It’s common knowledge that cats can be fussy. Many people have to resort to only buying specific brands, salmon cat food, natural cat treats, and high protein wet cat food in order to please their fussy feline companions. Whatever the case, one thing is for sure—cats love to beg for human food. If you have a fussy cat and want to know which human foods are safe to feed cats, read on:
1. Meat
Cats are carnivores that feed primarily on meat. Skinless poultry is the healthiest option for cats. However, keep in mind that many cats have allergies to chicken. Protein plays a big part in the health of a feline and can help them maintain a sound reproductive system, vision, and heart. As a recommendation, you should always skin, debone, and cook any meat a cat is to eat.
2. Spinach
It shouldn’t surprise most that cats sometimes eat certain plants, not as food but as medicine. Cats love spinach, and for good reason. Spinach is a source of essential vitamins and minerals for a cat. That being said, you should never feed spinach to a cat with kidney issues, as it contains a compound called calcium oxalate, which can cause stones to form in the urinary tract if eaten in large amounts. Always be sure to wash any spinach before giving it to your cat as food to ensure it is free of any germs or pesticides.
3. Eggs
Eggs are high in protein, vitamin B complex, and calcium. It’s often an essential ingredient in most commercial cat foods and is undoubtedly a favorite among cats. Always avoid feeding raw eggs or eggs with added onions or garlic ingredients to cats as it can lead to pet toxicity. Cooked eggs are great sources of nutrition for cats and can help them keep a healthy, shiny coat.
4. Salmon
Being rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein that keeps a cat well, it’s no wonder salmon, a delicious and healthy human food, is also suitable for cats. As always, clean, debone, and cook all fish that a cat is to eat. Feeding raw fish to a cat might expose it to the potential risk of salmonella or E Coli, which cause it to become sick. And bones can shatter and injure your cat if you allow them to chew on it.
5. Whole grains
Whole grains come in various nourishing varieties, such as corn, wheat, oats, barley, or polenta. The benefit of whole grains is that they are high in vitamins and fiber. Like humans, cats can feed safely on whole grains and enjoy their nutritional benefits. Cats prefer to eat whole grains in smaller manageable bits, so crushing larger grain varieties before feeding them to a cat is a safe course to take. Of course, whatever type of grain a cat eats must be thoroughly cooked to help aid in proper digestion for your cat.
Ready to clean? Firstly, you need to be in the right mindset—be prepared to be patient, remember that mess is normal, and get your favorite tunes on to boost positivity. Next, you’ll need these essential cleaning products: Clorox ForceFlex Plus Glad trash bags, Clorox disinfect, Fabuloso all-purpose cleaner, and Pine-Sol cleaner. Lastly, you’ll want to use these 6 cleaning hacks that will help save time and get the job done more effectively:
1. Use dish soap to remove grease from more than just dishes
Dawn dish soap doesn’t just remove grease from your toughest pots and pans, it can clean grease off practically anything. Were you indulging in a greasy pizza that dripped on your favorite new shirt? Treat the stain with a small squirt of Dawn, rub it in with your finger, let it set for a few minutes, and throw it in the laundry. You’ll be amazed at how well it works!
2. Sterilize and clean other household items in the dishwasher
Your dishwasher doesn’t have to be just for dishes—try putting in fridge shelves, baby’s bath toys, microwave turntables, kitchen brushes, silicone oven mitts, appliance knobs, flip flops, and more! Make sure more fragile items are put into a mesh bag, and we would recommend washing your actual dishes in a separate load from this one.
3. Make your own glue remover
If your kids got into the glue or like to stick stickers anywhere and everywhere, you know how hard it is to get the ‘goo’ residue off. Not to mention the residue being a dirt and dust magnet. Don’t worry, it’s an easy fix—add 2 parts water and 1 part vodka to a spray bottle, spray the area, dab with a wet rag, and let it air dry. Glue be gone!
4. Get your appliances to clean themselves
You might think that you don’t need to clean your dishwasher since all it does is run water and bubbles, but you do. Some dishwashers and other appliances have self-cleaning settings, but if they don’t, try these tips. Swap out dishwasher detergent with dishwasher cleaner pods and run an empty cycle. To clean your microwave, fill a bowl halfway with water, put in a lemon slice or a cup of vinegar, microwave on high for 3 minutes, and awe at how easy it is to wipe away food grime.
5. Clean your screen door with a lint roller
Most people aren’t sure how to clean their screen doors, so many of us choose not to clean them at all. However, the dirt, dust, and pollen build-up can become noticeable overtime. Try cleaning your screen door with a lint roller—it’ll pick up the unwanted collection of build-up and make it a super quick job!
6. Get rid of water rings with a hair dryer
Those pesky water rings on wooden tables and furniture are annoying to look at and almost impossible to clean. Save your time scrubbing, buying new products, and researching how to fix them, and use this hack: blow your hair dryer on heat and watch as the rings magically disappear. Touch up with a bit of olive oil afterwards to recondition the wood and make it look brand new.
Hustle culture and side hustles have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among young adults and entrepreneurs. Hustle culture is a mindset that emphasizes the importance of working hard, being productive, and constantly striving for success. Side hustles are a part of hustle culture, where part-time jobs or entrepreneurial ventures are pursued alongside a person’s main source of income. Side hustles can offer financial benefits and opportunities for personal growth. Here are the top earring side hustles you can pursue:
1. Participate in clinical trials
Clinical trials are a great opportunity to make a difference in this world and getting paid to do it. Oftentimes universities and hospitals will offer clinical trials where they implement different biomedical or behavioral studies on willing participants. If you suffer from a health disorder like asthma or osteoporosis you may be able to find a study that you can participate in about that disorder, or if you are completely healthy you might be able to participate in a control group. Regardless, there are many opportunities to make money on the side by participating in clinical trials.
2. Work with pets
There are many different jobs in the world of pets, many of which can be done on the side. These include being a dog walker, pet sitter, even being a pet groomer can be a side hustle. If you love animals and need a bit of extra cash why not offer pet services to those in your area. Put up flyers, post an ad online, or spread the news through word of mouth that you are available and watch as clients come to you.
3. Participate in surveys
Participating in surveys is another great way to make money to supplement your income. All you have to do is sign up online and fill out a pre-set questionnaire and many companies are willing to pay participants for their time. These surveys can be focus group testing, health surveys, customer happiness reports, and more. Just take the time to find some online and reap the rewards.
4. Rent out storage space
This is an often overlooked side hustle, but one that many people are willing to pay a lot of money for. If you have a lot of extra space in your basement or garage that you are never going to use, let people rent out the space to store their items. One thing many people in tiny rentals have is a lack of space for their important items, so many people are more than willing to pay money to store their items elsewhere.
5. Work as a driver
There are many side hustle options available to those who can drive. With companies like Uber and Lyft becoming available around the country anybody can become a driver and help people get where they are going around the city. All you need is a driver’s license and a personal vehicle you can drive people around in.
As new parents, we often want to provide the best possible environment for our little ones. We buy all sorts of baby products, from car seats to baby mattresses and from strollers to cozy bedding sets, without realizing that some of these items could be dangerous to our newborns. In this article, we will discuss five baby products that could pose a risk to your baby’s safety:
1. Soft crib mattresses and loose blankets
Soft crib mattresses and loose blankets may seem like a cozy place for your newborn to sleep, but they can be dangerous. Soft bedding increases the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies should sleep on a firm crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet and no other bedding.
2. Infant walkers
Infant walkers may seem like a great way to help your little one start walking, but they can be dangerous. Walkers can tip over easily, causing your baby to fall and get injured. They can also give babies access to dangerous areas, such as stairs or hot stoves, that they might not be able to reach otherwise. Instead of using a walker, encourage your baby to practice walking with your help.
3. Crib tents
Crib tents are designed to keep babies from climbing out of their cribs, but they can also be dangerous. The mesh sides of the tent can pose a suffocation risk if they come loose and cover the baby’s face. Additionally, if the tent is not installed correctly, it can collapse and trap the baby inside.
4. Co-sleepers
Co-sleepers are designed to allow parents to sleep close to their babies, but they can also be dangerous. Co-sleepers that attach to the parents’ bed can pose a suffocation risk if the baby gets trapped between the mattress and the co-sleeper. Additionally, if the co-sleeper is not installed correctly, it can collapse and trap the baby inside.
5. Baby swings
Baby swings can be a great way to soothe a fussy baby, but they can also be dangerous. Swings that are not properly secured can tip over, causing the baby to fall and get injured. Additionally, babies can slide down and get trapped between the swing’s frame and seat, posing a suffocation risk.
In conclusion, as parents, we want to provide the best possible environment for our little ones. However, we need to be aware that some baby products can be dangerous to our newborns. Soft crib mattresses and loose blankets, infant walkers, crib tents, co-sleepers, and baby swings are just a few of the products that parents need to be cautious of. When it comes to choosing baby products, always prioritize safety over aesthetics. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and never leave your baby unattended in a swing, stroller, or car seat.
Refrigeration is extremely important for food safety and preservation. Refrigeration works in complex ways, but in general it’s meant to slow down the activity of bacteria, keeping the food you buy fresher and extending the shelf life. This technology has helped us learn more about food safety and transportation.
With refrigeration, we can carry fruits and vegetables across countries to other parts. In times before refrigeration, food items like fruits or vegetables would have a tough time making the long distance journey across the country without spoiling. With refrigeration and refrigerated trucks we’re able to preserve and transport these goods easily. However, there are some food times that are easily stored and don’t require refrigeration. Here are six foods that don’t require refrigeration
1. Hot sauce or chili pepper sauces
Hot sauce is a popular condiment that is found in many kitchens throughout the world. Hot sauce is great because it goes with so many common meals like chicken, beef, or fish. Hot sauce doesn’t need to be refrigerated because most hot sauces contain a lot of vinegar and a lot of salt, which helps reduce the growth of bacteria already
2. Avocados
Avocados have boomed in popularity throughout the last decade. Commonly found with dishes like guacamole and spread on toast, the avocado is a food that is extremely delicious. They should not be placed in the refrigerator. Placing them in the refrigerator will halt the ripening process and you won’t achieve the best tasting results
3. Bananas
Bananas are an extremely popular fruit. This fruit is both nutritious and delicious. However, you’ll want to make sure you keep them in the pantry and not the refrigerator. They have no way to process the cold temperatures. They’ll go bad extremely quickly and you’ll miss the prime ripe period
4. Coffee
Coffee is a super popular morning beverage. It can be enjoyed in many different ways like hot or iced. It can also be enjoyed in lattes and macchiatos. However, you’ll need to make sure you store your beans in a dry place. The beans absorb moisture and since your refrigerator is a very moist place, your beans will go bad very quickly and it will ruin the flavor of your favorite beverages
5. Nutella
Nutella is the chocolate-hazelnut spread that has taken the world by storm. It’s enjoyed on cakes, pastries, ice cream, and even by itself. There’s no benefit to storing this chocolate spread in the refrigerator, as it doesn’t extend the shelf life. Keeping it out of the fridge also helps savor the flavor and makes it easier to spread
6. Bread
Bread is found in almost every home throughout the world. It is popular and delicious. It can be used in sandwiches, for toast, and even for dipping in oils and dips. It should always be kept at room temperature. When you place it in the fridge, you’re causing the starch molecules to recrystallize faster. What this does is cause your food to go stale at extremely fast rates. Next time keep it at room temperature for best taste and enjoy
Even though we’re not able to prevent aging, we can do things to slow down the aging process and reverse some of the effects of aging. Thanks to modern advances in the skincare and beauty industry, consumers have access to more anti-aging products than ever before. One of those are anti-wrinkle creams.
Read on for a deeper look at several benefits you stand to gain by using anti-wrinkle creams
1. Tightens skin
Anti-aging creams can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles as well as tighten the skin. One of the reasons why they are able to do this is because they encourage collagen production. Collagen can be best described as being a protein that’s responsible for the elasticity of our skin. As we get older, our body produces less and less collagen. As a result of this our skin gradually loses its elasticity
2. Hydrates
Another benefit you stand to gain is the fact that a good wrinkle cream can help to hydrate the skin. While skin hydration may not seem important at first glance, hydration plays a key role in your skin’s ability to remain firm. The outermost layer of our skin needs moisture so that it can rid itself of toxins and provide nutrients to our skin’s cells. Well hydrated skin is also more resilient to the effects of germs and irritants. Besides the fact that it can help to protect you from premature acne and wrinkles, it can puff up your skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
3. Improves radiance
Having a radiant skin, entails having skin that glows from the inside out. The key way to get your skin to glow is to provide it with nutrients such as antioxidants. Some of the most effective anti-wrinkle creams on the market are able to get your skin to glow by including powerful antioxidants in their anti-wrinkle formulas. This in itself can help to boost the look and feel or your skin, and your confidence.
4. Prevents age spots and discoloration
Age spots, commonly referred to as liver spots are tiny, dark areas on the skin. These types of spots range in size and can appear on your arms, hands and face. Age spots are also called sunspots because of the fact that exposure to ultraviolet rays is one of the most common reasons why people get spots in the first place. Anti-wrinkle creams hydrate your skin and provide it with the ingredients it needs to become more resilient to germs, bacteria, and ultraviolet rays
5. Proactive skin care
While eye creams for under eye bags and wrinkles are not miracle serums, anti-wrinkle creams are extremely effective because they consist of essential ingredients, proteins, amino acids and other nutrients that work cohesively to improve the health of your skin. By focusing on improving skin health, you are able to see the benefits such as reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and hydrated skin that is radiant and free of age spots. In most cases, you would have to purchase multiple different products to get each and every single one of the aforementioned benefits. Anti-wrinkle creams enable you to conduct proactive skin care practices on your skin, which help to save time and money associated with buying multiple products, and also lessens the need for dermal procedures and cosmetic surgeries, which can be quite costly
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition and a type of atopic dermatitis that causes skin to become itchy, rough, and inflamed. Eczema is not contagious, and many patients develop symptoms in early childhood and eventually outgrow the condition. Others, however, may need to manage the condition throughout their adult years. Triggers for eczema differ between patients but often include foods (i.e., dairy and nuts), environmental factors (i.e., weather and pollen), and certain soaps and fragrances.
This article will introduce you to the most common soap ingredients that tend to trigger eczema flare ups:
1. Soaps with strong aromas
Strong fragrances of any sort may not be a good idea if you have eczema. If soaps with light fragrances such as botanical oils can cause irritation, imagine the effects of strong fragrance soaps. Your skin might smell good, but it definitely will not feel good. The National Eczema Association (NEA) reported that 8% to 15% of individuals suffering from eczema have sensitivities to a fragrance. This makes these kinds of soaps a number one trigger.
2. Soaps containing cocamidopropyl betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine is derived from coconut oil and is present in many soaps, shampoos, and cleansers. It is very effective in cleansing and getting rid of dirt and oil. Despite this, it might
not be so great for sensitive skin, as many users report flaking and redness around the mouth, eyes, hands, and scalp. So exercise caution and remember to take note of the ingredients.
3. Soaps with botanical oils
Fragrances generally are a terrible idea for eczema sufferers. While botanical oils have a more light or “natural” fragrance, they can also pose an issue. Using soaps with botanical oils can lead to sensitive skin. For individuals with eczema, your skin is already sensitive and prone to flare-ups. These soaps may only make your condition worse and, therefore, ought to be avoided.
4. Soaps with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI)
MCI and MI are ingredients found in many beauty items that we use, such as makeup and baby products. They help safeguard or protect these items from bacterial and fungal growth, threatening to break down the product itself. While they may be beneficial so that we have our products for longer, they aren’t quite gentle on skin. These ingredients can cause flaky, red, itchy skin in the places you applied the product and is one more trigger you do not need around.
5. Propylene glycol based soaps
One respected American Society named propylene glycol the “Allergen of the Year” in 2018 and for just cause. It too is found in many cosmetic and skincare products as well as certain medications and food. It might sound odd, but it can also be found in some eczema soaps and medications. This ingredient can cause allergy flare-ups for many eczema patients. Check the ingredients found in your soaps. If you’ve been using a soap that you realize isn’t helping your skin when it should be, propylene glycol could be the cause.
6. Antibacterial soaps
Antibacterial soaps are well known for their ability to rid our skin of germs and other microscopic organisms that mean to do us harm. For individuals with eczema, however, they may not be your best friend. These soaps deprive your skin of considerable amounts of moisture. With a lack of moisture, eczema flare-ups are often triggered, leading to itching, rashes, and a myriad of symptoms. It just isn’t worth it.
Treatment, whether child eczema treatment or teen eczema treatment, is important, especially in light of the ingredients found in many soaps and other products that can put them at risk. It is critical to stop using a product once it affects your child’s skin and always inform your doctor and look into other medications and home remedies that can offer better relief.
Health experts (and moms) agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! However, what you choose to eat to begin your day also makes a big difference in your mood and energy levels. Consuming healthy and energizing breakfast options is essential to set you up for a productive, focused, and successful day. Here are some healthy ideas to boost your energy until lunchtime:
1. Chia breakfast pudding
Chia seeds are a superfood as they are packed with protein and antioxidants that are needed to keep energy levels high. Use dairy-free milk, like almond milk, that has added vitamins and minerals to ensure a healthy, protein and vitamin-packed breakfast to keep you running throughout your day
2. Oatmeal
High in fiber, oatmeal is a great breakfast food as it helps you stay full until lunchtime. This will increase productivity and keep your energy levels high throughout your morning. Try mixing in fresh berries or bananas to get a healthy addition of fruit and added antioxidants
3. Almond butter on whole grain toast
Almond butter is a great source of fiber and protein that helps to ward off morning hunger. Adding it on toast is a simple, yet healthy breakfast. Be sure to only use whole-wheat toast, as it contains more fiber and is a complex carb. White bread is a simple carb, with little fiber, and will counteract any benefits of almond butter as simple carbs crash your blood sugar and so, will cause an energy crash
4. Eggs
Eggs are a staple breakfast food because they are high in protein and low in sugar. This makes them an excellent choice for long mornings to ensure productivity and keep energy levels high. Try making an omelet with added vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to get added vitamins and minerals needed to boost health
5. Greek yogurt parfait
Greek yogurt is a great breakfast food because it is high in protein. However, stick to yogurts that are low in sugar, as lots of added sugar can potentially cause your energy to crash. To get some natural sweetness in your greek yogurt, try adding berries. They are a natural source of sugar, plus have the benefit of vitamins and antioxidants needed to maintain good health
6. Protein snack bars
If you are often in a rush and do not have time to cook breakfast, a protein snack bar is a good option. Protein helps keep you full, so a protein bar will not leave you hungry in a few hours. This will keep you productive and keep your energy levels high until lunchtime. Make sure to consume a protein bar that is low in sugar, as added sugars are unhealthy and may lead to a sugar crash that counteracts the benefits of a high-protein bar
While many of us can’t start the day without a coffee, remember a wholesome breakfast will make the difference in mood, energy, and alertness. So as you set your Colombian K Cup coffee to brew; also incorporate a few of the healthy morning meal options into your day.
Most parents want to feed their kids nutritious foods. Most companies want to sell parents food for their children regardless of actual nutritional values. Many times these companies will use tricks to make you feel their products are healthier than they actually are. Lactose free organic milk sounds pretty healthy doesn’t it? However, the nutritional value of any food or drink needs close consideration before feeding it to growing children.
While there genuinely are kids snacks that are healthy. Here is a list of foods that pretend to be healthy but actually aren’t:
1. Fruit on the bottom yogurt
Fruit on the bottom yogurt sounds healthy, but fruit on the bottom is a sneaky way of saying I have a ton of added sugar. The halo of the health benefits of fruit help sell this product, but if you want to add fruit to yogurt you are better off adding some fresh fruit to plain yogurt. If plain yogurt is too puckery for your kid’s tastes you can add some honey or maple syrup. Whatever you add will still probably be less than what that fruit bottom yogurt contains.
2. Sweetened applesauce
Sweetened applesauce gets that health halo from the added fruit again, but the added sweetener makes this anything but a healthy snack. Try no sugar-added applesauce. Or even better a whole apple with some peanut butter or cheese. A little protein turns this snack into something with staying power.
3. Energy bars
If I wanted to sell a parent a candy bar that they wouldn’t feel guilty about serving their kids I would give it fancy packaging and call it an energy bar. Most of these bars have similar calories and sugar to a candy bar. If you are going to give a treat to a kid you might as well give them the candy bar they actually want, but if you are going for something healthy. Steer clear of these guys.
4. Fruit snacks
There seems to be a theme here. If a company wants their product to seem healthy they just have to add the word fruit. Fruit products aren’t any healthier than a meat product and most people would rather keep spam out of their body. So do your kid a favor and skip anything that has the word fruit in favor of real fruit. It will probably taste better and it’s much healthier for your child.
5. Sugary cereals
Instead of using fruit to claim their healthy status many of these cereals use whole grains to try to claim healthy status. Too much sugar is never good for you even if there are a few grams of whole grains. Most of these cereals put in just enough whole grains to claim the ingredient on the package. Stick to actual whole-grain cereals and add your own small amount of sweetener if your kid won’t eat it straight. It will end up still much healthier than the alternative.
Parenting is a constant battle. Companies don’t make it easier by trying to mislead parents that are trying to do the best that they can for their kids. The only weapon we have as consumers is to stay informed on what is actually healthy. So to give your kids healthy snacks read your labels and try to avoid anything with too much sugar.
