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Save Money, Get Fit: How You Can Achieve Both Fiscal and Physical Fitness at the Same Time

by Amber Dickson
Yoga mat and participant
Photo: RawPixel/Pexels

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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23 Affordable Organization Products to Help You Live Your Best Life

by M.E. Gray
Affordable organization products from Amazon
Source

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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Chill Out: Easy DIY Aromatherapy Eye Pillow

by Faith Provencher
Just Relax: Easy DIY Aromatherapy Eye Pillow
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

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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How to Trick Yourself into Drinking More Water

by M.E. Gray
How to drink more water
Shutterstock / sebra

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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Going on a Road Trip? Don't Forget to Grab This from the Drug Store

by M.E. Gray

Going on a road trip? Don't forget to grab this from the drug store

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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9 Tips for an Amazing (or at Least Tolerable) Road Trip with Your Pet

by M.E. Gray

Traveling with dogs and cats - 9 tips for a less stressful road trip

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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Why and How I Never Check Luggage, Even for International Trips

by Rachel Jacks
Why and how I avoid checking luggage, even for international trips

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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The One Thing You Might Be Doing Wrong When You Fly

by M.E. Gray

Flying tip

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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How to Write a Meaningful Father's Day Card

by Amber Dickson
How to write a meaningful Father's Day card
Rawpixel/Shutterstock

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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Travel Lighter: 10 Ways To Save Space In Your Suitcase

by Faith Provencher
Travel Lighter: 10 Ways To Save Space In Your Suitcase
Photo: Elliott Chau

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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How to Create a Home that Won't Hurt Your Back

by M.E. Gray

Back Pain Relief At Home

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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How to Craft the Perfect Smoothie Bowl

by Holly Wade
How to Craft the Perfect Smoothie Bowl
Photo by Holly Wade

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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17 Time-Saving Gifts for New Moms 

by Faith Provencher

17 quick gifts for new moms

With Mother's Day right around the corner, many of us are on the hunt for gifts for those new moms out there. The best gifts usually involve something that will save her time or give her a bit of extra time to herself. So we've done the research and rounded up the best ideas from around the web. Here are 17 gifts for new moms that will put a smile on her face this Mother's Day (or any day of the year!).        

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Have You Always Wished You Could Keep a Journal? Try This Technique.

by M.E. Gray

Do you wish you could keep a journal? Try this technique called the Gratitude Journal

Many of us wish we could keep a journal. It's comforting (and handy) to have a personal record of your life to look back on. Journaling also makes you a more disciplined and mindful person, which I, for one, could certainly benefit from. Keeping up with the habit of writing something down every few days is nice in thought, but generally it's hard in practice. There's always an activity that's more important or interesting than journaling. Maybe writing isn't your strong suit. And let's face it, life is sometimes boring and there's just nothing to write about. Regardless of the barrier that's keeping you from your journaling goals, this technique may help you stick to a routine. Instead of the traditional diary, try the Gratitude Journal. It'll actually make you happier along the way.          

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Trouble Sleeping? Here's the Trick that Works for Me, Every Single Time

by M.E. Gray

The one sleep trick I use to make myself fall asleep - it works every time!

I love sleep. My bed is without a doubt in the top ten list of my favorite places to be. I always thought I might grow out of it, but even as a twenty-something I require a solid 8 hours of sleep. Worse, if I get a late start going to bed, I always end up sleeping in. While I'm akin to a dead body all night, it's that getting-to-sleep thing that I get tripped up on. Anxious-minded people, where you at? If I ever can't seem to conk out fast enough, there's one trick I use that always gets me to sleep.      

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7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Lunch Break

by M.E. Gray

How to make the most of your lunch break

It's Thursday, and you're sitting at your desk. Your stomach rumbles. You glance up at the clock. It's finally lunchtime! What do you do? The way you spend your lunch break can have a major effect on how the rest of your workday goes. If you use your break to scroll through your phone, check emails, or (worse) just skip it entirely, your energy levels will keep declining as the day goes on. It's time to reclaim your lunch breaks, people! That 30-60 minutes are yours and yours alone. You can use that time to strengthen your body, calm your mind, and feed your emotional well-being, meaning you can return to work recharged. Here are a few empowering ways to make the most of your midday break.          

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