September 2019

How To Have Fun At Home

Lifestyle / By

Once we have the opportunity to have a break, staying at home with your family or calling your friends or even just having time to yourself is enough especially if with frequent travel. There is no place like home as they say and sometimes you will have more rest at your home because you do not spend much money or plan. Some people might say that being at home can get you bored easily, but you just have to know the various activities you can do at home.

Play games

If you have board games hidden away in your closet, why not make use of them? You can invite your friends over for a game night. You can make some snacks and have some fun with them. If you have kids, you can also have these games with them or have your friends with kids join you. It does not even need the board games itself. There are various games that do not require them like Pictionary. 

Movie Marathon

You can either do this by yourself or invite friends or just someone for some company. It is just like having a movie night with snacks and everything, but this one has more challenge especially if you have company. There could be a dare for everyone to not fall asleep or else there will be a consequence or schedule bathroom breaks. The movies you choose could be in a series or themed ones and will be also up to you how many hours will it be. 

Cook and Bake

Learning something new is always good. Even if you are cooking for a long time, you will still learn something like new recipes or trying to mix something to make them better. If you are not into cooking, it is never too late to learn. Even if it is just something simple, it is fulfillment and could be a start for you to make your own meals or even cook for your guests in the future.

Read a Book

If you have a book collection that has been neglected because of busy life, now is the time to catch with them. If do not have one but still has a passion for reading, you can always go to the library and borrow some. If you have time, why not join a book club which offers discounts for books and also a great way to meet people with the same interests as you.

Do DIY Projects

Doing DIY projects or crafting is broad. Meaning, it has different kinds and it could be complicated and more physical like making furniture or simple and light like origami or painting. No matter what, having DIY projects is said to be therapeutic because it focuses your mind on creating and finishing something, so it is a great stress reliever especially if you have a long and stressful week. As said before, it can be simple and light that you do not need to spend a lot, as long as you enjoy it and feel fulfilled.

How To Prepare for a Running Race

Extreme / By

Are you looking for something to do that is beneficial for you? Why not learn something new like taking lessons on arts or learning how to play an instrument. Maybe you are athletic and would like to do something about sports. It could be either learning a new sport or joining competitions. Whatever sport you are interested in, there are surely competitions you can join. If you are in a club, it would be a lot easier for you to find one. 

Running is one of those that always seems to have an event. It could be a marathon or a fun run. No matter what, grab that opportunity. It will be beneficial for you to keep in shape. In addition, some of those events are for charity, so you will be helpful for others too. Running a race is not that simple though. You will need to have preparations for it. 

Have the Best Gear

It is just running, why would you need gear? Do not worry, it does you will not need any equipment, but you would need to have the proper attire for it. You would need the right shoes for it. It will be for supporting your ankle, locking your heel into place, and giving your toes enough room to wiggle around. If you are planning to run long distance, get one that is heavier for added comfort. If you are going for a shorter race, have one that is lighter and easier to run with. Clothing is also an important aspect. It would be wise to invest in good ones. Dri-FIT fabrics are designed for this and better for you to look for those.

Train and Practice

To get ready for anything, you would need to practice and running is not a consideration. By training, you will be able to enhance your ability and condition your body. If you are planning to run long distance, endurance is essential and by training, it will be developed. You would also know what your body needs before, during, and after the race. Have a schedule for your training. Remember to not exhaust yourself because it will affect your performance.

Prepare Mentally

Finishing a race is not just about how your body works, but also how your mind takes it. A positive mentality is one of the keys to success. Remember that it is not always about winning, but finishing it. Do not stress about the race too much but relax and have fun while you are at it. 

Prepare Physically

Your physical needs are not just obtained through training, but also how you will take care of yourself. Make sleep your priority. Be sure to have seven to eight hours of sleep in your course of training. Having enough rest will energize you whereas the lack of it will make you feel groggy and dull. Food intake is also important. Be sure to know about proper diet techniques. Carb intake is important to fuel you. Know what other food you would have to eat and avoid. Hydration is also important especially during training, so have a bottle of water and energy drinks with you always. 

The Benefits of Hiking

Outdoors / By

During winter, it is always important to plan ahead what your activities will be next spring and even for summer. There are a variety of them that you can do whether they involve family and friends or simply you all by yourself. Hiking is one of those activities that is not only fun and fulfilling but has many benefits too – but what exactly are those benefits?

Physical Health

If you are looking for something that will make or maintain your fitness, hiking is a good choice of activity. Hiking is categorized as an aerobic exercise or cardio workout. Because of this, it is beneficial for you if you are looking for an activity that helps with losing weight. Not only that, because it is a cardio workout, it has benefits for maintaining our heart healthy and decreasing cholesterol. It can reduce the risk of heart diseases and stroke. It is also good for lowering your blood pressure and also the risk of type 2 diabetes. It will also improve bone health, which reduces risk for bone disease such as osteoporosis, and strengthening our muscles. It will build strength to glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and also muscles in your hips and legs. Therefore it will strengthen your core and improve your balance. It is also said to reduce risk for cancer at lungs, breast, colon, and endometrial. 

Mental Health

Not only hiking is good for you physically, but it is also beneficial to our mental health. If you are stressed and tired with your work or any other afflictions in your life, hiking will be a great way to destress. It is said that hiking helps with anxiety and tension for it clears our mind. It is also helpful for those who have depression for it boosts our mood. How will it not be? Hiking involves being with nature and it just brings peace to your mind. Studies say that being with nature eases our stress and negative emotions. It will improve on how we will see things because of nature’s simplicity in opposite to the complex world in cities. It is not only for mood and emotions though but also for boosting your brain. It is said when you spend time with nature, you will be more creative even with the problem-solving tasks. Add to that, spending time with your friends and family will surely improve your mood.

Other Benefits

As said before, hiking is a great time to spend time with your friends and family, so it will be helpful for our social lives. It is only not that, you can also join some hiking club from your community and you will be able to meet new people with this. If you have kids, there are also some trails easy enough for them and not only you will be able to bond with them, they will also improve their health and develop confidence. It is also a great way to teach kids, and even yourself, about the beauty of nature. It is a great break for all the technology and gadgets that at times causes us fatigue and focus on something that matters more.

Things That Will Make Your Life Easier

Lifestyle / By

Life is supposed to be simple, but sometimes it would get complicated because of happenings. For example, not enjoying your coffee because it became cold or having problems with your luggage at the airport because it exceeds limits. These are simple problems that can be resolved immediately. You can also definitely avoid in the future by knowing the right things and tools to have. Here are some simple things that you should have for your life to be easier:

Thermo Cup

If you are always on the go and would love to always have a drink on hand, a thermo cup will be a great investment. It does not matter if you want something to remain hot or cold, it can do both. It is also not used for beverages, if you want to want to have soup for lunch or bring it to someone who is sick, you can definitely use a thermo cup for that.

Luggage Scale

If you are one of those who always worry about the weight of your luggage, why not have a luggage scale? There are times that we need to add something in our luggage but not sure if there is still enough room for it to not to be overweight. With a luggage scale, you can easily check on that and will not be worried if your luggage exceeds the maximum anymore.

Portable Smoothie Maker

This is a kind of smoothie maker that you will not need to have an extra cup or tumbler bottle. You can have your smoothie blended and then take it as is. It is also portable, so you can have it everywhere. There are also ones that are rechargeable by USB instead of using an outlet which will be handy during travel.

Coffee Maker

With coffee shops on the rise and trend today, it will be much easier to just buy coffee. But making your own coffee with your own taste is really pleasing and cheaper too. You will get to decide your own taste even your preferred brand of coffee and whatever you want to mix with it. There are also machines that are developed to make it easier. An example is the Keurig which will require pods. But it is a lot easier for it does not require any measuring for both the coffee and water, so it is perfect if you want things fast. The pods also vary with different flavors that will suit your taste. If you would prefer to have cappuccino or latte, you can always invest for an espresso machine.

Pocket-Sized Traveler’s Notebook

Traveler’s notebook has been a trend among planner and journal users. It is a cover, originally made with cover, with elastic bands to hold notebooks. It is originally from Japan but many manufacturers develop their own version with different kinds of materials that will suit the taste and need of a person. It comes in various sizes, but a pocket-size is the perfect size to use as a wallet. There are traveler’s notebook with pockets you can put your cards and money. There are also available pouches that can be purchased at a low price in case it does not have pockets. If you are the one who lists the items you want to purchase, you can attach a small notebook inside.

Cool Things To Include When Building a House

Lifestyle / By

There is just something special in building your own home. It will be yours and you can choose whatever you want to do with it. You can choose the layout and design. As long as you can afford it, you can even choose the size. And since it is your own, you can add as many home upgrades as you want. The question would be if it is really needed or just something that would look cool. Why not both? You can definitely have some things that are necessary and cool at the same time. What are some of those cool things that you could include? Here are some of my favorites:

Video Doorbell

It is a doorbell that can be connected to your phone and you will able to see who is ringing and coming by your door. Add to that, you can talk to them via an intercom no matter where you are, and the person coming would not know. This is one of those gadgets that are not only cool but also very helpful. This would be one of the best gadgets you could invest in because it involves your safety. 

Skylight

Would you like to have some stargazing without leaving your home or even without getting out of your house? Having a skylight will be a great solution. Though the purpose of skylight is to increase the amount of sunlight in the room and makes the area more spacious. In addition, it is also used as ventilation. Typically, it is installed at kitchens and bathrooms for that purpose. But it can also be installed in an attic especially if it is used as a bedroom. Not only will it add light and dimension, but you will also be able to see the stars at night and can have your own session of stargazing in your own room.

Pet Features

If you are one who loves to have pets, why not add features in your house that will be beneficial for them? The most common is the pet door where they can go inside and out of the house. This also includes the kind of furniture and flooring. There are many available that are pet-friendly which mostly means that they are durable and easy-to-clean. You can also give your pets their own furniture or toys for them to play. 

Pullout Storage

Having pullout storage is a good way for your house to have more space and be organized at the same time. This is especially if you have a small space and a lot of stuff. The best thing about this is that it is not limited to one room and can have at any place at your house.

Tankless Water Heater

If you do not want to have hot water always running out, a tankless water heater may be the solution. It also more energy efficient for it only heats water when you needed it and therefore saves you more money. In addition, it is cheaper than the tank ones and also safer because it does not cause any leak or spill. There are also more compact, so it is perfect if you are living in a home with a small space. 

How to Surf for Beginners

Extreme / By

When you are on a break, it would be nice to spend some time on the beach. You could have your friend or family and bring food and games to bond over. You could also do some activities and fun sports such as limbo and frisbee. Why not also try new things? You can try riding a jet ski or banana boats. If you love a thrill, why not try surfing? It might sound and look intimidating. It sure doesn’t look easy either. But everyone, even the experts, all had their beginnings. This might be the time for you, and as you start, you will need to learn about the following:

Know the Right Equipment

Of course, when you surf, you will need a surfboard. There are some beaches that have them for rent, and it would be perfect if you just want to give it a try. But if you are planning to have it as a hobby, you can definitely purchase one for your own and have some recommendations that will be perfect for beginners. It is advisable for beginners to use soft-top surfboards because it is safer and convenient.

Know about the Waves

The next thing you will need to learn about are the waves. Remember that not all waves are great for surfing. There will be a time that it is dangerous and not convenient for surfing. As a beginner, the preferable wave would be that breaking over the sand. But as time goes on, you would need to learn more about waves, so you would know the perfect time for you to surf. 

Know the Basics

Now it is time for you to surf. The question is how will you start? The first thing you need to do and remember is not to surf and learn on your own. Have some experienced friends or other companions like in surf school when you surf. This way, you will avoid injuries and danger. As a beginner, it would be wise and helpful to have lessons. This way you will not only know how but also learn about the different techniques. You will also be inspired by their life and make you fall in love more with the sport. Before you start, be sure to have a warm-up and stretching. This way, you will avoid cramps and increase your heart rate. At the water, remember about the following:

  1. Take it slow. Being on the water could make you excited to learn and start. But rushing things will just do bad rather than good.
  2. As said before, everyone was a beginner at some point. So, do not get attached to those who are experienced. Instead, work on your skills and develop them.
  3. Practice sitting on your board so that you will get used to it and be comfortable for sitting on the board is not easy. Another thing you would need to practice is paddling and have the right rhythm.
  4. Get used to wipeouts fo even experts get wipeouts, so it would surely happen a lot to you as a beginner. But for your safety, you will need to learn how to fall with it.