Category Archives: Lifestyle

Beauty & Fashion, Blum Lifestyle, Fashion, Lifestyle

Spring Fashion Must-Haves: Get the Look

#SpringStyle #AmazonFashion #BeautyOnAmazon #SpringFashionMustHaves #ShopSpringOnAmazon

Spring is a time of renewal and fresh beginnings. With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time to update your wardrobe and refresh your beauty routine. From floral dresses to lightweight jackets, there are plenty of fashion and beauty options to choose from on Amazon. 

Whether it’s experimenting with a bold lip color or trying out a new trend, spring is the perfect time to have fun with your personal style and beauty routine. With so many options available on Amazon, you can easily find what you’re looking for and incorporate it into your look, giving you a renewed sense of confidence and self-expression. So embrace the spirit of spring, and let your personal style bloom.

Here’s a sample spring outfit that you can easily put together using items available on Amazon:

Outfit Picks

Nemidor® Women’s V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Dress

Buy Nemidor® Women’s V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi Plus Size Bridesmaid Dress and other Clothing at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is elegible for free shipping and free returns.

LONDON FOG Women’s Plus-Size Double Breasted Peacoat with Scarf

Buy LONDON FOG Women’s Plus-Size Double Breasted Peacoat with Scarf and other Wool & Pea Coats at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is elegible for free shipping and free returns.

Ollio Women’s Shoe Gladiator Strap Flat Zori Sandal

Buy Ollio Women’s Shoe Gladiator Strap Flat Zori Sandal and other Flats at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.

veda Tinda Polarized Square Sunglasses Women Men Trendy Retro Polygon Metal Frame With Sunglasses Chain UV400 Protection…

Buy veda Tinda Red Sunglasses For Women and Men Trendy Retro Polygon Red Polarized TAC Lens Metal Frame UV400 Protection Eyeglasses Chain C05S05 and other Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry at Amazon.com. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns.

Wizard Hat Black – Etsy

This Costume Hats & Headpieces item by CravenCrow has 197 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Midlothian, TX. Listed on Feb 5, 2023

This outfit is comfortable, stylish, and versatile. The floral dress is perfect for spring, and the lightweight trench coat will keep you warm on cooler days. The strappy sandals are a stylish and comfortable shoe option, and the sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat will protect you from the sun. This outfit can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and it’s easy to accessorize with jewelry, a bag, or a scarf.

Whether you’re looking for a new beauty product to brighten up your skin or a new outfit to wear on a spring outing, Amazon has a wide range of options to choose from. With the convenience of online shopping and a vast selection of products, you can easily find what you’re looking for and have it delivered right to your door. So why wait? Start shopping today and get ready to enjoy the best of spring fashion and beauty.

Blog, Blum Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Zero-Waste Lifestyle

How to fund your zero waste lifestyle

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I recently moved into my second long-term apartment and made a promise to myself to reduce plastic and waste in general after seeing how much was lost in the pipe bursts in the last place. I have been doing an audit on my belongings and identifying things that are single-use or are not sustainable. Here is what I have learned and have done so far.

In general I have been mastering facebook marketplace. I love that it’s like online thrifting, and involves traveling to new places (to pick the items up). It is also way safer than say craigslist and has a good Free Stuff section. 

In my recent move, I was able to sell a lot of what was heavy and/or that I picked up from the Free Stuff section. I made sure to make it easy for the buyer by offering wire/online payment options such as paypal and venmo: although for smaller amounts venmo is much better! 

For auditing your belongings you would want to look at things that are single-use. For me this was battery operated candles. There were 9 of them in a set I bought off amazon, They also took 2 AA batteries, which meant 18 batteries in total, batteries come in a variety of pack sizes but can also be expensive! I then wondered if amazon had rechargeable candles and they do. While you get three less than the original 9 in a set, I found I didn’t really use all of them in the space. 

Also look at the longevity of an item – the battery operated candles may be OK for short-term use, but are you really going to keep throwing out 18 batteries at a time? If you put the batteries in all at once, there’s a chance that they will all die at once. There are also many articles on pinterest and elsewhere on the internet about home waste audits. Check out my Home Waste Audit board below! 

#zerowaste, #lifestyle, #fund, #facebook, #marketplace, #reducereuserecycle

Apothecary, Knowledge Center, Lifestyle, Wellness

Lifestyle: Apothecary – Herbal Remedies You Can Find in the Grocery Store or Your Garden

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Herbal remedies are plants that have a medicinal effect. Herbal remedies have been around for thousands of years. In fact, some evidence suggests that plants were used for medicinal purposes over 60,000 years ago. The earliest written evidence dates back to over 5,000 years ago.

Such herbal remedies have been making a real comeback in recent years. 

Herbal remedies contain powerful chemicals that many pharmaceutical companies and scientists are studying. Many of these plants are either available in the grocery store or can be grown quite easily in a garden. Using these plants in your diet can have a significant effect on your health and overall wellbeing.

These herbal remedies can often be just as effective as pharmaceuticals in the prevention and treatment of disease:

  1. Ginseng. Ginseng is one of the most popular plants in Chinese medicine. The most popular varieties are American ginseng and Asian ginseng. American ginseng is considered to have a greater relaxing effect, while the Asian variety is more stimulating.
    1. Consider these benefits: Ginseng is an excellent antioxidant and reduces inflammation. Ginseng has shown promise for improving brain function and treating erectile dysfunction. It could also lower blood sugar, lower fatigue, and have benefits against cancer.
  2. Garlic. Garlic is readily available and a powerful herbal remedy. Most people enjoy the taste of garlic, bad breath notwithstanding.
    1. Garlic has been shown to significantly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Hypertension responds positively to garlic consumption. In fact, garlic is at least as effective in treating hypertension as some medications.
    1. Garlic also lowers cholesterol levels, may help prevent Alzheimer’s, and could help with the process of removing heavy metals from the body.
  3. Turmeric. Turmeric is used in Ayurvedic medicine and is also a popular spice in Indian food. Turmeric is also readily available in any grocery store. The primary active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin.
    1. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It is as effective as aspirin and ibuprofen in treating inflammation. It is also believed to be beneficial in treating and preventing cancer. Depression, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s are also believed to be helped by the consumption of turmeric.
  4. Ginger. Another very common grocery store item, ginger, is excellent for the treatment of nausea and morning sickness. Ginger can be used as a spice or made into tea. More benefits include:
    1. You can use it to help treat muscle pain and soreness.
    1. Ginger is another excellent anti-inflammatory.
    1. Indigestion, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol can all be reduced by ginger.
  • Valerian root. This might be a little harder to find. In fact, you’ll probably have to grow this one on your own, but it’s worth the effort. This flowering plant has many health benefits.
    • Headaches, insomnia, digestive issues, muscle pain, fatigue, and anxiety can all be helped by valerian root.
  • Chamomile. This daisy-like flower is most commonly consumed in tea form. Chamomile is believed to treat insomnia, reduce cold symptoms, boost immunity, and lower stress levels. Chamomile tea is available at your grocery store.

Herbal remedies can’t replace all pharmaceutical drugs, but they are viable replacements in many situations. Of course, you should still include your doctor in your herbal remedy plans.

Herbal remedies can be very effective and inexpensive. $1 of garlic can easily last a week. If your budget is tight, herbal remedies can be a great way to boost your health without breaking the bank.

Even if you’re in 100% perfect health, herbal remedies can help to keep you healthy. You have nothing to lose. In fact, your food might taste even more delicious while you’re making your body healthier.

Apothecary, Articles, Knowledge Center, Lifestyle, Wellness, Woodnote Lab Notes

Lifestyle: Apothecary – Mugwort

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Generally speaking mugwort grows along streams or river banks in large patches. Mugwort is part of the sage family and is a cousin to sagebrush, which has a similar scent. However, culinary sage is actually in the mint family, which is different than the sage family.

An edible plant, but is used more like an herb than anything else. With it’s distinctive scent, Mugwort is used to flavor meats, and was also commonly used to flavor beer before hops were introduced. In fact it has been a key ingredient in the infamous absinthe. In addition to the culinary uses, it is also medicinal, and is sometimes called the “dream plant”, as it is known for enhancing dreams and is often dried and smoked for this purpose. Mugwort is also antibacterial and anti fungal and is good for topical uses for itching and burning, helps with rashes and poison oak.

Menstrual Cycle Pain

One of the uses of mugwort tea is in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, more commonly known as menstrual cycle cramps. It is also known to stimulate and regulate menstruation and support the body as it changes through menopause.

Toxin Effects

This herbal tea is also linked to cleansing the kidneys, reducing the chances of infection and improving function. it encourages sweating. Further, eliminate toxins from the body through the skin.

Malaria Prevention

Malaria is a contagious very bad disease caused by a parasite that invades human red blood cells, transmitted by mosquitoes. The most effective malaria drug is Artemisinin. It contains a large amount of Artemisinin.

Strengthens The Immune System

The high concentration of vitamin C active antioxidants makes mugwort tea a wonderful choice for boosting the immune system. Vitamin C can stimulate the production of white blood cells, and act as an antioxidant, which can neutralize radicals that cause inflammation and weaken the body’s defenses.

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties

Clinical studies have shown that wormwood tea has an antimicrobial effect. E. coli (a disease that damages the kidneys, intestines, and brain caused by an unhealthy red meat-borne parasite.) and salmonella (it’s a poisonous germ.) protect against various types of bacteria, including.

Sources

PlantsHospital.com

GrowForageCookFerment.com

Activities, Blog, Curacao, Lifestyle, Travel

Activities: Day Passes at an All-Inclusive

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WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO – Since this trip to Curacao was extra special as I was celebrating my 30th birthday and as a solo traveler I also had to budget my time and money. I wanted the ‘unlimited’ drinks experience you can get at an all-inclusive. So Sunday afternoon, I went to the Acoya Hotel where I purchased a $65 dollar night-pass where you can have unlimited food and drinks. I had several drinks, a late lunch at the bar and a dinner at the Lakeside Grill restaurant. I really enjoyed my time at Acoya and definitely would’ve booked my stay there if I had a little bit more money. 

Saturday was my actual birthday and Avila Beach Hotel kindly gave me a beach day pass for that day. I explored the property and spent about 4 hours there before making my way to my dinner reservation.

Acoya Curacao Resort

Greeted by breezy island palms, ACOYA CURACAO Resort, Villas and Spa is an upscale resort nestled in the heart of Curaçao. The apartment styled suites and spacious villas are tranquil, family-friendly retreats with a wide array of amenities and services. Centrally located to Curacao’s most beautiful beaches, famous dive spots and exciting tourist attractions.

 

 

Avila Beach Hotel

The Avila Beach Hotel is a centrally located luxury beachfront resort in Willemstad on Curacao with an authentic soul, two private Beaches and Cultural & Culinary events. It is the oldest operational hotel in Curacao and has received many awards from notorious international travel platforms such as TripAdvisor, Fodor’s Travel and New York Times.

Blog, Entrees, Lifestyle, Recipes, Topwind Diner

Lifestyle: Recipe – Mexican Street Corn and Homemade Tortillas

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Seems like it’s been awhile since I posted a recipe! Sorry about that! I have gotten a lot of new cooking inspiration  lately and been indulging in that. My parents gifted me the Ninja Foodi 4-in-1 Grill for Christmas so I’ve been enjoying grilled food in my apartment! Once I have a worthy recipe to post I will. I’ve mostly been enjoying burgers and salmon. Today I have a meal combo I couldn’t resist posting about. I adapted thestayathomechef’s Mexican Street Corn soup, thickened it up and put it on homemade tortillas!

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small white onion chopped
  • 1 jalapeno minced
  • 5 cloves garlic crushed
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 6 cups frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream half and half, or milk
  • 1 cup freshly chopped cilantro

Toppings:

  • 1/2 lb bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 jalapeno sliced
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add in the onions and minced jalapeno and sauté for about 5 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook an additional 1 minute.
  • Stir in the flour, cumin, and chili powder and cook 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the chicken stock until smooth and bring to a boil. Add in the corn, sugar, and salt. Once it returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Stir in cream and cilantro. Serve topped with crumbled bacon, cotija, and jalapeno slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 687kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 1797mg | Potassium: 590mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1585IU | Vitamin C: 11.7mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 2.3mg
Blog, Curacao, Lifestyle, Realize, Travel

Realize: Colegio Nechi Pieterz

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WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO – After my snorkeling tour since it was a one-on-one session I had gotten to know the tour guide who told me a bit about his charity work he was doing for a local school after learning that I work in grocery and at a community grocery store in social media. I do not think it’s a coincidence that I met him and my boss loved his story. After raising the initial money for the school to restore it and rebuild the kitchen he is doing a heritage/cultural challenge by kayaking from Amsterdam to Curacao since that is how his family came over to the island. This school is for children from broken, abusive, and toxic families and is working on turning it also into an oasis for them to escape. He wants me to help with the social media promotion part on his challenge so it could lead to a paid gig. But this story/experience certainly fits under the ‘realize’ category of my blog! Below are the pics from a brief tour of the school and meeting the principle. 

Kolegio Nechi Pieters is a Roman Catholic school and comes under the Central Roman Catholic School Board Foundation (RKCS). The school was founded in 1977 and is located in the Buena Vista district. The school was first called “Santa Martha School”. In February 1977 the Roman Catholic School Board changed the name to “Jozef Cornelius Nechi Pieters” or Nechi Pieters. The name chosen for a school is that of a talented teacher who has worked in education for more than 40 years. Besides being a teacher, Nechi is also a gifted painter. The choice of the Roman Catholic School Board to rename the Santa Martha school in Kolegio Nechi Pieters is related to the fact that Nechi Pieters was a good example for children and to keep remembering him as a a good teacher and painter.

 

 

Blog, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Wellness

Personal Wellness at The Stonehedge Hotel Spa

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TYNGSBOROUGH, MA – Continuing my personal wellness series, I did go to a Spa in November however I’ve just been so busy with the holidays that I haven’t had a chance or frankly motivation to post. But now I have and can post a few pics. Honestly I don’t have much to say other than it was a super casual but affordable experience. The food wasn’t really much to rave about and was a bite to eat but in a pinch it worked.

 

Blog, Domestic Travel, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Pioneer Valley, Wellness

Personal Wellness at a Hillside Town Spa

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LEE, MA – I have been on a personal wellness quest and figuring out the best anxiety and pain management for myself. So far I have discovered water or hydrotherapy does wonders for me. During the summer lakeside beaches really are a huge benefit but they are not open year around. I found a place recently that offers holistic baths which are a nice option because hot tub therapies usually require at least two people, which makes it awkward for myself. I was a bit early to my appointment so I explored Lee. A few years ago I visited a cafe that was known for their crepes, ironically called the Starving Artist Cafe but they were unfortunately closed. I took a few photos, so here they are from my experience.

Blog, Cape Cod, Excursions, Exploration, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Travel

Lifestyle: Travel – Herring Cove Beach Provincetown, MA

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PROVINCETOWN, MA – Today my family and I went to Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown. I am on the cape for Labor Day weekend and got lots of fun activities planned. We stopped at the beach to check out the restoration that was done after some damage from a storm awhile ago. These pictures are a reflection of that. They constructed a nice rest area with a concession stand and built up the beach and parking. After that we walked through downtown, ate lunch at Bubala’s, a favorite restaurant of ours. Before heading back I went to Wampum, etc. and purchased a replacement wampum ring finally. I had one a few years ago that broke overtime. Overall a really fun and relaxing day, perfect weather too!

 

Belchertown, Blog, Excursions, Exploration, Lifestyle, Massachusetts, Travel, Wellness

Personal Wellness at a Lakeside Beach

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BELCHERTOWN, MA – I initially got my apartment here because of several things, most I am sure most people wouldn’t have considered. One of these amenities is a public beach not too far (walkable) distance from my apartment. However, I have been here two years and this month it was my first time visiting. While a little small, it was a quiet place to getaway for a little bit. They also had a concession stand and some amenities (bathrooms, and boat launch). Earlier this month I took a few photos and was excited to learn they will remain open throughout September!