Simple Updates To Make On Your Home While On A Budget
Not everyone has deep pockets when it comes to making updates on your property. If you’re someone who is looking to do some updates on their home, then it’s important to know that this can easily be done on a budget, depending of course, on what you’re looking to achieve.
There’s always a cheaper alternative out there to what you’re quoted when it comes to buying furniture or exploring a kitchen remodel for example. With that being said, here are some simple updates to make to your home while you’re on a budget.
If you’re on a budget, then doing a whole renovation is not something that is likely to be within your realm of possibilities. Instead, it’s worth looking at replacing any and all kitchen cabinet doors that are looking a little dated or worn.
After all, you might find that the kitchen cabinets themselves are in tip-top condition, and therefore only the doors themselves need to be replaced. This might be a good opportunity to switch up the look of your kitchen by replacing the cabinets with glass doors instead. It looks a lot more modern and it helps create an illusion of space.
Clutter can often be a problem with homes whether you’ve got an abundance of space to work with or you’re living in a fairly small apartment. Clutter can feel like it’s overruling the home and simply clearing up this clutter can make a big difference to your home.
With that in mind, think about effective storage solutions that are going to reduce the clutter in the home or at least reduce the appearance of your home having clutter. From bathroom storage to under-the-bed storage, the more you can put into storage boxes and furniture, the better.
Upgrade lighting and focus on the ambiance
Lighting can really help influence the look and feel of a space. When you’re making updates on your home, particularly on a budget, it’s well worth upgrading your lighting. The ambiance is an important part of transforming your home, so think about what you’re looking to create in the space.
Warm lighting is a great way to add another level of comfort and homeliness to the space. Look at what lampshades you could switch out or lighting fixtures you can add to it.
Greenery is a great feature to add to the space, especially if you’re someone who loves color in their home. Adding a bit of indoor nature from plants to flowers can freshen up the space and give it a transformation on a budget that you might not realize was possible!
Clean up the space if it’s been overdue
If the space is looking a little more than cluttered and instead looks a little unkept, time to give it that spring clean it deserves. A deep clean is a great way to help update the space without spending any money – other than on cleaning products of course.
Use these simple updates to your home without needing to spend a fortune this year.
Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.
Workout supplements are very popular. In fact, according to one study, 55.3% of gymgoers use supplements to help reach their fitness goals. They have a lot of support – but just how much of this is marketing? Are workout supplements truly a useful tool? Or are they largely a waste of money?
Well, it depends. There are lots of workout supplements legally available on the market (and some that are illegally available). Some of these are more worthwhile than others. This post lists five examples of workout supplements you should consider trying, and five you should probably avoid.
Say yes to…
These are 5 great Workout Supplements worth taking.
Whey protein
Protein is important for repairing muscles after a workout. It is therefore key to building muscle mass, which involves the damage and rebuilding of muscle cells.
It’s possible to get enough protein into your body through diet alone, but many people struggle to do so without a strict nutritional plan. To help you get that additional protein intake, it’s worth taking whey protein as a supplement. This typically comes in the form of a powder that you can add to water and drink as a shake after your workout.
Creatine probably has the most scientific backing of any supplement when it comes to actually improving workout results. It is an amino acid that can help provide our muscles with added energy – which can help us last longer when doing heavy lifting or high-intensity exercise.
Creatine often comes in the form of a powder, which can be consumed before or after your workout (often combined with a protein shake). Reviews such as this one at A Lean Life can help you to compare some of the different creatine products on the market. It’s worth noting that creatine does exist naturally in meat and shellfish, but only in small amounts. Vegans and vegetarians are therefore most likely to benefit from creatine supplements.
Caffeine
It’s a well-known fact that caffeine can provide us with a boost of energy. This can help improve workout performance by making us work out harder. Studies show that this can lead to more calories being burnt to help with weight loss, and improved strength when weightlifting.
A cup of coffee before a workout is a great way to get caffeine into your body. Alternatively, if you don’t like coffee, you can always take a caffeine pill. Energy drinks are another option, but can be less healthy.
Omega-3 fish oil
Omega-3 is a nutrient with many health benefits including boosting bone density and brain function. When it comes to exercise, omega-3 can help by reducing muscle inflammation – reducing the dreaded DOMS after a workout.
You can find omega-3 in several foods ranging from flax seeds to soya beans, however the richest source of it is oily fish. If you’re not eating fish regularly, fish oil supplements are a great way to get more omega-3 into your body.
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate is the primary ingredient found within baking powder, but it has so many uses beyond baking. It makes a great improvised cleaning ingredient and is also useful for neutralizing odors. You can also consume it to decrease acidity of muscles and help muscles work out for longer.
There’s no need to buy any fancy supplements with this one. 0.3 grams of household baking powder should do the job – shake this with some liquid and drink an hour before beginning your workout.
Say no to…
These 5 supplements you should probably avoid when working out.
Testosterone boosters
Testosterone is a hormone that helps us build muscles and it’s naturally produced when we exercise. Many men looking to build muscle use testosterone boosters to help boost this muscle-building process – and such boosters can be effective. However, testosterone boosters also come with many potentially unpleasant side effects.
A few examples of side effects as a result of testosterone boosters include acne, hair loss, infertility, and development of sleep conditions like sleep apnea. Some people even develop prostate growths and heart problems. While not everyone develops these side effects, the risk is generally not worthwhile.
Fat burners are pills that claim to help speed up one’s metabolism and help with weight loss. There’s little evidence that they really work. On top of this, the potential side effects can be pretty horrible.
Taking fat burners can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to headaches and sleeping issues. There are also several reported links to IBS and liver disease. Therefore, it’s best to avoid these pills.
Multivitamins
While our body does need a variety of vitamins and minerals to help with tasks like muscle repair, multivitamins are generally not going to have much impact on your performance. This is particularly the case if you’re already eating fruit and vegetables every day.
Multivitamins are better suited to those that don’t eat a lot of fruit and veg, or those with natural deficiencies. And even in these cases, they are more likely to have benefits to your general health rather than improving your workout performance.
BCAAs
BCAAs (branch chain amino acids) are specific proteins that can be very effective as helping to repair and build muscles. However, they’re generally unnecessary as an added supplement if you’re already consuming a lot of protein in your diet or taking whey protein powder.
Chicken, fish and milk contain all the BCAAs you need. And most whey protein products are full of them too. Studies have found that adding extra BCAA supplements to the mix rarely has any benefits. In fact, you’re more likely to experience nausea or a headache from consuming too much BCAA if you’re already eating lots of protein and taking whey powder.
Steroids
Anabolic steroids are generally illegal to get hold of without a prescription. Despite this, it’s no secret that many bodybuilders use them to help with building muscle mass. Steroids are pretty much testosterone boosters, but unlike testosterone boosters that encourage the body to naturally produce more testosterone, they actually pump the body full of synthetic testosterone.
The effects are therefore much like that of testosterone boosters, but amplified. While you are likely to see your muscles getting bigger, you are also more likely to experience many of the negative side effects like acne, hair loss and infertility. Sleep issues and mood changes are also very common. This article at WebMD delves more into the side effects.
Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.
How To Improve Chances Of Catching Your First Fish
Going on your first fishing trip ever? It’s an exciting but nerve-wracking experience. You want to have fun and catch something but it’s not an easy sport to grasp and it can often involve a bit of waiting around and some much-needed luck,
If you’re going on your first fishing trip, then it’s worth knowing what to do in order to give yourself the best chance of catching something – whether it’s a fish or not. Here are a few tips to help increase your chances of catching your first fish.
The right bait means more to your fishing experience than you may think. Many anglers don’t think it’s necessary but as a first-timer, it might help improve your chances of catching your first fish.
The right colors when it comes to bait and the water clarity are something to be considered over. A rule to stick by is the clearer the water is, the brighter your bait should be. For example, if your water is really clear, then sweetcorn is going to be a great bait for certain fish like carp.
Don’t underestimate the power of color and how it will influence the attraction of certain fish and sea life depending on the water clarity you’re fishing in.
In order to make the most of your fishing trip, make sure you’re well-equipped with all the relevant fish rods, tools, and other equipment that might be needed. That doesn’t mean necessarily that you have to overcomplicate what you bring.
For example, you could bring a fairly basic hook and find it to be easy to use and capture fish with. Ideally, you want to focus on the type of rod you’ll bring with you. Look at a company like Fishing Southeast. They have plenty of fishing tools and accessories that will help you make your fishing trip a more successful venture.
Fish in the right spots
When it comes to fishing, you need to be aware of the right spots to fish in. Just because there’s a body of water available, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be the best place to find the fish you’re after.
Make sure you’ve done your research and you’ve considered where the best spots are in the fishing area itself. Sometimes it’s right by the shoreline and other times, you might want to get a boat out to the area.
Wrap up warm to withstand the elements
Fishing can often be in a cold environment, whether it’s in the height of summer or in the depths of winter. Therefore, it’s good to wrap up warm to withstand the elements and most importantly, to keep yourself as dry as possible.
Finally, fishing isn’t a very active sport in the sense that things are happening constantly. In fact, you may find yourself sitting or standing around for a while. With that being said, make sure you’ve built up some patience.
All these tips should help you greatly when it comes to improving your chances of catching your first fish!
Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.
Summer is approaching and with every new year and every new season a lot of people love revamping their closets and most especially their activewear collections. And especially if you want to prepare to live a more active life with more workouts, sports activities, and even more outdoor adventures.
But your new active life will also imply looking good, meaning you will want to master the sporty look, which means you’ll need to know and get essential summer yoga suits and activewear.
Which pieces do we consider essential activewear for summer?
Well, the ones that will make you feel comfortable, stay cool, and maximize your performance. But we will share the specific ones we believe are essential and that you definitely need to add to your summer collection.
One of the first pieces you need to add to your list is breathable tank tops, especially when the temperature rises. These need to have fabrics that are moisture-wicking like polyester blends or nylon. These types of fabrics will quickly keep you dry and cool. Ideally, they should have racerback designs or mesh panels. As they will provide freedom of movement and enhance ventilation.
Essential Support
Another piece that is essential is high-waisted shorts. These tend to be stapled and offer a flattering fit while providing support and enough coverage. Make sure they are made with stretchy materials that will let you move freely and that they have built-in compression and even moisture-wicking properties.
Sports bras are now combining not only style but also functionality. If you want to be stylish with them then choose the ones that have vibrant colors, trendy designs, and even unique strap details. If they can double up as crop tops, that’s even better. The ones that have removable pads and adjustable straps will let you customize their fit to obtain optimal support.
Next on the list are high waisted leggings or capris that are lightweight, they are great options if you want to protect your legs from the sun. The best ones are the ones that are four-way stretch and have moisture-wicking properties as they will provide flexibility and of course, a lot of comfort. If you want to add a nice touch to your activewear look, make sure these have mesh panels or cut-out details but also fun prints. You won’t regret showing your style while being comfortable.
Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.
One of the latest cosmetic treatments is making a lot of noisy trends on social media, but I am here to break through the noise and give you all the real truths about Morpheus8 micro needling RF.
What is Morpheus8?
Morpheus8 is micro needling plus fractional radiofrequency that can be used on the face and/or body. It’s considered to be the non-surgical facelift because it can create such a drastic difference in skin firmness and texture. The cartage holds either twelve to twenty-four needles that push down quickly into the skin causing tiny injuries that will stimulate collagen and firmness. Most people will need between 1-4 treatments to get the maximum benefits.
I’ve documented the week through pictures and videos, which you can watch on YouTube.
Why Did I Choose Morpheus8?
I had an adverse reaction to the vaccine, which affected my eye. My ophthalmologist suggested I needed laser therapy on the area to help heal the eye and the skin around it. After doing due diligent research, I came across the Morpheus8. Most reviews and research showed that it could be highly effective on the area I needed work on. However, the social media rabbit hole I went down was quite scary as people said it was agonizing pain and healing. But it didn’t make sense that something so painful would be so mainstream. So, it left me with a lot of nerves and questions.
So, I sought out a trusted professional. I met with celebrity makeup artist, Kristina Ruggiero, of Wilmington, Delaware and owner of Beauty Bar by Kristina Ruggiero and BBKR Med Spa to get more answers on the procedure. After a detailed conversation and answering all my questions, there was no doubt, BBKR Med Spa was the place for me to get the Morpheus8 procedure.
Preparing for Morpheus8
It’s important to remember that Morpheus8 is a procedure. It takes some prep beforehand to make sure you stay safe and heal well. Be certain to stop retin-A and topical acids including Vitamin C a couple days prior to the procedure. Also, pause vitamins that can thin blood a few days beforehand because bleeding does happen with the treatment. It must be said that not everyone is a perfect candidate for micro needling RF, so be sure to talk with a doctor and technician about your skin type, tone, and medical conditions when booking your appointment to make sure you qualify.
I also took mental and physical preparation beforehand to be in the best shape I could be in before getting the Morpheus8 treatment. Don’t work out the day of or several days after the treatment. Things like hypnosis and breathing exercises before and after can help in the overall healing process
Treatment 1
On the day of treatment, go with clean skin. Take a few supplies with you. Headphones, acetaminophen, Aquaphor, sunblock SPF 50, a throw blanket or sweater, and if you have allergies, ask your doctor about premedication with Benadryl.
After you sign all the appropriate documents, ask your tech about taking two acetaminophen before you lay down. This is a good time to keep your headphones close by as well. The doctor or tech will clean your face before applying a thick coat of numbing cream. The numbing cream will sit on your skin for about an hour. If the numbing is on your face, be sure not to move around too much so it doesn’t run. If you need to take Benadryl, be sure to take it about fifteen minutes before the procedure. (Please note: Get a ride from someone else if you have to take Benadryl before treatments since it can cause drowsiness.)
After the doctor checks to make sure you are fully numb and cleans your skin one more time, the procedure will begin. The device makes noise each time it touches down on the skin. There is also a smell of burning hair that fills your nose, but it’s not bad.
Does Morpheus8 Hurt?
This is a loaded question since pain thresholds are different for every individual. The short answer is yes, it does hurt. However, it doesn’t hurt everywhere. It is painless in some areas and painful in others. It’s most painful around bony areas. However, it is not comparable to childbirth or anything else excruciating. I would compare it to a tattoo. It’s more annoying than painful most times, but yes, some spots might make your eyes water. I did not have laughing gas or a stress ball to curb the pain, and I didn’t need it either. Nevertheless, adrenaline did kick in and I got cold. Hence, the reason I say to bring a blanket. It was nice to have a fluffy blanket to keep me cozy during the discomfort.
How Long is the Treatment?
It all depends on what area you are getting treated, but my full face took about 20-30 minutes. It went by very quickly to my pleasant surprise. Once the treatment was done, there was no residual needle pain.
Immediately after, a cooling cream was put on my skin. My face felt hot as it would if I had been out in the sun a little too long. It didn’t burn badly, it was just hot and tight. Then, a thick layer of Aquaphor was placed on my face. After a few minutes of letting that soak in, a sunblock with SPF 50 was put on top. Moments later, I was allowed to sit up and be on my way.
The future treatments, which are scheduled 3-4 weeks apart from one another. Each treatment will take around the same amount of time.
Two Hours Later
My face calmed down two hours later. The redness started to subside, and there was no pain. I did feel like a had a slight sunburn, but nothing to really complain about.
Day One: The First Night
I washed my face with a dab of Cetaphil, which is a gentle cleanser and patted it dry. After, I applied more Aquaphor.
Also remember:
Make sure your bedding is clean.
Rest when you can.
Sanitize anything used near treatment area. Ex: eyeglasses, cellphones, etc.
Keep the skin clean, hydrated, and protected with SPF 50.
Eat Healthy and drink plenty of water.
Do not have heat exposure for 48 hours (including drying hair, saunas, steam, etc.)
No swimming for 48 hours.
Most importantly, stay out of direct sunlight for at least 3 days.
Day Two
Keep your area clean. That includes washing it with gentle cleanser two to three times a day. Keep applying Aquaphor to keep skin moisturized. Makeup is fine after 24 hours, but if you can go without it, it isn’t a bad idea to keep the pores clean for several days.
Day Three
The skin will begin to purge, so don’t be surprised by any breakouts. Do not pick or pop the area. The skin will clear up after a couple of days.
Day Four
If everything is healing nicely, you can resume your usual skincare routine. My routine includes the following,
Anytime I was outside, I applied my SPF 50 and wore a bag hat to protect my face from the sun.
Day Six
I finally returned to my regular makeup routine. I also only washed my face twice a day, which is my regular routine.
Day Seven
By the time I hit a full week after the procedure, my breakouts had mostly cleared up. I also noticed that I had slight grid marks under my one eye. However, there was no need to panic. I have been reassured that the grid will disappear over time, and my second treatment should improve any appearance.
Is it Worth IT?
So far, only after one treatment, I would have to say that I am happy. I see a difference in certain areas already. I have always been proactive with my skincare. So, I think my results will be great when all is completed. I am back to using retin-A and using red and blue light therapy.
If you are contemplating getting the Morpheus8 and have any questions, feel free to reach out. Celebrity Makeup Artist, Kristina Ruggieo’s BBKR Med Spa is a beautiful place to help you with any of your cosmetic procedure needs. The staff is professional and the best at what they do. Plus, they are constantly having specials. I am so grateful to them for helping me with my medical issue around my eye. It’s been a long road of getting my eye back to health, and thanks to BBKR and Morpheus8, things are looking great (Pun intended)!
Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.
