Book Club Monday

Fall in New York City is my favorite time of year. Unfortunately this year, most of the fun fall city activities are put on hold right now. I found this book and added it to my pile right away. I thought a good old fashion NYC story would fill the void of not being able to spend a lot of time in the big apple right now. Here is the summary of this page-turning NYT’s best seller:

It’s 1913, and on the surface, Laura Lyons couldn’t ask for more out of life – her husband is the superintendent of the New York Public Library, allowing their family to live in an apartment within the grand building, and they are blessed with two children. But headstrong, passionate Laura wants more, and when she takes a leap of faith and applies to the Columbia Journalism School, her world is cracked wide open. As her studies take her all over the city, she is drawn to Greenwich Village’s new bohemia, where she discovers the Heterodoxy Club – a radical, all-female group in which women are encouraged to loudly share their opinions on suffrage, birth control, and women’s rights. Soon, Laura finds herself questioning her traditional role as wife and mother. But when valuable books are stolen back at the library, threatening the home and institution she loves, she’s forced to confront her shifting priorities head on…and may just lose everything in the process. 

Eighty years later, in 1993, Sadie Donovan struggles with the legacy of her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons, especially after she’s wrangled her dream job as a curator at the New York Public Library. But the job quickly becomes a nightmare when rare manuscripts, notes, and books for the exhibit Sadie’s running begin disappearing from the library’s famous Berg Collection. Determined to save both the exhibit and her career, the typically risk-averse Sadie teams up with a private security expert to uncover the culprit. However, things unexpectedly become personal when the investigation leads Sadie to some unwelcome truths about her own family heritage – truths that shed new light on the biggest tragedy in the library’s history. – Amazon.com

For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE!!!!

Monthly Best Sellers….

It is shocking to me how the months are flying by. I love seeing what everyone is buying and sharing the best sellers with you…This month there are still a bunch of kitchen items as well as a really cool portable firepit that people have actually stopped me and mentioned that they bought it and LOVED it!!!! Happy Sunday Everyone!!!!

This Air Fryer has been a best seller all month….

If you love foot massages…..

This is the best selling towels of the summer…

The prettiest sugar bowl that was a best seller a few months ago, is back in stock..

All summer these bug repellent incense are what our readers swear by!!!

As people are getting ready to pack up their summer clothes to make room for fall fashion pieces to take over their wardrobe, this storage bag is perfect.

This was popular for back to school and also for around the house. Its so annoying when charging cords always fall to the floor. This weighted one is a great solution for keeping the cord on your desk, bedside table or any other surface!!!

Since I posted about the Solo Stove portable firepit, it has been such a hit. It’s the perfect thing to use to sit out on your patio or the beach on those chilly nights!!!!

These food chopper scissors are a must…I just ordered them after seeing how many of my readers added them to their carts!!

Another kitchen item that was a hit, is this sponge soap dispenser…who knew!!!!

This spray self-tanner water has been on the bestseller list for 4 months now…

Who Doesn’t Need A Little More Vitamin C In Their Life?

A week or so ago, we asked our readers for their best Quarantine purchases. One of the responses from my friend Rere was really unique and she was obsessed…A Vitaclean Vitamin C Showerhead….WAIT??? WHAT????? How could that be a thing???!!!!!..I immediately went on the Vitaclean Website. I was soooooo intrigued. It looked so cool and really easy to install and NOT EXPENSIVE for an EVERYDAY spa experience right at home. The handheld and wall-mounted showerheads use a unique filtration system to soften water and remove impurities. Paired with Vitamin C Shots they turn your shower into a spa experience, increase water pressure, and leave your skin and hair softer. I immediately ordered the handheld shower head with the vitamin c citrus shot. The installation of the shower head was so easy. I just twisted my old handheld off, twisted the Vitaclean one on, popped in the citrus vitamin c shot, and immediately I forgot where I was. Honestly, it was heavenly. My bathroom was transformed by the scent of the natural plant essential oils in the shot. When essential oils are exposed to the air they evaporate, quickly releasing their scent which provides the unique experience. I am in LOVE with the citrus scent, so far it is my fav but I do love the Rose too and I cannot wait to try the Lavender and the Coconut/Vanilla. I review tons of products throughout the year and honestly, this has been one of the best beauty purchases that I have made in the longest time. I am head over heels. Here is the LINK to the website where you can view the 2 shower head options, see all the scents and other products available. There are a great question and answer section and a step by step installation guide. I cannot wait for you to try this product…It is definitely one of my 2020’s absolutely must-haves!!!!!!

Therapy Online: Could It Work for You?

Picture from Bongkarn Thanyakij from Pexels – CC0 Licence 

Maybe we’re getting too reliant on devices and the web. But it’s hard not to when it has so many excellent apps and opportunities available. From courses accessible exclusively online, to reaching out on Skype to your cousin who lives on the other side of the world. The web has made what, many years ago, seemed impossible, possible! 

Therapy has joined the band of positives that enable you when you’re feeling low to achieve a better, healthier mind and life. To delve more into the benefits of online therapy and how it could work for you, read on. 

Multiple Professionals Accessible In One Place

Google does its part in providing a comprehensive list of ‘therapists near me.’ But having to click on individual websites to check out each therapist, and see what they’re like and whether they’re available when you are, is an arduous task. 

However, businesses such as Lifestance make finding a therapist simple, and you’re not limited to a five-mile radius either. You can find an online psychologist on the other side of America if you want to! With lists of therapists, a picture, the profile of their educational background, and their therapy style; finding a therapist that will suit you is much easier to do on sites like Lifestance.

No Transport? No Problem

Intentionally living remotely, away from all civilian life, apart from your own family – sounds fantastic. But it can have its drawbacks. Especially if transport options are limited and you need therapy. As a solution, providing you have an internet connection and a device, which we’re assuming you do because you’re reading this, you can make an appointment with a therapist online. Who needs transport anyway!

Limited Opportunities To Receive Therapy

You and everyone else is busy doing something or other. Whether working, childminding, decorating, cleaning, shopping, and so on. Meaning, finding time to receive therapy is challenging.

However, by opting for therapy online, you can cast your net for potential therapists further than your local vicinity. With more choice, there’s bound to be a therapist available for the time you have in mind. And in some cases, therapists online are more flexible with their working hours to accommodate people such as yourself, who lead hectic lives.

Effective Treatment Online

Therapy as treatment can be administered to people in a variety of ways. In-person, over the phone, email, and via video chat. In particular, video chats are advantageous for the therapist to build rapport and gauge your reaction to questions and pick up how you feel about a specific situation. In doing so, they can adjust the treatment plan accordingly to suit your needs better. 

Online therapy is useful; however, participants must be willing to work on their mental health as with any therapy session.

In answer to the title of this post, yes! Therapy online can work for you. Particularly if you either live remotely, you’re exceptionally busy, and you’re in need of effective treatment at a time that suits you.

Don’t Let Life Burn You Out: Here’s How To Tell It’s Hitting You Hard!

Have you ever sat at your desk at work and wished that you could be anywhere else? The screen is hurting your eyes, you can’t concentrate and you can’t even remember how you did your morning routine – you’re on autopilot. When your body and your brain are both burnt out, this is what happens. You are dealing with so much at once, that you start to do things very differently than you usually would.

The thing is, you often don’t realize you’re burning out until it’s far too late. It doesn’t mean that you can’t reverse the burnout and make yourself more comfortable once again, but it does mean that you have to work on it and try to rectify the burnout before it continues. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can tell that life has smacked you a little too hard in the face

Woman Leaning on Table

Image Source: Pexels

You’re Losing Your Self-Confidence

The feeling of burnout isn’t just about the physical stress and worry you have in your body. The paranoia that comes with not being able to keep up with your usual fast pace of work is difficult to handle, and it makes you lose your confidence. Your work feels too demanding, as if you are struggling to keep up. Your home life feels chaotic, as if you’re overwhelmed. Your confidence is gone and the effect on your life can be detrimental.

You Feel Low – Constantly Low

The negativity you feel when it comes to your everyday life is hard to get away from. You feel low, and sad and life feels more down than it does up. It’s hard to feel happy again when you are burnt out, because you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel with how run down you feel.

You Are Exhausted

Those who are burnt out are constantly pushing themselves to work harder, be everything to everyone and are feeling generally overwhelmed. You can check out the Puffy Lux reviews and make the space in which you sleep a more comfortable place to be, but ultimately you need to think about getting to bed on time. Exhaustion is going to feel like it’s taking you over, and it’s hard to come back from that feeling unless you work on it.

Get Off Social Media

Are you spending hours staring at your screen while you are in bed? Well, no wonder you’re exhausted. You need to consider getting off of social media, and letting go of staring at your smartphone. Social media is like an empty refrigerator: the more you look at it, the less there is to see. You won’t be sleeping at night if you’re staring at your phone, and learning about blue light technology will teach you why.

Burning out is not ideal, and you need to work on preventing this from happening to you. When you recognize these signs, you can learn to slow down and put the brakes on pushing yourself to exhaustion and energy depletion!

4 Hidden Dangers When Renovating Your Home

Renovating your home can be exciting, especially at the thought of upgrading your home with fresh new rooms and furnishings. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. It requires a lot of hard work, and just like any construction site, you might be at risk of putting yourself in danger. About 13 million Americans report getting injured while working on home repairs and restoration. Sounds quite daunting, right? 

Well, the truth is, you cannot wholly avoid accidents. They are, after all, unexpected occurrences. What you can do, on the other hand, is to minimize your risk of injury. Your home may be looking spotless at first glance, but you don’t know what could be going on inside those walls or pipes. Here’s what you need to prepare for yourself for those dangerous surprises.

  1. Safety hazards

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A hazard is an item or situation that could harm people, and construction sites typically use guidelines to reduce the risk of sustaining injuries. Therefore, constructors are more familiar with these safety measures. That might not be the same for you, especially if you are not a constructor or working with one. If you’re not familiar with these safety rules and regulations, your chances of getting injured are much higher. For example, if you’re working on wiring, you might expose yourself to possible electrocution, or leaving exposed wires and putting other people at risk. What you can do is to hire an experienced constructor for high-risk tasks.

  1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

VOCs are gases that emit chemicals and can be found in many home restoration materials such as paints, upholstery, and carpets. It’s most likely responsible for that weird smell, which lingers in your rooms after you paint or install a new carpet. Many of these gases are known carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer in the long term. They can also trigger headaches or asthma attacks. When working with VOC materials, you must wear a mask to stop you from inhaling its fumes. 

  1. Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and pollutant that causes very deadly diseases through inhalation, and about 90 thousand people die globally each year from asbestos. The mineral in itself is not harmful but is only so when it becomes friable (easy to crumble). The older your home, the more likely your house might have asbestos. Usually, your home seller must inform you of potential asbestos risk. But suppose they don’t and you do discover this element in your home. In that case, you may be able to sue the previous owner based on negligence with the backing of a firm offering quality legal representation. Ensure that you and your household wear masks while renovating your home to protect yourselves from the risk of getting lung cancer or asbestosis. 

  1. Creatures

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You might have some unwelcome visitors living in your home, depending on where you live. In more dry and arid areas, you are more likely to find scorpions or snakes sharing your home with you rent-free. You might also find a wasp’s home or a beehive secretly lodged inside your walls. Some of these animals can be potentially dangerous, especially when they attack. You can protect yourself by wearing full clothing and not exposing your face, arms, or legs. Ideally, you should contact professional exterminators to help you get rid of them. 

Hopefully, these tips will help prepare for the unexpected when you start renovating your home. Ideally, it would be best for you to hire professional services. However, if you are on a tight budget, try a more DIY approach.