“Home is where your heart is.”Aesthetically dressing up and beautifying your living space brings positive energy into your life and surroundings. Decorating your home with things that make you happy will increase the positive vibes to any room.
After a stressful day at work, stepping inside your tastefully decorated cocoon will filter away your stress and help you to relax. Similarly dressing up with a mix of indigenous creativity and modern-day aesthetics will not only boost your self-confidence but will make you distinguishable.
To increase positivity in your surroundings, follow these steps.
Declutter your surroundings
Use an essential oil diffuser.
Use a Himalayan salt lamp.
Accent your home with greenery and beautiful flowers
Cultural Elements brings you artistic works from the different corners of the globe. It’s a one-stop-shop for all things creative.
Be it jewelry, apparels, gift items, and home decor products. They have a fantastic collection of art works from different cultures.
Their pieces come from different parts of the globe crafted by artisans who use traditional materials and methods. Be it triple gemstone bracelet from Brazil, or the handcrafted Turkish cuff bracelets, they have an extensive collection of jewelry that’s breathtakingly beautiful.
Many of their pieces are cross-cultural in nature. Their products have distinct looks that result from a combination of different cultural influences. If you’re not satisfied with a product, you can exchange or return it within 30 days.
I was amazed by the stunning range of collections that they have. I’ve listed the ones that caught my attention.
Shop online at Cultural Elements and surround yourself with priceless works of art. Create lovely memories with artisan works and pass these precious treasures to your future generations.
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Every year 130 million mobile devices are being discarded.
It’s not the right decision to throw away your old phones and computer gadgets. They may contain toxic elements such as lead, cadmium, mercury, barium, chromium, and even arsenic.
These harmful substances may cause environmental pollution. The toxic chemicals can pollute the rivers, land and endanger aquatic and human life. Therefore, it is essential to recycle or properly discard your gadgets. Recycling pre-owned electronic gadgets could help to create a sustainable future.
Why is it necessary to recycle mobile and computer gadgets
Recycling helps to save the environment, reduce the need for raw materials, curbs mining processes, and saves energy.
Where can you recycle your old mobile devices and computer gadgets
Check with your family and friends if they need any old cell phones, iPads, and iPods. Also, you can recycle it with a charity or else you can even sell your phone. Recycling your phone reduces pollution, earns you money, and help improve lives in underdeveloped countries.
Some online companies offer the option of trading in your old phone in return for money. Gazelle is a leading name in this arena. Thousands of customers trust Gazelle to give new life to old devices.
Gazelle is a leading reCommerce company that buys and sells used computer electronics. With its humble beginnings in 2007, Gazelle is now a leading trading consumer electronics site. Gazelle works with consumers to enhance consumer electronics lifecycle.
Buying Smart with Gazelle
They sell certified gadgets which may cost 40 percent less than buying new. These preowned smartphones and tablets are fully functional and thoroughly quality inspected. Gazelle phones are carrier compatible you can keep your carrier or go with a new one. If you are not satisfied with the pre-owned device, you can very well return it with a 30-day return policy. They’ll pay your money back.
When you sell your device to Gazelle, they pay you cash via check, Amazon gift card, or through PayPal. You can quickly check how much your equipment is worth. Gazelle will send you a free pre-paid shipping label to send them your device.
When they receive your gadget, they’ll offer you more money than your original offer, if the gadget is in good condition. If Gazelle lowers your offer, you can have it returned at no risk. They remove all your data from your devices as they prioritize security the most.
How it works
You can even sell your tablets, phones, Macbooks, and iMacs in bulk. Visit thei website and click the Enterprise Trade-in link at the top right corner. Enter your contact information at the required space. They’ll follow up and will provide a quote.
As a next step, they’ll send you a box, and you can send your devices free of charge. And you’ll be paid immediately. Also, you can track your item by entering your email and a unique number that you receive from Gazelle. You can get it from the emails that you received from them.
Be smart and save the environment.
Native to the eastern region of Ethiopia Castor oil has been in use from ancient times till today. Archeologists were surprised to find it in Egyptian tombs dating back to 4000 BC. Ancient Egyptians burnt it as a fuel in lamps, used it to treat eye irritation and gave to pregnant women to stimulate labor.
Even now it is pretty famous for the very fact that it can induce labor. You can read lots of such interesting stories on the internet.
Apart from being used to induce labor, this wonder oil has plenty of beauty benefits. It’s an essential commodity in your kitchen cabinet. If you don’t have one, after reading this article, you’ll know its importance.
What is Castor Oil?
It’s a pale yellow liquid pressed from castor beans and has a distinct taste and color. The castor seeds contain a toxic enzyme called ricin. Nevertheless, the heating process deactivates it and makes the oil safe to use.
This vegetable oil contains a nutritional makeup of powerful components such as fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. Also it has antimicrobial properties, which help to fight off bacterial or fungal overgrowth on your scalp.
Apart from skincare it is widely used as an additive in foods, medications, and finds plenty of uses in the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors.
Benefits of Castor Oil
This multipurpose oil is budget-friendly and can be your best buddy in skin and hair care.
Natural Moisturizer
Being rich in ricinoleic acid castor oil helps to moisturize your skin. Ricinoleic acid acts as a humectant. It retains moisture by preventing evaporation through the outer layers of the skin.
You can use castor oil as such or use it with other skin-friendly oils like olive, almond, and coconut oils to make an ultra-hydrating moisturizer. Massaging your nails with castor oil will prevent brittle and cracked nails.
Its hydrating properties soften your skin and prevents the signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagged skin. Applying a few drops of castor oil to your under-eye area every day will prevent and reduce wrinkles giving you beautiful eyes.
Healthy Hair
Castor oil acts as an intense moisturizer for dry and damaged hair. Applying it daily on your scalp helps to lubricate your hair shaft, decreases breakage, and increases flexibility.
This healthy oil is suitable for those suffering from dandruff, especially for people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis. It is an inflammatory skin condition that causes scaly red patches on your scalp. Castor oil effectively reduces inflammation, soothes your skin, and forms an effective household remedy for seborrheic dermatitis.
Castor oil attracts dirt and cleanses your skin. The presence of ricinoleic acid improves blood circulation providing nutrition for hair follicles resulting in long strands and less breakage. Being a humectant, it locks in moisture and makes your hair shine.
Massaging warm castor oil on your scalp not only fights scalp infection but also improves circulation and boosts hair growth.
Reduces Acne
Inflammation is believed to cause acne. Acne is due to an imbalance of certain types of bacteria on the skin, including Staphylococcus aureus. This medicinal oil fights bacterial overgrowth since it has antimicrobial properties.
A test-tube study shows that castor oil has antibacterial properties, and it inhibits the growth of several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus.
If you suffer from acne, wash your face with warm water. This action will open the pores. Massage a few drops of castor oil onto to your face and leave it overnight. Next morning wash your face with cold water.
Being a natural moisturizer castor oil soothes your inflamed, irritated skin and gently cares for it.
Excellent for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis
The ricinoleic acid present in castor oil has impressive anti-inflammatory benefits. Topically applying castor oil reduces pain and inflammation. Even research studies vouch for the anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil.
Massage it onto your painful back or knees and follow it up with hot water bottle or heat pad. Leave it for an hour. This remedy will give you immediate relief from your pain.
Applying on psoriasis helps relieve dry, irritated skin. Thanks to the moisturizing properties of castor oil.
For thicker brows and longer lashes
Ninety percent of this medicinal lubricant contains ricinoleic acid that helps reverse hair loss. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is a hormone that causes male pattern baldness. Research has found that ricinoleic acid inhibits PGD2 and helps the scalp to regrow hair. It’s safe to do a patch test before you apply this vegetable oil to your lashes and brow.
Bedtime is the best time to treat your eyelashes. Clean your lashes from all the eye makeup. Dip a cotton swab and gently pencil it along the lash line. Wash your face in the morning.
Remove makeup and take a few drops on your fingertips and gently apply it on your eyebrows before going to bed. Finally wash it with cold, clean water in the morning.
Laxative
Being a laxative castor oil helps to clear your bowels. When you consume it by mouth, it gets broken down to ricinoleic acid. Then the intestine absorbs it stimulating a laxative effect.
Smaller doses are usually safe, but large amounts may cause vomiting, nausea, cramping, and diarrhea.
How to use
Though this oil is considered safe, it may cause adverse reactions in certain people. It is used to induce labor. So pregnant women should avoid taking it. In large doses, it may cause diarrhea, which leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It may even cause an allergic reaction in some people. Always do a patch test before using this oil.
Castor oil is a pocket-friendly multipurpose oil that’s a must in your kitchen cabinet.
Green beauty products have exploded into the market with various names such as “natural beauty” and “clean beauty.” A few years back, these natural products were primarily sold in farmers markets and health food stores with a label containing pictures of green leaves. But now sleek brands positioning themselves as agents of green beauty products are exploding.
Gwyneth Paltrow who launched Goop by Juice Beauty told Vogue: “The idea that you’re exercising and trying to eat well and then slathering yourself with chemicals, parabens, and silicones — it’s not great.”
She and “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon dipped French fries into a jar of moisturizer from her beauty line and ate it to prove the purity of the product.
What are Green Cosmetics
In the modern-day, marketing, green has become synonymous with natural, organic, or healthy. When you see the word green beauty products, you’ll instantly make eco-friendly assumptions about the product or brand.
Green or sustainable cosmetics are produced from natural ingredients that are produced from renewable raw materials. For example, bio-based oleochemicals are obtained from renewable plant and bacteria sources — these natural treasures form the crux of the green beauty movement.
Benefits of Green Beauty Products
Green cosmetics do not contain any artificial colors, synthetic and harmful chemicals, or other toxic byproducts. So they are less likely to cause any skin irritation. Natural and oleochemical ingredients used in green beauty products rely on the healing properties found naturally in plants and animals.
For example, Glycerine a natural palm oil derivative is a clear nontoxic liquid used in soaps and cosmetics. It is a humectant as well as an excellent moisturizer. It encourages your skin to absorb and retain water. Since it’s non-irritating, you can apply it anywhere on the body. Moreover, it has excellent antimicrobial and anti-aging properties and can also serve as an acne treatment.
Many petrochemicals used in conventional cosmetics are toxic pollutants. They degrade not only our environment but also our bodies. For example, the microbeads, these tiny pieces of plastic found in our exfoliating products and shower scrubs are washed into the waterways in substantial quantities. A study reported that over eight trillion microbeads are washed into the waterways every day. These products are now banned.
Though petrochemicals may give excellent short term results, the consequences, in the long run, are far more dangerous. Long term use of synthetic cosmetics causes eye damage, acne, headaches, premature aging, and hormonal imbalance. Phthalates may even cause type II diabetes and cancer. On the other hand, using green beauty products helps you to invest in long term beauty and health.
Ingredients that are not Sustainable
Toxic chemicals found in conventional beauty products include the following.
BHA and BHT
Formaldehyde releasing preservatives
Coal tar dyes
Aluminum
Dibutyl phthalate
Sustainable ingredients
These are safe as well as effective ingredients used in green beauty products.
Castor oil
Fatty acids
Coconut oil
DMDM Hydantoin
Phenoxyethanol
Top Brands of Green beauty products
Many manufacturers have started producing green beauty products which are healthy as well as sustainable. Here are some of the most well-known brands for you to consider.
Ora’s Amazing Herbal
These herbal formulas harness the power of natural certified herbs. They are paraben-free and provide healing, nutrition, and protection to your skin. They use ingredients such as non-GMO grapeseed oil, Calendula, Comfrey, St. John’s Wort, Thyme, Licorice, Burdock, Plantain, and Chickweed.
Oras’s Amazing Herbal products are produced by infusing a blend of herbs in large glass jars for a minimum of six weeks. Next, the infusion is strained with a fine sieve and is used to make beauty formulations.
RAD Soap
Their products are handcrafted, vegan, not tested on animal and all-natural. Having the motto “If we wouldn’t use it on ourselves or our family, we won’t sell it to you,” they sell you only the best products. RAD Soapuses the finest natural ingredients to rejuvenate your skin with natural goodness. Their soap bars are packed in naked packaging, which means the materials are completely biodegradable.
Herbal Goodness
Their mission is to provide superfoods to support healthy living. Herbal Goodness embrace a healthy life, respect Mother Earth, and explore the benefits of superfruits like Graviola, papaya, bamboo, morning, and guava. They are 100% women-owned, sell Kosher certified, organic and non-GMO products. Furthermore, they are green, care about the environment, and use recycled materials.
Body Pure
Boy Pure’s primary focus is to carefully select and blend natural raw materials and create high-quality body products to benefit your skin. The ingredients present in their line of beauty products are peptides, jojoba, moinga, vitamin A, Baobab, poppy seed oil, vitamin C, vitamin E, raspberry, Cactus flower, and sodium.
They produce their products using small batch production method; using artisan, handmade, and professional techniques. Based in the UK Body Pure uses fair trade practices, natural and organic ingredients across their entire skincare collection.
Healing Natural Oils
For over a decade, Healing Natural Oils provides only the most excellent natural products that are ethically sourced using high-quality natural ingredients. Obviously, their products do not contain herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic chemicals.
Likewise, Healing Natural Oils does not use animal products or practice animal testing. They pack the products in eco-friendly glass containers. And they even support local and international charities.
Minimo Skin Essentials
Minimo Skin Essentials was founded on a deep passion for genuine natural ingredients and how they can benefit your skin. The founder Mary Ware began searching skincare solutions from natural ingredients to cure her hyperpigmentation after childbirth.
She became a student of Ayurvedic medicine and began developing natural skincare solutions. Thus Minimo Skin Essentials was born in 2016. They quickly skyrocketed to viral success due to consumer results.
Apoterra Skincare
Launched in 2012 Apoterra believes in environmentalism, human rights, and animal rights. As a result, their line of products is sustainable and ethical.
They deliver the highest quality handcrafted skincare that is effective, eco-friendly and healthy. Moreover, Apoterra skincare enhances your daily rituals through texture, scent, and color.
They’ve partnered with Trees for Future a non-profit organization that helps change the lives of needy people through trees. For every product you purchase one tree will be planted.
Sustainable Skincare Routine
Always shop for beauty products from retailers that have ethical and sustainable beliefs. Understand what goes into a product so you can make sure their impact on the environment is a more positive one.
Start making sustainable choices by looking at the label before putting it into your shopping cart. The Leaping Bunny logo certifies that the product was not tested on animals. Similarly, The Rainforest Alliance and Fair-trade logos signal that the ingredients were sourced sustainably.
Playing sports keeps you physically and mentally fit. It engages your mind and body and even acts as a stress buster. Before you start playing, do some warmups as it will activate your whole body and increase blood flow.
Practice a few shots or get the movements and postures correct before playing the sport. Involve your friends so you’ll not only enjoy the game but receive motivation from them as well. After you’ve done playing cool your body with some stretching exercise. Stretching helps your muscles to relax and avoids pain and cramps.
To avoid overstressing play with moderate intensity. Build your stamina and also learn some breathing techniques. All these steps will help you to avoid getting tired quickly.
Here are five sports activities that’ll boost your fitness.
Swimming
Swimming is a low impact activity that’s suitable for people of ages. It provides an allover body workout and builds muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. To get a good workout, swim for about 30 minutes, so your actual exercise time is at least 20 minutes as opposed to your rest time. If you’re a beginner, commit yourself to 30 minutes per workout, three times a week.
Tennis
Tennis helps to maintain your fitness, agility, and strength. While playing tennis, drink lots of fluids to rehydrate yourself regularly. Tennis is a great workout. It increases your metabolic function, improves bone density, lowers resting heart rate, and blood pressure. It’s a non-impact sport, and it is the best way to spend time with friends. Many club courts and public courts are available for hire, and you could utilize them.
While playing the game, it’s essential that you follow specific safety rules, never play tennis with any pre-existing injury. Play the volume of tennis appropriate to your fitness level and use correct techniques to prevent injury.
Cycling
Cycling is a low impact exercise that you can fit into your daily routine by riding to park, shop, school, or work. It’s a good muscle workout as it uses all the major muscle groups while you pedal. Cycling reduces body fat levels, improves joint mobility, decreases stress levels, and improves posture and coordination. Harvard Health states that a 155-pound person burns about 520 calories per hour of moderate cycling.
Basketball
Basketball gives you an excellent full body workout. Moreover, it helps you develop lean muscle. It burns calories, builds endurance, improves balance and coordination, and could be played by people of all ages and abilities. This sport dramatically enhances your mental health. It boosts self-image, promotes good sleep, and reduces stress.
If you want to get started with basketball, check out your local sports centers on the information on joining a team or else you can start one. While playing basketball, it’s good to wear sports shoes that provide ankle support. Also, mouth guards, protective knee, and elbow pads are a must.
Squash
It’s a fast-moving sport that sees you running, diving and leaping for the ball. Squash is easy to learn. It can be played as a leisure as well as a competitive sport. This sport is suitable for all ages, and the game can be modified to suit all skill levels.
Squash has plenty of health benefits. Moreover, it improves hand-eye coordination, increases strength in the back, improves cardiovascular health, maintains a healthy weight, and promotes excellent agility, and flexibility. While playing squash, it’s recommended to wear eye protection.
Squat requires a lot of movement, so wear light clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and skirts. Visit your doctor if you have a medical condition if you’re over 40 years of age and are overweight.
Be active by playing sports to improve your fitness as well as your mental health.
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
What is Stella and Dot
The mission of Stella and Dot is “to give every woman the means to style her own life.” They are a big name in the fashion industry with a goal to create flexible income for women around the world.
What is Stella and Dot Sign-Up Special
Stella and Dot signup special is where you signup to be an independent stylist.
What does it Mean to be an Independent Stylist
It means you represent their line of jewelry and accessories; selling their products online and through trunk shows.
How Much Can You Earn as a Stylist
You can get 25 to 35 percent of all jewelry sales and can earn even more through referral commission. The commission rate varies depending on your monthly sales amount and stylist rank.
Cost of Setting Up Your Business
The starter kit costs up to $199 in addition to tax and shipping. The best selling kit consists of $1000 in products for a down payment of $199. The kit contains jewelry, baggage, and clothing.
In-home trunk shows are fun, casual, and is a get to gather of your friends to explore the accessories and get advice from stylists. Stella and Dot gives you all the necessary training and tools to get started.
Is There a Minimum Amount Required to be Active With Stella and Dot
No, there are no minimums to remain active.
Do You Get Your Own Website With Stella and Dot
Yes, you get an e-boutique to sell your stuff online. You can get a commission for your sales. There is a website renewal fee every year at around $100.
Should You Sign up
Stella and Dot have been around for many years and is a top-notch direct sales company. They have an excellent reputation. However, you must put in your best efforts to see the fruits of your labor.
Where to Sign Up
If you’ve decided to become a Stella and Dot stylist then signup here.
Holly Barrington was on a holiday when she was diagnosed with a severe case of sun poisoning. This young girl had fully protected herself against the UV rays, she had applied sunblock, and had protected her head with a hat and her eyes with sunglasses.
But she says her sunglasses let her down. When she went back to her room, she felt her face was swollen and feeling hot. The next morning she saw in the bathroom mirror that her eyes were swollen big so much so that she looked like a chipmunk. Her greatest fear was that she might go blind.
What is Sun Poisoning and How Does it Look Like?
Sun poisoning is a lay term for terrible sunburn. It’s not a medical diagnosis but inflammation of your skin caused by ultraviolet radiation. Your skin will turn into a shade of lobster red; besides, you might develop a rash or blisters.
You may feel pain in the affected area. Moreover, if you have a weak immune system, you might also experience photodermatoses: these are skin eruptions that occur due to sun exposure.
You’ll be at an increased risk of sun poisoning if you have a light complexion, are on antibiotics or have a family history of skin cancer. Also, other factors include your living conditions whether you live in extremely hot regions or high altitudes, whether you frequently go to the beach, or are using chemical peels or antibiotics. Applying citrus oil before going out can also increase sunburn.
What are the Symptoms?
Sun poisoning shares a few symptoms, with regular sunburn such as pain, blistering, and redness. Also, severe sunburn can lead to headache, fever, and chills, nausea, dehydration, and dizziness. Generally, the symptoms appear after a few hours of being out in the sun. Or the symptoms can take up a day or even longer to manifest.
Types of Sun Poisoning
Sun poisoning is basically of two types polymorphous light eruption and solar urticaria. PMLE occurs in people who are at risk as well as to those who are not exposed to intense heat. The symptoms may include severe skin rashes such as small bumps over the exposed parts of the body, hives and dense clumps of bumps.
Solar urticaria produces symptoms within a few minutes after exposure to the sun. The symptoms include itchiness, redness, dizziness, wheezing, hives, and loss of consciousness.
Treatment
When you’re sun poisoned and suffer from extreme blistering and dehydration then pay a visit to your doctor. If blisters are covering a large area of your body, then visit your doctor right away.
If you’re suffering from a mild form of sunburn, take cool showers, to soothe the pain as well as to bring down your body temperature. Aloe vera gel and cold milk compress can work wonders for your sunburnt skin. The lipids in the milk can soothe your burnt skin.
Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking extra fluids. Over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen helps to relieve pain. Completely cover the sunburnt areas while venturing out in the sun.
How to Treat Sun Poisoning Naturally
Home treatments help you to relax as well as soothe the inflamed skin. Here are some home remedies that you can try.
Aloe vera
Scrape some aloe gel from the aloe leaf. Apply evenly on the affected area and leave it for 30 minutes. Then wash in cold water. Repeat this process 3 to 4 times daily.
Aloe contains potent anti-inflammatory properties that will soothe your skin. Its wound healing properties help to heal the blisters and burns that are caused due to sun poisoning.
Green tea bags
Chill used green tea bags in a refrigerator, and gently place the tea bag on the sunburnt area. Leave it for 30 minutes. Do it many times a day to obtain maximum benefits.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants. The anti-inflammatory properties of these antioxidants soothe the inflamed skin and reduce the severity of blisters and peeling skin.
Honey
Take pure organic honey and slowly apply it on your affected areas. Let it remain for 30 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. Honey has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can calm down irritated skin. Its wound healing properties heal the blisters on your sun poisoned skin.
Cold milk
Apply a cold compress with cold milk diluted with water. The cold milk soothes the heat of the skin. The antioxidants vitamins A and D help assist in healing the skin. The lactic acid removes the dead cells out of your skin.
How to Prevent Sun poisoning
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above to your exposed parts. Put it on 15-30 minutes before you go out in the sun. Reapply after a gap of two hours. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m in the morning and 2 p.m. in the afternoon. Wear sunglasses, a hat, and protective clothing.
Wear sun protective clothing with built-in UPF (similar to SPF for fabric). Always remember that snow, water, and sand can increase the impact of the UV rays. While choosing sunglasses, make sure that they have 100 percent UV protection, also known as UV400. Coco Leni, and Warby Parker are some of the trusted names to choose your aviators.
Enjoy Your Summer
Summer is a beautiful time to relax with your near and dear ones. Protect your self from the damaging rays of the sun by layering up sunscreen. Cover your head with a hat, wear 100% UV protected sunglasses and keep yourself well hydrated.
