Archives for 2015

National Hug Day, January 21, 2015

January 21, 2015 By Anne

Today is National Hug Day!

National Hugging Day,™ also known as National Hug Day, is an annual holiday created by Rev. Kevin Zaborney in Michigan, USA. It occurs on January 21 and is officially recognized by the United States Copyright Office. It was first celebrated in 1986 and has since spread to multiple countries. The purpose of the holiday is to encourage people to openly express themselves through hugging. Offer a hug to anyone and everyone you want but remember it is wise to ask first. Whether you hug a family member or a stranger, the mental and physical health benefits are the same. For more information, visit www.nationalhuggingday.com. It’s hug day everyday in our house.

Benefits of hugging:

1) Hugs make us feel “happy”! When we hug another person, our bodies release oxytocin, a hormone associated with “happiness,” according to scientific studies.

2) Hugs alleviate stress! Just as a good hug increases our oxytocin levels, it decreases our cortisol or “stress” levels.

3) Babies need hugs as much as water and food! According to researchers at Harvard University, hugs help promote normal levels of cortisol necessary for child development.

4) Hugs make us better students! Students who receive a supportive touch from a teacher are twice as likely to volunteer in class.

5) Hugs improve our game! Scientists at University of California, Berkley discovered that the more affectionate members of a team are with each other, the more likely they are to win.

6) A hug a day keeps the doctor away! A hug stimulates the thymus gland, which in turn regulates the production of white blood cells that keep us healthy and disease-free.

7) A hug stops the bug! Researchers at Carnegie Mellon proved that individuals who were sick and received hugs had less severe symptoms and were able to get better quicker.

8) A hugging heart is a healthy heart! Research from University of North Carolina showed that a good hug helps ease blood flow and lower cortisol levels, which in turn help lower our heart rates.

9) A hugging couple is a happy couple! Couples that experience their partners’ love through physical affection share higher oxytocin levels.

10) Hugs let someone know you care without having to say a word! According to Dacher Keltner, professor of psychology at University of California, Berkeley, we can identify love from simple human touch – imagine how much love a big hug can communicate!

Learn more at Nationalhuggingday.com

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

12 Healthy Juices & Smoothies for the New Year

January 20, 2015 By Anne

I am working with Foodie.com on this campaign.

It’s January and everyone is trying to get healthy. While I try and do that all year long this will be the first time incorporating juices and smoothies into my routine. Here are a few recipes to get me started.

Anne

New Puppy Pictures

January 19, 2015 By Anne

Here is Ginger, our new puppy. I’ve always considered myself a cat person but Ginger is do sweet.

I bought that sweater when we first adopted her. It’s a bit too small don’t ya think? 🙂

Anne

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Coupon and More Fun Activities

January 13, 2015 By Anne

The circus is coming to town, but that’s not all!

Wednesday, January 14@ NOON— READING WITH RINGLING
Ringmaster David Shipman entertains children with a book reading and song at the Jacksonville Public Library’s Main Branch downtown.

Thursday, January 15 @ 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. TRUNKS AND TRUCKIES-PUBLIC EVENT
3rd Annual Trunks & Truckies – A Food Truck Rally Event at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Come feast with the stars of Ringling Bros. Circus at Trunks and Truckies! This special event features some of Jacksonville’s best food trucks all gathered at the Veterans Memorial Arena for lunch with some very special guests: the world famous Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Asian Elephants!

Watch the elephants snack during this rare opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the majestic pachyderms.

Still need a ticket? Buy online at www.ringling.com and enter LZPR, and save $5 off ticket price.

Anne

Taking Care of Your Car in the Winter (Giveaway)

January 12, 2015 By Anne

I am working with the International Carwash Association to share these tips. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

I love my new car. Alright it’s not new, I bought it in August 2011. But I still think of it like it’s new. I remember when I first bought it and I washed it every week. Now not so much. I still love it but there is so much going on that my car is not my number one priority. However there are some things to keep in mind during the winter.

( Okay, that’s not my car but I did drive it for a week!)

1. A clean car is your first line of defense against winter. While the winter season typically takes a toll on your car, proper maintenance can go a long way to preserving your investment. For example, according to the International Carwash Association®, getting a new wash and a fresh coat of wax before the temperature starts to fluctuate can be your first line of defense against winter elements like ice, salt, sand and slush.

Vehicular corrosion also occurs most quickly when temperatures rise and then fall below freezing. That’s why most auto manufacturers recommend getting your car washed and waxed at a professional car wash twice a month, especially during the winter.

Using a WaterSavers® Car Wash can is a strong first step to ensuring that your car will be ready to withstand the winter elements – inside and out. It’s also a great way to protect the environment. For example, these car washes typically use only 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car wash. Learn more and find a WaterSavers wash at Washwithwatersavers.com.

Rotate your tires. Most people know they should get their oil changed every 3,000 miles, but many forget their tires need maintenance as well. Tires should be rotated before winter and then again every 6,000 miles.

Add some winter weight to your oil. Changing your oil and filter is especially important during the winter. Drivers who live in a colder climate should consider changing to heavier, winter-weight oil during the winter months.

Take care of your wiper blades. Your windshield wiper blades are your first line of defense when the snow starts to fly. Make sure your wiper blades are in good, working order and replace them if you have doubts. It’s better to make this change now instead of finding out your blades aren’t working when you really need them.

Take your car in for a tune-up. Any noises, pings or sluggish starts you currently notice will only intensify as the temperature drops. It’s best to get your vehicle in for a tune-up as soon as possible to get any issues addressed.

Give your steering some power. Check your powering steering fluid each month, and make sure the car is warmed up before you do so. If you find the level is low, look for leaks in the hoses or pump. Low power steering fluid will make your car more difficult to steer, which is something you’ll want to avoid as the roads get slick.

Protect yourself from carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide leaks are dangerous at any time, but they are especially deadly during the winter when you will be driving your vehicle with the windows closed. Have your exhaust system checked to make sure no leak exists.

Apply the brakes. Besides the seatbelt, your car’s brakes are its most important safety feature. This is especially true in the winter when slippery conditions can make stopping difficult. Before the first snow fall, bring your car to an experienced mechanic to verify that your brakes are ready for the season.

Cold winter temperatures mean vehicle maintenance is even more important. By following these simple tips listed above, you’ll be able to ward off winter’s harshest advances, protect your investment and those who ride inside of it.

To learn more about protecting the value of your vehicle, visit Washwithwatersavers.com.

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