I've been searching for a wreath since we moved into our new home, but couldn't find one I particularly liked; especially for the prices. I've waited months to see what the Christmas season would present, but when Jaden and I went through our Christmas decorations I found all the items I purchased last year for 90% off. We decided they could make a beautiful wreath. Last year, my purchase included shatterproof balls, pinecone and flower inserts, ribbon, bows, and a mishmash of other things. All things I wasn't exactly sure what to do with. However, they looked like they would be great for future projects. The only thing I could not find after the holidays was the unadorned wreath. I purchased a a 36" wreath and wire from Walmart the other day, and Jaden and I went to work on our Christmas wreath. This is our finished product. Jaden placed the flowers and balls where she wanted them, and I used wire, instead of hot glue, to keep our inserts in place.
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When it comes to drinking more water; there are guidelines like drink 64oz., or half your body weight in ounces of water. For those who find it difficult it's not the measurement of water that's important. What is important is how to drink more water. It's how to get that much water down with all of the other drinks available. Where to start: One plus One The thought of drinking a half gallon of water is overwhelming if you've never done it before. It really puts a new spin on the "glass is half full" mantra. However, starting small can make a big difference. Start small if you're not used to drinking a lot of water. You don't need to be "hardcore" and carry a one gallon jug of water every where you go. For the most part, you'll quickly tire of the whole water drinking process this way. Instead, add a single bottle of water into your day until you acclimate to the increase in water. If you normally drink one glass of water, which is not unusual for some people, add another glass. Once you're acclimated to two glasses; add a third glass. Keep adding a glass of water until you get to the recommended amount, or until you reach the amount of water needed to stay properly hydrated. Start your day with water Increase water intake by drinking water as soon as you get up. Water replenishes your body of water loss from basic bodily functions such as sweating, breathing and urination. Start each day with a 20oz. bottle of water if you're not used to doing this. Move on to a bigger amount as you become used to it. It's also important to drink water first thing in the morning if you are a coffee, tea or soda drinker. Each contains caffeine; a natural diuretic which can aid in dehydration. The consequences of dehydration can be severe. Headaches, dizziness and lack of proper metabolic function are just a few things that can ensue. Replace or alternate water with sugary drinks Start replacing your sodas, juices and coffees with water. This doesn't mean to replace all of them, but cut back slowly. Alternate one glass of water with any non-water drink you have. This will certainly increase your water intake, and help with proper hydration. Change your habits to drink more water The21-Day Myth is just that- it's a myth. It can take much longer, or less, to create a habit. Why? Because even the best intentions for the best habits can be a struggle. It's easy to break the good habit cycle and fall back into your comfort zone with bad habits. It's also easy to do this several times before a habit becomes second nature. Instead, push through the habits one day at a time. Each day you drink more water is another day conquered. For days you falter; remember that this is normal, and everyone has done this. The difference is continuing the good habit even after having a bad day or five. There are many health issues that cause prolonged back pain, but it's thoughtless daily activities that contribute to stiff, aching backs. Which activities? Activities such as washing dishes, applying makeup and laundry. Have you ever noticed how often you stretch your back while doing these daily activities? Probably more often than you think. Slouching creates back pain while washing dishes Washing dishes is a culprit that contributes to low back pain even though it's "harmless." Bending over a deep sink, or slouching, creates a throbbing lower back; especially if standing at the sink for a long time. Bending down to the dishwasher also strains your back. In addition, a phone conversation with poor posture while washing dishes is sure create problems. Dish washing remedies To ease back pain bring the dishes closer to your body. Instead gathering dishes in the sink wash them or put them in the dishwater immediately. You'll spend shorter periods of time at the sink this way. Or, place dishes in a designated tub on the counter. Although no one wants dirty dishes on the counter it reduces bending and reaching into the sink. Laundry is a back breaker Beside washing dishes, bending, twisting and standing with poor posture during laundry causes back aches. People pickup clothes from the floor carelessly, or carry heavy loads of laundry that you can't see over. Not seeing over the load makes you arch profoundly and crane your neck. Laundry remedies Change the way you pick up laundry to decrease back pain. Bring one leg up while picking clothes up from the floor. For example, think of the Warrior III Pose, also known as Virabhadrasana III. Sound weird? Maybe, but it tightens the abdomen and improves balance and posture. Unlike the actual yoga pose, use one arm to support yourself as you pick up clothes with the other arm. Also, lighten the load. Don't pile the laundry basket so high that you can't see over it, and make a second trip instead. Applying makeup isn't synonymous to back pain Applying makeup is not a chore, but it can certainly be back-breaking. From plucking eyebrows to applying lipstick, women commonly lean over the bathroom counter top to get close to the mirror. This awkward angle adds to back stiffness and aches. Makeup remedies Does a vanity table help? Yes, but that's if you're not leaning over the vanity, and if the seat is the right height. To ease a stiff back use a vanity with an adjustable mirror. Use an adjustable mirror in the bathroom too so you don't stoop your neck while standing. Change posture and gain core strength to reduce back aches Whether bent or twisted during daily activities posture has a direct correlation to back pain. Good posture, and holding in your abdomen, reduces back pain. Hold in your abdomen during daily activities, and add the abdominal vacuüm to your exercise arsenal. If you're not sure how to do a vacuum; here's how Stand upright with your feet shoulder's width apart. Place your hands on your hips. Inhale as much air as possible and slowly release it. Pull your core in-and-up from the navel. Once the air is expelled hold this position for at least 20 seconds.
The abdominal vacuüm strengthens the transverse abdominal which supports the spine. Over time, you'll build a strong core to offset back pain. |
Lisa M. WhiteAboutI'm not a chef; just a homecook enthusiast who loves to feed my family and friends. I'm a red meat eating, cheeseburger lover. And, there's nothing better than a cold, crisp, Coca-Cola® served with lime to accompany that.
I'm a firm believer food is love, and love is food. Categories
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