A Guide to Taking a Road Trip Across the US

Taking a road trip is always exciting: the open road, the possibilities, the time you get to spend with family and friends.

All 50 states have their own unique landscapes and places to visit and experience and driving through even just a handful of them will give you a wildly different experience in each. You can get a taste for each of them when you drive by and spend a little time getting to know them. A road trip across the US is a once in a lifetime trip, depending on how far you go.

For a long trip like this, you’ll want to pack and plan well!

How to Pack

As you may be aware, the states have incredibly different climates and weather patterns, so you’ll want to check ahead what the weather is going to be like for everywhere you go.

It can be difficult to know what to pack when you’re going to so many different places and spending so much of that time in a car or driving it.

It’s best to pack a variety of clothes so that you’re prepared for anything the weather decides to throw at you. Be realistic, though; if you’re planning to go next summer, you probably aren’t going to need your winter boots, even if places like Boston are known for their snow.

Avoiding Boredom

In between your many exciting destinations, you’re probably going to reach a point when you and your passengers are bored from driving. Eye spy gets dull after a while, after all. You should prepare for this by coming up with some games to play together beforehand, whether this is a handful of playing card games, or ones you make up yourself. Of course, you could always bring along some handheld gaming consoles, but the point of the trip is to spend time together. Invent something you can all do together and keep yourselves entertained on your long journey. That being said, when you do get the chance to stop for a break, there’s no harm in playing a few rounds of your favorite one-player game, whether that’s solitaire, a racing game, or even a digital crossword or wordsearch, to help you wind down and refocus.

Preparing Your Car

Your car that you use day-to-day might not be up for such a trip as this one. Renting a car from E-Z Rental Car means you can use a car that is specifically intended for vacations. Bring along some comfortable pillows and blankets for when you’re taking a break from driving, and you can make the rental car feel as if it were your own. If you start your trip by flying into your first destination, you can pick up the rental car right at the airport and get your road trip going straight away.

Your road trip will give you many fun memories to look back on, and you will get to experience so many different places in the US all on one vacation.

Following these simple tips will help your road trip go smoothly and make the experience one that you will remember for the rest of your life. Remember to fill up with gas every now and then, and you are good to go!

Friday Favorites Linky Party – Week 497

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet HomeTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Lisa at Condo BluesTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small ThingsPin

Penny at Penny’s PassionTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas SkyTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Jennifer at Busy Being JenniferTwitter | FB | Pin | Inst

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party! [Read more…]

What It’s Like to Live With Passive Suicidal Thoughts

Passive suicidal thoughts are not the same as active suicidal thoughts. Passive thoughts involve constantly thinking about death and even desiring death, but with no follow-through via actions; whereas active thoughts usually involve a plan or the ultimate tragedy. Each comes with their own stigmas and misinformation, so keep reading to learn what it’s actually like to live with passive suicidal thoughts.

Wanting to Die, Yet Never Following Through

Imagine waking up every day feeling like you’d rather be dead than have to face your day. Imagine a pervasive feeling of dread and an uncomfortable closeness to the idea of dying, yet never quite obtaining what you think will bring you peace. This is a day in the life of someone suffering from passive suicidal thoughts.

A passive suicidal ideation involves plenty of thoughts about death but usually doesn’t include any actions that could lead to that outcome. Passively suicidal people will often isolate themselves, becoming preoccupied with the idea of dying and even affecting the personal

relationships they share with those around them. This is mostly due to stigma and misunderstanding about passive suicidal ideations and mental health in general.

Stigma and Misunderstanding

Stigma and misunderstanding about mental health in general, but especially about depression and suicide, is widespread and dangerous. Stigma sets people suffering from mental health conditions apart from everyone else, and makes them feel like what they are going through isn’t valid enough to be recognized by the rest of the world as a problem.

Thought this article may be four years old, it’s message remains true today; too much stigma surrounds suicide and mental health and is proving to be a detriment in educating the public and providing options for those who are afflicted. Suicide is a real phenomenon, and wanting to die certainly is no laughing matter. In fact, suicide is said to claim around 800,000 people per year around the world. That’s just shy of one million.

If you’re living with passive (or active) suicidal thoughts, your condition is valid. If you know someone who is suffering from passive suicidal thoughts, it’s important to remember that what they’re feeling is real and has a profound impact on their life. Don’t be afraid to reach out, either to them or to a mental health professional on their behalf. Passive suicidal thoughts don’t always stay that way, unfortunately.

A Delicate Balance

A delicate balance exists between passive and active suicidal ideations. While active ideations usually involve self-harm in the form of deliberate actions or putting oneself in harm’s way, passive ideations are truly only a step away from this very damaging and dangerous idea.

Most passive ideations include the wish for an accident to occur that would result in a loss of life, and this can compound over time until it becomes an act rather than just a thought. Once the afflicted person passes the threshold from thought to act, you’re dealing with a very serious active suicidal ideation that should be addressed ASAP.

An active suicidal ideation should always be taken seriously, no matter how much you think you know about the person or their illness. There’s nothing more impactful than ignoring or discounting someone’s pleas or warning signs, only to learn they’ve followed through on the very act you doubted they would ever accomplish. This leads to much sorrow and regret and can be easily avoided by simply taking threats or talk seriously.

Constant Turmoil

When you’re living with constant passive suicidal thoughts, your mind is in constant turmoil. The survival instinct can be overrun by these rampant thoughts of death, causing the afflicted person(s) to lose energy, concentration, and even the will to get out of bed and go about their day.

With a mind in constant turmoil, there is no way to go about daily life. Simple tasks become monumental projects, and personal relationships fall to the wayside. This is where most people get offended and let personal pride get in the way of truly understanding the illness. Understand that those living with passive suicidal thoughts aren’t letting you fall by the wayside out of choice; they are a victim of their illness and aren’t in control of their behavior for the most part.

No Joy in Life

Imagine what it would be like to be unable to find joy in anything life has to offer. The beauty of nature, the specialness of human connection; these things fall by the wayside as suicidal ideations take over. The afflicted person no longer believes they have a place in the world, and it becomes impossible to see the beauty in anything but death as a way to end their suffering.

Would you be able to function if death was constantly on your mind? Would you be able to talk and go about your day as normal if you only wanted to die? The answer is probably no. The fact is, passive or active suicidal ideations should be taken seriously every time, or else we may have to suffer the terrible consequences of inaction.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re suffering from passive thoughts or know someone who is, it’s important to know the facts surrounding the condition and where to get help. Reach out to counselors and support groups for yourself or on behalf of someone you know that’s suffering from passive suicidal thoughts. Don’t make the mistake of not taking these thoughts seriously!

Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box: October Box Review

Disclosure: I received free products to facilitate this post.  Affiliate links are contained herein. The opinions are my own.

October is here, and it is time for another  Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box unboxing!  Appropriately this month’s box has a fall theme; since that is my FAVORITE season, I was really excited to get this!

Here are a few quick facts about the Essential Oil Recipe Box:

  • Cost is just $39 / month.
  • Each box has 4 bottles of essential oil, recipe cards to help you use your oils in fun and unique ways, plus other materials you need to make the recipes.
  • Each box is specially curated with a unique theme in mind.
  • Each box is a $150 value!
  • When you subscribe you get a cool BONUS box for FREE!
  • You also get a $40 gift card for FREE when you use my referral link and coupon code:  SSHOMEFREE!

[Read more…]

Garcinia Cambogia: Treasure House of Health Benefits

If you have been following health fads and news related to diet programs then you would be aware of how something new crops up almost every week. Innovative and new dietary ideas are capturing the attention of consumers by storm. Nowadays, nutrition is no longer restricted to regular food and meal plans. Exotic supplements and nutritional resources are making their presence on the double. Health and food stores are packed with items that are enriched with vital nutrients to support various body functions.

While some of these substances have chemical compositions along with natural substances, others maybe 100 percent organic in nature. For instance, Garcinia Cambogia is a naturally grown fruit that has hit the health market like no other in recent times. It is making waves in health forums and circles because of the many benefits tucked in its repository. Mainly found in tropical regions, Garcinia Cambogia is being positioned as an effective weight loss remedy. Read on to know more about the goodness of Garcinia Cambogia and why you should be including it in your regular diet at the earliest.

Garcinia Cambogia -What is this Fruit?

Garcinia cambogia refers to a fruit that has its origin in the southeastern parts of Asia. It is also termed as garcinia gummi-gutta, brindle berry, or Malabar tamarind. The garcinia fruit is quite akin to a small pumpkin in shape and size. Grown on vines, the fruit changes its color from a dull green to pale yellow as it ripens up. According to experts in nutrition and supplementation, it has been scientifically proven to that garcinia is a robust nutritional powerhouse. Also found in certain parts of Africa and India, Garcinia Cambogia is mainly in the news because of its weight loss enabling qualities.

Nutritional Benefits and Features of Garcinia Cambogia

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is the most active ingredient present in Garcinia Cambogia. HCA is a vital nutrient that is responsible for helping weight loss. It has appealed to the instincts of health enthusiasts and is often found in combination with organic compounds and nutrients to form a useful extract. Highly potent and effective, HCA is known to have direct and powerful impacts on the human body. As per nutritionists, it is best taken in moderation as

excessive consumption of the same can be associated with different types of toxicity in the liver.

It’s indeed a matter of surprise how garcinia Cambogia has managed to come into the limelight out of nowhere. Largely unknown all these years, garcinia has caught the attention of health enthusiasts, globally, because of its probable effects on weight loss plans. Even though the real benefits of garcinia Cambogia are still under the scanner, it is freely available in almost all places on Earth. A lot of research is underway to ascertain the extent and scope of garcinia and its benefits. Along with the positive effects related to reducing obesity and weight issues, garcinia is known for its other ancillary benefits in health fad circles.

Health Benefits: Garcinia Cambogia

The impressive benefits of garcinia Cambogia have to be studied in-depth to understand the newly-found popularity of this fruit.

1. It promotes weight loss

Preliminary studies have revealed how HCA is capable of inhibiting the enzymes responsible for fat production in the human body. It is also equipped to increase the overall glycogen storage levels in skeletal muscles after exercise sessions. However, there are very few clinical studies performed on humans to justify the utility of this fruit in terms of reliable weight loss.

2. Improves Metabolism

Are you eager to increase your existing metabolic rate? Have you been looking for easy methods to bring about a drastic spurt in your weight loss efforts? The answer lies in adding recommended quantities of garcinia Cambogia to your regular diet. An increase in metabolic activities relates to the production of immediate energy to enable further weight loss. The presence of high energy levels can lead to more regular and stringent exercise regimes, longer hours of walking, and overall better fitness programs. HCA acts on varied biochemical pathways. These pathways reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol to bring about improvements in insulin and blood sugar response.

3. Increase in Energy

Most people are known to experience a state of lethargy and listlessness after shedding off their extra kilos. They go through bouts of muscle weakness and fatigue. This is because more energy or calories is packed into their fat tissues in comparison to the level of carbohydrates in their body. An effective way of combatting this lies in how garcinia behaves in such people. It brings about strong energetic bursts to disallow such moments of exhaustion associated with weight loss.

4. Suppresses Hunger and Appetite

Suppression of the natural hunger pangs of people undergoing weight loss programs is another vital means of losing weight loss. Garcinia cambogia does this to help people lose

weight on the double. Because it can prevent hunger from taking over the senses of users, Garcinia Cambogia is being readily included in popular weight loss supplements and related products. The natural HCA (hydroxycitric acid) present in garcinia is an essential component that induces weight loss. It acts by suppressing hunger and telling the body how much it should eat and when. Regular intake of HCA trains the body to crave only specific food items and that too in rationed amounts. This serves to be a boon for people taking their weight loss programs seriously and rigidly.

5. Reduction in Stress

The levels of cortisol in the blood can be regulated and kept under control by the compound HCA found in Garcinia Cambogia extract. Cortisol is the commonest stress hormone that can wreak havoc on the mood swings of people of all ages. The herbal supplement reduces stress hormones along with providing relief to their anxiety. This, in turn, influences the condition of vital organs and systems to keep users healthy.

Safety of Garcinia Cambogia

As per clinical trials, it is safe to incorporate Garcinia cambogia in your dietary regime to leverage its many benefits. You may want to use the recommended quantities of this extract for 12 weeks at least to gain good results. Are you ready to check out the goodness of Garcinia Cambogia? Get into the action right away.

Why Is Clean Drinking Water Necessary For Your Health?

The amount of water in the world is decreasing as the explosion in population has caused unbridled use of water, and hence the sources are depleting. However, water is necessary for the survival of humanity because water other than its other applications is needed for drinking. The amount of drinkable water in the world is limited, and its availability per person is reducing day by day. This is the reason that many people are forced to drink water that is unhealthy. At the same time, tap water that is supplied in homes and commercial establishments is often sick due to the disease-causing microbes and other pollutants.

Use RO For Clean Drinking Water

RO is permanently reverse osmosis, and with this process, all of the harmful microbes are removed from the drinking water. This is the reason that you should install a sound RO system like Aquafresh in your home or commercial establishment to ensure the availability of clean and healthy drinking water. The best part is that medical professionals advise drinking a lot of water to keep the body hydrated and also to maintain the overall physical health of a person. The human body is made up of 75% water and to maintain the body, it is necessary to drink at least 5-6 liters of water every day. However, it is essential that the water should be clean so that not just disease-causing microbes, but also other pollutants and toxins are removed from the drinking water.

● Multi-Level Purification Process of RO

RO water purifiers use a multi-level purification system to make the water healthy for drinking purposes. Contaminants and pollutants are removed at different stages so that the water that you get from the RO system is entirely healthy and fit to drink. The RO purifiers can even remove impurities that are dissolved in the water like chlorine, excessive salt, and many other pollutants apart from bacteria and other microbes.

● Removes Disease-Causing Pollutants

According to studies, a child dies of the water-borne disease every 20 seconds. This is why it is necessary that the water you drink should be pure clean and safe so that you can avoid life-threatening water-borne diseases. There is a UV lamp in most RO systems that removes the

bacteria and viruses. Then again, there is the reverse osmosis process mentioned above removes other pollutants. The best part is that the excellent quality RO systems like Aquafresh RO maintain the mineral content in the water. Otherwise, most of the lower quality RO systems remove the necessary minerals from the sea, which makes the water unhealthy in another way. Minerals present in water are essential for the health of the body and drinking water without the essential minerals can be very harmful to health.

● Food Tastes Better

The impurities present in the drinking water can also mar the taste of the food that you cook in it. Using municipal or tap water is not safe and can be bad for the taste of food because it has a high level of chlorine in it. RO water improves the taste of food by removing the chlorine and other chemicals that are usually present in it. This is the reason that you should not only drink RO purified water but also cook food with it.

● Saves Money

Of course, you get bottled water, but that is expensive, and at the same time you cannot be sure of the source of the water. Nowadays, there are many cases of unscrupulous elements who take empty bottles of well-known companies and fill pure tap water in them. At the same time, bottled water is expensive; hence, you will be saving money if you opt for RO water.

● Increased demand

In this pollution ridden and highly toxic environment, water can cause many health problems. This is because the sources of water like rivers, wells, etc. are highly polluted due to the contaminants being dumped in them. Even after the water department has been through the purification process of drinking water. There are many contaminants added to it by the time it reaches your home where you drink the water. These impurities are removed by RO systems, and this is the reason that the demand for RO water purifiers has increased to a great extent.

How To Choose An RO Water Purifier?

As mentioned, the demand for RO purifiers has increased, and this is the reason that many different brands of these have come up in the market. However, as mentioned above, all of them may not

be up to the mark. This is the reason that you need to conduct some research to decide what brand of water purifier you should buy. It is an excellent idea to do some research online because most good RO purifier companies have their websites which publish their specialties. Thorough online research and also asking among your friends and colleagues will give you an idea about the RO system you should opt for.

Friday Favorites Linky Party Week 496

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet HomeTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Lisa at Condo BluesTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small ThingsPin

Penny at Penny’s PassionTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas SkyTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Jennifer at Busy Being JenniferTwitter | FB | Pin | Inst

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party! [Read more…]

Family Road Trip To South Carolina

Heading down south, the east coast is by far one of the best places to have a family holiday road trip. South Carolina is a little more exotic than her larger brother to the north. Neighboring Georgia and Tennessee, it’s got a classic southern charm. You can expect plenty of seafood, sunshine, humidity, tropical foliage and amazing music. The Blues of course comes from the south of America, and those that love this genre will be right at home in this amazing state. It’s got everything you would expect in a southern coast state. Palm trees, beaches, rivers and incredible wildlife. There’s also a love for nature, so you’ll find amazing parks, gardens and countryside that is cared for by the locals. Yet it’s large enough that you would want to be in full control of your adventure by driving around by yourself. Thankfully the large open roads and highways allow even a large vehicle to pass through without trouble.

You mode of transport

Family road trips come with the same risks as any other. If you’re trapped in a small space for a lot of the time when you’re traveling, people are bound to get on each other’s nerves. That’s one of the reasons why you need a vehicle that is long and wide. Exactly 24 passengers can fit into a mini bus like this. It has high back reclining seats so passengers can relax and snooze off after a long day. It’s also got a TV and DVD player so the kids can watch their shows while you travel for miles and miles on the road. There’s plenty of room for everyone’s luggage and crucially, there’s air conditioning to keep everyone cool in close quarters. 


The swamps and trees

Congaree National Park is one of the highlights of South Carolina. It’s one of those places that capture a state in every respect. The swamps and the tall trees are a hallmark of this state’s nature and landscape. One of the best reasons for coming to this park is, you can explore it without the need to ‘stay on the path’ like most other national parks demand. You can go for an adventure without being told where not to go. The forest is around 11,000 acres and thankfully most of the forest was saved from the logging explosion that really heated up in the 60s and 70s. In 1976 it was declared a national park so now, there are trees that have stood for hundreds of years, still standing intact.

 

A contemporary Carolina

It’s easy to think of southern states as a bit old fashioned and set in their ways. However the Haley Institute of Contemporary Art shatters this stereotype. Here you’ll find modern cutting edge art that will challenge the galleries in New York City and Los Angeles. A notable figure in the American Art world, Mark Sloan is the director of this amazing gallery so you can expect challenging concepts and abstract art focusing on modern day issues.

South Carolina is far more exotic than North Carolina and the amount of national parks in the state prove this. The beaches and restaurants are amazing but there’s also plenty of culture to absorb too. 

How to choose a good dentist in your area?

Oral health plays an integral role in your entire body’s overall health. Therefore, to ensure your teeth are fresh, clean, and healthy, you should visit your local dentist at least twice annually. However, finding the right dentist is quite challenging and requires a considerable amount of effort and time.  And check out these five things you need to consider when choosing a dentist.

Friendly employees 

Ensure the staff are responsive and helpful, especially if going to the dentist is something that makes you nervous. With a friendly team of employees, your dental experience is enhanced, and this makes you feel more confident to undergo routine checkups to preserve your oral health. Consequently, this improves your dental health for both your gums and teeth. This is also important to consider when you are taking your children to the dentist for the first time as it can sometimes be a scary experience, but you can learn more here about the practice and pediatric dentistry in advance to make sure your child will feel at ease. Furthermore, you should assess the dental service you get over the phone, that is, how efficient the appointment process is, and whether it makes you feel comfortable or not.

State-of-the-art technology 

The use of advanced technology is critical for the overall improvement of your oral health. Therefore, when looking for a potential, dentist, you should opt for one who not only offers you professional services but also makes use of up-to-date technology. These technologies include T-scan, digital X-rays, lasers used for gum therapy, intraoral cameras, Cosmetic Imagining, among others. Whereas these advanced technologies might appear unnecessary, they play a vital role in detecting issues with your oral health, such as gum disease.

Ask for recommendations 

Before you decide on a dentist in your area, first ask for your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors for recommendations. Moreover, get to know everything they like about the dentist and why as this enables you to determine the ideal dentist for Holistic Dentistry USA. When it comes to dental health, most individuals are precise. Thus, asking people you trust for recommendations is one of the best ways of finding a great dentist in your locality. To maintain excellent dental health, having a good dentist is crucial as they are better placed to detect early symptoms of dental issues.

Clean office 

Before you pick a dentist, first ensure they have a clean office as this is a good indicator of their overall hygiene. Therefore, whenever, you go to the dentist’s office, pay close attention to the cleanliness of the surroundings from magazines to chairs as the same will apply for the dental equipment. If you detect any sign of untidiness, it is best to avoid the dentist as this might signal the overall hygiene is abysmal.

Convenience

You should pick a dentist located near your home or whose offices are on your way to or from work. By doing this, you will never have any issue getting to the dental offices on time either because of traffic or distance. Moreover, convenience should not just be about proximity to your home, but also the dentist’s office hours. This is because scheduling appointments with a dentist who is only available when you are working too becomes quite challenging. Thus, opt for a dentist who works late hours several days a week or during the weekend to cater to your needs. 

4 Home Security Tips for Holiday Entertainers

With the holidays just a few months away, it’s time to start preparing your home for the winter season. While you might be thinking of how you want to decorate for the holidays, you should first take care of making your home as safe as possible — especially if you plan to have holiday gatherings or are expecting family or friends to stay with you.

Here are a few home security and safety considerations to take care of before your favorite entertaining season is in full swing.

Ensure Your Yard Is Well Lit

With guests coming in and out of your home during this busy season, it is all the more important to keep pathways well lit to prevent injury. This is easy to do during the holiday season thanks to the popularity of holiday light displays, which illuminate your yard. It’s also helpful to set up pathway lighting between your street or driveway up to your home’s entrance.

If you live in an area prone to snow and harsh winter weather conditions, be sure to also keep walkways clear of snow and ice, and to have plenty of rock salt on hand to maintain safe walking surfaces.

Keep a Watchful Eye

Lots of holiday entertaining also means attending others’ holiday parties, making for a busy social calendar in December. Since you’ll be home less, and there will be plenty of holiday presents stashed inside, now is a great time to install a security camera system around the perimeter of your home. Make sure cameras are covering all of the common entry points like the front door, back door, garage and first-floor windows. There’s no need to hide them, keep all security cameras in plain sight; often, just seeing that a property is protected is enough to send burglars moving on to find an easier target.

Do Not Keep Gifts in Plain Sight

While it’s undeniably festive to keep wrapped presents under the Christmas tree, it’s best to keep gifts safely stored elsewhere when you are entertaining. While you may find all of your guests to be trustworthy, you just never know who they may bring or if uninvited guests may show up when you are hosting large gatherings.

Even if your gift aren’t stolen from under the tree, accidents happen, especially at parties where alcohol is being served. Someone could spill a drink or accidentally break a gift. Instead, keep the real gifts put away and wrap up empty boxes to place under the tree to achieve the same festive look.

Have Emergency Power Available

If winter brings a deluge of rain and snow where you live, it is prudent to invest in an emergency power source, like a gas-powered generator. The last thing you want when you have house guests is for the power to go out and then heat to go out with it. A generator can help provide a bridge until the power comes back on so that you don’t have to be without the essential creature comforts you need to stay safe inside while you ride out the storm.

Make the most of your time with family and friends this holiday season by taking your home security and safety seriously, and mitigating any risk in advance. By installing landscape lighting, adding a security camera system, keeping gifts hidden out of sight and having a backup power source in case of an emergency, you can help keep you home secure and your guests safe this holiday season.