ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, QUICKIES

Halloween Party Quick Tip Jack-o-Lanterns. Quickies:

by Tia Cristy

Quickies: Halloween Party Quick Tip Jack-o-Lanterns.
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Jack-o-lanterns look really cool all lit up. If you are having a party and are lighting the lanterns for decor, be sure to have an extinguser close by, whether it is a water pitcher, sand or a fire extinguisher. Loosing track of time with a party to where a candle can burn down and burn the pumpkin, the pumpkin getting knocked over, etc. happens frequently, but catching it quickly, by having fire prevention in place already, can make a huge difference in how your party will go.

Using flame-less candles is a good alternative as well.

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, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Are Celebrity Choices For Weight Loss Right For You?

Are Celebrity Choices For Weight Loss Right For You?

Every day in the media we hear about celebrities gaining weight or losing weight. It isn’t a new fixation, but it does seem to be dominating the media more nowadays. For some people, these stories can feel quite personal. Most of us at one time or another have been worried about our weight. Maybe we gained a little or lost a little. And lots of us have admired a celebrity or two for their fantastic figure. But if you know they achieved that with the help of weight loss programs or surgery, would you be tempted to try it too?

Weight loss, in particular, is a big money making industry. There are so many tried and tested methods for shedding pounds, toning the shape of the body or cutting it to shape under the surgeon’s blade. The trouble is, they seem to work. Some celebrities actively endorse their choice of weight loss. No wonder so many of us are spending so much money trying the diet plans, exercise programs and surgical enhancements they promote.

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The truth is harder to figure out, though. When you consider all the different products out there, it’s difficult to find the right diet pills or workout that will work for you personally. You need to do a lot of research to determine if it is right for your body and your lifestyle. And lifestyle certainly does play its part. If you have a busy life, you may not have time for all the workouts that are suggested in some exercise plans. And healthy cooking plans aren’t helpful when you’re at the office more than you’re at home. 4734121385_0fbaa640f3_z

Flickr is the source of the image

What you need to do is consider just how much in your life you can realistically change. Healthy choices will always be best, and they should yield good results. But if you want to radically alter your body shape, you may need to radically alter how you approach your lifestyle. This can be incredibly hard. And let’s face it – few of us have celebrity money to throw at these things. Personal trainers and expensive surgery are just beyond most of our budgets. 390606540_9c27386ad7_z

Flickr is the source of the image

Some celebrities speak of detoxes. Others speak of boot camp style fitness regimes. If these suit you, then you may be tempted to try them. But it’s important to remember celebrities need to put on a public face. How they really feel about their bodies and the programs they are adopting will be hard to figure out. That’s why you need to consider how you’re going to feel putting yourself through the things they claim to have done.

And what about all those celebrities that claim they are naturally perfectly formed? Are they telling the truth? If they are, what is their secret? Is it all about good luck, good genes, or being good at hiding the truth? At the end of the day, we are all different. And the appearance of our bodies shouldn’t be making us unhappy. Opt for the healthiest approach you can, and love the body you’re in. Take care.

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.

FOR THE GUYS, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

The Top Worst Habits and Ways to Beat Them

The Top Worst Habits and Ways to Beat Them

Are You Guilty Of These Bad Habits? Here’s How To Beat Them!

The problem with us as humans, is that we’re creatures of habit. We all have our little rituals, vices, routines and obsessions. Some of these things are just annoying (for us, and for other people!) but others can be a serious health issue. Some habits can even consume people’s lives and massively affect their happiness. Are you guilty of any of these bad habits? Here’s how to go about putting them right.

Procrastinating

Constantly find yourself wasting time, and avoiding important jobs on your to-do list until the last minute? While some people might argue that they work better under pressure, all this really achieves is causing stress and rushing the task. Whether it’s for a presentation at work, exam revision or something else- getting organised is key. Try setting yourself a schedule and sticking to it. If you’re working to a deadline, split the work up into doable chunks and just do a little at a time. It gives you time to plan, think, and means you don’t need to rush. Rushing leads to sloppiness and that’s when mistakes happen.

Nail Biting

Nail biting can cause pain and infection to the nail beds and fingers, and it’s also incredibly unhygienic. It makes you prone to warts and diseases, and is generally an unpleasant habit that is well worth breaking. Distraction techniques have been shown to be effective, you can also buy products to put on your nails that taste bad as a preventative measure. Nail biting is often a symptom of anxiety, and so addressing the underlying anxiety can help in many cases too. Speaking to your doctor could be a good way to go.

Binge Drinking

Always end up completely trollied on nights out? It’s important to learn your limits, and practice self control. You could decide on a certain number of drinks that you’re going to have through the night, and then alternate them with glasses of water. Asking a friend (preferably a sober one!) to act as the angel on your shoulder can be useful, so they can remind you if you start going off course. If you’re not able drink in moderation, the safest thing would be to stop drinking completely. When you’re blind drunk you’re more at risk of injury (either accidental or from someone else) and are more likely to make poor decisions that could put you at risk. Plus large amounts of alcohol will have a detrimental effect on your body- even if you’re only binge drinking occasionally. You don’t have to be physically dependent on alcohol to have a problem with it. If you find yourself binge drinking at parties or social occasions due to insecurity or other issues, speaking to a professional to get to the route of the problem might help.

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Taking Drugs

Taking drugs isn’t just a bad habit, but in some cases can be a physical addiction too. While legal substances such as alcohol and nicotine can still cause problems, illegal drugs are even worse as they’re unregulated and could contain just about anything. Addressing your lifestyle could be useful here. As with drinking, if you take drugs recreationally at parties due to insecurity then try getting to the route of this. For more serious issues such as drug dependency, the safest method is to detox under medical supervision. This is because the side effects of withdrawal can be so severe, they can even be fatal in some cases. You could speak to your GP or nurse for advice, or in the case of opiate addiction visit a rapid detox clinic.

Smoking

Again, you don’t just have to break the bad habit here but also the physical addiction too. This double whammy is the reason why so many people find it difficult to give up. You could go it alone with sheer willpower, or buy over the counter nicotine products such as patches and chewing gum. Hypnosis has been shown to be effective in some people. You can buy apps for your phone, or CDs to listen to in order to attempt these techniques at home. Alternatively you could visit a qualified hypnosis expert, although you will have to pay for this from your own pocket. Most GP offices will have nurses who can assist and advise you when it comes to quitting smoking too.

Hitting The Snooze Button

If you groan ‘just five more minutes!’ every morning when your alarm goes off, chances are you’re not getting enough sleep. A lack of sleep is incredibly damaging to health, and so if you’re a serial snoozer it’s time to listen up! Getting into a good bedtime routine where you’re going to sleep at the same time each evening is highly beneficial. Avoiding technology for at least an hour or two before bed each night can also help. This is because the light is one of the biggest signals to the brain for waking up. This artificial light from screens will have the same kind of effect.

What are your worst habits? Do you do any of these things?

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

Upgrading Your Home – Where To Invest Your Hard-Earned Cash

Upgrading Your Home – Where To Invest Your Hard-Earned Cash

No matter how long you live in a place, there is always something more that you want to do it. And over time it becomes necessary to make a few upgrades. But home ownership is also expensive. The kind of things that you need to upgrade won’t come cheap. If you’re not looking to sell anytime soon, you might be better off choosing upgrades that make your life more comfortable. It’s not just about adding profit to your place! If you want to invest your hard-earned cash on your home, why not try one of these upgrades?

Heating And Air Conditioning

While we all accept that these services are essential to our homes, not all of us consider upgrading the systems we have. However, it can be a good way to reduce the running cost of your home. Old boilers and dirty air con filters push the cost of electricity and gas higher and higher. And if they haven’t been regularly serviced, you may be risking an expensive repair bill. Have a look at websites like www.rockfordheating.com to see what your options might be. Replacing old heating or air con systems can ensure your family stay safe and healthy.

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Windows And Doors

Over the years, wooden window frames and doors can weaken, warp, and even rot. Nothing lasts forever, so have a close inspection of your windows and doors. They are designed to keep the cold out and to ensure your home and family are secure and safe. If they’re no longer up to the job, it’s time to get them replaced. Modern standards of doors and windows are better and more secure. They may even keep more of the street noise and sun glare out of your home.

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Wiring And Plumbing

Old houses are beautiful and elegant. They are architecturally elegant and help retain a positive memory of ages past. But original wiring and plumbing can be dangerous for you and your family. If you haven’t got the latest electrical systems supporting your modern appliances, you may be risking a fire. Have a look at websites like http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/electrical-issues-in-old-houses.shtml to find out what you can do. Pests over the years can chew and damage old wiring. And some old water pipes can contain harmful metals and contaminants. Make sure your electrical and plumbing systems are up to modern life with a complete replacement.

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Image at Flickr.com

Chimneys And Roofs

It’s not often that we think about the roof. We can’t see it from the inside, and we rarely look up as we approach our own front door. Most roofs have a lifespan of just twenty-five years. Older roofs can start to weather and no longer provide the waterproofing your home needs. If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s worth upgrading your home insulation to prevent heat escaping here.

Have your chimney examined by a professional. If you use it, it should be swept every year. Some chimneys can be structurally damaged by storms. It’s important for safety that this is repaired urgently. A modern replacement may be possible. What will you upgrade in your home this season?

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

Addiction and Recovery: How Do You Know It’s Time To Seek Help?

Addiction and Recovery: How Do You Know It’s Time To Seek Help?

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Addiction is a serious condition. It occurs when someone either ingests a substance or carries out an activity that directly results in personal pleasure. Now, we all engage in activities that create a sense of happiness within ourselves. But addicts don’t know when to call it a day.

Someone is an addict if the pursuit of these pleasures begins to interfere with their day-to-day life. For example, work, family responsibilities, and personal relationships. Now, there is support out there for families like a support group for spouses of sex addicts or Al-Anon for families of alcoholics. But addicts don’t always realize it also becomes a problem when the behaviour is damaging to the individual’s health.

Unfortunately, many addicts don’t even realize how destructive their behaviour is. Both personally and interpersonally. Others will simply be in denial and make excuses for their behaviour. Some are open and honest but don’t have any intentions of altering their lifestyle.

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When To Seek Help

If you are worried that you’re an addict or are concerned on behalf of a partner, relative, or friend, then it’s never too early to seek help. As soon as you notice dependence on physical stimulants or problematic self-conduct, it is time to search for some support and assistance. There are plenty of options. Remember, addiction isn’t necessarily to hard drugs. Common addictions include alcoholism, gambling, smoking, sex, and shopping. Don’t forget that addiction to prescription drugs also occurs. If you feel you are having problems when it comes to dependence on prescribed medication, talk to the GP prescribing it to you. There might be alternative options that will have less of a negative influence on your life.

Where To Seek Help

There are plenty of options when it comes to getting help with your addiction. Your GP will be able to advise you on whether you are an addict or not. However, if you are seeking a specialist, you might like to consider an addiction counselor. An addiction counselor is a professional individual who will listen to your concerns. They will help you in ways specifically tailored to you as an individual. If you find comfort in numbers, you could attend weekly recovery meetings and sessions. You will meet other people in the same situation as yourself. You’ll be able to provide one another with a strong support network. With other people who are in similar situations to you. If you’d rather not tackle the problem face-to-face with other people, then there is a seemingly endless number of helplines that deal with issues surrounding addiction.

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Overcoming Denial

It is often said that the first step on the road to recovery is acceptance. If you are in denial about your addiction, you can’t begin to tackle the real problem. People often can’t be helped unless they want help. You can’t force an adult to seek professional help. Many addicts are embarrassed by themselves and ashamed of their behaviour. But it’s important to acknowledge that addiction isn’t a sign of weakness. It also doesn’t reflect an individual’s morals. You will not be judged for reaching out for a helping hand. Admitting that you need assistance with overcoming your addiction is a brave, strong, and bold move. It’s something to be applauded for, not condemned or shunned.

If you are worried about the effects that addiction may be having on your relationship, you may be worrying about other things that might be negative or damaging between you and your partner. Check out our article on common errors couples often make that lead to separation.

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.

Everyday Tips from Tia