Last night the Granola Bar catered for my picnic night. I invited a few guests for a beachside picnic with delicious food and decor by Dabney Lee. The Granola Bar put together a fabulous menu of The Bar Caesar Salad, Butter Poached Lobster Salad, Blackened Salmon Wraps, Corn off the Cob, and The Granola Bar Dessert Platter. It was perfection
The Granola Bar is committed to giving you an outstanding catering experience for events of all sizes — from picnic nights, and personal and professional luncheons, to graduation parties, and baby and bridal showers!
They offer pick-up, delivery, and on-site catering. Leave all planning to their expert team for your next party or corporate meeting, The Granola Bar spaces are also available to rent for private parties and events!
The Granola Bar Rye offers space rentals for events up to 65 people and The Granola Bar Darien can accommodate groups as large as 40.
For more information regarding catering, private events or the TGB food truck, email catering@thegranolabar.com.
Most of us have been to pool parties, but why do we love them so much? Well, you’re about to find out. It turns out that pool parties combine various elements that appeal to our basic human needs. And this is what partly explains their popularity.
They’re A Social Activity
First, pool parties are a social activity. They make it easy to bring everyone together around something they all like, without leaving anyone feeling left out. Having the pool there creates a focal point for the occasion and provides people with something to do when they stop talking and munching on hors d’oeuvres. It makes the occasion more accessible to everyone, helping them to feel more welcome.
They’re A Creative Outlet
Pool parties are also an excellent opportunity for people to be more creative. That’s because swimming pool construction is a blank canvas. Ultimately, it’s up to you what you do with the space.
For example, pool parties can be an excellent way to play the music you love on full blast. You can also create decorations or games for guests to play while in the pool. Big, communal swimming pools are excellent if you enjoy having guests over regularly.
They’re Low Impact
Another cool aspect of pool parties is that they are low-impact, unlike rugby or American football. As such, people can still get plenty of exercise without injuring themselves. Spending an afternoon in the pool can reduce stress significantly and boost the immune system, helping it fight off disease. It’s also good exercise and an opportunity to burn calories.
They’re Great For Kids
Kids love pool parties, too. They’re fun for running, splashing, and jumping when properly supervised. Having parents there to watch the fun helps, too. Everyone gets what they want from the activity.
They Improve Mood
Swimming pools also bring a host of additional health benefits, including improving your mood and mental health. When there’s a swimming pool close by, it’s hard to have a bad time. Something about being close to water makes you want to let go of your troubles and just enjoy yourself for a while. Whether it’s splashing around or having fun while watching other people play sports, there’s something for everyone when it comes to pools and having fun.
They Let You Enjoy The Good Weather
There’s also the fact that swimming pools make it easy for you and your family to enjoy the good weather. When the sun comes out, you can take the cover off the pool and dive in to cool down.
We have seen the hourglass figure since probably the 50s with Marilyn Monroe, and now we see it with celebrities and influencers. Having feminine curves won’t go out of fashion, and this is why it is one of the silhouettes that most people have and are always looking to have.
If you want to get the modern hourglass silhouette, like the ones, celebrities. Then you should jump on the bandwagon and get wholesale shapewear pieces for yourself.
And the best place to find them is at Waistdear. They will help you achieve your goal of having the best hourglass figure with the best prices around. They are currently having a hot sale, so we recommend you check it out and don’t miss it.
They not only have waist trainers but also many other shapewear pieces like built-in shaper dress, body suits, shaper shorts, shaper underwear, etc. Each one is specifically made for your needs.
The hourglass figure
This figure is characterized by a well-defined and trim waistline, but not only, but it also means a curvy butt and hips, a flat stomach, and a small perky and small bustline. This is an overall curvy but toned look.
Sadly, not everyone can achieve this look naturally. Diet and exercise can get you so far, and for some, there’s the surgery option. But if you don’t want to go to such big extremes, you can always use shapewear and enjoy it while you wear them.
To achieve this figure the following shapewear styles are the ones that we recommend, as they will help create curves and sculpt your body.
Waist trainers
These are basically elasticated belts that you can wear up to 8 hours a day. Some can even be worn during workouts. They will help to break down your fat, thanks to the combination of the elimination of toxins and thermogenesis, and then your body gets trained into a new shape.
For those who are not into waist trainers, then corsets are the best option, as they will cinch the waist, exaggerate the hips and also boost your bustline. The modern hot sale custom waist trainer is not like the one from the past, and uses plastic or steel to contour and lengthen the torso area. They can also be found in a variety of fabrics.
High-waisted shorts with control
These will suck your waist in and smooth the area from your thighs to your hips. For those with flat butts, you can even find options with padding. If you just want to flatten the tummy area, maybe high-waisted briefs are the best option. Always remember to select the right control level.
Pieces with light control can be worn every day and provide a very gentle shaping, while pieces that have a firm control, will have a medium to much higher level of control if you need more shaping. And the extra firm control, will, of course, provide a higher level of control and a body contouring that is more dramatic.
Bodysuits with open bust
As it was mentioned before, one of the hourglass figure characteristics is a perky and smaller bust, so you’ll need the shaping to happen below the bust area. You’ll be able to achieve this with open-bust bodysuits, that will define your waistline and flatten your stomach without exaggerating your bust area.
As you might have noticed, the shapewear market has many options to offer you so you can achieve your amazing silhouette and curves. Always remember to be confident and love yourself and your body no matter what. And don’t forget that most celebrities and influencers will have surgeries to achieve their amazing bodies, so they are usually presenting an ideal that is unrealistic.
While some people may seem naturally more confident than others, the truth is confidence is a trait that takes a lot of effort to maintain. After all, our confidence is controlled by a range of both internal and external factors, which means it can fluctuate on a daily basis.
Photo by Thomas Kilbride on Unsplash
However, there are specific steps you can follow to naturally build up your confidence over time.
1. Show off your smile.
Various scientific studies have found that smiling more often increases our confidence. This is because when we smile, our body begins to release feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin – which are often linked to higher levels of confidence.
As such, it’s essential that you smile as much as possible. Of course, this may seem easier said than done for those that are self-conscious about their smile. If this is the case, consider looking into ways to remedy this through dental treatments. For example, this Bliss Dental procedure could help to give you straighter, brighter teeth – meaning you’ll always find a reason to flash those pearly whites!
2. Dress for yourself.
The clothes we wear can also impact our confidence levels. However, this does not mean that you have to wear the latest trends or high-end fashion to feel like the best version of yourself. Instead, you should learn to dress for yourself and not others. Wear clothes that you love, or feel the most comfortable in – and you’ll naturally begin to carry yourself with a little more confidence as a result.
Embracing your personal style is great for boosting self-esteem because it “allows us to express our individuality, showcase our uniqueness, and present ourselves authentically to the world.” Conversely, when we wear clothes because everyone else is wearing them, they may not be the most flattering, leading to self-consciousness and anxiety.
As such, if you’re considering upgrading your wardrobe, make sure you’re buying clothes that you love – instead of buying something because it’s popular or en-vogue.
3. Practise positive affirmations.
Practising positive affirmations each morning and evening can also be instrumental in building up your confidence while also providing you with
hope during tough times. This is because it encourages you to become naturally more positive over time, which can help stop the cycle of negativity you feel toward yourself.
To begin, stand in front of the mirror and repeat 4-5 positive phrases about yourself. They do not necessarily have to be about your appearance. While it can feel a little silly, to begin with, the more you indulge in this hobby, the kinder you will become to yourself. In fact, it’s a great way to begin to recognise your true worth.
4. Take a break from social media.
Social media is one of the biggest confidence killers around. In fact, “60% of people using social media reported negative impacts on their self-esteem.” There are various reasons for this. Firstly, excessive filtering or the editing of photographs means that societal beauty standards are inescapable when scrolling through social media – and we’re constantly encouraged to compare ourselves to images that aren’t actually real. Furthermore, social media encourages us to compare ourselves to others – whether they’re posting about their personal relationships or professional success – which can also cause our own confidence levels to drop.
While it’s important to acknowledge that we only post our best moments on social media – meaning you’re unlikely to come across someone admitting they are having a bad day or bad time – taking a social media break can also work wonders for your mental health. This is because it can stop you from scrolling aimlessly while also showing you there’s a whole world to enjoy beyond your screen!
5. Keep moving.
Whether you’re going to hit the gym or work out at home, finding ways to increase your daily activity levels can also boost your confidence. This is because our body produces a range of most-boosting hormones when exercising, such as serotonin, which can lead to us feeling more positive and confident.
As low-confidence levels are often linked to mental health struggles, it’s also important that the link between exercise and improved mental health is not ignored. Even as little as fifteen minutes of daily exercise can transform your confidence.
Furthermore, regular exercise can help change the relationship you have with your body for the better. Beyond being a tool to lose weight, it can help you recognise just how strong and powerful your body is, which means you’ll naturally begin to carry yourself with greater confidence.
Whether you’ve just bought a house or have been living in one for years, there’s one thing that all homeowners believe is true. Upgrading and decorating your home’s interior from time to time is essential. When you embellish your home with all the latest additions, you become happier and more satisfied with your living space. Furthermore, adding some interior upgrades can potentially increase the resale value of your property.
On the other hand, creating a gorgeous space that looks like it could be featured in one of your favorite décor magazines is not easy. From considering lighting options and figuring out which paint looks best in which room to placing furniture in designated nooks and selecting artwork, textures, and fabrics, there are many things to consider. It is safe to say that many choices go into creating an aesthetically pleasing abode. Nevertheless, some interior upgrades are easy to implement and inexpensive, and they can help you achieve the look you desire.
Interested in learning more? Here’s what you can do to spruce up your interior:
- Revamp Your Furniture
Upgrading your home’s furniture is one way to make it look more appealing. The trick is to invest in timeless, quality objects. Opt for custom-made furniture tailored to your space and needs if your budget allows.
Choose versatile pieces that can adapt to different room layouts and functions. Upholstered furniture in neutral tones offers flexibility and can be easily updated with throw pillows or blankets to match changing trends or seasons.
Also, don’t forget the details: replace worn-out items in your room to create a fresh, brand-new look. One essential item to replace could be your bedroom mattresses. A worn-out mattress can not only impact the quality and comfort of your sleep but also significantly impact the look and feel of your home. A popular choice for a luxurious feel and restful sleep is Simmons Beautyrest Black Mattresses. These mattresses offer a superior sleeping experience, combining innovative technology with exquisite craftsmanship. Additionally, their color (black) availability can offer an air of sophistication and visual interest.
Overall, upgrading your home’s furniture and other items will enhance the visual appeal and elevate comfort and functionality.
- Add Wall Treatments
A room’s appearance and atmosphere can be significantly improved by adding architectural interest to the walls. Adding a wood slat, shiplap, or beadboard wall may transform a space from flat and uninteresting to three-dimensional and exciting.
You can use wallpaper if you want to avoid adding architectural interest. Wallpaper might be a wonderful place to start if you want to give a space a significant facelift since walls with bold patterns can undoubtedly create an upscale appearance.
- Change Your Hardware
Often overlooked, upgrading hardware can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your home.
So, replace outdated doorknobs, handles, and hinges with modern, stylish options that complement your interior design. Consider choosing hardware finishes throughout your home for a cohesive look. Swap old switch plates and outlet covers with sleek, modern designs to add a touch of sophistication.
Moreover, upgrading your hardware is a simple and cost-effective way to elevate the visual appeal of your home, bringing cohesiveness and attention to detail to every room.
- Get Some Plants
Indoor plants give any room character and depth, whether you’re trying to make a statement or want to fill an empty corner or table. Additionally, plants can lend much-needed color to some areas or a touch of cleanliness to a space decorated in an industrial style.
Based on the look you want to achieve, you can place plants in cups, mason jars, terrariums, or earthenware pots.
- Elevate Your Window Treatments
Upgrading your window treatments is a great way to not only enhance privacy and control natural light but also elevate the overall look of your home.
Choose window coverings that complement your interior style while offering functionality. Curtains and drapes in luxurious fabrics like silk or linen can add elegance and softness to a room. Consider layering curtains with sheer panels for diffused light and privacy during the day while maintaining a cozy ambiance. Blinds or shades offer precise light control and privacy. Explore materials like bamboo, wood, or fabric to achieve the desired look.
- Install Hardwood Floors
Installing chic and modern hardwood flooring with a unique wood in your home’s interiors is a sturdy way to impress your guests. Although you may need to engage qualified experts to install the flooring, this addition to your interior design is worth the cost. This traditional flooring design has a stunning effect and will undoubtedly raise the value of your house.
- Opt For Stylish Storage Solutions
Clutter can detract from the elegance of your home’s interior, so investing in stylish storage solutions is essential. Replace bulky bookshelves with sleek, wall-mounted shelving units or built-in cabinetry. Utilize underutilized spaces, such as the area under stairs or beds, by incorporating hidden storage solutions like pull-out drawers or storage ottomans.
Furthermore, consider installing floating shelves to display curated collections or decorative items. Incorporate storage baskets, boxes, or bins to keep more minor things organized and tucked away. When it comes to storage solutions, think beyond functionality and consider how they can enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.
- A Nice Coat of Paint
The most cost-effective way to revamp your home’s interior is through fresh paint. Selecting the right colors can profoundly impact each room’s overall ambiance and mood. Neutral tones like soft grays, warm beiges, or cool whites create a versatile backdrop that allows other design elements to shine. Fresh paint can also boost property value if you’re considering selling your house soon.
Also, consider painting an accent wall to add a splash of color and develop a focal point. For a more daring approach, explore the world of bold and vibrant colors to inject personality into your space. Remember to experiment with different finishes, such as matte, eggshell, or semi-gloss, to achieve the desired effect.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re seeking a modern and minimalistic aesthetic or a cozy and rustic ambiance, these upgrades provide a starting point for your interior design journey. Remember, it’s essential to consider your preferences and needs while implementing these upgrades, ensuring your home becomes a personalized oasis where you can relax, enjoy, and thrive. So don’t hesitate to embark on the exciting adventure of enhancing your home’s interior and witness the transformative power these upgrades can bring to your everyday life.
Are there days where you stand in front of a mirror and have thoughts such as “I do not feel like myself,” “Who is this person?” or “I am ready for a change”? If any of these statements resonate with you, that is ok. It is what you do about it that matters. Whether you are looking for something different physically or emotionally, you can make changes that help you feel better about who you are. Continue reading to learn more.
Start a specialized health program.
Sometimes there seems to be nothing you can do to appreciate your body. You eat well, hydrate regularly, and exercise on a schedule. Over time, things change, and your body shifts in directions you would rather it did not. When this happens, know that you have a choice on whether or not to do something about it.
Go to the experts in preventative helping treatments to find productive and proactive solutions in the world of anti-aging and hormone replacement therapies. These treatments can provide you with a wide range of results beyond just the targeted increased muscle tone and fat loss. Some other benefits include enhanced sex drive and related performance, a boost in energy levels, an improvement in concentration and memory retention, menopause and andropause symptom relief, and a general increase in well-being. These therapies work in tandem with improved lifestyle approaches, such as incorporating a good nutrition plan and an exercise program that is right for you.
Schedule routine medical care.
In order to feel good and feel good about yourself, you must take care of your body. This care involves essential medical appointments you need to make (and keep) on a routine basis. Not only will these healthcare checks help you stay up-to-date on necessary vaccinations, but they are also an opportunity for your respective healthcare providers to catch any problems at their inception and work to remedy them before they worsen. Prevention is key in terms of healthcare.
Some of the major healthcare appointments you should make include the following:
- Annual Well-Check – Regardless of your gender, this is an important appointment you need to schedule. Meeting with your healthcare provider is a chance to discuss any concerns, receive guidance or referrals for more specialized care, and maintain your routine vaccination schedule and blood tests.
- Eye Exam – If you have the gift of vision, it is important for you to keep it. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will assess age-related concerns and the natural progression of your eye health. Corrective lenses will be fitted during these exams to help you see clearly.
- Hearing Exam – As you age, you will likely notice your hearing acuity is reduced. When this happens, do not wait to see a licensed audiologist. Have your hearing assessed to give you the best chance to communicate with the world around you.
- Skin Check – You should see a dermatologist annually for a full-body check to determine if you have any concerning spots that may indicate skin cancer. Your dermatologist will fully assess your skin and recommend further action if they find a potential problem.
- Dental Exam – A visit to your dentist for a full cleaning should be scheduled twice per year. At one of these appointments, a technician will take full mouth X-Rays to assess your complete oral health. Taking care of your oral hygiene is essential as it is a measure to prevent further problems in your overall health due to poor oral care.
Pay attention to your mental health.
Feeling better about the wonderful person you are should always include taking care of your mental health. After all, your body includes your mind. When you are feeling less than yourself, depressed, or are working through life stressors or traumatic events, you do not have to do it all by yourself.
Seeking the counsel and support of someone else is imperative and can be life-changing. You can find talk therapy through a licensed therapist, a clergy member, a social services agency, or via referral from your healthcare provider. The important thing is to find someone to talk with when you need it most.
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Take these tips, pick up your phone, or go online and make appointments for your health and well-being. It is time to put yourself first so you can find positive and realistic solutions to increase your self-esteem and self-love through caring for your body and mind.