I had so many others posts tonight to share, book club choices, Amazon Monthly Best Sellers, 4th of July road trip….but something happened today that I really wanted to share…much more important and much more meaningful..I’ll keep it short but please try to read to the end…
Things have been so difficult..how many times do we want to say something but are not sure what to say or afraid to say the wrong thing….How do we show support for the Black Lives Matter movement? What can we do, what can we say, how can we help?
I have always been a strong believer of be the change you want to see by living by example. I try to instill it in my children and I try to live my life that way every day.
Today, June 29th is my grandmother Mary’s Birthday. She was my mother’s mother and I was sooooo close to her. In fact, one fall day when I was getting ready to go to work at Tiffany, I thought I would call her just to hear her voice and see how she was. She had been living in an assisted living community for many years, she had a stroke but we still knew how to communicate with each other. We “spoke” for a while that morning. Me mostly telling her about my week and what was going on at work. The next day my Grandmother died. I thank God everyday that I got the chance to speak to her one last time. Every year on her birthday, she sends me a sign that she is with me, watching over me and my family…Today, I received the most special sign…..
So, I’ve really been struggling with what I can do to make a difference. I know saying that we don’t see color is not enough. How can I live it…what do I do….how sad we have become, how did we get here and how are we going to get out and will a change come? I’ve asked myself this question so many times over and over …Am I being the change I want to see?, Am I living by example?…
I moved to my neighborhood when my kids were 3, 5, and 8 (14 years ago this December). I moved from a very family-oriented neighborhood to one that had a lot of empty nesters and not a lot of young mothers, like myself, at that time…I had the nicest mail carrier, Marta. Day in and Day out we got to know each other. She loved Reeces Peanut Butter cups. I would leave them out for her. We would talk almost every day. There was a horribly dangerous tree that was about to fall on her delivery path, but the owners would not do anything about it…Every day she was so afraid to cross over to deliver to my side of the street. Together we fought for over a year for that tree to finally be taken down. She would love it when I would decorate for various holidays and take photos to show her own kids. She was kind and sweet. And we were friends.
Unfortunately, Marta’s route was relocated about 5 years ago to the Rye Ridge Shopping Center. I would see her from time to time while she was delivering. I always begged her to relocate again and come back and when she had a couple of minutes we would run into Starbucks and grab a coffee and chat quickly online and then go on our way again.
Life got busier, I saw Marta less and less. I would think of her when I drove by the shopping center……
Today I had an appointment in Rye Ridge…as I was at the counter settling up, in walks Marta with the mail..of course, because of Covid19, we could not hug like we always did….
I was so happy to see her and find out that everyone in her family was safe and sound…She asked about my husband, kids, and my mom…I begged her to come back to our neighborhood, as always…and then she had to go….before she left she turned around and said “Nicole….I want to you know that you are right here” and she touched her heart…and tears came to my eyes and I said, “Marta, you are right here in my heart too”…
Are you itching to see the world again?
While many of us have been taking the time to look back over the many different destinations we’ve been able to visit, including those that we hope to visit in the future, the majority of us are, in fact, locked down to one location. Travelers have been far from immune to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, it has forced most of us to stay sheltered in place. Many people are wondering the same thing: when will it all end? Perhaps slightly less importantly: when can we all get back to traveling?
When will the airports open again?
One of the things to bear in mind is that, while most of us will not be able to travel for some time yet, it doesn’t mean that no-one is able to travel, period. In fact, many airports are still open and some people are flying during the pandemic. Right now, however, these flights are only reserved for essential travel, such as people who are stuck overseas and need to get home, travel for medical needs or to care for others in your family, and so on.
Where and when can we go?
To put it simply, there is no set date as to when all airports are going to open their gates to travel once again. Not only is it likely to change depending on infection and recovery rates, but it will also change from country to country. Most countries are, right now, closed for tourism. Some might be open to citizens and residents, with aims to open to foreign nationals later. If you’re looking to fly during coronavirus, then be sure to check sites that will update you on the travel restrictions facing both your country and the country you’re planning to head to in the future. Above all else, exercise caution as best as possible.
Will travel change post-lockdown?
Even when things “go back to normal,” one should anticipate that what we mean by normal is likely to change to some extent. We don’t even know if airports will be open at all this summer, but some of the changes to travel we can expect will include changes in those airports. This will exclude more detailed screening measures, a need to prove immunization (once it’s available), and more strict cleanliness rules on flights, as well. The costs of travel may, however, experience a slight drop, however. A lot of airlines will be looking to recoup losses experienced as a result of the lockdown, which may mean lowering prices to help get more people in seats. However, the increased demand for travel after lockdown might even out with that to some degree.
Some countries are starting to show signs of recovery and are even looking into opening their borders again. However, even if that’s the case, some travel restrictions may apply for some time and we don’t know how permanent any return to normality will be. Until then, local car travel is a better option to keep you and your family safe and to continue to stop the spread.
Stressed Much? We Have A CBD For That…….
I am so excited to share my latest obsession with you…..a clean beauty haven with the highest standards called CropBeauty, who focuses on featuring 90% of brands led by woman!!!!…They contacted me about a month ago during the height of our stay at home order. Talk about perfect timing…Crop Beauty has quickly become known as the Sephora for CBD skin care products.
It’s your one-stop-shop for all the best CBD has to offer. CropBeauty has done all the hard work, painstakingly testing every product to make sure what it claims is actually true.
All of its CBD enhanced products are clean, effective, and created to treat specific problems. Dry lips? Muscle pain? Dull skin? Acne? Eczema? There’s a CBD designed specifically for that. And with Crop Beautyyou’ll feel empowered knowing your purchase will deliver real results for your skin.
They offered to send me some products and honestly, this rarely happens, I loved them so much I actually ordered a bunch of stuff. AND, they give you samples of other products when you order and if you give them your email you can get 10% off!!!! I wanted to wait a good amount of time to use the products before I posted so that I really gave them a fair shake…and I have to say..my skin has had a 100% turn around for the better…here are some of the products that worked for me…but the website is awesome and there are tons of options with great descriptions and their communication is fab so go ahead and check it out and feel free to contact them for any additional info!!!!
Hands down this face oil was my favorite product!!!
I tried this serum and saw a difference almost immediately!
People swear by this..they say it is like a “glass of water” for dry skin!!
If you haven’t heard of CBD Oil and it’s amazing properties you are in for a surprise. It is an extract derived from the hemp plant that does not contain THC – the property of the hemp plant known to make you high. CBD Oil has grown in popularity in recent years, ever since it was deregulated and allowed to be sold openly. It’s benefits are numerous, everything from pain relief to fitness enhancements, to natural skin-care. I have been using Crop Beauty, but more on that tomorrow!!! It’s not surprising to discover that hemp plants have been used by human beings for thousands of years for these very same purposes.
Normally purchased as oil in a small bottle from a health food outlet, CBD is available in a range of forms from gummies to powders to chocolate bars. The type of CBD you choose will depend on your purposes and preferences. CBD is non-toxic and safe to use even at high doses, so you won’t need to worry about taking too much. Getting your dose right can be a matter of trial and error, though, so it’s best to start low at first and find your balance.
There are a variety of brands to choose from, all with different strengths and flavors. Many also have a particular balance of CBD and other properties to enhance the effect in a certain direction: CBD for stress, for instance, or CBD for pain relief. It’s best to shop around and find a brand you’re happy with as remaining with the same brand is a useful way of finding your own unique levels. In this article we take a look at some of the amazing ways CBD Oil can be beneficial for a multiplicity of conditions and ailments.
CBD Oil For Pain Relief
100 million Americans live with a chronic condition according to the Institute of Medicine of The National Academies. It could mean multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, sciatica nerve issues, migraines, and many more. Most people with a chronic condition will have a prescription from a doctor or use some form of over-the-counter medication. But medication can have some unwanted side effects which is one reason many people are taking advantage of CBD Oil.
The marijuana plant has been used to treat pain conditions since at least ancient China, around 3000 years ago. People knew then it was beneficial but they didn’t know why. We are still not certain today either, however, science has provided a little more insight. The human body has a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that is important in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility. The system is made up of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
The ECS is responsible for interpreting and regulating certain chemicals in the body. For instance when THC enters the body it binds to the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors activating the brain’s reward system and releasing dopamine. This does not happen with CBD oil that contains only trace amounts of THC, if any. It’s thought that CBD Oil prevents the body from absorbing a compound called anandamide. An increased amount of this compound in the bloodstream is what is responsible for reducing pain.
But the science behind how CBD Oil works to reduce inflammation in the brain and nervous system, along with chronic pain, insomnia, and migraines, may not matter much to the many Americans who benefit daily from its magical properties.
CBD Oil For Fitness
Because it is extracted from the marajuana plant CBD Oil comes with a bit of a stigma and it’s not the first thing people might consider when thinking about a supplement to improve the effectiveness of a workout routine. Before CBD Oil, a person might consider using protein powder, creatine, vitamin D or vitamin K2. Nearly all advice will tell you that supplementing your workout routine with these, in moderation, and depending on your goals, is a healthy and efficient way to get the most out of your training.
But CBD Oil is gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts and workout geeks who know about its beneficial effects on the body whether you want to increase your muscle mass or your track time. Some people might be asking which running apps should I get? When they should really be asking: what is the best CBD Oil to buy? That’s not to say an excellent running app coupled with a CBD Oil supplement isn’t a good idea either. So what makes it so great?
Many people struggle to workout effectively due to chronic muscle pain, difficulties recovering from intense training or general anxiety. CBD oil can be used in several ways to improve workouts, reduce muscle recovery times, and bring a healthy balance to a fitness regime. High-quality CBD oil, that is oil containing only trace amounts of THC is proven to relieve headaches, anxiety, muscles and joint pains associated with fitness training.
It works in different ways. Firstly it reduces the number of signals sent to the brain asking for an inflammatory response to hard workouts. This might seem counter intuitive since some inflammation can be beneficial, but too much will slow down the body’s natural repair process meaning muscles will be slower to heal. Additionally, post-workout CBD oil will stimulate sleep promoting a deeper, calmer sleep which allows the body more time to repair damaged muscles.
CBD Oil For Anxiety And Depression
It’s estimated that around 40 million adult Americans are affected by an anxiety disorder of some kind. That’s the same as the entire population of the State of California. Anxiety disorders can range from mild to severe. They can manifest as a condition that might prevent you from going to public gatherings or a panic attack that affects you from time to time – unpredictably. Depression is another common mental condition affecting a large number of people of all ages. Depression can be triggered by a stressful life event, a temporary state, or it can be more deep-rooted, and seemingly permanent.
Some of the best medicine for these conditions, as prescribed by the majority of doctors and health practitioners, is exercise, nature, healthy eating, and positive communities. But motivation can be an issue in states of anxiety and depression, and people who panic may not know when or where they might be affected. For this reason, certain medications are prescribed to alleviate symptoms temporarily to function in the world. But in a similar way to pain relief medication, treatments for mental conditions can be harmful for the health and produce unwanted side effects in the short and long term.
CBD Oil offers a natural, accessible solution to mental health medication for many people. Although clinical trials are still being carried out and there is yet to be any conclusive evidence published on its success at treating these conditions, the early signs are promising. CBD is thought to interact with receptors in the central nervous system that affect serotonin levels. The common medications for anxiety and depression are serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac). It is thought that CBD Oil may offer an alternative to these SSRI treatments. However, it’s important to speak to your doctor about changing your medication.
CBD Oil For Cancer
Research is ongoing into the effectiveness of CBD Oil in treating cancer and associated symptoms, but while it is still mainly inconclusive there are signs that CBD Oil can manage some symptoms of the disease and reduce tumor growth in animals. CBD Oil has proved effective at treating the side effects of radiation treatments for cancer such as nausea and loss of appetite. It’s properties for easing neurological pain and inflammation make it very useful for recovering cancer patients. A doctor must always be consulted before using CBD Oil for cancer as it can have side-effects when mixed with certain other medications.
CBD Oil For Skin
When it comes to skincare CBD Oil has some amazing natural properties that can reduce inflammation, acne-prone skin, hydrate skin with natural oil, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It is also super useful for sensitive skin.
One of CBD’s leading properties is its anti-inflammation compound that makes it so useful for pain relief and fitness. Acne is an inflammatory condition caused by a multiplicity of factors, however, CBD Oil applied to the breakout area is shown to calm down the redness, and hydrate dry areas of skin.
CBD Oil contains natural antioxidant properties shown to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face. Creams containing CBD will counteract damage caused by free-radicals while also reducing any signs of inflammation. This brings a vibrancy and youthfulness to the skin that is completely natural – free from any chemical skincare concoction.
When it comes to sensitive skin CBD Oil is also fantastic. It has soothing properties that calm and normalize the skin after environmental stressors, or hydrates and protects it from becoming dry and brittle in everyday life. As a skincare product CBD Oil is an all-you-need.
Earlier this year, pre-covid19, I “met” the 2 sweet girls, Hillary and Chris of Shop Bette. They are two besties that love the beach and started Bette to bring vacation vibes to everyone every day, with their adorable beachwear and accessories line. I had big plans for Bette and NS Lifestyles…I was planning on bringing their gorgeous coverups with me to Miami during our Spring Break. But since that never happened Poor Sweet Bette’s post was replaced by at-home DIY’s and recipes and home office decor and fabulous PJ’s. Well, readers, we are starting to get back and beaches and pools are opening and we are ready. Bette is having an amazing sale on all their great items. Here are some of my favorites. AND, LUCKY FOR YOU…..I have partnered with Shop Bette to bring you a summer beach-ready gift bag filled with cover-ups and some fun accessories….If you want to enter, share this post on your Facebook page or Instagram page tagging me @NSLifestyleblog and follow both me and @shopbette. In the meanwhile, check out the Shop Bette site, and check out the sale!!!
Hallelujah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOME GOODS in NY has opened again!!!!! Our Port Chester Home Goods opened yesterday. My friend Alicia went and sent me some great photos (the one above for example) and I knew I needed to go and do a round-up. I would RUN if you are local. They had a great selection of EVERYTHING>>>>>>>except for beach towels (I went looking for my friend Katie!!!!!). But they did tell me that they were putting more things out everyday….OMG!!! And the prices are great…actually more than great…tons and tons of clearance prices……It’s all going to go fast so get up and GO!!!!!!!
These garden stools were fabulous!!! And there was a pair…..
More outdoor pagodas!
There were a bunch of these cool mid-century looking side tables!
These orange studded nesting tables were gorgeous!! There also was a set of white…..
How amazing is this teak bench!!!??
This small navy and grass cloth chest is out of this world, and look…$49!!!!
There was a pair of these gorgeous bamboo loveseats….
The fabulous mirror from the Westport location was also here…
I was dying over this gold bamboo floor lamp….
This mid-century modern chest was gorgeous in person…
Such a great outdoor set!!!
This bench would be a great size for the end of the bed…and I loved the pattern….
Here is an image of the pattern up close….
This lemon melamine set is perfect for summer outdoor training…
These light blue garden stools would look perfect on a patio….
As I was checking out, the lady in front of me was buying this incredible whale beverage cooler…..
This chair was beautiful….I love the wooded beaded arms and legs…it would look great in any room…
How cool are these planters?
And lastly, these planters were my favorite…You should see them in person……
