Living My Best Life with Populum

Thursday, October 31, 2019

This post was sponsored by Populum.  All opinions are my own. Read my Disclosure Policy.






I am all about natural wellness and I am totally loving the products I've been using from Populum so I wanted to share them with you!

The Populum Zen Pet Chews are the star of the show because my dogs are super excited to get any form of treats. They are formulated with wild Alaskan salmon, apples, and domestically sourced full-spectrum hemp extract. My dogs LOVE the salmon taste! You see, dogs and cats have endocannabinoid systems just like we do and this system interacts with cannabinoids and terpenes that are found in the hemp plants. So when it comes to stuff like mobility issues (joints and inflammation), anxiety (loud noises, being alone), and overall well-being, CBD is a great way to give them relief. The salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which support the immune system and are great for fur and skin. The apple has vitamins and antioxidants. Hempseed oil has additional fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, and the actual hemp oil has CBD and terpenes that support the endocannabinoid system.

How To Handle Toxic Situations

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

 

I'm sure you've heard someone describe something or someone as toxic before, haven't you?  Whether it's someone that works with you and is always complaining or a home situation that is just full of bad energy.  Toxic situations exist everywhere and at all times, and it's important to know how to handle them.  


Books I Recommend You Read [October]

Monday, October 28, 2019



Fall is a great time for reading because nothing feels better than curling up with an epic book. Check out my reads this month! 



The Legend of Mr. Ween Book Review

Friday, October 25, 2019




So I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about an awesome book I read called The Legend of Mr. Ween by Daren Ross, and no there is no relation even though that's my brother's name. 

Taking place in 1905, I fell in love with the story of Hal who starts out looking for a job and a place to stay, and wonders why everyone in the town is so edgy.  He eventually notices some eerie things are happening and there are many ominous signs around him that are foreshadowing something to come. He begins staying with a Doctor who is interested in an elixir that’s being peddled around town and after some testing it seems to have some really dark and dangerous side effects. Hal keeps observing more and more chaos and pleads to the doctor to do something!  It turns out Hal is a peacemaker as the story goes on and they discover what seems to overpower the elixir and they go out seeking to find it. Can Hal save the town from whatever the heck is happening with whatever is in the elixir? 

The author does an awesome job of capturing the personality of the characters and made it easy for me to envision everything playing out as I read. It’s a somewhat spooky yet endearing story. I love how fearless and wise Hal is and his personality in the story is what kept me engrossed. I also like the unique and creative terminology throughout this story.  It’s a lovely little tale of how the month of October became so special thanks to a special guy named Hal Ween!


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Cold Weather Tips For Your Chilly Dog





(Pixabay Licence)

As winter approaches, the dark nights are drawing in, and the weather is turning cold. There might even be a chance of snow where you are.

You will be doing all you can to protect yourself and your family from the winter chill, of course, and hopefully, you will be doing your bit to look after your four-legged friend as well. Your dog is as susceptible to the cold as you are, no matter how long his fur, so his care needs to be your priority. With that in mind then, here are some tips that are worth following in the days and weeks ahead.

#1: Continue to exercise your dog

When the weather is cold outside, both you and your dog might be resistant to your usual exercise routine. This will be detrimental to you both, as for continued good health, those walks are paramount. Still, you don't need to go far. Take shorter walks throughout the day, and consider giving your dog the opportunity to have a quick run around in the garden. You might want to affix doggy doors to your property too, as if your dog feels the need to stretch his legs (or go to the loo), he can then do so at his leisure without you having to pull yourself away from the fire.

#2: Buy protective clothing for your dog

Especially for shorthair breeds, it is important to wrap them in something warm when they spend time outside of the home. Dogs are as susceptible to hypothermia as you are, so as you would do for yourself, buy something that will protect your dog from the cold. Check out these winter coats, for example, which will not only shield your dog from the bad weather but which will also make him the envy of the other dogs in the street! It's important to protect your dog's feet too. When walking on snowy and icy surfaces, there is the danger of frostbite on his paws, so doggy boots or socks are a must!

#3: Keep your dog warm when in your home

The cold temperatures aren't confined to the outdoors, of course. Remember the needs of your dog when your home is cold at night, or when the heating is off when you're at work during the day. Prepare an area of your home where your dog can snuggle up warm, with plenty of blankets to wrap himself up in, and with a rug to lie on if he prefers to sleep on the floor. You might also consider leaving your heating on at a low temperature if you aren't away from the house for very long.

#4: Towel dry your dog after being outdoors

You probably do this anyway as, in an effort to keep a clean house, you wouldn't want your dog bounding through your home with wet and muddy paws. Still, it's doubly important that you dry your dog in the wintertime, as he might catch a nasty infection if his coat is left wet, and if his feet are still cold. So, prepare a cleaning station at your dog's entry point, and give him a good towel dry on his return.



We hope these tips were useful, but let us know your thoughts. What do you do to protect your four-legged friend when the cold weather arrives? Leave us a comment in the section below.




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Money Management with Golden State Partners

Thursday, October 24, 2019


Money management can be a daunting task simply because many of us are ill equipped with the knowledge and tools to do it ourselves. Unfortunately, we weren’t really taught in school how to balance a budget, pay off debt, and build up a savings fund. These things are all keys to living a great life where you aren’t controlled or weighed down by financial struggles. Many of us live paycheck to paycheck and always feel like we need more more more money but if we manage the money we do have in the most efficient way possible, we can continue living our lives and being able to do fun stuff. The goods news is that it’s NEVER too late to start. But how do you do it? Well, that’s what we’re going to get into today.

How I Save Money in the Fall


I'm all about saving money but I still like my little luxuries.  That's why Fall is a great time to save money AND still enjoy this colorful time of year.   So to help motivate others I wanted to share a few ways I save money in the Fall season. 

Staying Connected At Sea


 

When individuals are at sea they typically suffer from limited communication channels. This is especially the case when compared to the communication possibilities of those situated on the land. Nonetheless, in spite of this, advancements have been made and thankfully the modern-day presents a greater level of maritime satellite communications. This means that everything from small scale fishing boats to elaborate cruise ships can benefit from interaction whilst at sea.

The maritime communication options available have become essential to the proper use and management of vessels today. They help to enable the crew to manage their ship more effectively because they will be able to maintain effective communication lines with nearby boaters as well as those at the company’s onshore bases. Not only this, but when dealing with commercial ships they make the experience a lot more enjoyable and convenient. Guests now have internet options and this can be highly important as individuals may need to access their emails for work purposes and alike.


 

Hearing Loss At Work




 


In this post, we are going to take a look at one of the most common accidents in the workplace in the United States; hearing loss. This is something that can happen in many different environments, and it is slightly different from other workplace claims, as people find that they are often making a claim against an ex-employer, as hearing loss is something that tends to occur over time. Thus, continue reading to discover everything you need to know.

It is vital to recognise that all employers have a duty to provide their workers with a safe and healthy environment. This is something that is required by law. This means that they need to provide you with the necessary training to carry out your tasks properly, and they also need to ensure you have the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). You can learn more here about earplugs and other protection methods available.

Hearing loss is the type of injury that can happen in many different environments, from nightclubs to farms. When there is a continual, loud noise, there is always a chance that hearing damage could occur. It is up to your employer to minimise this chance dramatically by ensuring you are protected from the noise.

If you are thinking about making this type of claim, there are a few key steps that you will need to take. Firstly, you will need to tell your employer. This is because they are legally required to have an accident book and your injury will need to be recorded in this. It is vital that you report the incident to your employer and your safety representative if you have one. Why? Well, by law they are required to have an accident book. They will need to record the incident in this. Moreover, it is likely that your employer will have to inform the local Health and Safety Executive of what has occurred as well.

Aside from this, you need to make a claim sooner rather than later. This is because there is a three-year time limit on all personal injury cases. This usually starts from the date of your accident. However, when it comes to hearing loss, it will begin from the date of your diagnosis. Finally, make sure you keep proof of any expenses you have experienced as a direct result of your injuries, as you can include these in your case in the form of a special damage but you will need proof to do so.

It is essential to see a doctor too if you want to make an accident claim. You may feel this is unnecessary if your injuries are only minor. However, without seeing a doctor you will not have a medical report and therefore you will not be able to prove your injuries. A medical report will detail your injuries and your treatment and this is a must when it comes to determining how much compensation you should receive.

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Managing Your Money During the Holidays with White Mountain Partners

Tuesday, October 22, 2019



That’s right, the holidays are coming and chaos will surely ensue.  I’m not just talking about with your social schedule but also with your finances.  The holidays can wreak havoc on your finances if you aren’t careful and mindful with managing them so today I’m covering a few ways to manage your money during this time of year. 

Stick to A Budget
The key to manage your money without losing control is to stick to a budget.  This goes for gifts, food, event attendance, and even charitable donations.   You need to take a long hard look at what you can afford with your holiday expenses and then set a budget limit and stick to it.  It really helps if you put money aside all during the year so that by the time the holidays roll around, you have money set aside for everything.  

When it comes to gifts, it can be hard to limit yourself because we tend to get carried away with the spirit of giving and that’s why gifts of experience are better than purchased gifts.  You can take a relative somewhere for the day that has free or very cheap attendance rather than spend money on a physical gift for them. Make sure you set price limits for each person on your list and keep track of how much you’ve spent. 

Cut Costs When Possible
You may have to bring a dish to a holiday party but before you go spend money on expensive ingredients, look at what festive food you can throw together with what you already have.  And even though it’s convenient to buy dishes that are pre-made, it can be much more expensive because stores know that you’re desperate to get something. Don’t forget, a lot of parties also ask for someone to bring the disposable plates and dinnerware.  You can get that stuff for very cheap at discount stores or by buying the store brand, so that’s always an option for your contribution as well. 

Re-Gifting Saves
Do not be ashamed of re-gifting something you’ve never used or hardly ever used.  We tend to accumulate so much “stuff” much of which we don’t even want or need. Instead of throwing it out or letting it take up room in your home, consider donating it or putting it in a gifting box that you can “shop” throughout the year when events come up that you need a gift for.  There are plenty of things that are great re-gift items like candles, scarves, books, etc. Be as savvy as you can when it comes to saving money on gifts. 

Keep Saving
Saving money year round is very important but unfortunately we get so caught up with the holidays we stop worrying about saving money until next year.  It’s important to keep up the habit of saving money even if it’s just $5 here and there. Setting your bank account up to automatically deposit money in your savings every payday is a great idea, especially around the holidays! 

And remember, a firm like White Mountain Partners can help you manage your money ALL year round! 







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W hen To Throw A Dinner Party And How To Make It Special


A dinner party is often a great choice for many occasions. They can be very flexible as a dinner party can be as formal or as informal as you wish it to be. The beauty of it is that it is your decision on how the dinner party goes. You may sit everyone down and have a set meal plan. Or you may like to serve up food in big dishes and let everyone dig in.

The great thing about a dinner party is that you get to choose the menu you serve, and the drinks everyone devours. With plenty of inspiration on the internet from websites like Pinterest or taking full advantage of a wine membership that you have, it can make all the difference to your event. You can’t go wrong when making informed decisions. With that in mind, here are some of the obvious and not so obvious occasions where a dinner party will be the perfect way to celebrate.




Image source - Pixabay - CC0 License

A special birthday

Some of us may not want to celebrate our birthdays with a big party and be the centre of attention. Which is why a dinner party is an excellent alternative. It allows the setting to be much more informal without the need for the big gestures. Again the beauty of it is that it can be tailored to the individual, so if you still want a little limelight, then it is yours to take. You can also decorate the table and room setting with lots of birthday decorations.

To celebrate friendship

When was the last time you and your friends got together to celebrate your friendship? Probably a while ago. With daily routines and lives taking over it can be hard to get a date booked in the diary with our friends. So this is where a dinner party can be a perfect choice. Find a date, get it booked in then spend the evening reminiscing over old memories, good food, and good wine.

The night before a wedding

Traditionally the night before the wedding was always spent on a hen and stag night. But the trend now is that people do these in advance, so the eve of your wedding is often free. So why not mark the occasion with close friends and family and have an informal dinner party? It would be a great way to iron out last minute details and get excited about the impending big day.

New Year's Eve

If you have a family then long gone are the days where you went clubbing to celebrate the new year in, or it may not be as often anymore. So why not mark the occasion with other friends and have a big dinner party? You could invite friends who also have children and make a whole night of it. The kids can fall asleep and are safe, and you can celebrate as you were out, but in the comfort of your own home. Win win.

Other occasions to think about would be Halloween, as it can be a great themed dinner party and let’s not forget the Christmas period. Which offers a whole host of reasons to get together with loved ones. Let’s hope this has inspired you to consider a dinner party for some other occasions.

My 2019 Fall Decor Home Tour


Fall is my favorite time of year, mostly because I think the decor is so natural and beautiful.  Come see how I decorated my home for Fall this year! 

Recognizing Health Problems Early

Monday, October 21, 2019





https://unsplash.com/photos/78hTqvjYMS4

For most of us, there’s little you can do about getting older. Every day, you’ll feel a bit more tired, every day, you’ll spend more time making sure the neighborhood kids are staying well off your lawn. Getting older can be scary. You feel like your whole life is slowly fading away, and suddenly you don’t feel so young anymore.

There’s also the issue of your health. If you’ve spent time with parents and other relatives you’ve seen how health can so quickly decline once you reach a certain age. You never think it’s going to happen to you until it does, and while you can’t halt ageing, you can recognize potential issues before they become problems.

Hearing Loss

Out of all potential health issues associated with growing old, hearing loss is perhaps the most common. You’ve seen endless sitcoms where an elderly relative mishearing things is the joke, and you’ve probably needed to repeat yourself to your grandmother a few times, too.

Hearing loss comes in several forms and doesn’t always affect both ears at the same time. You might find it difficult to listen to the TV or the damage could come from listening to music too loud or working on noisy building sites. If you find yourself or someone you know seems to be struggling with hearing loss, learn more about what to do to ease it and make life more manageable for everybody.

Aching Bones

It doesn’t matter how much milk you drank as a child, your bones will eventually start to turn on you and bring creaking aches with every step. These issues come from years of being on the move, and the ligaments and cartilage have worn away over time.

While exercise could be considered the problem, it’s also a solution as long as you take it easier than usual. Simple weight training and flexibility exercises are useful for keeping the bones and muscles in shape and strengthens them against the pains of ageing. You don’t need to hit the gym every day, but staying active prevents your bones from breaking down so quickly.

Misplaced Thoughts

While physical problems are always associated with growing older, there are also mental conditions you need to look out for. One of the most common in society is dementia and Alzheimer’s, which are degenerative diseases that affect the brain.

The process is slow, and often it’s not you that is the first to notice. Instead, it’s those around you who may recognize you’re not as tuned-in as you always have been. However, it doesn’t need to be the end of the world and getting the right exercise and mental engagement can help stave off such diseases to keep you mentally at your best, even if your knees hurt too much.

When Your Sixty-Four

Sure, sixty-four isn’t all that old any longer, but once you hit a certain age, you’ll start seeing things decline a little quicker than you expected. However, as long as you stay aware of your health and take care of your body, you’ll not have to worry about too much so you can enjoy your golden years and do everything you’ve always wanted to




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How I Prioritize My Self Care + Why You Should Do The Same

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

How I Prioritize My Self Care + Why You Should Do The Same
Self care is a term that most people throw around here and there but it's not taken as seriously as it should be.  Some people view self care as selfish because they are putting themselves in front of others.... but don't we owe it to ourselves to do that? 

My mom had a book when I was growing up called How Full Is Your Bucket?  The whole point of it was to explain that you can spend all your time pouring what's in your bucket, to other people's buckets that are empty...but if you don't have anything in your own.... you won't be able to pour it out for others.  You need to fill your own bucket first.  

So I can sit here and give you a million tips on what you SHOULD be doing...or I can just show you what I've been doing in the hopes that it will influence and motivate you to better take care of yourself.