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You've decked the halls, hung the stockings with care, wrapped and unwrapped the presents, and it's no wonder if you're all tired out. Hopefully now that Christmas is over you finally have a bit of time to relax. Maybe you already know exactly how you want to spend the week between Christmas and New Year's, but here are 10 ideas for how to unwind in case you've forgotten how.
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Have you ever wondered why traditions are so prevalent and feel so important around the holidays? As it turns out, traditions reinforce important belief structures. They comfort us with a sense of belonging, and help us express gratitude! Traditions cement existing bonds, and create new ones. If those aren't reason enough for you to hop on board the Tradition Train, consider it this way: traditions usually involve food, and are usually just plain fun.
Christmas traditions vary in their details but the reasons behind them are remarkably similar. Read on for fifteen real-life stories on the importance of tradition, from my community to yours.
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Despite what's depicted in Hallmark movies, the holidays can actually be a really stressful time of year. Not only that, but if you're not careful, added anxiety and pressure can cause you to miss the season all together. With Thanksgiving in the rear view and Christmas coming around the corner fast, how in the world are we supposed to stay in the present and enjoy what this season has to offer? While we may never regain the magic of the holidays that we felt as children (the whole no-Santa thing kind of ruins it, amiright?), there are ways to claim and nurture some new warm and fuzzy feelings. Here's how you can make the most of the season by soaking up the present.
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Even if the weather where you live is still summer-like, the calendar is telling us that now is the time to transition into an autumn mindset. Use the fresh start of this new season to reset and plan. Make yourself an autumn bucket list and have the best fall ever!
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Generally speaking, we all want to be physically healthier, and we all want to be more financially fit. Gains in both those spheres really boost our enjoyment of life, but attaining both those goals at the same time can seem intimidating. Can you save money and stay healthy? Do the two go hand-in-hand, or do they butt heads? Read on to learn about ways that will help you improve both your bodily and fiscal fitness. Put these tips into practice and reap two-for-one benefits!
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True story: I am a little obsessed with organization. I love my home when it's free of clutter, I do believe heaven is The Container Store, and I get a serious rush when I've folded all my t-shirts just right. Maybe I am a bit on the obsessive side, but I think we all can agree that a clean home is simply an easier one to inhabit. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by junk, or you're already on a journey towards organizational bliss, this shopping guide is for you. Today I'm sharing a few of my favorite home organization products from Amazon, all of which are affordably priced.
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It can be tough to make a living in a creative field - but living a creative life can be so expensive! Oh, the irony. We get it... so today we're sharing some tips on how to live your best life on an artist's budget.
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I don't know about you, but I'm guilty of forgetting to take the time to chill out every now and then... I'm constantly trying to chip away at my to-do list, which doesn't leave much time for self-care. But lately I've been taking a few minutes every day to heat up and put on my new aromatherapy eye pillow, and it's been working wonders for my stress levels. Other eye pillow benefits? It's fantastic for headaches, and it's also a great solution for insomnia sufferers. Keep reading to find out how to make your own!
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The news is generally disheartening. Work is stressful. Bills keep coming every month. My washing machine is making a weird sound. Life is rough, right? I need a break! Sometimes I just want to stare at my phone and enjoy myself for a minute. The problem is that scrolling through social media - a once relaxing and enjoyable experience - has turned into a version of hell all its own. Some accounts on Instagram are annoying. Everyone on Twitter is fighting about politics. And Facebook gives me all the FOMO. Where do we go? Where do we turn for a few minutes of mindless entertainment?
I've searched the depths of the internet to help you answer that question. The good news is, there are still a few rays of sunshine in the dark cloud of online content. So when you're not reading Curbly, or watching The Office once again - check out these links to help you recharge your batteries.
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I lived in Florida for about 10 years, so I am more than familiar with heat (and humidity!). When it's over 90º for 70% of the year, you learn how important it is to stay hydrated. Since moving to the Midwest where the temperatures are a little less dire, I've started slacking on my water game. My body isn't as loud when it tells me I need to drink more water. But being able to stay hydrated is so important, especially in these warmer summer months. I set out in the beginning of the year to make hydration a priority - it's actually the only New Years Resolution I can remember making, probably because I stuck with it! Here are a few ways that I'm keeping with my goal, and system you can use to teach yourself how to drink more water throughout the day.
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There's a (younger) part of me that loves going on long road trips. I get excited about seeing new places, listening to hours of podcasts, drinking Red Bull - it's a freeing experience like none other. Then there's the (older) side of me that can only handle the open road for so long. Sore back, moody in traffic, yells at slower drivers, and seriously bummed out about how sticky everything feels after being in the car all day. While I can't...
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Pets. We love them, and sometimes when we're traveling, we don't want to leave them. Whether it's because your boarding situation isn't ideal, or you just can't imagine going on a vacation without them, you want to make sure you and your dog (or cat!) are prepared for a pleasant and non-stressful road trip. I've hit the road a few times with this furry lady pictured here, and after a few hundred hours in the car together, we've learned a thing or two. Here are some tips for traveling with dogs (and cats!) as you head out on your vacation this summer.
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Photo: Francesca Tirico
In the last five years or so, I've been fortunate to go on several international trips. Even though it would be free to check a bag on those flights, I never do, and it has saved me so much time and trouble that I can't imagine doing it any other way. If you're doing any air travel, internationally or not, I'm here to tell you why and how you should avoid checking luggage.
Why to Avoid Checking...
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If you've ever flown on a plane, you're familiar with that groggy feeling that follows once you land. Your legs are wobbly, your stomach is churning, and you might even have a headache. Thousands of miles from home, you feel the opposite of refreshed. I recently took two trips in the same month, flying back and forth both times. The first trip was irritated by the long-lasting effects of flying. I was groggy and grouchy in the days following my flight. For my second trip, I changed one small thing in my routine. Even though I flew across two different time zones, I felt remarkably better during my second trip. My flying tip? It all starts with an empty bottle.
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If you find conquering the blank space at the bottom of a Father’s Day card daunting, you are not alone. It can be difficult to express yourself even if you have an ideal relationship with your father or father figure, let alone one that is more complicated. When you want to write something heartfelt but don’t know where to start, consider using one of these prompts:
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I used to pack haphazardly and I'd end up coming home with a suitcase so stuffed that it felt like it might explode at any minute. But when I traveled to France for two weeks last summer, I did lots of research on how to travel lighter. And I haven't looked back since! Here are ten tips on how to save space in your suitcase so you don't have to check your bag at the airport or lug a hopelessly heavy bag around town.
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Have you ever dealt with an achy-breaky back? If you haven't had the misfortune yet, I hate to say it, but you probably will. Not-so-fun fact: About 80% of Americans will deal with back pain at some point in their lives. For some, it's just a pulled muscle, but for others, it's much worse. As you age, it's the little movements and activities that lead to spinal disc deterioration. But it's not all bad news! From furniture placement to purchasing the right kind of tools, you can structure the layout and function of your home to keep your spine healthy. Here are a few adjustments you can make to your home for back pain relief, and to maintain the health of your spine.
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You've seen these smoothie bowl recipes (or acai bowls) all over Pinterest, but have you tried to make one of your own yet? A smoothie bowl isn't hard to make it home, but remember, it's just as much about the smoothie as it is about the toppings! Blend your favorite ingredients together to make a tasty smoothie bowl recipe that will ensure your morning is off to a great start.
This strawberry banana smoothie bowl recipe is my favorite go-to flavor combo, but I can mix it up with different toppings based on what I have in the house, mixing chia seeds, nuts, fruits and coconut shavings.
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