Wednesday, May 24, 2017

MENOPAUSE....Yes I Said It



MENOPAUSE......

Yes, I said it. As I sit here with a Chocolate Cupcake in front of me feeling sorry for myself.



HI 🙋! My name is Anne, I'm 41 and I think I may be starting Perimenopause.

So.... now that we have that out of the way. What is it about that blasted word Menopause, that makes everyone cringe and run for the hills? I personally am getting to that age and I want to talk about it. Doesn't anyone want to know what us women can expect as we get older? I mean it's not like it's the plague or anything...right?

I use to joke that I couldn't wait for menopause because I was so sick of having the symptoms of PMS and having my period....Can I back up and take it all back? Now that I'm headed in, I'd rather just keep the periods and cramps.

I hear ladies talk about hot flashes and not having a period, but what else is there to Perimenopause and Menopause? 

What is Perimenopause? I'm glad you asked!

Perimenopause, according to WebMD, means -The period of a woman's life shortly before the occurrence of the menopause.

Well, that explains a lot, doesn't it?

So first things first. Let's talk about Perimenopause

Perimenopause is started when normal hormonal fluctuations occur as we move closer to menopause. When one starts perimenopause, is totally up to their individual body. There is no set date and symptoms vary per individual. 


Well then, what can we expect?

Symptoms of perimenopause can vary so here are some things to look out for.

  • Irregular and/or heavy bleeding
  • night sweats
  • insomnia
  • migraines 
  • vaginal dryness
  • weight gain
  • worsening PMS


One may also have

  • irritability
  • depression
  • bouts of anxiety


This comes from the changes in your bodies hormones.

So at what age should I expect these changes to start occurring?

It really depends on your body. Some have started as early as their 20's but the main age women can expect to start perimenopause is in their 40's. Here is a timeline so that you can better understand when to expect these changes.



I started noticing about 3 months ago that my periods were getting a little wacky. They seemed like a normal period but they were coming on more frequently. Like every 2 weeks....Blah. I've also noticed that my sleep pattern isn't what it use to be either. I'm waking up more often and finding that it's harder for me to fall asleep at night. I get a little more irritated and find myself snapping at the littlest of things.  So I started asking friends about what they may have experienced when they first started out having perimenopause. NO ONE wanted to answer me. What's up with that? So I did a bit of research on my own and decided I'm not going to be silent.

I've always had anxiety and bouts of depression, so I'm not sure if that aspect has anything do do with perimenopause or not. I'm sure it's a bit worse because of the hormonal changes in my body. 

Some of you may have already gone through perimenopause and have experienced some if not all of these symptoms. I urge you to speak out. It's a normal function of life and needs to be talked about more often so that others can understand what is happening to their bodies.

So what exactly is Menopause?

Menopause happens when a woman has not had her period for at least 12 months.

Female sex hormones naturally fall as one gets older and the ovaries stop releasing eggs and you no longer have a period.


The symptoms of menopause are the same as perimenopause but normally stop after a few years. You may notice changes in your skin and hair. It may start to feel thin and dry. Joint pain is also associated with menopause. Staying active can help keep you moving and lessen the pain. Sex may start to be painful. Try using lubricant's to help ease the process of sex and make it more enjoyable.

Not all women start perimenopause at the normal age. Medical conditions can cause a woman as young as in their 20's to be thrown into early menopause. If you've had a hysterectomy, you understand what I'm talking about. I commend you for having to go through this stage at such a young age. It's rough enough to go through it at a normal stage. Having to go through Chemo and radiation can also cause the body to be thrown into early menopause.

Should I see my doctor? 

Absolutely! Schedule regular visits with your doctor. Don't be afraid to ask questions, that's what they are there for. 

Your doctor will most likely want to set you up with some tests such as a mammogram and colonoscopy. Both uncomfortable but also very routine and should be taken seriously. Just remember, you are not alone in having these procedures done so there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Are there complications after Menopause?

There are a few things to look out for, yes.

  • Osteoporosis- This is when your bones become brittle and can fracture or break more easily.
  • Weight gain- As you go through stages of menopause, your metabolism also slows making it harder to maintain or lose weight.
  • Urinary Incontinence- As one gets older, the vaginal walls and Urethra lose elasticity. This can cause frequent urges to urinate or one may not be able to hold it as well and leak. One is also more susceptible to UTI's
  • Cardiovascular Disease- When your Estrogen levels decrease, your risk of heart disease increases.


Did you know that men also go through a stage of menopause called Andropause? I didn't either. 

Andropause effects men mostly near their 70's but can be detected as early as their 40's and 50's. 

What are the symptoms of Andropause?


This can also be known as Midlife Crisis. I don't mean that to be sarcastic either. 😊


So ladies, the next time you think that men have it easy...think again. They have to go through some major changes as well. Try not to be so hard on them! Although they don't have the harsher symptoms as us women have to go through, they still have a lot to deal with.

So there you have it! I hope you appreciated reading this post and I would definitely welcome your feedback. Don't be afraid to speak up, I'm not here to judge. And stop hiding. Get out there and talk about it, tell others what you are going through so that they can be informed.

It's NOT the plague and there are answers and you have support! 

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Phytopia SlimWay All-Natural Essential oil


Phytopia SlimWay All-Natural Essential oil


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You see so many products out there promising results, but what exactly is in those products? What if you could get results simply by putting a few drops of natural oils on your skin? Sounds amazing, right! Phytopia has introduced such a product.

I have always tried to take the more natural way when it comes to losing weight. I am also a huge fan of essential oils. So why not combine both aspects into one simple product!



What can one expect from Phytopia SlimWay?

PROMOTES HEALTHY METABOLISM: SlimWay contains ingredients like grapefruit, which can kick start your metabolism and improve your diet to get that slimmer body you desire! Simply massaging SlimWay on your skin can passively eliminate fat and excess water helping your body metabolize faster. This improves your overall quality of life both in the short- and long-term as it affects your weight, energy, digestion and even your mood.
HELPS WITH WEIGHT LOSS: SlimWay’s Grapefruit Synergy Blend can curb your appetite and suppress overeating which helps with weight management.
CLEANSE AND TONE SKIN: SlimWay can effectively tone and clean away impurities left on the skin so your body is smoother to the touch. We wanted you to get the complete experience so our blended synergy remedies include aesthetic capabilities as well.
ELEVATES YOUR MOOD: SlimWay can be used to boost your mood, as it has both energizing and revitalizing properties. Even just breathing in SlimWay can lift your senses and kick you into high gear again.
100% ORGANIC AND THERAPEUTIC GRADE: At Phytopia, when it comes to the quality of our products, we don’t mess around. We only use top-grade organic and therapeutic ingredients to create the perfect blend so that your skin can safely absorb the benefits of SlimWay without any unwanted reactions.


Interested in the ingredients and how to use Slim Way?
Those of you who use essential oils know the benefits they can have for your health. Don't just buy any essential oil out there, do your research and find a company like Phytopia, who make sure to use the best ingredients in their oils. Ones that will give ultimate results!

Phytopia also has other essential oils that are great for healing naturally.



PainAway Synergy Blend fuses organic ingredients such as evening primrose, peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender true oils with robust analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties to relieve the worst muscle ache, back pain, stiff neck, cramp, spasm and even headache.














Stretch Mark Remover, with Neroli, Petitgrain and Mandarin Oil lying at the heart of our formula, works to penetrate deep into the skin to visibly diminish the appearance of your stretch marks and fine lines on your belly left from pregnancy.















Tranquility is made from natural ingredients extracted from carefully grown and harvested barks, roots, leaves and flowers. These ingredients have been used since ancient times by various cultures for stress relief. Unlike modern-day drugs or medications, Tranquility’s raw ingredients have no known side effects and no relative safety concerns. It gives you the relief that you need without the potential risks.








When looking for great, natural essential oils, look no further than Phytopia!



* I received this product free or at a discounted price in exchange for my review. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. *

Spring into summer with Caposaldo Cocktails!


Spring into summer with Caposaldo Cocktails!

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Summer is just around the corner and what better way to cool off on a hot summer day than with a cool and refreshing cocktail! Whether you're throwing a party or having a backyard barbecue, Caposaldo cocktails are sure to refresh as well as impress your guests.

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Our Mission
Kobrand imports and markets a distinguished portfolio of hand selected brands representing virtually every major wine region of the world and its most iconic specialty spirits. Family owned since its founding in 1944, Kobrand attributes its success to a single guiding principle that describes the people, products, and relationships behind it: quality.
The portfolio is a collection of gems of New World and Old, including American wineries such as Cakebread Cellars, Sequoia Grove, and St. Francis as well as the wines of European masters such as Champagne Taittinger and Maison Louis Jadot and the Portos of Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca, and Croft. The legendary Sassicaia from Italy’s Tenuta San Guido and the wines of Craggy Range in New Zealand are relatively new additions that will stand the test of time. The spirits portfolio includes the original Alizé liqueurs as well as fine Cognacs, Armagnacs and other premium spirits.
A portfolio like this grows out of the decades-long experience of passionate professionals who seek out the star viticulturists, winemakers, and distillers who are its key contributors. This is Kobrand today: a story of continuing tradition, a story of strong commitment, a story of innovative excellence... a Story of Quality.


Here are some amazing cocktail recipes that you're sure to love.


FROZEN PEACH BELLINI
Print recipe
5 oz Caposaldo Sparkling Peach
2 oz Peach Fruit Purée
Ice
GLASS: Coupe Glass
GARNISH: Peach or Strawberry Slice
PREPARATION:
Combine ingredients except for ice in the blender. Fill serving glass with ice and pour into blender.
Blend until smooth. Pour blended beverage into serving glass. Garnish.


BUBBLY RAZZ
Print recipe
4 oz Caposaldo Moscato IGT
1 oz Caposaldo D.O.C Prosecco
Splash of Crème de Cassis
GLASS: Champagne Flute
GARNISH: Fresh Raspberries
PREPARATION:
Pour Moscato and Prosecco into a flute, splash Crème de Cassis on top. Garnish with fresh raspberries.


WILDBERRY SPARKLING SANGRIA
Print recipe
4 oz Caposaldo Sparkling Peach
1 oz Wildberry Fruit Purée
1.5 oz Cranberry Juice
.5 oz Brandy
GLASS: Red Wine Glass
GARNISH: Whole Berries, Citrus Slices
PREPARATION:
Combine ingredients in a shaker in the order listed, minus Caposaldo. Cap and shake vigorously.
Pour into serving glass and add any needed ice. Top with Caposaldo, gently stir to mix and garnish.



PEACH STRAWBERRY WHITE WINE SLUSHIE

2 sliced Peaches (frozen and peeled)
1/2 bottle Caposaldo Moscato
blend in a blender until right consistency, fill half glass
2 Cups Strawberry (frozen)
1/2 bottle Caposaldo Moscato
blend; pour over Peach
Add a Strawberry for decoration


SANGRIA SLUSHIES

1/2 cup Orange Juice
1/2 cup Pomegranate Juice
1/2 cup Simple Syrup
frozen Red Wine; ice trays work beautifully
a handful of Blackberries
blend and pour
garnish with Blackberries or Mint leaf

Feeling inspired? Share your own #CaposaldoWine cocktails on Instagram and Facebook @caposaldowine!

Let's bring on those summer days and enjoy a great tasting adult beverage with Caposaldo wine!

Disclaimers:

*Legal Drinking Age Required: You must be of legal drinking age to access this Site. The Company does not sell or serve alcohol to persons under the age of 21. By accessing the Site, you swear and affirm that you are over the age of 21. The Company makes every effort to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not delivered to or served to anyone who is under the age of 21. By accessing this Site, you agree that any alcohol purchased from or received by you from representatives of the Company is intended for personal consumption and not for resale. If you do not agree with these conditions of use please do not use this Site. If you intentionally or unintentionally misrepresent your age in order to provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21, the Company will prosecute you fully to the extent allowable by law.*

Liability Waiver: In consideration for your being given access to the Site, you hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the Company, subsidiaries, DBAs, affiliates, successors, contractors, agents, representatives and/or employees from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or relating to any damage to your property or loss, damage or injury that you personally sustain, including death, whether caused by the negligence of the Company or its representatives or not while participating in Company programs, using Site content and/or attending Company Events in person, regardless of location. You hereby assume all risks to your property and your person and in no way will the Company be liable to you for damages or injuries you sustain.

*I, nor the brand endorsed, can be held liable for any underage drinking or damages from promoting this product. This review was written with the full intent for my adult readers only.*

* I received this product free or at a discounted price in exchange for my review. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. *

Sunday, May 14, 2017

Hear Doggy Ultrasonic Chew Toy for Dogs


Hear Doggy Ultrasonic Chew Toy

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Any pet lover knows that dogs love the feel and sound of “squeaky” toys, but enduring the high-pitched repetition in the wee hours of the night can drive any pet-parent crazy! Ultrasonic HEAR DOGGY!® toys are made with a squeaker ONLY your dog can hear!

Hear Doggy! plush toys give your pet the same sensation and enjoyment of traditional squeaky toys without the irritating noise!






The science behind Hear Doggy!: Dogs can hear sounds at a higher frequency (0 to 45 KHz) than humans (0 to 20 KHz).  Tuned to an ultrasonic range in the 24-28 KHz frequency, each Hear Doggy! squeaker is out of human hearing range, but still fun for your four-legged friend. (copied)









Finding the right toys to give my fur baby Kaia, is important. Finding something that will last through her rough play is even more important. No dog owner wants a new toy to shred or take a chance at their pet swallowing or choking on the pieces left behind. With the Chew Guard Technology, you have no worries.

I also love the fact that this toy has the Ultrasonic technology so I don't have to hear the squeak toy all day long while she plays. Only she can hear it when it's squeezed. No more squeaking while momma is trying to watch a show or concentrate on writing!



As you can see Kaia has brought her Giraffe outside with her and has bugged her human brother to play with her! Of course, he had to play Tug-O-War!







The Hear Doggy line has a different variety of toys available, so you're sure to find the right one for your pet. On your next trip to the pet store, remember to look for the Hear Doggy line of toys with Ultrasonic and Chew Guard Technology. Give your pet the very best!

* I received this product free or at a discounted price in exchange for my review. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. *

Saturday, May 13, 2017

The Noland Trail


100 Museum Dr. 
Newport News Virginia 23606

Noland Trail, located off Warwick Blvd. in Newport News Virginia is set behind the Mariners Museum. Landscaped with natural beauty, you are sure to enjoy a wonderful walk along this trail surrounding Lake Maury. The Noland Trail is also a pet-friendly trail so don't forget to bring along your fur babies.

Hours of operation are from 6 AM to 8 PM and is free of charge. Free is always good!


The trail runs a five-mile course around the lake with mile markers along the way so that you can keep track of how far you have gone. The trail also includes benches (approx. every 1/2 mile) and lookouts for you to pause and take in all the beauty surrounding you.






If you are looking for the local wildlife, then you have come to the right place! Our family has run across a few little animals along the way.









No matter what time of the year it is I have found beauty while walking the trail. During the colder months, of course, you will have the trail mostly to yourself as not many venture out. But I have taken some breathtaking pictures all year round.




















No matter where you are on the trail you will find something breathtaking and unique. Bring your dog, bring a friend and just enjoy the world around you.





















Depending on where you start the trail, you are bound to see Lions Bridge along the way. There is parking available nearby and you can start the trail from this area. There is also an entrance to the trail located at the museum's front entrance.



There are a few rules when going on the trail....Yes I know, borrring. But if there weren't rules then we wouldn't have such a beautiful place to visit. They are as followed:


  • Motorcycles, bicycles, and trail bikes are not permitted on The Noland Trail.
  • For the comfort of all park visitors and the protection of wildlife, dogs must be on leashes at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet.
  • Trash cans are located throughout the park for the convenience of visitors.
  • For the safety of visitors and for environmental reasons, no fires of any kind are permitted.
  • Swimming and wading in the lake are not permitted.
  • No alcoholic beverages are permitted within the park.
  • Visitors are expected to observe all applicable Museum, city, state, and federal rules, regulations, and laws.
  • Weapons are not permitted.

Seems simple enough! It's all about respect for yourself, respect for others and respect for our wildlife.

A little history lesson!

Created in 1930 by Museum founder Archer Huntington, The Mariners’ Museum Park is the largest privately maintained park open to the public for free in America. Highlights include Lake Maury, named for Virginia’s own Matthew Fontaine Maury, the famed 19th-century oceanographer. In 1990, Lloyd U. Noland, Jr., approached the Museum with the offer to finance the creation of a walking trail in the Park.

Since the Trail’s dedication in 1991, the Noland Family has provided significant support for its maintenance and repair. The five-mile Trail, a popular walking, and running destination features fourteen wooden footbridges. The famed Lions Bridge is another stunning Park landmark, noted for its four lion statues created by the Museum founder’s wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington. (copied from http://www.marinersmuseum.org/park-and-trail/)

I hope if you are in the area that you will take the opportunity to visit the Noland Trail. It is one of my favorite places to relax and take a break from the everyday hustle of life. I am able to just forget about all the stresses and take all the beauty and fresh air I can. And you never know, you may make a few new friends along the way!

goDog Pet Toys




goDog Pet Toys



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goDog products are available at these fine retailers:

Picking out the perfect dog toys for your pet just got a little bit easier! Have you ever searched for a toy that will last or something that won't tear and fall apart after just a few times? Well stop right where you are and check out goDog. They have a variety of great toys for your pet that will last through all the Tug-O-Wars, fetches, and squeezes you can muster up while playing.






Kaia loves to play Tug-O-War with her humans but the problem we have been faced with is finding a toy strong enough to withstand more than a few games. Teeth are sharp and can puncture ordinary materials causing them to rip and tear. Huge waste of money right? 
That's when we found the goDog brand toys with Chew Guard Technology. Not only are these cute as a button, but they have lasted through all the games Kaia and I play.

We were blessed with the Crazy Tugs Green Monkey and Kaia just loves it. She carries it around with her almost everywhere and at any moment will be nudging you to play with her. Of course, while I try to get pictures of her, she doesn't want anything to do with it 😉 But that just makes me love her even more! She's stubborn just like her mommy. 

Really mom? 😑



Crazy Tugs feature arms and legs that pull through the body for great tugging fun. Made with Chew Guard Technology™ these toys will stand up to tough play!



Details:
Two sizes available
Two styles available: Sasquatches and Monkeys
Made with Chew Guard Technology™

Brightly colored characters











Monkey features unique long, floppy arms and legs that move up and down for a great tug-o-war game! Monkey Large has 5 squeakers (one in each paw and one in the belly), Mini Monkey has 1 Belly Squeaker.









So the next time you are out and about looking for a new toy for your pet, check out the stores above and search for goDog pet toys for your fur baby and have a toy that will outlast any other.

Kaia with her best buddy Squeaker


* I received this product free or at a discounted price in exchange for my review. I was not compensated for my review and all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. *