maryadeolascott

[maryadeolascott]

11 Unusual Yet Amazing Sports around the World

Best believe, there are sports and there are unusual sports. Around the world, these under-listed sporting activities exist.

Read on to find out what these sports entail, and who knows, you might find them fun too.

1. Underwater Hockey

This aquatic game is played with wooden or plastic sticks. The plastic is roughly the size of a banana and is used to push a metal disc made of firm rubber on the pool floor. Despite the fact that viewers can only see ripples on the surface of the water, hundreds of people show up to watch the game.

2. Floorball

Floorball could be the sport for you if you have excellent hand-eye coordination. That's because it's comparable to lacrosse and floor hockey on steroids, with players freestyling and maintaining possession of the ball while attempting to score in the opponent's net with a similarly curved stick. It was invented in the 1970s and is now so popular that it is vying to become an Olympic sport in 2020.

3. Chess-boxing

Chess is a game that needs patience, strategy, and skill—but why not have two players hit each other across the face as well? That is what chess boxing achieves, as it takes the same skill level as the traditional game but adds a physical aspect that leaves the players black and blue, as participants win by either playing the chess game or knocking their opponent out. Also, it makes anyone who was a member of the Chess Club in high school look quite cool.

4. Toe-Wrestling

The game was created by four alcoholics who were frustrated by the fact that the United Kingdom produces no sports winners. The game is played without shoes. To play, players must interlock their toes and each player's foot must make flat contact with the other player's foot.

5. Joggling

At first sight, this may not appear to be all that cool. But, it's a lot more remarkable in person. Some people struggle with the mere act of running, and there are many more who are unable to juggle. When you combine them, you have this sport that is just another method for people to show off their skills as they race against other people.

6. Ice-boating

Who says we have to wait till it's warm to go sailing? If you've ever wanted to get out on the lake and catch some rays, iceboating might just be your new hobby, because it's the same concept as regular sailing—except it's done on ice. Sailing may become a year-round pastime with a frozen lake, a boat, and skate-like runners instead of a keel.

7. Swamp Soccer

It's never a bad idea to get your hands muddy, so why not play soccer in a mud pit? That's what swamp soccer (or football) does, which follows the same regulations as regular soccer but without the benefit of a green field. After a match, it's probably never felt so wonderful to take a shower.

8. Snow-kiting

Of course, the thrill of conventional skiing or snowboarding is amazing, but you know what makes it even more so? Going up and down slopes using a parachute-like kite and wind force. Snow-kiting is so cool that it allows a rider to travel up or down a slope while doing 360s and other tricks, rather than simply riding downhill and attempting to keep their feet on the ground. Just be careful not to lose control of the kite's handlebars.

9. Dog dancing

The game is also known as canine freestyle. To play canine freestyle, a dog must be trained, controlled, and taught to move in sync with its human counterparts. Participating countries include the US, UK, Japan, and a number of others.

10. Sepak Takraw

Anything having the term "raw" in it is typically quite fantastic, which is the case with the sport, Sepak Takraw. Players pass a ball made of dried palm leaves around using everything but their hands, attempting to kick it on the other side of a separating net for points—much like volleyball. The activity demands a great deal of flexibility, so make sure you stretch beforehand.

11. Octopush

Have you ever wanted to see what it's like to play underwater hockey? No? Anyone who has dived into the deep end with a snorkel and a tiny stick to play octopus has. This is because the sport is played while two teams of six push a puck around the bottom of a swimming pool. So, for those who can't exactly skate, this may be the greatest approach to satisfy your desire to play hockey.

SOURCE: Bleacher Report & India Today

#sports #activity #list

[maryadeolascott]

8 Ways to Improve Your Child's Spelling

Children that struggle with spelling, forget words quickly or mix up letters while writing require frequent, compassionate, and thoughtful attention at home to help them overcome their specific learning difficulties.

Forcing an activity on them or making it too demanding simply adds to the child's dissatisfaction with it. Improve your child’s spelling by trying the proven methods listed in this article.

1. Let Your Kid Begin by Spelling Phonetically

Allow children to spell words precisely as they hear them when they are first learning to spell. Teach them to speak each sound in a word and write down the letter or letters that correspond to each sound until the word has been written.

Lemon, for example, might be spelled l-e-m-i-n. Then go through the word with them and discuss which letters they may substitute to make the term correct (help them figure out the correct replacement letters if needed).

You may repeat this exercise with new words each time. Allow them to rewrite the term correctly and compare the results.

2. Play the Spelling Memory Game

To begin, make a set of flashcards with only one word on each card. You can use or make your own spelling list based on your child's list. Pick a card, read the word aloud, and have your kid recite each letter in the word. Then have them lay the card face down on a sheet of paper and write the word on it. Memory recall and spelling aloud are two skills that this activity promotes.

3. Practice Rhyming Words

Children should be taught about rhyming words and given various instances. Give them a term and ask them to come up with rhyming words once you've taught them how to rhyme. Encourage them to tell you a word and then name numerous terms that rhyme with it after they've gotten the hang of it. Encourage them to make a list of rhyming terms as well.

Allow them to begin with a well-known word pattern like "all." Demonstrate how altering the letter in front of "all" results in a list of numerous rhyming words (e.g., e.g. all, ball, mall, wall, etc).

4. Do the TRC - Trace, Copy, and Remember

On a sheet of paper, make three columns. One column should be labeled 'trace,' one should be labeled 'copy,' and one should be labeled' remember.' Make a list of words in the first column using your child's or your own spelling list. Allow your child to trace the letters you've written before copying them into the following column. Finally, use a sheet of paper to cover the first two columns and have your child write the word in the third column from memory. This activity promotes word recognition and spelling memorization.

5. Read with Your Child

There are lots of perks that come with reading with your child. When you come across a word that follows a certain pattern or rule, you can point it out to your child and repeat the rule. If you encounter the word Vacation, for example, you may tell your child that many words that finish in a "shin" sound, such as creation, medication, or fiction, are spelled with the suffix "tion." Also, if you encounter the word Cat, you may also tell your child that other three-letter words finish with "at," such as bat, hat, and mat. It is important that you teach your child to look out for trends like these when reading.

6. Fill Missing Letters In

Make a list of words on a sheet of paper, substituting some of the letters with blanks. Let your child finish the words by filling in the missing letters. Try painting a small picture next to the word or include a 'word bank' at the bottom of the page if your child needs help recognizing the term.

7. Practice Rainbow Writing

Use a different color pen, pencil, or crayon for each letter to help your child spell words. Then have your child spell the same words with each word being a different color. This practice allows children to discover how letters fit together to make words.

8. Make Spelling Practice Fun

Get creative with your child's spelling practice at home. Keeping your child involved in learning and driven to develop his or her abilities can be as simple as doing a range of activities with him or her. Remember that excellent spelling skills lead to greater reading abilities!

#children #spelling #vocabulary

[maryadeolascott]

How to Keep Your Grandparents Happy... It's Later than You Think

Grandparents are an absolute delight!

As a grandchild, no one will ever spoil or gush over you as much as your grandparents would. Not only will they do everything humanly possible to make sure you’re happy; they’d let you get away with anything and everything. Besides your parents, your grandparents are your biggest cheerleaders.

These ones love you, through and through, and it’s only fair that you feel the same way towards them. However, it might be difficult to think up the best gifts and services to bless them with, especially because your time is different from theirs. And that’s why I’ve gone the mile to put this piece together. Go on and make your grandparents feel over the moon with these tips! As Guy Lombardo famously sang, it's later than you think...

Spend Time with Them

Make an effort to spend time with them. Inquire about their experiences. They miss the good old days, and this will allow them to relive those memorable moments. The more open you are with them, the more likely they are to open up to you as a friend and tell you about their mistakes. So, try to gradually reveal some of your secrets, and you might find that they become your best pals.

Sit with them and share their favorite snack. They appreciate your company, trust me. If they happen to watch television, good for you. Ask them about their favorite characters, and just watch their faces light up as they tell you what they feel.

Whenever feasible, give them a relaxing massage. It is not only beneficial to them but also quite soothing.

Overall, focus on spending quality time with your grandparents. They'll enjoy it, and you will as well.

Give Them Gifts

When your family gives you something, they want you to be happy. Then, why not try to make your grandparent's life a little brighter by giving them great gifts? There are a lot of gifts you can buy for your grandparents online, from beautiful flower bouquets to tasty cakes and personalized gifts to green plants, that you can choose for them based on their preferences and personalities. Make them smile with your kind words and gifts. They will be moved to tears for a little while.

Organize a Family Event

When families stay together, it's because grandparents are the glue that holds them together. Invite all of your grandparents' relatives and other people who are close to them to a family get-together, but don't tell them about it. Your grandma and grandpa will be overjoyed to see all of their friends and family in one place. Having fun with each other over food and drinks will make it a night they will remember for a long time. And they can't thank you enough for putting together such a great party for grandparent's day.

A Card Works Wonders

If you make a card, it can be a great gift for grandparents both near and far. It's a good idea to give the kids art supplies like paint, markers, and paper, and see what they can come up with. It's also possible to make a puzzle card from scratch. Take a picture of your grandchild, paste it on cardboard, and cut it into pieces. Then write a note that says, "Put this together and see who loves you!"

Organize a Sleepover

Have the adults/parents set up a sleepover for the grandchildren to stay at the grandparent's house, so they can stay there for the night. Takeout pizza for dinner, and then have breakfast food or juice ready for the next morning. This way, everyone can do their own thing. Time is what grandparents really want.

Make a Gift Using Photographs

Grandparents love to look at pictures of their favorite grandchildren. To make a placemat, laminate a picture or make a collage with photos. You can also put magnetic tape on the back of a picture so it can serve as a fridge decoration.

Share what you know about technology with them

Grandkids from this tech-savvy generation can always share their knowledge with their grandparents, who might not know as much about electronic gadgets and the internet as they used to. You can show them how to use the most recent technology, how to start face-time, and how to send emails. This way, they can use technology better to stay in touch with you even when you are far away from them.

#family #families #grandparents #grandchildren

[maryadeolascott]

8 Ways to Improve Your Spoken English

Tired of all that mumbo-jumbo you have to remember about the language?

The English Language is perhaps the most universal language of all time. Generally, when students of languages are asked what their ultimate goal as regards their discipline is, improving themselves in their language of choice reigns supreme.

When learning a foreign language, it is important that you are comfortable speaking with native speakers and others in your circle. In the same way, you’re focused on improving your writing, you should too with your speaking. Interested in finding out how to improve your spoken English? Stay with me as we explore tips that will help your spoken English improve tremendously.

1. Speak as much as possible

Be self-assured and speak to as many individuals as possible. Make no apologies for making errors! The more you practice, the better and more confident your pronunciation and vocabulary will become. Remember that speaking is a talent, just like learning a new skill or sport, and the only way to improve is to practice!

There is no such thing as a miracle medication for improved speaking. That would be far too simple, wouldn't it? The greatest approach to improve your speaking skills is to, well, talk! Commit to practicing as often as possible and with as many people as feasible. Do you live or even study in another country? Make good use of the thousands of native speakers in your nearby neighborhood. Increase your practice time by meeting your classmates after class, finding a language exchange partner, or joining an online community of learners if you're learning in your own nation.

2. Pick your phone right up

For most people, phone conversations are rather difficult to hold. This is due to the inability to see the body language or mouth movement of the person on the other end of the call, which actually are highly important tools in communication.

Start simple with phone chats with friends to gain confidence on the phone, then progress to more difficult calls such as setting appointments or making inquiries.

3. Reflect on the conversation you just had

After you've finished talking, take a time to think about what you've just said. How did it turn out? How much did you believe you understood? What level of comfort did you have with the subject? Were there any terms that you didn't recognize?

Simply thinking about it in this way can boost your confidence for the next time you speak (as well as provide you with specific areas to focus on, such as words you didn't grasp).

4. Make use of a dictionary

There are several fantastic dictionary applications that you can take everywhere with you on your smartphone, and online dictionaries typically contain audio samples so you can verify your pronunciation. But be careful not to grow overly reliant on these technologies. Try pronouncing the words first, then double-check to see whether you were correct!

5. Read to yourself

Read the newspaper, a book, or a magazine to yourself. Fam, you could even play out a script from your favorite television program! This is a terrific technique to practice pronunciation since all you have to worry about is making sure your English sounds excellent, without having to worry about grammar or sentence structure.

6. Begin by learning phrases instead of single words

Speaking in a range of phrases rather than single words is another way to improve your fluency. Think about it, this is probably something you do all the time in your native tongue. Instead of saying, "Hello, how are you today?" use different terms like "What's up, man?" to spice things up. "How you doing, mate?" or "Hey buddy!"

However, bear in mind that certain phrases will be highly casual and inappropriate for some occasions, so, tread carefully.

7. Enjoy yourself while at it

Let's be honest. When you're having fun, it's simpler to learn anything new. Talking to yourself when you're alone, singing along with popular English songs, doing tongue twisters, or giving one-minute unplanned speeches on a variety of themes can all add a little lightheartedness to your speaking practice.

8. Record your voice

Most people despise having their voices recorded -- or more accurately, hearing their recorded voices. Still, it's an excellent way to develop speaking skills! Hearing oneself on tape might reveal something that wasn’t initially noticed.

Who knows, you might even be pleasantly pleased to learn that your speaking abilities are significantly superior to your expectations! Let your teacher or a native speaker listen to your tape for comments and corrections.

#language #english language #tips #language tips

[maryadeolascott]

8 Tips for Waking up Early You Could Actually Use

It is always a real-life struggle, waking up early. After doing all you can to go to bed early, it just seems like the comfort that the bed provides gets sweeter at some particular hours of the morning. The purpose of this article is to help you nail your goal of getting up in the morning and doing it early as you can. Here we go.

1. Work Towards Having Adequate Sleep Time

It would be unfair and irrational to end a day without properly rounding off all the items on the to-do list you have created. What you should do instead is to arrange your schedule in such a way that allows enough time for rest in between and to go to bed on time at night. The first step to creating adequate sleep time is looking into and reordering your schedule. Sincerely, a well-rested mind is a functional mind and we can’t overemphasize how much functionality is good for your work.

2. Gradually Adjust Your Bedtime

After reworking your schedule, you should now have extra minutes added to your bedtime. What’s next is that you need to gradually introduce a routine of getting up early. Instead of suddenly waking up an hour before your usual time, try waking up 15 minutes before then so as to give your body enough time to adjust. You do not just suddenly break the news, you do it one step after the other.

3. Prepare Your Bedroom to Aid Sleep

There is a chance that you are not falling asleep early enough, despite being in bed on time, because your bedroom isn’t prepared in your favor. If you are the kind of person who works on the bed, you have to create another workspace away from the bed because your body goes into work mode while you are in there. If your workspace is in your bedroom, it would take a lot of time to eventually fall asleep. Another tip to falling asleep early enough is to dim the lights and listen to songs that will lull you to bed.

4. Use an Application

If you are stuck in that place where a fire brigade approach has to be employed to wake you up on time, then you’ve got to give it what it takes. There’s a lot of technology to help in this regard. Download multiple apps that help you achieve the same result and get to work. If one app fails to get you up, multiple apps will. Well, especially from the frustrations that come from hearing so many buzzers that early in the morning.

5. Make Yourself Wake Up Early

When it comes to adding pressure, you can do that too. We’d tell you just how. While using one of those apps that you’ve downloaded, or if you choose to go with the traditional alarm clock, make sure you don’t place your phone or alarm close by. If it’s close by, you would easily tap or click the snooze button and that’s it. You’d be back to sleep. Keeping your alarm far away from you would require that you get up to go kill it and this could be what you need to fight off those tempting extra 10 minutes of sleep.

6. Remind Yourself Why You Have to Be Up Early

It’s a great way to keep your head in the game and enough reason to get up in spite of the strong desire to go back to sleep. What’s making you wake up this early? Fulfillment of a long-term goal? Or a dream that’s always been there since childhood? Think about the weight of these reasons and allow it to push you out of bed at that uncomfortable hour.

7. Sleep with Your Curtains Open

The only reason this is on the list is that the sun might be able to do the job of interfering with your sweet sleep without having to say anything. Well, that’s if your apartment is in the direction of the sun. But really, the sun is unruly and does a great job at wrapping up those sweet dreams of yours quickly. It should still be able to interrupt your sleep if you allow it by leaving your windows open.

8. Eat a Light Dinner

It’s easy to feel drowsy after you’ve eaten a heavy dinner. This would make you also want to stay in bed longer than you’d want. So, if you want to make that board meeting or that interview at the company of your dreams on time, eat early and go to bed. By adopting all or most of our suggestions in this article, you can wake up earlier. The goal is to become an early riser and to do it as easily as you can.

#effective living #tips #sleeping #sleep well

[maryadeolascott]

How to Really Save Money While Hosting Festivities

Who else has a love-hate relationship with festivities? Let me guess — you love the fun and togetherness with family and friends, but hate the accompanying stress and the need to spend so much to bring everyone together.

Honestly, I can imagine how you feel, and today, I come bearing good news. What if I told you that it’s possible to host festivities AND save some money? Sounds great, yeah? I thought as much. While it’s important that you bring everyone together during the festive season, you don’t have to go broke proving your love to everyone else. If you’re determined to leave the love-hate relationship you have with festivities in the past, then, continue reading.

Draw Up a Shopping List, and STICK TO IT!

I understand that you want everyone to have fun and eat till they can eat no more, but you’ve done that for years, and your account balance has borne the brunt of it all for so long. From this moment onward, you’re going to draw up a shopping list and decide exactly what you can afford to spare, without hurting your bank account. This way, you can ensure that you do not buy outside of what you intend to. Trust me, anything that your shopping list cannot accommodate will be taken up by someone else. For all you care, the absence of such an item may not even be noticed. So, do what you can, and leave the rest. Everyone will be okay, really.

Work with a Budget

When drawing up your shopping list, ensure that you work with a budget in mind. Do not, by any means get your account balance red simply because you want to get everyone together. If everything on your shopping list cannot be covered by your budget, then it’s time to prioritize. You do not need to buy every single thing on that list. As earlier mentioned, there is a big possibility that the absence of a red velvet cake won’t even be felt. So what are you getting your account worked up over? Take your time, create a budget and ensure you work with it.

Ditch the Cards!

It’s easy to spend way more than planned when you make payments with your card. Rather than go shopping with your debit or credit card, go with cash. Ensure that you withdraw the amount you need for your shopping, and go shopping holding cash. Trust me, it’s impossible to buy more than your money can pay for. By so doing, you restrict yourself to buying just what you can afford -- which in this case will be all that your list contains, and nothing more.

Choose Thoughtful Gifts over Expensive Ones

For the longest time, you’ve spent so much money buying everyone rather expensive gifts. It’s time to turn things around. While you do not necessarily have to stop giving gifts to people who mean the world to you, you also do not have to end up broke doing that. It’s high time you began thinking up the most thoughtful gifts ever. I’m sure that there are some people you’ve even run out of ideas as to what to give them. If this is you, it’s time to get creative.

A framed picture of a special memory speaks volumes. A simple necklace with a lovely inscription says a lot. A customized journal is an amazing gift. Show tickets, or even lovely, local artworks can win the heart of your friends and family. So, rather than empty your bank, sit back and come up with the most thoughtful, yet affordable gifts. Trust me, your loved ones will appreciate such gifts nonetheless.

Get Some Help from Santa... In Secret

This is perhaps, the best way to save on gifts. Rather than go shopping for every single person that’ll be invited, draw up a secret Santa list, and pair people with each other. This way, each person gets to buy another person a gift. And you get to buy just one person’s gift. This isn’t only wise, it’s also a nice way of fostering love and unity amongst friends and family. What’s more? You also get a gift. Sweet!

#festivities #party planning #party planning tips #budgeting

[maryadeolascott]

9 Strange Christmas Traditions around the World

Christmas is a time to share with loved ones, honor old traditions and make new ones. This holiday, however, means different things to different people. Christmas is celebrated all around the world by different people, cultures, and tongues. Therefore the culture of the people becomes a part of how they celebrate it. However you choose to celebrate yours, it would be interesting to discover these 9 strange Christmas traditions around the world.

1. Throwing Shoes in the Czech Republic

Christmas Eve in the Czech Republic comes with the shoe tossing event. The single women stand with their back to the door and throw one of their shoes over their shoulder. The side of the shoulder it is thrown from doesn't matter as much as the position the shoe lands in. If the shoe lands with the toe facing the door, the lucky single woman who threw this shoe will be packing all her shoes and heading out of the house to her marriage home. If the shoe lands with the heel facing the door, no prince charming for this unlucky lady.

2. Christmas Dinner at KFC, Japan

Apart from exchanging gifts with loved ones and enjoying the light displays, Christmas is not a big affair in Japan. For many Japanese, the traditional Christmas dinner is Kentucky Fried Chicken. A clever marketing scheme made KFC’s chicken the family Christmas staple. The demand is so high that they have an online delivery system, where you order your KFC meal weeks in advance. You definitely won't be waltzing into a KFC on Christmas; you will need a reservation to even visit.

3. Giant Lantern Festival, Philippines

In the city of San Fernando in the Philippines, a giant light festival is held the Saturday before Christmas Eve. Numerous villages compete to build the most beautiful giant paper lantern. They are arranged in intricate patterns with bright colors and can measure up to 20 feet or 6 meters in diameter. Now that's a lot of paper.

4. Christmas Pickles, Germany

Along with the usual ornaments, lights, and tinsel, families in Germany add an unusual ornament to the tree. They hide a pickle-shaped ornament in the tree and reward the first child to find it with a special gift.

5. Spider Web, Ukraine

Tree decorations in Ukraine are a little odd given that they add an artificial spider web to the tree as well. Similar to the Germanic pickle, this tradition originates from an old folktale about a poor woman. She was so poor she couldn't afford to buy decorations for her tree. She woke up Christmas morning to find her tree covered by a spider's web, which turned silver and gold in the morning light. In honor of this folktale, Ukrainians hang spider web-shaped ornaments on their tree to bring good luck.

6. Roller Skating Mass, Venezuela

In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, Venezuelans attend daily church service on the days up to Christmas. Nothing strange here, their preferred mode of transportation is the odd part about this Christmas tradition. It is customary to travel to church service on roller skates. This practice is so well-known that many roads are closed to provide the Christmas worshippers with a safe trip.

7. Krampus of Austria

While Saint Nick is busy handing out gifts to nice children. Naughty children in Austria are being punished by Krampus, Good Nick’s counterpart. Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon creature whose job is to punish bad children before Christmas. Men dressed in devil costumes complete with garish goat heads are seen roaming the streets of Austria carrying chains and baskets to haul bad children to hell. This scary tradition seems more fitting for Halloween than Christmas but okay.

8. La Befana, Italy

While children in Austria are being scared out of their minds by Krampus, Italian children are enjoying double the gifts. Italian children get a visit for Befana on January 5, the eve of the Epiphany. Befana was a witch who didn't give baby Jesus a gift in the manger. Now she gives to children who leave wine and food for her. Very similar to Santa Claus’ diet of milk and cookies. This Christmas tradition seems very reminiscent of the popular fairytale Sleeping Beauty and is one we can all appreciate. More gifts for everyone.

9. Hidden Brooms, Norway

Norwegians believe that mischievous witches and evil spirits come out on Christmas eve. So they hide their brooms to prevent their possible theft. Some even burn spruce logs in the fireplace to dissuade them from coming down the chimney Santa style. If you find your broom broken to pieces it is believed that some joyriding witch destroyed it while on a midnight joyride.

#christmas traditions #christmas #holidays

[maryadeolascott]

Natural Facial Care Tips You Might Be Missing Out On

The increase in beauty products and technicians today has now made many people somewhat averse to facial care. As such, many have taken to ensuring that they take their skincare routine very importantly. After all, nobody wants to be left out of the glow train.

In our bid to get glowing skin, we often turn to too many skincare products. This doesn’t mean that the usage of skincare products is a bad choice for facial care. However, excess and inconsistent use of these products often cause more harm than good. More often than not, products used for make-up products have ingredients that can adversely affect your skin when used on a daily basis.

Think about building and nurturing a garden. The application of different fertilizers may cause stunted growth and destroy the growth of the flowers. It is the same with our faces. As such, to ensure that you nurture your skin to a youthful glow, it is important that you monitor and take special care of it.

Here are 8 natural tips o caring for your face that you should be paying attention to. It works magic:

1. Don't pick at your face

Where this is a general thumb rule of facial care, it is about the hardest thing to do. This is because putting our hands on our faces seems to be an unconscious action that we perform almost every time regardless of the warnings. The bad part however is that it does more harm than good to our skin. Keeping your hands away from your face helps you prevent the transfer of germs from your hands, which are most likely dirty, to your face. Picking at your facial pimples or itchy areas can lead to worse cases like infections or even scars.

2. Use a safe, mineral-based sunscreen daily

Sunscreens protect your skin from ultraviolet rays. This in turn helps you slow down the development of wrinkles and in turn, aging. In addition to slowing down the aging of the skin, sunscreen helps you prevent skin discoloration. It also helps in the prevention of skin cancer. Away from the popular belief that sunscreens should only be worn when you are going out, it is important that you put on your sunscreen even when you are inside except, of course, you live under a rock.

3. Exfoliate

Removing the outer layer of excess dead skin cells will help create smooth skin texture, increase the absorption rate of your skincare products, and brighten up your complexion. It is rather important though that you do not exfoliate every day of the week. 2 or 3 times a week will help you achieve the desired result.

4. Never forget to moisturize

Keeping your skin moisturized is one of the quickest ways to have healthy, glowing skin. Perhaps, one of the most essential components of healthy skin is moisture. Applying a moisturizer daily on the face and body after washing replenishes and seals in moisture. It is much better to maintain good skin than to try to catch up after the skin is dry, inflamed, and uncomfortable.

5. Have enough rest

Even when it seems like resting can be a farfetched option, consistently insisting on having enough rest plays a huge role in how your skin looks. This is because chronic stress can lead to breakouts thereby damaging your skin.

6. Be mindful about what you eat

Healthy eating does not only take a toll on your body structure (diet), it also plays a huge role in determining how healthy your skin looks. Eating fresh and well-prepared meals helps your skin look youthful. Excess sugar, dairy, and processed foods can cause inflammatory processes in the skin leading to breakouts.

7. Stay hydrated

While it may sound cliche, drinking enough water improves your skin health. And no, this is not a myth. Staying hydrated always. It keeps your skin moisturized and healthy.

8. Have a skincare routine

Finally, it is essential that you have a facial/skincare routine. This helps you monitor the products that you use on your skin. This means that you're able to determine the effectiveness of these products, what you should drop off, what is working etc.

It is important to note that consistency is the Master Key to improving your skin. Taking simple steps such as steaming your face with essential oils, exfoliating your skin, using natural face masks, cleansing your skin twice a day are all simple steps to achieving glowing skin.

#skincare #facial care tips #skincare tips #skincare trends #sunscreen #moisturizer

[maryadeolascott]

Which of These 10 Holiday Movies Did You See Last Christmas?

Another Christmas has come and gone, but most of us don’t forget the holidays in a hurry.

Whether you’re still glowing from having all your family come together, or cringing over the major family drama that went down, or even if you’re one of those weird people who’ll have their Christmas tree up until Valentine’s Day… somehow, Christmas lingers.

Personally, I had a sucky Christmas (Thank you, Malaria!) but the movies helped to take my mind off how my body was feeling. I’m not ashamed to say I saw Home Alone for the one-hundredth-and-something time. Also saw a few new ones that I enjoyed (I see you, A Naija Christmas). If you did not see at least one of the movies on this list, though, why didn’t you just go to space at Christmas?

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American Christmas fantasy drama film based on the short story and booklet The Greatest Gift. The film chronicles the life of George Bailey, a man who has given up his personal dreams, in order to help others in his community. Bailey’s suicide attempt on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. Clarence shows George how he has touched the lives of others and how different life would be for his wife Mary and his community of Bedford Falls if he had not been born.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a 2020 American Christmas musical fantasy film. Jeronicus, a toymaker, is shattered after his assistant steals his book of ideas and a unique matador doll. He loses his will to create new toys until years later when his granddaughter visits him. Here’s a fun fact: Jingle Jangle was originally planned as a stage production. However, it received ten nominations at the 52nd NAACP Image Awards -- the most at that edition of the awards.

Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone is a 1990 American comedy film. This classic is the first film in the popular Home Alone franchise. Kevin McCallister, a boy who defends his Chicago home from burglars after his family accidentally leaves him behind on their Christmas vacation to Paris -- A family comedy without the family. After you watch this, you can also watch Home Sweet Home Alone, the 2021 installment of the franchise.

White Christmas (1954)

White Christmas is a musical comedy, about a performing quartet. After helping the Haynes sisters escape from their landlord, singers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis ask them to perform in a joint Christmas show to put their old commander's failing inn back in business.

Last Christmas (2019)

Last Christmas is a 2019 romantic comedy film based on the 1984 song of the same name and inspired by the music of George Michael. The film stars Emilia Clarke as a disillusioned Christmas store worker who forms a relationship with a mysterious man (Henry Golding) and begins to fall for him.

The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express is a 2004 American computer-animated Christmas musical fantasy film, based on the 1985 children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. It tells the story of a young boy who, on Christmas Eve, sees a mysterious train bound for the North Pole stop outside his window and is invited aboard by its conductor. The boy joins several other children as they embark on a journey to visit Santa Claus preparing for Christmas.

Klaus (2019)

Klaus is a 2019 English-language Spanish animated Christmas film. That serves as an alternate origin story of Santa Claus independent from the historical take of Saint Nicholas of Myra. Using a fictional 19th-century setting, the plot revolves around a postman stationed in an island town to the Far North who befriends a reclusive toymaker (Klaus).

A Christmas Carol (2009)

Disney's A Christmas Carol is a 2009 movie based on Charles Dickens's popular novel of the same title. The story chronicles the life of Ebenezer Scrooge, a spiteful and miserly man, who encounters three spirits on Christmas Eve. They show him the folly of his ways and prompt him to become a better man.

A Boy Named Christmas (2021)

A Boy Called Christmas is a 2021 British Christmas fantasy film based on the 2015 book of the same name by Matt Haig. An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an adventure into the snowy North in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Miracle on 34th Street is a 1947 American Christmas comedy-drama film based on a story by Valentine Davies. The story takes place between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York City. It focuses on the effect of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa.

#christmas #holidays #movies #nollywood #hollywood #christmas movies

[maryadeolascott]

10 Most Instagrammed Meals in the World

You’ve just ordered your meal, and you can’t wait to dive right into it.

Just as you’re reaching out to grab a bite and eat to your heart’s content, you realize your meal looks too good not to be shared. So, you take a picture and post it on your Instagram. Well, you’re not the only one who does this. Millions of people globally have also taken to their Instagram to share meals that they find both delicious and aesthetically desirable.

So, take a look at the top ten ‘Instagrammed’ meals all over the world.

1. Pizza

This was probably unexpected, huh? Oh wait, you did! Because everyone loves pizza (or at least most people do). And the joy that comes from finally having that pretty box of pizza is out of this world. If not, why else would you pause to take a picture?

According to research by Klaus Davis which was sponsored by Chef Alessio Merozzi, pizza beats all other fancy-looking foods as the most Instagrammed meal in the world. And if we’re being honest, somewhere on the gram probably exists a picture of the sliced cheesy goodness we’ve posted (and maybe tagged our friends so we could get them jealous).

2. Sushi

This Japanese rice-based dish comes in a close second. While there’s a hullabaloo about the right way to eat sushi, it hasn’t stopped people who know or don’t know how to eat it from having this exotic meal. Apart from the variety of ingredients used in preparing this meal, the splash of beautiful colors and its unique shape make it all the more rewarding to take a few snaps before devouring.

3. Ice cream

As great as ice cream tastes and looks, capturing a breath-taking picture of it before it melts (or dives straight to belly town) isn’t the easiest thing in the world. However, love truly conquers all, because why else would there be over 23,287,990 photos of ice cream on Instagram?

4. Chicken

Were you hoping chicken would make the list? Well, you guessed right because here it is. Most of us would agree that the world starts to look a lot better after we’ve just had our chicken wings or laps or breasts (except you’re vegan of course). Well, according to Daily Mail, over 11,900,385 snaps of chicken exist on Instagram. And if we take a walk down memory lane, we’d probably find that one of those snaps belongs to us.

5. Salads

This one’s probably a surprise but if we think about how great some salads look and how often we want to show off her healthy eating to our friends and families. Is it a surprise that salads make the list? Think about the last time you were so proud of your health goals and so took a picture to prove a point (and yeah, you even posted it too!).

6. Burger

Burgers are heavenly… The thicker they are, the lovelier they look in pictures. Do you know how you’re scrolling through your feed and find a picture of some sumptuous-looking burger and immediately go out to have yours? Well, you won’t be the only one.

7. Steak

What do we do when meat looks as good as it tastes? We take a pic and upload it on the gram! According to Modem, there are about 10,200,000 snaps of steak on Instagram.

8. Macarons

Yaay! A desert finally makes the list. If you’re familiar with this sweet, creamy European goodness you’ll know why exactly it makes the list. Not only is it so delicious, but it also looks incredibly nice as well. There are over 5,000,000 snaps of macarons sitting pretty on Instagram.

9. Strawberries

While many would argue that strawberries are a sore disappointment when eaten, who would argue with the fact that their bold color and texture land them a spot on this list? Very few things look as beautiful as this photogenic fruit.

10. Avocado

Yup, that’s right. This healthy fruit makes the list too. Apart from the various ways it can be used to make a meal, its beautiful color and texture are also one of the reasons why it’s one of the most Instagrammed meals in the world.

#Instagram #food #pizza #caesar salad #avocado #salad #chicken

[maryadeolascott]

Getting More Privacy on the Internet -- A Few Tips That Might Come in Handy

The internet can go from being a peaceful global village at one moment to bringing downright ghetto the next.

Whether you think it’s paranoia or not, eyes are watching your activity and hackers are trying to access private information. In an age where almost nothing is hidden anymore on the internet, here are six ways you could still strive to keep your information private on the web.

Install and Use an Updated Antivirus

We cannot overemphasize the damage viruses can cause to your computer. Seemingly harmless Trojan horse programs can steal your private information. But you can avoid all of that with a strong and effective antivirus. You get to ward off virus threats and also protect your computer against many other kinds of malware. Most antivirus software displays a green banner or icon when things are running smoothly and perfectly. However, a yellow or red icon pops up when it’s the other way around. In this case, you should follow the instructions to get things back on track. Don’t only rely on Windows Defender; go for third-party protection. Keep your antivirus updated and renew it every year. It’s even much better when you go for an antivirus with ransomware protection.

Set Unique Passwords

Setting unique passwords for every login is like having different keys for different doors. If you have a one-fits-all key, all doors would be compromised when aliens come. It’s the same way hackers can easily get into several platforms of yours by simply trying your passwords in those other places. If a hacker gets access to your username and password via an email service, they might try using the same details to log into your banking app, shopping sites, etc. However, you can avoid all of this by using a strong, unique password for every account you have online. If you’re worried about keeping all those passwords in your head, all you have to do is use a password manager. With a password manager, the only password you need to remember is the master password that locks the password manager itself.

Private E-mail Address and Phone Number

Keep your main email address and phone number private. Sharing it with the public means that you are open to tons of spam in your email inbox and a series of annoying bot calls on your phone. You don’t have to put your email address and phone number details on your social networks. If you do have to, you could consider creating a separate email address and even phone number for that. A separate phone number is also useful for online shopping and other cases where you have to share your data with strangers.

End-To-End Encryption

Choose messaging platforms that allow for end-to-end encryption. This is different from messaging apps that use mere encryption in transit. Encryption in transit means that messages are decrypted on the provider’s side and stored on its servers. However, anything is possible and one of the possibilities is that someone hacks into those servers. Avoid that stress and complication by simply using an end-to-end encrypted messaging app that can’t see your conversations. A good suggestion for this is WhatsApp.

Strong and Secure Passwords

It is not only enough to use different passwords for different logins, each of those passwords should also be very strong. Many sites and apps will let you know how strong or weak your password is. A password manager allows you to store all of your various passwords in one place. A trusty suggestion is Kaspersky Password Manager. All you have to do is to memorize just one master password. How then can you tell a strong password?

Use long passwords that are 12 characters and more

Include numbers, symbols, uppercase, and lowercase characters

Make Use of a VPN

This is especially important whenever you connect to the Internet using a Wi-Fi network that isn’t your own. A virtual private network, or VPN, comes in handy say when you go to a coffee shop and connect to a free Wi-Fi network. This is because you have no idea how secure that connection might be. There could be unwanted eyes on that network trying to look through and steal the files and data sent from your laptop or mobile device. What a VPN does is intercept such prying eyes by encrypting your internet traffic, routing it through a server owned by the VPN company. In this case, the owner of the WiFi and no other person can have access to your data. Your IP address is also hidden from advertisers and trackers. A VPN would allow you to communicate securely without anyone geo-locating your position.

#internet security #internet safety #online safety

[maryadeolascott]

5 Business-Wear Accessories Every Man Should Own

In a world like ours, where a lot of men are in the corporate world space, it is only expected that they dress appropriately.

This post is particularly for our men, and it simply highlights those corporate accessories that are must-haves for every man. You may not be a business-wear person on a day-to-day basis; that’s okay. But whenever you do decide to dress for the occasion, you’ve got to kill it.

Interested in finding out what these accessories are? Keep reading!

1. A Watch

I mean, is your ensemble even complete without a wristwatch? You know, even though a wristwatch is listed as a formal accessory, it is also a perfect casual accessory. So, imagine going the extra mile to get a good wristwatch that you rock only on casual wear, but never do the same for your formal outfits. C’mon bro, make it make sense. A wristwatch is the number one corporate accessory you ought to own as a man. Bear in mind that because you need to wear this wristwatch with your business outfits, you have to go for something minimalist. A nice, durable leather wristwatch will do. Also, avoid leather watches with flashy colors and large faces. Go for neutral colors like black, brown, navy blue, wine, or deep red.

2. A Wallet

Picture this—You’re on your way to work, clad in one of your finest suits. Your hair is well combed, and your beards, well-trimmed. Your tie is knotted perfectly, and your pocket square is slightly revealed just above your front pocket. Confident about your looks, you stroll into a coffee shop to grab a cup of coffee before getting on the bus. You join the queue and when it gets to your turn, you flash the barista a wide smile as you say “good morning.” Charmed by your looks, the lady at the vending machine replies to your greeting. You request a cup of cappuccino and she tells you what it’ll cost. You then reach into the back pocket of your pants to get some money, and in the process of pulling out the cash, the contents of your back pocket fall to the ground. Embarrassed, you bend to pick your squeezed currency notes, scraps of paper, complimentary cards, and so on. By the time you get up to finally make payment, the sales lady has moved on to another customer. How nice! Or, you can simply avoid all of this drama by getting a wallet. It’ll save you from embarrassment a lot of times. Plus, most wallets are classy and can hold different items—cash, debit and credit cards, passport photographs, business cards, and what have you.

3. Tie

How dare you claim to own business-wear accessories without a tie to your name? As a man, one thing that is capable of taking your formal-wear game to unimaginable levels is a perfectly knotted tie. Whether it’s a bow or a regular tie, do yourself a favor and get one. Ties are usually very affordable and available in stores near you. Except your outfit is business-casual, there is no way a tie will be negotiable.

4. Socks

As a man, to be dressed for formal settings usually means you must have on some socks. It is a fashion blunder to wear your shoes sans socks for formal styling. These socks should also be simple. While colors are allowed, they do not have to ruin the entire look. You can choose to wear socks with streaks of light colors. You can also choose to play it safe, wearing plain-colored socks like brown, black, or blue. Whatever you decide to do, ensure you do not look like the opening act at a circus.

5. Cufflinks

Cufflinks transform an entire look, adding style and elegance to the outfit. Meanwhile, cufflinks work with some non-business outfits and remain a game-changer where corporate outfits are concerned. Cufflinks come in many different colors and designs. For a long time now, most shirts come without sleeve buttons, although buttonholes are created, which is where the cufflinks go. The sweet thing about cufflinks is that, while they look like boring accessories, they do a lot to turn around an outfit. And these days, cufflinks have even gone beyond the classic gold or silver stud; they now come in a variety of colors and designs, including custom pieces where you can decide to engrave or embroider your initials. Basically, there’s now a cufflink for every personality. My advice though is that you have at least one pair of basic gold, silver, or black cufflinks. These go with a wide array of outfits so you don’t have to worry about mixing and matching.

#accessories #fashion #men's fashion #business fashion #tie #suit #cufflinks #wristwatch

[maryadeolascott]

Five Factors to Consider before Buying Gadgets

Gadgets are all around us. Our phones, computer systems, e-readers, fitness devices, and so on are all gadgets. Regardless of their different functions, we find gadgets in use across different walks of life.

We rely on gadgets for a whole lot of things. From setting alarms on our phones to working on our systems and monitoring our health on fitness devices, gadgets are a wonderful addition to our world. The average human has about four connected gadgets. Think about it. You probably have two mobile phones, a fitness band, and a computer system. Some people even have tablets and other stuff.

Because we depend on our gadgets for a lot of things, it becomes important that we look out for specific features before buying so as to enjoy these gadgets optimally. There are tons of gadgets out there, making it difficult to make selections where necessary. So, what do you look out for when making a purchase? Find out in this article.

1. Security

When shopping for new gadgets, security should be your number 1 priority. As long as the device can connect to the internet, it is vulnerable to being hacked. In the course of purchasing a new gadget, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the product’s specifications and capabilities that you ignore its vulnerabilities. As a matter of fact, manufacturers may also overlook security when under pressure to keep up in the rapidly evolving tech industry, especially in a bid to get a product to the market. Hence, it becomes the responsibility of the customer to carefully investigate the security features before buying the product. If you can, go on to contact the product manufacturer, read reviews about the product and try to find out what might happen if there is a security breach. After all these checks have been completed, you can then go on to make a purchase decision.

2. Year of Production

The model year of a gadget is very important when making a gadget purchase. While some persons would rather purchase the first version of a product, some customers prefer purchasing later generations of the same product, for instance, third and fourth generations. The good thing about waiting for later generations is that you give the manufacturers time to iron out whatever issues there might be with the product. More often than not, the perfect product isn’t created on the first try. So, avoid the errors in the first and second generations by waiting a while before making a purchase.

3. Compatibility

You need a compatible gadget above all else. You and I crave compatibility with our gadgets to enable us to transfer and share files easily. It is not as though it’s impossible to link incompatible devices, but it might be pretty difficult and time-consuming. Besides, it might also end up becoming more expensive as such persons may have to purchase devices like a smart home hub in order to connect all their devices to one another.

4. Display

Depending on what the gadget is (i.e., if it has a screen) and how you like your resolution, get a gadget with a good display. If you love to stream videos, edit photos, or download movies, then get something with a great resolution. If it’s a phone, get a smartphone with a display ranging from 5.5-inch to 6-inch. Full-HD or QHD resolution should be good enough for you. Also bear in mind that where smartphones are concerned, anything bigger than a 6-inch display makes the mobile phone very bulky and difficult to move around. If on the other hand, you use your phone for checking emails and browsing social media applications, you should be fine with anything from 5-inch to 5.5-inch HD or full-HD display.

5. Processor

The processing powers of gadgets vary from one device to the other, depending on several different factors such as UI version, OS, bloatware, and more. If you happen to be a heavy user, go for gadgets with high processors. For instance, you can go for a system with a Core i5 or Core i7 processor. Also, watch out for the RAM, as this determines the speed of the gadget. If it’s a smartphone you’re considering purchasing, then smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 or Snapdragon 820/821 will make multitasking easy for you.

#technology #mobile phone #gadgets #purchase

[maryadeolascott]

5 Skincare Products Every Woman Should Own

Who wants dull, drab, unhealthy skin? Absolutely no one, and most definitely, no woman!

We all desire healthy, radiant, and youthful-looking skin! We all want to glow! And while it might have appeared that some women have better skins than others, I want you to know that we can all have great-looking skin. This is the truth- the health and appearance of your skin depend largely on the products that go on and into it. Do you know your skin type? What do you use on your skin? What is your skincare routine like? What do your skincare products contain? Are they healthy for your skin? Are they suitable for your skin type?

In a bid to look as good as possible, we go on purchasing all sorts of skincare products advertised to us by friends and families. But we do not need them all. There are basic skincare products that can turn our skins around for the best. By purchasing products that best suit your skin type, you are well on your journey to brighter, better skin. Ready to find out what these products are? Come with me!

1. Cleanser

I believe this is the basic cleansing product every woman should own. No one should have to walk about with dirt and dead cells on their faces. Cleansers should always be used in the mornings after bathing to get rid of the natural oils that the skin produces, and in the evening to remove the residue of products worn during the day. A gentle cleanser is the most recommended form of cleanser. Cleansers are very effective at removing impurities, grime, and dead skin cells; and can easily be purchased from pharmacies and beauty shops around. Before buying one though, make sure you know your skin type so as to get maximum results.

2. Toner

What is your skincare set without a toner in it? Toners do wonders to the skin by restoring the skin’s PH balance after cleansing. Toners also remove all the residue left on the skin, including those that might have been left by the cleanser which can cause your pores to become blocked, resulting in acne. Oftentimes, people tend to skip using toners, but if you happen to have oily or combination skin, please get one. Your skin will thank you!

3. Scrub/Mask

How often do you exfoliate? Scratch that, do you even exfoliate at all? While I do not believe in over-exfoliating, I believe that it is necessary to get rid of dead cells and excess oils from time to time. If your face appears smooth and acne-free, do well to get a good facial scrub and use it from time to time. No more than twice a week is fine. If your face is filled with lots of pimples, you do not want to scrub against them. Rather than get a scrub, you can get a face mask. They both get the job done.

4. Sunscreen

You should wear your sunscreen on a daily basis to prevent sunburns and dark spots. There are different types of sunscreens available across different brands, but it is advisable that you opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or even higher. Your sunscreen will absorb the harmful radiations released by sunlight and prevent them from getting onto your skin, allowing your skin to remain beautiful and tan-free. When purchasing sunscreens, look out for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide cause your finish to be nice and even, and also help in preventing breakouts in your twenties. If you happen to spend a lot of time outdoors, reapply your sunscreen every one to two hours. On the other hand, if you do not spend so much time outdoors, applying your sunscreen once in the morning is fine.

5. Moisturizer

When you clean and tone, you indirectly strip hydration from your skin. This is why a moisturizer is necessary. Use a moisturizer to restore and hydrate your skin. When making your moisturizer purchase, be sure to know your skin type in order to prevent acne and make sure that your skin receives as much hydration as it can get. Get yourself a simple but effective moisturizer that you can apply as the last step of your skincare routine.

#skincare #face cleanser #face toner #sunscreen #face mask #moisturizer #coffee scrub

[maryadeolascott]

3 Colors and Their Meanings around the World

Colors are one of the most beautiful features of our world. Bright, dull, neon, sharp, cool, loud— however you describe them, just know that colors are powerful. Colors are divinely created, bearing so many ideas and emotions. I’m sure there were times you’ve felt a certain kind of way, but spotting a particular color just switched things up for you. You might also understand how colors literally color how we view our world if you’ve ever been angry to the point of seeing red.

Besides the psychological influences that affect our view of a specific color, cultural influences can also affect our views of color. For instance, the colors of the flag or those of political parties may resonate with us on some levels. Besides all these, however, colors mean different things in different parts of the world. As funny as this might seem, it’s super true. What does red mean to you? What does blue mean to you? Well… let’s find out what these colors mean to people in other parts of the world.

1. RED

Red is such a beautiful color- bright and powerful. Most light-skinned persons look really good when they wear red outfits. For light-skinned ladies, red lipsticks are super gorgeous. Beyond these, however, the color red symbolizes life, as it is a universal color of life. Some even say that red represents physical energy and the will of humans to exist.

In Westernized nations like Europe, North and South America, red represents passion and fire. It is for this reason that Valentine’s day is celebrated with the color red, symbolic of love. In the Eastern part of the world, however, red represents fertility and good fortune. So, if you happen to find yourself in China for New Year’s Eve, you just might get a red envelope.

In India, the color red is symbolic of marriage. If you happen to see an Indian woman with red henna on her hand, it means she is married. She will also wear a red powder known as Sindoor along her hairline. Besides marriage, red represents beauty, purity, fear, and wealth in India.

Among South Africans, red is tied to mourning. In fact, the red section of the South African flag symbolizes the sacrifices that were made while the country struggled to gain its independence.

2. BLUE

I love this color in particular, mainly because it’s really cool and soft. I mean, a glance at the blue skies will literally take all your troubles away. Blue is calm, blue is peaceful; but that’s blue for me. In the Western part of the world, blue represents melancholy. This is why one may be described as having ‘the blues’. In such places, it also symbolizes security, authority, and trust. This is why many American banks use blue for their logo.

In China, blue is a symbol of femininity, contrary to many other countries of the world where blue represents the birth of a male child.

In the Middle East, blue signifies heaven, immortality, and spirituality. It also means safety and protection.

In Greece or Turkey, it is believed that blue is used to fight evil. This is why the cities in Greece have souvenirs with a blue eye on them.

Korea uses dark shades of the color blue to represent mourning.

3. GREEN

Whenever I think about the color green, I am overwhelmed with a sense of plenty, abundance, fertility, and growth. Green often symbolizes nature, spring and progression, like in the case of traffic lights where green means ‘go’, and the ‘green card’ received by immigrants in the United States.

In Ireland, green represents prosperity and luck. In Mexico, following its freedom from Spain in the 19th century, green is said to mean the color of independence which is a part of their national flag.

Where Eastern countries are concerned, green means different things to different countries. In China, a man seen wearing a green hat automatically tells that his wife has cheated on him. On the other hand, green represents vitality and eternity in Japan.

In South American cultures where forests are plenty, green is symbolic of death.

#autumn colors #culture #blue #white

[maryadeolascott]

Four First Aid Essentials Needed in Every Home

At some point, everyone will need a first aid kit in their home. And the reason isn’t farfetched - -anything can happen at any freaking time.

From accidents in the kitchen to kids getting hurt while playing around, the list is endless. Know this and know peace- no matter how careful you and your family members are, there is still a possibility that there would one day be a need for first aid, at least, pending the time you can make your way to the hospital. Would you rather be helpless and stranded when such situations arise? Would you rather pay more at the doctors for something some methylated spirit and some gauze could have solved? I bet you wouldn’t.

Your home first aid kit can take care of minor injuries like burns, cuts, stings, strains and sprains. Also, because a drug store may not always be accessible, it is important that the first aid kit contains items that can help alleviate common symptoms of viral infections like fever, cough and sore throat. It should also contain items to treat cuts, mild pain, gastrointestinal problems, skin problems and allergies. Confused as to how to make your own first aid kit? Not to worry, this article was put together just for you. Enjoy!

1. A Thermometer

Is this even negotiable? Definitely not! Every home and first aid kit ought to have a thermometer. The first signs of illnesses are usually a rise or drop in basal body temperature. A fever spike is usually a cause for concern, but sometimes it’s not. Regardless of what the case is, being able to monitor temperature levels before the arrival of medical personnel is always very helpful. Normal body temperature is between 36.5°C and 37°C. Anything higher or lower than these suggest either low body temperature or high body temperature, and will require medical attention.

2. Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium

We’ve all had days when our heads hurt so bad we think it’d split in two. Or times when we’d hit our legs against a stool and believe we’d never walk again. Whatever the source of such intense pain was, the fact remains that a simple pain relief pill got it fixed in little or no time. If there was need for anything extra, it was a simple massage, but that’s as far as such went. This is the very same reason why it is important that your first aid kit contains pain relief tablets. Your kid might pull a tooth, you might stumble on the stairs, your spouse may have a bad headache, but all these can be solved by a jolly tablet of acetaminophen. So, get your first aid box stocked with these pain relief tablets, will you?

3. Antacids

Have you ever had a heartburn? Reflux? GERD? Gastritis? An ulcer? Don’t get worked up as to how to combat all of these- just get an antacid. You see; all these diseases stem from one source and can be dealt with by using this super product. Antacids exist across a variety of brands, and can be purchased off-the-counter. Antacids neutralize the acid in the stomach to relieve heartburns and indigestion. They come as a liquid or chewable tablets and can be bought from pharmacies and shops without a prescription. You wouldn’t want to see a family member in so much discomfort without being able to help, will you? Get your first aid kit an antacid today. You might need it too.

4. Antidiarrheal medicine

Every now and then, someone in our circle suffers from diarrhea. On several occasions, the cause of the diarrhea is not known, although diarrhea is predominantly caused by viral infection, such as stomach flu. Food or water that is contaminated by bacteria or other germs can also cause diarrhea. When anyone is down with diarrhea, the individual becomes weak and dehydrated as a result of excessive loss of body fluid. Usually, people advise that persons suffering from diarrhea eat dry foods like bread, crackers, etc, to prevent their stomachs from running. While these suggestions may work in some cases, they are not always effective. The most effective means to combating diarrhea is to take an antidiarrheal medicine. The medicine works by slowing down gut movement which in turn decreases the number of bowel movements and makes the stool less watery.

#first aid #medicine #prevention #treatment #healthylifestyle #first aid box

[maryadeolascott]

5 Must-Have Cosmetic Items for Every Woman

Hey! I wrote another piece for us ladies. I feel like, for most of us, cosmetics don’t go beyond makeup. We’re all caught up on the latest volumizing mascara, but could care less about what actually keeps the skin healthy. This article is for us all.

Not every woman is into the girly vibe, especially having to own and use cosmetics of all sorts on the hair, face, and body. Some are however deeply into this, having a routine that they cannot afford to miss. Regardless of which category you fall into, some things are basic and should be owned by every woman. In fact, any woman who simply wants healthy skin, hair, and body should have all five items. Interested in finding out what these items are? Keep reading!

Sunscreen

Kill the myth that only folks with fair skin need sunscreen because it protects them from sunburn and other skin issues caused by exposure to sunlight. Kill it Now. This is a non-negotiable cosmetic item that every woman must own. Permit me to say that even men need to own sunscreens, but that’s a conversation for another day. Anyone can get sunburns. The fact that it’s more visible in light-skinned people as a result of their skin color is no reason to think that dark-skinned people are exempted. They get sunburns too. Plus, besides sunburns, there are a couple of skin diseases caused by exposure to sunlight. One of them is skin irritation, which you’d agree with me is no respecter of skin color. Ladies, do yourself a world of good by investing in good sunscreen. Your skin will thank you.

Face Moisturizer

I had to indicate that this is for the face, so you do not mistake it for your daily moisturizer. Whether you wear makeup or not, you need to ensure that your face stays moisturized and hydrated all of the time. And there’s no better way to get this done than to wear a moisturizer on your face. Not only does your moisturizer lock in moisture, leaving your face soft and supple, it also prevents dryness and helps to fight the formation of wrinkles. So, with all these perks, don’t you think your face deserves a moisturizer?

Daily Moisturizer/Body Lotion

Beyond your face, there’s a beautiful body waiting to be served with so much goodness. And there’s no better way to pamper your precious skin than to wear a daily moisturizer or a body lotion. Your skin is too precious to be left bare every day. Like your face, the rest of your body needs to be hydrated and properly nourished with vitamins and minerals that are present in lotions and moisturizers. No matter what your skin type is- there is a lotion for you. Ensure you get a lotion in line with your skin type so you do not damage your skin.

Shampoo and Conditioner

This shouldn’t even be up for discussion. Every woman should own a pair of quality shampoo and conditioner for her hair. This combo will help reduce oil or grease on your scalp. It will also keep your hair and scalp clean and will add volume to your hair. It is important to note that not all shampoos and conditioners are created the same, so get one that suits you and your hair texture. Also, look out for your hair type and what you’d like to see in your hair when shopping.

Makeup remover

Avoid the temptation to go to bed with makeup on. There’s no faster way to become plagued with acne and other face issues than to go to sleep with makeup on. Wash your face before bed. Wash off every single bit of makeup before you go to sleep. Fortunately, if you’re too tired to make your way to the bathroom, you can just grab a makeup remover. Simply apply the makeup remover onto a cotton pad, and wipe makeup off your face. You also don’t have to rinse your face after using this product. One good thing you enjoy when you make use of a makeup remover is that the contents of the remover are filled with minerals that help rejuvenate the skin. So, you’re not only taking makeup off, but you’re also feeding your skin with its much-needed vitamins. Super cool!

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