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8 Ways to Pamper Yourself for the Perfect Valentine’s Date
Valentine’s day is just around the corner and the smell of roses and chocolates is unmistakable! This day’s a celebration of love and a date with your partner, friends, or family is the perfect way to spend it. Many are sure to be busy preparing for the perfect date - booking good spots at restaurants and buying Valentine's gifts. It might be a busy and stressful week for you. However, make sure that you’re still taking care of your skin so you can look your best for your loved ones. Looking tired and dull can ruin the perfect Valentine’s date. That’s why you need a pampering session to keep signs of aging away. Fine lines and wrinkles are not pretty accessories to wear for your date. No worries! You don’t have to spend much just to achieve glowing skin and shiny hair. This beauty routine is the perfect way to relax and get ready for your Valentine’s date. Here are 8 ways to pamper yourself so you can look your best! Soak in Scented Bath Planning dates and get-togethers can get very tiring. A good soak can help you relax so you feel energetic the next day. It helps keep your skin clear too! Stress and anxiety can be huge triggers of acne. They can stimulate hormones responsible for oil production, which leaves your skin prone to acne. A relaxing bath may not sound much, but it does wonders for your skin! Experience the luxury of a spa at your own home. You can easily recreate the relaxing atmosphere using scented candles. Draw a warm bath and mix some essential oils. Lavender oil and rose essential oil are great choices because of their soothing scent. They have benefits for your skin too. Cleanse Your Skin for A Fresh Complexion Cleanse your skin using a gentle wash. This helps remove excess oil and dirt so you can have a brighter and fresher complexion. Skin can have a dull complexion if not cleansed efficiently. It is easier to apply makeup on fresh skin too. However make sure that you don’t use harsh cleansers especially if you have dry skin. Harsh cleansers can strip moisture away from skin. This leaves your skin feeling rough and dry. Even if you have oily skin, avoid using drying cleansers. This can only cause excessive oil production. When your skin lacks moisture, it compensates by producing more oil. This leaves skin feeling oily. Excess oil can clog pores and cause acne as well. You don’t want to pop zits before your date, do you? Scrub the Dullness Away Washing your skin not be enough to achieve the glow that you want. That’s why you should find a gentle body scrub that can remove dead skin cells from the top of your skin. This can make your skin look radiant. A good scrub helps promote skin cell renewal as well. It leaves your skin looking fresh and youthful. Dead skin cells form a layer on top of your skin, making it look dull. Using scrubs can lift away dead skin cells and other stubborn impurities. Plus, your skin texture feels softer and smoother! Look for scrubs that contain moisture-rich ingredients to prevent damage and dryness. Soothe Skin with Face Masks Do you want your skin to feel really soft and supple? Use a sheet mask after you wash your face. It helps restore moisture to skin for a softer and smoother feel. Face masks improve the appearance of skin too. It soothes inflammation, which reduces the appearance of puffy eyes, fine lines, and wrinkles. You can include even include face masks in your skin care routine to improve the texture and firmness of skin. There are face masks that come in the form of clay, mud, and cream too. These face masks may help alleviate symptoms of skin conditions such as acne. They may contain soothing ingredients that can keep your skin bright and clear. Look Younger with Anti-Aging Serum Serums are truly magical skin care products. They absorb into skin fast, which gives you noticeable results. Shiny Leaf Face Serums are chock full of nourishing ingredients that help improve how skin feels and looks. They prevent signs of skin aging from forming too. Vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid serum are great choices you should try using. Vitamin C serum has powerful antioxidant properties, which fight against free radicals. Using the serum keeps skin free of blemishes and wrinkles too. Hyaluronic acid serum, on the other hand, helps your skin stay supple. It hydrates the deeper layers of your skin, making it feel suppler and smoother. Hyaluronic acid serum works for all skin types. You can look years younger when you use this serum! Glow with Hydrated Skin Moisturizer is one of the most essential beauty products for your Valentines skin care routine. You can never use too much moisturizer. It helps your skin stay firm and supple. Moisturizers help prevent skin aging and damage. Your skin has a natural barrier that prevents damage. This barrier gets weaker as your skin becomes drier. Using moisturizer helps fortify the barrier to fully protect skin. Most moisturizers today contain nourishing ingredients that help improve skin tone and texture too. If you have puffy eyes or dark bags under the eyes, you can use creams. Eye cream contains active ingredients that help make your skin firmer. This reduces the puffy appearance of eyes. Creams have thicker texture so be cautious when you are using it, especially if you have oily skin. Go for Bold-Colored Nails It’s always a good idea to paint your nails on special occasions. It gives you character without making you look over accessorized. During Valentine’s, you want to look confident, but classy. Wearing diamond necklace and earring might sound like a good idea. Wanna know what’s a better idea? Red-painted nails! Red is the color of Valentine’s day. And it is a very attractive color that can make you feel more confident. Keep Hair and Scalp Smelling Fresh It’s not only your skin you should take care of. A glowing skin pairs perfectly well with shiny hair. These two are killer combinations that can make you look like you’re ready to walk on the red carpet. For your Valentine’s preparation, pay attention to your hair and scalp too. Keep them smelling fresh and fab with moisture-rich hair products. You can wash your hair the night before your date. The next day, all you have to do is apply conditioner. This helps prevent frizziness so your hair stays smooth and manageable all day long. You can apply light oils the night before too. They soften hair and make it shinier. Using nourishing hair products that can give you your dream hair. Make Valentine’s day your own and feel confident in your natural beauty. You don’t need diamonds when you look good and feel good about yourself. Valentine’s day is the day to celebrate all kinds of love - whether it’s with your partner, friends, family, or yourself.
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Presents of Mind: 12 Thoughtful Gift Ideas
It’s easy to find a good gift without thinking much about it. You can get items that anyone can use – socks, mugs, or blankets. While they are good gifts to give and receive, nothing trumps a unique thoughtful present that can make anyone feel special. Christmas is the perfect season to let your loved ones feel appreciated. Keep in mind that the best gifts are not always expensive. We’re not talking about love, peace, and harmony although they come for free during the yuletide season. The best gifts are the ones that make the receiver feel warm and loved. Every year you receive dozens of presents that you end up regifting (admit it, you do this too). Make your gift stand out so it won’t end up in the dump. Thoughtful, personalized gifts that come from the heart will ensure that this never happens. We have 12 thoughtful gift ideas you’ll want to give to the special people in your life. These are great gifts to get for yourself too. 1. Custom Care Package for All Seasons Care package is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to anyone. It may last for months and the receiver can feel your love when they use or consume each product from the package. You can put medicine, bath products, food, and sweets in a box or jar. Make it better by attaching encouraging notes on each product. If you are giving it to a woman, you can include chocolates, personal care products, and makeup. For men, put their favorite snacks, drinks, medicine, and personal hygiene products. 2. Baking Kit and Secret Recipe Gift If you know a loved one who loves to cook or bake, this is the best gift for them! Buy them a baking kit and give them your own secret recipe. The recipe doesn’t have to be too complex. Simple recipes are enough so anyone could try it. You can include measured ingredients in the kit as well. This gives them the chance to try out the recipe immediately without spending. They can share the experience with you or other friends too. 3. Tea from Around the World Gift Set Do you know a tea-lover? A tea set from around the world is the perfect gift. There are lots of specialty teashops that import tea from around the world. You can find one in your city or you can also collect teas from various shops. Put them in a wooden tea box or a handcrafted container with labels. Tea is not only popular in Europe. Asian and African countries such as Japan, China, India, Morocco, and Kenya also produce great teas. You can include teacups and ceramic mugs as well. Lead them on a gastronomic journey around the world with a tea set. 4. Favorite Bath and Body Products in Personalized Case Having trouble thinking of the best gift for your girlfriends? Their favorite bath and body products in a monogrammed case might be the answer to your problem. The holiday season is all about parties, get-togethers, and socializing. It’s fun to spend the holidays with your loved ones. However, it also makes everyone crave for some me-time. Let your friends enjoy a spa-like experience with Shiny Leaf’s bath and body products. These products make skin feel softer and give hair a smoother texture. At the end of the day, your friends can feel better and more special after a relaxing bath. Personalize the gift with a monogrammed case that has their printed initials. This is a great gift for friends who like to travel too. The monogrammed case is the perfect container for essentials like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and your favorite bath oils. Another idea is to include body care accessories like loofah, towel, and scrubs. 5. Engraved Watches Engraved watches might seem like a thing of the past. However, the gentlemen in your life can definitely appreciate its sentimental value. Watches are common gifts for men. It is convenient and has great value. However, it can lose its value over time especially with many competitive brands out there. You are more likely to gift someone two watches in one decade. Engraved watches, on the other hand, has a value of a lifetime. You can choose messages, names, dates, or quotes in the back of the watch. Watch engraving services are very affordable. You can buy a watch and have it engraved. Make sure that the engraving is meaningful for the receiver. 6. Printed Photo and Milestone Book If your family likes to capture everything in photos, they will definitely appreciate a printed photo book. It might be easier to just upload photos on Facebook. However, they don’t have the same sentimental value as albums. On the other hand, albums can fade and get destroyed over the years. Printing milestone photo book lasts longer and you can even edit the photos to look like magazines. This is a great gift to friends, family, and even your partner. Your gift does not have to be photos of people. You can include photos of places and food for people who like to travel. 7. Mini Bar Set If you know anyone who likes to spend their nights (not only during holidays) with a glass of wine, give them a mini bar set. Stash small bottles of various alcohols in a wooden box or big glass jar. This lets them enjoy different flavors of alcohol for various nights. Attach notes on what goes best with these drinks so they can enjoy it fully. This mini bar set is also great for people who like to travel. Mini bottles of alcohol are easier to carry around. Anyone can wind down with their favorite drink after a long day of traveling. 8. Pet Portrait Who doesn’t love a painting of their pet hanging in the living room? Pet lovers like to boast about their companion and their cuteness. In their eyes, their pet is the most beautiful and handsome there is. Instead of giving them their portrait, have a painting of their pet made. Anyone who loves his or her pet will appreciate this gift. Commission an abstract or realistic painting of their pets that will remind the receiver how awesome their companions are. Immortalizing pets is a great way to preserve the moments shared with them. Pet paintings are fun, memorable, and thoughtful gifts for everyone. 9. Mason Jar Set and Breakfast Recipes Encourage your friends and family to cook their own meals at home. Gift them a set of mason jars with a list of breakfast recipes. Mason jars are easy to bring and they are great storage for any kinds of food. The list of recipes doesn’t have to be all about oatmeal. You can store other breakfast meals in mason jars like salad, fruits, rice, and even noodles. This can help reduce plastic waste as well. There is major concern over the world’s increasing plastic pollution. Gifting mason jars might seem like a small move towards eradicating plastic pollution. However, any form of help is important to reduce plastic pollution. Instead of disposable plastic containers, your friends or family can use mason jars for packed lunch and breakfast. It is easier to wash too since edible food does not stick on glass. 10. Garden Starter Kit Friends who have a green thumb will appreciate a garden starter kit. Complete with tools and seeds, anyone can start their own mini garden. They can start growing microgreens that are healthy and more affordable than shopping. There are lots of plants, vegetables, and herbs that are easy to grow too. Growing plants can be very therapeutic. Gardening calms the mind and helps lift up your mood. It can also improve mental and physical health. Friends who like to get in touch with nature will surely love this gift. 11. Coasters with Custom Designs Friends or family who like to host parties and get-togethers love personalized coasters. Coasters protect furniture from fading and getting damaged. You can get a set of coasters designed specifically for the receiver’s preference. Some examples include their favorite movies, albums, songs, quotes from their favorite writers, or the receiver’s initials. Another suggestion is to design the coasters like a vinyl of their favorite singer or band. You can also choose different materials for coasters. There are coasters made from tiles, wood, rock, ceramic, and recycled materials. Some craftsman can create patterns out of personalized wood coasters too. 12. A Weekend Getaway in Cozy Airbnb It’s hard to think of the perfect gift for someone who seems to have everything they need and want. How about a weekend getaway? You don't need to buy tickets for overseas trips if you are on a budget. You can just book a cozy Airbnb out of town. There are rentals out of town that can serve as the perfect vacation spot for a friend, family, or your partner. Nothing says ‘you’re special to me’ than a gift that’s made just for you. A personalized gift shows that the giver knows you, your likes, and dislikes. It also shows that they’ve thought long and hard to find the perfect gift that can make you smile.
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5 Steps to Perfect the No Makeup Look
Looking naturally fresh and beautiful is the idea behind the no makeup makeup look. Imagine having perfect flawless skin that glows from the inside. Doing this type of makeup might sound easy and simple, but it is not. But you can perfect the no makeup look in just five steps! Want to look naturally beautiful everyday? Follow our simple guide to perfect the no makeup makeup look. We promise that it would take less time and fewer products. What’s the No Makeup Look If you want a fresh and naturally beautiful appearance, this makeup is just for you. This style focuses on bringing out your best features without using too much makeup. Compared topopular makeup styles, the no makeup look aims to emphasize your natural beauty. The secret behind this look is an even skin tone and blemish-free complexion. You can prep your face with few makeups to make it look like you are glowing. The less makeup that you use, the better. If you are up for the challenge, try our 5-step routine to perfect the no makeup look. 5 Steps to Perfect the No Makeup Look Some women don’t like to wear makeup. Others don’t have the time. However, all women want to look fresh and presentable. Whether it’s for an early session of yoga, brunch, grocery shopping, or taking your kids to school, you always want to look your best. Here's a selfie-ready makeup look just for you. You don’t have to put on a ton of foundation or even lipstick with this five-step makeup routine. STEP 1: Prep your skin. Having perfectly healthy skin saves you from applying layers of foundation and concealer. Plump and radiant skin does not need much makeup. The trick is you have to ensure that your skin looks fresh and radiant. Let your skin “breathe”. This means removing buildup of dead skin cells and makeup on skin. Cleanse and exfoliate your skin before you apply makeup. These steps will unclog your pores and stimulate skin cell renewal. Exfoliating leaves your skin smoother and more radiant too. Do the same for your lips. Make your own homemade lip scrub using carrier oil and brown sugar. Massage on lips to make it smoother. Pat your face dry after exfoliating and apply toner. The toner restores the pH balance of your skin, which helps regulate oil production. It prevents your face from getting too oily throughout the day. It also preps your skin so it absorbs moisture better. You can use products that brighten and hydrate your skin as well. You can skip the primer and foundation if you have great skin. Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Face Serum Set helps make your skin glow. Their combined effects help plump up your skin for a softer and smoother texture. STEP 2: Moisturize and protect your skin. Let the toner absorb into skin for a minute before you moisturize. Choose a long-lasting moisturizer to prevent your skin from looking dull and tired. Moisturizers give your skin a plump and luminous appearance. Make it a habit to apply moisturizer before you put on makeup. It will give your skin a fresher look. Moisturizer minimizes the appearance of pores so your face looks smoother. You should also apply sunscreen after putting on moisturizer. This product protects your skin from sun damage. You can use concealer if you want to cover up blemishes and dark spots but use it sparingly. If you want long-term results, use an eye cream. It lifts and brightens the skin under your eyes. Eye cream formulas help plump skin to reduce appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Using instant lift eye creams will make your eyes look brighter. STEP 3: Do your brows and eyelashes. For the eyebrows, just use an eyebrow shaping tool such as a spoolie to brush the strands towards the direction of growth. Use upward strokes to create the messy eyebrow look like Cara Delevingne’s! Set your brows with castor oil instead of eyebrow gel. It makes your eyebrows look fuller and bolder. Your eyelashes will need some good ol’ loving too. Ditch the mascara and use castor oil instead. Curl your lashes and use a mascara wand to apply castor oil. It makes your lashes look thicker, which helps frame your eyes well. The best way to achieve the perfect no makeup look? Get fuller and thicker brows. You don’t have to fill in your brows perfectly. Instead, go for the natural messy brows. The secret is to use castor oil on your eyebrows every night. This makes eyebrows grow thicker and fuller. STEP 4: Color the apple of your cheeks. A subtle blush is important to achieve that glowing look. Don’t apply too much blush. Another great tip is to use cream blush instead of a powdered one. Cream blush moisturizes your skin as well to prevent it from getting dry and flaky. A cream blush gives you a beautiful glow that is perfect for the no makeup look. Apply the cream brush using your fingertips. Pat the cream blush all around the apple of your cheeks to blend it well. Cream blushes moisturize your skin and give it a dewy appearance. You can blend some highlighter, essence, serum, or oil with the cream blush. This gives your skin a beautiful, more luminous glow. STEP 5: Make your lips look plump and luscious. Make your lips look plump and luscious with a gentle scrub. Exfoliating your lips will give it a smoother, softer, and luscious appearance. After that, put some hydrating oil on your lips. It will protect your lips and prevent dryness. Do the rest of your makeup and finish it off with a gloss that has a tinge of color similar to your natural lip shade. This will not only give you a naturally beautiful look. Using a lip gloss or balm also makes your lips feel moisturized. Did you know what’s the best accessory that goes so well with this natural makeup look? It's your smile! What’s great about this natural makeup look is that it makes you feel good about how you look naturally. Do this makeup style for the perfect selfie look. At the end of the day, don’t forget to remove your makeup. Take good care of your skin and let it rest. Don’t skip on the essential products for your skin care routine. The healthier your skin is, the less you need cosmetics. Try this no makeup look and see how easy it is to do!
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Vacations Can Be a Crazy Time for Happy Couples
Traveling is an inspiring and rewarding experience you can share with your partner. Going on vacation as a couple might challenge your relationship, but it can give you sweet memories to treasure too. Traveling literally takes you out of your comfort zone. Lots of things can happen when you are on vacation. You can have a wild ride or drive each other crazy. Learning how to handle travel challenges with your partner can strengthen your relationship. Both traveling and being in a relationship is good for your soul. They make you feel whole and fulfilled. But just like everything else in life, they are not always a walk in the park. Vacations with your partner can be a life-changing experience. You can enjoy each other’s company without interruption. You can both take a break from work and your daily routine. Most of all, you can fall in love all over again. Ready to go on an exciting adventure? Read on to find out what makes vacation a little crazy for happy couples. 1. Agreeing to disagree What is your idea of a relaxing trip? What is their idea of a great vacation? Consider these things when planning so you can make the best out of your vacation. Compare it to your partner’s preferences and start building your vacation plans from there. Planning your trip is a chance to learn more about your partner and their preferences. When planning your trip, make sure that both of you are clear on what you prefer to do. If you and your partner can’t agree on a particular matter, list your options, compromise, or just scratch it out. This prevents fights from breaking out. You'll find yourself loving your partner more when you see that he or she is willing to let go of the small things to make your vacation enjoyable. 2. Sharing the load of organizing your vacation Planning your vacation can be the most stressful part. You need to agree where you want to go, where to stay, and what you want to do. There are a lot of things to consider. Language barrier, currency, transportation, and food are basic things you need to know about when traveling. The most important thing when you plan your vacation is that both of you are happy with your decisions. You need to share the load between the two of you. Make sure your partner does their part when organizing the trip. Decide on who will buy plane tickets, book your accommodation, and create the itinerary. Sharing the responsibilities can help you understand the strength and weaknesses of your partner. It gives the two of you an insight on how you can support them and how they will support you in the future. When both partners invest time and effort to make the trip happen, it shows interest and enthusiasm for your upcoming vacation. 3. You can share expenses to save more It might feel good to splurge when you’re on vacation, but you’re most likely to regret it later. When planning a trip, make a breakdown of all the possible expenses (include souvenirs too!) and stick to your budget. It would be best to divide basic expenses between you two so you don’t have to worry on who paid for what. Plus, it’s a great way to be economical. After all, you can reduce expenses when you share everything. When on vacation, sticking to a budget makes traveling more comfortable. You don't have to worry about running out of money. It gives you fewer things to worry about. Agreeing with each other when it comes to financial matters is also a sign that you are ready for the next level of your relationship. 4. Relaxing during your vacation Couples go on vacations so they can relax and deepen their bond. Fighting and getting stressed should not be part of your plans. Relaxing and having fun is your priority. At the end of the day, when both of you are tired from wandering around, relax. Try these tips with your partner: A wonderful massage will relieve aching feet or body. Bring your favorite castor oil to soothe your muscles. You will feel tension and stress melting away, and wake up energized. Cap off the night with a bottle of wine or hot cocoa. Talk about the things you enjoyed or didn’t like. Share your thoughts and make sure your partner feels more appreciated and loved at the end of the day. Cuddling can relieve stress and anxiety, which helps if you are on vacation. It improves your mood so you can deal with stress better too. Have your alone time. Don’t spend the whole vacation clinging to each other. Instead, try to spend some time for yourselves. Go to places and do activities that your partner doesn’t like. 5. Trying new things together You will feel braver when you are with your partner. Brave enough to get lost and explore the nooks and crannies of an unfamiliar town. Brave enough to eat a local cuisine that looks super spicy. Brave enough to try something new you know you’d never do when alone. Knowing that you are with someone you trust will make you feel that you can take on any challenges. 6. Letting go and being spontaneous An itinerary is a must if you want to make the most out of your vacation. However, you can have awesome adventures when you are spontaneous too. If it suddenly rained on a supposedly sunny afternoon, change your plans. Take shelter on the little deli you’ve passed earlier. Go visit souvenir shops and wait for the rain to stop. You can also get cheesy – dance in the rain and share a sweet kiss. Let go and just enjoy the wild ride. Being spontaneous might just be the highlight of your trip. 8. You learn how to be more patient and understanding Is your partner acting a little annoying? Is the traffic delaying you further? Don’t let it get to you. Be a bit more understanding and patient when you are with your partner. Remember that you are on vacation to have fun and getting angry can spoil your precious time together. Practicing patience and understanding can help you grow both as individuals and as a couple. Focus on positive things instead of mulling over things that frustrate you. If you are stuck in traffic, you’ll never be bored. Talk to each other, play little games, or plan your next adventure. There is always a silver lining, all you have to do is look for it. 9. Seeing your partner’s weaknesses and strengths They say that traveling is the ultimate challenge for couples. It lets you see the best and worst parts of your partner. You can have crazy good times or drive each other crazy. However, it is definitely a learning experience for both of you. Use this time to find out how your partner handles situations and how they treat people. When you are both out of your comfort zone, you are exposed to a lot of stressors. This can bring out the worst in you or your partner and you must learn how to handle their flaws. If your partner points out something you did that annoyed them, accept it graciously and talk it over. Who knows, you might go home from this vacation feeling more in love with each other. 9. Handling emergencies and stressful situations A lot of unexpected things can happen when traveling like getting lost, getting sick, and having your flight delayed for a long time. What people need most during emergencies is a reliable companion that can help sort things out. Never lose your cool. If you are lost, remember that you are not alone and you can make the best of it by wandering around and discovering new things together. Being lost on a trip can be an exhilarating experience for both of you. Vacations are all about immersing yourself in the place, its culture, and people. There is no harm in being lost as long as you have your partner with you. Moreover, there are now several location apps to help you out. 10. You’ll see if you make a good team You are not alone when you go on this vacation. You’re stuck with your partner 24/7 and this means that you need to consider their needs and wants. There will always be a difference in opinion and preference and you need to talk them over. Being a good team means that you know when to back down or meet halfway. Relationships are all about give and take. There will always be trouble in paradise so learn to compromise. You can argue about every little thing but don’t fight over it. Show respect and appreciation by accepting that you have different likes and dislikes. Vacations are great ways to learn more about your partner and get closer to each other. Get lost together and find cozy cafes or hidden restaurants. Share a hearty breakfast in bed. Appreciate the small intimate moments with the person you love. Take this vacation as a chance to fall in love more with your beau. After all, it’s not every day that you can go wild exploring new things and places.
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Your Guide to Using Essential Oils for Pets
Fall in love with essential oils even more as these products help you take better care of your pets. When essential oils become a regular part of your day, you expose your pets to its therapeutic effects. Aromatherapy with natural oils can make you and your furry friend relaxed. More than that, the right essential oils can improve the skin and coat condition of your companions. There are benefits in properly using essential oils on your pets. Whether it’s to soften their fur, relieve skin conditions, or for extra nourishment, these oils can make your pets healthier than ever. Discover more uses of essential oils and right ways to apply them. Should You Use Essential Oil on Your Pet? There are many advantages of using oils for your pets. The abundance of vitamins and minerals in natural oils makes them effective in addressing skin and health concerns. Other than softening your dog’s paws or strengthening the hooves of your horse, you can also use essential oils as a supplement. Essential oils are natural and made up of essential fatty acids that your pets need to maintain their health. They are safer and more effective compared to using chemically infused medicines. The oils are rich in substances that address the root of the problem. It is safe to use natural oil on your pet especially when your companions suffer from conditions that can be treated with oils. You get to avoid exposing your pets to harsh ingredients by using essential oils. If you need a natural remedy, essential oils are your go-to products. They are gentle when applied topically. Pets are sensitive to scents and substances that their body can absorb. Essential oils often have soothing scents that are mild for the senses of animals. They promote peace and relaxation, which are good for pets that are anxious and troubled. The versatility of oils is an advantage that can help you take better care of your pet. They are affordable as well and essential oils last for a long time. You can substitute essential oils with expensive products and get the same benefits, if not more. Discover more uses and benefits of oils for your pets. 5 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Your Pets Essential oils are a great help when you have a pet. There are gentle yet effective oils that improve the condition of your companion. Whether they are for topical application, ingestion, or aromatherapy, you can find oils that work wonders for your pet’s health. Here are the uses and benefits of essential oils for your pets. 1. Treats Skin Conditions Dogs and cats can suffer from common skin problems such as mange, fleas, ringworm, dandruff, allergies, and infections. There are oils that prevent and treat the symptoms of these skin concerns. There are essential oils with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties that work well when used to treat these conditions. Insect repellent oils prevent flea and tick from causing skin damage. Most of a dog or cat’s skin condition affects their coat as well. However, some oils are specifically applied to improve fur condition. Lavender oil works great when applied topically to their coat and skin. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s important to mix the oil with 2/3 or ¾ coconut oil and or other light carrier oils. 2. Improves Fur Condition If your pet tends to run wild and get dirty, you might be used to sticky, dirty, and tangled fur. It can cause discomfort for your pet. Essential oils detangle fur to prevent knots from forming. The smooth and silky texture of the fur can last up to a day. Your dog or cat might also experience hair loss in various areas of their body. Alopecia is a condition characterized by patches of furless skin, dandruff, dry skin, and flaking. The problem is not only about the patchiness of the fur. It can damage the skin as well and affect their immune system. Regular use of essential oils on the fur helps soothe alopecia and prevent hair loss. It strengthens hair and makes it softer to the touch as well. Oils such as Argan oil moisturize hair while nourishing the skin beneath. 3. Provides Extra Nourishment Food-grade oils provide extra nourishment for your pets. A few drops of oils nourish their body while bringing therapeutic effects that can improve their condition. You can use oils to improve their metabolism and alleviate symptoms of allergies. Omega fatty acids are good for dogs and they are abundant in essential oils. Look for food-grade oils that your pet can ingest. Avoid giving your cat oil to ingest unless advised by an expert. Coconut oil helps with metabolism of dogs. Small amounts are safe for cats. Virgin coconut oil is highly nourishing for your pet and it improves their coat as well. They make your pets more alert, active, and healthy. 4. Protects Pets from Flea and Tick Fleas and ticks are parasites that can cause more than itchiness to your pets. These insects can affect the health of your pet. To prevent these parasites from living in your pet’s fur, use insect repellent oils. They are safe to apply to your pet. Dilute them with water and spray on their fur before and after going outside. Eucalyptus, lemongrass, and lavender are good for dogs and cats. They repel ticks, fleas, and mosquitos. 5. Promotes Relaxation for Pets Nervous, excited, and troubled dogs may be hard to handle. Sometimes the trick is to wear them out until they ran out of energy. Other times, it might not work. You can diffuse soothing essential oils to help calm your pets. It works especially for nervous and troubled dogs. Some scents of oils ease the anxiety that a pet might feel and makes them more relaxed. Gentle and soothing scents such as frankincense, myrrh, and chamomile can ease nervousness and promote relaxation for pets. Safety Tips in Using Essential Oils on Pets Essential oils are healthy for your pets when used properly. Other users get worried that using essential oils may trigger sensitive reactions to pets. Dogs and cats benefit the most from essential oils, but there are restrictions on which type of oil you should use. Pets can react differently to various essential oils, so caution and proper usage should be observed. One of the precautionary measures that you should always practice is to avoid giving your pets essential oils for ingestion. Make sure that the oils are safe and nourishing when ingested. Some oils may contain substances that can cause metabolism problems for your pets. Food-grade oils are the only oils safe for your pet to ingest. To ensure their effective and safe effects, here are some safety tips you need to keep in mind when using essential oils for your pets: The quality of the oils you’re using is important. They can determine their effects on your pets. High-quality oils from reputed brands are safe and effective when used on pets. Citrus oils might be too strong for your cat's sense of smell. Avoid using these oils whether for ingestion, application, or aromatherapy. Avoid using oils that contain high phenols like oregano, peppermint, and clove. The livers of animals, especially cats, can’t filter out phenols. When applying oils topically, the size of your companion matters. The smaller your pet, the lesser the amount of oil that should be used. Dilute essential oils before using them. Make this the first step in using oils. Essential oils should be used in moderation too. Avoid using oils on sensitive parts of your pet such as eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. Don’t use food-grade or topical oils on your cats every day. There should be regular intervals in using essential oils for your cats. Hot essential oils are not recommended for use. These oils give a warming sensation when sniffed, applied, or ingested. Before using strong essential oils, even aromatic oils, you should consult experts and veterinarians. Avoid exposing your pet to harsh oils that can cause allergic or sensitive reactions. You can use oils on other pets such as birds, reptiles, fish, and other large animals. However, there are proper methods of applying oils on other types of pets. Observe your pets when you use essential oils to them. Take note of how they respond to the oils whether used aromatically, topically or ingested. You can mix essential oils in shampoos, ointments, conditioners, and sprays for pets. Make your pet’s life healthier and more fun. Essential oils improve the way you take care of your companion. Always keep your pet’s safety and happiness in mind. Use these tips and information to get the benefits of using essential oils without putting your pets at risk. When looking for essential oils to use topically or aromatically, pick high-quality products. Treat your pet to the health benefits of oils and let them feel your love!
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Moisturize Kinky Hair Like a Boss with Tips from Lupita Nyong'o
If you’ve watched the record-breaking Black Panther, then you’ve probably fawned over the gorgeous hairstyles of the cast. Wakanda presents a visual power of women and men rocking African hairstyles. Dreadlocks, Bantu-style knots, twist outs – all these hairstyles are an ode to natural kinky hair. Growing out your natural hair is never an easy task, but the pride and confidence that it gives you are unmeasurable. More and more women are appreciating the beauty of having kinky hair – from its gravity-defying volume to the curls and kinks that make it unique. If you have natural hair that tends to get dry and frizzy, Lupita Nyong’o, Black Panther’s Nakia, has some tips to share. 5 Products to Maintain Natural Kinky Hair Natural kinky hair is prone to drying, which makes it rough to the touch. To prevent breakage and split ends, you need to use the right products that provide hydration and moisture. Here are 5 products you need to include in your hair care routine: 1. Sulfate-Free Shampoo Sulfate is the enemy of kinky hair. Shampoos that have sulfate cleanse hair effectively but tend to remove the necessary moisture that keeps it soft. When cleansing kinky hair, it’s important to preserve the natural oils of hair. When you’re looking for shampoos to use, look for products that do not contain sulfate. Cowashing is another method recommended for kinky hair. It is the practice of using conditioners to wash hair. Since conditioner contains a small amount of surfactant, it helps remove the dirt from hair while providing moisture. 2. Hydrating Conditioner A hydrating conditioner does more than seal in the moisture on hair. It strengthens hair by treating hair damage. Hydrating conditioners ensure that moisture reaches into the shaft to improve its volume. 3. Essential Oils Essential oils are great for kinky hair. They are rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients that make hair shiny, soft, and smooth. They improve hair strength to prevent breakage and split ends. Essential oils work as conditioners, styling agents, and deep conditioning treatments that make kinky hair more fluffy. 4. Heavy Moisturizers When you go outside and expose your hair to sun, it tends to get dry and rough. The same thing happens during winter where moisture evaporates fast. To prevent dry and rough hair, use heavy moisturizers that you can apply all throughout the day. Look for creams that absorb fast into the strands without leaving an oily residue. You can use moisturizers that work as heat protectant products when using a hair dryer as well. 5. Mousse If you’re going to style your hair, skip the gels and hairsprays. Instead, use a mouse that moisturizes hair while giving it volume. It holds the shape of hair and gives it definition. Other styling products can dry hair or make it feel oily. Mousse has a light yet highly moisturizing formula that is perfect for kinky hair. When choosing which type of product to use, make sure to know every ingredient in the formulas. Look for nourishing oils, natural butter, and hydrating agents that deliver moisture where hair needs it most. L.O.C Method is the Key to Soften Natural Hair Liquid Oil Cream Method or the L.O.C method is a practice where you keep hair soft and moisturized. Lupita Nyong’o promises that this method kept her hair looking elegant and neat even when it got long. This method consists of three products; a water-based product, hydrating oil, and a cream. This is how to do the L.O.C method: 1. Apply Water-Based Liquid The L in L.O.C method stands for liquid, which should be a product that is very hydrating on hair. You can also just use water. After cleansing hair, the liquid or the water-based product is sprayed on hair. Massage it from roots to tips without disturbing the natural kinks of the hair. 2. Seal in Moisture with Oil The oil that you apply to hair seals in the moisture that prevents the water content from evaporating. It improves the ability of the hair to retain moisture as well. Since water and oil don’t mix, using the heavier product after the liquid stops the moisture from escaping. Light oils that absorb quickly through hair strands are olive oil, coconut oil, and Argan oil. 3. Fortifying Hair Cuticles with Cream Creams strengthen the hold of hair on moisture. It helps lock the moisture on hair shaft while gluing the cuticles together. This protects hair from getting brittle and developing split ends. Creams give definition to the curls of kinky hair too. It holds the shape and makes it more manageable. Use styling creams to handle your kinky hair easier. Using this method daily helps you avoid issues such as overly dry and static hair. These methods are enough to transform hair into its natural, beautiful shape. Natural Butters for Shiny Kinky Hair Sometimes, moisturizers don’t seem enough to prevent dry and rough kinky hair. For Lupita, Shea butter holds the promise of shiny and stylish kinky hair. Shea butter is one of the heaviest products that work to prevent moisture from escaping hair. While applying pure shea butter on hair doesn’t seem like a good idea for straight hair, it’s a trick that makes kinky hair soft yet resilient against damage. The secret lies in the butter’s ability to work as a barrier that locks in the water on hair. When you use it on the scalp, it prevents and treats concerns such as dandruff. It reduces issues of flaking and itchiness as well. Shea butter is highly moisturizing but does not weigh heavily on hair. This helps kinky hair keep its volumized and fluffy texture. Other types of natural butter include coconut oil, sweet almond butter, mango butter, and cocoa butter. Bring out the best in your hair with these methods that ensure your hair looks fabulous all day long. Growing natural hair will make you feel proud and confident in its unique style. Free your hair from products that restrain its natural and beautiful form!
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7 Chill Ways To Spend Valentine's Day
Only a few more days until Valentine’s Day, and who wouldn’t be excited with all the discounted roses, balloons and chocolates? If you’re happy, independent, and rocking your age, Valentine’s is another day you can show your loved ones how much they matter. More than that, it’s time to celebrate yourself and have an awesome day. Make the most out of this day by pampering yourself. Soothe your worries away and end your day on a happy note. Here are seven chill ways to spend Valentine’s Day. 1. Take A Soothing Warm Bath Valentine’s Day falls on a Wednesday and this means staying at home. Nothing beats a warm bath after a hard day’s work. Instead of spending on a spa, you can unwind at home with the help of scented candles, bath bombs, and essential oils. Pick a good book, get a bottle of wine, and play your favorite music in the background. Draw warm water and add some lavender or rose essential oil to make it more relaxing. It will bring you the peace of mind that you need and makes your skin soft and smooth. Drown out the noise outside and indulge in your alone time. You can even finish a whole bottle of wine without sharing or order pizza and have it all for yourself. 2. Binge-Watch Your Favorite Series Go home early and set your bed to binge-watch your favorite series. It’s time to catch up to new seasons and episodes. Make your own Netflix-and-chill nest with some popcorn, pizza, or chocolates. Surround yourself with pillows, dim the lights, and turn up the volume. If you’re looking for something more exciting that will make your heart race, make you sweat, and scream – watch some horror movies! Rest easy, there will be no clown standing at the foot of your bed. Follow it up with a romantic comedy movie that can be as sappy as you want. 3. Cook A Special Meal (Or Try!) Instead of going out for dinner, try something you think you don’t have time for – cooking. Look for recipes you want to try. Make it a full-course meal if you want and prepare appetizers and dessert! Go to the grocery store after work and buy the ingredients you need. It could be a personal learning experience for you to know how to pick fresh ingredients. Don’t worry if you’re not good at cooking, fail as many times as you want. Just have fun and try not to burn down your kitchen. Invite some friends or family over to cook with or just try your cooking. At the end of the day, you’re going to know if you have a shot at pursuing a culinary career. 4. Take An Easy Hike Somewhere Quiet Take some time off to unwind and go hiking. There are a lot of trails for beginners near you. If you want to be adventurous, try rock climbing. There are only a few who will hike this time of the year. Take advantage of this and enjoy the peace and quiet. You can pack some lunch to enjoy during breaks. If you have a dog, this is a good exercise and bonding moment for the two of you. Wait for the sun to set and take in the breathtaking beauty of nature. Let the moment last and preserve it. Get the best angle and capture the view! 5. Spend Valentine’s Day with Friends You can plan a fancy night with your BFFs without stressing yourself. Did you know that you have more chances of reserving a table for four or more people in restaurants during Valentine’s Day? Check out the restaurant you’ve always wanted to try! Gather your closest friends and raid the best restaurant in your city, only within your budget of course. Leslie Knope introduced the concept of brunch for Galentine’s Day and it’s the perfect outing with your friends. You can also just stay at home to indulge in pampering sessions. Masks, essential oils, nail polish, and pajamas are staples of a good sleepover! Sneak in some snacks for a good movie or games. Prepare gifts for each other or assemble a goodie bag to take home. Fill it up with bath bombs, soothing essential oils, and bath products – gifts that women appreciate. 6. Try Something New and Rewarding You know how people are going to be filling up restaurants, malls, and cinemas on Valentine’s? This means that there are fewer visitors in places like museums, galleries, teashops, wine bars, libraries, and workshops. Visit these places without the crowd. You get to enjoy your time without rushing. Events are more likely to have fewer visitors too. If you are an animal lover, look for rescue events near you. Fall in love and adopt a pet if you can. It’s the perfect time to try a new project. Whether it’s journaling, something handcrafted, a homemade recipe, or building a bookshelf, you can take this time to finally get it started. 7. Shop and Score Fab Finds Take advantage of the discounts and do a shopping spree. You can even buy gifts for friends and family in advance. Many stores put their products on sale to attract couples to buy gifts for each other. They have clothes and home goods on sale. Score an affordable new wardrobe or a humidifier! Treat yourself to materialistic things if they can satisfy you. Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love and joy. There are all kinds of love and you can celebrate them all. It could be with a partner, a friend, family, and even your pets but make sure to celebrate this day. Go find the most fulfilling way you can spend this day. What matters is that you have appreciated and enjoyed yourself. Make this day your own!
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Shiny Leaf Merchant Adoption with Bitcoin Cash
Consumer confidence is very important for online shopping. In the ever-growing field of beauty and personal care, there are always new products to try. This is why beauty has one of the largest markets with competitive online shopping platforms. Bitcoin cash is now a new payment method for Shiny Leaf! With its surging value in the market, we've decided to take one step forward and adopt this new payment method. Shiny Leaf looks for different ways to make the experience better for you. A free gift even awaits you with this adoption. Enjoy hassle-free payment and fast transactions with bitcoin cash. More Payment Options Shiny Leaf is dedicated to keeping you happy. By adopting bitcoin cash, we put our brand ahead of the market. With the growth of bitcoin cash users and investors, more companies will be adopting this payment method. Aside from using credit cards and your PayPal account, you can now buy Shiny Leaf products with bitcoin cash. Cryptocurrency has proven itself beneficial for sellers and buyers. The security of the transactions is guaranteed. In Shiny Leaf, your satisfaction is always a priority. More payment options mean convenience for buyers. This leads to bigger and better developments for the online shopping. Adopting Bitcoin Cash Bitcoin cash gains more following as it continues to prove that it is one of the best cryptocurrencies out there. The premise of using bitcoin cash is very simple. It exists as a digital cash that you can use as payment for services and goods. You can also send this currency to anywhere in the world. As opposed to the transaction fees that most banks implement, there’s only a very small fee for bitcoin cash. This is also why the merchant adoption of bitcoin cash increases. Adopting this currency lets sellers reach more of their customers. Some physical stores have also adopted bitcoin cash payments. What makes this merchant adoption more promising is that it is always accessible and it ensures that you are always ready to pay for the products that you buy online. Perks of Using Bitcoin Cash Bitcoin cash is a hard fork of bitcoin to address its scalability issues. It follows new guidelines and standards especially when it comes to the speed and security of verifying the transactions. For buyers, having their purchases and payments verified is important. It limits the risks that you may face during the purchase. Know more about the benefits of using bitcoin cash for your purchases. Guaranteed Purchase - Sometimes, there are glitches in transactions and procedures in the payment that can make it hard for you to buy a product. With the user-friendly site of Shiny Leaf, you can pay using various accounts. But with bitcoin cash, you can guarantee the purchase and its security. Secure Transactions - Bitcoin cash is a cryptocurrency that focuses on its security and stability as a digital cash. There are processes to verify the transaction and ensure that you'll get the product you paid for. Accessible Funds - You can access bitcoin cash, anywhere, anytime. Since it is a cryptocurrency, you don’t have to wait long lines in the bank or use an ATM to check for your savings. You can just access your wallet and use it to pay for anything 24/7. Cheap and Fast Transactions - With very low transaction fees, you can enjoy the bulk of your bitcoin cash. You don’t have to worry about the high fees and you can enjoy fast transactions. Simple and Efficient - The peer-to-peer transaction makes online shopping promises easier with bitcoin cash. There are no third parties involved. This direct line makes the processes simple, cheaper, and faster. Shiny Leaf delivers their promise of a stable and updated system of buying the best products. Try this new payment method and see how easy it is! This upgrade comes with a free gift of your own choice when you purchase a Shiny Leaf product with bitcoin cash.
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6 Holistic Health Blogs You Need to Know About
Holistic wellness is the craze nowadays. Women and men of all ages are trying it out and the communities’ abuzz with excitement due to this. But some people still find it hard to change what they’re used to. These 6 health blogs help you find your footing when it comes to learning how to pursue the road towards natural or organic lifestyle. #1 Verywell No one starts an expert in personal care. From your common everyday concerns such as having a better sleep to even the basics of raising children, Verywell’s got it all. You also get to find expert advice that is easy to understand and apply in your daily life. You don’t have to rack through pages of unrelated information in Google just to find the right answer. Just like a handy doctor, just browse through these pages to see the solution to your problem. What sets Verywell apart from your regular site is that you can guarantee that these tips and information are from professionals. Here’s your friend and your reliable guide to anything concerning health and personal care. #2 Au Naturale Nutrition This blog is all about nourishing the body from the inside and out. The first step towards holistic wellness is always to listen to what the body needs. Jenny, as the main author of this blog, advocates the natural way of living – from eating whole food to striving for a naturally beautiful you. Learn more about yourself and how to understand the state of both your body and soul. You’ll also pick up some recipes that surely satiate both the cravings and stomach of the readers. After all, there’s no such thing as lacking when it comes to a healthy and enjoyable diet and healthy living. #3 A Harmony Healing Finding the harmony among the body, soul, and mind, is the very core of holistic living. When it comes to lifestyle, it all comes down to your choices. What type of foods are you including in your diet? What kind of thoughts do you prefer to focus on? Putting a shackle on both your interest and desires only limits your progress. Shelley Alexander guides beginners into finding the best path for their holistic lifestyle. From building a fitting diet that suits your tastes and foods that are good for both the body and mind. Suffering from bland and unappetizing meals is a no-go. Here are toothsome recipes you can fully enjoy without feeling guilty! #4 Joyous Health Sometimes the body silently suffers from conditions that are easy to dismiss as simple everyday concerns. Joy McCarthy, however, believes that there are natural ways to heal the body from the inside. The first step is to choose the healthy lifestyle that also focuses on the emotional and mental aspect of your health. This blog emphasizes the importance of living well while enjoying life. Joy also inspires audiences to start indulging in life’s treats. A little effort and change go a long way. From detoxifying and feeling lighter to learning how to whip up recipes using healthy ingredients and even to some tips regarding family care. Everything that Joyous Health boils down to taking pleasure in life. #5 The Local Rose There’s no better way to go about it but to celebrate holistic living. This is the approach that The Local Rose teaches to its readers. You are probably most familiar with the concept of cutting down on foods and ingredients that you probably can’t live without. But the point of living healthily is to find alternatives to these foods that will let you enjoy the authenticity of life without giving up on its pleasures. The Local Rose guides you into this path. A lifestyle that focuses on treating yourself to the good stuff without compromises. If you’re thinking that it’s your ordinary blog then you’re wrong. You get to learn more about food, recipes, clothing, practices, and even the very idea behind converting to certain lifestyles. If you’re grappling for a good path that you think is best for you, pay a visit to this blog. #6 Simple Holistic Girl There’s nothing finding the balance of a good health of your body, mind, and spirit. Especially for busy moms who are trying to cram their priorities in such a short period of time. To pursue healthiness not only for yourself but for your children as well – it’s truly a challenge that few have succeeded in. But with Simple Holistic Girl, the trial gets easier. And the best part of the journey? It veers towards natural. Serena, the woman behind this wonderful blog, is your guru to knowing which recipes are delicious and healthy, to easy-to-do fitness courses that you can just try at home, and even simple ideas and encouragements to help you push through each day. This blog never fails to wake up the holistic warrior inside you. Take a peek and you’ll come back for more. Beauty and health used to be two different aspects of personal care. This is until expert bloggers exposed us to the connection of living healthily and looking good. Striving for overall wellness also means looking into every area of your lifestyle. Slapping on some skin care product or using some essential oils for your sleep is not enough to call it holistic health care. Healthiness is almost synonymous with beauty. There’s just a fine line that separates the two. To feel light, joyful, and satisfied are only the fruit of pursuing the authentic, healing lifestyle that is fit for you.
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