Cloud Nine Villas is Truly a Cloud Nine Experience in Florida
Eagle Ridge Ranch in Idaho is a Must Visit Western #Travel Destination
We just returned from a whirlwind vacation that started in El Paso, Texas and took us through Westminster, Colorado to see the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park being built to Mt. Rushmore, over to Yellowstone with a stop at Eagle Ridge Ranch in Island Park, Idaho. We stayed at many places along the way with the worse being a Holiday Inn in Cody, Wyoming but the very best place was Eagle Ridge. We found them via a brochure at the visitor center for Yellowstone and what caught our eye were the activities. It was a one stop fun fulled vacation stay over for everyone. What started out with giving the girls a trail ride turned into an overnight relaxing stay.
The area was beyond beautiful and the owners and staff were very pleasant and accommodating. Our primary decision for staying other than the beauty was in fact the niceness of everyone there. Our stop first included purchasing the trail ride which is set for certain times but you can pay extra for a private tour guide which we did because of the number of other visitors who showed up. 30 isn't an unmanageable amount but we wanted to ensure the girls would get more personalized attention. After seeing the cowboys (aka guides) split up the groups into smaller sizes, I realized it wouldn't have been a problem but I still liked the idea of us having our own cowboy guide. The ride was longer than expected and too long for an inexperienced little six year old. Our cowboy's name (have to call him that because it sounds better - wink) was Tyler and I can tell you that my six year old really liked him. I never saw her talk to anyone as much as she did him. He was very gracious and good with her as she started to get a bit whiny wanting to know 'how many more hours we had.' He played along with her and even noticed she needed some water so made sure she took a drink.
The scenic trail ride was full of such beauty and we took in many different views of the ranch since they had over 2000 acres. Our guide answered all of our questions and exhibited such professionalism and kind manners. He was very patient with my little ones and even offered to stop and take photographs of us experiencing this memorable trip.
Later, we tried our hands at fishing eventually retiring for the night in the cabin that was loaded with everything one would need. It was rustic yet modern and had a microwave, refrigerator, stove, coffee maker and toaster along with linens and dishes. It even had Direct TV, a VCR/DVD player and your phone would actually work. I mention this as we stayed at a cabin the night before and we had no phone service or TV. You couldn't ask for a better place than this and the price is right. There are hot tubs on each porch and a grill for a fun filled night of dinner and s'mores. Much to our surprise, we also enjoyed complimentary paddle boats, regular fishing boats, canoes, fishing poles and another area to swim that included more paddle boats and a giant inner tube looking thing that looked like it could fit around 20 people to sit, lay on or to jump off into the lake to swim. While fishing, you get the beauty of seeing free roaming horses who might even greet you as a delightful experience to my children.
Everything about Eagle Ridge is breath taking and beautiful! I've already told my friends and family that this IS the place to plan your next vacation. I have no complaints other than we had to return home as this was a stopping point on the return back. We went a little down the road to eat at a lodge and the people there were also very nice and the food was delicious with no wait. This was the perfect vacation spot and they have activities for summer and winter!
Check out Eagle Ridge in Idaho here by clicking the link.
Best Anti-Aging Vitamins: 5 Supplements to Help Turn Back the Clock
While aging may not be the most pleasant experience, the memories, experiences, and life lessons we learn along the way are invaluable. But what if someone told you there are ways to stop, or at least limit, the symptoms of aging. With help from specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, we can help rewind our body’s biological clock by replenishing valuable nutrients that we lose with age. That being said, aging is inevitable, and symptoms are almost impossible to avoid altogether. If anything, utilizing this collection of nutrients can help improve quality of life and raise bodily optimization.
What Happens When We Age?
As we age, our body stops producing certain chemical compounds previously in excess when we were younger. Additionally, our telomeres shorten with age. Telomeres help protect the ends of our chromosomes from deteriorating. When our telomeres shorten, our body’s cells go through a negative transformation that drastically affects an individual’s health and lifespan.
Shorter telomeres have been associated with an increased risk of disease and lower survival rates. Most of the symptoms related to aging are cognitive. Yes, our hair turns grey, and we start to get wrinkles, but the slow cognitive decline is the most reported and impactful result of aging. So let’s take a look at some supplements that can help reduce these effects.
1. Curcumin
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric root and is used mostly in Asian dishes. Curcumin is rated highly for its powerful anti-aging effects due to its antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants are substances that help protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
Additionally, this antioxidant protects our cells from cellular senescence. Cellular senescence occurs when cells stop dividing, and as we age, these cells accumulate, accelerating aging and the progression of age-related diseases.
You can easily increase your curcumin intake by incorporating turmeric in dishes or by taking curcumin supplements!
2. CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another antioxidant that is self-produced by your body. It is responsible for energy production and protecting cells from damage. As we age, our levels of CoQ10 begin to decline, and symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog become more and more apparent.
In 2015, researchers ran an experiment to test the effects of supplemented CoQ10 in 443 older adults. The study found that supplementing CoQ10 and selenium (an element that aids metabolism) over four years improved their overall quality of life, reduced hospital visits, and slowed the deterioration of mental performance.
Though CoQ10 shows the potential to be a powerful anti-aging supplement, there still needs to be more research and definitive evidence before it can be recommended as a natural way to prevent aging. Make sure to talk to a health care professional before trying it out.
3. Vitamin B12
Ah, yes, trusty vitamin B12. This keystone vitamin aids our body in numerous ways, like keeping our nerve and blood cells healthy. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak.
Aside from its “inner body benefits,” such as added energy and cognitive clarity, B12 can also aid our bodies cosmetically. It can help improve our appearance by reducing skin redness, inflammation, and dryness. It can also reduce hair breakage and help nails become stronger.
Our bodies don’t produce B12 naturally, but we can obtain it through various foods like fish, eggs, and chicken. Different types of vegetables, such as mushrooms, are high in B12 as well. B12 is also available as a daily supplement and can be found at your local pharmacy or natural food store.
4. Vitamin D
Weakening immune systems are a sure sign of aging. At some point, catching a common cold will have a much more significant impact than it did when we were younger. Thankfully, a new UK research study has found that Vitamin D can have a positive effect on the immune system and help offset some age-related health issues.
It is also widely accepted throughout the scientific community that vitamin D compounds protect the skin against the hazardous effects of many skin aging-inducing agents, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
You absorb vitamin D naturally through the sun’s rays, but vitamin D supplements are widely accessible at any pharmacy or vitamin shop if you want an extra boost.
5. NAD+ Treatment
And last, but certainly not least, NAD+ treatment. Yes, we know this isn’t a vitamin or antioxidant, but its potential is something we cannot overlook. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, is one of the most potent anti-aging molecules you can put into your body. In short, NAD+ keeps your cells “young” and helps to rewind your biological clock.
NAD+ treatment is relatively new on the scene. As of right now, the FDA has only given the green light for oral NAD+ supplements. However, injecting NAD+ intravenously is a very efficient way to receive the nutrient, as it allows for almost 100% bioavailability.
NAD+ treatment can last anywhere from two to six hours and has been reported by some as being quite uncomfortable. Some patients have reported nausea, chest tightness, and lightheadedness. Fortunately, these symptoms are short-lived and pretty much counteracted by the treatment’s lasting impact on energy levels, mental clarity, and overall sense of rekindled youth.
Conclusion
Aging is inevitable, we all know that. As we age our body slowly stops performing at maximum efficiency and there is no way around that. These supplements and treatments are in no way the “end all be all” for aging symptoms, but what they do provide is a higher quality of life and, at the very least, help to manage current and future symptoms of aging.
This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.
$50 Best Western Gift Card Giveaway - Ends 3/25/2021 - Must Use by 3/31
How to Turn Up Your Glow: Top 10 Vitamins for Beauty
Getting the perfect amount of glow and radiant skin might seem achievable only through spending a pretty penny on every beauty product ad served to you…but it doesn’t have to be that way. Almost all vitamins A through D hold some cosmetic value. So ditch the overstocked beauty product shelf and try some of these inexpensive (and healthy) alternatives!
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is responsible for protecting and healing skin. Today, a key ingredient in beauty products called retinoid is a derivative of Vitamin A and helps prevent wrinkles, cure brown spots, and smooth rough skin. Retinoid is also used in many acne treatments, adding to its reputation as both a protector and preventer.
2. Vitamin B-Complex
B-complex vitamins, in general, are essential for overall beauty health. B-complex vitamins are also known as antioxidants, beneficial for hair, skin, and nail health. B vitamins improve keratin levels in the body, which is essential for promoting healthy, hydrated skin. B-complex vitamins are available in many different foods, such as red meat, poultry, and other dairy products. B-complex vitamins are arguably the best vitamins for beauty.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for healthy, youthful, radiant skin. Like vitamin B-complex, vitamin C boosts collagen production, giving you firmer, clearer skin. Vitamin C can also provide surface defense against harmful UV damage. It also helps prevent the spread of free radicals in cells, which cause illnesses and other chronic conditions. In general, vitamin C is vital for providing a healthy lifestyle.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a vitamin we typically receive just by going outside. Exposure to sunlight is one of the main ways vitamin D enters our body. In terms of beauty, vitamin D can help save skin from acne and reduce wrinkles associated with aging and UV exposure, keeping your skin soft and smooth.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in a variety of food sources. It helps improve skin health by boosting collagen production in the body while simultaneously combating free radicals. Vitamin E is proven to be more effective when taken in unison with vitamin C. Vitamin E is most effective when taken as a topical skin condition.
6. Glutathione
Glutathione is a tiny protein molecule found in all protein-rich foods. They include fish, eggs, and poultry, to name a few. As far as we know, Glutathione is one of the most efficient antioxidants to fight the physiological symptoms of aging and oxidative stress.
7. Lycopene
Lycopene helps adjust skin texture. Assisting in the formation of collagen, Lycopene is exceptionally effective at preventing wrinkly skin. Few foods like watermelon and apricots contain Lycopene. Still, tomatoes are the largest natural source of the antioxidant. Beauty care products also offer Lycopene in topical creams and moisturizers.
8. Protein
Our bodies take the protein we eat and turn them into amino acids, creating more proteins such as collagen and keratin, which help structure our skin. Amino acids also help rid of old dying skin.
9. Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are what you think they are: fats that are healthy (what a concept). This how and why your skin gives off a “glow.” Not enough dietary fat can make skin wrinkled and dried out. Good sources of healthy fats include nuts, seeds, and fish. These fats differ from saturated fats because they are easier for your body to break down.
10. Zinc
Zinc is one of the many essential nutrients your body needs to function properly. It helps protect your immune system by combating free radicals. Zinc is fantastic for fighting acne due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Zinc can also help treat and prevent certain skin conditions such as melasma, rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema.
Conclusion
Vitamins and minerals aren’t just crucial for sustaining a healthy lifestyle; they can help promote a beautiful one as well. These vitamins and antioxidants, along with a healthy diet, can greatly help enhance already radiant skin, long and healthy hair, and robust nails, letting you show off your best you. There isn’t an “end all be all” for beauty products, but this is a good start.
This article was originally published at iveeapp.com.
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Curriculum For The Whole Family: SchoolhouseTeachers.com
Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
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The ability to access online classes and video components as well as access to downloadable and printables with over 360 courses for all ages and levels in every subject, really was what impressed me. The online electives are vast and full of great topics to those that are already interested in those subjects or to some that may not even realize they might love that direction such as drama. The best part for me is the ability to plan my children's schedules as to how I feel meets their individual needs. The fact that it's self-paced was critical as having one child with learning disabilities, I found online schools were too rigid with timelines and due dates. I have another child that is advanced, so she's not bored with waiting for these due dates to pass. This is perfect and I'm very happy to find non-common core resources.
- Navigation: As I first became aware of SchoolhouseTeachers.com, I found the ability to navigate between subjects and class levels effortless which cut down on the learning curve and allowed more time to dive into what was being offered and how I wanted to plan the new school year.
- Course Information: Upon selecting a course(s), information is readily available that discusses the course introduction, length of course, age and grade recommendations, an outline of the course, introductory video, certificate of completion as what child doesn't like to see progress achieved on paper? There are other features to each course when a student first begins but those are just a few.
- Video Library: Hundreds of videos are available to stream and most videos are available worldwide and are accessible immediately from the site.
- Planning Resources: There are an array of resources ranging from weekly schedules to even sample 9-week schedules to aid in helping you build a custom schedule. There are schoolhouse homeschool planners, ready-made calendars, printable information charts such as sign language, branches of the government, types of clouds and so much more.
- Resources: This is another great feature full of many options to choose from whether it's topics such as High School Help, Special Needs, Literacy Center, Just for Parents and much much more.
- World Book Resource Library: This resource is separated by Library, Grade and Subjects for a total of 10 libraries that holds an amazing amount of resources to aid in educating children.
Mini Course Review
I wanted to provide an example of how robust the courses can be by providing a mini review of 250 Years of Exploration, Settlement, and Reformation: World History. This course is intended for those in 11th and 12th grade, is text based and covers 36 weeks of learning material. It's a world history course focusing on the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa during the time period of the 1500s through the 1700s. The course provides an intro for what will be required such as a notebook for note taking and research and there is a check off on the lesson plan.
It's a very comprehensive course that will not bog down your learner with too much information. I'm looking forward to completing the course with my student over the next several months.
I'm hoping by reading my review, you will be able to learn about the many resources available for homeschooling your child or children. After trying too many different curriculum's and spending a lot of money, my only regret was I didn't find SchoolhouseTeachers.com before I found them years ago. The 'where to start' resource page is extremely helpful for those new to the online site. I initially felt I would need to really spend a solid month getting absorbed with everything that is offered but after jumping in, I realized that it's all very intuitive and easy to use. Since one of my children has difficulty with reading, I sought the information available at the Literacy Center. Again, I was extremely pleased with all the resources:
- Downloadable books for K-4th grade.
- Trek's Travels series of 12 early readers for PK/K which will be a great asset to my pre-K grandson.
- Welcome to Reading collection of four series of early readers for K-2nd grade. This will work perfect for my granddaughter in kindergarten.
- The Classics is a collection of nursery rhymes, songs and stories for Pre-K-2nd grade.
- Strategies in working with your child(ren).
- A Getting Started section.
- Comprehensive Skills to include a link to fun comprehensive games in World Book Early World of Learning Library.
Check out what the others on The Crew thought by clicking the link below: