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Showing posts sorted by date for query gardening. Sort by relevance Show all posts

January 13, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Self-Care for Women

Self-care is essential for maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle, especially for women juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. 

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary

By nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, you can feel more energized, focused, and empowered. 

This guide will walk you through practical self-care tips and strategies to help you prioritize your health, happiness, and peace of mind.

Let's dive in!  Good vibes!

Looking for self-care products made in the USA?  Check out these posts:


What is Self-Care?


Self-care is the act of taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health to maintain overall well-being. 

It’s about recognizing your needs and making time for activities that replenish and rejuvenate you. 

Self-care looks different for everyone, but it always involves setting boundaries, making time for yourself, and creating balance in your life.


Why is Self-Care Important for Women?


Amazon

Women often put others’ needs before their own, leaving little time for personal care. 

However, regular self-care is vital for reducing stress, preventing burnout, and improving productivity. 

Prioritizing your well-being helps you build resilience, gain clarity, and feel better about your ability to manage your responsibilities.

Here are some benefits of self-care for women:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Enhances emotional well-being
  • Boosts energy levels
  • Improves relationships
  • Promotes physical health


1. Create a Self-Care Routine


Amazon

Building a consistent self-care routine is key to ensuring you take time for yourself regularly. Incorporate activities that address your physical, mental, and emotional needs. Here’s how you can structure your routine:

  • Morning Self-Care: Start your day with a short meditation, a glass of water, and a nourishing breakfast to set a positive tone.
  • Midday Breaks: Take 5-10 minute breaks throughout the day to stretch, walk, or simply breathe deeply.
  • Evening Rituals: Wind down with a skincare routine, reading, journaling, or taking a warm bath to signal your body that it’s time to relax.

Consistency is key to making self-care a habit!


2. Physical Self-Care: Prioritize Your Health


Amazon

Taking care of your physical health is foundational to feeling your best. Here are some tips for physical self-care:

  • Exercise Regularly: Find a form of exercise you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, running, or dancing. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is crucial for your body’s recovery and energy levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Fuel your body with whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Practice Relaxation Techniques: Include activities like deep breathing, stretching, or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce tension in your body.


3. Mental and Emotional Self-Care: Protect Your Mindset


Amazon

Self-care is not only about physical health but also about nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. Here’s how to protect your mindset:

  • Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness, whether through meditation, mindful breathing, or simply being present in the moment.
  • Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when you need to. Setting healthy boundaries is an important part of self-care and helps you maintain balance.
  • Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk to a friend, family member, or therapist.
  • Engage in Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thoughts by practicing self-compassion. Speak to yourself with kindness and avoid self-criticism.


4. Self-Care for the Soul: Nourish Your Spirit


Amazon

Nourishing your soul means engaging in activities that fulfill you and connect you to your inner self. Here are ways to nurture your soul:

  • Pursue Passions: Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy, whether it’s painting, writing, or gardening.
  • Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on the things you're grateful for. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your perspective toward positivity.
  • Spend Time in Nature: Spending time outdoors, whether it’s a walk in the park or a weekend hike, can help restore your sense of calm and clarity.
  • Disconnect from Technology: Take time to unplug from digital distractions to reconnect with yourself and others in real life.


5. Social Self-Care: Build and Maintain Meaningful Relationships

Human connections are essential for overall well-being. Building strong relationships with friends, family, and loved ones can provide emotional support and enhance your happiness. Here's how to nurture your social self-care:

  • Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones: Whether it's a coffee date, a weekend getaway, or a phone call, prioritize spending meaningful time with people who matter to you.
  • Engage in Social Activities: Join a community group, take a class, or engage in hobbies where you can meet like-minded people.
  • Communicate Effectively: Open, honest communication helps strengthen relationships and ensures your needs are met.


6. Self-Care for Women on the Go: Time-Saving Tips


Amazon

If you're a busy woman balancing work, family, and personal commitments, it can be hard to fit in self-care. Here are time-saving self-care ideas:

  • Set Aside “Me Time” in Your Calendar: Treat self-care like any other important meeting. Block out time in your schedule to focus on yourself.
  • Multitask: You can combine self-care with other activities. For example, practice deep breathing or listen to a podcast while commuting or exercising.
  • Incorporate Mini Self-Care Breaks: Use a few minutes of downtime to stretch, breathe, or meditate. Even small moments of self-care can make a difference.


Final Thoughts: Embrace Self-Care as a Lifestyle

Self-care is an ongoing practice, not a one-time fix. 

Embrace it as a lifestyle, and make time for it regularly. 

The key is to find what works for you, create a routine that fits into your life, and prioritize your needs. 

By investing in your physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, you can feel more balanced, energized, and ready to take on whatever comes your way!

Let's dive in with good vibes!

December 13, 2024

Under $50 Friday: Top American-Made Products You’ll Love

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  (HINT: LINKS IN RED ARE AFFILIATE LINKS.) ALL INFORMATION VALID AS OF POSTING DATE.


Welcome to Under $50 Friday, where we showcase amazing products made in the USA, all under $50!

From unique gifts to everyday essentials, these affordable, high-quality items support local artisans and craftsmanship.

Shop our curated selection and enjoy great value while supporting American-made goods!

May 29, 2023

Series: Hurricane Emergency Preparedness Supplies Made in the USA

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  (HINT: LINKS IN RED ARE AFFILIATE LINKS.) ALL INFORMATION VALID AS OF POSTING DATE.




There are some supplies that may not be on a checklist.  These are the items that come by word of mouth - from people who have prepared for emergencies on several occasions.

Here is the miscellaneous list - and all made in the USA.


1. Lantern

via Amazon

Coleman has been making lanterns for over 100 years.  The lantern is made for camping and being outdoors, so in case of power outage, let this lantern be your light.

You can use Coleman Liquid Fuel or unleaded gasoline all seasons.


2. Tools

via Amazon 

Hurricanes and other natural disasters can be unforgiving in their power and damage they leave in their paths.

Having tools that are made with superior performance as the standard, make prep and other projects easier to accomplish.


3. Recipe Cards

via Amazon 

Recipe cards are normally used to write down and pass down family recipes.

During a power outage, it can sometimes be overwhelming to think about what to eat.  As part of your prep work, think about what you eat on a daily basis and create recipes around that.

Another aspect to consider is if you have a way to warm up the food, if you want a hot meal.  This will make a difference in your recipe.


4. Exercise

via Amazon 
 
When a hurricane or storm is coming, it can be stressful.  Exercise is a proven and medically-recommended benefit for stress relief.  

While exercise equipment is not normally on an emergency checklist, it is important to keep your stress and sanity in check.  Having a game plan for stress relief is also a necessity.

5. Gardening


Another stress reliever is gardening - specifically the art of creating a bonsai.  When you're stuck inside after a storm, the peace and needed concentration will help bring down your stress level.  

Add it to your supply list.  Better yet: get one and take a few minutes each day to test and see if it really does reduce your stress level.

Not yet a believer?  Both the National Institute of Health and Scripps News offer some more information about the benefits.


Conclusion

Finding emergency preparedness supplies made in the USA may pose a challenge, but with challenge comes change.  

How will YOU be part of the change?

Always remember: Nobody appreciates you and your business more than the people behind the made in the USA name!

May 19, 2023

Series: Start a Garden with Tools Made in the USA under $50 Friday

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  (HINT: LINKS IN RED ARE AFFILIATE LINKS.) ALL INFORMATION VALID AS OF POSTING DATE.



Who says that products made in the USA have to cost more than their foreign competitors?  Under $50 Friday proves that you can find made in the USA products without breaking the bank.  Here you will find some garden tools to keep you going on your new garden summer project.


1. Weeder



This is the weeder that saves your back.  The s
teel gripping prongs and foot lever provide a quality product that will become a go-to tool.

2. Rain Wand
  **Note: Hose not included.**

A watering wand allows a large amount of water to be added to your plants and trees. It regulates the amount of water and imitates rainfall on the garden bed.

Note: The nozzles are made in the USA.  The wands are assembled in the USA.


3. Crevice Tool


                                         

A crevice tool edges around landscaped beds and borders. It is handmade from reused concrete reinforcement rod and black walnut, while also using traditional blacksmith techniques. There is a certain nostalgia when tools are handmade in this manner.

4. Chickadee Feeder
 

While feeders may not be the first thing you think of for a garden, they attract birds. Birds, in turn, keep your garden bug-free with their bug-eating habits.

This chickadee feeder is hand thrown on the potter's wheel in North Carolina. Each one is individually made, featuring a drainage hole, wooden perch and nylon cord hanger.

5. Kneeling Pad

 

A kneeling pad is very convenient to have when on the ground tending to your garden.  It keeps your knees comfortable, while also allowing you to avoid bending over to tend to the garden.  That can cause dizziness or vertigo-like symptoms.

Having the tools for proper body mechanics protects you from injury.  Whether you are weeding your garden or planting seeds, a kneeling pad adds a level of safety and comfort to this fun new hobby.


Conclusion

Finding gardening tools made in the USA that cost less than $50 may pose a challenge, but with challenge comes change.  

How will YOU be part of the change?

Always remember: Nobody appreciates you and your business more than the people behind the made in the USA name!

May 18, 2023

Series: Start a Garden with Tools Made in the USA, Part 3

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  (HINT: LINKS IN RED ARE AFFILIATE LINKS.) ALL INFORMATION VALID AS OF POSTING DATE.



With the beginning of summer right around the corner, the outdoors are just calling to be enjoyed.

Welcome to Part 3 of the series of how to start a garden. Memorial Day weekend is coming soon, and now is a good time to prepare the outdoor space for summer entertaining.



1. Shovel


Shovels make it easy to remove soil, and move around different materials, such as dirt, gravel, and snow.  To find out which shovel is best for you, read this article.

PredatorTools® makes their digging tools and shovels in the USA.  It's important to note that their tools are used by the United States military.  Other industries also include forensics, archaeology, and search and rescue.

2. Tool Bag
Having a bag that holds your gardening tools helps keep things organized.  This bag by Garrett Wade was made intentionally to be large enough to fit the most used tools, but not too large that it becomes a junk drawer of sorts.  It is hand-sewn by master leather-workers, so each one has its own unique look.

3. Lopper
  
Loppers offer gardeners another option to saws and pruning shears.  They cut through thicker branches and stems. Both hands are required to use them, versus pruning shears that can be held in one hand.  The anodized aircraft aluminum provides heavy-duty construction to reinforce stability with more challenging gardening projects.


4. Wheelbarrow
via Home Depot: True Temper Wheelbarrow

Wheelbarrows help transport fertilizer, mulch and other gardening materials throughout the yard.  This one has a flat-free tire, steel tray and steel handles.

True Temper makes the tray in the USA, with the rest of the wheelbarrow being made from global materials and assembled in the USA.

5. Garden Hoe


Hoes assist you in weeding your garden, sowing seeds, and preparing the garden soil.

Bully Tools make their tools from 100% American-made steel.  The powdered coat finish helps prevent rusting.


Conclusion

Finding garden tools made in the USA may pose a challenge, but with challenge comes change.  

How will YOU be part of the change?

Always remember: Nobody appreciates you and your business more than the people behind the made in the USA name!

May 17, 2023

Series: Start a Garden with Tools Made in the USA, Part 2

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  (HINT: LINKS IN RED ARE AFFILIATE LINKS.) ALL INFORMATION VALID AS OF POSTING DATE.


With the beginning of summer right around the corner, the outdoors are just calling to be enjoyed.

Welcome to Part 2 of the series of how to start a garden. Memorial Day weekend is coming soon, and now is a good time to prepare the outdoor space for summer entertaining.


1. Wide Brim Sun Hat




A hat that blocks the sun from your face is a must-have in gardening.  The Cascade Hat is laminated on the top to block 80% of the sun's rays.  It also has a removable sweatband.  

This hat is made in California by a company that has been making hats for over 50 years!  AND their hats have a lifetime warranty.  They are handmade to last a lifetime!


2. Boots

via Amazon Sloggers Garden Boots Flower Power

The proper footwear protects feet from whatever the garden offers.  Sloggers' Flower Power Boots keep feet dry with their waterproof power, offer "All-Day Comfort" insoles, and repel dirt with just a quick hose-down.  The soles are also made with 50% recycled material.

Note: They are made with U.S. and imported materials.


3. Apron


Artifact's Garden Apron is made from waxed canvas, which makes it repel water.  It keeps liquids from soaking in and particles from sticking on the apron.  

Artifact has been making this apron in Nebraska since 2010.


4. Watering Can


A watering can comes in handy to water plants.  Regular watering maintains proper growth and health of the plant.

The Sill's watering can holds 56 oz. of water.  It is made with a long spout to control water flow and works indoors and outdoors.


5. Hose

via Amazon Flexon Industries

A garden hose is a must-have when starting a garden.  Your new plantings need to be hydrated to maintain their life and growth.  

Flexon makes their hose to be year-round with weather resistant vinyl coverings.  


Conclusion

Finding garden tools made in the USA to start a garden may pose a challenge, but with challenge comes change.  

How will YOU be part of the change?

Always remember: Nobody appreciates you and your business more than the people behind the made in the USA name!

May 15, 2023

Series: Start A Garden with Tools Made in the USA, part 1

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  (HINT: LINKS IN RED ARE AFFILIATE LINKS.) ALL INFORMATION VALID AS OF POSTING DATE.


With the beginning of summer right around the corner, the outdoors are just calling to be enjoyed.

A great way to enjoy the time outdoors is to start a garden. Memorial Day weekend is coming soon, and now is a good time to prepare the outdoor space for summer entertaining.


1. Gloves


Gardening requires having sturdy tools at your disposal. The Vermonter glove is made from 100% goat leather and tough enough for your gardening needs.


2. Pruning Shears

via Cutco Bypass Shears

A good pair of shears cuts through flowers, shrubs, and branches with ease. This pair is also made so the blades lock for safety. Cutco proudly makes all of their products in the USA.


3. Hand Trowel


This 3-inch hand trowel by Red Pig Garden Tools ™ is designed for heavy-duty weeding and planting.  There is also a smaller size for kids or folks with hands too small for the 3-inch trowel.

Their tools have a long history and it makes for fascinating reading.


4. Spade



Bully Tools manufactures this drain spade to weed in tight spaces, scoop dirt, transplant plants, and dig trenches.  It is made from 100% American steel, and made with powdered coat to prevent rust.  A spade is a great tool to have for gardening.


5. Rake

Rakes loosen soil and collect leaves, plants and hay.  Once the trenches and beds have been carved out, the rake will sweep it up and out.

True Temper also has a fascinating 200-year history of manufacturing in the US.  Buying from a company with that history instills faith in the quality of the product.


Conclusion

Finding tools made in the USA to start a garden may pose a challenge, but with challenge comes change.  

How will YOU be part of the change?

Always remember: Nobody appreciates you and your business more than the people behind the made in the USA name!