About Tracey Edmonds

Tracey Edmonds is a mother of two, television/film producer, and health/wellness advocate who seeks to empower others with a combination of pertinent, enlightening, and inspirational information. She practices yoga, daily meditation and believes in self-cultivating wellness at every level: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Tracey is the editor of Alrightnow.com and can be contacted at [email protected]

Three Tips to Get Great Looking Lashes

Nearly any celeb you check out on social media seems to be blessed with luxurious lashes. Sure, they could be due to some photo enhancing apps, but many of these gals (and some guys) don’t need a filter for their lashes to be front and center. Are they blessed by nature? Perhaps some of these famous faces hit the gene pool jackpot, but the rest of the influencers and idols either go for false lashes or grow theirs to the max with some help from the pharmacy. For those who use false lashes, extensions, etc., wouldn’t it be nice to say you “woke up like this?” I’m all for faking it for photo shoots and appearances, but when they’re all mine, it’s even better. These three tips to getting great looking lashes are simple, yet the results can be outstanding. Don’t expect an overnight miracle, but with some patience and perhaps a few prayers, you’ll see your lashes grow right before your very eyes (literally!)   Castor Oil Go for an all-natural lash-growth remedy with the perks of castor oil. It may sound strange, but the beauty industry swears by this oil’s many fine qualities, including the way it can get lashes to look longer, thicker, and more abundant. The “trick” is the ricinoleic acid in the castor oil, which has been studied to reverse hair loss. Apply pure castor oil to your lashes at nighttime, preferably with a Q-tip for precision. A little goes a long way, especially since you don’t want the castor oil to get in your eyes. For obvious reasons, doing this during the daytime wouldn’t be ideal. Try this out for a few weeks and see if it works for you. Naturally, if you experience any irritation, discontinue this process, and try another technique.   Supplements I’m a big believer in taking daily supplements, not just for lash growth, but to benefit my entire body from the inside out. Certain vitamins, minerals, and the like aren’t always abundant or sufficient in our diets, so getting all we need may have to come in pill form. Even those who eat super healthfully could be missing out on the essentials. As for lashes, certain supplements are stronger than others. Go for iron and Omega-3s, to transport oxygen to the hair follicles, Vitamin B to ward off brittleness, and Vitamin H for maximum growth potential. Generally speaking, maintain a healthy diet; don’t rely on supplements solely. This daily routine can jumpstart lash growth and strength, and you’ll probably feel healthier and more vibrant as a “side effect.”   Lash Serums Lash serum sales are soaring, mostly because they’re easy to use and many do yield impressive results. I, for one, tried Latisse, and it was a glam game-changer. Since it is FDA-approved and highly reviewed, the product is safe and effective. Latisse promises to deliver full effects by 16 weeks, so apply as directed, and count down the days. Hopefully, you will enjoy [...]

2020-12-23T16:29:08-08:00By |

4 Natural Remedies for a Sore Throat

Sore throats are the worst, especially for kids (and the busy parents of said kids). It’s not only uncomfortable, but it makes eating and sleeping difficult too, which makes everything worse. Sore throats are actually our body’s immune systems doing us a favor, sending inflammation to areas that are targeted by viral infections. But that doesn’t stop it from being a pain in the neck. While your body tries to figure out what to do with your infection, you should try to figure out what to do with your body. Try these 4 natural remedies for a sore throat to soothe yourself or your family during the inevitable colds that come with the winter dry spells.   1.   Honey Honey may be the most readily available and widely known treatment for a sore throat. Your mom was probably always ready with honey and tea when you got sick. Even if she didn’t know the science behind it, your mom knew what she was doing. Honey has all kinds of effects beneficial to throat soreness, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits. This means that this golden goo, made of flower dust and bee spit, can give you soothing pain relief in your throat at the same time it fights the infection that gave you the soreness in the first place. Very rarely can you find a substance that works to control both the symptoms and the disease, but honey is a special case. Research the kinds of honey that are out there to maximize its benefits.   2.   Apple Cider Vinegar    Apple cider vinegar is known throughout the world as an enemy of bacteria. Even the ancient Greeks mixed it with (you guessed it) honey, to treat the flu and cure a cough. Even today, apple cider vinegar is a great soldier in the battle against throat soreness, even though many people now think of it purely as a weight loss supplement. The worst thing about apple cider vinegar, of course, is the acidic taste, which can hurt your teeth as well if you’re not careful. This is why the antibacterial benefits of apple cider vinegar are only really worth it if you mix it with something. Dilute the vinegar with warm water or juice and add some honey to make it more palatable.   3.   Marshmallow Root Marshmallow root has a cute name, but doesn’t look much like its fluffy, sugary namesake. You can buy it whole for the most intense effects and turn it into a supplement by soaking it in a cheesecloth. However, most of us know marshmallow root as an ingredient in pre-made herbal teas, often called “throat coat” teas. The name comes from marshmallow root’s ability to soothe your throat and provide a protective, lubricating layer that fights throat inflammation. These teas can provide a great emergency throat soother that’s easy to store in the pantry for when you need it.   4.   Saltwater When we were growing up, a lot [...]

2020-12-10T16:31:37-08:00By |

3 Great Ways to Get into The Holiday Spirit This Year

2020 has been a year like none other. From the pandemic to politics, stress has been swirling, and finding happiness has been hard for many. That said, as the year comes to a close, there’s a lot to be said about looking towards a future that’s filled with hope and harmony. If you are having trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year, know you are not alone. But do not let the worst of 2020 drag you down. See the glass half-full (hopefully with champagne), and close out the year with an optimistic outlook for opportunity. These three tips will bring out your festive side, with all the love and light you deserve. No matter how your year has been, embrace the attitude that there is always a new day to dive into.   Get Decked Out…But Stay In Financial issues have burned many people over the past months. And even if you are doing OK money-wise, it does not mean you have to blow big bucks over the holidays. Do away with big events and over-priced restaurants and clubs. Stay home, make a nice supper, and sit back stress-free. However, put on your party outfit. Give those sweats and PJs a break. Look like a million bucks while spending far less. Take those pics for Instagram and show the world you can do casual and classy simultaneously. Get into the party spirit by playing lively music and decorate your home with traditional touches. “Deck the halls” with a holiday vibe that’s perfect for a homebody. You won’t have “FOMO” when you’re creating your own fun.   Resolve to Reconnect Social distancing has kept us from friends and family for a while now. The holidays are the perfect excuse to call (or FaceTime/Zoom) friends and family members you haven’t seen in ages. There is plenty to catch up on, so expect to be occupied for hours. After all these weeks binge-watching TV and far too much solo time, these connections will be more than welcome. Promise you won’t let as much time go by without checking in on one another. Relationships are precious, and you are lucky to have these people in your life. Keep in touch to stay up to date in 2021 and beyond.   Give Back and Do Good The holidays remind us of our blessings, and no matter how much or how little we have, there is always something to be thankful for. Those who are less fortunate could use a helping hand, no matter the size or effort of the contribution. Take time this season to volunteer your time or donate money to a charitable cause that’s close to your heart. Think outside the box to help those who don’t often get the care or consideration they so desperately need. Not only will you change someone’s life, but you will feel proud of yourself for participating in something so positive. It’s far better than anything you’ll ever find under [...]

2020-12-10T16:25:26-08:00By |

5 Natural Remedies to Help with a Cough

The weather is changing, which people with sensitive noses know is the sign of cold and flu season coming up. People with busy workweeks know how a cold can make their lives difficult. Those of you with kids dread the thought of sick days home from school where everyone’s schedule gets thrown off and nothing gets done. If you feel a cough coming on or you already have one, you may be on medications to get rid of it. But you can only take those so often. These 5 natural remedies to help with a cough are far more pleasant than cough syrup and help your body rehydrate and fight inflammation as well as treat your cough. Use these natural remedies strategically to avoid coughs from yourself or to give sick kids a natural and pleasant way to take their “medicine.”   1.   Increased fluid intake Fluids are your body’s army against invading cold and flu germs. If you have a cough, room temperature fluids (and lots of them) can help with throat soreness and calm down your cough. Many people have found that hot beverages are even more soothing than room temperature ones. Water, herbal teas, and broths are traditional remedies that work wonders to give you the fluids you need. Even fruit juice tastes better warmed up, especially for kids who don’t like warm broth.   2.   Tea with honey Honey, especially dark, raw honey, is a miracle substance when it comes to relieving coughs, often outperforming over-the-counter cough-suppressants. The taste factor is a bonus. My go-to cough remedy is a cup of warm marshmallow root tea with honey. The honey tastes great and reduces cough-related inflammation while the marshmallow coats your throat to help you feel less sore.   3.   Ginger Ginger is well-known as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. Coughs cause all kinds of inflammation and ginger helps your throat relax, especially if the cough is dry. If you’ve got flu-related nausea or pain, ginger can help settle your stomach too. The best way to take ginger is naturally. Buy some whole root, thinly slice about an inch of it, and drop it into boiling water for about 5 minutes. Get some honey and lemon in there too for added effects.   4.   Peppermint Menthol is the ingredient in peppermint that gives it a cooling sensation. It also reduces inflammation in your throat when you’ve been coughing, which not only relieves some pain but also reduces your urge to continue coughing. Peppermint also has antibacterial, antiviral, and decongestive properties, so it’s got a lot going for it. Peppermint lozenges or teas could be a big help when you’re coming down with a cough and peppermint essential oil also makes for great decongesting aromatherapy, if you’re into that.   5.   Pineapple Pineapple isn’t on everyone’s list of must-buys for cold and flu relief, but it should be up there with orange juice, especially for coughs. That’s because pineapple is packed with bromelain, which [...]

2020-12-10T15:42:07-08:00By |

4 Anti-Aging Benefits that Come with Strength Training

There are many ways to slow down the aging process. Many choose to go the “easy” route with expensive plastic surgeries, cosmetic procedures, and fad diets. However, establishing a strength training routine into your daily life will not only have you looking younger, but feeling younger as well. Here are four benefits to strength training that should open your eyes and have you feeling like heading back to the gym soon!   Keep Muscle Mass Muscle is tough to come by. It does not just happen overnight. And the muscle mass you currently have developed over the years will gradually go away as you age unless you do something about it. I made a commitment to strength training a few years back as I noticed how older people will lose their size and actually appear to shrivel up as they age. I don’t want that. I want to retain my quality of life up until my number is called! In addition, research has shown that not only will strength training keep you physically active, but will improve your cognitive abilities as well!   Avoid Injuries As we enter our golden years, injuries can tend to pile up. A small tumble outside could lead to several months on the shelf or worse. People just become more fragile as we age. However, with strength training, we can avoid these injuries. Hitting the weights, either through dumbbells, barbells, or cable machines, can help you avoid osteoporosis and other ailments. Strength training will keep the bone density you currently have or make it stronger, so injuries do not have to be part of your life as you age.   Improve Your Appearance Here is the great thing about those interested in improving their body as they age: Muscle burns fat even while resting. Those extra pounds that seem to accumulate in certain parts of our body as we age do not have to be accepted. By sticking to a strength training routine, your body can look better at 50 or 60 than it did at 40 years of age. Many people spend a lot of money on clothes that they believe make them appear in shape, but hitting the gym and getting the real thing instead is priceless.   Better Cardiovascular Health Heart disease is the number one killer around the globe. It does not care about your age, race, or sex. It is devastating and can strike instantly. Because of this, it makes sense that you should want to improve your cardiovascular health if you want to live longer. Strength training can improve your good cholesterol, reduce your bad cholesterol, and according to recent studies, is even better for your heart than a cardio workout. You want a strong heart? Get strong muscles!   Don’t Go Overboard Strength training does not mean you have to start weightlifting like you are getting ready for the Olympics. A simple every other day routine for thirty minutes to an hour is [...]

2020-12-04T18:21:27-08:00By |

3 Proven All-Natural Supplements for Younger Looking Skin

Our skin is the largest organ in our body. It absorbs and reacts to everything; from the amount of sun we get to the food we eat. A healthy diet is paramount to healthy skin. But what works one week to keep it looking clear, clean, and young may not work the next week. This is bad news for busybodies and working parents. Even if you don’t have time to experiment, however, don’t worry! You’ve come to the right place. Rather than splurge on expensive artificial products with laundry lists of ingredients and uncertain effects, you should invest in your skin’s health for the long term. That means understanding the fundamentals of healthy skin and how a healthy diet and all-natural supplements are the only “secret” to looking young you’ll ever need. The anti-aging products industry is one of the most profitable in the world. They would pay for you to not read about these great all-natural supplements for great skin year-round.   1.   Vitamin A There are three basic principles to maintaining healthy skin: less oil, less inflammation, and more moisture. Vitamin A is best known for the first thing. Oil produced by our glands can cause dead skin cells to build up, block our pores, and cause all kinds of ugly breakouts. Vitamin A reduces the size of those glands to keep our natural oils at a manageable level. This makes Vitamin A – both as a topical treatment and oral supplement – the first line of defense against acne. Vitamin A promotes healthy collagen and even reduces skin inflammation related to breakouts.   How to Take Vitamin A Vitamin A is fat-soluble. This means that your body can store it, which is good for retention but bad for those at risk for overdoses. It can build up to toxic levels if you don’t dose it properly. Thankfully, so long as you get it naturally, you don’t have to worry. Foods rich in Vitamin A include dairy products and meat. Foods like carrots and tomatoes contain beta-carotene, which becomes Vitamin A when you consume it, so a few well-rounded meals a week should maintain your body’s healthy supply. In a pinch, an oral supplement could work too. Just remember that dosing is important. It’s best to consult a doctor before starting a new supplement.   2.   Collagen Collagen is already in our skin. It’s the protein that makes skin elastic, which is shorthand in the skin health community for “looking young.” Collagen is the basis for all anti-aging products, so getting it naturally and purely should have an even more pronounced effect. Our collagen levels naturally shrink as we get older, so supplementation can stop the clock for a while.   How to Take Collagen Edible animal skin, such as from fish and chicken, contains a lot of collagen. Bone broth and gelatin also contain the same protein compounds. However, powder, pill, and liquid collagen supplements may be easier to take to boost [...]

2020-12-04T17:11:17-08:00By |

The 6 Best Teas for Cold and Flu Relief

We all love it when the weather starts changing and the mornings gradually get cooler. But colder temperatures mean that cold and flu season is coming up, which can be a huge problem for people who are susceptible to colds, work around a lot of people, or have kids at home. Colds can spread fast and make everyone miserable. If you ask a doctor (or a mom), the first thing they’ll tell you is: drink more fluids. This is good advice, but which fluids are best? Warm teas not only provide medicinal relief when you choose the right herbs, but the warmth soothes your throat, and additives like honey and lemon can help suppress your cough. If you take advantage of the best teas out there for cold and flu relief, you can speed up your recovery and enjoy a fresh herbal remedy at the same time.   1.   Peppermint Peppermint’s distinct cooling sensation comes from menthol, which makes a great cough suppressant. Just breathing the steam off a cup of peppermint tea can relieve congested sinuses. Drinking it can lower inflammation and pain in your whole body. If that wasn’t enough, peppermint has even been studied by major drug organizations for its antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It’s the multipurpose cold and flu-fighting tea that no pantry should be without as we approach the winter months.   2.   Echinacea You may know echinacea more as an immune-boosting supplement than as a tea, but this herb is notorious for its ability to shorten a cold or flu. If you feel an illness coming on and don’t need specific decongestive effects (yet), echinacea tea might even be able to prevent the cold altogether by boosting your immune response. It works as a light anti-inflammatory supplement as well. Herbal teas often mix lemon or mint with the echinacea for an even tastier immune-boosting beverage to warm you up during flu season.   3.   Stinging Nettle Stinging Nettle is an ancient remedy for the flu due to its ability to boost your immune system with Vitamin C and carotene. Don’t let its aggressive name turn you off: it’s packed with antioxidants and helps you fight the systemic inflammation that results naturally from being sick. Those who already have chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis may have heard of nettle tea before, but not in the context of getting over a nasty cold. As a tea, it can do a lot of good.   4.   Ginger Ginger is a well-known herbal remedy and it’s a cold germ’s worst nightmare. It can both prevent colds from coming on and soothe one you already have by reducing inflammation in your throat, reducing congestion, and even clearing up bacterial and viral issues related to your sickness as well. Ginger is a powerful antioxidant and tests higher for antibacterial effects than some prescription antibiotics. With a little lemon, it makes a perfect tea to weather a winter cold.   5.   Chamomile Chamomile tea doesn’t have [...]

2020-12-18T18:01:10-08:00By |

How to Make Your Home Cozy for The Fall/Winter Season

As the nip in the air has us pulling out our sweaters, scarves, and socks, we gear up for the Fall and Winter, and put those steamy summer days behind us. While frolicking at the beach and rocking our bikinis is always a blast, there is something so special about the comfort of the cooler months when we can snuggle up and settle in. There’s nothing like sitting by the crackling fireplace and getting toasty as the stars light up the evening sky. I enjoy embracing every moment as the leaves turn colors and coat weather kicks in. Part of my pleasure is making my home seasonally appropriate, super cozy, and extra inviting. When my home feels comfortable and comforting, I can fully soak in the season and do so with a smile. Here are some tips to make your home cozy for the Fall and Winter season. I am a big fan of these three ideas, and encourage you to take a little time out to give your place a seasonal pick-me-up. You will feel the vibe of the season as you get into the spirit.   Seasonal Scents Certain aromas capture the Fall and Winter just right. I go for warm scents like cinnamon spice, vanilla, and pine. You can pick up some beautiful candles or burn incense in these fragrances or ones that you love best. Even a room spray does the trick, and the good ones last for hours. Think about baking too. As you whip up something wonderful in the kitchen, the treats will give off a scent that will have you salivating. I enjoy baking a hearty pumpkin loaf, banana nut bread, and a variety of cookies this time of year.   Different Décor Swapping out a few items here and there can make a subtle seasonal difference in the ambiance of your living space. You don’t have to go overboard or spend a lot of money to make the switch. Consider changing up your throw pillows and blankets when Fall and Winter come around by replacing whites and pastels with earthy colors and heaver fabrics for Fall/Winter. I bring out some of my favorite holiday items to get a head start on the season and display different photos on my shelves for sentimental value. If you want to do a little more, consider investing in new curtains or a richer-looking throw rug. You’ll be happier with your home when you give it a mini overhaul.   Merry Music I could play holiday music year-round, but then the Fall and Winter wouldn’t seem as special. Once there’s a chill in the air, it’s time for me to pipe some merry music throughout the house, providing a beautiful background seasonal soundtrack. I always feel more cheerful when the music is on, and I’m not as tempted to watch TV, which can be a waste of time. When the music is playing, I’m always more productive. When it’s time to settle [...]

2020-11-30T18:43:08-08:00By |

5 Tools to Help You Overcome Any Financial Setback

Finances are one of the most difficult topics to talk about in any situation. Whether it is discussing salaries at work or budgeting at home, discussing money can make for a tense conversation. Unless you work with money professionally (financial analyst, accountant, etc.), money is something we get the concept of, but could have trouble managing it effectively. And that’s when nothing is going wrong. Unfortunately, sometimes life happens and throws us for a loop. No situation creates feelings of stress and anxiety as much as dealing with money problems… Maybe your job was furloughed, or your salary was reduced drastically because of the COVID-19 pandemic Maybe your entire business livelihood was affected by the pandemic (lower sales, closing down your business, etc.) Or maybe you received an unexpected bill for a major expense like a medical issue or house repair Regardless, if you’ve never dealt with a financial setback before, the first time can be nerve-wrecking. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the situation. It creates a lot of uncertainty and negative emotions, but those negative feelings don’t have to shape or define you. We want to share some tools you can use to overcome any financial setback.   Think Positively When you have a financial setback, negativity will start running your thoughts. The only way to overcome the situation is to believe you can overcome the situation. You can choose to sit around and feel sorry for yourself, or you can commit to working towards fixing the situation. You won’t be able to use any of the following tools if you are approaching the situation with a negative/defeated attitude. Believe in your ability to get yourself back on track.   Analyze Your Current Financial Situation Once you have mentally committed to approaching the situation positively, the next step is to figure out where you are financially. You need to know all the money you currently have, when new money will come in (like your job salary), and any big expenses you originally planned for. Knowing where your money *could* go (bills, travel, etc.) leads you to the next step.   Budget Like a Boss The CEO of a company may not know where every penny of the company’s money goes, but they will always make sure they are spending that money strategically based on what makes financial sense. You must be the same with your personal finances. In a way, financial setbacks are a blessing because they force you to think about your money differently. When things are “going well”, you may feel it is ok to get an $8 coffee every morning or buy a couple of different streaming services for movies and TV shows. When you have a financial setback, you should be merciless when looking at what expenses to cut. You cannot afford, figuratively and literally, to spend money on things that are not essential. This may also mean not spending money on the things that typically make [...]

2020-11-25T15:25:02-08:00By |

Ways to Show Thanks with Meaning…Not Money

Letting someone know you appreciate them is a kind gesture that speaks volumes. All too often, good deeds go unnoticed, and those who deserve praise get passed over. When you have the chance to thank someone for any reason, be sure your message comes from the heart. The same goes for when you simply want to put your gratitude out there in the universe, be it for your many blessings or a particular instance. There could be a time when a monetary gift would make sense as a gesture of thanks. While it is sure to be appreciated, it does not always make the biggest impact. Not to mention, not everyone has the means to give much, making the thanks seem skimpy or shortsighted. Rather than a monetary exchange, show your thanks in a way that’s far richer. They say it’s the thought that counts, so step up to the plate and prove just how appreciative you are.   The Art of The Handwritten Note We have gotten used to texting, making it one of the top ways we communicate on nearly any level. While a thank you text does the job swiftly, the recipient knows it took little to no effort to send it off. Do more than the bare minimum when you want to go the extra mile. Pen a handwritten note and spend time giving credit and care. Give your note to your recipient and they will be delighted by your dedication. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and the reaction will be priceless.   Time Is Precious A quick phone call or an in-person thank you is generally sufficient in most circumstances, but spending time with someone is so much more enjoyable and engaging. Sharing experiences shows you care, and when you take a few hours out of your schedule, the time spent is special. It doesn’t cost a thing to sit down with someone to talk and laugh, and the value could never compare to emotionless dollar signs. The connection keeps relationships thriving, and your thank you will be remembered fondly.   Food for Thought Whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies or some banana bread and bring it to someone who has done something worth celebrating. Your culinary skills don’t have to be superb, as long as the cooking is done with lots of love. If you are feeling especially crafty, package the homemade goods in a lovely basket with ribbons. Tuck in some paper plates and disposable cutlery to make things easier. Next time go one step further by inviting them over to your home where maybe you can share stories along with some dinner.   Remember, slipping someone some money may seem satisfactory, and for some, the need is there, and you will be doing them a great service. If that is the case, give what you can when appropriate. Otherwise, realize that money is just an object, and your sentiments and actions go [...]

2020-11-23T19:02:03-08:00By |

The 6 Best Apps for Making Lots of Money by Selling Your Stuff

Have you noticed how much stuff you have? When you spend all day in your house, you notice the little things that seemingly weren’t there before – imperfections in the walls, closets packed to the brim, and just so much stuff everywhere. With the pandemic forcing thousands of people to work from home, everyone is starting to wonder where all this stuff came from and how they can get rid of it. You could throw it away and be done with it, by why not try and make some money off your used stuff? You may not want it anymore, but there are tons of people that would want it and would gladly pay for it. Here are 6 apps that are a great way to sell your used stuff.   Facebook Marketplace This is one of the more popular options since it is part of an app that over 2 billion people use every day. You can post anything from used DVDs to entire cars. To increase your chance of selling your items, you can join groups in your area that specialize in buying/trading goods. Just set your price, describe your product, post, and wait for offers. Odds are you are using Facebook anyway, so why not make some money and get rid of your stuff at the same time?   Decluttr Decluttr specializes in letting you sell used technology like DVDs, games, and CDs. The app is easy to use – once you post your product, you get an instant value for it. If you accept it, Decluttr will send you a free shipping label to put on a box with your items and drop off at the nearest UPS location. Another huge benefit – this app has an “A” rating with the Better Business Bureau, so you know they are safe and trustworthy.   Letgo Letgo has gained popularity recently due to its easy navigation. Letgo does a lot of the work for you so you can focus on getting rid of your stuff. Just post a picture of your item and Letgo will automatically sort it into the proper category for you. There’s also an option to automate certain messages, so you can spend less time typing and more time selling.   thredUP Let’s face it – the first items that will usually go when decluttering are your clothes. A great way to simplify your life is by getting rid of any clothes that either don’t fit, you don’t like, or you never wore in the first place. thredUP’s specialty is selling used clothing, and they’ve gotten good at it. Once you sign up for an account, thredUP will ship you a bag to put all your clothes in, and you’ll get paid once your order is processed. If you’re not sure how much you could get, they have a calculator where you enter your clothing and they’ll give you an estimate on how much you will get paid based on [...]

2020-11-18T13:46:56-08:00By |

Thanksgiving for Two – Celebrating with Your Special Someone

Thanksgiving this year may be a little different than usual. With less travel and smaller gatherings, you may find yourself having a cozy couple’s celebration rather than an all-out family/friends affair. While you may miss the catching up and carefree chaos, there’s something nice about giving a low-key thanks with the special someone in your life. A table for two is far simpler to set up, and you won’t have to worry about your “crazy uncle” going off the rails or everyone asking about the status of your relationship. When you have a Thanksgiving for two, you can bring on the romance while being grateful for your blessings, as you carve the turkey and share the side dishes. Pop open a nice bottle of wine, toast to your good fortune, and settle in with a smile. Be sure to leave room for extra dessert…wink, wink.   Eat What You Want The typical Thanksgiving fare is delicious, but you don’t have to do the same old thing when it’s just the two of you. If you’re in the mood for something different, serve what you like. Perhaps you’d prefer fish or steak instead of turkey, or want to lighten up the side dishes with fresh salads instead of sweet potatoes and stuffing. You can even order in rather than cooking, saving time and energy so you can relax on your day off. You’re sure to still have leftovers, so store them for the next day’s lunch, when you and your partner can enjoy another meal together.   Make It Festive Just because it’s only the two of you doesn’t mean the holiday isn’t as important. Give yourselves the full Thanksgiving treatment by bringing out the good dinnerware, using cloth napkins, and getting dressed up nicely for your meal. Play some ambiance music, light a few candles, and sit down at the dining room table rather than plopping down on the couch in front of the TV. Take your time with your meal – savor every bite as well as the precious moments with your partner.   Pay It Forward You’re fortunate to have a hot meal to eat and someone to share it with. Before sitting down to supper, take some time to help those less fortunate. You can spend a few hours volunteering at a soup kitchen, collect canned goods for donation, or give money to a charitable organization. A little goes a long way, and any effort you can put forth will be appreciated. Doing something like this with your loved one makes the experience even more meaningful, and hopefully you’ll continue doing so moving forward.   Follow Up with Family Your laid-back Thanksgiving is something you’ll cherish, but find a few minutes to wish your family a happy holiday. Zoom or FaceTime to check in on your loved ones to find out how their day was, and hopefully this time next year, you’ll all be together. Then again, if your Thanksgiving for two [...]

2020-11-10T13:27:28-08:00By |

5 Secrets to Boost Your Immune System Naturally

My favorite natural techniques to boost your body's defenses