Category: Lifestyle

Men these days are interested in jewelry pieces more than ever before. It is platinum, white gold, Palladium, or others; choosing a metal for the wedding or engagement ring is a significant step. Moreover, selecting the piece of metal and the style of the band plays a crucial role. It will have a critical impact on the longevity of the peace of jewelry. Most men are often fussy with their jewelry pieces. It is because of the limited options they have. Platinum bands are of a higher price undoubtedly. However, white metal is the most popular among males. Keep in mind that you pay a high amount for a more robust metal and require less maintenance.

Why are platinum bands a better alternative to others?

 In answer to this question, market surveys will be beneficial. There are countless reasons you must opt for platinum bands, as there are some fewer known reasons accompanying this piece of metal.

• The color of the platinum band stays the same: The platinum band will remain the same for a long time. Keep in mind that everything that shines does not stay the same for a longer duration. However, platinum bands are an exception in this regard. Thirty years down the line, you will experience the same shine and shimmer. You may look into mensweddingbands since 2007 to grab an understanding of their evolution. It is a white metal that requires less maintenance. It remains the same in terms of color and glitter.

• You can pass it down to future generations: Another significant piece of justification that you must contemplate is that platinum bands are known for their longevity. It is a precious metal that stands the warranty of time. It is a durable piece of metal that you can choose for your wedding band. Keep in mind that when the metal is scratched, only a little bit of metal is lost. Gold, on the other hand, results in a faster metal loss. Moreover, platinum maintains its volume and develops a smooth finish, which improves the character.

• It protects the diamond: Some platinum bands come with a delicate diamond solitaire. The white color of the metal, which does not change over time, gives you peace of mind as you do not have to worry about color reflection. White gold and yellow gold reflect stones and enhance the appeal. The white color of the platinum enhances the overall look and brilliance of the diamond stone.

• Platinum is safest for diamonds: Platinum provides a diamond with the safest setting It is because of the durability and strength of this metal. When you choose platinum, it ensures that the diamond will be safe. The prongs will hold onto the diamond in place with strength. Keep in mind that platinum moves with force and does not break. It is thereby an option to invest.

Platinum bands have become a popular piece of jewelry item among men. It provides you with higher quality and can give you a sense of prestige. Keep in mind that your investment in this piece of jewelry will stand the test of time.

One of the unfortunate impacts of our shared experiences in 2020 and beyond is a growing economic uncertainty. More and more families have to tighten their belts and adapt to a new standard in the way they live their lives. 

Even though things have become problematic, they’re not impossible. In fact, if you can just take a moment, focus on all that you have available to yourself and your family, and find a perspective of gratitude, there’s a lot to be optimistic about in your life. 

Leadership is a skill that requires taking the objectives needed for everyone’s success and making those the foundations for your operations. 

Effective leadership is learning the art of listening and using that input to refine your team members’ foundational keys. 

Understanding that many of your team members may be experiencing different levels of anxiety and stress, whether economic concerns, food uncertainty, or adapting to all the changes that our current situation requires, is crucial for effective leadership. 

Model The Behaviors You’d Like To See

Leaders aren’t just in the workplace. Leadership at home is just as crucial, if not more, than it may be at work. Setting the tone as it were, establishing positive habits, and continuing to move forward in life are all traits that you can model for your family.

One of the specific areas you can model positive behaviors in the home and workplace is taking control of your health and wellness.

Making substantial changes in what you eat, how much you consume, and getting regular exercise will establish healthy behaviors that you can show and others can model after. 

Keto Diet Basics

One of the more popular formats for improving health right now is the Keto diet. The keto diet is shorthand for a ketogenic process that focuses on the body burning fat over carbohydrates and is a popular trend for weight loss. 

A keto diet works because it focuses on getting the body to produce ketones that make fuel by having the liver release and burn stored fats. 

Intermittent Fasting Basics

Another new dietary trend is intermittent fasting. The intermittent fasting process doesn’t specify what to eat, preferably the best times to eat, with a fast of 16-hours for a day or a full 24-hours on a twice-a-week schedule. 

The Truth About Resolutions

You can model good behaviors at home and work, create an exercise schedule and personal time for meditation or reflection. 

The goal should not be to make a significant change in your health all at once. Studies show that resolutions have a high failure rate because making a behavioral change is too broad and too extreme. 

Regardless of what you’re trying to change, as a leader, whether it’s as an employer or parent, effective leadership requires you to set a course of action, give your team members tools to succeed, becoming a better communicator, and modeling the behavior you want others to adopt. 

And if parenthood is a struggle for you right now, there are alternative ways to be acting as a parent. Whether it’s adopting or fostering children, there are alternative options for people who would like to parent but may need assistance. If you need to look for alternative ways to become a parent, seeking adoption services and foster care agencies are a good option. 

Whether you are one of the many struggling right now or can help others out, how you model your behavior helps educate others in your sphere of influence to learn what is expected and acceptable behavior. 

Lead By Example

Leaders set an example both in their words but, more importantly, in their actions. Making a behavioral change is a clue to others that you’re able to seek out and act upon personal improvement and helps those team members adopt the same self-improvement philosophy. 

It’s easy for leaders to lose sight of what matters, they are busy, have to examine the short and long-term objectives, and focus on personal concerns. 

By focusing your attention outward, elevating others to succeed is a process that requires a leader to set up the steps needed for success, show how it benefits those in your influence, and make lasting positive changes in your own life is a great way to lead by example. 

The saying, “everyone is going through with something you don’t see, be kind,” has never proven to be more accurate than it has lately. Whether you’re the leader of a big organization or your family, being kind to each other is advice we can all use in our lives.

While there are no guarantees in life, there are things you can do to promote health, happiness, and a bright financial future. Listed below are a few tips for achieving a better quality of life. 

Advancing Your Career

Living paycheck to paycheck can cause an enormous amount of stress. You remain at a job that offers no room for advancement, limiting your ability to increase your earnings. For instance, if you work in construction, taking online classes to earn a master’s in construction management will put you in a position to improve your earnings. 

Learning to Save Money

Some people have a knack for saving money. They work hard and live a frugal lifestyle, reaping the benefits of their smart money management. Others develop reckless spending habits that prevent them from financial independence. Learning how to save money will allow you to achieve set goals. If an unexpected expense comes along, you’ll have the funds to cover it. Budgeting your money provides a means to save for the things you need and the things you want.

Positive Energy

Things will happen throughout your life, some good some unpleasant. Viewing the glass as half full instead of half empty will let you work through any misfortunes. Remaining positive calms the mind and gives you the skills to tackle difficult problems. Surrounding yourself with those who think positive is also beneficial. 

Stop Procrastinating

Procrastinating brings about unnecessary stress and can lead to many missed opportunities. By putting things off you’re only extending your to-do list. This can cause overwhelming feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, and lower self-esteem. You may miss job-related deadlines that prevent a promotion or lose the faith of a loved one. If your procrastination results from too many promises made without the time to keep them, learn how to say no when you cannot commit.

Plenty of Rest

If you get up early each day and stay up late each night, you might be burning the candle at both ends. A lack of sleep can have a negative impact on your health and your emotions. You wake in a fog that never leaves. You have reduced focus and patience, and mood swings. When you drive, you’re endangering yourself and others on the road. You may also put yourself at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and weight gain. 

If you have trouble falling asleep, eliminate caffeine and sugar a few hours prior to bedtime and try taking a hot relaxing bath with sleep-inducing fragrances like camomile or lavender. 

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Even a few extra pounds can cause emotional and physical problems. The good news is you can get your weight under control. Eating a well-balanced diet and limiting your intake of salt, sugar, and saturated fats is necessary. Along with eating healthy foods, regular exercise for 30 to 40 minutes, 3 to 4 times weekly will keep your body strong on the inside and outside.  

Take a Break

Life can be hectic, especially when you work full time and are raising children. It’s important that you take a timeout to relax and unwind. Meditation and yoga are two excellent ways to relax the body and calm the mind. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever else life tosses your way. 

Eliminate Bad Habits

Everyone has a few bad habits. However, annoying someone by leaving dirty clothes scattered throughout the home is not harmful to your health. Bad habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, and doing drugs can take a toll on your overall health and possibly lead to an early demise. Make the choice to kick any of these bad habits as soon as possible. 

No one knows for certain how long they will remain on this Earth. However, you can improve your chances of sustaining a good quality of life while you’re here.

Having the right bag is everything. For avid travelers, a well-chosen vehicle for your must-haves (and then some) can make or break any occasion on a trip. Add to your must-haves these five bags, and you’ll find yourself both chic and prepared. 

 

The Crossbody

For the moments you need to feel freer than a Costco sample. Relieve both your hands and your arm muscles by carrying the bare-minimum that can hang lackadaisically on your person: phone, ID, and credit cards. A crossbody carries all these plus one or two others: a tube of lipstick or sunglasses, for instance. They’re also highly secure and lessen the likelihood of getting pickpocketed. 

 

The Briefcase

For the masculine piece to protect your most professional assets, and for the executive, the writer, the coffee shop telecommuter. Briefcases are simple, straightforward, no-nonse, but not without a style of their own. Nothing says professional and poised like a great leather home for your precious laptop and briefings. Briefcases, by the way, needn’t be men-only (but while we’re at it, a great men’s gift idea is a stylish, modern briefcase among one of these business bags for men).

 

The Backpack

For the bookworm, the writer, the heftier-essentials carrier. If you’re spending an entire day walking, backpacks can carry a book and a laptop (hey, it’s tough not to leave the house with both!), something to eat or drink, and other essentials. With a backpack, your hands remain free, of course, but you’re still prepared to bring shopping bags home with ease or to carry your lunch leftovers from the restaurant back to the hotel. Good backpacks should be built for daily (if not daily) use: choose one with sturdy fabric, like leather or canvas, tight stitching, and strong zippers. And as cute as drawstring-opening backpacks may look on top, beware of their tendency to sometimes spill out its contents.

 

Traveler’s tip: for extra security, place items in your backpack’s inside pockets-not the outside ones-to avoid getting pickpocketed. 

 

The Carry-On

For the fabulous and carefree weekenders, and the strategic and minimal packers. The standard size for airline carry-on bags is 14 by 22 inches. Pack anywhere from a weekend trip to a week-long excursion (yes, it is possible with a carry-on!), and enjoy the satisfaction of carting around your entire life simply, in a wheeled suitcase.  

 

Traveler’s tip: To achieve the minimal packing job, lay out everything you think you need, halve it, then halve it again. It may sound crazy, but you really do need less than you think.

 

The Week-Plus Suitcase

For the traveler that likes her options-no matter where she finds herself. This is really where investment is key. When we’re talking about the shell. out. extra. I’m talking sturdy wheels that can withstand the weight of a larger bag, scratch-resistant exterior, outside and inside pockets, shoe and garment bags, design-savvy internal compartments, and a solid warranty. Quality wheels on a quality bag bear repeating. No one wants to drag a heavy suitcase through cobblestone streets in an unfamiliar area because the wheels on your now-stuffed suitcase weren’t up for the job. 

 

Traveler’s tip: Get real fancy with it by finding a bag that can charge your cell phone. Hello, twenty-first century. 

 

Bottom line: whatever your errand or occasion, there’s a bag for that. Choose wisely, and keep the features important to you in mind. Consider design and practicality-is this something you’re comfortable and confident carrying wherever you go? If so, then click “Buy” and travel in style!

With climate change concerns echoing worldwide, consumers are paying closer attention to the products they buy and consume. Prioritization of sustainable practices has never been as crucial to the public as it is today. Worldwide organizations and leaders provide rewards and certifications to distinguished vineyards and wine-makers leading the environmental charge.

If you want to support these businesses, you’ll want to follow this guide to buy and drink truly sustainable wines.

1. Learn the Differences Between Products

Many people mistakenly use sustainability, biodynamic and organic as interchangeable terms. Your first step is to learn the differences between these descriptions because they aren’t always the same. Sustainability comes in many shapes in sizes, and while sustainable wines can be organic and biodynamic, it doesn’t mean all organic and biodynamic wines are sustainable. Sustainable vineyards may promote biodiversity, recycle rainwater, use recyclable materials and renewable resources and take other eco-friendly steps unique to their location.

In comparison, organic vineyards do not need to have any of these sustainable practices in place. They need to avoid using pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and ensure that their grapes and conversion materials are certified organic. While organic standards may have environmental benefits, it does not mean these products are eco-friendly or sustainable.

Biodynamics is a holistic farming practice with standards set by the Demeter Association. Vineyards must plant and harvest at certain times and follow unique rules which correspond to astrological occurrences. In some ways, it’s similar to organic farming because it shuns synthetic pesticides and herbicides.

2. Review the Label

Reviewing a wine bottle’s label will give you a better understanding of its certifications and rankings. Many non-profit organizations around the world promote and certify sustainable wines.

Examples of such organizations and certifications include:

• Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
• Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW)
• Lodi Rules
• SIP Certified
• Live Certified

3. Compare Your Options

Besides looking at the labels for certifications, you can review a wine’s rating. The wine rating system is out of 100 and seeks to standardize tasting information and consumption. To keep it simple, you can think of it like receiving a grade in school — the closer it is to 100, the better critiques scored during their tasting.

Tasters rank based on:

• Appearance
• Aroma
• Flavors
• Finish

You should use these ratings as a guide, but not like the law. Everyone has different tastes and preferences, so you may love a product that only ranks in the mid-80s. Similarly, some newer bottles may not have a ranking which means they’ll be a mystery until you test them yourself.

4. Make a List

Balance is at the root of sustainability. While it’s beneficial to choose sustainable items, it’s also important to practice caution when buying without a plan. Making a list can help you buy according to your needs. You can record how many bottles you want and how frequently you drink them. This is especially beneficial if you intend to purchase sustainable wines which are also organic. Typically organic wines do not age well compared to other types and have a relatively short expiration period once opened.

Cheers to Sustainability

Using this guide, you can feel confident while shopping for sustainable wine. If you’re hoping to learn more information about the wine-making process, you can always contact a vineyard representative for more details. For those who want a less thought-consuming routine, you may want to invest in a sustainable subscription service with a company that researches on your behalf.

We all know coffee gets brewed; you place the coffee grounds in a traditional cone or bowl, pour water into a coffee machine, and get hot coffee. There are many other ways to get coffee in the morning, and a lot of them are better than the traditional method.

 

A Better Drip Method

The Chemex coffee brewing method was invented in 1941, and it’s an excellent alternative to standard drip coffee. To start with, it uses a special type of filter that’s about 30% heavier than standard paper filters. Second, it uses a special flask that doubles as its own carafe. It leads to a cleaner, sweeter coffee that doesn’t carry the typical acidic overtones.

 

The French Press

Invented in 1929, this is the ideal brewing method for many coffee aficionados. It uses a plunger press pot that lets the coffee steep in hot water and then strains the water out. This lets the natural antioxidants, essential oils, and caffeine pass through more preserved than other methods would allow. This gives you a pure, clean, and robust cup of coffee that you’ll look forward to every morning.

 

The Siphon Pot

This unique coffee pot uses a vacuum to make your coffee. The pot is either placed atop a butane burner or, with newer pots, its own electric heating element. Coffee is placed in the pot’s upper vessel while the water’s steam pressure pushes it up into the top through a small hose. When the heat is removed, gravity pulls all the water down in the lower vessel, which leaves a mellow coffee that’s perfect for people who aren’t fans of traditional bitter flavors. These pots are expensive and hard to clean, but they can also impress your friends.

 

Cold Brew Coffee

It can take up to 10 hours to brew this coffee, but it’s worth the overnight wait. You can use a cold brew coffee maker or even make your own using a glass jar. All it involves is slowly dripping cold filtered water through the coffee. The resulting drink is strong and intense without being bitter or acidic. On top of that, cold-brewed coffee is more eco-friendly and can last for up to two weeks.

 

The Moka Method

The classic Italian Moka pot is a divisive tool among coffee fans, as deeply hated as it is deeply loved. The pot is divided into three sections. The lowest section contains the water that’s boiled on a stovetop. The resulting steam pressure drives the water upward into the middle chamber where the coffee sits. Finally, the finished coffee goes up into the top section. This is primarily for espresso lovers, but anyone who loves a strong and bitter cup can enjoy it. The main downside is that this doesn’t work on electric stovetops, just gas.

 

The Phin Dripper

This Vietnamese method is designed for people who only need one cup and uses a technique similar to the French press. Its style is also suited for those who love iced coffee. The coffee’s placed in a reusable metal filter that’s slid into the Phin. All you have to do is pour your hot or cold water and wait a few minutes. It’s not as strong as espresso, but it has a refined taste similar to a French press.

Reducing your home’s negative impact on the environment requires a bit of work and research on your part. But making your home more sustainable is a great way to save money as well as the planet. To help you get started, here are a few clever ideas.

 

Start With the Living Room

If you haven’t done so already, replace the incandescent light bulbs in your living room with CFL light bulbs. According to Energy Star, CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) use 75% less energy compared to traditional light bulbs. If you replace just one traditional light bulb with one CFL bulb, it will save 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

 

 

You can also reduce your home’s energy consumption by using multi-socket extension leads. When they are not in use, simply turn them off.

In fact, one of the easiest ways to save electricity is to unplug devices. If you are like most of us, chances are your TV is on standby mode for the bigger part of the day. But as long as it is plugged in, it will consume energy. Over time, that wasted electricity adds up to a lot.

If you want to install environmentally friendly flooring, bamboo may be the best choice. It is the fastest-growing plant you can find. Since it has a much quicker rate of replenishment than hardwood, it makes for much more sustainable flooring.

 

Be Smart in The Kitchen

You can do so much for mother nature and your wallet by changing the ways you store, prepare, eat, and obtain your food.

Your refrigerator is a good place to start. If your fridge is in the sunlight, move it into the shade. It won’t have to work so hard to keep your food cool if you keep it away from the sun.

It’s also a good idea to replace very old kitchen appliances with Energy Star-rated models. According to energy.gov, an Energy Star-rated fridge uses 15% less energy than a model that’s not Energy Star-qualified.

Buying a new kitchen appliance is a big investment, but it is cost-efficient. You can rest assured it will pay off over time.

Ovens use a lot of energy, so try to use yours less often. For instance, using the oven to toast two slices of bread isn’t very efficient. A toaster will get the job done faster without wasting so much energy.

When you have to use the oven, always make sure the door is properly closed. Avoid opening the door just to check on your cake.

This can lead to a huge amount of heat loss, so it’s best to simply trust the instructions in your recipe. You can also replace your old oven with a halogen oven. It doesn’t need preheating.

There is a lot you can do to minimize food waste in the kitchen—from freezing meals and creating broths to turning an old loaf into breadcrumbs. You can repurpose food the same way our ancestors used to.

On top of having a recycling bin, it’s a good idea to get a compost bin. By composting kitchen scraps and food waste, you can ease costs associated with rubbish collection and reduce the amount of household waste in landfills.

It is easy to find a tidy, neat, and odor-free compost bin. You can plant your own herb garden if you are not sure what to do with the fertilizer. This is a great way to introduce spices and other healthy staples to your diet.

Take on Environmentally-Friendly DIY Projects

If you have enthusiasm for DIY projects, planting your own herbs can be just the start. Your garden and yard are the perfect places to learn new skills and build something with your own hands.

You can significantly reduce your carbon footprint by building the stuff you need using natural materials. For instance, you can learn how to lay a driveway or garden patio if you want to add curb appeal to your home.

As long as you get your materials from the right place, you can rest assured your new patio will be sustainable. You can gather old bricks for the project or salvaged and recycled stone.

Don’t order stone or stone veneer from questionable third-world manufacturers. It comes with a high environmental cost—greenhouse gas emissions resulting from transportation, illegal dumping, and polluted groundwater.

Natural stone is recyclable, durable, and very easy to maintain. You don’t need any other resources or materials to create the stone, and there’s no shortage of it, so it is an inherently sustainable material.

Permeable pavers are also an incredibly eco-friendly paving solution. Permeable pavers provide excellent drainage control. They reduce costs by eliminating the need for piping.

On top of being great for stormwater management, they can withstand heavy traffic and last for a very long time.

According to EPA’s blog, many local and state governments will allow you to take advantage of financial incentives if you opt for permeable pavement. Permeable pavement helps create green jobs, so you will be doing a favor to your local economy as well.

Better living isn’t just a saying. It requires discipline and effort to make it happen. When it comes to your health, cutting corners should be the last thing that you do, but too often, we look for easy solutions and convenient fixes. 

When we get busy, overwhelmed with things, whether at work or at home, the tendency is to find comfort in choosing convenience. 

We choose quick meals over ones that may be healthier selections because they may take more time to prepare. We decide to binge shows rather than get enough sleep, making us more tired and stressed the next day. 

We choose to skip the workout for the day because we just don’t have the energy.

It’s a pattern and a slippery slope that can lead to various coping mechanisms, some that may not be as healthy as we could be. 

These actions we take when we’re feeling overwhelmed stem from our ability, or inability, to handle stress in our lives. 

Stress can lead to several significant health ramifications from sleep disorders, impaired immune systems, upset digestive tracts, and more. In fact, prolonged stress can elevate your blood pressure and heart rate, leading causes to heart attacks and strokes. 

In other words, you need to find ways to manage your stress to improve your quality of life.

For someone with a preexisting condition such as heart disease or diabetes, finding ways to minimize your stress is crucial to your overall health. 

Anyone managing diabetes knows that heightened blood pressure puts unnecessary stress on an already taxed body, leading to more severe complications. 

And anyone managing diabetes knows that you can still have a quality of life post-diagnosis. In addition to managing your blood sugars, getting enough sleep, as well as getting exercise, finding ways to minimize stress in your life is crucial. 

Ways To Minimize Stress In Your Life

According to Rolling Paper, the dangers of stress in your life can be much more severe than we’ve previously understood. It’s crucial then to find ways to minimize the amount of stress we have in our lives and learn to manage what we can. By learning a coping mechanism, we’re improving the quality of our lives and that of those we love. 

Here are four of the best ways to minimize and manage stress in your life. 

Establish An Exercise Routine

Exercise is one of the best ways to release stress from the body and mind. Increasing your heart rate helps burn excess calories, improves cardiovascular function, enhances your immune system, heightens mood, assists with quality sleep, and invigorates mental function. According to Rolling Paper, the link between improved mental function and exercise is apparently due to increased heart rates facilitating anti-anxiety neurochemicals such as serotonin, GABA, and endocannabinoids. These obviously decrease stress, and regulate your mood so that you feel happier and calmer.

Eat Better

Whether you have specific nutritional needs or not, eating better is one way to decrease stress in our lives. Too often, when we feel run down and overwhelmed, we reach for the fastest, easiest foods. All too often, those comfort foods are loaded with sugars and other fillers, don’t offer much in the way of nutrition and stimulate us to act opposite of what we need for our bodies at the time.

Consider changing your diet to include pure ingredients, less processed foods, and if necessary, look to add supplements. 

Be Mindful

The practice of being mindful is the idea of being in a relaxed state that is focused on the moment and nothing else. Findings show that even 15 minutes a day of meditative relaxation helps release tension in the body, lower blood pressure, improve our concentration and focus, and improve mood. Clean protein powders and those that are nutrient-rich. 

Pamper Yourself

One tactic to minimize stress in your life should consider a little personal care. Pamper yourself to a day at the spa, get a massage, or visit the chiropractor and get your body right. The benefits of releasing stress from your mind and body will make you feel better, calmer, and happier, meaning you’ll have a better quality of life and be more fun to be around for your loved ones!  Besides, who doesn’t deserve a little “me” time now and then? 

We all feel overwhelmed at times. It’s a natural feeling. The key is to find ways to manage it before it can cause lasting health issues in our lives, impacting our bodies and minds. Taking a little time every day for self-care should be a priority in your life for better living.