According to the ASPCA, 23 million households in America welcomed a new pet into their pack during the pandemic. People have been using their backyards more in recent years for everything from working and entertaining to vacationing and working out. But for dogs, this backyard business is old hat.
“No one loves the family yard as much as the family dog,” notes Kris Kiser, President of the TurfMutt Foundation, an organization that advocates for the care for and use of green spaces, as well as pet rescue. “It’s my rescue dog, Mulligan’s, favorite place to be, so I do everything I can to make it safe and enjoyable for her, which ultimately makes it better for me, too.”
Kiser and Mulligan have advice for creating a dream yard for your pets and the whole family this summer:
Plant Real Grass
Plastic grass is uncomfortable on paws (and bare feet), gets very hot during the summer, is difficult to clean, and is worse for the environment since it requires water for cleaning and usually can’t be recycled. The bottom line: real grass is the best option for pets, people and the environment.
Select the Right Plants & Grasses
Choose a type of turf grass that will withstand the “ruff” housing of your pet. Buffalo and Bermuda grasses can be a good choice, depending on your climate zone. For other plants and shrubs, check the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic garden plants for advice before planting. You’ll want soft, sturdy foliage near walkways. Save delicate, decorative flowers for elevated flowerbeds and patio pots. Pro tip: place plants close together in areas you want to designate as off-limits to your dog to create boundaries.
Consider Pollinators & Other Wildlife
Nature starts in your backyard, which provides habitat and food for birds, butterflies, bees and more. Each of these species help pollinate food crops and flowering plants, so take them into consideration, too, when you’re selecting plants for your backyard.
Plan for Fun
Add a splash pool, build a sandbox for digging or even create a canine obstacle course to provide hours of fun. After a day of play, your dog will need a place to relax so think of where you can plant trees or bushes that provide shade for snoozing.
Sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation. To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, visit TurfMutt.com.
About TurfMutt
TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. Through classroom materials developed with Scholastic, TurfMutt teaches students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” TurfMutt is an official USGBC® Education Partner and part of their global LEARNING LAB. TurfMutt is an educational resource at the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. TurfMutt’s personal, home habitat is featured in the 2017-2020 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.
Finding the love of your life is nothing less than dancing on cloud nine. You get to spend time with them, share your happiness as well as sorrows, and do all the cringe yet cute things together. However, if the relationship is long distance, sharing every small moment becomes a daunting task requiring consistent and extra effort.
Unlike regular dating, in LDR, there are times when you wish your partner to be by your side to share your happiness and sorrows. But, sometimes the distance is too much to cover in just a few hours.
Luckily, regular calls and texts help keep the relationship going and the connection as unaltered as possible. There are also a few online date ideas that you can try to get closer to each other.
- Old School Truth And Dare
The first idea on our list is to go old school and play “truth and dare” to understand each other. It is a great icebreaker and offers you an excuse to talk about things you otherwise would not. The questions or dares can range from basic to wild or cute to cheeky. Even so, make sure to understand each other’s boundaries and avoid making a date awkward. Instead, use the game as an opportunity to learn something new about each other.
- Try Unique Ways Of Explore Intimacy
Intimacy is very important to keep the relationship healthy. However, for a long-distance couple taking care of their partner’s physical needs is easier said than done. If your partner’s love language is physical touch, a lack of physical intimacy can cause complications. Therefore, you should try different ways of romancing, such as sending spicy texts, using products like Blowjob Masturbator during virtual dates, or trying roleplay. Dealing with other related complications will become much easier when the intimacy is strong.
- Create A Music Playlist Together
Another fun thing you can try with your partner is creating a music playlist. Music is undoubtedly one of the best ways to express emotions without saying anything. You can both create a playlist including romantic, classic, fun, or other genres. You can also share the song you are currently listening to with your partner and feel their connection. It is a pretty basic idea to try; however, it is surely worth a try! You can also discuss the artists, songs, and what you love about them. Doing so will ensure that you never run out of topics to discuss with your partner.
- When In Doubt, Veg Out
Not every day is the same day. That means you are either not in the mood to do anything or are confused about date night ideas. In that case, you can be just you. You both can watch a movie together, talk about your day or share the silence without any awkwardness. Bear in mind that long-distance or not, relationships are about being honest and sharing minimalist moments.
Wrapping It All Up
While it is not easy to maintain LDR, having a lovable partner who understands and supports you, helps cover the physical distance with other methods. So, try out the above-mentioned date ideas and take your relationship to a new level.
I recently went to the most amazing launch of the GrubTok app at Hinoki in Greenwich. I have been using the GrubTok app for a while now and love it so much. It is so informative and I love seeing the video menus come to life. I am constantly checking restaurant menus before I go, sharing them with friends and deciding what I might order way before I step through the door. GrubTok had answered my prayers!! Following please find a bit more information about GrubTok but first download the app HERE.
GrubTok is a video platform that was built with foodies in mind. The first of its kind, the platform helps restaurants by giving them a space for customers to link videos to individual menu items and also post meaningful video reviews. GrubTok is the brainchild of avid foodies mixed with restaurateurs who embrace social influence, tech, and local food culture.
The GrubTok community highlights menu items, rewards, perks, and events in an efficient way but also helps diners discover the best dishes to satisfy their taste buds. All are welcome to join the GrubTok community of foodies and restaurants – we encourage you to connect with those who share our passion! GrubTok also provides verification badges to the ultimate foodies and options for restaurants to claim their businesses and tools for enhanced success.
“GrubTok is the most effective way to help diners decide on where to eat and what to eat.”
– GrubTok Co-founder, Nitesh Pundra
There is nothing more I love than a good bracelet stack. And so do you all, judging by the questions I received about creating and buying one. My amazing blog sponsor, Tatiana of Tatiana M Designs makes the most stunning bracelets and creates the best-looking stacks. I love the way she mixes metals and colors and different textures. Whether you are looking for only a few bracelets or a set to go all the way up your arm, Tatiana can help you find your perfect arrangement. I have included some of her tips for stacking bracelets perfectly below…..
And how exciting is this….Tatiana M Designs was awarded the BEST OF WESTCHESTER Winner for Gemstone Bracelets.
Check out her fabulous website HERE to see all of her wonderful jewelry and to place your order
When it comes to styling your stack, follow your own rules!
- Make it your own by Mixing and Matching your favorite colors to coordinate with your look!
- Adding in a gemstone piece allows you to connect with your intentions based on the meaning behind the gemstone.
- Let your mood and/or outfit inspire your stack.
- Play with mixing metals, different bead sizes and gemstones
- Mix it up with some charm bracelets with symbols with purpose, like our elephant for luck or evil eye for protection!
- The bigger the stack the better, create that stack envy!
- Wear bracelets on both wrists! Complete your look by adding in a watch or your other favorite pieces.
- Want a more luxurious look try wearing an all-metal stack, either in all gold or all silver to elevate your outfit!
Most importantly, have fun and let your unique style shine through!
If you’ve ever read an article about boosting fitness, losing weight, or becoming healthier, you’ve probably seen protein mentioned regularly. We’re often told to eat a high-protein diet. You can buy high protein foods including dairy products, diet-friendly meals, and foods targeted at vegans and vegetarians. You can also buy protein powders, which are often popular with people who exercise frequently. But you might not know much about the benefits of all of this protein. Here’s a look at some of the reasons to increase the protein in your diet.
A High Protein Diet is Very Filling
Protein is often added to foods and snacks aimed at both dieters and fitness enthusiasts. Part of the reason for this is that protein is very filling. Protein is more filling than other macronutrients because it reduces the hunger hormone in your body. This means that you feel fuller faster, but also that you are less likely to overeat, snack between meals, or eat late at night.
Protein Helps You to Increase Muscle Mass
Protein helps us to build muscles. Eating more protein is very important for people who practice strength training as it helps muscles to grow, but also to recover and repair after a workout.
Protein is also important for this reason if you are trying to lose weight. When you lose fat, you usually also lose muscle. A high protein diet helps to minimize this loss, and makes gaining muscle back easier, helping you to achieve a toned and healthy body, not just a slimmer one.
Protein is Great for Your Bones
People who eat a diet rich in protein can have a greater bone mass and fewer problems with their bones than people that don’t.
Eating More Protein Can Lower Blood Pressure
Some recent studies have shown that a diet that’s high in protein can reduce blood pressure, lower heart rate, and improve cholesterol levels.
A Diet High in Protein Can Help You to Recover from Injuries
Protein is great for your bones and muscles, and it helps your muscles to heel and build after a tough workout. So it’s no surprise that it can also help you to recover from injuries, particularly things like muscles tears or strains.
Eating Protein Makes It Easier to Keep Fit as You Get Older
Stronger bones, healthier muscles, improved heart health, and a faster metabolism are all key factors to staying fit and healthy. As we get older, we can start to struggle with these things more, and so fitness levels are hard to maintain. Eating more protein makes all of these things less of an issue, which can make it easier to keep fit as you age. In fact, along with aging, your body experiences a decline in nad+ level. It will make it challenging to gain or maintain muscle mass. So, it would be best if you worked to improve your nad+ level.
Easy Ways to Increase Your Protein Intake
The good news is, unlike some other things that you might want to add to your diet, increasing your protein intake is easy. Meat, eggs, oats, fish, and nuts are all high in protein, and supplements are readily available. Delicious protein snacks from eatproteinstore.com can be a fantastic way to increase your protein intake. Eat Protein offer some delicious food and powders to help you with whatever your goals are.
A high protein diet can have many advantages to your health and fitness, and it’s usually fairly easy to achieve. Look at making some small changes and add protein powders if you exercise regularly.
Hair styling is a rewarding career option, whether you join a salon or work as an independent artist. Although you may start small, the sky is the limit when it comes to growth. You can run a successful business by setting up a style studio, making good money working as an employee, or serving celeb clients. Whichever route you choose, the possibilities and earning potential are endless. But everything boils down to your skills, experience, and expertise as a stylist.
Of course, you must be passionate about making people look and feel beautiful. But formal training is essential to get a good start in the field. You cannot stop after the first step, as upgrading your skills takes you on the growth route. But most stylists get complacent about their careers at some point. They tend to stagnate without a vision to move ahead. However, you may end up losing your clients in the competitive space unless you ramp up your skills regularly. Let us share some proven advice to upgrade your professional styling skills.
Go back to school
Ongoing education can take you a long way in any profession, and styling is not an exception. Consider going back to school for additional programs and courses after passing out. There is always something new to learn with techniques in cutting, styling, and coloring. Check with your training school frequently to learn about new programs and courses on offer. You will probably find something interesting to learn and upgrade. Take time off from work, and invest in career development by joining a refresher program. The good thing is that you can even pursue programs online without interfering with your professional schedules.
Learn on the job
Nothing gets better than learning on the job as it lets you upgrade skills without spending a dollar. Instead, you make money by learning and earning. Moreover, you need not fit program classes into your tight schedule. Just watch experts, practice, and learn as you work for your clients. Joining a seasoned stylist is the best option if you plan to pick this skill development option. You can learn a lot by only watching them and following their techniques. Be confident as you work on different textures, techniques, and styles as it lets you get better with time.
Follow the trends
The styling industry has new trends around the corner at all times. Skill enhancement is also about staying on track with the latest trends in the domain. In fact, every trend brings something different to work with, so grab the opportunity and dive right in. You only need to be open-minded enough to switch to a new technique by stepping out of your comfort zone. The benefit of keeping pace with trends extends beyond upgrading. It keeps you relevant in the competitive industry as clients appreciate professionals who can deliver the latest and the best.
Upgrade your tools
Upgrading your tools from time to time is another way to ramp up your skills. The styling market is huge, and you can always find something better in tools and accessories. Using the latest ones lets you learn a new skill as a professional. An innovative tool goes beyond giving the best results for your client. It also eases your work and enhances your reputation. While switching to new styling tools is a great option to pick additional skills, most stylists will probably prefer to stick with “our favorite hair shears” when it comes to cutting. It is perfectly valid because quality shears last forever and work like magic over the years.
Attend events and workshops
Another good way to upgrade your skills as a hairstylist is by attending events and workshops. The beauty and styling industry is dynamic, so such events and workshops are always happening. Keep track of local calendars, and schedule for attending them. Traveling for a big one is worthwhile if you can see a celeb stylist in action. You may even get a certificate for attending these workshops. Another benefit of participating in such events is that you get to network and connect with like-minded professionals. You can share tips and tricks that let you get better at work.
Go through books, articles, and videos
Upgrading as a professional is easier than ever as you have access to endless learning resources these days. The internet has a treasure for anyone who wants to learn and upgrade. Utilize your free time to go through books, articles, and videos because they offer knowledge and guidance on new skills and techniques. Follow a celeb stylist page to see what’s hot in the fashion circles. You can even join an online community to interact with styling professionals and check what is trending in the industry. Besides utilizing these resources, practice the skills on dummies. You may even develop a new skill or technique for yourself with experimentation.
Stay motivated
Growing as a professional is also about staying motivated for learning and development. It is easy to stick to your comfort zone once you reach your career goals such as opening up your studio or working for high-end clients. But stagnation can kill your professional growth, so you must not stop learning. Push to learn more and get better because there is no limit to skill enhancement in the beauty industry. You only need to be open to the idea of learning and growing as a professional. Seek inspiration from a top stylist or find a mentor to go above and beyond with your career goals. Remember that you can always move to the next level.
Upgrading your skills as a hairstylist makes you a more confident professional. It also gives you a career boost for bigger and better opportunities. You stay relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving industry. So you must give your best to refresh and upgrade your skills as you go. Even experienced professionals should not stop learning because there is always something new to pick. Try these ideas to go the extra mile with your skills and capabilities in the long run.