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Dates! The Original Sweetener! Ancient Mesopotamian texts describe dates as one of the primary sweeteners of that time. In the Bible, the word “honey” can be translated from the Hebrew to describe a fruit honey, rather than the honey from a bee, and is commonly referred to as “date honey” in commentaries. Considering the profound quantity of date palms in that area, it is very likely this was indeed referring to honey from the date, or, date syrup. Although date syrup has been around for thousands of years in other parts of the world, the United States has just recently seen increased interest. Date Lady offers the most delicious assortment of products to please both the date lover or most discerning foodie including organic California dates, date sugar, chocolate spread & coconut caramel sauce sweetened only with... you guessed it, dates! All of Date Lady products are Non-GMO, Gluten Free and Kosher. Who is the Date Lady you ask? Read more here. The Benefits of Eating Dates Everyone loves dates, don’t they? If not, maybe they just need to be educated on the delectable, savory and complex flavor of this wonderful fruit. Dates are a fruit rich in dietary potassium, fiber, iron and magnesium Dates contain a wide range of trace elements like boron, cobalt, copper, fluorine, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc! Dates have more potassium ounce for ounce than a banana Dates are an excellent source of energy, and are great for pre or post workout. Date Lady Products The ideal replacement for sugar, date syrup and date sugar have more magnesium and potassium than maple syrup or honey, and contain antioxidants, amino acids and other trace minerals. Date Paste Chocolate Spread *Take 1* Smoked Maple Date Syrup Sweet Chili Sauce BBQ Sauce Have a Nice Date T-Shirt Value Pack Coconut Date Sauce Date Syrup LOVE IT Squeeze Gift Card Coffee Mug Date Sugar Chocolate Spread Organic Date Syrup I was recently gifted Date Lady's newest product, DATE PASTE and I am in LOVE! The date paste is 100% organic dates; pitted and puréed just for you! The date paste is an absolute dreamy, mouthwatering, life-saver! The date paste is so much easier to use for baking, saves me time from making my own from whole dates and makes whipping up energy balls and granola bars much quicker! Mix in some peanut butter, add some coconut flakes; energy balls have never been so easy. Sweeten those muffins, no sugar needed. Add a splash of Grand Marnier and go spread that toast! Date Lady Date Paste, it's your new best friend! Try it in one of these delectables recipes. Date Paste Fun Facts High in antioxidants and trace minerals. Great for pre or post workout to recharge fatigued muscles More potassium, magnesium, iron & phosphorus than honey or maple syrup. RECIPES Breakfast Orange-Date Pecan & Raspberry Scones Superfood Granola Pumpkin Muffins Orange Scones Savory Party Mix Pizza Sauce Salad Dressing Can't Stop Cashews Fennel Slaw Date Onion Jam Roasted Brussels with Balsamic Date Drizzle Dessert Brownies Chocolate 5 Minute Truffle Bonanza Cookies Monster Cookies Caramel Corn Whoopie Pies Turtle Cookies Sticky Toffee Cakes Date Ice Cream Chocolate Mousse Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs Easiest Gluten-Free Cookie Ever Vegan Granola Date Hummus Energy Balls Cookie Dough Learn More 10 Natural Benefits of Dates & The Tastiest Ways to Enjoy Them. Are Date Syrup and Date Sugar the Healthiest Sweeteners? Date Lady Pure Date Syrup and organic Date Lady Date Sugar are both divinely delicious just as they are, or as a substitution to white or brown sugar in your favorite baked recipe. Dates, date syrup and date sugar. The primal sweeteners made new again. Date Lady Organic Date Syrup is vegan, paleo, gluten-free and kosher. It's a versatile sugar substitute that will taste phenomenal on pancakes, baked goods, lattes and more! Read about date syrup and how it has more antibacterial properties than honey. Read about how Date Syrup compares to Honey & Maple Syrup.

Ever since quarantine, I've been dreaming about that first day of summer and what that would look and feel like....the sun shining on my body, breathing in the salty air at the beach, the feeling of sand between my fingers and toes. I had a step by step process in mind. I couldn't shop until that first post quarantine haircut. That day felt so liberating! I thought I would keep growing my hair out and was excited for some lush long bouncy beach waves, but I felt like I wanted to start fresh, so I cut my hair about chin length and love it so much shorter for the summer! Once I had my post quarantine haircut, I felt some sense of style again and I felt motivated to update my wardrobe. I really wanted to streamline my closet, so I donated or sold a lot of my clothes on Poshmark. I recently found a bunch of cute and chic pieces that I wanted to share with you. Here are a few new pieces I've added to my summer wardrobe....so far.. Elizabeth and James Smocked High-Waisted Shorts I am OBSESSED with these Elizabeth and James shorts from Mary Kate + Ashley Olsen's clothing line! They are beyond soft, incredibly comfortable (gotta' love an elastic waistband), and super lightweight! They are available at Kohl's in 4 different colors: Chambray (which I have), Dull Black, Tan + Spanish Vanilla. BONUS: They are currently on sale right now and you can find them here . Elizabeth and James Casual Crewneck Sweater For those cooler summer nights, I found THE cutest, softest, chic sweater to wear all summer long! I love the loose fit on the arms, jersey construction, drop shoulder sleeves, ribbed cuffs, crewneck (I despise tight fitted t-shirts & sweaters around my neck) and I especially LOVE the fact that this cotton sweater supports more sustainable cotton farming practices. This Elizabeth and James Casual Crewneck Sweater is available in 2 different colors: Yellow Tie-Dye (which I have) and Light Blue Tie-Dye (which I need). BONUS: They are currently on sale right now and you can find them here LC Lauren Conrad Squareneck Volume-Sleeve Top The first store that I went to post-quarantine for "just a few things" was Kohl's. I found so many great pieces and the prices were insane! I purchased a top similar to this one on the right, but it looks like it's sold out. It's the same exact style & fit though. This equally chic squareneck volume-sleeve top is available in 3 different colors: Kismet Blooms Teal (on model), Surat Fleurs + Champagne Rose Stripe. And once again...BONUS: They are currently on sale right now and you can find them here . Short Sleeve One Piece Rashguard - All in Motion - Black & White Stripe A functional rashguard combines with your favorite features of a cool swimsuit for a swimwear staple. A one-piece design makes for slick dressing while keeping everything in place, and short sleeves keep your shoulders covered — wonderfully paired with a UPF 50+ rated material for protection from the sun. You can always adjust the coverage with the help of a full-length zipper down the front, making it easy to layer over your favorite swim top as you can pull down the zipper when you’re feeling toasty. You can find this functional rashguard at Target here . I am such a big fan now of the brand, All in Motion. They make it easy and comfortable to embrace a bustling lifestyle. From running errands to running intervals, the collection AIMs to propel you forward with thoughtfully designed pieces that fit and feel great — movement is the core of this performance line, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Here are some more deets (aka details): on why I am in love with this brand and my new rashguard: Remove-able cups UPF 50+ Rating: Sun blocking fabric that protects from UV rays - Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. With UPF-protected clothes, the weave is different and often times is made from a special fabric to help form a barrier against the sun's rays.” UV light can penetrate through the micro holes in the weaves of regular clothes or can even travel directly through a light-colored shirt. Recycled Polyester All in Motion designed this product using at least 20% recycled polyester (excluding trimmings, ornamentation, interlinings, and linings, a fabric that's created by turning old plastic into new polyester fibers. Making products with recycled polyester helps prevent plastic waste from ending up in landfills - another way All in Motion is committed to promoting sustainability. Stars Above - Striped Beautifully Soft Notch Collar Striped Long-Sleeve Nightgown I don't know about you, but I still need a long sleeve pajama option during the summer, especially when the air conditioner is on and I like that fine balance of not too hot or too cold when I go to sleep. Slip into a sleepwear option that's equally comfy and chic, like this Beautifully Soft Notch Collar Striped Long-Sleeve Nightgown from Stars Above that I just scored a few days ago. This nightgown is made from the most buttery soft fabric (ala Barefoot Dreams...IYKYK) for heavenly comfort, with a long-sleeve design lending a touch of extra coverage that's exquisitely complemented by the longer fit. You can always accompany this nightgown with pajama leggings, a long-sleeve sleep tee or plush robe on chillier nights, allowing you to create your own warmth level to suit your comfort needs. A pink and white striped print, notch collar and button-front silhouette add to the chic look, making this a thoughtfully styled piece you’ll love to incorporate into your morning and evening rituals. You can find this buttery soft nightgown at Target here . GAP - Fresh White Muscle T-Shirt I love a classic white t-shirt, but I was looking for a more elevated style of this classic. When I saw this soft knit, sleeveless, crewneck fresh white muscle T-shirt with sewn-in shoulder pads for added definition, I was SOLD! This top looks so damn chic with literally anything! Pair it with jeans, shorts, a long or short skirt, biker shorts + sneakers, sandals or a sexy pair of heels. This top is beyond FIERCE and if there were more in my size, I would have bought them all! There are a few sizes + styles (regular / tall / petite) still on sale, so grab them while you can here ! Rag & Bone - Mac Bodysuit Rag & Bone is one of my top go-to shops for basics and this bodysuit is no exception. Cut from a lightweight rib jacquard, the Mac bodysuit has the look of a henley tee with a button down front but creates a body skimming silhouette. I love the contrast white snap detail with raw edge jersey trim at the neck. There were only a few left on sale the last time I checked, so find your size before it's too late, here ! Birkenstock Essentials Unisex Arizona EVA Sandal I absolutely love my Birkenstocks! I have extremely soft and sensitive feet and I seem to get blisters so easily, but with these Birks, NO BLISTERS whatsoever! I have them in Metallic Silver to go with everything and now I want to get a few more pairs of the fun bold colors like, Bold Jade + Pink. My Mama Joy was so in love with my pair that she just got 2 pairs for herself in Scuba Blue + Metallic Copper (which are really pretty and have a slight iridescence to them). We used our Amazon Prime account to get ours. Check out all the colors on Amazon here . ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY - Outdoor Boost Animal-Print Trainer Sneakers She may be Paul McCartney's daughter, but Stella McCartney earned her way into the ranks of fashion's most elite designers. She learned tailoring while working on London's Savile Row, did an internship with Christian Lacroix, and served as creative director at Chloe (succeeding none other than Karl Lagerfeld). She launched her own label in 2001 and has made her mark with sweet and sophisticated designs that reflect both her signature style and her personal philosophy by incorporating a natural confidence and consciously avoiding all use of leather and fur. These trainers are literally like WALKING ON CLOUDS. I have never worn a trainer this comfortable EVER! They are a wee bit pricey, but worth every penny. Check them out at Neiman Marcus here . Universal Thread - Puff Long Sleeve Tiered Dress The day I wore this dress, I got over a dozen compliments! You'll love to style yourself a look that works well for anything from a lunch date to a fancy dinner to a stroll around town with this Puff Long-Sleeve Tiered Dress from Universal Thread. Cut from 100% cotton construction for breathable comfort, this dress features a flowy silhouette with tiers that lends lovely movement and charming flair. Puff sleeves with cinched cuffs add extra definition and sweet style, while a square neckline with extra cinching creates a neat and polished look. You can wear this dress with a pair of sandals during warm weather, and then layer with tights and switch to boots for a cool-weather twist. I loved it so much that I snagged it in both green and orange, which you can find here. The Puff Long-Sleeve Tiered Dress from Universal Thread is available in XS-XXL. A few more reasons I love this dress: Easy to transition through the seasons with the right layering Tiered silhouette makes for a charming look 100% cotton construction lends comfortable wear Where are you finding your summer wardrobe this season? What stores + brands are your favs? Let me know and/or snap a picture and tag me if you get any of my suggestions above! Instagram: @nicolederosalifestyle

Assertiveness is communicating and expressing your thoughts, feelings, and opinions in a way that makes your views and needs clearly understood by others, without putting down their thoughts, feelings, or opinions. Assertive communication is the ability to express positive and negative ideas and feelings in an open, honest and direct way. It recognises our rights while still respecting the rights of others. It allows us to take responsibility for ourselves and our actions without judging or blaming other people. And it allows us to constructively confront and find a mutually satisfying solution where conflict exists. Why Use Assertive Communication? All of us use assertive behaviour at times... quite often when we feel vulnerable or unsure of ourselves we may resort to submissive, manipulative or aggressive behaviour. Yet being trained in assertive communication actually increases the appropriate use of this sort of behaviour. It enables us to swap old behaviour patterns for a more positive approach to life. I've found that changing my response to others (be they work colleagues, clients or even my own family) can be exciting and stimulating. Advantages of Assertiveness Skills in Communication There are many advantages of assertiveness skills in communication, most notably these: Assertiveness helps us feel good about ourselves and others Assertiveness leads to the development of mutual respect with others Assertiveness increases our self-esteem Assertiveness helps us achieve our goals Assertiveness minimises hurting and alienating other people Assertiveness reduces anxiety Assertiveness protects us from being taken advantage of by others Assertiveness enables us to make decisions and free choices in life Assertiveness enables us to express a wide range of feelings and thoughts There are, as I see it, four choices you can make about which style of communication you can employ: 1. Direct Aggression Bossy, arrogant, bulldozing, intolerant, opinionated, and overbearing 2. Indirect Aggression Sarcastic, deceiving, ambiguous, insinuating, manipulative, and guilt-inducing 3. Submissive Wailing, moaning, helpless, passive, indecisive, and apologetic 4. Assertive Direct, honest, accepting, responsible, and spontaneous There are six main characteristics of assertiveness skills in communication: 1. Eye Contact Demonstrates interest and shows sincerity. 2. Body Posture Congruent body language will improve the significance of the message. 3. Gestures Appropriate gestures help to add emphasis. 4. Voice A level, modulated tone is more convincing and acceptable, and is not intimidating. 5. Timing Use your judgement to maximise receptivity and impact. 6. Content How, where and when you choose to comment is probably more important than WHAT you say. The Importance of "I" Statements Part of being assertive involves the ability to appropriately express your needs and feelings. You can accomplish this by using "I" statements. These indicate ownership, do not attribute blame, focuses on behaviour, identifies the effect of behaviour, is direct and honest, and contributes to the growth of your relationship with each other. Strong "I" Statements Have Three Specific Elements: Behaviour Feeling Tangible effect (consequence to you) For Example: "I feel frustrated when you are late for meetings. I don't like having to repeat information." Six Techniques For Assertiveness in Communication There are six assertiveness techniques - let's look at each of them in turn. Behaviour Rehearsal This is literally practising how you want to look and sound. It is a very useful technique when you first want to use "I" statements, as it helps dissipate any emotion associated with an experience and allows you to accurately identify the behaviour you wish to confront. Repeated Assertion (the 'broken record') This assertiveness technique allows you to feel comfortable by ignoring manipulative verbal side traps, argumentative baiting and irrelevant logic while sticking to your point. To most effectively use this assertiveness technique use calm repetition, and say what you want and stay focused on the issue. You'll find that there is no need to rehearse this technique, and no need to 'hype yourself up' to deal with others. Examples "I would like to show you some of our products" "No thank you, I'm not interested" "I really have a great range to offer you" "That may be true, but I'm not interested at the moment" "Is there someone else here who would be interested?" "I don't want any of these products" "Ok, would you take this brochure and think about it?" "Yes, I will take a brochure" "Thank you" "You're welcome" Fogging This technique allows you to receive criticism comfortably, without getting anxious or defensive, and without rewarding manipulative criticism.To do this you need to acknowledge the criticism, agree that there may be some truth to what they say, but remain the judge of your choice of action. An example of this could be: "I agree that there are probably times when I don't give you answers to your questions. Negative Enquiry This assertiveness technique seeks out criticism about yourself in close relationships by prompting the expression of honest, negative feelings to improve communication. To use it effectively you need to listen for critical comments, clarify your understanding of those criticisms, use the information if it will be helpful or ignore the information if it is manipulative. An example of this assertiveness technique would be: "So you think/believe that I am not interested?" Negative Assertion This assertiveness technique lets you look more comfortably at negatives in your own behaviour or personality without feeling defensive or anxious, this also reduces your critics' hostility. You should accept your errors or faults, but not apologise. Instead, tentatively and sympathetically agree with hostile criticism of your negative qualities. An example would be: "Yes, you're right. I don't always listen closely to what you have to say." Workable Compromise When you feel that your self-respect is not in question, consider a workable compromise with the other person. You can always bargain for your material goals unless the compromise affects your personal feelings of self-respect. However, if the end goal involves a matter of your self-worth and self-respect, THERE CAN BE NO COMPROMISE. An example of this assertiveness technique would be: "I understand that you have a need to talk and I need to finish what I'm doing. So what about meeting in half an hour?" Conclusion Assertive behaviour is a useful communication tool. Its application is contextual and it's not appropriate to be assertive in all situations. Remember, your sudden use of assertiveness may be perceived as an act of aggression by others.There's also no guarantee of success, even when you use assertive communication styles appropriately. "Nothing on earth can stop the individual with the right mental attitude from achieving their goal; nothing on earth can help the individual with the wrong mental attitude" - W.W. Ziege When you match consumer psychology with effective communication styles you get a powerful combination. Source: Article contributed by Lee Hopkins What is an example of assertive communication? Here are a few examples of assertive communication: "I completely understand what you’re saying but I have to disagree” “I feel frustrated when you are late for meetings. I don't like having to repeat information." “Could you explain the reasoning behind your decision, so I can try to understand what you’re doing” "I understand that you have a need to talk and I need to finish what I'm doing. So what about meeting in half an hour?" “I want you to help me with this report” “Can you suggest a time we can talk about the missed deadline. I’m concerned” How To Be Assertive Here are some useful guidelines to ensure your successful use of an assertive communication style: Ask permission to have the conversation. Example: Do you have some time so I can talk to you about something that's been bothering me? Reinforce relationship: Optional depending upon previous rapport. Example: I want us to have a good working relationship so that's why I wanted to discuss with you any potential conflict we might have and sort it out. 1) I Feel ____________________________________ (feeling word) Example: I feel upset when you ___________________________ 2) Description of unwanted behavior Example: Interrupts me when I'm talking. 3) Description of wanted behavior Example: I rather we not interrupt each other so we both can best listen to what the other is saying. 4) Potential consequence (optional for when others aren't immediately cooperative) Example: If you can't refrain from interjecting, I won't talk to you at this time because there is just no point. 4 Types of Communication Assertive Respects others rights and sticks up for self confident / leads by example / earns others respect / straight forward / honest / values self and others / problem solver / solution focused / looks for win-win outcomes / merit based / collaborative / open to others perspective / takes responsibility for own behavior / can ask for help / can respectfully disagree / stable but developing identity / able to dialogue / secure / shares / takes reasonable risks Passive Respects others and doesn't stick up for self meek / weak / sad / dependent / victim / low self-esteem / seeks others to protect them or solve their problems / selfless / followers / adjusts themselves to meet others expectations / martyrs / internalizes negative statements about them / helpless / fearful / givers / indecisive / doesn't take responsibility / not a risk taker / feels inferior / blames self for everything Aggressive Violates other's rights and sticks up for self boasts / arguers / tries to win at all costs / demeaning / abusive / respects power / coercion / punishment / blames / threatens / looking out for #1 / name calling / looks to attack another's character / listens only for information to support their claim and to discount others claim / values self over others / adversarial / exaggerates / uses "survival of fittest" to justify their transgressions / anger / offensive / demanding / blaming / authoritarian / takers / risk takers / feels superior / challenges all possible threats Passive Aggressive Violates others and doesn't stick up for self manipulators / cheaters / gossips / sabotage / cheaters / vandalism / backstabbers / sarcasm / easily perceived slights / instigators / resentful / paranoia / puppet masters / plausible / deniability / two faced / develops alliances against others / feels superior but that they don't get their due / strategic / avoidant of direct conflict / complainers / bitter / miserable / doesn't disclose true feelings Assertive Communication Practice Tip: Before responding, consider what your wants and needs might be in each situation. Grab a piece of blank paper and write down what your Assertive Response would be to each of the situations below. Your Partner: "I know you have plans for the weekend, but I really need you to watch the kids. I have a friend coming to town, and we made plans." Assertive Response: __________________________________________ Situation: You've just received your food at a restaurant, and it was prepared incorrectly. Your sandwich seems to have extra mayo, instead of no mayo. Assertive Statement: _________________________ Your Friend: "Hey, can I borrow some money? I want to buy these shoes, but I left my wallet at home. I'll pay you back soon, I swear. It won't be like last time." Assertive Response: _________________________________ Situation: Your neighbor is adding an expansion to their house, and the crew starts working, very loudly at 5 A.M. It has woken you up every day for a week. Assertive Statement: ____________________________ Source: TherapistAid.com Why is assertive communication an effective strategy? Not only does assertive communication help us express our views and achieve goals but do so without hurting or alienating others. It’s the key to developing mutual respect for each other. What is the difference between assertive and aggressive communication? Assertive communication is conveying your message in a direct but accepting and respectful way. Aggressive communication, on the other hand, is speaking in a disrespectful, arrogant, and bossy way. How to develop assertive communication skills? Practice, practice, practice! You need to work on your eye contact and body language, practice controlling your voice, and communicating in a direct but non-aggressive manner. You can also take an assertiveness course and further develop your skills. What are the 3 C's of assertive communication? Confidence: you are composed and believe in yourself and what you’re saying Clarity: your message is clear and easy to understand Control: You are in control of the situation and are monitoring what’s happening Source: Impact Factory

Things that go through the mind of someone with an Anxiety Disorder : Why we don't get help I can't control it, it controls me. I don't always know why I'm anxious. Even I think the things I worry about are ridiculous. No matter how irrational it all sounds, it's not a choice and it feels real to me. People will think I am doing it for attention. It's awkward. People will think I'm weak. People will think I'm crazy. People won't understand, they'll minimize it by saying, "get over it" or "just do it". Even though I look OK on the outside, anxiety is reeking havoc on my insides. Because I'm ashamed. I know for myself personally, it was too much effort and work into seeking out a therapist and I just didn't want to dig deeper for many years. I was always filling my time with doing things to not focus on the things that upset me and I would ignore all the warning signs that I clearly had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks. That is until they showed up more publicly and I had to face them head on and made the brave decision to ask for help. I am so proud of myself this year...or this past 2020 as it were for seeking help! It should not matter that the people below are celebrities, they are all still human beings. I thought it was a very diverse group of people from over the years and centuries (and I'm sure there are many more) who have been clinically diagnosed with Anxiety Disorders, such as myself. Check out the list below of all these inspiring people who have truly put themselves out there, being in a field where you are in front of audiences, crowds, being chased, being questioned, being judged about every little minute detail of you and your life. They are not normal or humane circumstance really....and couple that with having an Anxiety Disorder. I want to share this post to remove the stigma of having Anxiety Disorders. There is nothing wrong with you. There is nothing wrong with me. And, there is nothing we are unable to do if we set our mind to it - the possibilities are endless! You can still suffer from having an Anxiety Disorder, but also want to be an artist (actor, dancer, singer, model, physicist, cartoonist, baseball player, poet, U.S. President and so on...) but not want all the Anxiety inducing things that come with being a "celebrity" or the attention that comes with a particular career or hobby. Some people say, "Well, why did they want to be a famous person in the first place? Why did they want to act? Why did they want to be in the public eye?" The answer is clear, they wanted to enjoy what they are passionate about. The other stuff (celebrity, paparazzi, over the top attention) that is all unwanted (most of the time, if the person or publicist is not calling in for the attention) and is just a byproduct or invention if you will that crossed the line and human's personal space and boundaries many years ago. I'm still not clear why there aren't laws that protect people from legitimate stalker like paparazzi who have been known to run cars off the road, cross the line and boundaries saying filthy things to people (especially women) just to get a reaction shot for a photo. Imagine having an Anxiety Disorder on top of all that swirling around you when all you wanted was to act or sing etc. My family and friends of course think of me as very outgoing and chatty with people. This is true to an extent if I am comfortable with you, but on the flip side, certain situations make me feel EXTREMELY UNEASY and actually AFRAID and bring on both an Anxiety and Panic Attack. My triggers are crowds, loud talking, yelling, confrontation and much more. BUT, that said and simply put, no one thing causes anxiety. However, there are a few things that can increase your risk: Genetics. Researchers have found that people who develop anxiety disorders before the age of 20 likely also have a relative who lives with anxiety. Brain Chemistry. Science shows that stress can change the chemical balance in the brain. So it is no surprise that this chemical change can affect your mood. Personality. For some people, their personality can make them predisposed to certain anxiety disorders. Life Events. Traumatic events can change our lives…they can also change our brains. Sometimes, anxiety can manifest around large or challenging life changes. At some point, I may choose to open up more about this but not at this time. This is an area where a lot if not most of my Anxiety and Panic Attacks have come from and continued throughout the years. I am happy to see that these successful humans (not just celebrities) below have been doing such wonderful and inspiring things in their life despite or in spite of having Anxiety Disorder. Celebrities who have anxiety disorders: Abraham Lincoln (former U.S. President) Adele (musician) Al Kasha (songwriter) Alanis Morissette (singer) Alex Rodriguez (baseball player) Alfred Lord Tennyson (poet) Amanda Bynes (actress) Amanda Seyfried (actress) Ann Wilson (singer) Ann Tyler (author) Anthony Hopkins (actor) Ashley Judd (musician, actress) Aretha Franklin (singer) Barbara Bush (former First Lady - U.S.) Barbara Gordon (filmmaker) Barbra Streisand (singer, actress) Beverly Johnson (model) Bonnie Raitt (musician) Brooke Shields (actress) Burt Reynolds (actor) Carly Simon (singer) Charles Schultz (cartoonist) Charlize Theron (actress) Charlotte Bronte (author) Catherine Zeta-Jones (actress) Cher (singer, actress) Christina Ricci (actress) Chloe Sevigny (actress) Courtney Love (singer, actress) Dave Stewart (singer - Eurythmics) David Beckham (soccer player) David Bowie (singer) Dean Cain (actor) Deana Carter (singer) Dick Clark (t.v. personality) Donny Osmond (actor) Drew Barrymore (actress) Drew Carey (comedian) Earl Campbell (Heisman Trophy winner) Edie Falco (actress) Edvard Munch (artist) Elizabeth Taylor (actress) Emily Dickinson (poet) Emma Stone (actress) Eric Clapton (musician) Goldie Hawn (actress) Halle Berry (actress) Heath Ledger (actor) Heather Locklear (actress) Howard Stern (radio personality) Howie Mandel (comedian) Isaac Asimov (author) James Garner (actor) Janet Jackson (musician) Jennifer Lawrence (actress) Jessica Alba (actress) Jim Carrey (actor) Jim Eisenreich (baseball) Joan Rivers (actress, comedian) John Candy (actor, comedian) John Cougar Mellencamp (musician, actor) John Cleese (actor) John Madden (announcer) John Mayer (musician) John Steinbeck (author) John Stuart Mill (philosopher) Johnny Depp (actor) Judy Garland (actress, singer) Kate Moss (model) Kim Basinger (actress) Lani O' Grady (actress) Leila Kenzie (actress) Margot Kidder (actress) Marie Osmond (actress) Marlon Brando (actor) Marty Ingels (comedian) Marilyn Monroe (actress) Michael Crichton (writer) Michael English (gospel artist) Michael Jackson (singer) Mickey Rourke (actor) Miley Cyrus (musician) Naomi Campbell (model) Naomi Judd (singer) Nicholas Cage (actor) Nicole Kidman (actress) Nikola Tesla (inventor) Olivia Hussey (actress) Oprah Winfrey (host, actress) Paula Deen (chef) Pete Harnisch (baseball) Ray Charles (musician) Robert Burns (poet) Robert McFarlane (former National Security Advisor - U.S.) Robin Quivers (radio host) Roseanne Barr (comedian) Sally Field (actress) Sam Shepard (playright) Scarlett Johansson (actress) Shecky Greene (comedian) Sheryl Crow (musician) Sigmund Freud (psychiatrist) Sir Isaac Newton (scientist) Sir Laurence Olivier (actor) Sissy Spacek (actress) Susan Powter (t.v. host) Tom Snyder (host) Tony Dow (actor, director) Vinny Guadagnino (actor) W.B Yeats (poet) Willard Scott (weatherman) Winona Ryder (actress) Whoopi Goldberg (actress, host) Anxiety can feel overwhelming. It’s also highly treatable. Some common treatments include: Deep Breaths. Focus on your breathing to calm and center yourself. Stress Less. Stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress. Get some shut-eye. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can regulate your mood and stress. Talk to a professional. A therapist may be able to help you manage triggers and symptoms. Therapists and doctors may also prescribe medication to help manage your mental health. Please contact me if you need help finding a professional in your area. It’s always okay to ask for help. In fact, asking for help is brave. Looking to get started? Try talking to your doctor to learn more about how you are feeling and ways to take care of your mental health. Source: National Institute of Mental Health

I have had panic attacks in private and in public and both are scary because you don't always know when they are going to happen or when they will subside. The people around you don't always know what to do to support you through one. I haven't had a panic attack in quite awhile as I have worked with a therapist one on one, I've participated in group therapy and I have learned various techniques that help. I "did the work" as they say and I could not be prouder and happier with myself. As I recall, the first panic attack I had as a young adult was when I was going through a depression and I found myself rocking myself back and forth on my bed to soothe myself through the panic attack. I didn't know what it was at that time and I couldn't stop the rocking and I couldn't stop the crying. That was a real turning point in my life that my feelings were deeper than just being sad, upset or overwhelmed. I was literally frozen and stuck in a zone rocking myself back and forth until I basically "came down" from this panic attack. I was living in my own apartment in Florida at the time and luckily, my parents were nearby and came to help. They gently spoke to me telling me I was going to be alright, to breathe, held my hand and helped calmed me. I was so mad at myself for letting them see me look like this. There is a lot of shame too with having mental disorders and mental health and I'd like to say (pardon my French.....) FUCK IT. LET'S WORK ON OURSELVES. LET US NOT BE SELF CONSCIOUS OR EMBARRASSED. LET US NOT BE SCARED OR ASHAMED TO ASK FOR HELP. EVERYONE COULD USE THERAPY NO MATTER HOW HAPPY YOU ARE OR THINK YOU ARE. THERAPY HELPS US HAVE BETTER CONNECTIONS WITH ONE ANOTHER. Another time, I started not really going outside as much which was quite sad, because I lived in Florida at the time and missed so many beautiful days full of sunshine. I would just go in the backyard, ride my bike around the neighborhood, go to the local pool and that was pretty much it. After a few months, I went with my parents to Disney Springs which is a huge shopping and entertainment complex. As we were walking through the crowds, I suddenly started hyperventilating and crying. It was the most embarrassing thing in the world to be a grown woman experiencing a panic attack like that in public. I was pushing through the crowd and looking for the nearest bathroom. I finally found a bathroom and darted inside, rushed over to the sink at the end of the bathroom and kept splashing cold water on my face. My Mom found me inside the bathroom and I just told her to keep calm and that I was "fine". We ended up leaving and finding a quieter place to have dinner. I felt so stupid, embarrassed and upset that I ruined our beautiful evening together. Another stand out public panic attack was during the pandemic and we had family come over as their kitchen was being remodeled ( due to mold ) so, we asked them to have dinner at our house. I was excited to see them but also anxiety ridden and beyond nervous since we still didn't know much about Covid, but we knew that masks were helping. I focused most of my energy on making the dinner (cooking & baking always relaxes me) but all I could focus on was that some family members were not wearing a mask and they were getting close to my parents when they were talking. Looking back now with the help of therapy, I would have communicated how I was feeling and that having a mask on would have helped. I felt like I was the odd one out, trying to have a good time, be cool, be calm (especially in front of our littlest cutest family members) but worried the whole entire time. I went inside my room to gather myself since I was starting to sense a panic attack coming on - at that point though, our littlest cutest family members were looking for me and wanted to know why I was in my room. I just needed a minute to lay down, breathe and collect myself. Before, I knew it they had gone home. I felt so sad, mad at myself and just plain awful. Those few minutes, I didn't think anyone would notice I was in the middle of something, since there were other people around to visit with one another. At that time, I was still early in my therapy, and just starting to learn how to deal with anxiety and panic attacks. I was still not able to explain to my loved ones how to help me through a panic attack. I also didn't know how to ask for someone to advocate for me to explain what was going on at that moment. Especially during Covid and this pandemic, I have not only been that way just around family, it affected me even when our neighbors or someone talking to my parents at the store would get too close to them.....or if we got an unexpected knock on our door, I would straight up PANIC. One day, I remember my mom and I decided to bring out folding chairs near the golf course to get fresh air. Suddenly, there was a woman walking towards us. Naturally, I figured she was walking past us towards her car or on her afternoon walk. But it didn't feel quite right, since we were sitting on the edge of a HUGE golf course and she had plenty of room to walk elsewhere. It was obvious we were social distancing. She actually DID come up to us, VERY CLOSE and said, "It's okay, I don't have Covid, you can take your mask down." I was livid. What? Why? Huh? What gives someone the right to tell us what to do? We aren't hurting anyone sitting here, we aren't invading HER space (like she did to us) and we certainly are not as GROWN ASS ADULT WOMAN telling her what to do ("....you can put your mask down." Come again? I was literally about to tell Marge / Karen or whatever her name was to go (pardon my French) f*ck herself and we are quite aware of what we can do with our masks. Thank you very much.) I just said to her very matter of fact, "We are fine as we are enjoying ourselves. Please don't get any closer. I have anxiety." It was the first time I said it out loud to a stranger. This stanger interrupting and coming right up to us, left me with a racing heart, mad and bewildered. Invading our space and enjoyment. And then, as my heart stopped racing, we laughed hysterically at the absurdity and stupidity of this woman. I gave myself grace, because after all we are living in a pandemic but SOME PEOPLE JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND BOUNDARIES .......pandemic or not. Perhaps to some people I could even appear rude when in fact, I remove myself from situations that made me feel in danger, threatened or that a panic attack is about to come. As I said in my previous blog post about being diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (read it HERE) , I was "Miss. Holistic" ever since I can remember. I didn't take pharmaceuticals and I ate healthy. I always knew that this was bigger than me to figure out on my own, especially since it was getting the better of me during a FREAKING PANDEMIC and in front of my family and strangers, so I knew I needed to DO THE WORK. I worked on myself, like I never had before. With one on one therapy that (literally saved my life and I will talk about more in a future post) and with my amazing parents and brother's support. I also finally decided to give Zoloft a try. I was never talked into taking anything but I spoke to other people who had been diagnosed with OCD, Anxiety Disorder & Panic Disorder and they had said it helped them so much. For me, and this is just me personally, I have not had any debilitating panic attacks since therapy and taking Zoloft. Sure, every now and again, I feel a sense of panic, but I know how to deal with it much better now and my loved ones know how to help as well. For my own mental health, I don't engage in any conflict with others. If people cannot talk calmly and rationally, then I have no choice but to remove myself from these types of people and situations. Gaslighting (which I will discuss in a future blog post) is a big thing that I've read extensively about and discussed in therapy. I am aware of when it is happening now and I simply remove myself from people that are "gaslighters" whether it be walking out of the room, leaving or blocking them on my phone. Gaslighting can be a big trigger to a panic attack. Now that you have a glimpse into my life, I hope that it helps you and you share this post with others. Below, you can educate yourself and learn how to help and support others during a panic attack. Helping Someone During a Panic Attack If someone you know has a panic attack, he or she may become very anxious and not think clearly. You can help the person by doing the following: Stay with the person and keep calm. Offer medicine if the person usually takes it during an attack. Don't make assumptions about what the person needs. Ask. Speak to the person in short, simple sentences. Be predictable. Avoid surprises. Help slow the person's breathing by breathing with him or her or by counting slowly to 10. It is helpful when the person is experiencing a panic attack to say things such as: "You can get through this." "I'm proud of you. Good job." Tell me what you need now." Concentrate on your breathing. Stay in the present." It's not the place that is bothering you; it's the thought." "What you are feeling is scary, but it is not dangerous." By following these simple guidelines, you can: Reduce the amount of stress in this very stressful situation. Prevent the situation from getting worse. Help put some control in a confusing situation. You can offer ongoing help as the person tries to recover from panic disorder: Allow the person to proceed in therapy at his or her own pace. Be patient and praise all efforts toward recovery, even if the person is not meeting all of the goals. Do not agree to help the person avoid things or situations that cause anxiety. Do not panic when the person panics. Remember that it is all right to be concerned and anxious yourself. Accept the current situation, but know that it will not last forever. Remember to take care of yourself. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Source: HealthLinkBC Please let me know in the comments if this post helped you and if you have more to add to this topic.

Everyone feels anxious from time to time. Stressful situations such as meeting tight deadlines or important social obligations often make us nervous or fearful. Experiencing mild anxiety may help a person become more alert and focused on facing challenging or threatening circumstances. But individuals who experience extreme fear and worry that does not subside may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. The frequency and intensity of anxiety can be overwhelming and interfere with daily functioning. Fortunately, the majority of people with an anxiety disorder ( like myself ) improve considerably by getting effective psychological treatment. If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, I talked about my diagnosis with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks and Depression HERE. What are the major kinds of anxiety disorders? What I've learned recently is that there are several major types of anxiety disorders, each with its own characteristics. Generalized Anxiety Disorder - People with generalized anxiety disorder have recurring fears or worries, such as about health or finances, and they often have a persistent sense that something bad is just about to happen. The reason for the intense feelings of anxiety may be difficult to identify. But the fears and worries are very real and often keep individuals from concentrating on daily tasks. Panic Disorder - Panic disorder involves sudden, intense and unprovoked feelings of terror and dread. People who suffer from this disorder generally develop strong fears about when and where their next panic attack will occur, and they often restrict their activities as a result. Phobias - A related disorder involves phobias, or intense fears, about certain objects and situations. Specific phobias may involve things such as encountering certain animals or flying in airplanes, while social phobias involve fear of social settings and public places. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - OCD is characterized by persistent, uncontrollable and unwanted feelings or thoughts (obsessions) and routines or rituals (compulsions) in which individuals engage to try to prevent or rid themselves of these thoughts. Examples of common compulsions include washing hands or cleaning house excessively for fear of germs, or checking work repeatedly for errors. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Someone who suffers severe physical or emotional trauma such as from a natural disaster or serious accident or crime may experience PTSD. Thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns become seriously affected by reminders of the event, sometimes months or even years after the traumatic experience. Symptoms such as extreme fear, shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, insomnia, nausea, trembling and dizziness are common in these anxiety disorders. Although, they may begin at any time, anxiety disorders often surface in adolescence or early adulthood. There is some evidence that anxiety disorders run in families; genes as well as early learning experiences within families seem to make some people more likely than others to experience these disorders. Why is it important to seek treatment for these disorders? If left untreated, anxiety disorders can have severe consequences. For example, some people who suffer from recurring panic attacks avoid any situation that they fear may trigger an attack. Such avoidance behavior may create problems by conflicting with job requirements, family obligations or other basic activities of daily living. People who suffer from an untreated anxiety disorder often also suffer from other psychological disorders; such as depression, and they have a greater tendency to abuse alcohol and other drugs. Their relationships with family members, friends and coworkers may become very strained. And their job performance my decline. Are there effective treatments available for anxiety disorders? Absolutely. Most cases of anxiety disorder can be treated successfully by appropriately trained mental health professionals such as licensed psychologists. Research has demonstrated that a form of psychotherapy known as "cognitive-behavioral therapy" (CBT) can be highly effective in treating anxiety disorders. Psychologists use CBT to help people identify and learn to manage the factors that contribute to their anxiety. Behavioral therapy involves using techniques to reduce or stop the undesired behaviors associated with these disorders. For example, one approach involves training patients in relaxation and deep breathing techniques to counteract the agitation and rapid, shallow breathing that accompany certain anxiety disorders. Through cognitive therapy, patients learn to understand how their thoughts contribute to the symptoms of anxiety disorders, and how to change those thought patterns to reduce the likelihood of occurrence and the intensity of reaction. The patient's increased cognitive awareness is often combined with behavioral techniques to help the individual gradually confront and tolerate fearful situations in a controlled, safe environment. Along with psychotherapy, appropriate medications may have a role in treatment. In cases, where medications are used, the patient's care may be managed collaboratively by more than one provider of treatment. It is important for patients to realize that there are side effects to any drugs, which must be monitored closely by the provider who prescribed the medication. How can licensed psychologists help someone suffering from an anxiety disorder? Licensed psychologists are highly trained and qualified to diagnose and treat people with anxiety disorders using techniques based on best available research. Psychologists' extensive training includes understanding and using a variety of psychotherapies, including CBT. Psychologists sometimes use other approaches to effective treatment in addition to individual psychotherapy. Group psychotherapy, typically involving unrelated individuals who all have anxiety disorders, can be an effective approach to delivering treatment and providing support. Further, family psychotherapy can help family members better understand their loved one's anxiety and learn new ways of interacting that do not reinforce the anxiety and associated dysfunctional behaviors. Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders may also want to consider mental health clinics or other specialized treatment programs dealing with specific anxiety disorders such as panic or phobias that may be available in their local area. How long does psychological treatment take? The large majority of people who suffer from an anxiety disorder are able to reduce or eliminate their anxiety symptoms and return to normal functioning after several months of appropriate psychotherapy. Indeed, many people notice improvement in symptoms and functioning within a few treatment sessions. The patient should be comfortable from the outset with the psychotherapist. Together, the patient and psychotherapist should develop an appropriate treatment plan. The patient's cooperation is crucial, and there must be a strong sense that the patient and therapist are collaborating well as a team to treat the anxiety disorder. No one plan works well for all patients. Treatment needs to be tailored to the needs of the patient and to the type of disorder, or disorders, from which the individual suffers. The psychotherapist and patient should work together to assess whether a treatment plan seems to be on track. Patients respond differently to treatment, and adjustments to the plan sometimes are necessary. Anxiety disorders can severely impair a person's functioning in work, family and social environments. But the prospects for long-term recovery are good for most individuals who seek appropriate professional treatment. People who suffer from anxiety disorders can work with qualified and experienced mental health professional such as a licensed psychologist to help them regain control of their feelings and thoughts and their lives. Visit the Psychology Help Center HERE for additional information and to find psychologists in your area. And please reach out to me as well if you need help finding resources or just want to talk. Source: A Publication of the American Psychological Association

BEFORE buying a home, you should be debt-free with 3-6 months of expenses saved for emergencies, and have a down payment saved of at least 10%. A 20% down payment is even better to avoid PMI. Private mortgage insurance, also called PMI, is a type of mortgage insurance you might be required to pay for if you have a conventional loan. Like other kinds of mortgage insurance, PMI protects the lender—not you—if you stop making payments on your loan. Remember, just because you're approved for a loan amount doesn't mean you should borrow that much. Make sure your mortgage payment is no more than 25% of your take home pay on a 15-year, fixed rate conventional loan. (Source: Dave Ramsey) In today’s housing market, there are clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, the chance to build your net worth, and appreciating home values, just to name a few. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to think about how homeownership can propel you toward a stronger future. Here’s a dive into three often-overlooked financial benefits of homeownership and how preparing for them now can steer you in the direction of greater financial security and savings. 1. You Won’t Always Have a Monthly Housing Payment “Every payment brings you closer to owning the house. When you pay your rent, that money is spent. Gone. Bye. Not returning. But when you pay your mortgage, you work toward full ownership.” - Personal finance advisor Dave Ramsey As a homeowner, you can eventually eliminate the monthly payment you make on your house. That’s a huge win and a big factor in how homeownership can drive stability and savings in your life. As soon as you buy a home, your monthly housing costs begin to work for you as forced savings in the form of equity. When you build equity and grow your net worth, you can continue to reinvest those savings into your future, maybe even by buying that next dream home. The possibilities are truly endless. 2. Homeownership Is a Tax Break One thing people who have never owned a home don’t always think about are the tax advantages of homeownership. The same article states: “You have tax advantages. Many of the costs of owning a home—like property taxes—are tax deductible. And if you’re paying off a mortgage, you’ll get to count your mortgage interest as a deduction when you file your tax return.” Whether you’re living in your first home or your fifth, it’s a huge financial advantage to have some tax relief tied to the interest you pay each year. It’s one thing you definitely don’t get when you’re renting. Be sure to work with a tax professional to get the best possible benefits on your annual return. 3. Monthly Housing Costs Are Predictable A third benefit is the fact that monthly costs start to become more predictable with homeownership, something that doesn’t happen if you’re renting. Ramsey also notes: “Rent rates will go up. Even if you found a killer deal in a hot area, inflation, competition, and rising property values will cause your rent to go up year after year.” With a mortgage, you can keep your monthly housing costs relatively steady and predictable. Your monthly costs are most likely based on a fixed-rate mortgage, which allows you to budget your finances over a longer period of time. Rental prices have been since skyrocketing 2012, and with today’s low mortgage rates, it’s a great time to get more for your money when purchasing a home. If you want to lock-in your monthly payment at a low rate and have a solid understanding of what you’re going to spend in your mortgage payment each month, buying a home may be your best bet. The goal is to OWN your own home, not let it own you. Tips on Purchasing a New Home: BEFORE you even start looking for a home to buy: GET PREQUALIFIED. Again, the obvious one....save your money prior to purchasing a new home. Set up a separate savings account and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE until you reach that goal number! I suggest a HIGH YIELD SAVINGS ACCOUNT for this. Talk to a MORTGAGE LOAN COMPANY to figure out the LOWEST DOWN PAYMENT you can get - it doesn't always have to be 20%. DON'T SETTLE! BE PATIENT and wait for what it is you really want. Things To Look for When House Hunting: Location - Consider any potential home's proximity to your work, the charm of the neighborhood, how the home is situated on the lot, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic, and pets, as well as access to parks, shopping, schools, and public transportation. "If you aren’t sure you can be located in that metro area for work for a fairly long period of time, DON’T BUY." Why? 1. Sales costs are significant at 6% of sales price. If you assume you’ve built 30% equity when you’ve sold, you’re paying 20% of your equity in sales costs. This could be your entire profit. 2. Prices don’t always go up. Price increases are partially a result of lowered interest rates, which have been declining since 1982. At some point, rates may rise causing prices to decline. This is ok if you can stay in your home, the tax advantages and increased savings makeup for the price decline. However, if you need to sell because you are forced to move for work/family then you will not recover the loss. (Source: David Zislin, CFA a Financial Advisor in Manhattan) The Site - Beyond location, look at the site of the home. If the home is on a hill, does it have a view, a walkout basement, or lots of stairs to climb? Do neighbors' windows look directly into the home? Is the yard suitable for kids, pets, gardening, or other uses? Is access to the property safe regarding driveway elevation or stairs to the front door? The Neighborhood - Be sure the neighborhood, and not just the house, meets your expectations. They say that you should own the smallest home in the nicest neighborhood that you can afford. You'll have a great view! Drive around on weekdays and weekends, during the day and in the evening. Are homes in the neighborhood consistent in size and features? Do the neighbors keep the yards clean and tidy, or are there old cars and trash around? Is the neighborhood safe enough for people to walk, run, or bike, and are there children playing in the yards? Curb Appeal - Your home should reflect your lifestyle. Do you live a laid-back life? Then you might not want a formal Victorian or Tudor-style home. Something simpler and more contemporary might be in order. Look at the exterior features. A brick home is easier to maintain, unless, of course, you live in an earthquake-prone area. Ask yourself whether the roof is in good condition. Is the landscaping attractive and are the sidewalks leading to the home safe? The Size and the Floor Plan - You may be thinking about buying your dream home. But is your dream home impractical? Do you need four bedrooms and four baths when you live alone? A large home can give you the extra space you've always wanted for a home office or crafts or art projects. But you'll pay higher heating bills and have higher taxes. It will take more furniture to fill it and money to decorate. Think about how the new home space will be used and whether it will fit your lifestyle now and in the future. The Bedrooms and Bathrooms - Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need, and only look at homes that meet your criteria. It would be a shame to fall in love with a cozy, charming cottage that isn't big enough. An extra bedroom is always a plus, as it can be used for a home office, craft studio, or guest room. If you think you'll be adding more room later, be sure to consult an architect who can advise you on space planning, lot usage, and city regulations. The Kitchen - If the kitchen is the heart of your home, don't settle for a home with a kitchen that won't work. You can always remodel, but it's very costly. Can you replace cabinet faces and countertops? Will an inexpensive makeover be sufficient? Don't worry about appliances, as they can usually be easily replaced. The Closets and Storage - Older homes tend to have little closets and not a lot of storage space. If you have lots of sports equipment, craft supplies, out-of-season clothes, and holiday decorations, be sure you know where all this will go in your new home. Newer homes tend to have big closets and lots of storage. You can always add storage space, but you might have to sacrifice living space in your rooms. The Windows and Lighting - Do you love a bright sunny room or do you love privacy? Look at home with light and sunshine in mind. Look at the locations of electrical outlets and fixtures. Will they accommodate your lighting needs? Is there recessed lighting in the kitchen, cove lighting in the family room and a lovely chandelier in the dining room? If not, you can add them later, but it's nice to have it in place when you move in. The Finishing Touches - Sometimes the simplest home looks spectacular thanks to the installed moldings, hardware, and fireplace. If these elements are important to you, look for them while house hunting or be ready to add them after you move in. If you keep these specific elements of a home in mind, your house hunting will be more successful, and you'll likely end up with the home of your dreams. Appliances - are they new or old? Interior doors - are they new or old? Electrical & Plumbing - are they updated? Windows - are they updated? Roof - is it in good shape? Fireplace - Make sure it has been inspected annually, to remove any creosote build-up, which can block the chimney, forcing toxic fumes back into your room. Always keep a window open (even a crack) to allow pollutants to escape the room. And finally, install a smoke and carbon monoxide detector near your fireplace and check the battery regularly. Basement - Radon, the invisible odorless, radioactive natural gas found in many basements, causes lung cancer. Radon enters basements through cracks in the floor, the walls, crawl spaces and sump pumps, and it's microscopic particles attach themselves to airborne materials like dust or cigarette smoke. You risk inhaling these harmful particles into your lungs. To protect yourself, test your home with an inexpensive kit sold at hardware and home improvement stores. Look for a kit approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Or hire a professional inspector to test for it. If the test indicates that you have radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/1), the EPA recommends that you work with a licensed radon contractor to install a radon mitigation system in your basement, which typically costs $1,000 - $2,000. If you have lower levels, you can try cheaper options, like opening a basement window to increase ventilation, or using caulk and cement to seal spaces that allow radon to enter. Retest to see if these measures lower the radon to a safe level (below 4 picocuries per liter). If they don't, experts advise that you hire a contractor. If a basement is damp, its walls are likely to swarm with mold and mites. Refinancing: Two years ago, when a friend purchased her home she secured a 4.625% interest rate with a 30 year loan. Most of her mortgage payments were going to interest instead of her principal, so the total balance barely made any change. Her mortgage is one of her biggest monthly costs, so she looked into refinancing after hearing how good interest rates are now and started the process. She was able to refinance and saved 2% which actually turned out to be a lot for her. She is going to keep making the same payments she was to pay off the loan 9 years faster. It could be a good time to look into it also, if you're a homeowner. Check Your Tap Water: Since 2012, water utilities' testing has found pollutants in Americans' tap water, according to an EWG (Environmental Working Group) drinking water quality analysis of 32 million state water records. The Environmental Working Group is an American activist group that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of agricultural subsidies, toxic chemicals, drinking water pollutants, and corporate accountability. EWG is a nonprofit organization. To check the pollutants in your home's tap water, go to EWG's Tap Water Database HERE . All you need to do is enter your zip code. When I put in my zip code, it shows: 26 Total Contaminants and 11 of those contaminants EXCEED The Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Health Guidelines. It also gives you a breakdown of which specific contaminants are detected in your water. Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines. Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years. The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place. What To Do? FILTER CONTAMINANTS OUT Most Effective: Reverse Osmosis Systems (A reverse osmosis system combined with a carbon filter is most effective at removing water contaminants) Read more about Reverse Osmosis Systems HERE . Least Expensive: Carbon Filters (ie: countertop pitcher filters to faucet-mounted filters, undersink filters and whole-house filters) Learn more about carbon filters HERE. Soften Hard Water - A whole-house water softener combined with an ion exchange filter softens your water and reduces the levels of some contaminants. Read about water softeners HERE . Remove Specific Contaminants - Find the right filter for your water – and budget. Check out the guide HERE . Water Filters - One brand that I recommend is Crystal Quest for their selection of water filters. Check out their website HERE . Before making a purchase, contact me so I can give you my affiliate discount code! CONTACT YOUR LOCAL OFFICIAL - Read more HERE . WHAT ABOUT LEAD? Read more HERE . I'll be sharing A LOT more about being a homeowner on upcoming posts, but in the meantime, I'd love to know if this post helped you or if you have anything to add. Leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you!

If you’ve ever arrived on an international flight carrying 500 passengers, you know that the line at customs can be brutally long. And when you’ve been traveling for 18 hours and have already been through two layovers, the last thing you want is to spend another hour in line waiting to officially reenter the country. Time spent in the customs line is really just time you’re never getting back—and it’s further delaying the post-flight shower you’ve been longing for. This is where Global Entry benefits come in handy. For international travelers with Global Entry, there’s little-to-no line at customs, and instead of meeting with a customs agent, you just scan your documents at the kiosk and are on your way. If you’re ready to expedite your homecoming, here’s everything you need to know about the U.S. Global Entry program. What is Global Entry? Global Entry is essentially a way to not stand in the customs line when coming back into the U.S. Travelers who have gone through the Global Entry application and screening process are able to enter the U.S. after a quick check-in at an electronic kiosk. There are no customs lines, no paperwork (it’s an environmentally-friendly system!), and you end up reunited with your luggage and family faster as a result of Global Entry. How to Get Global Entry The first step is to create a Trusted Traveler Programs account on the U.S. Customs and Border protection website. Once you’re logged in, fill out the Global Entry application and pay the associated fee. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will review your application and conduct a background check once you’ve submitted, and if it’s conditionally approved, you’ll make an in-person interview appointment at a U.S. Global Entry Enrollment Center. What’s the Global Entry Interview Like? First off, applying for U.S. Global Entry doesn’t mean your interview is going to happen next week. In fact, it could take a few months. However, if you don’t want to wait, you can try your luck as a walk-in. Whether you walk in or show up for a scheduled appointment, you’ll need to bring a printed copy of your conditional letter of approval, your passport or permanent resident card, and proof of residency (your driver’s license works). How Much Does Global Entry Cost? It costs $100 (non-refundable) to apply for Global Entry, and that fee covers you for five years. However, you may be able to get Global Entry for free, or even help a friend or family member do so. Credit cards like the American Express Platinum Card offer a rebate if you use your credit card for the Global Entry application fee. Furthermore, on some cards — AmEx Platinum included — you can use your credit card to pay for someone else’s Global Entry and still receive the rebate. (This is only true if you haven’t used the card for your own Global Entry fee.) What if the Person I’m Traveling with Doesn’t Have Global Entry? You can’t take anyone through Global Entry kiosks with you, and that includes your young children. In other words, if you want your four-year-old to enter the U.S. with Global Entry, they need to undergo the same global entry application and screening process in order to enroll. How Does Global Entry Help Me? Travelers approved for Global Entry also get TSA PreCheck. So in addition to getting back into the country faster, you’ll have an easier time getting through security. Once you’re approved for Global Entry, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number, which you can add to your frequent flyer profiles and plug in when you’re booking flights. How to Use Global Entry First, when you’re given a Known Traveler Number after getting approved for Global Entry, you’ll want to start entering that number when booking flights. When heading to customs to get back into the U.S., follow signs for Global Entry and wait in the (wonderfully short) kiosk line. You’ll scan your passport or permanent resident card at the kiosk, verify your fingerprints, and declare any items you’re bringing back into the country. You’ll then get a receipt, and you won’t have to fill out the infamous blue-and-white customs form flight attendants hand out on international flights. How is Global Entry Different From TSA PreCheck? Is TSA Global Entry even a thing? Is there some sort of fusion between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck? To be clear, TSA PreCheck expedites your security process when entering the airport, whereas Global Entry eases your customs experience when returning to the U.S. However, Global Entry travelers qualify for PreCheck as a perk of their Global Entry status. Global Entry essentially gets you PreCheck and then some—and it only costs $15 more than TSA PreCheck alone. Sources: TSA The Points Guy Travel and Leisure Smarter Travel Did this post help you? Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a question or comment below!

In addition to basic photosynthesis that removes carbon dioxide and returns oxygen to the air, plants can remove toxicants from the air, soil and water in at least two ways. First, they can metabolize some toxic chemicals, releasing harmless byproducts, and second, they can incorporate toxicants such as heavy metals into plant tissues, thus sequestering (isolating) them. Worldwide, ambient air pollution is estimated to cause about 16% of the lung cancer deaths, 25% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) deaths, about 17% of ischaemic heart disease and stroke, and about 26% of respiratory infection deaths. (Source: World Health Organization) The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Indoor Allergen Committee suggested in a 2010 report that allergists consider indoor air filtration to be part of a comprehensive strategy to improve respiratory health. (Source: Environmental Health Perspectives) Detoxify your home with the following house plants: Ficus plant Peace Lily Boston Fern Areca Palm Rubber Plant Golden Pothos Lady Palm Chrysanthemums Snake Plant (bedroom plant) Spider Plant (no sunlight needed / bedroom plant) English Ivy (bedroom plant) Aloe Vera (bedroom plant) Bamboo Palm Dracaena (Janet Craig and Cintho) - (no sunlight needed) Dwarf Date Plant Sansevieria (Laurentii, Superba, Moonshine) (no sunlight needed) Philodendron (no sunlight needed) Kentia Palm (no sunlight needed) Lavender (bedroom plant) Jasmine (bedroom plant) Gardenia (bedroom plant) Bromeliad (no sunlight needed) Golden Photos (no sunlight needed) Cactus is another important plant that literally cleans up and absorbs all of the EMF and radiation in the home. If you are looking for a great gift, this wonderful company called, Wood and Wine Succulents started by my awesome friend, Laura Linda Bradley is FABULOUS! She makes the most GORGEOUS handmade succulent arrangements and centerpieces! Check out her Etsy store here and her Instagram here . If you are a plant lover, I wanna see! Be sure to tag your plant bebes on Instagram with the hashtag: #NicoleDeRosaLifestylePlants

I've been asking myself recently, am I busy or productive? We all have "busy work" to do and for me that's emails, filling out endless spreadsheets in Google docs, editing, writing, scheduling, researching etc. Then there is the non "busy work" but what I call my productive results driven / life changing work. Take this website for instance. I have been putting this off because it sounded too overwhelming to start. I kept my writing, photos and ideas tucked away for too long and finally dusted them all off during the pandemic. I am working towards my dreams, building a business and turning my passion into a full time job. Since I started scheduling my goal achieving tasks first thing in the morning, I have become more of a productive person with tangible results to show for my time and it FEELS SO GOOD! For me, I am focused between 10am -1pm. During that time, I get a lot done. Otherwise, if I do the busy work first, I just get sucked in and before I know it, it's time for lunch. Make it easier on yourself and do the hard work when you're most alert. It has made ALL the difference for me! I've heard people refer to this as "working IN your business" verus "working ON your business". I love my planners because I needed to stop doing 100 semi important or low priority things per day instead of 1-2 crucial things per day. My mentality is always wanting to do more, reply to everyone quickly, answer questions quickly etc. but the reality is that those things can wait. Checking my email 2-3 times a day instead of every hour, and working on things in between with zero distractions. 6 months of harcore focus and alignment can put you 5 years ahead in life pursuing your dreams and goals. Don't underestimate the power of consistency and desire. We all have what it takes to become the best we can be. Stop doubting yourself! Harness your power and exceed your expectations! I love to listen to The Skinny Confidential podcast and what really resonated with me was that I didn't need to make a "To Do List" for my entire life, everyday. It's overwhelming and wildly unproductive. What Lauryn Evarts Bosstick aka The Skinny Confidential suggests is.... "Flip it on it's head, just focus on your objectives for the day. What this simple tip does is work on what's going to move the needle without the distraction of the menial tasks that don't matter. You're essentially respecting your time." If you have meetings and deadlines that day, of course those are non-negotiables. But, you can start by dedicating a day or two where those precious focus hours are for yourself, your hustle and whatever goal(s) you have! Like Lauryn, "I have my top 3 non-negotiables and separately a list of 7 things I would like to get done in order of importance, so my list is really never bigger than 10 things. It is honestly brutal to have more than 10 to do's. Usually I end up doing about 7. I focus on completing one task before moving on to the next. You should know I keep a separate long ass scroll list in my notes app for stuff that's not pressing, but I never let that list consume my day." Time batching or time blocking is effective because it builds structure and boundaries around blocks of time, so that you can dive deep into specific tasks without interruptions that break up your workflow. I take breaks in between each task. Here are just a few ways to work smarter: Plan out your days and weeks in advance. Set clear intentions, so you have a plan. Planner / whiteboard / google calendar Invest in learning Automate tasks Use "Do Not Disturb" on your phone Don't multitask Do important work only Become organized Limit doing email to 3x's per day or less. Measure results, not time Stick to a routine Works in blocks Turn off phone notifications for unimportant apps. Relieve stress. Reward yourself for your hard work (self care) Find tasks to eliminate I'm sure this applies to some of you even if you're in a drastically different career. We all want to do the easy tasks first that are the fastest, but they might not be the most important. I just wanted to share how I've been scheduling my day and maybe it can help you get closer and closer to your goals and dreams too! Do posts like this bring you value? Let me know in the comments section below!

I will always have fond memories of growing up in “Da Bronx” in the 1950’s. It is an experience that is best described as an extraordinary moment in time. "Da Bronx" was a true melting pot consisting of a multitude of ethnic groups who co-existed in towering walk up tenements. The days were filled with activities that every young kid enjoyed like playing stickball in the middle of the street or preparing for downhill street races using orange crates and skates attached to a 2 by 4. My friends and I also had fun horsing around playing "Johnny on the Pony" and "Skully" with crayons melted in bottle caps. These were all activities that kept us busy until night. We all spent time hanging around the stoop discussing the issues of the day. Those were easier times when politics and wars were the furthest thing from our minds and TV news anchors kept their opinions to themselves and just reported the news. On summer nights, we had impromptu parties on what we famously called “Tar Beach” which was the rooftop of the tenement building. The fire escapes provided a cool place to sleep on the hot steamy nights. The mixed aromas of the exotic foods being prepared for dinner each evening filled the air throughout the neighborhood. Voices of mom’s calling out from their windows to their children to come home for dinner was a daily ritual. Saturday afternoon was spent with my Mom, food shopping at the market on Arthur Avenue and carrying the bags of food home. Afterwards, we rewarded ourselves with a slice of pizza at The Half Moon Pizzeria. We all looked forward to Saturday night when the local church dance would be held in their auditorium. The formation of the girls standing together on one side and the boys on the other side of the dance floor gave everyone the opportunity to select who they wanted to dance with that night. The chaperones would keep a keen eye on the slow dancers, reminding them to make room for the Holy Ghost. The fast dancing resembled everyone appearing to have an out of body experience. If you had a date on Saturday, the local movie theater was an option either at the RKO Fordham or the majestic Paradise Theater on the Grand Concourse with it’s grand staircase and ceiling which appeared to reach to the heavens with thousands of sparkling stars. The evening would not be complete without taking your date to Jahn's Ice Cream parlor and ordering a “Kitchen Sink” which consisted of a scoop of ice cream of every flavor topped with bananas, cherries, sprinkles and whip cream! Sunday morning was set aside for early Mass and dressing up with the clothes that our parents bought for us every year for Easter Sunday. After Mass, we headed to the local bakery to pick up fresh Italian bread and pastries while Mom prepared dinner at exactly 2pm like clockwork. Attendance was mandatory. Growing up in the "Da Bronx" is an experience that created the most talented and creative minds of our time. Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, Stanley Kubrick, famed astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, movie directors and producers Penny and Garry Marshall, comic book writer, Stan Lee, actors, Alan Alda, Carl Reiner, Al Pacino, Kerry Washington, Ellen Barkin and Chazz Palminteri. These are just a handful of Bronxites among hundreds who contributed their talents. I am so blessed to have grown up in an environment that has taught me how the simple things in life can make you happy and the diversity of friendships will last a lifetime.

Did you know that there is no federal regulation on cleaning supplies? This is why cleaning companies have been using harmful chemicals without transparency, leaving us to assume that their products must be safe. Branch Basics never set out to sell soap. They are on a mission to help people create healthy homes and experience the power of pure. Branch Basics products are made with plant-powered, high-quality and effective ingredients that are safe for the whole family and are never tested on animals. All of their products are also free of dyes, parabens, phosphates or phthalates (which have various health concerns ranging from carcinogens, irritants, pollutants, neurotoxins, reproductive toxins that can cause birth defects, and endocrine disruptors that disrupt our hormones). How It All Started At 23 Marilee avoided a kidney transplant using food as medicine. Years later her 10 year-old son, Douglas, was chemically injured by pesticides and doctors said his brain and immune system damage was irreparable. Marilee refused to accept that diagnosis. She nursed him back to full health after removing all harmful products from his diet and environment. In high school Allison was diagnosed with PCOS and suffered chronic, mysterious pain through college. After years of seeing medical specialists and a laundry list of drugs, Allison was desperate for relief and turned to her Aunt Marilee in the Texas Hill Country. After two months at Marilee’s, eating only real food, using safe products, and staying in a healthy home, her life was transformed. Allison was free of pain and got her life back! Eventually her ovarian cysts disappeared, and she was able to get pregnant naturally...twice! Allison’s best friend, Kelly, joined her for the summer at Marilee’s. Kelly was generally healthy, but by the end of the summer even “normal” complaints (painful menstrual cramps, dry eyes, headaches) completely disappeared. Kelly and Allison joined forces with Marilee to share the information that transformed their lives and make it accessible to everyone! So, Marilee, Allison and Kelly started Branch Basics to help people toss the toxins and live healthy lives. We start with the removal of cleaning products that contain some of the most toxic chemicals found in our homes, so join us as we get back to basics and discover the power of pure! SIMPLIFY & SAVE One Concentrate For Everything Replace dozens of toxic cleaners with one Concentrate that can do it all. The bottles are refillable so they’re better for the environment and your wallet! HAND SOAP We use this in all our bathrooms and it foams so well and lasts such a long time! It has just a simple clean smell. No fragrance, just clean and fresh. LAUNDRY Made with plant and mineral based ingredients like: Decyl Glucoside - A plant derived surfactant used in skincare and baby products. Organic Chamomile - An organic flower extract with skin soothing properties. Coco-Glucoside - A very gentle surfactant derived from corn, coconut and/or palm. Sodium Citrate - A biodegradable sodium salt that acts as a water softener. Sodium Bicarbonate - A mineral-based water softener, also known as baking soda! Sodium Phytate - A natural binder that prevents minerals from interfering with the formula. LAUNDRY CONCENTRATE + OXYGEN BOOST: A Powerful Combination! Boost the power of the Concentrate to remove stains, break down grease and clean stained surfaces. WASHING FRUIT + VEGGIES Soak your fruit + veggies for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry. That way you have real access to real clean whole food and snacks. Have you ever looked at the shelves at Whole Foods in the produce aisle? They can be pretty filthy from all the soil still on the produce. And try as they might to keep the shelves clean there, it's not going to sparkle. So, we either buy from there or our local farmers market. I used to soak my veggies & fruit in GSE (from the health food store), but I switched over last year to Branch Basics since I can use the Branch Basics Concentrate for just about anything in the house that needs to be cleaned: jewelry, stained Nutribullet and Vitamix, tea and coffee cups, kids toys, couch stains, you name it! It is absolutely ahhhhhmazziiiiiiing!!!!! As for Mrs. Meyer’s & Method products, unfortunately, I do not recommend them. However, there are noticeable changes in their products, which I attribute to consumer power. The first change in Mrs. Meyer’s products is the disclosure of their fragrance ingredients and warning us that there are allergens among them. Another change is that Mrs. Meyer’s does not claim any longer to have natural cleaning products. As always, I emphasize the importance of looking at the ingredients. I read an email recently that said it all, "I am so happy that I found you! I have a small boy with many allergies and sensitivities. Along with that he has autism so it can be difficult to know if something is bothering him, so I chose to know what I’m using beforehand just in case. Label reading is very hard to understand but Branch Basics has made it easy." Be sure to join my mailing list and if you would like $10 off your first order of Branch Basics (for any order over $15), use my Referral Discount Link below: http://branchbasics.refr.cc/nicolederosa Special Thanks to: @EmpoweredAutoImmune + @PlatefulHealth on Instagram for the photos above.