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  • The Fun of Claire Luvcat, Cats

    Recently I came across a YouTube channel called Claire Luvcat. The channel’s content is focused on the daily lives of 10 cats and its owner. And I have been enjoying my time watching them. The owner is named Claire as the channel name suggests who deeply cherishes her 10 wonderful furry companions. They are named DD, TT, Coco, Momo, Lala, Lulu, Chuchu, Toto and Dodo (siblings) and Nana (mother of Toto and Dodo.) Each one of them is unique with different personalities, which makes them precious. I find their videos comforting, hilarious and fun to watch. 

    Cat relaxing on top of the bed
    Cat on top of a pillow

    I’m both a dog and cat person. Not too long ago, my sibling and I adopted a Bombay cat from the shelter about a year ago. She’s a female cat who we named Angel Bella. A sweetheart, playful, friendly, and welcoming during our first interaction. She’s going to turn two in November. How time flies. And living alongside us happily and giving me and my family a warm loving companionship.

    Now to come back on track ha-ha, I would like to recommend you to one of Claire’s videos which is titled as “The Secret Relationships Between My 10 Cats” (ENG Sub). Forgot to mention that she’s from South Korea and includes English subtitles in her videos for those like me who cannot understand Korean. I may start picking up some words, hopefully. I’m terrible with learning languages.

    I recommend watching this video as it is certainly a fun one to watch. It is intriguing and adorable showing the strong bond and connection among the cats and its owner. You’ll see how every cat’s personality is diverse in their own ways. From affection, playful teasing, cuddling, grooming, and so forth. It’s comforting, heartwarming and entertaining seeing how happy these furry pals are with Claire and how they interact with one another. It puts a smile on your face as you watch. Claire’s laugh is contagious indeed! If interested, give them a try. It definitely will ease your mood! 

  • The Beauty Benefits of Yoga

    Yoga: A Path to Inner and Outer Beauty

    Regarding exercise for both physical fitness and for creating beauty, yoga is an all-inclusive procedure of change. This blog post will touch on the cosmetic aspects of yoga and how it could also revamp your looks. This blog post seeks to examine the beautiful effects of yoga and how it can be magical in terms of looks.

    Yoga is traditional; it came from India and nowadays is popular all over the world due to its manifold merits for health (Harvard et al., 2017). However, aside from these physical and emotional benefits, yoga can make an essential contribution to boosting your beauty.

    Yoga entails numerous body positions and contortions, which boost the circulation of blood, resulting in clear and glowing skin (Medical West Hospital, 2023). Enhanced blood flow facilitates the delivery of oxygen and nourishment to skin cells for a good facial glow (Harvard et al., 2017). These include some yoga poses like the Downward Dog and Cobra pose, among others.

    Stress causes premature aging and wrinkles. Relaxation, together with mindfulness of yoga, can considerably reduce the level of stress (Medical West Hospital, 2023). With daily yoga practice, one reduces stress-related wrinkles and lines over the face’s surface, appearing younger in this way (Harvard et al., 2017). It helps develop toned muscles as well as posture because it greatly targets the core and back areas (Harvard et al., 2017). For example, a strong core and proper posture will help one look taller and more beautiful.

    It is essential to maintain the right weight as this is a determinant in looking and being beautiful. Yoga may also help with weight management by encouraging conscious eating and regular exercise (Medical West Hospital, 2023). Some forms of yoga, like Power Yoga and Vinyasa, can also be used as a means of burning calories and losing some weight.

    Yoga helps in reducing stress, which can lead to healthier hair. Reduced stress leads to better, more shiny scalps, therefore avoiding hair loss (Harvard et al., 2017). Additionally, there are certain inverted postures, such as the headstand, which induce the circulation of blood on the scalp, thus promoting the growth of hair.

    In conclusion, yoga is more than just an exercise as it takes the route of total beauty and health. As mentioned, the benefits include clearer skin, fewer stresses, toned muscles, weight control, and healthy hair if you incorporate yoga into your life every day. Unlike what may be assumed, the beauty effects of yoga go deeper than physical as they also foster inner beauty and confidence. Thus, place your yoga mat and go on a quest for a more attractive self.

  • Why is Exercise Good for You? How Does it Benefit the Body?

    Exercise: The Key to a Healthier You

    Many people connect exercise with weight loss, but its advantages are much more than just shedding some pounds. Regularly engaging in physical activities is key to improving one’s health and enhancing their well-being. Herein, we will investigate the reasons for taking exercises as well as their impact on the body system.

    It is not all about losing weight, but exercise is a significant part of a healthy lifestyle (Harvard et al., 2017). Regular physical exercise is good for your body and not just for your heart but also for your mind. Let us now see how exercise benefits your body.

    Aerobic exercises or endurance exercises are important in order to ensure proper heart functioning. As activities such as swimming, brisk walking, or cycling raise your heartbeat rate and breathing in the long run, it increases your endurance. By improving endurance, you can carry out daily activities with ease, and the possibility of getting heart disease, stroke, and diabetes is reduced.

    Building muscle mass and bone density is possible if an individual incorporates strength training, also known as resistive training, in their workout regime (Healthline, 2021). It is not just a way of making you physically strong, it helps you with your weight problem, improves your posture, and reduces the risks of back and joint pains at the same time (Healthline, 2021). For instance, routine physical feats such as lifting weight and resistance band is often enough to bring about a change in strength.

    Flexibility exercises, whereby you stretch your muscles so as to enhance mobility and lessen tension. These strengthen a person’s flexibility and proper standing (Harvard et al., 2017). Yoga and everyday stretching are some practices that will increase the level of your flexibility, which is important for your overall health.

    These balance exercises are crucial for seniors since they can prevent falls and enhance the level of independent living among older people (Healthline, 2021). Such exercises ensure that you remain mobile and close to the earth on your two legs. The activities involved are such as heel-to-toe, walking, and standing on one foot (Healthline, 2021). Furthermore, some strengthening exercises for the lower body may also enhance your balance.

    Therefore, involving all four categories of exercises, endurance, strength training, flexibility, and balance, in your workout plan can have multiple perks for you. It will enable you to attain optimal body weight and support your total health and fitness in all aspects of your life.

  • Dealing with Dry and Oily Skin

    Everyone’s skin type is different and a process of experimenting and finding the right skincare products. According to verywell health, it is said that there are 5 different skin types — which includes normal, dry, oily, sensitive and combination. To learn and find out more regarding skin types, I recommend reading their article as it is a good short read (by clicking on the link highlighted above).

    In my case I have a combination of both oily and dry skin. Possible factors may be due to my genetics, lack of hydration, weather conditions, etc. You may wonder and ask what is the difference between both oily and dry skin?

    Well, dry skin lacks enough moisture in the skin and appears to be flaky, eczema prone, and itchy (AAD, 2014). Therefore, oily skin is prone to acne and breakouts — makes the appearance shiny and feel greasy (ADD, 2014).

    However, we can care for our skin to feel nourished, healthy and clean. One is to simply buy the right skin care products based on your skin type and test what works for you. 

    The products that I normally use are those from CeraVe. They are CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal to Dry Skin, in addition to For Normal to Oily Skin. Moreover, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Normal to Dry Skin.

    For dry skin it is essential to have a moisturizer as skin needs moisture to stay refreshed and hydrated. For this reason, CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion gets the job done. Who wouldn’t want their skin to be younger, clearer, and smoother?

    Furthermore, the benefits of CeraVe cleansers are due to its gentleness and Frangrance-free characteristics. It’s indeed suited for a variety of skin types as their products label suggest. It’s effective in removing excess oil, dirt, and more. I definitely recommend you try this product out and test whether it is suitable for you.

    It is possibly best to test a new product by only applying a short amount of the lotion/cream into an area of your face and if it’s a cleanser, keep the product in your skin for about 3-5 minutes for any reactions. 

    Sources:

    1. “What Are Skin Types?” Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2023, www.verywellhealth.com/skin-types-5088964. Accessed 16 Oct. 2023.

    2. American Academy of Dermatology. Skin Type.

  • Sampha’s Ode to the Piano

    Connecting with Music

    You may be asking yourself what our intentions are behind recommending you a song. According to hopkinsmedicine.org, “listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness and memory.”. With this in mind, I invite you to explore a song by Sampha. Anyone who knows who Sampha is knows just how heartfelt his music can be. If I had to choose a song to recommend to all of you, it would be “(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano” from his 2017 album, Process. This song was dedicated to his mother and is essentially an ode to the piano, his childhood and the process of finding his talent. Despite this song being about his mother, a song like this would make us think of someone we hold dear to our hearts, someone who cared for us and was a very influential figure in our lives. It would not only bring up a person but perhaps a core memory or tangible item that also holds the same sentimental value. This is the beauty of music, if the sound or lyrics resonate with you, it helps you create a personal connection.

    I personally like to listen to this song when I feel nostalgic. I feel as though it helps me  revisit my childhood. I also tend to listen to this song  whenever I miss my family since I no longer live in the same household as them. This is also a great song to listen to when trying to relax, when you don’t necessarily want something fast paced. It’s mellow, emotional and accompanied by the soothing sounds of a piano. Did you enjoy this recommendation? What are some songs that make you feel calm or help you revisit your memories and loved ones?

  • Gilmore Girl Season

    TV For Your Comfort

    Fall is here and all I can think of is curling up on a couch, wrapped in a blanket with a big mug of my favorite coffee or tea and tuning into Netflix to watch one of my favorite shows, Gilmore Girls. I recommend this show especially because it is more of a feel good show, it doesn’t necessarily have you on the edge of your seat. It is centered around a close mother-daughter relationship and their day to day charismatic lives in a fictional town known as “Stars Hollow”. You may enjoy it too if you’re looking to watch something with very minimal drama and wholesome, relatable connections. I know I have always felt connected to Rory’s character as a high schooler.

    Gilmore Girls is more than just a show too. Being that it was filmed around the early 2000’s, the show is also an inspiration for fashion inspiration as this seems to be making a comeback with a touch of modern fashion in today’s time. In fact, I have noticed that there seems to be a “trend” taking place within the Gilmore Girls fanbase. That is, everyone is in search of the perfect “Rory” white cable knit sweater to pair with their favorite outfits this fall.

    I also enjoy watching Gilmore Girls for their endless music, book, movie and show mentions. Rory happens to be an avid book reader, her mother Lorelai and best friend Lane happen to be music enthusiasts. There are mentions of movies as well as references to shows in almost every episode. The relationships that are formed throughout the show are also essential as they can be viewed as life lessons that we can also learn from. We watch Rory and Lorelai grow older and in this we watch Lorelai give advice to Rory. We as the audience also learn to feel cared for through their relationship. So, when in doubt, when the temperature starts to drop or when you feel like you would like to watch something soothing, tune into Gilmore Girls!

  • The Good, The Bad and The Ordinary

    The Bad

    Approaching skincare can seem intimidating and it truly is a trial and error process. This doesn’t mean we should shy away from learning about what may work best for us! As someone who has dealt with acne prone skin since 5th grade, I’m confident enough to share my journey. Including learning what works best for me and how I got there. It is good to keep in mind that there are many factors that contribute to having difficulties with our skin. This ranges anywhere from what we eat, air pollution, stress,  bacteria, using the wrong skin care products, hormones and more. My very first advice would be to consult with a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist if possible. I prolonged this decision but it was what eventually provided me with a safe and steady solution. Although not all products the dermatologist recommended worked, I eventually found what did.

    The Good

    In my skin care journey, my dermatologist and I determine that my skin was affected by hormones, stress and bacteria. Ideally, managing your daily tasks in an efficient manner may help reduce stress levels which can help prevent breakouts. Hormonal acne requires a different approach as it may be an internal issue requiring internal solutions. I fought my bacterial acne with over the counter benzoyl peroxide face wash. While benzoyl peroxide may not be best for sensitive skin types, it is great for addressing bacteria causing acne. I had also learned that oil-free skincare products are best for oily skin types. They help prevent excessive oil buildup within the skin.

    The Ordinary

    Along with washing my face, The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid + br hydration serum and their moisturizing factors + beta glucan have been essential to keeping my face hydrated. The Ordinary carries a line of affordable skincare products. They make sure to include all skin types and I have found their products to be the most beneficial. This does not necessarily mean you also have to purchase their products but I highly recommend them. It is important to choose the product best suited for your skin type!

  • Rest Your Head, Weary One

    Sometimes, don’t you just need something simple and soothing? I’ve found this song that’s just that. Simple and soothing. It’s like sitting in a quiet meadow, sunlight sitting warm against your skin, leaning against someone you trust. Then, they strum their guitar and sing to you in a warm voice. There are no fancy vocals, just a soft voice. It’s called 让暖风给你送去个拥抱 and it’s part of the album 反正都是我 by 陆虎. The song title translates to, let the wind give you a hug. It’s almost like a lullaby, where nothing is wrong in the world and you feel at peace. The world is a messy place, take a few minutes to just sit and be still. And this song is the perfect song to make you feel like everything is going to be okay. 

    It Feels Fine, This Song

        There are a few lines in the song that are a favorite of mine. 睡吧, sleep. 靠近我, lean close to me, 拥抱我, hug me and 要快乐, be happy. In four lines, it gently wished you something kinder.

         It’s okay, I think, to not know where you’re going. It’s okay to sit down for a bit and not think. We’d get really tired if we kept on trying to find answers every second of the day, and that’s what most of us are doing. There’s also a whole lot of stuff we’d be better off letting go of, even though it’s a lot easier said than getting done.

    Sit Down. Relax.

         So, why not sit down for a song? Let something soothe you like a lullaby. This song is just that for me and I’m sharing it with you. A little gift from one stranger to another. Of course, you don’t have to accept it. You can always find your own gift.

         As always, take stuff you read online with a grain of salt, kick back, relax and find something that makes the world a little okay.   

  • Water is One of Earth’s Finest Resources. Drink It.

         Drink that water, folks. It’s a very important component to maintaining a healthy body. Drinking water also prevents unpleasant sensations. Dehydration, overheating, constipation and kidney stones are a couple of them.

    Dehydration

         Losing more fluid than you take in and your body starts to malfunction is dehydration.     

    A multitude of reasons, including diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration. Exercising vigorously in hot weather without replenishing your fluids can also cause dehydration. If you ever feel thirsty, dizzy, confused, tired, have dark-colored urine, or urinate less frequently, you might be dehydrated. Now, go drink some water.

    Overheating 

         If you’re in a really hot climate and you can’t sweat enough to cool yourself down, you’ll overheat. If it gets bad enough, you’ll end up with heat stroke. Staying too long in the sun can cause overheating and lead to heat stroke.  Heat stroke is a severe form of heat illness and is life-threatening. If you’re going to be outside for extended periods of time in extreme heat, drink your water, but not caffeinated drinks, soda and alcohol. Those dehydrate you instead. Drink that water, please.

     Constipation

         Can’t poop? You might not be drinking enough water. The food you eat needs to pass through your large intestine, but if you’re not drinking enough water, your large intestine will soak up that water from your food. In turn, this causes you to have hard stools and hard stools are hard to pass. Again, drink your water.

    Kidney Stones

     Kidney stones are made from chemicals in the urine that form into a hard object. It can stay in the kidney or move into the ureter. If the stone doesn’t pass, it’ll back up your urine and you’ll experience pain. If you don’t treat kidney stones quickly enough, it could cause kidney damage. But, kidney stones formed from not drinking enough water can easily be prevented. Just drink your water and you’ll prevent the stones from forming. Drink. That. Water. 

    In Conclusion

         At the end of the day, drinking enough water depends on you yourself. This is also a blog. All these things listed above can be from something completely different. Always consult a medical professional for any health related issues. Surf the web responsibly. Stay safe. Take care of your body. And of course, drink water. 

  • Discovering Beauty in Music – A Song Recommendation

    Music is beautiful when it can stir deep emotions within us, take us to another world, and touch the human soul, and it is the mixture of melodies, rhythms, and lyrics that touch us, bringing joy, reminiscence, or even sadness. The beauty of music is varied, including classical symphonies, soul ballads, upbeat rock, and much more. Every note, every chord, is a paintbrush used to create a symphony of auditory wonder on the canvas of our emotions. Music can motivate us, bring us to tears, and sometimes even redefine our concept of beauty. A song can make a similar feeling. A list of all-time great songs wouldn’t be complete without including Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” which captures the spirit of true self-worth and inner beauty.

    “True Colors” – A Song for Inner Beauty

    Cindy Lauper’s song “True Colors” is a ballad, reminding us to feel comfortable with ourselves by being who we truly are. The lyrics of the song implore us to shun fear and speak openly about who we truly are inside so as to let our inner shine through, unbothered about what anyone else thinks or says.

    The song’s chorus beautifully expresses this sentiment:

    Therefore, do not fear to display your authentic self, as true colors are gorgeous, like a rainbow.

    The message is clear: Our inner rainbow represents the beauty and diversity of our truest selves. It tells us to accept our differences, our individuality, and our imperfections as they are what define our beauty.

    “True Colors” is a song that stands the test of time and remains dear to all ages. It has been covered by countless artists, with every artist adding their version of the global message of self-acceptance and self-love.

    In this sense, the song “True Colors” can bring you up when you are down, overcome self-doubt, and make you appreciate the beauty in you or within all other people around you. Listening to it, feel the music inside you, and allow it to make you what you really are. Beauty comes from within; it’s your very essence.

    Introduce these two healthy habits into your daily life, and you will be already on a smooth path to a happier and more beautiful existence.