When you hear the phrase “Check on your strong friends”, it’s not even about checking in on us. Many times when you check on your strong friends, they will tell you “I’m okay!” “I’m fine!” Many times we’re not. We just don’t want to sit and share what we are going through because many times we feel like a burden or that our burden or concerns are way too heavy for you. We have trained ourselves to say “I’m okay” and smile.
Being the strong friend…you are the person that everyone comes to when they are sad, anxious, worried, stressed, and depressed. It’s usually the strong friends that needs the most support and gets the least. The strong friend is always expected to have it together, to think positive, to not worry, to not be upset, to not be scared because that is what we always do for other people. At the end of the day, we take on everyone else’s stuff and carry our own by ourselves.
So instead of just checking on your strong friends, how about giving your family and friends some grace when they are going through something and not making them feel like a burden or make them feel like their issues are too heavy for you. If you are overwhelmed with your own issues, that’s okay but offer some guidance or support for them to be able to speak to. That’s so much bigger than checking on your strong friends.
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Makeup is an essential part of our daily routine, and choosing the right products can be overwhelming with the vast variety of brands and options available. To make your makeup shopping easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best makeup products based on customer reviews and expert opinions.
Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation This foundation is a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. It provides buildable coverage with a natural, luminous finish, making it perfect for all skin types.
2. Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Tarte Shape Tape Concealer is a full-coverage concealer that is highly pigmented and easy to blend. It’s perfect for concealing dark circles and blemishes, and it doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines.
3. Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder This powder is a cult favorite among beauty enthusiasts. It sets makeup without adding any additional color or texture, and it helps control shine throughout the day.
4. Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara This mascara provides voluminous lashes without clumping or flaking. The hourglass-shaped brush coats every lash for a dramatic look that lasts all day.
5. Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner This eyeliner has a precise tip that makes it easy to create a perfect winged eyeliner. It’s waterproof and long-wearing, making it perfect for all-day wear.
6. Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette The Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette is a classic for a reason. It features 12 neutral shades that can be used to create a variety of looks, from natural to smokey.
7. Blush: NARS Blush in Orgasm NARS Blush in Orgasm is a universally flattering peachy-pink shade that adds a natural-looking flush to the cheeks. The formula is highly pigmented, long-wearing, and blends easily.
8. Highlighter: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter This highlighter comes in a variety of shades and finishes, from subtle to blinding. The formula is smooth, blendable, and long-wearing, making it perfect for all skin types.
9. Lipstick: MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo This classic red lipstick is a staple in many makeup collections. It has a matte finish that lasts all day, and the blue undertones make teeth look whiter.
10. Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray This setting spray is a must-have for anyone who wants their makeup to last all day. It helps control shine, prevent makeup from fading or melting, and it doesn’t leave any residue on the skin.
These top 10 best makeup products are highly rated and loved by makeup enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, every individual has unique preferences and skin types, so it is important to find products that work for you and your specific needs.
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As one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, Amazon has no shortage of kitchen items for any home cook or chef. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which products are worth purchasing. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the top 10 kitchen items from Amazon that every home cook should consider adding to their collection.
Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot Duo Nova Pressure Cooker is an all-in-one multi-cooker that can replace up to 7 kitchen appliances, including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. It features 14 one-touch smart programs and can cook up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods, making it a must-have for busy home cooks.
2. Cuisinart DLC-2ABC Mini Prep Plus Food Processor
This compact food processor is perfect for small kitchens and can handle a variety of tasks, from chopping vegetables to grinding nuts. Its 3-cup capacity is just the right size for making sauces, dips, and dressings, and it comes with a reversible stainless-steel blade for easy processing.
A cast-iron skillet is a versatile tool in any kitchen, and the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is one of the best on the market. It’s pre-seasoned and can go from stovetop to oven, making it perfect for searing, sautéing, and baking.
A set of mixing bowls is essential for any home cook, and the OXO Good Grips set is a great choice. The bowls have non-slip bottoms and easy-to-read measurement markings, and they nest for easy storage.
The KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer is a classic kitchen tool that can handle a variety of tasks, from mixing dough to whipping cream. It comes with a range of attachments, including a flat beater, dough hook, and wire whisk, and is available in a range of colors to match any kitchen.
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups are a must-have in any kitchen. They’re heat-resistant and can be used in the microwave and dishwasher, and they come in a range of sizes for all your measuring needs.
A good chef’s knife is essential for any home cook, and the Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife is one of the best on the market. It’s affordable, sharp, and comfortable to hold, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced cooks.
A blender is a versatile tool in any kitchen, and the Oster Reverse Crush Counterforms Blender is a great choice for blending smoothies, soups, and more. It has a powerful motor and a unique blade design that pulls ingredients down for thorough blending.
A silicone baking mat is a must-have for any home baker, and the AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat is an affordable and reliable option. It’s non-stick, heat-resistant, and can be used in the oven or microwave.
10. Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
A good baking sheet is essential for any home baker, and the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet is a great choice. It’s made of durable aluminum and has a non-stick surface for easy release.
These top 10 kitchen items from Amazon will help you cook and bake like a pro in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, these tools will make your time in the kitchen
Self-care is the practice of taking care of oneself in order to maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is a crucial aspect of our lives that we often neglect due to our busy schedules and hectic lifestyles. It is important to prioritize self-care as it can improve our quality of life and overall happiness.
Self-care can take many forms, from taking a relaxing bath to going for a walk in nature. It is important to find what works best for you and make it a regular part of your routine. Here are some self-care practices to consider:
Exercise – Regular exercise can help improve your physical and mental well-being. It can also help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Meditation – Taking a few minutes each day to meditate can help calm your mind and reduce stress.
Journaling – Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process your emotions and improve your mental health.
Eating a balanced diet – Eating a healthy and balanced diet can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Getting enough sleep – Getting enough sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Taking breaks – Taking breaks throughout the day can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
Connecting with others – Spending time with loved ones can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Remember, self-care is not selfish. It is necessary for our overall well-being and allows us to be the best version of ourselves for those around us. Make self-care a priority in your life and see the positive impact it can have on your mental and physical health.
Keeping a clean and organized home can be a daunting task, but with the right cleaning hacks, it can be easier and more manageable. In this blog post, we’ll share some effective cleaning hacks that will save you time, money, and energy.
Use vinegar for cleaning: Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean everything from windows and floors to kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. Mix vinegar with water and use it to wipe down surfaces for a natural and effective cleaning solution.
Remove stains with baking soda: Baking soda is a powerful stain remover and can be used to clean carpets, clothing, and upholstery. Simply sprinkle baking soda on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then blot it away with a clean cloth.
Clean your showerhead with vinegar: Fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it over your showerhead with a rubber band, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and run hot water to flush out any remaining debris.
Use dryer sheets for dusting: Dryer sheets are great for removing dust from surfaces and can be used to clean everything from electronics to blinds. Simply wipe the surface with a dryer sheet for a quick and easy clean.
Use a lint roller to clean lampshades: Lampshades can be difficult to clean, but a lint roller can make the process a breeze. Simply roll the lint roller over the lampshade to remove dust and debris.
Clean your microwave with lemon: Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl, and add water. Microwave the bowl for a few minutes until the water boils and the steam cleans the inside of the microwave.
Use newspaper for streak-free windows: Wipe your windows with a crumpled-up piece of newspaper for a streak-free shine. The newspaper acts as a gentle abrasive that helps to remove dirt and grime.
Use coffee filters for cleaning electronics: Coffee filters are a gentle and effective way to clean screens and other electronics. Simply wipe the surface with a coffee filter for a dust-free clean.
Clean your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda: Run an empty cycle with vinegar and baking soda to remove any buildup and deodorize your dishwasher.
Use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach places: A toothbrush is a great tool for cleaning hard-to-reach places like grout, corners, and small crevices. Dip the toothbrush in your cleaning solution and use it to scrub away dirt and grime.
These cleaning hacks are simple, effective, and can save you time and money in the long run. By incorporating these cleaning hacks into your routine, you can keep your home clean and organized without breaking a sweat. Try them out and see how they can make cleaning a more manageable task.
Losing a mother is an incredibly difficult experience that can leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and alone. In 2018, I lost my mom to metastatic breast cancer and in 2022, I lost my mother in law to bone cancer. Both have left a big hole in my heart.
Losing a parent means you’ve joined a club —one you never wanted to be in. No one ever wants to join the “I lost a parent” club. I wasn’t okay at the time, and I still don’t think I am. I probably never will be “okay” again, but that’s alright. It’s okay not to be okay. This is something I will never get over…losing a parent is something that changes you. Nobody will understand what you are going through unless they go through something similar. It’s okay to have angry days, sad days, and even days when you don’t want to see anyone.
Grief is a natural and normal response to loss, but it can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage. Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, a job, or a relationship, it’s important to take care of yourself and seek support as you navigate the grieving process. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips for dealing with grief.
1. Allow yourself to feel your emotions
One of the most important things you can do when dealing with grief is to allow yourself to feel your emotions. This may include sadness, anger, guilt, or a range of other feelings. It’s okay to cry, to express your emotions, and to take the time you need to process your feelings.
2. Reach out for support
Dealing with grief can be a lonely experience, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support. Talking about your feelings and experiences can help you process your grief and feel less isolated.
3. Take care of yourself
Dealing with grief can be emotionally and physically exhausting, so it’s important to take care of yourself during this time. This may include getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and comfort.
4. Create a ritual or memorial
Creating a ritual or memorial can be a meaningful way to honor the person or thing you’ve lost. This may include lighting a candle, planting a tree, or creating a scrapbook or photo album. A ritual or memorial can help you feel a sense of closure and provide a way to remember and honor your loss.
5. Be patient with yourself
Dealing with grief is a process, and it’s important to be patient with yourself as you navigate this journey. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to take things one day at a time. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone’s experience is unique.
Dealing with grief can be a difficult and challenging experience, but there are things you can do to take care of yourself and find healing. By allowing yourself to feel your emotions, reaching out for support, taking care of yourself, creating a ritual or memorial, and being patient with yourself, you can navigate the grieving process and find a way to move forward. Remember that you are not alone, and there is hope for healing and recovery.