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  • 2020 Handbag Trends and Black Friday Deals!

    2020 Handbag Trends and Black Friday Deals!

    When you’re out and about, all of your friends ask, “Where did you get that amazing bag!?!”…

    Since most of us have been at home lately, it has been tough to get out there and see the latest trends for yourself. Thankfully we have you covered! Here are our picks on the handbag trends not to miss…

    1. Hobo Bags- Don’t call it a comeback! Even though Hobo bags were VERY popular in the early 2000’s, designers are making bets that these bags will make a comeback in all shapes and sizes.

    2. Chain Decorated Bags: Your favorite shoes have chains on them…why not your handbag or tote? Braided Chains, Statement Design Chains, and even DIY chains are everywhere.

    3. Quilted Textures: Quilted bags have been timeless over the years, and they are back in fashion this year.

    4. Backpacks: When it is finally time to go back into the office or meet a client for coffee, a cute stylish backpack is all you need!

    There is a handbag for every style and every budget…and definitely some serious deals to be found for the savvy shopper!

     

     


  • Review: Top 5 Meal Delivery Services

    Review: Top 5 Meal Delivery Services

    The meal delivery services field is growing, with specialty purveyors focusing on vegan foods, seasonal ingredients, and smoothies. These meals are healthy, tasty, easy to make, and maybe best of all, you don’t have to wait for inspiration to strike and then battle the crowds at the grocery store. With home meal kits, you just go online and browse the latest recipe ideas, and they come straight to your door ready for you to put together. So this leads to the question, which one? We have reviewed the Top 5 Meal Delivery Services.
     

    Purple Carrot

    Purple Carrot runs on plant power. If you don’t eat animal products or are lactose intolerant, you’re in luck. Every single dish from Purple Carrot is not only vegetarian, but vegan, too. But don’t worry, we’re not talking boring grilled veggies here. This box features seasonal produce, herbs, and creative sauces that keep things interesting. Each week, Purple Carrot chefs create a new selection of plant-based dishes like cauliflower l’orange and coffee teriyaki skewers. In addition to being healthy and tasty, Purple Carrot encourages users to appreciate the way that eating plant-based meals instead of ones containing meat is environmentally friendly, cutting down on water use and emissions. In addition to the individual plan serving one to two people there is also a family plan returning that makes two meals for three to four people, and a “performance” plan that ups the protein content of each meal, and is gluten-free.
     

    Blue Apron

    They’re the OG of meal delivery services.  Most of Blue Apron’s recipes are pretty easy, making the company a good choice for beginner cooks.  Instead of spending all night at the grocery store or in the kitchen, Blue Apron delivers pre-measured ingredients for simple recipes straight to your door. Meals start at just $9.99 per serving and you can choose the two-person plan, This comes with two or three meals per week or the family plan which comes with up to four meals per week. Also for those of use that like a nice glass of wine to to compliment this 5 star gourmet dinner you just prepared check out the company’s wine delivery options.

    Blue Apron never fails to take you out of your comfort zone. The most impressive thing was that out of the dozens of meals I made, there were only one or two dinners that I’d never make again. Another perk is that they love condiments as much as I do. Many of the recipes require you to whip up different sauces or au jus for dipping.

    Though there are generally a few choices for your three weekly meals, this isn’t the best option for those with dietary restrictions, as they really only offer a regular and vegetarian option. And even though the meals won’t take forever cook, you’ll still spend a decent amount of time in the kitchen—somewhere in the neighborhood of 45 minutes. If you use cooking as a way to decompress and chill out after a long day, you are in luck. Blue Apron never fails to take you out of your comfort zone. The most impressive thing was that out of the dozens of meals I made, there were only one or two dinners that you would never make again.
     

    Plated

    Plated has easy to follow recipes and is very flexible with customers, but it’s the food that is simply divine. The recipes are crafted by the company’s culinary team and use high quality ingredients that are free of hormones and antibiotics. And while the recipes can be exotic and seductive, you can also just whip up some more standard fare like waldorf chicken salad and spicy crunchy shrimp bowls. You can also add dessert if you really feel like getting carried away.

    Plated is also flexible – the company will allow you skip weeks, switch recipes and cancel anytime. There is a great range of recipes—from an elevated grilled cheese to stuffed roasted squash to pumpkin rigatoni—that reflect the current season. It’s also great they have a two meal a week option. One drawback though – the company doesn’t offer specifically vegan options
     

    Hello Fresh

    What makes Hello Fresh unique is that it offers a vegetarian meal plan for folks who don’t eat meat. The company is also committed to using responsibly-sourced ingredients. To use, first choose from the veggie, classic, or family plans, which all come with two or three recipes per week and start at $7.99 per serving. Still skeptical? Purchase a Hello Fresh Meal Delivery Services in select grocery stores for your first go-around. All the recipes are straight-forward and rarely included unnecessary steps. Plus, the portions are bigger, so we always had leftovers for the next day.

    Sun Basket

    If you’re trying hard to stick to a certain food regimen like Whole 30 or the Paleo Diet, Sun Basket’s meals can help. They only send the cleanest ingredients to their customers. Choose from either a classic plan, which serves two to four people, or a family plan, which feeds four people and starts at $10.99 per serving.
     


  • Type 2 Diabetes: Causes and Symptoms

    Type 2 Diabetes: Causes and Symptoms

    As American lifestyles have changed, occurrences of type 2, or late onset, diabetes have become more common. Today we’ll be looking at some of the most common causes of type 2 diabetes, its symptoms, and treatments that are designed to manage the condition. If you feel as though you may have diabetes, speak to your doctor for a full test.

    Type 2 Diabetes

    What is Type 2 Diabetes?

    Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that refers to the way that your body processes (or doesn’t process) sugar. Diabetes is caused by your body’s own resistance to insulin, a compound meant to help your cells process glucose. Occasionally, the condition occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin on its own.

    While type 2 diabetes was once referred to as “adult-onset” diabetes, this is no longer an accurate description, as children can be diagnosed with the condition as well. This is likely due to changing lifestyles in the developed world, such as the rise in childhood obesity and poor diets among some children and families.

    Symptoms

    Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, unintentional weight loss, slow healing of wounds, blurry vision and frequent infections. If you suffer from some of these symptoms, it could be wise to visit your doctor to do some tests and see if you’re suffering from diabetes.

    Contrast to Type 1

    Type 2 diabetes is contrasted with type 1 diabetes, which is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In type 1 cases, the culprit of the symptoms is the pancreas: the pancreas fails to produce the correct levels of insulin in type 1 patients, due to auto-immune cells destroying important beta cells in the pancreas.

    Type 1 was once known as “juvenile onset” diabetes, but this is also inaccurate. There are currently more adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes than children. Type 1 diabetes, however, is much less common than type 2: only between five and ten percent of all cases of diabetes are type 1.

    Genetics

    The most common factors in the onset of type 2 diabetes are lifestyle and genetic predisposition. One of the biggest things we’ve learned in recent years about type 2 diabetes is that you can inherit a high likelihood of developing the condition from your parents.

    This doesn’t mean that if your mom or dad had type 2 diabetes that you’re guaranteed to develop it, it just means that you’ll be at a higher likelihood of doing so based on your lifestyle. This makes lifestyle incredibly important for people with a genetic predisposition to the disease.

    Diet and Exercise

    From a lifestyle standpoint, the biggest cause of diabetes comes from diet and exercise. A lack of meaningful exercise is often connected to the onset of type 2 diabetes, and people with a genetic predisposition are more likely to develop the condition if they don’t work out often.

    Diet is just as important as exercise, too: people with high-fat, high-sugar diets that are more overweight are more likely to develop diabetes. Notably, diets that are too low in fiber are some of the most common diets among people who develop type 2 diabetes.

    Treatments

    There’s no cure for diabetes. People living with the condition simply have to make a number of lifestyle changes to accommodate their symptoms. For instance, it’s common for sufferers to have insulin pumps to help manage their body’s insulin levels. Monitoring their blood sugar levels is very important, as well.

    Diet and exercise can be important factors in managing the condition, as well. While nothing can fully cure diabetes, being in good physical shape and eating healthy foods make managing diabetes symptoms significantly easier.


  • Best ATV Destinations in America

    Best ATV Destinations in America

    All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) provide a massive amount of enjoyment for people of all ages. Make sure you have insurance before you hit the trail!

    There are some places to take out your quad that are more exciting than others. Fortunately, some of the best ATV destinations are likely right around the corner from where you might live. If you have a free weekend, you can’t miss out on these hot spots.

    Best ATV Destinations:

    Badlands Off Road Park: This Indiana park has sand dunes, mud holes, rocks fields and more. The terrain spreads out for over 800 acres.

    Hatfield-McCoy Trail System: This ATV destination is open year-round. There are 600 miles of trails that are professionally managed. It’s also referred to as “Trail Heaven.”

    Ridge Outdoor Adventure Park: Located in Alabama, this park offers off-road fun for ATVs, motorcycles, OHVs and more. There are 35 miles of trails along with motocross courses and kids’ areas.

    Brimstone Recreation Park: With nearly 20,000 acres of land, the Brimstone Recreation Park offers more than 300 Appalachian trails as ATV destinations.

    Check These ATV Hot Spots off Your Bucket List!

    From serene state parks to rugged rock crawling, the best ATV destinations come in many forms. Answer the call of these popular trails, and you will experience an adventure that will cause jealous stares from your friends for years to come.

     


  • Relieve Back Pain Naturally

    Relieve Back Pain Naturally

    Take a look at these natural pain-relieving strategies and find out what works best for you:

    To relieve back pain, enjoy an anti-inflammatory drink every day. When you consume anti-inflammatory foods regularly, several antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-cancer agents can build up in your blood. Over a period of time, these potent agents can play a significant role in reducing and/or eliminating inflammatory reactions in the body. Here are a few anti-inflammatory drinks to try:

    1. Tumeric Milk
    2. Ginger Green Tea
    3. Tart Cherry Juice

    Prevent stress and fatigue on your spinal joints and muscles by considering:

    • Avoiding excessive sitting
    • Checking your posture
    • Rotating activities
    • Stretch your joints and back through Yoga
    • Meditating
    • Exercising in water
    • Keeping a self-activating heat patch

  • Are You Looking to Sell Your House Now?

    Are You Looking to Sell Your House Now?

    For many Americans, the new realities of working remotely have opened up possibilities for relocation that they had not considered before.  Open House searches are on the rise, and people are figuring out ways to make moves. Our team was curious about where people are moving- here’s what they found.

    On the popular real estate website redfin.com 27% of searchers were looking to move to an area outside of their immediate metro area. In the second quarter of 2020, the most popular places people were looking to move included Phoenix, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Austin and Atlanta.

    Why are people looking to move? Many potential buyers from out of town are now working remotely, so affordable options that include office space, a big backyard, and good weather are now a much higher priority.

    Tech workers are making up a large portion of the new buyer pool. A realtor in Austin was quoted stating that he had buyers from New York, San Francisco and Portland buying homesites in Austin, sometimes site unseen!

    Even areas that have been thought of traditionally as ‘vacation’ towns, or ‘places to retire’ are now also seeing an influx of full time residents with Palm Springs, CA as a perfect example. With nice homes priced between $350k and $600k- it’s no surprise that urban dwellers are ditching their apartments for more space and sunshine.

    Only time will tell if this trend becomes permanent, but one thing is for sure- with the many new realities we all face, considerations about moving are top of mind these days.

     

     

     

     

     


  • Where Should you Retire?

    Where Should you Retire?

    Deciding where you should retire is always a top concern for many seniors. It may be something you start to consider early on in your life. If you don’t plan to live in your current city or state, you may need to start planning early and consider where your hard-earned dollars, and that retirement plan, will last the longest.

    The United States has many great places to call home that are especially nice for senior citizens. Some of the best places to consider:

    Virginia

    In the first place, you should look for the best senior independent living in the great state of Virginia. Virginia has many of the features that you need to live a great life as a retiree. First, it is tax-friendly for all retirees. Since the tax rate, you fall in will greatly determine how long your retirement lasts, this is a good thing. In this state, all Social Security income will not be taxed, along with all earned income less than $12,000. The property tax rate is only 1% and the maximum sales tax is 6%. You can purchase groceries with only 2.5% tax too.

    Virginia also has communities for every level of income. While the average cost of living here is 9.4% above the national average, if you live outside of the cities, you can get a much more affordable rate. There are plenty of nice areas, including Roanoke and Richmond, that is much better to live in without the high price.

    Medical care is very easy to access in this state. Even though Virginia is not as large as many other states, it can boast 89 premier hospitals, making it one of the best places for your medical care. There is an astounding 127 primary care physicians for every 10,000 residents, which is higher than any other state.

    The main drawback is the weather during the winter. Virginia is generally really nice, with the beautiful Appalachian Mountains to enjoy and look at any time, and plenty of great forestry and scenery to help you keep moving and getting stuff done during the day. But thanks to the mountains, the winters can get a little snowy and cold.

    Nebraska

    Nebraska is another place to look when you are considering where you should retire. This state may not be the first one on your list when you start, but it will provide you with a lot of great features. First, it has the affordability you need. Nearly 3000 retirement-aged adults moved to Nebraska in 2017. While this is lower than other states like Florida and Arizona, the cost of living in Nebraska is much lower, making it an appealing choice. While this state doesn’t exempt your Social Security benefits, it does have lower costs in other places, such as lower home prices and lower state tax.

    Nebraska also has some great medical facilities you are sure to enjoy. Residents in this state get some great health care networks, including Nebraska Medicine in the Omaha area and Bryan Health in the Lincoln area. There are many other great hospitals and care centers throughout the states to keep you healthy.

    The weather is pretty mild most of the year in Nebraska. And there is a lot of history to explore along with beautiful trails, nature, and more. The winters can get a little bit colder here and may be severe enough to drive a few seniors away. However, most of the year is nice and the winter storms are nowhere near as bad as some of the locations up north.

    Florida

    Florida is one of the top places to retire for seniors. It has pretty much everything that you would want in your retirement, from no taxes to great weather and some of the best health care systems in the country. The first thing that draws retirees here is the nice weather. Florida has gorgeous weather all year long. While you may have to deal with some rain many days of the year, it doesn’t last for long and then you get the sun back to help you enjoy the day.

    The taxes are also appealing. Florida has low taxes, including no state income tax, no estate tax, and no inheritance tax. This is a big deal when you are retiring and on a fixed income. This helps to stretch your money even further. Florida also has a lower cost of living compared to other states. It is cheaper to get a nice home and get the medical attention that you need, Plus, there are a ton of attractions and things to see and do right in your backyard so traveling is not as expensive.

    Healthcare is also great here. Since so many retirees head south when they are ready to take a break from work, there are plenty of options for finding the right medical professionals for you. There is the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, the Florida Hospital in Orlando, and the Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa so you are sure to find the medical attention you need.

    This state also has a wide range of adult active communities. If you would like to keep busy and meet others, there are a lot of options out there. All of the Active Adult Communities also have services and amenities that are sure to attract your attention. Getting some of the socialization you need and all that good sunshine will help you to stay healthy and happy in retirement.

    Arizona

    If you want a fun place to retire with a lot of great outdoor activities, then Arizona may be the place for you. It has the Grand Canyon along with many other historical locations that will get you up and moving all day long. Learn a little bit of history to keep the mind sharp, while having fun being active at the same time.

    The Weather in Arizona is also amazing. The winter temperatures found in this state are like the summer temperatures found in the southeast, but you won’t have to worry about the humidity. The rainfall will vary based on where you live with up to 30 inches a year in the mountains, but less than three in the dessert. Most cities will enjoy more than 250 days of sun each year so this is perfect if you want something that will keep you happy all year long.

    The taxes are also affordable here, which is important while you are on a fixed income. Arizona does not tax your social security income so that will help stretch your money a little further. In addition, there are no estate taxes, gift taxes, or inheritance taxes and the state tax is nice and low as well.

    Thanks to the great weather and low taxes, many retirees are going to Arizona to help them live a good life. This also means that there are plenty of amazing doctors and hospitals to love too. Medical facilities are found throughout the state, with some of the best in the country found in Pheonix. You are sure to find all the medical attention and the best doctors for all your needs.

    Finding a good place to retire is so important. You have spent a lot of your time saving and preparing so you can enjoy the later years of your life. You want to pick a comfortable place, doesn’t cost too much, has nice weather, will give you plenty to do and has some good medical facilities to help you when you get sick. Virginia, Nebraska, Florida, and Arizona are some of the best places to retire in the United States and are options you should check out while planning your retirement.

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    Review: Medical Alert Systems

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    If you have been looking into buying a medical alert system, our team has put together a quick review on the leading options: How Medical Alert Systems work: Nearly all medical alert systems for seniors have a button that can be pushed if they are experiencing a medical emergency, fall or otherwise. The emergency button […]

    Searching for the Best Hearing Aids?

    Posted: November 16, 2020

    When you can’t hear, it’s miserable. Don’t let that loss dictate your life and lifestyle! Try out some of the top hearing aids and see how new technology can help you get back into the conversation! The 3 Best Brands Accolades Best Overall Best Design Best Connectivity Bluetooth Yes Yes Yes Phone Compatibility Yes Yes […]

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    Best States for Senior Independent Living

    Posted: September 9, 2020

    Thinking about Senior Independent Living? We’ve put together the top 10 best and worst states for retirement and Senior Living. Related Posts    


  • Best States for Senior Independent Living

    Best States for Senior Independent Living

    Thinking about Senior Independent Living? We’ve put together the top 10 best and worst states for retirement and Senior Living.

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    Searching for Medicare Part D?

    Posted: January 24, 2021

    If you rely on Medicare for your health care, you may find that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For those on a fixed income, it can be extremely difficult to afford medication or any additional health care costs not covered by Medicare. If you are currently in a difficult situation where the health care bills are […]

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  • Tips on How to Quit Smoking

    Tips on How to Quit Smoking

    It’s neither controversial nor shocking to say that cigarettes are bad for you. It’s now no secret that smoking can cause heart problems, lung disease, a stroke and cancer. Nearly everyone who smokes is fully aware of the nature of just how bad cigarettes are for your body. Your risk of cancer, lung and heart problems and issues with your kidneys and intestines are all increased by smoking. However some smokers still fail to accept these proven risks and give up cigarettes. People who smoke die an average of 13 to 14 years sooner than nonsmokers. Smoking can also cause sexual and reproductive issues. Pregnant women who smoke risk the health of their unborn child as well. Quitting can be extremely difficult as nicotine and smoking has been proven to be highly addictive. What is the main reason why you want to quit smoking? It is important to establish why you want to quit to stay motivated during what could be a long process.

    Tips on How to Quit Smoking:

    Talk to People About It:You don’t have to go it alone. In fact, if you try to handle this by yourself, you’re likely going to relapse. So, to prevent the likelihood of that, tell people in your life that you’re trying to quit. Talking about things helps to make them feel more real. It’s harder to stay consistent if there’s no one to hold you accountable. Get the people closest to you on board in this process!

    Get Help:Whether it’s medical help or therapy, you should look beyond just moral support of friends and family. Addiction is a serious thing, and it takes some serious work to undo the claws tobacco products have in your central nervous system. Things like nicotine gum, patches and support groups are all excellent steps to combat the issue.

    Eliminate All Traces of Smoking from your Personal Space:This one might seem obvious, but it goes deeper than you think. Start by throwing away or giving away all of your cigarettes, ash trays, lighters and matches. Then, shampoo your carpets, clean your drapes and do everything you can to eliminate the smell. You don’t want that smoke smell welling up and driving your desire to light one up.

    Find Healthy Alternatives:Even if you’d prefer to not use nicotine in your efforts to quit smoking, look for other ways to relax. The biggest draw to smoking is the relaxation that follows a cigarette as nicotine sinks into your system. In order to combat the worst cravings, seek out other relaxing activities. Meditation, yoga, tai chi and hobbies like painting, drawing or making music are all great alternatives. If you can afford it, getting professional massages hits similar mental notes as smoking a cigarette! These activities are good for your mental health as well as your physical health.

    Don’t Give Up: If you slip up and smoke a cigarette after weeks of being smoke-free, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t sweat the small lapses like that, and don’t let them convince you to pick smoking back up. No one is perfect: small mistakes don’t define you. Keep up the good effort and follow the advice in this article. You’re strong enough to quit smoking, so keep at it!


  • What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

    What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

    Rheumatoid arthritis is a commonly-occurring autoimmune disorder that often occurs in older patients. RA is caused by the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues and resulting in inflammation.
    In particular, RA attacks the lining of the joints, resulting in stiffness, soreness and joint pain.

    What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

    Arthritis Overview

    Generally speaking, the term arthritis refers to soreness in the joints. There are two major types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by repetitive motion and wear-and-tear. Generally speaking, osteoarthritis can be predicted by a patient’s life history, such as the type of work they perform.

    Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder and has nothing to do with prior wear and tear. RA can occur in otherwise healthy individuals and cause severe discomfort, joint pain and stiffness.

    Causes

    It’s largely thought that the disease has a genetic component. That’s not to say that the disease spontaneously occurs in patients, though. Typically, something occurs that triggers the disease’s onset. Namely, a few types of viral infection or bacterial diseases, can cause the body to kick on the processes that bring on RA.

    In layman’s terms, RA occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the body’s joints. This causes the lining to thicken, which results in the cartilage and bone within the joint being stressed. Over time, the bone and cartilage will be destroyed, putting stress on the ligaments and tendons that hold the joint together.

    Symptoms

    Common symptoms of RA include joint stiffness, tender and swollen joints and loss of appetite. Other symptoms could include fatigue, fever and damage of other parts of the body as the disease progresses. Joint stiffness in RA patients tends to be stronger in the mornings after sleeping or after periods of inactivity.

    Progression

    Generally speaking, RA first manifests in the smaller joints, such as fingers, wrists, ankles and toes. However, as the disease spreads and progressively becomes worse, it will manifest in the shoulders, knees, elbows and hips.

    RA is what is referred to as a progressive disease. There is no cure for the condition, and it will progress indefinitely until the end of the patient’s life. While treatments exist that can slow the disease’s progress, none of these treatments will completely halt it.

    Treatments

    Common treatments for RA include medications, exercise, dietary changes and physical therapy. Generally speaking, when addressed soon enough, the disease can be slowed dramatically. Physical therapy, when combined with the right diet and medications, can slow the disease by a large margin.