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Prevention, Tips and Remedy is what you find when you read Tips from Tia. Tia is Radio personality, with tons of answers and tips on Organic Beauty, Health, Life, Home and Sex. TipsfromTia.com; a place where you can trust the tip you're given, and not rely on a dozen different answers. Some Tips are decades old, and all I can say is it may be your grandmother's tip,but with more appeal! Tipsfromtia.com a source you can trust. Remember, looking good; feeling good.
SEX & LIFE

Vital Tips For Mastering a Barge Cruise

By Guest Blogger Marie N.

Vital Tips For Mastering a Barge Cruise

 

People tend to mix river cruises with barge cruises even though they are technically not the same thing. Typically, river cruises can carry more than 100 passengers, whereas barges usually accommodate a few passengers to a couple dozen at most. If this sort of vacationing format attracts you, first you need to know a few vital tips for mastering a barge cruise.

How to pack?

The most important trick to have on your mind when you are packing for a barge cruise is to keep it light. Space available on a barge cruise is rather limited so it is smart to pack items you can use at least several times. If you can, bring only one suitcase filled with clothes and basic amenities.

Try to orient yourself around two colors and choose clothes on a casual side – one elegant outfit is quite enough. Do not forget to bring a raincoat or an umbrella along for the ride and make sure to pack all your toiletries into waterproof bags. Keep all your crucial documentation in one place and do not forget to bring digital copies on a stick in the case something gets lost

Prepare yourself

Considering you will know what regions you will visit on your barge cruise, you can buy all the necessary booklets and study all the landmarks and locations before the trip. If you do not want to spend unnecessary money, you can always opt to research the internet for information. This is very useful as you can use what little free time you will get to the fullest.

Additionally, you should study the itinerary of the cruise once you get it. Once you familiarize yourself with the overall plan of the trip, it will be easy to get comfortable and enjoy your relaxing river-bound cruise. Finally, do not forget to bring along your trusty camera (and a charger) to have a record of all the exciting places and events you will come across along the way

Stay open for new experiences

This barge cruise is all about you, so stay open for new experiences. First and foremost, you need to come hungry. This is an all-inclusive trip so you will spend a lot of time eating absolutely delicious meals made out of fresh produce and pastries. The staff in charge of supplies will venture out to local markets and shops every day to ensure you are eating the best your money can buy.

As expected, you will visit at least one winery along the way. These establishments offer an incredible assortment of these gourmet beverages and do not fret when it comes to tasting everything. Depending on the cruise, you might even get a chance to drive a boat yourself as part of the experience. Additionally, do not forget to pick up a few local phrases and words of the language of the country through which you cruise. In the end, do not forget to leave the boat at every port. There is usually a good reason barge cruise has chosen a particular location as its stop, so unless you are feeling really unwell, do not miss any of them for the world

Know what you can give to the cruise

You have to remember most of these cruises take time and you have to be sure you have enough energy and/or patience to visit some of these regions in such a way. Barge cruises are not for everyone and you have to know what you can give to the cruise, just as you should know what to expect of it in order to have the full experience.

They can last roughly from one week to two weeks so you need to be absolutely certain you have chosen the right region. Most of these cruises sail along the rivers in France, like the very popular Enchante cruise, Italy or Germany. Once you have gone through all the hassle of planning and preparing, boarding and sailing away, it would be unfortunate to realize you need a completely different two days into the trip.

Barge cruise is a quintessential relaxing vacation. Sailing down a river on a slow day with a small group of people is as meditative as experiences can get. If you take into the account the fact you are traveling through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world and there is a treasure trove of surprises waiting for you around every river bank, you will only be able to ask yourself why haven’t you done this sooner.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

6 Ways to Hack into Our Happy Chemicals

By Guest Blogger Mathews M.

6 Ways to Hack into Our Happy Chemicals

 

Have you noticed how you always feel better after certain things, such as a laugh, a hug, a game of basketball, buying a new book, or being immersed in your hobbies? When you feel disappointed or sad in life, these things can always cheer you up, and you can start working again – stress-free and happily.

It’s likely that the thing you do is your happy chemical hack. There are four chemicals in us that are responsible for our happiness – serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin. There are ways that we can cause them to flow intentionally, and get ourselves into a positive state. They have a great impact on our wellbeing, productivity, and motivation.

Serotonin

Serotonin helps eating, digesting, and sleeping. It is considered a natural mood stabilizer and it impacts everything from your motor skills to your emotions. We feel less anxious, calmer, happier, and more focused and emotionally stable when our serotonin levels are normal. Serotonin is the reason behind our mood swings, and depending on whether we have a high or low level of it in us, we feel in a good mood or sad and depressed.

Dopamine

Dopamine is the treat we get after a job well done. This chemical motivates us to take action and gratifies us with a surge of reinforcing pleasure when we achieve our goals. Low levels of dopamine are responsible for our lack of enthusiasm, self-doubt, and procrastination. Instead of allowing your brain to celebrate only when you hit a big goal, break big goals into smaller ones to create a series of little celebrations. This will cause a frequent release of dopamine, and to ensure a consistent dopamine-experience pattern, you need to create a new goal to achieve before you hit the current one. Celebrate with a dinner at your favorite restaurant or a bottle of wine.

Oxytocin

We need oxytocin to build healthy relationships, because it creates intimacy. It is released by mothers during childbirth and breastfeeding, and during orgasm. Often referred to as the “cuddle hormone”, its cultivation is essential for better social interactions and strong bonds. This is why a touch improves the immune system and reduces cardiovascular stress – it raises levels of oxytocin.

Endorphins

The body’s natural painkillers, these morphine-like chemicals trigger positive feelings and help diminish our perception of pain by acting as a sedative and analgesic. They’re released from the brain’s pituitary gland during orgasm, pain, emotional stress, and strenuous exercises, inducing feelings of euphoria or pleasure. If you’ve ever experienced a runner’s high, know that endorphins are to be held responsible for it. Even if the things we love doing are tiring, we don’t feel tired at all while doing them, but get hyped up.

Whenever you feel sad, blue, or depressed, remember that this is how you can trigger your happy chemicals:

  1. Get out in the sun. The production of serotonin can be boosted by sunlight. Whenever you find the time, go out for a walk and soak in the sun.
  2. Happy memories. Whenever you go through a happy memory in your head, you boost the serotonin levels in your brain. Our prefrontal cortex, which controls our emotions and self-reflections, requires serotonin in order to work right.
  3. Get or give a hug. A long hug calms you down, making you feel fuzzy and warm, because oxytocin gets released. It calms down your fear alarm, the amygdala, reducing stress and anxiousness.
  4. Laugh as much as you can. You can get happier by just opening your mouth and letting out a chuckle, or giggling when you think or hear something funny. It’s a healthy way to release emotions, attract people (because it’s an attractive expression), and release endorphins that make you feel less stressed.
  5. Don’t forget to smile. Just like laughing, smiling is a simple thing to do to improve your mood. You feel happier if you smile just like you smile because you feel happier. The face both creates and displays emotions, which means that it’s an equal in the emotional process.
  6. Have some green. Yes, you can boost your dopamine with green tea, but probably not as much as you can with a few puffs of weed. Long-term stress can reduce the production of endocannabinoids (chemicals that affect emotions), which marijuana can restore, stabilizing your mood. Many states in the US have decriminalized it’s use, such as Nevada, Colorado, Ohio, Washington, Massachusetts, New York, and more. So, you can get your favorite strain of medical marijuana in Las Vegas, and have an occasional smoke or a bit of an edible.

In the end, spending time around other people is a simple way of boosting the production of your happy chemicals. Go to a book store or sit in a coffee shop, and just share the same physical space (you don’t even have to talk to them). If there’s someone you can chill and chat with all the better and more beneficial, of course. Oxytocin is released during social interaction, supporting the serotonin system, making us feel good thanks to the benefits of both chemicals.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.

BEAUTY

Chemical Hair Dye Alternatives

Chemical Hair Dye Alternatives

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Our hair is one of the most obvious things about our appearance. It’s often the first thing that people notice, and when we’re having a literal bad hair day, it can sap all of our self-confidence. When we’re having a good hair day, then the opposite is true: we feel on top of the world.

Hair, left to its own devices, doesn’t change much. That’s why millions of people every year choose to color their hair in the hopes of sending their self-confidence into the stratosphere. However, there’s a downside to hair dyeing — actually there’s a few downsides. Hair dye is expensive, tough to maintain, can bring forth dangerous allergic reactions, and contains a number of chemicals many people don’t want to put near their heads.

So if you want to forgo traditional, chemical dyes, what are your choices?

Natural Plant Dyes

Do you want to be a literal natural beauty when it comes to your hair color? There are three plant dyes which are used to change the color of your hair. The one that you pick depends on the color results you want.

Henna

Henna turns hair red, though the exact shade is dependent on your natural color. If you’re a blond, then the color will be very bright and vivid. On brunettes, it’s usually more subtle, though still noticeable. Henna can be done at home, though you’ll need to set aside at least three hours. It’s easy to make a mistake the first time, so do a strand test first to ensure you’re happy with the color and have an idea of what you’re doing. Once on your hair, henna is permanent, and notoriously difficult to dye over. If you choose henna, you’re committing to several years as a redhead, so be sure before you use it!

Indigo

Indigo is a black pigment. It is often used with henna to tone down the brightness of the red of blonde and light brown hair, or by itself if the user wants raven hair. Like henna, it’s tricky and messy to use, but the results are often beautiful.

Cassia

Cassia isn’t really a dye; it’s more of a conditioning treatment. As well as the conditioning benefits, it will also lighten hair — but this will only be noticeable for those who are already blonde or gray. For everyone else, it’s still worth using cassia due to its conditioning and softening ability; just don’t expect platinum hair to result from an application.

Extensions

Extensions are somewhat limited in what they can do for your hair color. If you’re graying at the roots, then they’re not going to be able to help much. However, if you’re just wanting to change hair color to experiment with something different, extensions come into their own. With tape in hair extensions, you can create the oh-so-popular ombre or balayage looks from the comfort of your own home — and without a drop of dye needed to be applied.

Coffee

Coffee has long been used to darken hair and can be very effective. However, unlike the plant dyes, the effect is temporary. This might be a benefit to you, of course; you can go brunette for a weekend then wash back to your normal color by Monday!

The above list should help you to find a way of changing the color of your hair without the need for a stern chemical cocktail of dye. Happy coloring!

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

Dangers That Can Stop Healthy Aging

Dangers That Can Stop Healthy Aging

Aging isn’t optional. It happens us all. There is no stopping the march of time. However, we can ensure that we age in the healthiest way possible, and to do this, you will need to avoid the following dangers. Read on to find out more.

Not eating well

If it’s true, and we really are what we eat, we had better make sure that we are eating well. Especially as we get older, as what we consume can have a major impact on our health and wellbeing in our later years.

In fact, there are quite a few books out there on what to eat to maintain your health into your twilight years. As well as some specific advice on what to do about age-related conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and dementia.

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Some specialists encourage an organic diet as well, as this ensures that unnecessary chemicals entering the body are minimized. As this is something that can speed up DNA degeneration, responsible for disease and illness. So, it is vital to consider carefully what you are consuming to stay healthy as you age.

Not asking for help

The thing is that as we get older, we can also get a little stubborn. That means we might be less inclined to ask for help when we need it. Even if we could really benefit from some advice or support from others.

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One way to get that support and look after health is to review sites like medicalert.systems for options on medical alarms. These are electronic alerts that allow you to notify someone if you are having a health difficulty, even it’s it hard for your to reach the phone. This can really help you minimize the danger of being left alone with no assistance if you do become ill. Something can have a long-term effect on your health if not treated with speed and accuracy. So if stubbornness is getting in your way, remember there is no shame in asking for the help you need.

Not moving your body

A sedentary lifestyle is bad for us and is especially so as we age. Some people refer to this as the: “Use it or lose phenomena.” Meaning if you don’t use your ability to move and exercise, it’s all too easy to get out of shape and lose them altogether. Something that is likely to have a negative effect on your health. Causing things like weight gain, muscle wastage, and even mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

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So that means finding doable ways to involve movement in your everyday life. Don’t stress though, you don’t have to start running Ironmans, or spend hours on an exercise bike every day if you don’t want to. Instead look for activities like the ones at bodybuilding.com that get your blood pumping and the oxygen moving around your body, that you enjoy. This could be taking regular walks or hikes in local beauty spots, or going dancing with your friends. As all of these sorts of activities will ensure that you are moving your body and looking preserving your health in the best way possible.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Ideas For A Smarter, More Functional Home

Ideas For A Smarter, More Functional Home

If you’ve ever wanted your home to pamper you a little more, you’re not alone. There are millions of people all over the world who’d like their homes to work a little harder for them. The good news is that thanks to some rather clever innovations, that world is closer than many people think. Here are some ideas for a smart, more functional home.

All-In-One Toasters

Regular toasters are very limited. They’ll do toast and the odd Poptart, but not much more. Things are very different in the commercial market, however. Companies know that restaurant owners need devices that’ll perform lots of functions, just in case their patrons get fussy. As a result, Cuisinart, the kitchen appliance manufacturer is now making a toaster that’ll do all the usual stuff, plus turn into a convection oven or steam oven all with the flick of a switch. Now you really can cook a leg of lamb in the toaster.

Eco-Dishwashers

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Dishwashers are a major source of water usage in most households. And given how precious freshwater is in some areas, many eco-conscious home owners want to reduce their water usage. Doing the dishes by hand every night to save on water might seem a bit extreme to some, which is why a company called KitchenAid has come up with a dishwasher which recycles water. Though it may sound gross, the company behind the product insists that it’s a hygienic method and that there’s nothing wrong with recycling water if possible. The rinse phase of the previous cycle is kept to wash the grime cycle of the next.

Swivel Home Cameras

Anybody with a family or property to protect needs a smart home alarm system. And with so many models on the market, consumers are spoilt for choice. One of the coolest recent developments in the home market is the introduction of swivel home security cameras which can be controlled from a smartphone app. Homeowners can get panoramic views of both the inside and outside of their homes while they’re away.

Dark Alarm Clocks

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With so many gurus telling us that we should eliminate our smartphones from the bedroom, many people have returned to good old-fashioned alarm clocks to get them up in the morning. But there’s a problem: most alarm clocks have light-up displays.

Although, a company called Tivoli has come up with a smart alarm system that looks like it came right out of the 1960s. It has a dark mode which allows users to sleep without a constant glaring light in the background.

Temperature Control Sheets

Have u ever crawled under the sheets feeling warm and snug, only to find out that a few minutes later that it’s too hot and you need to stick a leg out to cool down? Annoying isn’t it?

Wikimedia Commons

Well, now those times might be coming to an end. A company has developed a duvet using NASA technology which adapts to your body heat. When temperatures are low, the duvet holds on to pockets of warm air, keeping you warm. When it’s too hot, it lets those warm pockets go, replacing them with cooler ones.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.