Home Hacks

Home Remedies For Sore Muscles

February 27, 2019 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

If you’ve got muscles, you need home remedies for sore muscles. And we all do, right? Who hasn’t experienced the soreness and pain after a hard workout, a long day, or a game of Horse? It’s helpful to know what you should do to relieve sore muscles and get back to feeling like yourself. Check out these handy home remedies for sore muscles!

Home Remedies for Sore Muscles

Most people can easily treat their sore muscle pain by following a simple acronym you’re probably already familiar with: RICE.

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

Rest is pretty self-explanatory. Rest the affected muscle or muscle group to reduce pain and inflammation. While resting, it’s a great time to apply an ice pack, which further reduces the inflammation of a strained muscle. Ice should be cycled rather than used continuously. For example, try icing the muscle for 20 minutes, and then removing the ice for an hour or two. Then ice again for another 20 minutes. Repeat three or four times per day to relieve the pain and soreness.

Compression refers to a compression bandage. Wrap the affected area snugly {but not too tight!} to lightly “compress” the muscle and provide soothing relief and support as it heals. Compression is also helpful to reduce swelling if there is any.

Elevate your feet to reduce inflammation of sore leg muscles. This is also easy to include in your rest period!

More Home Remedies for Sore Muscles

Stretching and massage is another incredibly helpful home remedy for sore muscles. Have you ever seen a foam roller? They are available in a smooth finish, or a knobby finish as pictured above, for varying degrees of self-massage of sore muscles. The knobby surface provides more of a deep tissue massage and is great for penetrating the soft tissue layer of sore muscles. You can buy one by clicking over to Amazon.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are another thing to keep in your arsenal of home remedies for sore muscles. Tylenol is great for pain, and Ibuprofen such as Motrin or Advil is perfect for reducing inflammation. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about which is better for you.

Paint Prophecy: 2019 Exterior Paint Trends to Watch

February 20, 2019 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

Today we’re making a paint prophecy and sharing with you the 2019 exterior paint trends to watch. Paint is a fun and relatively inexpensive way to update your home’s exterior. Whether you paint only the front door, or just the trim, or do an entire change, new exterior paint color adds extra curb appeal. You might even feel like you live in a new house!
What to know about exterior paint

There are lots of colors on the color wheel, and today’s paints can be mixed easily into a myriad of colors, tones and finishes. Basically, if you see it somewhere, it can be mixed for you! The sky is really the limit when it comes to paints. However, when deciding what colors to paint the exterior of your home, keep in mind some important points:

Exterior paint plays a hug role in the first impression of your home. If you plan to sell in the near future, this is definitely something to keep in mind.
Today’s paints are more durable than ever, so you can expect a quality exterior paint to last a good 8 years before you will need to re-paint. Choose a color that you won’t get tired of before then!
The right colors can accentuate the attractive angles and elements of your exterior. An experienced exterior painter is knowledgeable about this.

2019 Exterior Paint Trends

During 2018, neutrals rose to greater heights in exterior paint trends. This rise is set to continue well into 2019. The emphasis on neutrals is mainly those warmer toned colors that help your home feel more a part of its surroundings.

Greige {gray + beige} is the hottest of the 2019 exterior paint trends to watch. It gives your neutrals a little more depth and interest than either a straight gray or plain beige does. It pairs well with most other colors, so don’t be afraid to paint the trim and/or the front door a bold color.

The other most interesting color in 2019 exterior paint trends is none other than pink! Many people are loving the pop of color pink provides on a front door. If the rest of the home is greige, you can totally get away with it, too. Look how amazing this example is! Keep in mind that the pink trend takes into account everything from a bright, hot pink, to a pale, subdued pink. Are you team pink?

Now that you have glanced over a few hundred paint chips, here is what to do with them. https://fauxsho.org/10-ways-to-upcycle-your-paint-chips/

Shocking Microwave Dangers and How to Avoid Them

January 30, 2019 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever wondered if your microwave is possessed by the devil, you aren’t alone. Microwave dangers are real, especially if you don’t understand how to operate your microwave safely. Prevent microwave dangers by knowing what they are and how to avoid them. You just might save yourself some pain and hassle!

Microwave Radiation

Microwaves use electromagnetic radiation–waves of electrical and magnetic energy that move through space together. The form of radiation used in microwave ovens is not the same ionizing radiation that can alter atoms and molecules. For reference, x-rays use the kind of radiation that can alter molecules and atoms.

The non-ionizing radiation of microwave energy is most commonly used in microwave ovens. Microwave energy is able to pass freely through glass, plastic and paper. It is also absorbed by foods. Microwaves absorbed by food are turned to heat, and in turn they heat the food. Food heated by microwave radiation does not become radioactive! Microwave dangers come from other means.

Microwave Dangers

One of the biggest microwave dangers is a result of heating water in a microwave. Heating water in the microwave isn’t inherently dangerous. The water passes from boiling to overheating so quickly that you may not realize the water has passed the boiling point. At that point, any slight disturbance of the water can cause the overheated water to erupt forcefully out of the cup and all over your face and hands. Thus resulting in second-or-third degree burns.

Another microwave danger comes from using glass containers that are not microwave safe. Even some glass containers thought to be microwave-safe aren’t safe if the food or water becomes super-heated. Some glass containers can even burst if super-heated.

How to Avoid Microwave Dangers

The best ways to avoid microwave dangers include the following common sense practices:

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for operating your microwave oven!
Make certain all containers you use in your microwave are labeled “microwave safe.”
Avoid microwave energy–don’t lean up against or stand too close to the microwave when it’s operating.
Rather than heating water in the microwave, use a tea kettle on the stove.
Keep the microwave clean and in good condition. Don’t use it if the door doesn’t close or latch properly.

Your microwave will continue to be a safe, quick and convenient way to heat food if you follow these guidelines to avoid microwave dangers.

For more microwave safety tips, see FDA.gov

Nutrition Plans: Diligent Dinners

January 4, 2019 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

Eating healthy isn’t necessarily easy for a lot of us, but using nutrition plans can help. If you struggle to get a healthy meal on the table, consider a nutrition plan. Nutrition plans convert to diligent dinners that do all but prepare themselves.

Benefits of nutritional plans

I speak from personal experience with nutrition plans. It’s actually one of the best things I’ve ever done. It is true that most nutrition plans may seem a little expensive,however, it also qualifies as the best investment I’ve made in my health! By following a healthy nutrition plan, you can easily experience at least some of the following healthy benefits:

Better health and productivity
Savings on your health and life insurance
A healthier weight
Better mood
Live Longer
Help to manage conditions like diabetes

These healthy benefits are in addition to the benefits of easier meal planning. Depending on the nutrition plan you follow, you may receive a menu plan, recipes, and complete grocery lists. This makes a home cook’s life so much easier!

Nutritional plans

Here is a varied list of nutrition plans that are available, with their pros and cons:

Clean Simple Eats is a macro-based plan that makes good nutrition and macro-counting as easy as 1-2-3! Simply follow the menu plans with the accompanying grocery lists. Every recipe is pre-balanced with 40% carbs, 30% protein, and 30% fat. Clean Simple Eats makes healthy eating easy and delicious!
Consider a menu plan from Six Sisters’ Stuff. They have several different options to choose from, including a standard menu plan, a healthy menu plan, and even a gluten-free menu plan. When you sign up for a Six Sisters’ Stuff menu plan, you receive weekly menu plans that each include 6 main dish recipes, 2 side dish recipes, 1-2 dessert recipes, and a detailed shopping list. All you have to do is shop and cook!
Check out the offerings from Eat at Home Cooks. Membership includes access to four different types of menu plans, including the family-friendly Traditional, Wholesome Traditional, Slow Cooker & Instant Pot meals, and No Sugar/Flour plans. User testimonials say that these meal plans save them both time and money, therefore, why not check it out.

Family meals are about to get easier, more nutritious and definitely delicious!

And, if you want a delicious and nutritious drink, click this link https://fauxsho.org/tangy-apple-cider-vinegar-tonics/

These are a Few of My Favorite Christmas Things

December 5, 2018 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

These are a few of my favorite things

Merry Christmas! There is so much to love about the season. How do you decide what you love enough to include in your décor and celebrations? Today I’m going to show you a few of my favorite Christmas things. Maybe you’ll be inspired to make them your favorite, too!

Poinsettia

One of my favorite Christmas things is the poinsettia plant. There’s just nothing else like those fabulous red leaves. Poinsettia has a long and interesting history. Did you know that it is native to South America? The color was extracted from the leaves to make beautiful textiles. The white sap of the plant is known as laytex. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, fell in love with the plant. It’s from him the plant got its name, and he’s the reason we enjoy it all over today!

Going UP

Another of my favorite Christmas things is a banister decked out in garland. It’s just so pretty and festive! While we’re enjoying a little history lesson, I’ll tell you that Christmas garland originated in Europe, where they were first used to decorate Christmas trees.

Nutcracker

My very favorite Christmas thing is the nutcracker! I collect them, and every year it is so fun to try to find a new and original one. They were first produced and given in Germany. German folklore states they are given to bring good luck to a family and protect the home.

Hygge

Ever heard the word hyyge? It is a Danish and Norwegian word, pronounced “hue-guh.” It is used to denote that feeling of warmth and coziness that we want in our homes during the Christmas season. There’s no better way to bring hyyge into your surroundings than to light a bunch of candles, turn the lights down low, and heat some hot cocoa. Thus candles are one of my favorite Christmas things!

Christmas Books

It wouldn’t be Christmas without reading some classic Christmas stories with the children or grandchildren. Cuddling up with a copy of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve is another favorite of mine.

Brown Paper Packages

“Brown paper packages tied up with string,” isn’t just a song lyric. It’s a charming and favorite way to wrap up those Christmas gifts you’ll be giving away. And I love a cute handmade tag!

That’s just a few of my favorite Christmas things. What are yours?

Here is another article about one of my favorite things https://fauxsho.org/10-dramatic-poinsettia-crafts/. Hard to go wrong with poinsettias.

Dope Gaming Setup Ideas

October 31, 2018 by Katie Jones Leave a Comment

Are you ready to level up on your gaming setup? We’re ready to help you do it with dope gaming setup ideas! If you’re looking for ways to maximize your home gaming experience, then this post is for you. Keep reading!

If you already have a dedicated home theater room, that’s the perfect spot for a dope gaming setup. A 60″ or larger television with Ultra HD and 4k capability gives you the most crystal clear graphics and amazing gaming experience you could want. When it’s time for a movie, lots of HDMI ports makes it easy to switch from your gaming console to a projector or Blue Ray player.

When your home PC has to double as your gaming space, the monitor and desk are going to be the most important parts of the space. Then you will either need to add a set of good speakers, or some nice headphones if the rest of the family doesn’t want to hear your gaming. Monitor size is important for gaming considerations. You’ll want the biggest size you can afford and fit in the space. As far as speakers go, you don’t have to spend a mint for good quality speakers. Check out the Amazon’s Choice Surround Computer Speakers with deep base. They’re a very affordable $19.99!

For the ultimate gaming experience with friends, nothing beats a multiple-player setup. Multiple gaming systems and monitors lets you make gaming competitions easy. And how about a group date gaming night?

Serious gamers should think about a good gaming setup chair. Comfort is pretty important, especially if you’re going to spend a lot of hours sitting in it. So is the ability to shift and move around freely while playing. If your gaming setup doubles as your home office, choose a quality office chair that will work for both purposes. The same goes if your gaming room is also your home theater. There are lots of options out there. Check out what’s available at Amazon!

Once your gaming setup is complete, it’s time to get your game on!