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Silly, Fun, and Unusual Holidays to Celebrate in May

Bouquet of Flowers

Did you know there’s virtually something to celebrate every day of the year? There’s almost guaranteed to be some kind of holiday happening - whether it’s popular, symbolic, or just plain strange. With May coming up, I thought it would be fun to highlight a few of the silly, fun, and unusual holidays you and your family can celebrate throughout the month.

Here are just a few of the best fun holidays happening in May:

Silly, Fun, and Unusual Holidays to Celebrate in May Pinterest

May 2 - BABY DAY
Start the month with a day dedicated to everything about babies. For a healthy dose of nostalgia, revisit old baby pictures and videos. If your kids are old enough to appreciate them, show them some of their baby pictures - and yours, too! And if they’re too young to understand that concept, consider having some fun with baby animals. Visit a petting zoo, meet a puppy or kitten, or find another way to introduce your little one to these little ones.

May 4 - STAR WARS DAY
Next up is a day dedicated to everyone’s favorite futuristic franchise. Rewatch your favorite Star Wars movies from the series, whip up a Star Wars-inspired recipe, talk like Yoda, or find another way to embrace your inner nerd and celebrate the series - if it’s one you love!


Star Wars Day

May 9 - LOST SOCK MEMORIAL DAY 
We all deal with it - the case of the missing sock. More often than not, a load of laundry turns up at least one sock without a match. Sometimes, it’s more. May 9 is a day to make one last attempt to look for those missing socks before moving on with your life. It’s a time to purge any single socks you’ve been holding onto, hoping to find the other. And, depending on what that looks like for you, it might be a time to order some new socks!

May 11 - EAT WHAT YOU WANT DAY 
Eat What You Want Day is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a day to let yourself and your loved ones indulge in your favorite treats, snacks, and meals without feeling guilty, worrying about the calories, or needing to justify your decisions. Enjoy it while it lasts!

May 18 - INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY
There’s no better time to visit your favorite local museum - in person or virtually - than International Museum Day. If you’re in a position to do so, consider making a donation to support them, too, or signing up for a membership.

Museum in Berlin, Germany

May 23 - INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY
Bust out your record player - or your Spotify playlist and smart speaker - and turn up the jazz. Not sure where to start? This list is a great jumping-off point.

May 28 - NATIONAL HAMBURGER DAY 
Unlike Eat What You Want Day, this is a day devoted to a single delicious sandwich we all know and love - the mighty hamburger. Check your local burger spots to see if they’re offering any deals if you don’t feel like grilling your own!


These are just a handful of the silly, fun, and unusual holidays you can celebrate in May!


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Silly, Fun, and Unusual Holidays to Celebrate in May

Fun, and Unusual Holidays to Celebrate in May

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7 Tips For Those Traveling With Hearing Loss

Plane in the clouds

Hearing loss is a very common condition, affecting approximately 15% of American adults aged 18 and older, which equates to more than 40 million people! Although a condition that is often associated with the elderly, hearing loss can affect anyone of any age, even children, with 3 in every 1000 babies born with detectable hearing loss at birth.

Living with hearing loss may be frustrating, but it shouldn’t stop you from living your life to the fullest. So here are 7 tips for travelers that are hard of hearing.

Tips for Those Traveling with Hearing Loss

1. VISIT YOUR AUDIOLOGIST BEFORE YOU GO 
Whilst abroad, you will want to make sure that your hearing is as good as possible. And so before your trip, be sure to book an appointment with your audiologist to ensure that your hearing aids are as prepared for your trip as you are. It may have been many years since you considered a hearing aid upgrade and your audiologist will be able to assist you on the best hearing aids available, including assistive listening devices that can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to your smartphone, your hotel TV, and FM systems.

2. PACK EXTRA SUPPLIES
It can be a little harder and more expensive to get hold of basic necessities in a foreign country, so be sure to pack extra hearing aid batteries and tubing and to keep them in your carry-on luggage just in case there are any issues with your hold luggage. If you are traveling somewhere hot and humid, such as a tropical location, then it’s a good idea to bring a dehumidifier with you and to ensure that you have a waterproof travel case.

3. SIGN UP FOR FLIGHT ALERTS BY TEXT 
Airports can be noisy and overstimulating places, making it difficult at the best of times to keep up with last-minute flight alterations. To help you, sign up for text alerts and notifications that will let you know if there have been any changes to your gate or departure time. If this option is not available to you, then be sure to notify a member of staff or fellow travelers about your hearing loss so that they can check that you have heard any announcements.

4. CHECK YOUR SEAT NUMBER
Airlines do not permit those with hearing loss to sit in the seats that are at the emergency exits when flying. Let your airline know about your hearing loss when booking your ticket, but be sure to double-check your seat number with a flight attendant before take-off so that you can move if any mistakes have been made. Staying safe when flying is always a top priority.

Child in Airline Seat

5. DO NOT REMOVE YOUR HEARING AIDS ON YOUR FLIGHT
You should not have to remove your hearing aid or cochlear implant when passing through security or when on your flight, as this would make it very difficult for you to hear any emergency announcements. If you do want to remove your hearing aid when on your flight, perhaps to sleep, then let a member of staff know so that they can wake you or alert you if needed.

6. USE AN FM SYSTEM IF TRAVELING BY CAR
If you are traveling by car and are the driver, then it’s important to keep your eyes on the road at all times. To ensure that you don’t miss any of the conversations with your fellow passengers, ask them to use an FM system so that the conversation can be delivered straight to your ears, and you need not worry about trying to read lip cues. You can also use a Bluetooth phone system to allow you to answer calls hands-free.

7. ASK FOR HELP IF THERE ARE NO VISUAL CUES
Although trains and buses are getting better at ensuring that they provide a visual cue for approaching stops, other countries may not be so forward-thinking. If there are no visible names for each stop, then always enlist the help of someone close to you to let you know when a certain stop is coming up. Or, if you can, try to count the number of stops that have passed. If you have good GPS on your phone, you can even track your journey while it is ongoing, this will give you a heads up that you are approaching your final destination.

Child at Airport

Living with hearing loss may make things a little more difficult, however, with the help of others, some preparation, and a few small alterations, it is still very easy to enjoy the thrill of travel - so don’t ever let your hearing impairment hold you back from seeing the world.


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tips for travelers that are hard of hearing.

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Things You Can't Miss in Munich ~ #VisitMunich #VisitGermany

Statue in Munich Germany

Munich is an easy destination to enjoy, whether you’re there for a weekend or a week. Home to friendly people, tasty food, and plenty of attractions that cater to a number of different interests, you’re almost guaranteed to have a great time when you’re there.

In doing some research and trying to figure out what I should do in Munich, I found it was easy to get overwhelmed. There are tons of different things to see, do, and experience around the city, and if you’re faced with a limited amount of time, you’ll need to pick and choose what to do from a pretty impressive list of options.

If the thought of narrowing down your itinerary to only a handful of activities sounds intimidating, I understand - it’s tough. But I’m here to help! These are just a few of the best things you absolutely can’t miss when you’re visiting Munich:

Things You Can't Miss in Munich

INDULGE IN THE LOCAL CUISINE
Germany isn’t known for the most sophisticated cuisine in the world, but it is known for serving up hearty helpings of comfort food favorites. While you can truly find anything you’d like to eat in this metropolitan city, you should treat yourself to some of the stuff the locals love at least once or twice for a real glimpse of German culture.

Local favorites include:

  • Weisswurst. This white sausage is made from veal and loaded with spices and seasonings, making it a flavorful dish. Eat them for breakfast, or alongside a pretzel and beer.
  • Schweinshaxe. Otherwise known as pork knuckle, this dish is roasted to crispy perfection and is often enjoyed during the Oktoberfest festivities. 
  • Baked goods. While apple strudel seems to be the most well-known German treat, the truth is they specialize in all kinds of baked sweets, breads, and other treats. Stop by the first bakery you find and treat yourself to whatever looks good - you won’t regret it.

Not the healthiest choices… but hey, you’re on vacation!

Restaurant in Munich

SPEND SOME TIME IN THE MARIENPLATZ 
You can’t really go to Munich without spending some time exploring the Marienplatz. Munich’s central square was built in the mid-1600s, and since then, it’s served as an important gathering place for the city’s residents.

The square is lined with some of Munich’s most impressive buildings. You can see how much wealth was in Munich in the 1600s when these buildings were created - many are adorned with gold and decorative facades. Check out the old town hall, the Asamgebäude museum, and the Neues Rathaus: the new city hall. Its famous Glockenspiel is an attraction on its own, and people gather daily in the Marienplatz to watch the show, which features life-size figurines and a number of different bells and chimes. It’s certainly unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else, and it’s well worth a visit for the novelty of it all.

If you happen to be in Munich during the holiday season, you’ll absolutely want to take advantage of the Christmas market that pops up in the Marienplatz. Sip mulled wine and browse the various stalls for the perfect souvenir or gifts for friends and family back home.

Marienplatz, Munich

CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE SPIRE OF THE FRAUENKIRCHE
Scan the Munich skyline, and you can’t miss the Frauenkirche, an iconic building known for its twin domed towers. Constructed in the 1400s, the church underwent significant restoration efforts after it was bombed during World War II. This may be why the cathedral’s interior isn’t as decorated as many others throughout Europe.

Still, the highlight of this cathedral isn’t its interior - it’s the towers. You can climb 325 feet to the top for some of the best views you’ll find of the Marienplatz and the city skyline. Once you reach the top, stop to catch your breath and capture a few photos of the rooftops of Munich before you climb back down.

The top of Frauenkirche

VISIT THE ENGLISCHER GARTEN 
This green space rivals Central Park in size and is roughly the equivalent for the people of Munich. Running along the Isar, this expansive park features trees, floral gardens, plenty of water, and endless spots to picnic or read a book under the sun. Explore on foot, or rent bikes from a local shop and go for a spin on a sunny day.

There are a few things, in particular, you should try to see when you’re at the Englischer Garten. First, find the Japanese teahouse. Constructed to celebrate the 1972 Summer Olympic Games, the teahouse was a gift to the people of Germany from Japan and is now a well-loved part of the park.

Englischer Garten is also where you can find Munich’s infamous surfers. That’s right - surfers. One of the streams that flow through the park generates an endless wave at a certain point, and surfers have taken it upon themselves to ride the wave ever since they discovered this spot. It’s a surprising sight for sure, especially if you aren’t expecting to find something like this in the heart of the city.

Englischer Garten

CHECK OUT THE DEUTSCHES MUSEUM  
This technology-focused museum is the best and biggest of its kind in the world, and it’s a must-see when you’re in Munich, even if you don’t consider yourself particularly passionate about science or technology. You’ll find exhibits that feature everything from ships and airplanes to electricity, computers, and the most modern scientific developments. It’s clear they invested a lot of time and effort into designing their exhibits - each one is immersive, educational, and easy to understand.

While museums are usually best saved for a rainy day, you won’t want to miss a chance to check this one out - even if the weather’s perfectly fine. And try to arrive early! This museum is popular, and it’s best enjoyed when the crowds are thin.

Deutsches Museum

As you can see, Munich is filled with a variety of things to see and do, regardless of how you like to spend your time when you’re on vacation. Check out some - or all - of these when you’re there, and you won’t leave disappointed!


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Things you can't miss when visiting Munich Germany

Can't Miss Things in Munich Germany

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Top 7 Healthiest Cities in the World

City Streets

What makes a city healthy? Is it something as complicated as the frequency and intensity of the diseases suffered by the people of that city? Or the much simpler air quality figures? If we were to go by the definition of the WHO, it’s a little bit of both. According to the WHO, healthy cities strive to improve the social and physical environments in which its people live.

The health of a city can also be gauged from the number of options available to its people for staying fit. This includes gyms, spas, and other places where they can work out as well as experience healthy eating options. After considering all these factors, we came up with a definitive ranking of the seven healthiest cities in the world. So prepare your car with the best roof rack accessories and get ready to visit your nearest healthy city.

Top 7 Healthiest Cities in the World

PARIS, FRANCE
The city of love. The city of lights. As if Paris didn’t already have enough credentials to its name. It has now also been declared the healthiest city in the world. The French have managed to stay in shape despite having a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes at their disposal. This has made many people curious about their diet and way of life. It truly is a wonder that a place renowned for its cheeses, bread, and desserts is the healthiest city in the world.

It was found that it’s the mindset of many French people, especially the women, that allows them to stay in shape. The French have tiny portions at a time. And they are not opposed to walking or biking to places instead of taking their car or the bus. This allows them to get their daily dose of exercise and stay in shape at the same time.

Paris, France

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND 
In Chiang Mai, it’s the traditional way of life that allows people to stay healthy. For instance, the conventional diet of rice, fish, and fresh veggies is not only healthy but also nutritious. Thai herbs and spices like turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, and coriander have numerous health benefits. So it’s no wonder that Thai food is fast gaining popularity in the West, as people are trying to adopt a more healthy lifestyle.

What gives Chiang Mai an edge over other Thai cities is its large number of wellness options. Chiang Mai has seven spas per square kilometer, second only to Paris. And it also boasts of the highest number of yoga and pilates centers.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

BARCELONA, SPAIN
A small city, Barcelona’s vibrant culture is best captured on foot. Which makes its people healthier and its air free from fumes and carbon released by automobiles. The city is built in a manner that allows people to bike to places via a carefully constructed network of bike lanes. The people of Barcelona are also actively engaged in yoga, fitness programs, and therapy, as they are incredibly concerned about their health and wellbeing.

The city also supports a healthy lifestyle by being home to several organic food joints. Every part of the city has at least one organic food restaurant, shop, or cafe. So you don’t have to fall back on unhealthy alternatives in case you’re suddenly faced with hunger pangs. In 2016, Barcelona declared itself a “veggie-friendly” city. The idea was to provide vegetarian and vegan options in a country, which is renowned for its meat. A meat-free diet makes people healthier and slows down the process of climate change by reducing meat production.

Barcelona, Spain

PATTAYA, THAILAND 
The second Thai city on this list, Pattaya may be known for its beaches and raging parties, but its fitness centers are worth a visit too. Every year, millions of tourists flock to Pattaya, which has given rise to the booming hospitality industry. Equally, the large wellness industry has started to cater to the needs of the tourists. Such benefits, however, are enjoyed by the locals as well.

The spas and gyms at the 5-star hotels and resorts with their world-class services and the exclusive fitness centers have made it very easy to remain healthy in Pattaya. It has the highest number of gyms and fitness centers in the world.

Pattaya, Thailand

VANCOUVER, CANADA 
Vancouver is dedicated to its goal of a healthier city with its “Healthy Vancouver” program. The program focuses on the health of people as well as social, cultural, and environmental factors. The comprehensive plan has measures in place to allow people to get more active, seek help for their mental health or addiction, or train as healthcare workers.

Vancouver also has a budding wellness industry. There are a large number of spas offering a host of treatments, along with a considerable community of yoga-enthusiasts. There are many yoga classes in every corner of the city. Moreover, conscious eating is a huge part of this emerging fitness culture in Vancouver, which is only second to Miami in the number of health food stores.

Vancouver, Canada

MIAMI, USA
Known to have more health food stores than any other city, Miami also has a variety of organic eating options in almost all cuisines. Even the popular fast food joints have come up with their healthy alternatives.

The beaches of Miami offer some of the best workout spots in the world. And, people get their daily dose of exercise from swimming, surfing, or simply jogging or doing yoga on the beaches. Experts have pointed out that the sea air has many health benefits. It makes your lungs healthier, improves circulation, and helps improve the body’s defenses.

Miami, USA

SAN FRANCISCO, USA 
Often in conflict with Miami for the title of the healthiest city in the U.S., San Francisco has more walking trails than any other American city. And, is tied with Washington D.C. for the highest number of running trails. San Francisco is home to the second-highest number of parks in the world (after Paris), and 98% of its people live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

There are several healthy food stores and restaurants, which keep obesity in check. The cost of healthcare is another factor working in favor of the city. It has a world-class facility that helps patients with dieting and weight-related diseases.

San Francisco, USA

Conclusion
In a globalized world, more and more cities have started dedicating their time and resources to help people improve their health. As a result, many healthy new towns are emerging every year, and governments have also introduced health-related policies in several cities.


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Top 7 Healthiest Cities

Healthiest Cities in the World

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7 Easy Shaving Tips Women Can Do For Smooth and Proper Cleanup

Women Shaving Kit

Society tells women to shave away their hair, but no one teaches us how to do that without hurting ourselves. Over time, we end up learning tips and tricks that we pick up from our personal experiences.

However, there might be specific ways we can better our shaving method that will make it easier for us to finish each session.

The difference between women and men when it comes to shaving is that women have to shave a lot more of their bodies than some men. Given this fact, shaving techniques are essential knowledge for a lot of women out there.

If you have come to develop your shaving routine, then this article can help you check out and see points of improvement. On the other hand, if you still do not have your specific shaving routine, then these seven easy tips can help you get a smoother and proper cleanup:

Shaving Tips for Pinterest


1. SOFTEN YOUR SKIN 
A clean and smooth shave is extra challenging if you do a dry shave. Thus, your first step before you start shaving should be to soften your skin first.

You can do that in many ways, but mostly, what you need to do is to expose your skin to warm water. The reason why people recommend that you shave right after a warm shower is that it helps your pores to open up.

Aside from that, it will soften your skin so you can shave away the hair with ease. Not to mention that softened skin will exfoliate better.

Exfoliation is a big part of shaving and it helps improve the health of your skin. Thus, you want your skin to be soft so that once you shave and exfoliate the skin, it will be easy to get rid of dead skin.

2. USE SHAVING CREAM 
When people think of shaving cream alternatives, they believe that soap and water would suffice. Some people even believe that shaving creams are a marketing ploy to make razor companies more money.

However, there’s a reason why shaving cream is still the preferred way to lubricate a shave for years now.

Of course, there’s also a reason why people recommend soap and water as an alternative. It does have a lubricating effect on the razor. However, soap and water tend to dry out the skin after the shave since it has an astringent effect. Therefore, your skin will look flaky after a shave, which isn’t the best feeling.

Shaving cream will help lubricate your razor for a shave. At the same time, it will help keep your skin moisturized, so you don’t end up feeling dry after you remove the shaving cream.

3. SHAVE WITH THE GRAIN
There is an ongoing argument out there about whether or not to shave with or against the grain. However, it is always better to shave with the grain.

The reason people want or have the inclination to shave against the grain is that they feel they get a closer shave that way. Although this may feel that way, it does not increase the likelihood of a close shave.

Instead, you are increasing the risk of a razor burn and ingrown hair. Therefore, you should shave with the grain instead. You do not have to sacrifice a close shave when you go and shave with the grain. You need only to be better at how you shave.

Doing the other tips in this article will help you achieve a close shave even without going against the grain, so apply these tips altogether.

Woman Shaving Legs

4. NEVER USE ALCOHOL 
When people nick themselves when they shave, some people wrongly believe that they should put some astringent or alcohol on these minor scars. However, this is going to dry up the skin instead, so this is not the best step to take.

Luckily, there are products out in the market that can help address these concerns. One such product is aftershave lotions that you can purchase anywhere.

Aftershave lotion will get moisture back into your skin when you shave, so it will not feel tight and dry. Also, a lot of aftershave lotions keep these minor scars and redness in mind so they might have ingredients that will help ease inflammation too.

5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT RAZOR 
Although some women like to purchase men’s razors, it might not be the best choice. Instead, choose women’s high-quality razors.

Since we do a lot of shaving and upkeep all over our body, you must invest in high-quality women's razors. These are your tools whenever you shave, so they’re a worthy investment.

Also, remember to try and use newer razors because these will be sharper, so it’s easier to use. You won’t have to go back-and-forth always to shave.

You can get a refillable razor, so you only need to replace the blade every once in a while. In this modern age, you can even get subscription-based razors if you want.

6. SHAVE IN THE SHOWER
As mentioned before, shaving in the shower is a great step to help soften your skin before a shave.

If you don’t feel like taking a warm bath for a shave, then you can use a warm towel and soak the area you plan on shaving. Leave it there for a couple of minutes or so before you start shaving.

If you do plan on taking a shower, then don’t take too long before you start shaving. After showering for at least three to four minutes, you should step out and start the shave.

Staying too long in a warm shower might leave you with more swelled up skin. Swelling skin will be harder to navigate, so you might have difficulties getting a close shave.

7. DON'T RUSH
You shouldn’t rush a shave if you can and don’t be so agitated and press hard on your razor. Let your blade do the work.

Shave with short strokes instead of going on one long stroke. The more you rush, the likelier it is for you to nick yourself. Therefore, a shave should be something that you carve out in your schedule.


A satisfying shave can be time-consuming, but it is worth it if you get to feel that smooth, dolphin-like skin at the end of it. Make sure that you take your time and follow the tips above so you can get as smooth a shave as possible. Think of it as a time for self-care and relax and get into the groove of it.


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Easy Shaving Tips

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The Benefits of Decluttering

Cluttered living room

It is fair to say that it does not take much too much effort for our homes to become cluttered and disorganized. Children, pets, and other responsibilities exponentially increase our chances of living in a cluttered environment. Trust me, I know first-hand the struggles. I am a wife of a busy and overworked husband, mom of three rambunctious children, and fur mom to 1.  I personally wished that the process of decluttering was equally as simple as the clutter accumulation. Today I am going to share factors that support the case for decluttering and why I personally aim to live clutter-free in 2020.

Today's post is a guest post by my good friend Natalie of Contemporary Mochanista. I met Natalie at a blog event, and we've been close ever since. Chatting consistently on the phone and by text. So without further ado, here's Natalie on the benefits of decluttering.

Often many of us realize the benefits of living in a clean and clutter-free home until after we embark on our decluttering journey. Here are some benefits to decluttering that you may not have realized.

Benefits of Decluttering Pinterest

INCREASES YOUR PRODUCTIVITY
Let us face it, we all wished there were more than 24 hours in a day, right? Have you ever thought that excess clutter could decrease your productivity? Think about it, how many times have you had to wade through the clutter in your home to get to an area of your home? How much time did you spend looking for that one item? Decluttering can quickly increase productivity by allowing us to move around our homes freely and provides the luxury of knowing (or finding) various items that you may be looking for.

IMPROVES YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH, AND WELL-BEING 
As mentioned earlier, excess clutter can pose a physical hazard to your health by obstructing areas of your home. It can also lead to unwelcomed guests, such as insects, and rodents into your home. Your mental health becomes impacted by provoking feelings of fear, anxiety, agitation, depression, and distractions. It is fair to say that our lack of productivity can also add to these emotions, which ultimately strengthens the case on why you should declutter.

REGAIN THE LIVING SPACE THAT WAS ONCE CONSUMED BY CLUTTER 
Decluttering will allow you to reclaim that space that was once lost in the sea of clutter. I know so many friends and family members who have not been able to set foot in areas in their homes because they were consumed with clutter.

There are simple and effective ways to corral clutter and reclaim and/or repurpose space in your home by using various items such as wicker baskets and acrylic bins.  Incorporating storage and decorative elements can easily alleviate and space/storage issues you may have. Learn how to maximize all the space and rooms in your home in 6 weeks with the clutter-free in 2020 guide.

Clutter-Free Bedroom

SAVE MONEY
It is no secret that we spend more money on items that we may already have at home. Decluttering will minimize that by allowing you to know and locate things that you may have thought were lost or did not know we already had. This is especially true for cluttered kitchen pantries and kitchen cabinets. Think about it, how many times have you purchased food items that you thought that you did not have, only to find that it was hidden behind the other foods? Decluttering your kitchen cabinets and pantry will cut down on the food waste, often resulting from duplication and/or expired foods.

This concept can be applied to your bathroom or other rooms in your home that house products with and without expiration dates. Learn more about how to organize your kitchen and how you can affordably customize your kitchen cabinets to help maximize space and organization.

Decluttering also serves as an eye-opener to our spending habits, which can lead to increased awareness and the opportunity to adjust our spending.

EARN MONEY BY SELLING THE CLUTTER
I am sure you have heard the saying, "another man's trash can be another man's treasure!" This is so true on so many levels! Often when we embark on our decluttering journey, we learn that some of the items purged no longer aligns with our priorities, style, and home décor. Because your personal style and preferences have evolved, it does not mean that the value of your items has lost its appeal to someone else! Recently a friend of mine embarked on her decluttering journey and discovered that she no longer liked her high-end Tory Burch bag, Coach purse, and a North Face jacket. I jumped on this opportunity and scored major deals. My friend benefited by getting rid of the items that took up valuable closet storage.

You can earn some serious cash and from decluttering by selling some of the items from your purge. You can easily organize a garage sale or list items for sale on various online sites. You can also donate items to your local charity or thrift store for a tax right-off.

IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE HOME
As mentioned earlier, people who reside in cluttered homes have an increased chance of having emotional stress, such as anxiety, depression, agitation, and distraction. These emotional states can also significantly strain relationships between couples, children, and extended family members. Once the stress of decluttering is resolved, frayed relationships have a chance to be restored and improved.


I hope I made a case for decluttering! Many thanks to my dear friend AnnMarie for allowing me to make a case for decluttering.



More about Natalie:

I am a Believer, lover of travel, a self-proclaimed home décor enthusiast (I am the black Martha Stewart…in my head), and enjoy living life to its fullest. For the past 10 years, I have spent countless hours in prayer, research, teaching, and mentoring women on how to restore, reimagine, and reclaim their lives. On Contemporary Mochanista, I share all my tools and knowledge to help others meet their maximum potential at whatever stage of life they are in. Let's be friends! You can connect with me on my blog  Contemporary Mochanista, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.




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Decluttering Pinterest


Amazing Benefits of Decluttering

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Run Away: How To Find A Lost Teenager

How to find a lost teenager

It’s surprisingly common for teenagers to go missing at least once or twice during their early years. They will go through many phases as they grow up, and being rebellious will often be one of the biggest of these, giving them plenty of reason to disappear when you least expect it. As a matter of fact, my own son decided at one point that he wanted to leave home when he was younger, as he didn't think he was getting as much independence as he should. Of course, though, the fact that this is common doesn’t make it any less scary. To help you out with this, this post will be exploring some of the work which can be done to find a teenager when they go missing. It doesn’t matter what made them leave; you need to find them as soon as you can.

How to find a lost teenager pinterest image

FOLLOW SOCIAL MEDIA 
Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool when you’re looking for someone, and teenagers often overlook this when they run away. New photos being posted will often come with locations attached, making it incredibly easy for you to find where they might be if they add anything to their profiles. Text posts can also work for this, though they won’t come with the same metadata as a photograph, and this means that they may not be as accurate.

TALK TO THEIR FRIENDS 
While they may not like to involve you in their personal life, you will have almost certainly met your child’s friends at some point over the years. These people can be a great resource when you’re looking for your child, and you shouldn’t hesitate to contact them on social media if you can’t find your child. Some will be loyal to your teenager, and won’t tell you anything, though others may be willing to give you the information you’re looking for.

Teenager with Friends

TRACK THEIR PHONE 
It’s easy to ignore the location tracking features of a smartphone, and many people never bother to turn off their GPS. This gives you the power to track your child’s phone, enabling you to find their exact location as long as you have the right tools for the job. A free phone tracker by number will give you an idea of the city or town your teenager is in, while full-on GPS tracking will give you a much clearer picture.

CHECK THEIR TOP SPOTS 
Finally, as the last idea to try, it’s time to move away from the web. Teenagers will often take themselves off the grid when they run away from home, working hard to limit your options when it comes to finding them. Of course, though, you can always simply go out and look for them at their favorite spots around town. It’s unlikely that they’ve dropped their habits, and this should make it easy to figure out where they’ve gone.

Teenager on Bike

With all of this in mind, you should have a much better chance of finding your child if they ever go missing. This can be a parent’s worst nightmare, but there are a lot of tools around the web that can help you out, and more and more options are being made all the time. 
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