

Gastrointestinal:

Esophagus

When you’re stressed, you may eat much more or much less than you usually do. If you eat more or different foods or increase your use of alcohol or tobacco, you can experience heartburn or acid reflux. Stress or exhaustion can also increase the severity of heartburn pain.

Stomach

When you’re stressed, your brain becomes more alert to sensations in your stomach. Your stomach can react with “butterflies” or even nausea or pain. You may vomit if the stress is severe enough. And, if the stress becomes chronic, you may develop ulcers or severe stomach pain even without ulcers.

Bowel

Stress can affect digestion, and what nutrients your intestines absorb. It can also affect how fast food moves through your body. You may find that you have either diarrhea or constipation.

Headaches:

“Fight or flight” chemicals like adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol can cause vascular changes that leave you with a tension headache or a migraine, either during the stress or in the “let-down” period afterward. Stress also makes your muscles tense, which can make the pain of a migraine worse.

Possible Solution: Beyond treating the headache itself, focus on headache-proofing your home, diet, and lifestyle in general.

Respiratory System:

Stress can make you breathe harder. That’s not a problem for most people, but for those with asthma or a lung disease such as emphysema, getting the oxygen you need to breathe easier can be difficult. And some studies show that an acute stress, such as the death of a loved one— can actually trigger asthma attacks, in which the airway between the nose and the lungs constricts. In addition, stress can cause the rapid breathing or hyperventilation that can bring on a panic attack in someone prone to panic attacks.

Possible Solution: Working with a psychologist to develop relaxation and breathing strategies can help.

Female Reproductive System:

Menstruation

Stress may affect menstruation among adolescent girls and women in several ways. For example, high levels of stress may be associated with absent or irregular menstrual cycles, more painful periods and changes in the length of cycles.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Stress may make premenstrual symptoms worse or more difficult to cope with and pre-menses symptoms may be stressful for many women. These symptoms include cramping, fluid retention and bloating, negative mood (feeling irritable and “blue”) and mood swings.

Menopause

As menopause approaches, hormone levels fluctuate rapidly. These changes are associated with anxiety, mood swings and feelings of distress. Thus menopause can be a stressor in and of itself. Some of the physical changes associated with menopause, especially hot flashes, can be difficult to cope with. Furthermore, emotional distress may cause the physical symptoms to be worse. For example, women who are more anxious may experience an increased number of hot flashes and/or more severe or intense hot flashes.

Sexual Desire

Women juggle personal, family, professional, financial and a broad range of other demands across their life span. Stress, distraction, fatigue, etc., may reduce sexual desire — especially when women are simultaneously caring for young children or other ill family members, coping with chronic medical problems, feeling depressed, experiencing relationship difficulties or abuse, dealing with work problems, etc.

Fat storage

You can clearly correlate stress to weight gain. Part of that link is due to poor eating during stress, but the stress hormone cortisol may also increase the amount of fat tissue your body hangs onto and enlarge the size of fat cells. Higher levels of cortisol have been linked to more deep abdominal fat—yes, belly fat.

Possible Solution: Luckily, exercise can help control stress and help keep belly fat under control.

Insomnia:

Stress can cause hyperarousal, a biological state in which people just don’t feel sleepy.

While major stressful events can cause insomnia that passes once the stress is over, long-term exposure to chronic stress can also disrupt sleep and contribute to sleep disorders.

Possible Solution: Focus on sleep hygiene (making your surroundings conducive to a good night’s rest) and try yoga or another stress-busting activity during the day.

Memory:

Too much of the stress hormone cortisol can interfere with the brain’s ability to form new memories. During acute stress, the hormone also interferes with neurotransmitters, the chemicals that brain cells use to communicate with each other. That can make it hard to think straight or retrieve memories.

Possible Solution: While it’s tough to limit stress in our hectic lives, some experts recommend trying meditation, among other solutions.

Blood sugar:

Stress is known to raise blood sugar, and if you already have type 2 diabetes you may find that your blood sugar is higher when you are under stress. Changing what you eat, exercising more, or adjusting medication can help to keep it under control. One study of obese black women without diabetes found that those who produced more stress-related epinephrine when asked to recall stressful life events had higher fasting glucose and bigger blood sugar spikes than those with lower epinephrine, suggesting it might raise your risk for getting diabetes too.

***Shared With Permission*** About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical neuropsychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com

cooking

Kick Off Summer Celebrations with Lemons

by Ann Harrison 3 Comments

Lemons! If you love lemons as much as I do you’re going to love these recipes. June is here and is bringing an endless array of summertime festivities with it. Between Father’s Day, summer weddings and graduation parties, Limoneira spokesperson Megan Roosevelt has put together an easy and festive selection of recipes and home décor ideas to kick off the summer season in style – with lemons, of course!

For a helpful demonstration, you can watch Megan create the recipes below here on the Limoneira YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe – videos with more wonderful tips and tricks not detailed in this release will be added to the channel each Friday throughout the month.

Limoneira has also linked with additional global chefs and mixologists, nutritionists, and beauty lifestyle and green cleaning experts that share their knowledge with the customers of our grocery and food service partners around the world. Their biographies can be found on Limoneira’s website.

Take a look at some great new examples below.

Meyer Lemon Salmon & Veggie Kebabs – Because what is summer without BBQ? This easy and healthy treat is perfect for that Father’s Day dinner.

Ingredients:

½ lb salmon
2 Limoneira Meyer lemons
1 zucchini
1 tbsp cooking oil
2 tbsp cilantro

Directions: Slice zucchini and lemons. Then dice cilantro and add to the cooking oil with juice from ½ of a Meyer lemon. For each kebab, use 4 pieces of salmon and 3 slices each of zucchini and lemon. Layer on a barbecue safe skewer and top with some lemon-cilantro oil. Grill for about 15 minutes, rotating 2-3 times until the salmon is fully cooked. Enjoy!

Lemon Coconut Pops – Use this treat to celebrate your favorite new graduate, or just to ring in the summertime.

Ingredients:

2 cups coconut milk (from a can)
½ cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp raw local honey

Directions: Whisk all ingredients together and pour into a popsicle mould. Freeze for 6+ hours – then enjoy!

Lemon Floral Arrangement – Because no summertime party or wedding is complete without some easy, breezy, lemon-themed décor!

You’ll need:

1 wide-mouthed mason jar or clear glass vase
Sliced Limoneira lemons
Flowers of your choosing

Directions: Add lemon slices to jar/vase. Add flowers, and use lemon slices to fill in any remaining gaps. Fill with water and place on a table to brighten up any summer celebrations!

Each month, Megan will be featuring another wonderful facet of citrus living. Subscribe to Limoneira’s Youtube channel for more information on the many ways this endlessly versatile fruit can improve life inside the home and beyond.

About Limoneira®
The Limoneira Company was founded in Ventura County, California in 1893. Today, Limoneira has evolved into a global company whose mission is to preserve and promote its tradition, heritage and legacy in agriculture and community development. With 11,000 acres of agricultural production, Limoneira is the largest provider of lemons and avocados in the United States. In addition to agriculture, Limoneira has a long history of community building. Finally, sustainability has been woven into Limoneira’s fabric for over a century with strategic investments in water, solar, soil, and integrated pest management. For more information, visit www.limoneira.com.

About Megan Roosevelt and Healthy Grocery Girl ®
Megan Roosevelt is an internationally published author, cooking show host and producer as well as a nutrition expert for regional and national television and magazines. In addition to being a plant-based Registered Dietitian, Roosevelt through Healthy Grocery Girl® provides her extensive audience with on-line cooking videos and says “I love helping people get healthy in ways that are realistic and fun”.

Roosevelt is the spokesperson for Limoneira’s Lemons for Life™ campaign and says “As one of the largest growers of lemons in the United States, the partnership with Limoneira made a great deal of sense”, she said. “It’s synergistic. We all know that lemons are among the healthiest products people can integrate into their diets”. Lemons for Life ™ highlights a variety of ways that lemons can be integrated into consumer’s lives. These include recipes, natural cleaning, beauty and health tips as well as lifestyle applications.

health

Treating Depression And Obesity Together

by Ann Harrison 4 Comments

Treating depression and obesity together is at the heart of a new health program with global ramifications.

The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) in Adelaide, Australia will trial a world-first group intervention that draws upon several established approaches to boost patient health and wellbeing in the coming months.

The program, developed in the past six months, is being trialed in South Australia and will be rolled out internationally if successful.

The link between depression and obesity has been established for some time but treating them together has not been attempted before.

According to the Journal of Health Psychology and the European Association for the Study of Obesity, people who are overweight are two to four times more likely to develop depression and people who were depressed were twice as likely to become overweight or obese compared to their healthy counterparts.

The World Health Organization estimates 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression worldwide and obesity has more than doubled since 1980.

Treating Depression and Obesity Together - Ann Again and again Reviews — The SAHMRI building in Adelaide

Taryn Lores, a health psychologist within the Mind and Brain theme at SAHMRI, said there were many mechanisms that needed to be addressed if people were expected to recover from depression and be at ease with their bodies in the long term.

“Depression and being overweight or being above the healthy weight level, are things that are most commonly experienced together,” she said. “People who are depressed are prone to things like overeating, bad eating habits and less frequent physical activity. Likewise, you have people who are mentally healthy but if overweight are prone to developing mental health issues linked to depression.

“This program is meant to help people set realistic goals and set changes that will become habitual and lifelong and we see this program, this dual focus, being more effective because treating them separately could be getting in the way of actually treating them at all in the long run.”

SAHMRI’s treatment program involves a two-hour group session each week for 10 weeks. Topics covered will include various Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques and mindfulness strategies. Patients will also be required to attend additional appointments at SAHMRI for further assessments and follow-ups after the 10-week period. Researchers are targeting a trial group of about 15 volunteers to take part in the project.

SAHMRI Mind and Brain Theme Leader and Professor of Psychiatry at Flinders University Julio Licinio said that with major depression, people might also experience either a loss of or a large increase in appetite. “Weight gain can bring about a sense of worthlessness and loss of control, leading to a cycle of dieting and a sense of failure,” Professor Licinio said.

“We have created a program of psychological interventions that tackle both the feelings that surround food and weight loss, whilst exploring the impact of depression in this process. The program includes a series of educative strategies that respond to this complex combination of issues, with the intention of increasing the success and understanding of sustained weight loss over time.”

SAHMRI opened in late 2013 and is in the new Adelaide BioMed City precinct, a $3 billion tripartite health hub comprising a number of educational institutions, research centers and a soon-to-be-completed major hospital.

SAHMRI is home to about 600 researchers working across seven themes: Heart Health; Infection & Immunity; Aboriginal Health; Mind & Brain; Cancer; Healthy Mothers, Babies & Children; and, Nutrition & Metabolism.

(Shared with permission. Taryn Lores Health Psychologist South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. To contact: Taryn.lores@sahmri.commb.sahmri.com)

Family - giveaway

Time For A $200 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

by Ann Harrison 0 Comments

Summer vacations are just around the corner and you can find just about any item you’ll need for your days of relaxation, or excitement, on Amazon. Last summer caring for family members took precedence over escaping to the desert, mountain or beach. (All healed now! Yay!!!) Hopefully, we’ll be able to get a much-needed break and get out and about. Do you have vacation plans for this summer? If so, enter to win this $200 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway and indulge more on your vacation. Good luck!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $200 Amazon Gift Card

Co-hosts: Surviving Mommy // Dorky’s Deals // Coupons and Freebies Mom // Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog // Capri’s Coupons // From Mom’s Desk // Now This Is 40 // Southern Momma’s //Deliciously Savvy // geniabeme // FASHION TALES // Misadventures with Andi // The Frugal Free Gal // The Mommyhood Mentor® // Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains // Suburban Wife, City Life // MommaDJane // Mommies with Cents // Java John Z’s // Linda’s Lunacy // La Passion Voutee // Lipgloss and Crayons // Ottawa Mommy Club // Improve Your Mental Health // The It Mom // Oh, The Places We Travel! // Mama’s Mission // Here We Go Again Ready // Mommy Blog Expert // Ann Again and again Reviews smile // Conservamom // Savingsmania.com //Mama’s Beauty Blog! // Parenting Healthy // My Latina Journey

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 6/13 and is open worldwide. The winner will be notified via email. The prize fulfillment is the responsibility of the giveaway organizer. Giveaway Co-hosts are not responsible for contacting or fulfilling, the prize.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

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health

7 Ways to Deal With Work-Related Anxiety

by Ann Harrison 3 Comments

7 Ways to Deal With Work Related Anxiety - Ann Again and again Reviews

Whether you work from home or go to an office daily, you are always working for someone else. Your services, talents, skills and knowledge are being exchanged for money and that means meeting expectations. It also means dealing with daily triggers that create frustration. According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC-based licensed clinical neuropsychologist, these triggers build up stress which may negatively impact our personal relationships. Check out these physical health 7 ways to deal with work-related anxiety.

Fear Based Bosses

Bosses who focus on possibilities and solutions inspire creativity and collaboration. Fear-based bosses aren’t leaders they are energy drainers. They have quick tempers, focus on problems, complain and threaten. According to Dr. Hafeez people make the mistake of remaining in a job for the wrong reasons. “Being spoken to harshly every day is no way to live. It’s abusive and causes anxiety. My advice, file a complaint with human resources and resign. Your well-being matters first and most.”

Co-Worker Cliques

Some work cultures include gossip, passive aggressiveness, undercutting, sabotage, and verbal jabs that would rival any high school clique. “If your work is solid, align with others who are focused and keep your eye on the prize. You have a job to do and your focus will be thrown off by unnecessary cattiness. When you hear a group of co-workers gossiping, politely excuse yourself,” advises Dr. Hafeez.

Technology Glitches

We’ve all had instances where we want to throw our computers out the window, stomp on our cell phones and kick a vending machine after it gobbles up our last 2 singles. “Technology is what led to a higher standard for speed and efficiency. When we can’t get what we want in .005 seconds we get agitated. It’s conditioning,” she explains. “Centering is a great technique that helps delay reaction time to stressors. Before pounding on the copy machine, step back count to 5, breathe and pivot to fixing whatever may be wrong or finding someone who can assist.”

Presenting

You can be the most articulate, outgoing person and still have anxiety when it comes to presenting to a group. It is common for people to experience insomnia, nausea and tension headaches leading up to an important presentation. Preparation is key. “Allow ample time to gather key points and mentally rehearse your presentation while doing another unrelated activity such as cooking, cleaning, walking or running, to release stress and remain present suggests Dr. Hafeez.”

Your Commute

“Once you exceed 30 minutes one-way, your happiness level drops and your stress level rises,” says Dr. Hafeez. A coping mechanism she suggests is to use the commute as a time to learn. If driving, tune off the negative news talk radio and opt for interesting podcasts or audio books. If stuck on a bus or train, reading a book, watching a show on the iPad, or getting a head start on email are also ways to make the time fly.

Business Travel

Rushing for airplanes and dealing with weather delays and overbooked flights, not to mention navigating an unfamiliar place, will stress anyone out. “Preparation and a solid backup plan is a great way to ease pre-business travel stress. While face-to-face meetings may be optimal, skipping a flight and opting for a video conference may be a less stressful option.”

Quotas and Commissions

While most workers love the self-determined earning potential of a commission-paid job, they still find it stressful when they look at the numbers and fear coming up short. “Anxiety is caused by excessive worry about future events you believe you cannot control, explains Dr. Hafeez.” It may sound harsh but setting higher targets can be helpful. When you raise the bar at making 50 sales calls instead of coasting by with the usual 20, you’ll most likely complete 30 and will feel accomplished. “Acknowledge daily wins and break down the effort into smaller chunks of time so you focus on what’s in front of you,” she advises.

About the Doctor:

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com

***********Shared with Permission***************

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3 Keys to Choosing the Right Plumber For You

by Ann Harrison 3 Comments

3 Keys To Choosing The Right Plumber For You - Ann Again and again Reviews

Many people view needing to call a plumber with as much trepidation as making an appointment at the dentist. It certainly doesn’t need to be like this. There are many great plumbers out there. The key is to select the right one for you. (That is often easier said than done.) When a plumbing issue arises, however, it can become frustrating rather quickly. This is why you need to look through all of the plumbers Tampa to determine the person that is best suited to fix your problem. Here are three keys to choosing the right plumber for you:

Choose Only Licensed and Bonded Professional Plumbers

Not all plumbers have received the same training, and not all of them are equipped to handle every type of plumbing situation that they encounter. This is why you want to make sure that you only consider plumbers with a license. This will mean that they meet standard standards for the profession and that they are committed to the continuing education requirements necessary to retain that license. They will also be bonded and insured, so you can rest assured that they will take care of anything should something untoward happen to your property while they are on the job.

Make Sure Upfront Pricing is the Norm

Whenever you need any repair type work done on your home, the expense can add up quickly. You need to budget and plan for your plumbing work, so you will want to make sure that you select a plumber that give a comprehensive price quote and then sticks with it. It does you little good to get halfway through the job and then be told that the price will actually be double. A professional plumber should know what type of work is needed and then give you a price that fits within the scope of the project.

Get Reviews

Naturally, it is helpful to have a few reviews and references to look over before selecting a plumber. Plumbers should also be transparent with their reviews. In fact, a sure sign that something might be amiss is if your find a plumber who has thousands of glowing references and not one that is slightly negative. You want to know the good and bad. No plumber is perfect, so you want one that is honest enough to admit their shortcomings while certainly highlighting their strengths.

These three keys will help you choose the right plumber. This is an important decision. Having a good plumber is like choosing the right dentist. You plan to keep this person for years to come, so choose wisely and you should appreciate the end result.

cooking - health - home

Want To Be In A Good Mood? Eat These Foods

by Ann Harrison 2 Comments

Want to be in a good mood? Eat These Foods - Ann Again and again Reviews

A number of lifestyle factors can contribute to depression, but one that’s often overlooked is what you put in your mouth. “Diet plays a huge role in depression,” says with Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine.

Do you crave sweet, salty, and fatty foods when you’re feeling blue? You’re not alone. But, says Dr. Calapai “If we eat better foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fish, we short-circuit the junk food cravings and have higher energy levels and sharper mental focus.

Vitamin D (sun exposure; fortified breakfast cereals, breads, juices, milk):

Vitamin D is required for brain development and function. Deficiency of this “sunshine vitamin” is sometimes associated with depression and other mood disorders.

“Smart” Carbs Can Have a Calming Effect

Carbohydrates are linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin. Experts aren’t sure, but carb cravings sometimes may be related to low serotonin activity. Choose your carbs wisely. Limit sugary foods and opt for smart or “complex” carbs (such as whole grains) rather than simple carbs (such as cakes and cookies). Fruits, vegetables, and legumes also have healthy carbs and fiber.

Want to be in a good mood? Eat these foods - Ann Again and again Reviews

Tryptophan (protein sources including turkey, beef, eggs, some dairy products, dark, leafy greens):

An amino acid, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. It’s not well understood, but low tryptophan seems to trigger depressive symptoms in some people who have taken antidepressants.

Increase your intake of B vitamins

People with either low blood levels of the B-vitamin folic acid, or high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine (a sign that you are not getting enough B6, B12 or folic acid), are both more likely to be depressed and less likely to get a positive result from anti-depressant drugs. In a study comparing the effects of giving an SSRI with either a placebo or with folic acid, 61% of patients improved on the placebo combination but 93% improved with the addition of folic acid.

Boost your serotonin with amino acids

Serotonin is made in the body and brain from an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is then converted into another amino acid called 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP), which in turn is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Tryptophan can be found in the diet; it’s in many protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, beans and eggs. 5-HTP is found in high levels in the African Griffonia bean, but this bean is not a common feature of most people’s diet. Just not getting enough tryptophan is likely to make you depressed; people fed food deficient in tryptophan became rapidly depressed within hours.

Up your intake of chromium

This mineral is vital for keeping your blood sugar level stable because insulin, which clears glucose from the blood, can’t work properly without it. In fact, it turns out that just supplying proper levels of chromium to people with atypical depression can make a big difference.

Select Selenium-Rich Foods

Studies have reported a link between low selenium and poor moods. The recommended amount of selenium is 55 micrograms a day for adults. The evidence isn’t clear that taking supplements can help. And it’s possible to get too much selenium. So it’s probably best to focus on foods:

Beans and legumes
Lean meat (lean pork and beef, skinless chicken and turkey)
Low-fat dairy products
Nuts and seeds (particularly brazil nuts – but no more than one or two a day because of their high selenium content)
Seafood (oysters, clams, sardines, crab, saltwater fish, and freshwater fish)
Whole grains (whole-grain pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, etc.)

Caffeine and Sugary Foods

Caffeine may be difficult for many people to completely eliminate from their diet. However, it is good to only have caffeinated drinks in moderation, particularly when you are experiencing depression-like symptoms. Caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns and make you feel anxious, both of which won’t help your depression. People who drink more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, the equivalent of four cups of brewed coffee, should consider cutting back.

**********************************************************************************************************************

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S.

His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s.

Dr. Calapai started his practice in New York City in 1986 and for over 25 years he has hosted nationally syndicated radio shows, including his two weekly call-in shows on WABC 770-AM, where he offers health and medical advice. He has a show on Saturday morning 8-9am and Sunday evening from 6-7pm. He has consulted with numerous high-profile individuals including Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham’s, Donal Logue and worked as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers hockey team as well as various modeling agencies.

Dr. Calapai received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and he consults in Manhattan with practices on Long Island, in East Meadow and Plainview. He has appeared on News12 and in the pages of 25A Magazine and Social Life Magazine.

He is the author of E-books Heavy Metals and Chronic Disease, Reverse Diabetes Forever! Seven Steps to Healthy Blood Sugar, Top Ten Supplements You Can’t Live Without, and Glorious Glutathione. Learn more about Dr. Calapai on his website: www.drcal.net

****Shared with permission****

deals - giveaway

Win $100 Gift Cards From Target Amazon and Walmart with Dropprice!

by Ann Harrison 1 Comment

$300 In Gift Cards

Welcome to the Dropprice Win $300 In Gift Cards!

You could be the lucky winner of $100 Gift Cards From Target, Amazon and Walmart from Dropprice! Dropprice is an innovative startup that rewards moms for being social. And Dropprice wants to help us all by providing chances to win not one, not two but three gift cards! All for $100 each! Thank you Dropprice! Let’s learn more about this service. Essentially, they empower moms to drop prices of kids & baby products with a click. The price continues dropping as more moms click “Drop the price”. Every week new promotions are launched and moms drop prices by sharing them on social media. See the chart below to understand the power moms have and how important it is to share with other moms. Enter below to win. Good luck!

In today’s promotion for the Chewable Necklace, it started out at $34.00 and for each mom that clicks, the price drops a bit. The price will continue to drop for each mom that participates.

You can choose to share on social media to get more moms to click “Drop the price”, or you can “Buy Now” at the current price. Keep in mind that when the price gets low, they usually sell out and you will no longer have the chance to buy that item. As an added bonus every item on Dropprice ships for free!

Do you want to give it a try? This is such a fun and exciting way for moms to save lots of money by collaborating with each other. If you would like to have a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card, you can experience dropping the price by following the instructions below.

Giveaway: Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card

All you have to do is help moms drop the price of the Necklace and you will be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Just click “Drop the price” on the entry form below for a chance to win. For even more entries, share it on your social media networks via the entry form — every time one of your friends also clicks to drop the price, you’ll automatically receive additional giveaway entries!

This giveaway ends on 5/9/2017; you must be a US Resident and be 18 years or older to enter. Winners are randomly selected and contacted via email; the winners will be listed at the top of the entry form when the giveaway ends.

Click here if you don’t see the entry form below.

Terms & Conditions | Powered by Dropprice

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MORE CHANCES BELOW!

Giveaway: Win a $100 Target Gift Card

CLICK HERE TO OPEN ENTRY FORM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway: Win a $100 Walmart Gift Card

CLICK HERE TO OPEN ENTRY FORM

Beauty - health

Must-Know Facts About Dermaroller

by Ann Harrison 0 Comments

When I first heard of a skin treatment called Derma Roller I thought it was a joke. I mean, seriously? People pay to have a roller full of tiny needles go over their face/body? Um… I don’t think so. However, after doing research I find that I’m not afraid and I’m ready to give it a try! Check out Must-Know Facts About Dermaroller. (Would you give it a try?)

Dermaroller treatments are specific ways to treat skin problems like wrinkles. They involve the use of needles to stimulate skin repairs from within the body. If you think that you want to try Dermaroller then the first thing you should know is that you can do the treatments on yourself at home or choose to go to a clinic for more intense treatments. Here are some other must-know facts about Dermarollers.

Dermaroller Types and Needle Sizes Matter

The first thing you should know is that not all Dermarollers are exactly alike. Some of them have longer needles than others. Those that you might find in a skincare clinic typically have the longest needles, and that’s a good thing. Deep tissue stimulation should only be performed by trained skincare clinicians in a sterile environment. At home, Dermaroller needles should be smaller and used more to stimulate healing in the top layers of skin and treat minor skin problems before they become worse.

Dermarollers Can Work When Lasers Won’t

Lasers and some other machines for skincare and skin treatment techniques are wonderful under some circumstances. But they can actually damage the skin more in other circumstances. For example, treatments involving lasers or other heat sources can burn skin that is excessively oily. That makes those treatments bad choices for that group of patients. Those with oily skin and other skin problems don’t have to worry about staying away from Dermarollers because the treatment involves no major heat source.

Dermaroller Treatment is an Inexpensive Way to Improve Skin Health

Even if you decide to have clinical Dermaroller treatment, another advantage is that it will be a comparatively inexpensive treatment. It doesn’t cost as much as most laser procedures or a lot of other skincare options. So, if you’re looking for a great skincare treatment while on a tight budget, Dermaroller could be your perfect solution.

How to Do Dermaroller Treatments Yourself at Home

When opting for home Dermaroller treatment, the first big question is which Dermaroller to buy. You can get a good idea of which ones work the best by reading reviews online. You may also find it easier to find the exact Dermaroller you want online and have it shipped to your house.

Every home Dermaroller kit should come with specific instructions on how to clean and prepare your skin before you treat it. Some kits also include pre-Dermarolling chemical peel instructions. In general, the process is to clean your skin as directed, do the peel if you want to, and then gently roll the Dermaroller over the section of your skin that needs treatment. You may have to be a little extra cautious if you are using the Dermaroller on areas where your skin is thin or extra sensitive, but just apply a level of pressure that you feel comfortable with.

After you’re done with the Dermaroller itself it’s important to treat your skin with a medicated serum or cream. Most Dermaroller kits include the necessary serum or explain what kind of serum you need. But, if you still have questions, you can consult a skincare technician or dermatologist for advice.

Once you know how to perform the treatment on yourself you can do so up to three times in a week, but you shouldn’t do it more than that. Your skin needs time to make its necessary repairs. If you allow it that time to heal between sessions then you should see the best results.

So there you are, lovely readers. If you try a dermaroller please let me know about your experience!

home - Money Management - Review

Learn Specific Advantages of Leasing a Home

by Ann Harrison 0 Comments

are-you-ready

When it comes to finding a new home, do yourself a big favor = research before you search. The time you put into learning the process of purchasing a home will save you SO much stress down the road. If you have been searching for an easy way to afford a new home, leasing may be your best bet. There are many advantages to leasing a home that are well worth considering. You can find information about leasing a home from many online sources, such as Invitation Homes among many others. This is the perfect time to get started! Let’s learn specific advantages of leasing a Home

Why Should You Decide to Lease Your New Home?

If you are wondering what the advantages might be of leasing a home, rest assured that there are plenty. For example, there is the obvious fact that you can save a great deal of time and money by deciding to lease your home instead of buying it outright. Not only can you negotiate a lease for the amount of money and time that is right for you, but you can also save money by not having to be responsible for certain issues, like property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and interest on mortgage payments. These are advantages that should not be underrated when you make your choice.

What Are Some of the Other Important Options to Consider?

There are other options to consider when deciding whether or not to lease your new home. For example, if you are currently serving in the armed forces or some other profession where frequent relocation is a condition of your employment, it makes little sense to take on a long-term mortgage. In such a scenario, it may be best to procure a lease for a home that is suited to the length of time that you plan to stay in the specific area.

If you are a single person with no family, it may make little sense for you to purchase a whole new home. It may be easier in your case to lease a property for a certain amount of time, especially if you are not planning on making a permanent move to the area. Leasing instead of purchasing a property allows you to keep your options open until you come to the ultimate decision that is right for your needs.

Is it Easy to Find a Place to Lease Your New Home From?

While reading this you might be wondering how easy is it to actually get the information you need to make an informed decision concerning whether or not to lease your home. As it turns out, there are plenty of sources available on the web that can quickly fill you in on all the facts. You can check out all the latest information on Invitation Homes and other important topics simply by logging on to the web and punching in a quick Google search. The sooner you do so, the sooner you will be able to get up to speed on a quick and simple solution that will save you a great deal of money in the long run.

Happy searching!

are you ready key

giveaway - Review

Coffee Lovers Enter The Realtree Coffee Giveaway!

by Ann Harrison 0 Comments

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if clicked on and a purchase is made.

My fellow coffee lovers, this giveaway is for you! And it’s not just one lucky person – there will be 10 winners. Whee! Coffee Lovers Enter The Realtree Coffee Giveaway!

Welcome to the Realtree Coffee Giveaway

10 Winners ~ $250 TRV!

This contest is hosted by the Social Media Gurus Network! Below is a list of all the bloggers sponsoring the gift guide:

Michigan Saving and More
Deliciously Savvy
Tales From A Southern Mom
Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains
Welcome To My Kitchen
Life in a House of Testosterone
Here We Go Again ready
My Silly Little Gang
Giveaway Gator
Everyday Gizmos Sweeps & Views
Bargnhtress
PaulaMS’ Giveaways, Reviews, & Freebies
Central Bargains and Giveaways
The Mommies Reviews
Eclectic Evelyn

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Now let’s get to the sponsor!

Realtree Coffee

Realtree Coffee wants to make Mother’s and Father’s Day special for the 10 lucky winners who will WIN a 40 count box of Realtree Single Serve Coffee.
5 Winners will be drawn on Mother’s Day and 5 Winners will be drawn on Father’s Day!

Available on Amazon!
Realtree MAX-1 Camo was made for hunting in broad terrain. But one thing it can’t do is give you extra energy when you need it. Good thing there’s Realtree MAX to keep you powered when you’re hunting deer, antelope, and small game, too. Try this double caffeinated coffee as you make your way across the sage-covered hillside or the open prairie.
See Review Here!

Available on Amazon!
Whether you hunt from the tree or the ground, you need tools that work in any situation. And this coffee is one of them. This Realtree Timber medium roast is a rich, smooth, all-purpose brew. Ideal for those early mornings when you’re out tracking game in the woods, but just as good on those days when you’d rather be hunting, too.
See Review Here!

Available on Amazon!
Here’s a coffee that stands out as much as its namesake camo. There’s no mistaking this Realtree Blaze coffee. Packed with spicy cinnamon flavor, this medium-bodied brew just doesn’t blend in. And you wouldn’t want it any other way.
See Review Here!

Available on Amazon!
You want a high-octane coffee that works all season long? Well, here it is. Just like the amazingly lifelike Realtree all-season camo, this Extra Bold coffee will have you covered in any situation. With an incredible depth of flavor, it’s a robust dark roast that’s perfect for drinking through all seasons.
See Review Here!

Available on Amazon!
You want a light roast for those mornings when you’re out game hunting–or just dreaming about it? Here it is. This buckshot blend is light-bodied, smooth, and easy drinking. Kick back, relax, and reload with another cup.
See Review Here!

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THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. You are not eligible if you have won a prize from the sponsor in the last 90 days. This giveaway is valid in the United States only and entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 6/18/17. The winners will have 24 hours to email their information back to paula_stewart at ymail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The sponsor is responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests is responsible for prize fulfillment. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!

Enter below and Good Luck!

It's Giveaway Time

Realtree Coffee Mother’s/Father’s Day Gift Guide Giveaway

deals - Family - giveaway - Review

Enter To Win A Big Screen TV From Beesavy!

by Ann Harrison 1 Comment

Who is ready for summer? After the cold winter we had – and many are still experiencing – I’m ready for some sunshine, some vacations and some time relaxing in the garden. Summer’s also one of the most expensive times of the year, so I’m always looking for ways to save some money. A favorite way to save money is to shop online for the things my family wants and needs. I’ve found a terrific savings resource – Beesavy.com. (They have an online pet store that other sites don’t have!) Continue reading to learn more – and enter to win a big screen tv below! Beesavy.com

Shopping online lets you search for the best deals, and when you shop through Beesavy, you will earn cash back on all your online purchases. Yes, there are situations that call for visiting a brick-and-mortar store, but online shopping is a much better way to find the lowest price. Usually, when I am out shopping, I like to keep my phone with me and see if I can get a better deal online versus buying it from the store and nine times out of 10 I can! Continue reading “Enter To Win A Big Screen TV From Beesavy!”

cleaning tips - deals - home - Money Management

Tackle Spring Cleaning With Deals From Target

by Ann Harrison 2 Comments

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Lysol®, Finish®, Woolite®, and Air Wick®. The opinions and text are all mine.

I was recently asked by Reckitt Benckiser to share some tips for using a helpful spring cleaning product. I want to share with you how helpful I’ve found Finish Jet-Dry while preparing for our annual party – ‘The Harrison Spring Fling!’ Finish Jet-Dry helps to thoroughly clean reusable plastic plates and cups in the dishwasher with no residue or spots. Just sparkling clean! Yay! Now, you can tackle spring cleaning with deals from Target.

spring fling 2011 collage

A large part of our spring cleaning is preparing for our annual “Harrison Spring Fling!” The major draw of our home is the backyard and its view of the Willamette River and Forest Park. We enjoy sharing the beauty of nature with our family, friends and neighbors so let’s get ready for the party!

Tips for using Finish Jet-Dry:
For spotless glassware, use a Rinse Aid.For drier dishes, use a Drying Aid.For a clean dishwater, use a Machine Cleaner.For tough stain removal, use a Detergent Booster.
Time Saver Tip: Use a rinse aid in your dishwasher and you won’t need to dry your plastics when you put them away!

Finish collage

I’m happy that I get to share with you a really good deal on Finish at Target. Don’t delay! Spring over (yep, I did that) to Target and check out this deal:

Buy any 2 Finish Premium L & XL (MiO & Quantum) & 16oz RA additive – Get $5 Target Gift Card (available until 4/8)

While shopping at Target #EverydaySaves you can save more on Finish, Lysol, Woolite and Air Wick; your must-haves for spring cleaning! With your handy dandy phone use the Cartwheel App and you’ll have access to these savings:

Cartwheel Coupon Offers Available 4/2-4/29:

5% off any Airwick Freshmatic item

While at your Cartwheel App check out the savings on these spring cleaning essentials:

10% off any Airwick Scented Oils

5% off any Lysol Cleaning item

5% off any Woolite Item

Visit Target and use your Cartwheel App to access great savings on products that will get your home ready for the season. Happy Spring Cleaning!

deals - giveaway

Giveaway – $100 Target Gift Card!

by Ann Harrison 0 Comments

Welcome to the Dropprice $100 Target Gift Card Giveaway!

Dropprice – an innovative startup that rewards parents for being social. Essentially, they empower parents to drop prices of kids & baby products with a click. The price continues dropping as more shoppers click “Drop the price”. Every week new promotions are launched and customers drop prices by sharing them on social media. See the chart below to understand the power shoppers have and how important it is to share with other moms!

In today’s promotion for the Baby Banana Brushes, it started out at $28.00 and for each mom that clicks, the price drops a bit. The price will continue to drop for each mom that participates. And, every time one of your friends also clicks to drop the price, you’ll automatically receive additional giveaway entries!

Do you want to give it a try? This is such a fun and exciting way for moms to save lots of money by collaborating with each other. If you would like to have a chance to win a $100 Target gift card, you can experience dropping the price by following the instructions below.

Giveaway: Win a $100 Target Gift Card

All you have to do is help moms drop the price of the Brushes and you will be entered to win a $100 Target gift card. Just click “Drop the price” on the entry form below for a chance to win. For even more entries, share it on your social media networks via the entry form — remember, every time one of your friends also clicks to drop the price, you’ll automatically receive additional giveaway entries!

This giveaway ends on 4/4/2017; you must be a US Resident and be 18 years or older to enter. Winners are randomly selected and contacted via email; the winners will be listed at the top of the entry form when the giveaway ends.

Click here if you don’t see the entry form below.

Terms & Conditions | Powered by Dropprice

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TWO OTHER GIVEAWAYS: $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD & $100 WALMART GIFT CARD

Beauty - health

Stretch Mark Solutions – What Can Be Done Safely?

by Ann Harrison 2 Comments

Women of all ages regardless of height or weight are susceptible to stretch marks. This is a simple fact. Another fact, which will hopefully make you feel a bit better, is that supermodels – yes, the bikini models you see in Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret – have stretch marks. If you’re like 95% of the women out there with stretch marks you prefer them gone. Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of the Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery in Philadelphia, offers insights on stretch mark solutions, along with several facts on popular procedures and topical options to prevent and remove stretch marks. Here’s what he has to say – Stretch Mark Solutions – What Can Be Done Safely?

Option #1: Topical Creams & Preventative Foods

“There are a variety of topical treatments, the ones with cocoa butter are the trend, but they won’t do much if anything to improve severe stretch marks. These creams and oils perform better when used as preventive measures because fully developed stretch marks are rarely skin-deep,” explains Dr. Brandow.

Kale-Red-Pepper-Goat-CHeese-Collage-640x304 — Kale, Red Pepper, Goat Cheese Frittata – Aggie’sKitchen.com

Gelatin powder has been suggested as a great way to get more collagen into your system. Coconut oil mixed with beeswax is said to prevent stretch marks, especially when applied throughout the day. Eating foods rich in vitamin C can help prevent stretch marks from the inside out. Adding things like red peppers, parsley, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts are good bets.

Option #2: Lasers

Many women who have post pregnancy stretch marks turn to lasers to eliminate this unwanted scarring. Kim Kardashian recently announced via her Snapchat that she would undergo laser treatments to rid her stretch marks. The Coolbeam laser, which is the one Kim Kardashian is going with, requires up to 5 treatments at around $5,000 per treatment which adds up to $25,000. Lasers are known for high level of safety and efficacy and most patients come away very pleased with the result. The treated area heals rather quickly, within a week to three weeks.

“Lasers are far less invasive than a tummy tuck, which has a much longer recovery time. Lasers do have some risk in that they can burn the skin or cause tissue damage. Therefore, it’s very important to choose a doctor who knows what they are doing,” advises Dr. Brandow.

Option #3: Platelet Rich Plasma with Micro-needling

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has been around for the past two decades and used to help athletes like Tiger Woods and Alex Rodriquez recover from injury. A few years ago, the “Vampire Facial” made headlines when Micro-needling was added to the procedure offering a vibrant, smooth, flawless complexion. The results were so great that cosmetic surgeons started to explore other parts of the body such as stretch marks on the buttocks, breast, arms, thighs and abdomen.

This calls for blood to be taken from the patient then put into a machine that separates the platelet-rich plasma from the blood. It is then spread over the face after the micro-needling is completed. The micro-needling is a process where a pen-like tool with several tiny needles at the tip is carefully guided over the affected area making microscopic holes on both the outer and inner layers of skin. These holes are so small that they heal within a few hours. The process triggers a healing response in the dermis layer which is what causes the fast fading of stretch marks. Doctors recommend micro-needling with PRP over any other treatment because the results are significant and the cost is about $1000 per session. “Micro-needling with PRP is a combination that offers a fast, in office option, with excellent results and is less costly than lasers,” explains Dr. Brandow who was recently on TV speaking of the procedure.

Dr. Brandow adds that the advantage of micro-needling with PRP for stretch marks over lasers is a lesser chance of scarring and skin discoloration. “Skin on the body is more susceptible to hyperpigmentation than on the face making Micro-needling is a safer option for ethnicities with varying skin tones. This is a big advantage over cool beam lasers, IPL or chemical peels,” he explains.

Option #4: The Tummy Tuck

This is the gold standard offering the best results however it’s invasive and the recovery time is longer. Known as abdominoplasty, the procedure removes excess skin in the abdominal region and tightens the muscles. The stretch marks below the belly button are discarded along with the excess skin. “The tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that comes with risk so typically candidates must be non-smokers in good physical health as certain they will not want more kids after surgery. It’s is the only option for complete and permanent stretch mark removal. Recovery time can be up to 6 weeks and again it is critical that one chooses a reputable doctor. A botched tummy tuck can lead to off-centered belly buttons, long thick scars, and dangerous infections,” warns Dr. Brandow.

Ultimately stretch marks are an unfortunate reality that comes with pregnancy, puberty and any other weight or muscle gain where the skin is stretched. There are preventative measures one can take. Be very wary of anything that seems too good to be true and always consult with a credentialed doctor when considering any kind of cosmetic procedure.

About the Doctor:

Dr. Kirk Brandow, founder and director of Brandow Clinic for Cosmetic Surgery is a plastic surgeon with 2 locations in the Philadelphia metro area and a 3rd one on the jersey shore. Named a “Top Doc” in Plastic Surgery by Philadelphia Magazine as well as nationally recognized for one of America’s “Best Plastic Surgeons” of this decade, Dr. Brandow is a trusted expert who has developed many innovative, minimally invasive procedures for the face, body and skin. He has been featured on local, national and international television programs including 20/20, CNN’s Headline News, Good Morning America.

Family - health - pets

5 Tips for a Happy Life from Man’s Best Friend

by Ann Harrison 2 Comments

Ask anyone what their goal is in life and their answer will probably be, “To be happy.” If our dogs could talk, they would share five reasons we can improve our happiness through their example. Here is a brief summary of what they would say. 5 Tips for a Happy Life from Man’s Best Friend:

“You can count on me.”

When we ask pet owners what they admire most about their dog, loyalty is usually first on the list. Loyalty is the confidence that you can count on others to be true to you and do the right thing even if it is difficult and even if you are not present. Dogs are loyal to their pack and display amazing loyalty to their owners. So Tip # 1 on the list of things we can do to increase our own happiness is to ensure we are loyal so we strengthen our relationships with others.

“Tell me your problems.”

Dogs are among the best listeners ever! You can spend hours talking to your dog and he or she will hang on every word. This is not usually the case for our friends, associates, or even family members. Tip # 2 then, is to take time to listen to others and make sure you understand what they have to say before you share your point of view.

“Let’s play!”

One of the best things about dogs is their curiosity and desire to play. Tip # 3- step outside of your daily routine, take the dog out for a walk, and pledge to have at least one experience a week that is just plain ‘fun’.

“I forgive you.”

Even if you come home late, skip a walk, run out of their favorite treat, or accidently step on their tail, your dog will not hold a grudge against you. Humans, on the other hand, can hold on to real or imagined insults forever! All this does is create stress and keep us from moving on with our lives. Tip # 4 – let go of bitterness and resentment toward yourself or others.

“I love you no matter what.”

Our work environment and educational system are based on the carrot and stick; “do this for me and I’ll give you that.” Unfortunately, this approach often carries over to our relationships and we begin to place conditions on our affections with others. Dogs love you whether you are young, old, rich, poor, fat, skinny, covered with hair or bald as they come. Tip # 5 – love with an open heart and expect nothing from others in return for giving yours.

Shared with permission. Garry McDaniel and Sharon Massen speak nationally on what individuals and organizations can learn from dogs about leadership, team building, and customer service. Their book is “The Dog’s Guide to Your Happiness: Seven Secrets for a Better Life from Man’s Best Friend.”

Garry McDaniel is an award-winning professor teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in business management. McDaniel has written books on leadership strategy, conflict management, and is a frequent speaker in the United States and internationally on topics such as leadership development, employee engagement, personal and organizational change, life balance, and what humans and businesses can learn from dogs to improve their lives. He is currently available to discuss personal life coaching, training, or speaking engagements.

Family - giveaway

$1000 Spring Break Giveaway!

by Ann Harrison 8 Comments

Spring Break Giveaway Ann Again and again Reviews

Heeeerrree we go! 2 lucky winners will receive $500 to spend as they please in this Spring Break Giveaway! If you were to be so lucky, how would you spend your winning’s? Is there a Spring Break destination in mind? Or, summer vacation planning in the works? Two summer’s ago my family drove to Victoria, B.C. and it was fantastic. We’d LOVE to visit again. Have you been? This prize would definitely help you on your way!

Girls Victoria Empress on Double Decker Bus — Top of a double-decker bus, driving around Victoria, B.C.

Enter this giveaway today and, while you’re here, I’d really enjoy it if you’d share your vacation planning tips, packing tricks and/or ideas in the comment section below. (We all could use all the help we can get to pack lighter, keep kids occupied and make our treasured time together full of fun memories.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Info/ Terms & Conditions: This is a group giveaway starts on 3/15 @ 12 PM EST and ends on 4/24. Two (2) lucky readers will win $500 USD through PayPal or Amazon gift card.The winner will be notified via email. The winner has 48 hours to claim prize before the prize is forfeit and a new winner is chosen. Winner must claim prize before they are announced. Giveaway is open worldwide, void where prohibited. All entries are voluntary but must be completed as stated with verification in order to win. All entries will be verified and if it wasn’t completed a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be chosen randomly using Rafflecopter no later than 4/29/17. Winner must be 18 years or older to win. Void where prohibited.

health

7 Best Foam Roller Stretches For Increased Flexibility

by Ann Harrison 1 Comment

Maintaining flexibility provides a lot of benefits to your body. It makes sure your muscles achieve their most optimal range of motion and improves your general posture. Stretching your body also releases all the built-up and accumulated stress and tension in your muscles. These 7 Best Foam Roller Stretches For Increased Flexibility can be achieved in just 10-20 minutes.

One of the best pieces of equipment that can help you in improving your flexibility is a foam roller. A foam roller is a self-massage tool that will help you stretch and improve your flexibility by applying pressure to the muscles around your body.

If you are interested in learning different stretches using a roller foam to increase flexibility, here are 7 of the best foam roller stretches.

1. Quadriceps – the quadriceps are 4 groups of muscle located above the knee. You can stretch these muscles by facing the floor with the roller placed above your knees. Your feet should be suspended and only your forearms should be touching the floor for support. You can start the routine by slowly rolling forward and backward. Make sure that you can feel the muscles stretch.

2. Hamstrings – balance should always be observed in order to achieve the most optimal condition of our muscles. The 3 groups of muscles in the hamstring are also an important part that should be stretched. The workout is done by assuming a sitting position with the roller behind the knees. The body should be slightly suspended with only the arms acting as support. Slowly roll forward and backward to stretch the hamstring muscles.

3. Calves – obviously anyone would love to stretch and tone their calves. The workout is done by assuming a sitting position with the roller underneath the calves (below the hamstring). All of your weight must be supported by the roller and your hands. The butt and the body should also be slightly suspended from the floor. Slowly move the roller forward and backward to flex those muscles.

4. Shins – while the shin area is mostly made up of bones, it is still important to stretch the muscles surrounding the bones. It can help in the general circulation in your body and for increasing the endurance of your feet. The workout is done by facing the floor with the arms fully stretched as support, similar to a push-up position. The only difference is that the foam roller is under the shin. Then, slowly move the roller upwards and downwards. This routine can not only develop the muscles in the shin area but also the back muscles which is very important in maintaining a good posture.

5. Thoracic Spine – the muscles at the upper back portion of your body are also a very good target for the foam roller. This routine is done by putting the foam roller under your shoulder blades and suspending your entire back area up to your rear. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor. Slowly roll from the shoulder blades down to the lower back to stretch the muscles.

6. Sides – the muscles on the sides must also not be ignored in stretching. Most people forget how sexy firm and toned sides look. While it is true that it is hard to target the sides, it is also true that foam roller routines are very effective in training them. The routine can be easily done by putting the foam roller on your sides. Most people suspend their butts and use their elbows as support when going upwards and backwards.

7. Butts – for most women who want to tighten their butt muscles, foam rollers can do the magic trick for you. Just put it under your bottom and slowly move forward and backward to achieve a balanced workout in that area.

Family - health

7 Ways To Be More Optimistic

by Ann Harrison 2 Comments

Spring

We set the clocks ahead for daylight savings and many of us woke up to a darker sky, feeling sluggish thanks to a one-hour loss of sleep. If you hit the snooze, pulled the covers up over your head still feeling bummed out about your waistline, bank account, career or love life, you’re not alone. Despite more daylight our worries are still there. So how do we spring into Spring, a season that’s all about new beginnings and rebirth? For practical ways to cultivate optimism in our lives let’s listen to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC-based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services who shares these tips and tools.

1. Focus on the good.

“A daily exercise I often have my patients do is keep an appreciation or gratitude journal. When you focus on all the things to be happy for in your life then more great things come. Think generally and use your senses. What do you appreciate seeing, smelling, touching, tasting, listening to? Write it down. Within a few weeks you’ll train the mind to pivot to an appreciate thought when a negative thought comes,” explains Dr. Hafeez.

2. Make plans.

Making plans to see relatives, to see a new exhibit a movie or to travel gets our mind moving forward towards something positive that we can be hopeful and optimistic about. Dr. Hafeez suggests making plans to do 3 things per month for the next 3 months. “Choose things that you know will bring you joy and then go do them! Feeling excited about what is coming and talking about how fun it will be keeps us optimistic and forward-moving,” says Dr. Hafeez.

3. Control what you can, delegate the rest!

We get pessimistic and worry about the worst possible outcomes when we realize that we cannot control every detail. This leads to anxiety and an even stronger feeling of having to control conditions, and even others. According to Dr. Hafeez, this is a trap. “Figure out what needs to get done. What actions you can take. Then let go of anything else that is beyond your control with faith that everything will turn out fine. Envision the desired outcome,” advises Dr. Hafeez.

4. Limit your news watching and avoid it before bed.

“There is a very common pattern I see people falling into,” says Hafeez. “People awaken and immediately reach for their smartphone for news headlines. They then turn on the TV news as background noise. They listen to the news in their cars, have news alerts going off on their phones all day, catch the evening news and then the 11 pm news before bed. No wonder they’re less optimistic! What you choose to look at will impact your mood. Remember, good news doesn’t get ratings,” she adds.

happysleeper

5. Don’t snooze. Instead just breathe.

When the alarm goes off give yourself a few minutes to just lie there, eyes closed focused on your breathing. Breathe in counting to 4 and then breathe out. Do a mental scan of your entire body from head to toe thanking your cells for restoring you as you slept. “Deep breathing is a form of meditation and in the morning, you have a small window of opportunity to decide what kind of day you want it to be,” says Dr. Hafeez.

6. Distract yourself with something that requires focus.

The key here is to pick something you truly enjoy doing and do it daily. It can be painting, coloring, yoga, a 20-minute walk or jog, listening to music and dancing around your living room. “When you are fully engaged in something, you can’t ruminate which leads to pessimism,” explains Dr. Hafeez.

7. Make feeling good top priority.

When you commit to feeling good you instantly start to think more optimistically. According to Dr. Hafeez, when you’re mindful of your own negativity and shift to a better feeling positive thought you feel powerful. You’ll feel like you can conquer anything when you can master your own mindset.

*Shared with permission. Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com

Family - giveaway - Review - Travel

Win A Hamswan F60 Waterproof HD Action Camera!

by Ann Harrison 2 Comments

I’m so happy to be co-hosting this giveaway! With Spring Break looming and summer vacations on the horizon wouldn’t it be great to have a waterproof camera to capture memorable moments without the worry of ruining your camera if it falls into the pool, lake, river – where ever your fun times take you. Enter now to win a Hamswan F60 Waterproof HD Action Camera!

Welcome to the Hamswan F60 Waterproof HD Action Camera Giveaway!

Sponsored by: Hamswan
Hosted by: Southern Mom Loves
Co-Hosted by: Ann Again and Again Reviews & MyStyleSpot

Hi! Holly from Southern Mom Loves recently got the chance to try out the Hamswan F60 HD Action Camera; A wifi-enabled video and still camera with a huge range of accessories, like a waterproof case and a wide range of mounts. She put it through its paces and she wants to give one of our readers the chance to win one for themselves! Check out her review here, then enter below and good luck!

One winner will receive a Hamswan F60 Waterproof HD Action Camera!

Giveaway begins on 3/6/17 at 1:00 am CST and ends on 4/6/17 at 11:59 pm CST. Must be 18 years or older, open to entrants in the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Japan (void where prohibited.) Once winners are confirmed, they will be added to the Winner’s List here.

Entry -Form

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per IP address. All entries will be verified. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be contacted by email; Please add southernmomloves@gmail.com to your whitelist. Hamswan will be responsible for prize delivery to the winner. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest, or any other social media platform.

Contact Holly at southernmomloves@gmail.com if you have any additional questions or comments, or would like Southern Mom Loves to organize your next giveaway.

deals - giveaway - Review

Welcome To The $100 Target Gift Card Giveaway!

by Ann Harrison 1 Comment

Target Gift Card Giveaway

Welcome to the Dropprice $100 Target Gift Card Giveaway!

Dropprice is an innovative startup that rewards parents for being social. Essentially, they empower parents to drop prices of kids & baby products with a click. The price continues dropping as more parents click “Drop the price”. Every week new promotions are launched and parents drop prices by sharing them on social media. See the chart below to understand the power parents have and how important it is to share with other moms.

Target Gift Card Giveaway

In today’s promotion for the Brackitz Inventor 44 Piece Set, it started out at $30.00 and for each mom that clicks, the price drops a bit. The price will continue to drop for each mom that participates.

Target Gift Card Giveaway

Giveaway: Win a $100 Target Gift Card

All you have to do is help moms drop the price of the Inventor Set and you will be entered to win a $100 Target gift card. Just click “Drop the price” on the entry form below for a chance to win. For even more entries, share it on your social media networks via the entry form — every time one of your friends also clicks to drop the price, you’ll automatically receive additional giveaway entries!

This giveaway ends on 3/14/2017; you must be a US Resident and be 18 years or older to enter. Winners are randomly selected and contacted via email; the winners will be listed at the top of the entry form when the giveaway ends.

Click here if you don’t see the entry form below.

Terms & Conditions | Powered by Dropprice

CLICK HERE TO ENTER ANOTHER GIVEAWAY: $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD

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Tyson Free Movie Night With Redbox

by Ann Harrison 1 Comment

“Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. All opinions are entirely my own.”

Tyson Free Movie Night With Red Box - Ann Again and again Reviews

What better way to spend a cold, winter’s night then by gathering for a movie with family and/or friends and eating tasty treats. Sounds perfect to me! What makes it even better is that Tyson® Foods has partnered with Redbox® to reward us with free movie nights. Check out this fun offer – Tyson Free Movie Night With Redbox.

Receiving this Redbox offer is easy. Visit Walmart then:

Purchase (at least) two Tyson products in a single transaction

Snap a picture of your receipt

Upload the picture of the receipt at www.TysonFreeMovieNight.com.

Receive 2 Redbox promo codes each valid 1-night DVD rental from Redbox.*

You know all those movies you’ve been planning on seeing but just haven’t gotten around to it yet? This is the perfect offer for you. It could be one movie is for ‘Family Night’ and the next movie is for a special ‘Date Night’. Sounds like a good plan. You can purchase all participating Tyson products at Walmart Supercenters and Walmart Neighborhood Markets.

How about enjoying wholesome, easy to eat State Fair Mini Dogs? A fun alternative to a bowl of popcorn!

Tyson BeefMini_14ct

Hey, what about having ‘breakfast for dinner’? That’s easy to do with Jimmy Dean Sausage, Egg & Cheese Croissant.

Tyson sausage_egg_cheese_croissant_sandwiches_combined_la_entertainment

This offer is so fun that you might as well share it with your family and friends! Be sure to let them know about Tyson’s “Winter To Go” offer on your social media channels and use #TysonFreeMovieNight to stay connected. Perhaps share movie reviews! “My favorite part of watching this movie was when… What about you?” #TysonFreeMovieNight. That should get the conversation started.

*1 promotional code per transaction. Payment card required. Charges apply for additional days. Can’t be combined with other offers. Subject to additional terms. Void where prohibited.

Entertainment - Family - giveaway

Spring Fling Family Game Night Giveaway!

by Ann Harrison 0 Comments

Ends 3/31Welcome to the Spring Fling Gift Guide Family Game Night Giveaway!

A tried and true way to get your family together and create memories is by having a family game night. It’s through trial-and-error that I’ve found games that keep the focus of “competition” to a minimum (which creates way toooooo much anxiety and anger for some) and instead focus on games where you’re on your way to victory when you help your team… and laugh as much as possible. Sounds like a great game night! Good luck in the Spring Fling Gift Guide Family Game Night Giveaway! (Enter below.)

This contest is hosted by the Social Media Gurus Network!

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

Michigan Saving and More

Deliciously Savvy

Tales From A Southern Mom

Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains

Welcome To My Kitchen

Life in a House of Testosterone

Bohemian Babushka

Here We Go Again ready

My Silly Little Gang

Mom Are We There Yet

Java John Z’s

Giveaway Gator

SaraLee’s Deals Steals & Giveaways

My Itzy

Mint Green with Envy

Everyday Gizmos Sweeps & Views

Mami’s 3 Little Monkeys

alwaysblabbing

Ronda Writes

PaulaMS’ Giveaways, Reviews, & Freebies

Missy’s Product Reviews

Stingy, Thrifty, Broke

Bargnhtress

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Now let’s get to the sponsor!

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOU TUBE ~ INSTAGRAM

See my review HERE.

1 Lucky Winner Receives 4 Fabulous New 2017 Board Games! TRV $88!

Games Of The States

Rubik’s Build It Solve It

Nibbled

Cranium Cadoo

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This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 3/31/17. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The sponsor is responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail(dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!

Enter below and Good Luck!

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health - Review

5 Top Food Brain Boosters to Add To Your Shopping List

by Ann Harrison 4 Comments

The foods you have in your pantry and fridge may be helping or hindering your brain. Dr. Christopher Calapai DO, a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine explains that the foods we choose have a lot to do with how sharp, attentive, alert, focused and happy we feel after they are consumed. Certain foods may taste great have additives in them that literally cloud our brains and leave us sluggish and dull headed. The opposite is also true. We can eat certain foods and feel a charge of mental energy and focus. We spoke to Dr. Calapai and got a quick list of foods that boost the brain. Check out 5 Top Food Brain Boosters to Add To Your Shopping List!

Brain Boosting Foods!

1 Nuts/Seeds:

Nuts and seeds are great sources of vitamin E. Higher levels of vitamin E correspond with less cognitive decline as you get older. Add an ounce a day of walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds or flax seed. Also un-hydrogenated nut butter such as peanut butter, almond butter, or tahini. Raw or roasted doesn’t matter, although if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, buy unsalted nuts. “Adding nuts to your diet can aid in decreasing levels of enzymes that lead to protein plaques from forming and dementia. Nuts can also reduce brain inflammation, keep blood pressure low, a key for preventing stroke,” explains Dr. Calapai.

Blueberries:

“I eat these daily and encourage patients to add blueberries to as many things as possible. They’re great on their own, added to a shake, to oatmeal, or even to a salad,” says Dr. Calapai. Blueberries are tasty and sweet and loaded with antioxidants. They’re packed with vitamin C, K and fiber and pack high levels of gallic acid, making them especially good at protecting our brains from degeneration and stress. “Studies show that eating blueberries can boost focus and memory for up to 5 hours,” adds Dr. Calapai

Broccoli:

Broccoli is one of the best brain foods out there. Thanks to its high levels of vitamin K and choline which is a B vitamin know for aiding brain development keeps memory sharp and protects the brain from later decline with age. It’s also loaded with vitamin C. Just one cup provides you with 150 percent of your recommended daily intake. Its high-fiber levels make you feel full quickly, too. “People hear broccoli and roll their eyes thinking it’s bland a boring. Think of broccoli as a canvas ready to be painted with spices and flavors, offers Dr. Calapai. Try stir frying with a bit of olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add a spoonful of orange or lemon juice and it gets this nice sweetness to it.

Fish:

Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and other fish are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA seems to be very important for the normal functioning of neurons in the brain. Eating more fish often means eating less red meat and other forms of protein that are high in artery-clogging saturated fats. “People who are lacking in Omega 3’s can experience mood swings and feel edgy or negative. Omega 3’s have been known to be mood boosters in addition to enhancing focus and memory,” says Dr. Calapai.

Avocado:

This creamy treat is also a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin E. Research suggests that foods rich in vitamin E—including avocado, which is also high in the antioxidant powerhouse vitamin C—are associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

This information is shared by permission. About the Doctor:

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham’s, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

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Enter To Win $150 To Spend On EvgieNev Wall Decals!

by Ann Harrison 0 Comments

This giveaway is sponsored by EvgieNev. All opinions are my own.

Need To Decorate A Room? Win A $150 Credit To Spend At EvgieNev Wall Decals #WallDecals

Whether you are bringing home a new baby or you just need to spruce up a room, wall decals from EvgieNev are the perfect way to change up a room. And you’re at the perfect place to Enter To Win $150 To Spend On EvgieNev Wall Decals! (See below)

The vinyl decals they use feels like it is smoothly painted on the wall after the application, but easily removable should you choose to redesign.

They have several designs, but the most popular choices are for your kid’s rooms. You can set the scene of an explorer, astronaut, and more with their awesome designs. They are customizable wall decals, and they are easy to apply. You don’t need to paint a room to add more personality to them – you can create beautiful scenes with decals!

Check out some of these customer photos – they look amazing!

Need To Decorate A Room? Win A $150 Credit To Spend At EvgieNev Wall Decals #WallDecals

Their customers have great things to say about them:

“I love this. My playroom looks like I hired a professional. I combined three different forest decal sets from evgieNev and it’s just beautiful. Now that they’re all up, I do wish I’d arranged some of them a little differently where I chose to place them on the wall, but overall, it looks fantastic. I have mildly textured walls and I found that I had better results when I applied the large decals with my hand alone versus using a squeegee.” ~ bkmathisen on Feb 4, 2017

“We love the decals. I changed the colors to suit our nursery and the customer service I received was wonderful. I requested color samples to help make my decision. My overall experience was awesome. Again, we love the cute panda decals!” ~ fmonjarez73 on Jan 27, 2017

“Our owl decal turned out so well! We picked custom colours to go with our room. Changes and feedback were quick, as well as shipping. The quality of the decals are very nice- it does look like paint vs plastic. Came with some extra flowers and leaves which were helpful as we got the hang of things. Would highly recommend and use this shop again! Thank you!” ~ Julie on Jan 19, 2017

Here are a few more options you may like:

Custom Flag Name Outer Space Wall Decals with Astronauts and Aliens, Rocket, Planets, UFO Children Wall Decor

Mind-blowing Outer Space wall decals theme is featuring Custom Flag Name with space-walking Astronauts, spaceship, aliens, asteroids, and dots to create constellations.

Polar Friends – Arctic and Antarctic Animals – Penguin, Bear Cubs, Orca Whale, Narwhal Vinyl Wall Decals

Polar Friends is a new amazing addition to our collection of wall decals for nursery showing Penguins having fun and Polar Mama Bear with Cub and two famous Whales, on the background of the ocean with icebergs and mountains.

Wall Decals Nursery – King of the Jungle Baby Nursery Decor with Sleeping Lion, Giraffe, Elephants, and Monkeys

Imagine roaring safari lions with monkeys playing tricks all around and large rainforest trees. Evgie nursery wall decals from Jungle Safari Collection has been crafted especially to brighten the playroom, and jungle themed nursery with African animals and recognized characters such as Lion King or Tarzan.

More Reasons to Shop at Evgie.com

100% SATISFACTION – If it turns you don’t love your decal you may ship it back, and they will refund your money.
FREE test decal for you to practice on and EASY Step-by-step detailed instructions.
They can adjust the decal size larger or smaller and add additional colors. Contact them for pricing.
They offer custom designs. If you have an idea in mind of a custom design, let them know.

Customizable Wall Decals Giveaway Details:

Enter to win $150 to spend on wall decals from EvgieNev! Open Worldwide (If outside the US or Canada the winner will have to pay the difference in shipping.) Giveaway ends on March 10, 2017, at 11:59 pm EST.

Enter below on the giveaway form. Good Luck!!

Entry -Form

deals - giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway! Thanks Dropprice!

by Ann Harrison 0 Comments

Amazon Gift Card Dropprice

Welcome to the $100 Amazon Gift Card From Dropprice!

Dropprice is an innovative startup that rewards moms for being social. Let me tell you about it. Essentially, Dropprice empowers parents to “drop prices” of kids & baby products with a click. The price continues dropping as more parents click “Drop the price”. Every week new promotions are launched and parents drop prices by sharing them on social media. See the chart below to understand the power parents have and how important it is to share with other moms. And, since you’re here, enter to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

Amazon Gift Card Dropprice

In today’s promotion for the GUND Sound & Lights Whale, it started out at $40.00 and for each mom that clicks, the price drops a bit. The price will continue to drop for each mom that participates.

Amazon Gift Card Dropprice

Giveaway: Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card

All you have to do is help moms drop the price of the Whale and you will be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card. Just click “Drop the price” on the entry form below for a chance to win. For even more entries, share it on your social media networks via the entry form — every time one of your friends also clicks to drop the price, you’ll automatically receive additional giveaway entries!

This giveaway ends on 3/7/2017; you must be a US Resident and be 18 years or older to enter. Winners are randomly selected and contacted via email; the winners will be listed at the top of the entry form when the giveaway ends.

Click here if you don’t see the entry form below.

Terms & Conditions | Powered by Dropprice

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TWO OTHER GIVEAWAYS: $100 TARGET GIFT CARD & $100 WALMART GIFT CARD

home - Review

Like Having A Spa In Your Home – HotelSpa® Shower Head

by Ann Harrison 2 Comments

Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a luxurious bathroom? To feel like you have a spa in your own home would make getting out of bed in the morning a lot easier! (For me, anyway.) Recently I was able to give our shower a quick update, a super-duper quick little “remodel”, and my family is loving the results. I installed the HotelSpa® European Designer 36-Setting Luxury 3 Way Chrome Face/Shower Combo Shower Head. (And my family thanks me.)

You can use the two Showers Heads separately or use the shower head and handheld shower at the same time for a choice of 36 full and combined water flow patterns! Whee! We are a tall family, therefore we needed to add an extender rod to increase the height of the shower head. With this addition I was concerned the water pressure might lessen however, there was no change in the water pressure, and the shower head works great.

The features of the HotelSpa® Designer Collection Ultra-Luxury 36-setting French Designer Combo include:

• Designed in France! Use each shower separately or both together
• Choose from 36 full and combined water flow patterns
• 7 Setting oversize 4.25 inch Chrome Face Shower Head
• 7 Setting oversize 4.25 inch Chrome Face Hand Shower
• 7 settings include: Rain, Power Spray, Massage, Rain/Spray, Rain/Massage, Eco Rain
• 3-zone Click Lever Dial with Rub-clean Jets
• Soft-Grip Rubber Dial Rim and Handle
• Patented 3-way Water Diverter with Anti-Swivel Lock Nut
• 5′ Super Flexible Stainless Steel Hose with Conical Brass Nuts for easy hand tightening
• Tools-free Installation. Connects in minutes to any standard overhead shower arm, no tools required
• Lifetime Limited Warranty

The mixture of sprays and jets feel great, and I like the fact that it also has a hand-held shower which makes for easier cleaning of the shower walls and tub.You can find the HotelSpa® Designer Shower Combo at Sears. Recently it was on sale $~~79.99~~ 29.99 .

(*Disclosure: Thank you Giveaway Service for inviting me to participate in the review. I received this product in exchange for review from Giveaway Service website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.)

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Welcome to the Dropprice Win $300 In Gift Cards!

Giveaway: Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card

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MORE CHANCES BELOW!

Giveaway: Win a $100 Target Gift Card

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Giveaway: Win a $100 Walmart Gift Card

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Welcome to the Realtree Coffee Giveaway

10 Winners ~ $250 TRV!

This contest is hosted by the Social Media Gurus Network! Below is a list of all the bloggers sponsoring the gift guide:

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THE GIVEAWAY

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!

Enter below and Good Luck!

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Buy any 2 Finish Premium L & XL (MiO & Quantum) & 16oz RA additive – Get $5 Target Gift Card (available until 4/8)

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Welcome to the Dropprice $100 Target Gift Card Giveaway!

Giveaway: Win a $100 Target Gift Card

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Welcome to the Dropprice $100 Target Gift Card Giveaway!

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“Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. All opinions are entirely my own.”

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Ends 3/31Welcome to the Spring Fling Gift Guide Family Game Night Giveaway!

Now let’s get to the sponsor!

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOU TUBE ~ INSTAGRAM

1 Lucky Winner Receives 4 Fabulous New 2017 Board Games! TRV $88!

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Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!

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Brain Boosting Foods!

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Check out some of these customer photos – they look amazing!

Their customers have great things to say about them:

More Reasons to Shop at Evgie.com

Customizable Wall Decals Giveaway Details:

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Welcome to the $100 Amazon Gift Card From Dropprice!

Giveaway: Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card

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