Tips for Keeping Your Family Healthy While on Vacation

 It's customary to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. But frequently, the constant eating and drinking might have a negative impact on our health. Why not make an effort to maintain your health over the Christmas season this year?

Maintain Hand Sanitation

Keeping everyone's hands clean is a simple approach to protect your family's health throughout the holidays. Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially before meals. Bring some with you. It's also a good idea to refrain from shaking hands with strangers.

The next best thing is hand sanitizer if water and soap are not available. Choose a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol in it. One hand's palm should be used to apply the hand sanitizer, and both hands should be thoroughly covered with it until they feel dry.

One of the easiest methods to avoid getting sick over the holidays is to wash your hands frequently. So make sure that soap and water are accessible to everyone in your family.

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Create a snack kit

Packing snacks is one of the simplest methods to keep up healthy eating habits when traveling. This will both save you money and help you avoid bad temptations.

Pick restaurants wisely

You must pick your restaurants wisely if you want to try to eat healthily while on vacation. Look for eateries that have a choice of healthful options and use fresh, local foods. Find out which restaurants are available, and whether they serve Mexican food or anything else that will suit the needs of your family.

Limit alcohol consumption

While on vacation, it's crucial to unwind, but you should also keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum. Alcoholism can cause dehydration and insomnia, both of which can be harmful to your health. Drink plenty of water in between alcoholic beverages if you plan to drink.

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Use sun protection.

Wearing sunscreen is among the most crucial things to remember when traveling. Even if you spend a brief amount of time outside, the sun can harm your skin. Therefore, make sure to regularly apply sunscreen and reapply as necessary. Skin cancer is a result of sun damage.

Be Active

Staying active is important, even though it can be enticing to spend the entire vacation reclining on the beach or relaxing at the hotel. You'll not only feel good, but you won't be as susceptible to illness. So take a stroll along the beach, cool off poolside, or go exploring. You'll be happy that you did!

Keep hydrated.

Making sure everyone drinks enough water while on vacation is among the most effective ways to keep the family healthy. Avoid sugary beverages like sodas as well as juices and drink lots of water instead. Drink much more water if you're traveling somewhere hot to avoid being dehydrated. To keep everyone hydrated and at their best, you may also bring electrolyte-rich foods like sports drinks and coconut water.

Undesirable insects

When you're outside, especially in wooded regions, it's a good idea to put on long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and socks. To prevent mosquitoes from getting close to your skin, tuck your trouser legs into your socks.

Additionally, you ought to stay indoors at dawn and nightfall, when mosquito activity is at its worst. Wear protective gear and apply repellant if you plan to be outside during those times.

Homemade Strawberry Peach Soda Pop

Homemade Strawberry Peach Soda is perfect for a summer day. It is refreshing, easy to make, and has no preservatives, caffeine, or additives.

Strawberries and peaches come together to make a soda that captures the essence of summer and can be made anytime you want it!

This post contains affiliate links.

We have a Drink Mate in the kitchen and I have made it my mission to put it to use for summer entertaining. I love to mix cocktails for friends and I hate to exclude anyone from my kitchen adventures. So I started custom making soda syrup.  This has been one of my most requested homemade sodas all summer! If you don't have a drink mate or soda stream, no sweat. You can still make this at home with club soda!

Homemade Strawberry Peach Soda Pop Syrup
Ingredients:

1 pound of fresh peaches, sliced

1 pound of fresh strawberries, sliced

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of water

Mesh Strainer

Directions for Strawberry Peach Soda Syrup:

Combine sliced fruit, sugar and water in a saucepan.

Over medium heat bring to a boil

Reduced heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.

Pour the fruit syrup through a mesh strainer to remove the fruit.

Allow the syrup to cool.

Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Directions for Homemade Strawberry Peach Soda
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Add 6 ounces of club soda or carbonated water.
Add 2 ounces of of the homemade soda syrup and gently stir with a eco friendly straw.
Garnish with a fresh strawberry if desired.

This drink is refreshing and perfectly fizzy without being incredibly sweet.

It is perfect for summer and is so easy to make. Even a beginner in the kitchen can handle making the syrup.

While I have only made this with fresh fruit, if you are craving this in the off season, I am sure frozen fruits would work out just fine!

You can find all of my favorite drink recipes here.
Bomb Pop Cocktails

Strawberry Cheesecake Floats 

Blueberry Lime Soda

This blueberry lime soda syrup is so easy to make. It is perfect for a refreshing drink that you will want to sip all summer long!

We have a drink machine in the kitchen, and it is pretty great. I love making caffeine free soda to serve the family. It is fun to mix up a batch of syrup drawing inspiration from seasonal produce. This recipe came together with only 3 ingredients to create something sweet, tart and completely delicious!

After you make this, you might never buy a prepacked syrup for your soda stream machine again. This is so easy to make and tastes totally amazing! With only 3 ingredients and a few moments of time, this might be your new favorite.

Ingredients:
One fresh lime
2 cups of blueberries
2 cups of water
2 cups of sugar

Tools:
A mason jar or something similar for storing
A mesh sieve/strainer
A medium size saucepan

Directions:
Combine water, sugar and blueberries in a saucepan.
Over medium heat,  cook for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.
Allow the mixture to cool for about 20 minutes.
Place the mesh sieve/strainer over the mason jar.
Pour the liquid into the sieve, allowing it to drip into the jar.
As you go, you will crush the fruit to drain the liquid. I use a small mason jar for this.

Allow to cool completely then store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.


To use, add one to two ounces of syrup to your drink mate or soda stream with 12 ounces of water, then carbonate.

If you do not have a drink machine, no worries! Add this to sprite or carbonated water for a really delightful summer treat!

Don't miss my other homemade soda steam syrup recipes. Reader favorites include:

Cherry Orange Soda

Strawberry Peach Pop

Peach  Soda

Gorgeous Cranberry Cocktails: The Perfect Holiday Drink

Cranberries are a classic holiday ingredient, and for good reason. They're tart, sweet, and festive, and they make for delicious cocktails. Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy by the fire or a boozy punch to serve at your holiday party, there's a cranberry cocktail out there for you. Here are a few of our favorite cranberry cocktail recipes:

Cranberry Gin Fizz by Cup of Zest

Chai Cranberry Bourbon Smash by Burrata and Bubbles

Cranberry Christmas Punch by Curry Trail

Smoked Orange and Cranberry Cocktails by Stef’s Eats and Sweets

Cranberry Orange Margaritas by Cooking with Curls

Cranberry Gin Cocktail by Baking Ginger

Christmas Morning Mimosas by Persnickety Plates

Poinsettia Mimosa by Limoncello Kitchen

Woo Woo Cocktail by Mom Foodie

Pineapple Cranberry Mezcal Margaritas by Gastronom

Apple Cranberry Mules by Made with Happy

Cranberry Hard Ginger Ale by Easy Party Cocktails

Cranberry Old Fashioned by Three Olives Branch

Cranberry Tequila Spritzers by Sustain My Cooking Habit

Cranberry Mojito Punch by Sugar + Soul

These are just a few of the many delicious cranberry cocktail recipes out there. So next time you're looking for a festive drink to enjoy, reach for some cranberries and get mixing!

Here are some additional tips for making the perfect cranberry cocktail:

• Use fresh cranberries whenever possible. They'll add a brighter flavor and color to your drink.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Cranberry juice pairs well with a variety of spirits, so have fun and try different combinations.
• Garnish your cocktails with fresh cranberries, citrus slices, or herbs for a festive touch.

With these tips in mind, you're sure to make delicious cranberry cocktails that everyone will love.

Find more favorite cocktail recipes here:

Sour Apple Margaritas

Haunting Halloween Cocktails

Bomb Pop Cocktails

All the flavors you loved as a child in bomb pops take a grown up turn to create a cocktail that is perfect for your holiday festivities, or anytime of the year!

I might not be sipping on boozy drinks very often, but I do love to play bartender for friends and neighbors.  Last weekend one of my favorite neighbors caught me outside taking photos and he asked me to make his lovely wife a drink, something cheerful that would take the edge off. She had a rough day. I knew right away what I wanted to serve. I dashed inside and gathered my supplies. This drink came out so beautifully that I made a few and headed over with my little drink tray and visited with them. 

This drink looks like it might be complicated to make, but trust me. Layering this bomb pop cocktail is effortless!

Ingredients:

Strawberry syrup (torani makes a nice one that is easy to find)

Vodka

Sprite

Ice

Blue Curacao

Directions:

Fill a glass with ice.

Add 1 ounce of strawberry syrup.

Add 1 ounce of vodka.

Add 6 ounces of sprite.

Add 1 ounce of blue curacao.

Garnish with a strawberry if desired.

Enjoy!

You can easily make this a mocktail for the kids and friends who don't indulge by omitting the alcohol and replacing the curacao with blue gatorade or Hawaiian Punch.

You can find more cocktail recipes here

Reader favorites include:

Goodnight Kiss

8 Simple Tips to Boost Your Mental Health From Home

 Mental health is just as important as physical health, but unfortunately, it's often neglected. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five American adults experiences a mental illness in a given year. That's a lot of people! The good news is that there are many things you can do to boost your mental health from home. This blog post will discuss eight simple tips that can help improve your mental well-being.

Photo by Ron Lach : 

1) Get enough sleep.

Most people need between seven and eight hours of sleep per night to be mentally healthy. If you're not getting enough sleep, your mental health will suffer. A lack of sleep can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Make sure you get plenty of restful sleep every night by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day and avoiding electronic screens before bedtime. If you're having trouble sleeping, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation before bed. You may also consider using a noise machine or white noise app to help you fall asleep peacefully.

2) Exercise regularly.

Exercise is another important way to boost your mental health. It releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good. Exercise also helps reduce stress and anxiety and even improves your mood.

Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days per week. You can go for a walk, jog, bike ride, or do cardio exercise. If you'd instead lift weights or do some other strength training, that's great too! Just be sure to get your heart rate up and break a sweat.

If you're not used to exercising, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you spend working out each week. And if you're currently experiencing a mental health issue, consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

3) Eat a healthy diet.

Eating healthy is another important way to boost your mental health. When you eat nutritious foods, your body and brain receive the nutrients to function correctly. Poor nutrition can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and other mental health issues.

Ensure you're eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. If you're not sure what a balanced diet looks like, consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for guidance.

In addition to following a healthy diet, it's also essential to drink enough water each day. Dehydration can cause problems such as fatigue, confusion, and mood swings. So be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially if you're active or live in a hot climate.

4) Avoid alcohol.

Alcohol and drugs can seriously damage your mental health. In fact, alcohol and drug abuse are two of the leading causes of mental illness in the United States. If you're struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, get help from a professional Elizabeth, New Jersey, drug rehab center as soon as possible.If you're not addicted to alcohol or drugs but enjoy drinking or using them recreationally, please be mindful of how they affect your mental health. Excessive drinking or drug use can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. So drink responsibly and only use drugs in moderation.

It's also important to note that certain medications can have a negative impact on your mental health. So if you're taking medication prescribed by your doctor, read the label carefully and ask your doctor if there are any potential interactions between your medications and alcohol or drugs.

5) Connect with loved ones.

One of the best things you can do for your mental health is connected with loved ones. Spending time with friends and family members has been shown to boost moods, reduce stress levels, and improve overall mental well-being.

So make sure you take the time to connect with the people you love. Spend time talking, laughing, and sharing experiences. You may also want to consider organizing regular get-togethers or events so everyone can stay connected.

If you're not currently close with any loved ones, building new relationships is never too late. Reach out to friends, family members, or even strangers to develop closer social connections. The more support you have in your life, the better.

6) Use meditation or mindfulness techniques.

Meditation and mindfulness are two great ways to improve your mental health. Both techniques involve focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, leading to improved mental clarity and reduced stress levels.

There are many different ways to meditate or practice mindfulness. For example, you can try sitting in silence with your eyes closed, focusing on your breath, walking in nature while paying attention to your surroundings, or practicing yoga or Tai Chi. The important thing is to find a technique that works best for you and stick with it.

If you're new to meditation or mindfulness, start with five or ten minutes per day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable. You may also want to consider attending a meditation or mindfulness class in your area. If you're struggling with a mental health issue, it's essential to seek professional help.

7) Consider getting a pet.

Pets can be a great addition to any household, and they can also have a positive impact on your mental health. For example, studies have shown that people who own pets are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

This may be because owning a pet provides companionship, love, and support. Pets can also help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, so you can get information here if you consider getting a new pet. So if you're looking for a way to improve your mental health, consider getting a pet.

If you're not sure if you're ready for the responsibility of owning a pet, start by visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization. So many animals need homes, and adopting one of these animals can be incredibly rewarding.

8) Remember to take regular breaks.

When feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it can be tempting to push yourself harder and work longer hours. However, this is counterproductive. Trying too hard can lead to burnout, only making your mental health worse.

Instead of working yourself into the ground, remember to take regular breaks. Get up and move around every hour or two, even if it's just for a few minutes. Take a walk outside, eat a healthy snack, or drink water. And if you feel like you need a more extended break, don't be afraid to take one. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so don't hesitate to put your well-being first sometimes.

It's also important to get plenty of sleep. Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, but everyone is different. Experiment with different bedtimes and wake-up times to see what works best for you. And if you're having trouble sleeping, try some relaxation techniques before bed or talk to your doctor about potential sleep disorders.

You can do many things to improve your mental health from home. Try incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine, and see how you feel. If you're struggling with a mental health issue, it's vital to seek professional help. Many excellent resources are available, so don't be afraid to ask for help. You deserve to live a happy, healthy life.

Creating Your Perfect Cozy Nook: Essentials for Ultimate DIY Creativity

 In our fast-paced world, having a cozy, creative nook at home is essential for unwinding and recharging. This personalized space can be your sanctuary, a retreat from the daily grind where you can relax and be creative. 

Whether it's a corner of your living room, a small space in your bedroom, or a dedicated area in your home, creating a cozy nook can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being. Here’s a guide to creating the ultimate cozy nook with elements that foster relaxation and creativity as a game and party lover. 

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A DIY Craft library

Incorporating a storage function into your cozy nook is one of the best ways to keep your DIY craft equipment in one place. DIY crafts have a unique ability to put your mind into a serene oasis. So, if you are a party lover or someone who loves playing, you need craft to boost your entertainment.  

More often than not craft tools belong in the garage while reading is in the study. But you could combine them and enhance your creativity.  This can make your cozy nook a more creative place to spend time in. The act of crafting can also be incredibly therapeutic. 

Quiet mind games

A relaxing nook wouldn’t be complete without some quiet mind games like crosswords or Sudoku. These puzzles are more than just time-fillers; they can be excellent tools for relaxation. Engaging in these games can help you unwind by shifting your focus away from daily stressors and onto a stimulating, yet soothing, activity.

Crosswords and Sudoku require concentration and problem-solving skills, which can help keep your mind sharp while also providing a sense of accomplishment once completed. These games can serve as a mental escape, allowing you to immerse yourself in the challenge and satisfaction of finding solutions. Keeping a book of puzzles in your nook ensures you always have a quick and easy way to relax and engage your mind.

A bookshelf packed with exciting reads

No cozy nook is complete without a bookshelf filled with your favorite books. Reading is one of the most effective ways to unwind and escape the stresses of everyday life. Curating a collection of books that excite and inspire you is crucial for creating the perfect relaxing nook.

When building your bookshelf, consider a mix of genres that cater to your different moods. Include thrilling novels, thought-provoking non-fiction, and light-hearted romances to ensure you have the right book for any moment. The act of reading allows you to immerse yourself in another world, offering a mental break from reality. This can be incredibly beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus, and even enhancing empathy. A well-stocked bookshelf and a disposable vape you to indulge in the simple pleasure of reading, making your nook a haven of tranquility.

A freshly brewed drink

There’s something inherently relaxing about enjoying a freshly brewed drink in your cozy nook. Whether you prefer a soothing cup of tea or a rich, aromatic coffee, the ritual of making and sipping your favorite beverage can be a delightful way to unwind.

Tea and coffee have their own unique benefits. Tea, particularly herbal blends like chamomile or peppermint, can be incredibly calming and help reduce stress. On the other hand, coffee can provide a comforting routine and a mild energy boost that many find enjoyable. To elevate your drink experience, try making a homemade chai tea or a sweet coffee latte with vanilla syrup. For chai tea, simmer black tea with milk, water, a blend of spices (like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves), and sweeten with honey. For a vanilla latte, brew a strong cup of coffee or espresso, steam some milk, and add a splash of vanilla syrup.

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Headphones

Headphones are a must-have for your cozy nook, offering a way to enjoy your favorite music or simply cancel out unwanted noise. Creating an audio bubble with headphones allows you to immerse yourself in a world of sound, which can be incredibly relaxing and therapeutic.

Listening to music that you love can instantly lift your mood and help you relax. Whether it’s classical music, jazz, or nature sounds, the right audio can enhance the ambiance of your nook. Noise-canceling headphones are particularly beneficial if you live in a noisy environment, as they help block out distractions and create a more serene atmosphere. 

Creating a cozy, relaxing nook at home is about curating elements that bring you joy and peace. As you consider these ideas, what elements will you choose to include in your own cozy nook to make it the perfect sanctuary for relaxation?

How Clear Aligners Have the Edge Over Braces

 

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Clear aligners are taking the world of orthodontics by storm at the moment, and — if anything — they only seem likely to continue to grow in popularity as time goes on.

Traditional wire braces have been the standard orthodontic on offer, every time anyone has wanted straight teeth in the past. But wire braces can be uncomfortable and visually unappealing, and even come with certain serious risks for overall dental health if they’re not applied and monitored carefully.

Here are just a few reasons why clear aligners have the edge over braces.

By being all but invisible on a day-to-day basis

One of the big selling points of clear aligners is the fact that as you wear them and go about your day-to-day life during your treatment, they are all but invisible to the naked eye.

In fact, it would often take someone staring into your mouth intently for a while in order to notice that you were wearing them at all.

Traditional wire braces, on the other hand, are immediately visually recognisable. Some people don’t mind the way they look and don’t feel discouraged from wearing them for that reason, but many other people do.

Due to their being essentially invisible, clear aligners are a great option for anyone who is potentially self-conscious about the appearance of their mouth. They are also a good option for adults who might feel that braces convey a childish look so, having looked up things like the Invisalign cost, have decided to save for this type of treatment as an alternative. The look of traditional braces ends up being the factor that prevents those individuals from getting their teeth straightened at all.

By allowing you to avoid any food restrictions — as you take out the aligners to eat and drink

One of the banes of traditional wire braces is that they end up quite seriously limiting the foods that their wearers are allowed to eat during treatment. Certain foods can end up damaging the braces, or are likely to get stuck and cause tooth decay or other issues.

Since braces are fitted “permanently” and don’t come off for the duration of treatment, this could mean that you might go for a couple of years without being able to eat some of your favourite foods.

Clear aligners, on the other hand, are taken out every time you eat or brush your teeth — and they are quick, easy and painless to remove.

These Marlborough dentists add that clear aligners help maintain overall oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Since they are removable, you can also use floss and mouthwash more effectively, reaching areas that traditional braces might obstruct. This ensures that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout the treatment process, reducing the risk of long-term issues like gum disease or plaque buildup.

As long as you remember to take them out when eating (this is extremely important), you can eat or drink whatever you want.

By allowing for better and easier cleaning of teeth

Many sets of teeth have ended up becoming badly damaged due to tooth decay that occurred while wearing traditional braces.

In some cases, this is because the braces weren’t being properly monitored by the orthodontist. In other cases, it’s because the patient wasn’t able to consistently clean their teeth properly while wearing the braces — as cleaning your teeth while wearing braces is significantly more tricky.

Clear aligners, on the other hand, are far less likely to lead to tooth decay and other dental issues. You simply take out the aligners and clean your teeth as you normally would, twice a day. Far less stressful. Just remember not to eat or drink anything other than water without taking the aligners out.

4 Healthy Habits That Can Change Your Life

 For most people, it doesn’t take much to change an unhealthy lifestyle into a healthy one. A few tweaks here and there, and you can become fit and strong. Most of the time, it’s about ditching bad habits and replacing them with good ones. Here are some of the best habits you can have that will change your life for the better. 

 

Photo by Cats Coming

 

Drink Water Before You Eat 

Drinking more water is never a bad thing, and sipping water throughout the day is a good idea. However, drinking an extra glass of water before you eat is a great habit to get into as it makes you feel fuller. That means you won’t be tempted to keep eating – you’ll stop sooner than you might have done if you didn’t drink the water. Over time, this will make a big difference to your weight and the amount of food you eat (as a bonus, if you’re eating less, you’re saving money too). 

 

Get Healthy One Meal At A Time 

Start with just one meal a week and make that your really healthy one. Gradually, as you get more and more used to eating better and you learn how to do things like how to make a cucumber sandwich just the right way, for example, you can replace all of your unhealthy food with the good stuff and make every meal a healthy one. It might take a little while and a lot of practice, but once you get into the habit of making and eating food that is good for you, it will make you fitter and leaner and more able to be active and productive. 

 

Give Up The Poisons 

Bad habits are easy to form, and some are worse than others. Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and taking drugs that haven’t been prescribed can all become dangerous habits that have a hugely detrimental effect on your body. It can even become fatal. So the best way that you can be healthier is to give up these habits, which are, after all, all about putting poison into your body. Breaking a habit is hard but replacing it with a new one makes things easier, as long as that new habit is not as harmful as the original.

 

If you smoke, try chewing gum instead. If you drink, why not swap your nightly glass of wine or bottle or beer for a tumbler of juice? If drugs are your worst habit, then you may need to ask for professional help to quit. It will be hard, but it will be worth it. 

 

Get Active At Lunch

No matter how long you are given for lunch, you should try to get into the habit of getting active during it. Eat, of course, and then use whatever time is left for exercise. That doesn’t (necessarily) mean going to the gym, it could be something as simple as a walk or jog around the block or walking up and down the stairs a set number of times. Just as long as you’re moving around, that is a great start. The fitter you get, the more you’ll be able to do in a short period of time. These dentists in Avon Lake OH also recommend getting regular health checkups to ensure that you're always on top of your health.