While winter is the time for you to get your snowboards out, it is also the time for some when symptoms of allergies flare up. The cold weather brings in its wake the allergies caused due to mold, pet dander, and dust. While these allergens can be found all through the year, in winters, the allergies are compounded, owing to the fact that people spend a lot of time indoors to beat the chilly weather.
The doors and windows are sealed during cold weathers. Due to this, ventilation is majorly hampered and pollutants such as carbon soot from the fireplace accumulate indoors and can trigger or cause allergies.
Winters herald Christmas festivities. Christmas trees contain mold spores and long exposure while decorating can trigger an allergy flare up. Moreover, with a good number of friends and family members visiting, there is a chance that multiple fragrances can cause an irritation and, hence, trigger an allergy.
With the cold forcing you to stay indoors, your exposure to allergens inside your home, such as dust and mold, increases. Further, there is always a possibility of mold growth on wet wood. All these can aggravate your allergies. Moreover, your pets too spend a lot of time indoors. Therefore, you get exposed to more of their pet dander.
Coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, headache, congestion, and fatigue are the commonly experienced symptoms that suggest that you are suffering from an allergy. Winter is the most dreaded time of the year for asthmatics. The dry and cold air can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and severe coughing.
If you are not sure whether you are a bit under the weather due to the chill or are suffering from an allergy, just wait for a few days. If the symptoms do not relieve themselves, e.g., common cold subsides in about seven days, then it is best to consult a doctor and identify the cause of the allergy.
A visit to the allergist will help you identify the allergen that you are sensitive to. Once that is identified, you can reduce the exposure to those allergens and prevent an allergy flare up.
Over-the-counter medications also help in relieving the symptoms of various allergies. A combination of antihistamine and decongestant will provide relief. While a decongestant clears up the chest and a stuffy nose, antihistamines work toward decreasing allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching.
In case of allergies like asthma that can get more pronounced during winters, prescription medicines such as bronchodilators and steroids are used. Steroids help in reducing inflammation that is caused by allergic reaction. The airways can also get blocked. Bronchodilators clear up the airways and reduce wheezing.
Identify the allergy causing triggers, avoid their exposure, and enjoy the winter snowboarding.
Fleas are almost an inevitable part of being a pet owner. Particularly in warmer months and especially if your cat or dog ventures outside, flea infestations can be prevalent and annoying to your pet and your family if they take over your home. Plus, keeping your pets free of fleas benefits both their comfort (flea bites are itchy as heck) and overall health (bites can spread infection and disease).
Fleas are not difficult to see on your pet’s skin if you perform regular spot checks. Adult fleas are flat, dark colored insects, about 1.5 to 3.2 millimeters in length, and often seen jumping on animal skin. If your dog or cat has fleas, you’ll first notice them biting, licking, chewing, and scratching at an isolated body part. To perform a flea check on your pet first, spread hair to inspect the skin and hair roots for signs of ‘flea dirt’ (or flea faeces). If it’s flea dirt, dab a little water on a paper towel to wipe it away. If the substance changes from dark brown to reddish brown (due to traces of blood within the excreatment), it’s flea sign. Now it’s time to treat your pet with one of the various flea treatments available to pet owners. It may take some trial and error to find the right treatment, but it’s always wise to consult with your vet first for guidance:
Oral flea products must be prescribed by a vet. These are administered in chewable oral tablets (Nitenpyram, Capstar, Comfortis, or Spinosad), injections, or oral suspension liquids, given on a monthly basis as a preventative flea treatment method. Many pet owners prefer this oral method as there’s no chalky residue left on your pet’s fur. Oral flea treatments don’t kill, but only sterilize fleas so they’re rendered unable to breed, which means it’s a great option for flea prevention, but no so much for flea infestation.
Spot on flea treatments aim to kill fleas before they can lay eggs, plus rid your pet of lea eggs from being shed or from hatching. Spot on flea treatments can also be used as a preventative measure to keep your pet flea free for up to a year. Many pet owners opt for spot-on flea treatments, like Revolution or Advantage, because they can be applied safely (for pets and humans) as early as eight weeks in advance of flea season. These can also be applied to kill fleas quickly if your pet should become infested. Be aware that there are different spot-on flea treatments meant for cats and dogs (cats can get very ill if you use the treatment meant for dogs). Many spot on flea treatments meant for cats and dogs also kill ticks, ear and sarcoptic mites, and heartworms.
A flea bath is typically given if an animal is infested with fleas. Owners can do their own bath at home using a flea shampoo, or ask their veterinarian or groomer to provide the service. Flea shampoos treat fleas with a formula that repels fleas, eggs, and flea dirt from the surface of your pet’s skin and hair. Before you buy, be sure to find the right formula for your pet (they differ for cats and dogs, and often according to animal size), and be sure to follow the enclosed instructions carefully to prevent skin irritation. After bathing your pet, make sure to rinse their skin and coat completely of residue. Flea baths may provide a temporary solution, however, once your pet is bathed and dry, the flea bath no longer works to deter future flea infestations.
Flea combs are tools with close knit teeth that are able to grab and trap fleas and eggs on your pet’s fur. They come in different lengths dependant on your pet’s coat. To comb out fleas, start at the root (fleas like to latch onto hair roots) and comb in the direction of fur growth towards the tip. Place a bucket of warm water nearby to dip the comb and drown any fleas as you comb them out. Water on your pet’s coat can also disable fleas from jumping as you comb. Comb your pet completely from head to tail.
Flea powders, or insecticidal powders, can be purchased through your veterinarian. These chemically concentrated powders, which come packaged in different pet tolerances, must be carefully applied so that you or your pet doesn’t inhale them, which can be dangerous. However, if bathing your pet isn’t possible, sometimes this rather outdated flea control method provides temporary relief. Be careful to purchase the right dusting product for your pet’s breed and size.
Like flea powders, flea collars are considered a fairly outdated flea prevention method. For instance, many are not only ineffective at preventing fleas, many contain organophosphates, a potentially toxic chemical, unless you specifically get a flea collar (a Seresto collar) from your veterinarian.
Fashion is such an individualized thing. Everyone is different and therefore everyone has personal preferences when it comes to different types of dresses. One thing is true though; it’s important to have at least one versatile and flattering dress in your wardrobe. When determining what type to choose, there are several styles to consider that can be appropriate for different types of events and different figures.
Women today attend many events that require dressing up for the occasion. These may include weddings, dates, parties, work events, and brunch. When looking to buy a dress to suit a wide range of occasions, here are some flattering options for all ages and body types:
1. Wrap dresses
Wrap dresses are exactly what they sound like. These dresses are pulled together with a front closure. One side of the dress is wrapped across the front and then either goes behind the back part of the waist to either be attached by buttons or tied. The construction of this dress creates a v-neck front. It also accentuates the curves of the wearer in the chest area.
2. Maxi dresses
Maxi dresses are a great option for many occasions. They are long and go to the floor. Generally, they are designed to fit the body on the top, and then be flowy and long on the bottom. The fun thing about them is they can feature many different necklines and come in various patterns and colors. This makes them very individualized to the person.
3. A-Line dresses
A-line dresses are named after the shape they take on the body, which is an “A”. They fit to the top part of the body and begin to flare gradually out at the waist and hips, becoming wider as the hem progresses. A-line clothing can be found not just in dresses, but also in coats and skirts.
4. Little black dresses
Everyone has heard of the little black dress. This is such a versatile option that can be found in your closet. It can be dressed up or down for numerous types of events. As a general design, it is usually a simple dress that tends to be quite short. The elegance and simplicity create a fairly blank canvas that allows you to create the exact type of look that you want. Many designers provide limitless options for this much-needed wardrobe essential. Victoria Beckham cocktail dresses are one good brand to consider.
5. Mini dresses
A mini, or short dress that hangs just above the knees is a common style. This design became popular in the 1920’s. It was later revitalized in the 1960s, and has remained an integral part of many wardrobes ever since. A mini shift style dress is a loose-fitting dress that is very comfortable and does not fit tightly around the waist or any part of the body. It is loose at both the hips and the waist so the dress falls loosely down from the shoulders all the way down to the bottom of the dress. Darts are generally located in the bust area. It is a straight silhouette that can be flattering for those that have bodies that are shaped more like a column and it also elongates petite figures as it shows off the legs.
When shopping for dresses, every designer has his or her own individual interpretation. It is fun, and a great idea to look at the individual designers and fashion forward celebrities to find the one that fits your aesthetic most closely. Also, remember that designers also have many other clothing options. As an example, when looking at what stars wear, like Kourtney Kardashian or Victoria Beckham (blouses, skirts, dresses and pants), you might find a designer that the star tends to wear a lot that you can draw inspiration from.
The right handbag can really accentuate your outfit of the day. There are also many styles and functions for different handbags. You could have a handback that works as a daily driver – a bag that you take to run errands or to the store. You could also have a bag that’s perfect for traveling or for a night out. Whatever the case may be, these are five handbags that are sure to be everywhere this season:
1. Versace Chunky Chain Bag
This Versace bag features a chunky chain which really is the stand out feature on this bag. The chain provides a cool effect when you wear it, that really draws your eyes to it. In typical Versace fashion, the chunky chain bag is made of high quality materials and is a great value for the price.
2. Lanvin Puffy Cloud Bag
The Lanvin Puffy Cloud Bag is another bag you’ll be seeing a lot of in 2021. This bag is one of the top trends in handbags right now, and for good reason. The Lanvin quality is apparent and you can really wear this on any occasion, formal or casual.
3. Stella McCartney Hobo Bag
The Stella McCartney Hobo bag has a relaxed look about it. It appears slightly slouched in nature, which provides a really cool effect. This bag can be dressed up for a nice, formal event or dressed down for a nice casual day. This bag is incredibly versatile and provides enough room for all of your belongings. It has two slip pockets and an interior compartment for maximum storage. This is one bag that can really do it all.
4. Bottega Veneta Fisherman Shoulder Bag
The Bottega Veneta Fisherman Shoulder Bag is extremely trendy right now, and for good reason. The bag features a scale like pattern which is the standout feature. It also features a shoulder strap for great versatility and a super comfortable wear. The bag features high quality materials and enough room to keep all your belongings stored nicely. This bag leans a bit casual but is a great bag if you’re looking to make a statement throughout the day.
5. Fendi Fluffy Feathers Bag
The Fendi fluffy feathers bag is a bag that’s sure to make a statement. This bag is made of high quality materials, in typical Fendi fashion. The fluffy feathers bag is covered in ostrich feathers. This bag is incredibly unique and will turn all the heads. It’s also very versatile in that all of the straps are detachable so you could wear this as a shoulder bag or as a little handheld purse. When you pair this with a stunning dress, you will be sure to turn heads at any formal event or night out on the town.
These bags can be found at many of your favorite retailers and department stores. Make sure to shop Saks Fifth Avenue bags for the latest in deals and trends for the 2021 year.
Jewelry is the one of the best accent pieces for any outfit you choose to wear. The right necklace, or the right bracelet, can really put the finishing touch on an amazing outfit. You may opt to wear a necklace on a night out, or a set of bangles to run some errands. Either way there are a few styling hacks to help maximize your jewelry. Here are six jewelry styling hacks to follow:
1. Use earrings for a pop of color
It can be a great idea to match a few pieces of jewelry, however, when they’re all very similar in style and color, they can really blend together. To solve this issue, try using earrings to create that pop of color. Earrings can really balance out an outfit
2. Know when it’s too much
Jewelry can provide a great accent to your favorite outfit but you need to be careful you don’t overdo it. By having too much, you’re really taking away from the effect your jewelry adds to your outfit
3. Personalize with statement jewelry
Something like customized wrist bracelets can be super personal. This can be a piece that no one has that truly stands out on its own. These are often hard to duplicate because they’re one of a kind and customized. Check Kay Jewelers clearance sale and see if there’s anything that you could customize and make truly unique
4. Minimal jewelry with patterned clothing
When your outfit is full of patterns, it’s already incredibly loud. Something like stripes or plaid can be a super powerful statement in itself so when picking out jewelry, make sure to keep it minimal. When it’s overdone it can have the opposite effect of what you’re looking for. One simple necklace or bracelet can be a nice, quick addition to a loud outfit with many patterns
5. Create layers with necklaces and bangles
Sometimes when we wear jewelry it can be hard to get the most out of it. Sometimes our jewelry is too thin and won’t really pop with our outfits. That’s where layering comes into play. By layering bangles you can create a super nice, textured set of bracelets that will surely stand out. With necklaces, you want to look at the style and length. By mixing and layering different necklace lengths, you can create the illusion of a much bigger piece and have them all flow together seamlessly. Either way, you really can’t go wrong with layering
6. Mix metals in jewelry
Most jewelry is made of various metals like gold, silver, and platinum. By combining different metals, you can really make them pop. When mixing and matching gold and silver you really create a palate with different colors and materials. It helps them stand out. When you wear all your jewellery in one material or one color, the pieces tend to blend in with each other. Mixing metals will help your pieces to really make a statement
When choosing jewelry, make sure to follow these 6 hacks for best results!
