When warmer weather arrives, so do the bugs. Insects like mosquitoes, flies, ticks, leafhoppers, hornworms, and more flock to your garden to infest your flowers and plants. If you’re sitting around the patio enjoying time with family, you don’t want to worry about bugs biting you every other second. The good news is that you can forget about trying to clap insects to their death mid-flight because there are plants that help repel bugs. 

If you don’t want to inhale the fumes of mosquito candles and torches all summer, you can plant a series of plants around your patio, pool, house, and fence to keep out unwanted pests. In addition to causing itchy bites, mosquitos and other pests can damage your gardens, crops and home. Using plants to repel insects is an eco-friendly solution to your problem. Plus, these plants add both beauty and fragrance to your home and garden. Here is a guide to many common plants that repel insects. 

Geraniums

Geraniums are quite common in patio planters, but you can also pot them or plant them in your garden to naturally repel mosquitos. These flowers not only beautify your garden, but they also release a strong fragrance that mosquitos, flies, and beetles despise. That helps you enjoy your patio or garden without worrying about bites or infestation of the fruits and vegetables in your garden. Plant some geraniums around your garden to keep those pests out. 

Mint

Fresh mint is a great plant to have in your garden because you can harvest some of it to use in culinary applications. It’s very easy to grow and has been proven to repel flies, ants, and mosquitos. It emits a wonderful fragrance and helps deter bugs from infesting other nearby plants. Planting mint near your windows or doorways can help keep irritating insects out of your house. 

Citronella

Don’t want to buy citronella candles or citronella-infused oil for tiki torches? Plant the real citronella plant in your garden or pots near your doors to keep the mosquitos out. The plant itself acts as a natural insecticide, repelling a variety of flying insects, including mosquitos. The plant can grow fairly large, so you may have to keep it under control with your garden scissors from time to time. 

Lemongrass

Similar to citronella, lemongrass gives off a powerful aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Lemongrass is tall, grassy, and ornamental, growing up to four feet tall and three feet wide in one season. Not only does the plant do a great job at repelling mosquitos, but it also adds beautiful greenery to your garden or patio. 

Lavender

Before we get into the insects that lavender repels, it is important to note that lavender blossoms can attract bees. If you are allergic to bees, planting lavender near your patio or doorways may not be the best idea. How does lavender repel bugs? It contains linalool, which is a compound that contributes to the plant’s natural aroma. Other plants also contain linalool, but lavender seems to have the highest content and is the most effective at repelling bugs. You can harvest your lavender and hang some bundles around your patio and indoors.

Marigolds

Marigolds add vibrant colors to your garden or patio planters. Ranging from red and orange to yellow, marigolds make the perfect additions to your vegetable garden bed. They help keep tomato hornworms away, so consider planting them next to your tomato plants. Marigolds are very popular summer plants that also deter plant lice, mosquitos, and even rabbits!

Chrysanthemums

The primary reason that insects avoid chrysanthemums is because the flower contains pyrethrin, a neurotoxin that kills insects. Don’t worry about your furry friends because it is safe for animals. According to research, the list of insects that these flowers repel is quite extensive, including  ants, roaches, silverfish, lice, fleas, spider mites, ticks, bedbugs, and harlequin bugs. Plus, the flowers are just stunning to look at!

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It was Frederick Douglas who once famously asked, “What to a slave is the Fourth of July?” To honor the anniversary of the freedom granted to enslaved African Americans, we pose a similar question, “What is significant of Juneteenth to the Black community?” To answer this question, we must first understand what Juneteenth is. 

What Is Juneteenth?

The name is a play on the date of June 19th, 1865, which is a significant date in American history and the African American experience. It was on this day that the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned that they had been freed, which came as the result of the Civil War’s end, and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. General Gordon Granger led the Union Army to Galveston on that day and told all the people of Texas that enslaved African Americans were free. 

If you know your history, then you know the Civil War ended in April of 1865. It took a while for freedom to make its way to the western most rebelling state: Texas. Enslavers were even aware of not only the Emancipation Proclamation, but also the end of the Civil War. You have to understand that border states existed, including Maryland, that still maintained slavery. The Reconstruction Amendments came to be after the end of the Civil War. Those amendments include the 13th Amendment, which finally ended slavery throughout the nation. The 14th Amendment provides citizenship, while the 15th Amendment provides the opportunity to vote and hold office. 

Is Juneteenth More Of A Day Of Remembrance?

It is very like Americans to turn a federal holiday, which usually equates to a day off work for most people, into a party or get together of sorts. For Juneteenth, it depends on what you want. There are many Juneteenth festivities rooted in cookouts and picnics. Black Americans originally celebrated Juneteenth as their true Independence Day, gathering with friends and family, many of whom had been separated. These gatherings were especially meaningful because they were free of restricted measures, which were commonly enforced in Confederate states. 

In 2024, the White House kicked off Juneteenth celebrations with a concert on the South Lawn. It was a mostly festive atmosphere that also celebrated Black Music Month. Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black vice president, danced on stage with Kirk Franklin. As of now, there has been no word of such a celebration or event under President Donald Trump’s second administration. The current administration banned diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives (DEI) in the federal government. That has included removing Black American history content from federal websites. Additionally, Trump officials also discouraged some federal agencies from recognizing other racial heritage celebrations. 

What Public Celebrations Are Taking Place?

If you search online in your area, you will definitely find gatherings that vary in scope and tone. Some celebrations involve carnival rides and games and host a variety of food trucks, arts, crafts, and more. There are also concerts and fashion shows to highlight Black creativity and honor Black Music Month. The National Park Service is also making entry to all sites free on this holiday. 

Does Juneteenth Have Special Decorations Or Foods?

The red, black, and green African Liberation Flag, or Pan-African flag, is commonly displayed at both Black History Month and Juneteenth events. The red represents bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors, black is for Black people, and green symbolizes the richness of the land in Africa. That said, more people tend to use the Juneteenth flag that activist Ben Haith created in 1997. 

Haith founded the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. Similar to the American flag, the Juneteenth flag also uses red, white, and blue colors to indicate that those freed are also Americans. The five-point start in the center of the flag is a tribute to the birthplace of Juneteenth: Texas. A white starry line encircles the central star, and that line represents the spread of freedom. 

As for food, barbecues are very common, but the red-themed foods and beverages have remained constant at celebrations. Red symbolizes both the sacrifice and bloodshed of enslaved ancestors. Depending on where you live, you may see a variety of dishes at the Juneteenth table.

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June is Pride Month, and it’s dedicated to celebrating the work of LGBTQIA+ activists who have changed the world. The gatherings that take place over the course of the month allow LGBTQIA+ individuals to celebrate who they are, and who they are proud to be. By going to Pride events, the community gets to celebrate who they are and who they love. The welcoming and accepting nature of these events relieves any person of fear they might otherwise experience in the world. 

What Is Pride Month?

Dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices, Pride Month celebrates LGBTQIA+ rights and culture. Throughout the month, there are many celebrations that take place, including parades, protests, live theater, memorials, drag performances, and more. Additionally, there are many celebrations of life that commemorate members of the community who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Part of the month is about political activism, while the other part focuses on celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and the victories it has achieved over the years. 

Why Is June Pride Month?

Early in the morning on June 28th, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York’s Greenwich village. Officers started hauling patrons outside and tensions escalated quickly. Patrons resisted arrest and a large crowd of bystanders began throwing coins, bottles, and other things at the officers. Fed up by the harassment by authorities, New York’s gay community broke out in neighborhood riots that lasted three days. 

The uprising served as somewhat of a catalyst for an emerging gay rights movement. For example, the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance formed after the historic event. These organizations modeled themselves after the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Members of the organizations held protests, met with political leaders, and interrupted public meetings to hold leaders accountable. One year after the Stonewall riots, the nation’s first Gay Pride marches took place. 

What does LGBTQIA+ Stand For?

LGBTQIA+ is an inclusive term that includes people of all genders and sexualities. The acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, and allies. Each letter may stand for a specific group of people, but the term encompasses the entire spectrum of gender fluidity and sexual identities. Queer is an umbrella term for non-straight people, while intersex refers to those whose sex does not have a clear definition because of hormonal, genetic, or biological differences. 

Where Did Pride Come From?

According to historical accounts, many people credit Brenda Howard as being the “Mother of Pride.” She organized the first Pride parade to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. 

Where Did the Rainbow Flag Originate?

The rainbow flag, created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, is a commonly used symbol of LGBTQIA+ ride. Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., commissioned Baker to make a flag for the city’s upcoming Pride celebrations. Baker, a prominent gay rights activist, used the stripes on the American flag as inspiration, but used the rainbow to include the many groups within the gay community. Many people don’t know that each color of the flag has its own meaning. Red symbolizes life, orange is healing, yellow is sunshine, green is nature, blue is harmony, and purple is spirit. The original eight-color flag included hot pink and turquoise. The former represented sex, while the latter represented magic and art. 

Pride events welcome allies from outside the LGBTQIA+ community. There are many opportunities to show support, observe, listen, and learn more about Pride during the month of June. See what your community has to offer via social media, news outlets, and more. Happy Pride Month!

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Whether you live in a six-bedroom house or studio apartment, you understand that a home can get dirty in a matter of days. In fact, it’s impressive how quickly dust, stains, or general grime starts to accumulate. It’s up to you to take action and keep the home clean. So what do you do? You go straight for the high-touch surfaces and make sure that they pristine. That is an excellent start, but there are so many neglected areas of the home that require cleaning. 

Spring cleaning has become a trendy movement, and people tend to go into somewhat of a frenzy. Some people decide that a furniture move is important or that getting rid of junk is the primary goal. Others seem to do a general once-over of the counters, fridge, floors, and carpets. This is wonderful, but spring cleaning is the perfect time to address those areas of the home that often go unnoticed. We are talking about every nook and cranny in the home. That means under the couch, the backsplash behind the stove, and the other parts of the home in this article. 

Remember, good health starts with a clean home. Start the spring season on a healthy note by including the following neglected areas in your cleaning routine. 

Base Of Toilets

When is the last time you cleaned the base of your toilet? Chances are that you neglect the base when you clean the seat and the bowl. If you don’t clean it, urine can accumulate, especially in a home with children. Leaving urine at the base of the toilet can harbor germs, while the moisture can increase the risk of mold, which can cause respiratory problems. Use an antibacterial cleaning agent to scrub the base of the toilet so that the porcelain sparkles.

Under The Couch

Unless you have a robot vacuum, chances are that you aren’t cleaning under the couch. Even the robot doesn’t get every square inch under there! Spring is here, which means that you need to move the couch, bed, or other furniture item and get in there. You may need a vacuum and a mop to complete the task. It’s not the most difficult thing to do, but it can be annoying. Get those spots clean once and for all, but don’t continue to neglect them from now on. 

Rugs

Area rugs can accumulate a lot of dirt, dust, and more, especially if they are in high-traffic areas. If you have pets, their hair doesn’t come off with each vacuuming session either. For small rugs that are machine washable, read the directions and toss them in the washer. For larger rugs, you may need a separate piece of machinery or plan of attack to deep clean them. Check the material of the rug and research how to wash it before you just go for it. The last thing you want to do is ruin a rug and have to buy a new one.

Windowsills

It’s common to see dust on windowsills, but mold can easily grow in these areas. Unfortunately, many homeowners or renters don’t consider this when it comes to cleaning. Mold spores are very small, discolored areas on the windowsills. If you don’t regularly clean them, it’s possible to damage your windows and indoor air quality. People with mold allergies or respiratory conditions have a higher risk of experiencing symptoms in regards to mold accumulation. It’s best to clean mold and condensation from windowsills with bleach diluted with water. Be sure to wear protective gloves and a mask. 

The Curtains

Sure, curtains help to keep out the sunlight and the rest of the world from looking in, but they are dust traps. You could make the argument that a curtain’s sole purpose is to collect dust. Most people don’t realize how dusty they are until they give them a quick shake and see the dust linger in the sunlight. Depending on the type of curtains you have, you may want to have a professional do the job. Some curtains, however, are machine washable and you can clean them yourself. 

HVAC Filters

If you have central ventilation, heating, or an air-conditioning system in your home, you should change the filter regularly. Most filters should be changed every three months, so be sure to check if you are overdue. Filters work to catch particles that affect indoor air quality, including animal allergens, mold spores, and pollen. If you don’t change your filters, they can fill up and become less effective. 

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Get those harsh chemicals out of your home with a natural alternative to a classic toilet bowl gel cleaner. This homemade scrub is nearly as effective as store bought cleaners and it doesn’t plague your home with harsh chemicals. Made with borax and baking soda, this scrub may help you remove stains from a dirty toilet bowl. 

Cleaning a toilet is not necessarily the first thing on everyone’s to-do list. In fact, nobody wants to do it, but nobody wants to look into a stained porcelain bowl either. You want to keep that porcelain looking polished and as good as new. Many chemical cleaning products promise that they can keep your bowl looking as sparkly as ever, but seldom do they do the trick. The difference between those products and the DIY toilet bowl cleaner in this article lies in the ingredients. 

Borax

Borax, not to be confused with boric acid, is composed of oxygen, sodium, and boron. It is commonly used as a cleaner, mildew remover, flame retardant, and handful of other things. Because borax has a 9.5 pH, it is alkaline and forms a basic solution when combined with water. A basic solution has an easier time breaking down acidic, fatty, and oily substances. For example, borax can loosen the accumulated grime in a toilet bowl, but just know that it does not disinfect. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda has a lot of uses, both in and out of the kitchen. Due to its mildly abrasive nature, baking soda has an innate ability to clean and remove stains. Baking soda reacts with the grease in stains to form glycerol, a common ingredient in soaps. When you mix baking soda with vinegar, it creates carbonic acid, which is a weak base that boosts vinegar’s corrosive nature. Additionally, baking soda is a weak alkali, meaning it can neutralize acids in odor molecules, which can help eliminate strong smells. 

Castile Soap

The genius of castile soap is the fact that it is equally gentle and powerful at the same time. Created from saponified oils with moisturizing properties, castile oil is commonly used as a gentle, natural soap for the skin. That said, it is capable of fighting tough stains. In fact, you can use castile soap to clean just about anything. Just do not mix castile soap with acidic ingredients, such as vinegar, or else it may leave behind a sticky film on the surface you’re cleaning. 

DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 2 cups distilled water 
• 1/2 cup borax
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 cup castile soap
• 25 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl and still until the borax and baking soda are dissolved. 
• Pour the mixture into a squirt bottle and use when ready. 
• Make sure to shake well before each use. Spray a generous amount of the cleaning solution on the toilet bowl and use a scrub brush to clean. Let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing.

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What smells do you think of when you think of fall? Pumpkin spice, naturally! You are most likely thinking of the spices in pumpkin spice mix, which include cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, among a few others. You probably think of warm apples and maple leaves as well. The simmer pot recipe in this article ties in all of those scents to make your home smell like a cozy, fall evening. 

What Is A Simmer Pot?

Simply put, a simmer pot is an assortment of ingredients that you combine together in water inside a large pot over medium-low heat to simmer for several hours. While the pot is simmering, the ingredients release a concentrated aroma into the air, filling your house with good smells. You know how a pot of soup can fill the home with a tasty aroma? Well, the same thing happens with a simmer pot. It’s a much healthier version of an air freshener spray or plug-in, many of which contain harmful chemicals. 

Scent is integral to setting the ambiance and creating a specific mood. An interior designer makes sure to decorate well and set lighting to establish the right feel and atmosphere, right? Well, you can set the fall mood in your home by filling it with the aroma from a fall simmer pot. 

Why You’ll Love This Simmer Pot

If you visit home stores, or almost any store for that matter, during the holidays, you probably see a lot of holiday-themed candles. Sugar cookie delight, apple cider, and cinnamon pine cones are all popular candle scents. Although candles are great, there is something more homey about creating your own scent with natural ingredients. Plus, you know that the simmer pot will not release any harsh chemicals or faux fragrances into the air. 

What you will smell is a delightfully warm scent that lasts for a couple days. You can warm this simmer pot recipe for one day and wake up still smelling that intoxicating fall scent the following day. 

How To Make A Simmer Pot

The good news about simmer pots is that you can be very creative with your ingredient blends. If you enjoy more cloves than cinnamon sticks, use more of them! Having control over the amount of each ingredient allows you to have certain scents be more dominant than others. Alternatively, you can keep an even measurement for ingredients to create a uniquely cohesive and balanced simmer pot aroma. The exact measurements we used, including instructions, are detailed below. 

DIY Fall Simmer Pot

Ingredients:

• 1/2 orange, thinly sliced
• 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 star anise
• 9 whole cloves
• 1 sprig rosemary

Instructions:

• Fill a medium-sized pot halfway with water and place it over medium heat. 
• Add the ingredients to the pot once the water starts to warm up. Stir in the ingredients and bring the liquid to a simmer (about five to 10 minutes).
• Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for at least two hours. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if it starts to get too low. 
• Remove from heat and leave uncovered for hours to let the aroma fill your home.

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Heat waves and record high temperatures present one primary challenge for people: how is it possible to stay cool? This proves more difficult if there is no air conditioning. To avoid rolling blackouts, some cities or counties advise people with air conditioning units to use more eco-friendly temperatures. That’s fine and great, but not everyone has functioning AC, or some people want to simply save energy and money by avoiding AC usage. 

With record high temperatures of 105-115º F, it’s very easy to feel uncomfortable all the time. Not to mention, going outside seems like an impossible task. The heat from the cement seems to warm your feet through the soles of your shoes. Opening windows may not even let in a refreshing breeze. Occasionally, in fact, it may feel more like opening an oven door, depending on where you live. 

To help people beat the summer heat without air conditioning, use the following tips and tricks. You may find that hot and sticky summer days and nights become more bearable, refreshing even. Let us know if they work for you in the comments below. 

Cold Compresses Keep You Cool

If the heat is getting to you, apply a few cold compresses or ice packs to key areas on the body. When you feel overheated, apply ice packs to the back of the neck, lower back, and wrists. Do not apply ice packs or ice directly to the skin, as it can result in ice burn. Place a thin layer of cloth between the cold and your skin, preferably an old shirt or something of that nature. It’s also beneficial to take a cold shower to cool down, especially before bed. 

Keep The Blinds Down And Curtains Shut

The darker you keep your house or apartment, the cooler it will stay when it’s hot outside. It’s wonderful and healthy to let natural light in your home, but reconsider that when it’s blazing hot outside. Heat can linger at night if you let sun rays in during the day. When it gets cooler at night, your home will cool off much more quickly than if it was light all day inside the house. 

Get Creative With Fans

Fans don’t just blow air around, and if you think that’s all they do, prepare to have your mind blown. If you have a box fan, face it out against an open window so that it pushes out hot air that’s in the house. You can also adjust ceiling fans to have the blades spin counterclockwise, which helps draw hot air in an upwards motion. Position fans in a specific way to create more of a cross-breeze in your home. Set up multiple fans around the room, with one by an open window, to create optimal airflow. 

Old School Tip: Place a tray of ice cubes in front of your fan and face it in your direction. The fan will provide a chilled breeze by picking up the cold that emanates from the ice. 

Always Have Water With You

When it’s hot outside the body sweats at a rapid rate, which puts the body at a higher risk of experiencing dehydration. The body loses not only water via sweat, but also essential electrolytes. To counteract the water loss, make sure to always replenish with cold water. Regular water intake helps to counteract dehydration and heatstroke or heat exhaustion. If you feel thirsty then you are already in a mild state of dehydration. Get ahead of dehydration by drinking water before you feel thirsty.

Avoid The Meat Sweats

During summer, it’s common to grill large amounts of meat and eat until you can no longer move. Instead of heavy, meat-centric dinners, opt for smaller dinners that are easier to digest. When you ingest a lot of meat, it takes a toll on the body, making it work harder to break down the food. Swap out a large steak for a plate of whole grains, vegetables and legumes. Additionally, don’t eat two to three hours before you go to bed because eating late can make you feel hot or sweaty when trying to go to sleep. 

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Baking is a relaxing experience for many people. There is an enjoyment to the precision required to make a perfectly fluffy cake, chewy gooey cookies, or airy loaf of bread. Everything is wonderful until it comes time to clean the pan or tray in which you baked your goods. The cleanup process usually involves a lot of soaking and scrubbing. We can say for a fact that nobody likes that part. 

What do you do to minimize the dishes you have to do? If you are like most, you either use aluminum foil (not the healthiest choice) or silicone trays or mats. You can use silicone bakeware to easily remove gummy items, lotion bars, household staples, or cupcakes and muffins. The use of silicone molds may spark this question: Is it safe? Well, that truly depends, but we aim to answer it in this article.

What Is Silicone?

Before we get into cooking with silicone, it’s integral to understand the difference between silicon, silica, and silicone. Although these substances are related, they are not the same. Here’s a quick overview:

• Silicon: This is a natural element, meaning it cannot break down into smaller particles without splitting atoms. After oxygen, silicon is the second most abundant particle on the earth. It is used in many industries, including solar energy, construction, and electronics. Silicon Valley, anyone?
• Silica: This compound is made of silicon and oxygen. Silica is a primary component of the Earth’s crust and is naturally occurring in nature. It shows up in ceramics, abrasives, and glass manufacturing. You can also find silica in the human body, with some research indicating potential health benefits. 
• Silicone: You can create silicone, a synthetic polymer, by adding carbon or oxygen to silicon. It exists as a liquid, gel, or solid and is commonly used in the medical field. It exists in medical devices, including pacemakers, joint replacements, and implants. It is considered safe for these uses, and is very common in cooking utensils and bakeware. 

Is Cooking With Silicone Safe?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade silicone is safe and approved for use in a variety of kitchen products. Food-grade silicone has been tested and certified by the FDA to be safe for contact with food. Food-grade silicone is a popular material for kitchenware. It is made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is a synthetic polymer. It has a superior ability to withstand heat, it is non-stick, and it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Popular silicone bakeware items include cupcake liners, food storage containers, ice cube trays, baking molds, and reusable straws.

Benefits Of Silicone Bakeware

Silicone bakeware items are sturdy, convenient, and last a lot longer when made with silicone rubber. These molds can go straight from the oven to the freezer, or vice versa, without affecting their integrity. They have a higher resistance to high heat and are safe for human health, even after extensive use. Continue reading for more benefits. 

Easy-to-Clean

Silicone bake mats, molds, and other products are usually easy to clean. They are highly flexible, which makes it easy to get things in and out of them, allowing for easier cleanup. Silicone bakeware tends to be dishwasher-safe, but you can easily wash the items by hand. It has a smooth surface and tends to resist stains, so it won’t retain odors. 

Non-Stick

Silicone bakeware is usually more non-stick than traditional bakeware. That is highly convenient for muffin cups and cake pans. The natural non-stick properties mean that you don’t need to oil or grease before use, although a little oil never hurts. By not using excess grease or oil, you can reduce the amount of added fats in baking. 

Reusable

It is very easy to use parchment paper or aluminum foil when baking, especially if you are trying to save yourself excess cleaning. Silicone is very durable and can withstand repeated use. It is also resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. People tend to choose silicone for these reasons, as it is a more eco-friendly alternative to foil, cupcake liners, and more.

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Before the New Year begins, people do their best to get their ducks in a row to achieve resolutions. The easy part is saying that you will do whatever your resolution is. Once the first couple weeks of the New Year pass, motivation begins to dwindle. Exercising every day turns into exercising a couple times per week. Reading every night gets replaced by your favorite TV shows before bed. Eventually, you abandon the resolution altogether, leaving you heavy with the feeling of failure. 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-loathing when you don’t achieve your goals. If your plan to save money or lose weight doesn’t work out, your self-esteem can take a big hit. Failure is an inevitable part of life and nobody is perfect, so there’s no reason to beat yourself up for abandoning resolutions. More often than not, the people who embrace failure often generate more motivation to succeed. 

Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail?

Do you want the complete, honest truth? Let us first tell you that resolutions are problematic, primarily because they aspirational. This means that people think that setting these goals will change who they are, but the authentic self can never be silenced. So how do you maintain commitment to your resolutions when they are the farthest things from what you know to be true? Resolutions are often so grandiose that they are not easy to commit to, causing self-doubt and eventual failure. That’s why it’s better to set intentions and break resolutions up into smaller, more manageable goals. 

If you recently gave up on your New Year’s resolution and feel down in the dumps, the following tips will help you get back on the horse. It’s never too late to bounce back and focus on strategy and success!

Reframe Your Failure

It’s easy to look at your failure through a negative lens, but failing at a resolution is not a poor reflection of your character. It’s best to analyze failure so that you can learn from it, improve, and ultimately try again. Through failure, you can see where you thrive and where your weaknesses are. Plus, you build up resilience when you emerge from the ashes of your failure to try again. 

Acknowledge Your Strengths And Weaknesses

When you fail at anything, the hardest thing to do is to see where you succeeded. You failed at achieving your goal, so you naturally point out weaknesses, but it’s constructive to analyze your strengths as well. In fact, when you examine both your weaknesses and your strengths, you can correct yourself for the future and invite change into your life. 

Keep Time On Your Side

The wheels can easily come off the resolution wagon, and one of the most common causes is poor time management. If getting fit is your goal, you have to plan out daily workouts and make them work with your schedule. Rather than stressing out beyond control, you abandon your workouts to focus on making breakfast for the kids, working on freelance projects, or whatever else demands your attention. Time management, in and of itself, is a great resolution to have, but you don’t have to wait for the New Year to practice time management. When you figure out how to make space for your resolution, you’ll have greater success. 

Applaud Your Efforts

You may not think that you deserve a pat on the back, but you did put some effort into your resolution. That’s worth something! Don’t deny yourself a little self-appreciation. Your efforts have merit and are worth celebrating. If you want to succeed with future resolutions, you have to be able to encourage yourself, even if you don’t hit your goals all the time. 

Set Yourself Up For Success

When you don’t see a resolution through, it’s easy to see that your goals may have been out of reach from the start. That shouldn’t stop you from trying again, though. When you come back for round two, be sure to evaluate your past processes to implement change for your future goals. Plan your route, so to speak, and expect a couple twists and turns along the way. The reality is that the road to accomplishing your goals is not smooth and flat. Realistic expectations will allow you to invest more time and effort into your journey. Be aware of the setbacks, acknowledge them when they arise, and keep moving forward. 

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Winter can seem like a very romantic time because something about cozying up seems romantic. There are various activities that seem to exclude single people, and there’s no fun in seeing everyone couple up. You don’t have to let couples enjoy an entire season while you sit it out and let your emotions get the better of you.

Regardless of your relationship status, you should always date yourself. That can mean different things for different people, but the general gist is enjoying alone time and treating yourself right. You don’t need to rely on anyone else during this alone time, which can often help relieve stress. There’s nothing like the winter season to start dating yourself. Continue reading to learn where to begin.

Go Ice Skating

As a quick note: don’t go ice skating on a questionable lake by yourself in the middle of nowhere. Ice skating at a holiday rink or on a public frozen pond can seem like a winter date idea, but it isn’t just an activity for couples. Going alone can be just as fun and you don’t have to worry about your skill level, so there is less pressure to “be good.” No need to impress anyone, so bundle up and head to the skating rink, get out on the ice, get in some exercise, and enjoy a hot beverage when you’re done. 

Take Yourself To A Show

You don’t have to spend your night in the house just because it’s cold outside. You can enjoy a night indoors and leave your house, too! Take yourself to a concert, show, comedy show, or movie. You can enjoy it with a friend or date, but there are many perks to attending shows alone. You don’t have to worry about abandoning anyone or worrying whether the person is enjoying it or not.

Teach Yourself Something New

One of the best ways to occupy your time and engage your brain is to learn something new. Consider learning a new language with an app or sign up for a drawing or pottery class. You can also take the time to learn a new instrument. There are so many informational tutorials for beginners and experts alike. You can teach yourself via these online videos or courses. The great thing about learning a new skill is that you might learn something new about yourself in the process!

Have A Nostalgia Night

Do you remember the days of living room forts and staying up all night watching TV or playing games? Adulthood doesn’t mean that you have to give up on those nights! Keep your memories alive and make new ones by building a cozy adult fort with pillows and blankets. Spend the night revisiting old TV shows and movies you love. If you have a record player and vinyl records, have a night where you enjoy a glass or two of wine and just listen to your favorite records from front to back. Make some snacks or go out and buy a few favorites from your youth. The possibilities on a nostalgia night are endless!

Cook A Fancy Dinner

This doesn’t just have to be a wintertime activity because you deserve a fancy dinner whenever you want one. Most fancy dinners are labor intensive, so you may not want to go through the effort all the time. That said, consider taking yourself out to dinner if you don’t have the right ingredients or culinary tools on hand. Preparing a quality meal from scratch, while it requires time, often delivers a great sense of accomplishment. Not only will you feel proud of yourself for pulling the dish off, but you’ll also make your taste buds happy.

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The post 5 Solo Activities To Enjoy During The Winter appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.