We all know that the morning can be a nightmare. You’re trying to get ready for work, and you have no idea where your keys are. Your child is screaming because they don’t want to wear what you picked out for them, and your spouse is asking what’s for dinner – and they haven’t even had breakfast yet. It’s already 7:30 AM, and you still haven’t brushed your teeth! Yikes!

But mornings don’t have to be like this! With some preparation and the help of these simple tips – you’ll find mornings are much less chaotic, and you can get to work on time without all of the stress!

1. Get enough sleep at night: This is probably one of the most important things when it comes to getting ready faster in the morning. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, then you’ll find yourself running slow in the morning – and probably feeling a little cranky – which won’t help. 
2. Lay out your clothes before bed: This tip is great if you’re not a “morning person.” Before going to bed each night, pick out everything that needs to be worn the next day – including shoes, socks, and accessories. Hang them where they need to be hung and put your shoes in a place where you can find them. Then, when it’s time to get ready for work the next day, everything is laid out, and you’re not stuck wondering what you’re going to wear.
3. Get dressed before leaving your bedroom: You know how easy it can sometimes be to roll out of bed, brush your teeth, and head to the kitchen for coffee. But don’t leave your bedroom without being ready for the day. You want to be showered, dressed, and ready to go before you set foot in the kitchen.
4. Get up earlier: This is an obvious tip, but if getting ready in the morning takes too much time and energy (thinking longer than 30 minutes), then try waking up just 15 or 20 minutes earlier. This will give you enough extra time so that if something does take longer than normal, such as helping kids with tying shoes or brushing hair, there won’t be any stress about being late for work or school.
5. Get the kids’ stuff ready in the evening: Yes, spend some time prepping your children in the evening for the morning. Baths at night. Backpacks and lunches ready to go. And clothes picked out – by them – so they can dress themselves. If they’re ready for it, create a chart that tells them exactly what they need to do in the morning (you can use pictures for younger children), such as: brushing their teeth and hair, washing their face, getting dressed, making their bed, eating breakfast, etc. 
6. Utilize the time you have: If you’re an early bird, then getting ready in the morning is a breeze. But if you’re not, then it’s time to put your multitasking skills to work! You can shave in the shower. You can read the paper while you eat breakfast. You can have your child brush their teeth while you brush their hair. Little things can add up to big-time savings!

Mornings don’t have to be stressful when you use these simple tips and prepare. It’s the little changes that can make a big difference as to how you start your day!

The holidays are a time for spending time with family and friends, enjoying the holiday spirit, and of course, eating lots of delicious food. While cookies are always popular, the holidays also are a time for delicious candies! 

And sure, you can buy some fantastic candies at the store or from your favorite candy shop, but making them at home can be so much fun! (It may even become a new holiday tradition!) Here are 13 candies that you’ve got to try this holiday season.

1. Easy Fudge: Yes, fudge is a popular candy all year round, but it is especially popular during the holidays. This Easy Fudge recipe is just five ingredients (and could be just four if you’re not a fan of nuts) and can be made on your stovetop or in your microwave.
2. Gingerbread Fudge: This is a fudge that you’ve got to try if you love the flavor of gingerbread! It tastes just like gingerbread cookie dough! It’s packed with all of your favorite spices, and the addition of some sprinkles makes it perfect for the holidays.
3. Chocolate Peanut Clusters: So simple, but so yummy! These Chocolate Peanut Clusters are sure to disappear quickly! And if peanuts aren’t your thing – consider swapping in cashews or almonds.
4. Homemade Turtles: Pecans, chocolate, and gooey caramel are an amazing combination – and if it’s one you like, then make these Homemade Turtles. They only have five ingredients and make for a wonderful gift for family or friends.
5. Peppermint Bark: Peppermint Bark is a holiday classic, and you can usually find it on the shelves at your local supermarket, but making it from scratch is so much better! Plus, when you make it yourself, you can decorate it however you like! 
6. Christmas Crack: This sweet treat may have a funny name, but it’s a fantastic combination of sweet and salty, and it’s hard to resist. This homemade toffee is made using: saltine crackers, salted butter, light brown sugar, chocolate chips, and some M&Ms or nuts to top it. 
7. Peanut Butter Snowballs: You’ve probably heard of “Buckeyes,” that iconic Ohio candy made of peanut butter and covered in chocolate. This recipe is a riff on that and uses vanilla candy coating to give them the appearance of a snowball. Definitely festive!
8. Red Holiday Oreo Cookie Balls: Oreo cookie balls are also popular during the holidays, and they’re super easy to make! This one is great because you can use food coloring to make your candy coating red – which is a great change from white or chocolate.
9. Bailey’s Irish Cream Chocolate Truffles: Want to make a little boozy treat for the adults who stop by? Why not make these Bailey’s Irish Cream Chocolate Truffles? People will be grabbing more than one of these for sure!
10. Pralines: Pralines are a Southern treat, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make them! Butter, sugar, cream, toasted pecans, and vanilla are all you need to create these decadent little treats.
11. Old-Fashioned Divinity Candy Recipe: Divinity is another Southern staple at the holidays, and if you’ve never tried it, this might be the year to do so! It’s super unique and has lots of variations if you want to switch things up.
12. Christmas Gumdrop Nougat: This nougat is really colorful, and the kids will love it! 
13. Peanut Brittle: And have you really made holiday candy if you haven’t made peanut brittle? Cooking Classy has an easy recipe for you that’s buttery, salty, and scrumptious!

This year don’t let cookies be the only star of the show! Try your hand at making some holiday candies that everyone will love.

Do you have a child who went off to college? Or maybe just a room that’s become a catch-all for clutter? Then why not turn this room into a guest bedroom?

A guest bedroom is more than just a place for your visitors to sleep; it’s also an opportunity for you to make your guests feel like they’re at home. Not sure where to get started? Here are some of the basics you should consider.

• The Bed: If you are going to have guests stay the night, then you’re going to need a place for them to sleep. While some people may choose to just put an air mattress on the floor or make up the couch when their friends come to stay, that’s not exactly ideal if they’ll be staying with you long term. A guest bedroom should contain at least one bed – a bed that can sleep two people or a couple of tin beds is ideal. 
• Storage Space: Guest bedrooms need storage space! If your guests have their own suitcase and belongings, then they’ll need a place to put those things away when they’re not using them – so that you don’t end up with clothes littering the floor or spilling out of bags all over the guest room (or your home). 
  • To make this easy on everyone, look for a couple of nightstands and a dresser as these typically have enough space for items like cell phones, wallets, and makeup kits if necessary. 
  • Also, think about leaving enough space in the closet for guests to hang up items and put their suitcases away while not in use. Leave a few empty hangers, too!
  • And, if you don’t have room for a dresser, think about getting a hotel-style luggage rack or two for guests. This will allow them to access their clothes and things without having to place their luggage on the floor. (And the luggage racks can be stored away when not in use.)
• Comfort Items: Adding some comfort items to your guest room can go a long way to making your guests feel welcomed. 
  • Think about your bedding, pillows, and sheets first. Your guests will love comfortable bedding when they try to get a good night’s rest. Additionally, you will want to put out towels and toiletries. (Toiletries are a nice touch in case they forgot anything at home.) Finally, a clock, a couple of bottles of water, a few magazines or books, and a couple of charging cords are great additions. 
• Personal Touches: One of the best things about adding a guest bedroom to your home is that it’s an opportunity for you to make your guests feel like they’re at home! Adding personal touches such as pictures or framed memories from their visit will help them stay connected with their experience even after they’ve returned home. Sometimes people bring gifts when visiting and if so, this can be another great place to put these presents so this is a great place to display them so guests can see them when they come again. 

When creating a guest room, it does not have to cost you loads and loads of money. Check your local thrift shops for furniture (or buy inexpensive new furniture – since your guest room won’t be used every day). Thrifting is also great for finding new decor.

A great guest room will make your visitors feel welcomed and at home – along with providing them with comfort and a good night’s sleep. Get started creating your fabulous guest room today!

It can be difficult to practice self-care when you are busy, but it is important. Self-care is a simple way of looking after yourself and ensuring that you don’t get sick or burned out. It’s also essential for your mental health and well-being.

And if you’re looking for some simple ways to practice self-care – here are a few ideas that should do the trick!

• Go for a walk outside, especially if you live somewhere with greenery: Getting fresh air is great for your mind and will give you an energy boost!
• Do something that makes you happy: Make sure whatever you choose doesn’t take up too much of your time. Self-care should be about making yourself feel good – it’s not selfish! 
  • Ex. watching funny videos on YouTube
• Give yourself permission to relax: Try this by turning off all notifications on your phone or computer before doing anything else in order to avoid stress. You don’t need constant updates from social media when practicing self-care.
• Take five minutes to do something that will make you feel more organized:  It doesn’t matter what it is – put the dishes in the dishwasher or quickly go through your wardrobe. Taking a little bit of time for yourself can help with stress relief!
• Meditate and relax at home by using an app like Headspace or Calm: This takes commitment, but one session per day could have significant benefits on your mood and mental health.
• Take a hot bath with Epsom salts: This will help your mind wind down at the end of a busy day. You can also add some lavender oil if you want an aromatherapy session.
• Read your favorite book: Whether it’s about another culture, an adventure, or a love story – spend just a few minutes each day reading.
• Put together your own self-care kit: Pick things that make you feel good! This is an easy way of making sure that you always have what makes you happy on hand when needed. Think about including candles, your favorite hand lotion, chapstick, and a great water bottle.
• Come home from work and put on your comfy clothes: This is a great way to separate work from home with a style transformation.
• Call a friend or family member to talk: Is there always someone who picks you up when you’ve had a rough day? Do they listen to you without judgment? Then why not give them a call. Spend a few moments talking to them and watch your mood improve. (And be sure to offer the same listening ear in return.)
• Watch your favorite television show or movie: Yes, this may seem frivolous, but if it brings a smile to your face and you enjoy doing it – then it’s self-care. So pop that popcorn and sit back and relax.
• Fix a healthy meal: If you’ve found that your diet has been filled with more processed foods or takeout than you’d like, why not take the time to prepare a healthy meal? Cooking is a great way to refocus your mind and give your body the nourishment it deserves. (Be sure to make plenty so you can enjoy leftovers, too.)
• Go to bed early: Are you feeling run down and that your energy is depleted? Then it may be time to look at your sleep. Are you getting enough of it? If not, try going to bed about 30 minutes earlier and see what that does for your energy levels.

These are just a few of the many ways to practice self-care, so be sure to find some methods that work for you and take some time for yourself every day!

All of the interior design trends seem to encourage you to bring the outdoors inside your home. Of course, one of the most popular ways to do that is with plants. 

And there are tons of plants that do well with indoor conditions – including some that flower!

So, if you want to bring in some plants – and watch them bloom – here are a few that can handle indoor growing conditions.

• African Violets: Flowers.org.uk says: A perennial, herbaceous flowering plant more commonly kept as a houseplant, the African violet comes in a variety of shades of violet, although it can grow white in the wild. It has fleshy leaves with a fine, hair-like fur on them. The flowers themselves have five petals and are velvety to the touch. It was given its common name because of its resemblance to a traditional violet.
• Orchids: Ava’s Flowers says: Orchids are a beautiful and distinctive type of flower that is also one of the most diverse. The popularity of the orchid flower can be attributed to a number of factors. These factors include the fragrance of the flowers, their beauty, and their colorful blooms. Orchids can be found in paintings, worn as a corsage, or simply displayed for their beauty. People who are interested in orchid plants can best appreciate and care for them by educating themselves on their history and needs.
• Bromeliads: Gardening Know How says: Bromeliad plants provide an exotic touch to the home and bring a sense of the tropics and sun-kissed climates. Growing a bromeliad as a houseplant is easy and brings interesting texture and color to the interior garden. Learn how to care for a bromeliad plant and you will have a long-lasting unique houseplant that is low maintenance.
• Poinsettias: Love to Know says: Poinsettias bear dark green leaves between three and six inches long; cultivars may have pale green, cream, orange, or marbled leaves. The top leaves are a modified form called bracts. These are brightly colored – red in the species, although cultivars with pink or white bracts have been developed. The actual flowers are small yellowish structures located in the center of each leaf bunch.
• Christmas Cactus: The Chicago Botanic Garden says: The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) blooms for a long time indoors with some of the most exotic-looking flowers in the plant kingdom. This cactus is a very popular plant, but most people are not aware of its special needs. Not all cacti are native to arid desert climates and require infrequent, sparse watering. The Christmas cactus actually calls the tropical rain forest home, and thus needs watering when the top inch of soil in the container feels dry to the touch.
• Peace Lilies: Costa Farms says: Peace lily is a common houseplant that bears broad, dark green leaves and charming, white calla-like flowers on tall stems above the foliage. When in bloom, the plant looks best when grouped in clusters of three or more. Peace lily fits in well in just about every style of interior design, particular country and casual looks. Large specimens look great on the floor; smaller peace lily plants are perfect for tabletops or plant stands. Because peace lily is one of the most efficient houseplants at filtering indoor pollutants from the air, it’s a great pick for bedrooms.
• Kalanchoes: Clemson Cooperative Extension says: Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) is a popular houseplant typically available for sale during late winter and spring months. It is a durable flowering potted plant requiring very little maintenance in the home or office. It has dark green, thick waxy leaves with scalloped-edges and small, four-petaled flowers in clusters held above the foliage. It is also available in a double flowering variety with as many as 26 petals per bloom. Kalanchoe brightens the indoors with flowers in various shades of red, magenta, pink, orange, yellow and white. It is native to Madagascar and was introduced in 1932 by Robert Blossfeld, a German hybridizer.

If you want to bring a little greenery – and a pop of color to your home – flowering plants are the way to go! With a little bit of TLC, any of these seven plants would make a great addition to your home. 

Are you a vegetarian in need of a few new recipes? Or are you ready to add “Meatless Monday” to the menu planning? There are tons of great reasons to add some vegetarian dishes to your repertoire, and October 1st is World Vegetarian Day – so why not give it a go then?

Dinner is the perfect meal to give a new vegetarian dish a try, and here are some fantastic ones you can try!

• Walnut and Lentil Bolognese: You are going to love this recipe if you like a “semi-homemade” dish! This one has a great shortcut in that it uses jarred marinara sauce! But don’t worry! With all of the additions you make, it tastes like you made it all from scratch. The lentils and walnuts make it super hearty, and you’ll love ladling it over your favorite pasta.
• Quinoa Vegetable Soup with Kale: Soup season is here! And everyone will love a warm and delicious bowl of this Quinoa Vegetable Soup with Kale. The quinoa will add some protein to this soup, and you’ll love the texture it brings. It’s not mushy (which you might think it would be) and pairs well with all of the vegetables and seasonings.
• Grilled Veggie Burrito Bowls with Green Rice: There’s no need to head to your favorite quick-service chain restaurant for a burrito bowl when you can make this one at home. With a fresh pico de gallo, grilled vegetables, and “green” rice – you are going to be crazy about this dinner.
• Vegan Poke Bowl: Another “bowl” meal that’s extremely popular right now is the poke bowl. Packed full of fresh ingredients, rice, and usually salmon or tuna, this one switches it up with the addition of tofu instead of fish. It’s super healthy and can be ready in about 20 minutes – making it great for a quick lunch or easy weeknight meal.
• Veg Biryani: If you love Indian food, then you MUST learn to make this Veg Biryani! Amazing flavors, an aroma that will have the neighbors knocking on your door – plus there’s an easy one-pot version – will have you making this dish often. Totally delicious!
• Veggie Lasagna Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: Want all the flavors of a delicious lasagna but don’t want to make a huge pan of it? Then try this recipe! You’ll use portobello mushrooms to deliver all of your favorite Italian flavors. There’s garlic, onions, bell peppers, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. What’s not to like?
• Crispy Quinoa Patties: Quinoa is an excellent protein source, and these Crispy Quinoa Patties make for a fantastic meal. There are a ton of ways you can vary up the flavors for these patties – and it makes quite a few – so you’ll have leftovers for lunch.
• Easy Tofu Pad Thai: If one of your to-go favorites is Pad Thai, then you’ll love this Easy Tofu Pad Thai as it has all the flavors and spices you love – and it’s not that difficult to make. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish – so pick up all of the necessary ingredients and put this on the menu.
• Butternut Risotto with Leeks: If you’ve got an Instant Pot that you want to put to use – get it out and try this Butternut Risotto with Leeks. It’s rich and creamy and oh-so flavorful! The flavors scream fall, and it will warm you up on a cold night.
• Vegan Potato Chiles Rellenos: If you’re craving some Mexican food, then Vegan Potato Chiles Rellenos are the answer. Yum!

If you want to celebrate World Vegetarian Day on October 1st, then give one of these recipes a try! You’ll love how easy they are to make and how much flavor each recipe contains.

Do you love a good challenge? Are you always willing to try something new? Then how about participating in a 30-Day Photo Challenge?

It’s really easy! And you don’t have to be a “real” photographer to take part! All you need is a camera – and yes, you can use the one on your phone! 

• Day 1 – Self-Portrait: Yes, you’re going to start by taking a selfie or self-portrait. PixInFocus has some tips that can help! (And you can always pick up an inexpensive phone tripod with a remote to help.)
• Day 2 – Food: You can’t post great photos to Instagram of what you’re eating without practice. 
• Day 3 – Something You Love: Today is all about love and taking a photo of something or someone you love is the challenge.
• Day 4 – Symmetry: Take a photo that depicts symmetry in some fashion. 
• Day 5 – Clouds: Whether they are white and puffy or dark and stormy, take some cloud pictures today.
• Day 6 – Rule of Thirds: The “Rule of Thirds” is well-known to photographers and can help you take better photos. Read up on it, and then take a picture where you incorporate what you’ve learned. 
• Day 7 – Sunrise: Get up early and capture the sunrise on your camera.
• Day 8 – Sunset: And today, you’ll capture the sunset. 
• Day 9 – Your Favorite Color: Whatever your favorite color is – take a photo that captures that color. They say all the world’s a rainbow, but today you just need to capture one color from that whole spectrum.
• Day 10 – Architecture: Do you have a favorite building that you admire? Head there to take a cool picture of your favorite place.
• Day 11 – Reflection: You can use a mirror or perhaps a still lake or pond (or even a puddle) and take a photo that demonstrates reflection.
• Day 12 – Movement: There are so many different directions you could go with this prompt – so get creative!
• Day 13 – Landscape: Let nature inspire you today and take a landscape photo.
• Day 14 – Pattern: There are patterns everywhere, and they make for fantastic pictures. Find one today! 
• Day 15 – Flowers: Find some flowers today and spend some time photographing them at different angles. 
• Day 16 – Black and White: Today you can explore the world of black and white photography. Take a picture of whatever you like in black and white mode. 
• Day 17 – Dark: You could go outside after dark and take a picture or find a dark space in your home.
• Day 18 – Close-Up: Taking a close-up can be challenging – as you want the picture to keep its definition. But don’t be afraid to zoom in and see what you come up with!
• Day 19 – Something Old: Whatever old means to you – today you photograph it!
• Day 20 – Something New: And the opposite of old is new – and that’s today’s subject matter.
• Day 21 – Part of Your Daily Routine: Everyone has things that they do every day. Take a picture of part of your daily routine.
• Day 22 – Trees: Find some beautiful trees and snap some pics!
• Day 23 – Trio: Lots of things can come in groups of three, so find something that represents a trio.
• Day 24 – Bright: Lots of things can be bright – so find your inspiration.
• Day 25 – A Sign: It can be a real sign (such as a street sign) or something that acted as a sign to you.
• Day 26 – Smile: This is an easy one today! 
• Day 27 – Stairs: Play with angles today as you photograph stairs.
• Day 28 – Your Happy Place: Take a picture of your happy place.
• Day 29 – Home: Snap a photo of your home – or something that reminds you of home.
• Day 30 – Time: It could be as simple as a clock or something that shows the passing of time – you choose!

Grab your camera – or your phone – and get started today on the 30-Day Photo Challenge. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much your picture-taking skills improve with 30 days of practice and dedication.

Do you have a child who’s starting the search for a college to attend after high school graduation? And at the same time are you also trying to figure out how to pay for it all?

You’re not alone. Parents across the country are helping their children navigate the application process and figure out the financial aspect of things. 

One way to help cover the cost of college is to have your son or daughter apply for scholarships. 

And, while your school guidance office may share resources, it’s never a bad idea to have some resources of your own to help. Here are a few books you might ask about at your local library or pick up to add to your own collection.

1. The Ultimate Scholarship Book 2021: Billions of Dollars in Scholarships, Grants, and Prizes: Information on 1.5 million scholarships, grants, and prizes is easily accessible in this revised directory with more than 300 new listings that feature awards indexed by career goal, major, academics, public service, talent, athletics, religion, ethnicity, and more. Each entry contains all the necessary information for students and parents to complete the application process, including eligibility requirements, how to obtain an application, how to get more information about each award, sponsor website listings, award amounts, and key deadlines. With scholarships for high school, college, graduate, and adult students, this guide also includes tips on how to conduct the most effective search, how to write a winning application, and how to avoid scams.
2. How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay: 30 Essays That Won Over $3 Million in Scholarships: Examining the two basic components of scholarship competition—essays and interviews—this vital guidebook offers practical advice and real-life examples to guide students through the entire application process. A roundtable panel of judges and applicants supply inside information regarding the winning qualities sought after by award-giving organizations and tips for finding scholarships by using books, the internet, personal connections, and sources in the community. With insight into the judges’ criteria for a successful application, 30 previously awarded scholarship essays are thoroughly analyzed, from choice of topic to writing style. Revealing unique strategies for preparation and overcoming nervousness, this definitive resource also includes sample interview questions and answers.
3. Scholarships 101: The Real Guide to Getting Cash for College: In the next five years, sixteen million high school students will graduate, making up the largest group of high school graduates in this country’s history. Those students who are fortunate enough to be on the honor roll or the star quarterback of the football team will have access to the best scholarships. But what will happen to the rest of them–those students who have the potential for a great college career, but not necessarily the financial backing to attend the school of their dreams? Author Kimberly Stezala passionately believes that every student should have access to a quality education. Now, she shows parents and their kids how to approach the scholarship process like a pro. Filled with inspiring advice from successful students and scholarship providers, Scholarships 101 shows aspiring college students how to: apply for those scholarships that are the best match for their profile and skills * create a scholarship application that will stand apart from the rest and impress the judges * find the buried treasure of scholarships that aren’t necessarily available on common websites * build a team of supporters in their scholarship quest Straightforward and savvy, this book provides the extra boost many students need to plan for their futures and receive the education they deserve.

If your child is considering applying for scholarships to help cover the cost of college, take a look at these books for some advice. Your child can learn the ins and outs of applying and writing a killer essay.

(*All book descriptions courtesy of Amazon)

What’s the current condition of your hair? Has it taken a beating with the summer heat and humidity and time in the pool? Do you wish it was looking and feeling better?

It happens.

But there are some definite things you can do to keep your hair healthy and bring back that shine that you love. 

• Choose the Right Brush: If you’ve ever been down the hair care aisle in your local store, you know there are a lot of choices when it comes to brushes. And if you don’t choose the right one for your hair, you can end up doing additional damage to it. 
  • Figure out what type of hair you have (thin/flat, oily, dry/damaged, coarse/thick, or curly/coily) and then see what hair brush Function of Beauty recommends.
• Provide Your Hair With Hydration: Just like you, your hair can get dehydrated – and yes, drinking water does help. But in addition to that you can:
  • Use a moisturizing shampoo
  • Deep condition your hair on a regular basis
  • Avoid styling tools such as curling irons and blow dryers when possible
• Pick the Right Products: When you were younger, you might not have paid much attention to the products you were using on your hair. Any old shampoo seemed to work. But as you age, your hair changes, and you need to pick products that are right for your hair. Take the time to read what each product offers and think about asking your stylist for recommendations if you’re not sure.
• Avoid Towel Drying: What harm could a soft towel actually do to your hair? Well, you might be surprised. If you use a towel to dry your hair by forcefully rubbing your wet hair on the towel, you can cause breakage and hair loss. Instead, section off your hair and pat it dry to avoid damage.
• See Your Stylist Regularly: You often go to your doctor or dentist for checkups to prevent issues. A trip to your stylist is like a checkup for your hair. They can make recommendations, check your hair’s health, and take a look at your scalp, too.
• Eat a Well-Balanced Diet: You’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat” – and it applies to your hair, too. Eating a well-balanced diet will help your hair to have all of the vitamins and nutrients it needs to be healthy. 
• Protect It From Sun Damage: You know what the sun can do to your skin, but have you thought about what it can do to your hair? Just like your skin, you need to protect it. Here are a few suggestions:
  • Buy specific products which can protect your hair from sun damage
  • Wear a hat or scarf to cover your hair and scalp
  • Don’t go outside during peak sun hours
  • Wear a swim cap 
• Watch the Ponytail Holders: If you have long hair, you probably put it up in a ponytail occasionally – maybe even more in the summer when you want your hair off of your neck. But be careful with your ponytail holders as they can cause hair damage. Oprah Daily shares some of their faves.
• Sleep on Silk Pillowcases: Sleeping on a silk pillowcase is good for your hair as it can lessen the damage done from tossing and turning and absorb oils your hair secretes.
• Pay Attention to Your Scalp: Last but not least, don’t forget to pay attention to your scalp. Watch for dryness and flaking and have a professional check out any cysts or bumps that develop.

Taking care of your hair does take some effort, but with these tips, you’ll have your locks looking great in no time at all. 

The boho interior design style has been growing in popularity in recent years. You see more and more pictures on Instagram sharing this trend, and lots of interior design magazines are devoting space to showcase this style of home decorating.

But what exactly does boho design entail? And what kinds of things should you be shopping for if you want to bring it to your space?

Boho design often involves a simple base color for your room (usually white). Additionally, you’ll see lots of plants, plays on different patterns, low-lying furniture, and distressed decor. Boho design also often involves the layering of textures and fabrics, bright colors, metallics, and lots of artsy accessories.

If this sounds like all of the things you like, here are some items that you might add to your home.

• Rugs: Rugs are a great way to add color or texture or both to your boho space.
  • Arizona Rug – With fantastic colors, an interesting pattern, and texture – this is an ideal boho rug.
  • Bodrum Area Rug – Here’s another rug with a great color palette. Plus, it comes in many different sizes depending on your needs.
  • Cape Cod Rug – If you want to keep things more neutral, take a look at this rug. The round design is great and the tan and cream colors allow it to work in a variety of spaces.
• Furniture: It only takes a few key pieces of furniture to really add that boho feel to a room.
  • Palmdale Woven Door Console – This woven door console brings a natural look to any space. This would be perfect for your television or to create a home bar.
  • Gray-Washed Decorative Carved Wood Coffee Table – Wood furniture is a natural fit with bohemian design, but the carvings on the coffee table make it a showstopper. 
  • Catta Round Wicker Coffee Table with Glass Top – Another excellent coffee table is this wicker one from Article. You could even place a colorful round pillow under the glass to create a different look.
  • Bartow Beige Pouf Ottoman – Poufs are popular pieces when it comes to boho design, and this one is no exception. You’ll love the texture of this piece as it adds a ton of style.
• Wall Art: Art is essential in a boho interior design. Luckily, there are lots of different ways you can express yourself.
  • Sun Woven Wall Hanging – This macrame wall hanging definitely has boho vibes to it! (You could also learn to do your own macrame. This video can teach you some basic knots.)
  • Native Wood Wall Art – With its geometric design and natural colors, this piece made from reclaimed wood is another excellent choice.
  • Bombay Bohemian Multi-Panel Canvas Wall Art – This piece comes in various different sizes and configurations and has a diverse color palette. It would be a great statement piece over a couch or as the focal point on a collage wall.
• Pillows: Like rugs, pillows can add color and texture, plus they’re easy to change out when you want something new and low in cost.
  • Handcrafted Fringed Loop Stripe Decorative Throw Pillow – This pillow is so cute and has so much pizzazz that you’ll want to pick up a couple of them. 
  • Bohemian Lumbar Throw Pillow – If you’re looking for some color and a pillow in a shape other than square, pick up this one!
  • Rumi Shag Throw Pillow – This shag throw pillow comes in several different colors – so you’re bound to find one that will fit your style!

If the boho style is for you and you’re looking to add a few pieces to your home, these will fit the bill. Which ones are your favorites?