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bluejayblueskies · 4 years ago

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Could you do either 3 or 74 with JMart for the kiss prompt?

kiss prompt list!

3 - drunk/sloppy kiss | 74 - Kisses Where One Person Is Sitting In The Other’s Lap

I did both! cw for alcohol consumption and food

“Jon,” Martin says, amused. “What are you doing?”

Jon mumbles something that Martin can’t quite catch, his face buried in the crook of Martin’s neck and his hands fisted in the front of Martin’s jumper.

“Mm, I didn’t quite catch that, love.”

Jon groans, low in his throat, and pulls back just enough to say, “I’m cold. Whoever built this house clearly did not have Scottish winters in mind.” Under his breath, he mutters, “Shoddy workmanship, that’s what this is.”

Martin hums and wraps his arms around Jon, pulling him tightly to his chest. “Maybe Daisy just never got around to insulating the place.”

Jon makes an unintelligible grumbling noise and buries his nose in Martin’s hair. Martin can picture the look on Jon’s face—that little furrow he gets between his eyes when he’s irritated, the way his nose wrinkles as he says words like shoddy—and he can’t help the fond smile that comes to his lips. He shifts and presses a soft kiss to the crown of Jon’s head before saying, gently, “Do you want hot chocolate? I think I still have some of that dark chocolate you like in the cupboard.”

“Yes,” Jon says slowly, “but that would require you going to the kitchen, and then I’d get cold again, which would quite defeat the purpose.”

Martin pauses for a moment, considering. Then, with a conspiratorial grin on his face, he shifts his hands to Jon’s legs, ignoring Jon’s questioning noise, and stands, bringing Jon with him.

“Martin!” Jon yelps, a surprised laugh slipping free as he wraps his arms and legs around Martin like a limpet and grips tight enough to bruise. “What are you—Martin!”

Martin pauses, halfway to the kitchen, and says, “Yes, love?”

Jon makes an indignant, sputtering noise, but Martin catches a glimpse of a smile before Jon buries his face back into the crook of Martin’s neck and says, “Don’t- don’t drop me.”

“Never,” Martin says easily before traversing the remainder of the distance to the kitchen and setting Jon down safely on the counter. He pulls back, despite Jon’s protest, presses a soft kiss to Jon’s forehead, and says, “Let me go get the cocoa ready.”

As Martin pulls out the chocolate and the milk and switches on the old electric hob, Jon pulls the sleeves of his jumper—Martin’s jumper, actually, though they’re pretty much communal property by this point—over his hands and rests them on his knees. His feet swing gently, kicking up against the cabinets every so often, and the soft thud of a socked foot hitting wood endears Martin more than it has any right to.

Martin can feel Jon’s eyes on him as he prepares perhaps the fastest batch of hot chocolate he’s ever made, partly because of his own desire to chase away the bite of December air filtering in through the lackluster wood slats of the cottage and partly because if he doesn’t get Jon back in his arms right now, he might actually die.

Finally, finally, the chocolate is melted, and Martin mixes in a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg before switching off the hob and dividing the liquid between two mugs—a bright, cheery yellow for Jon, a swirl of dark green and blue for Martin. When he turns back to Jon, a mug in each hand, his eyes focus on something in Jon’s hand and a surprised laugh slips free.

“Where did you get that?”

“From the supermarket,” Jon quips, holding up the bottle of Baileys demonstratively. “You were there, if I recall.”

“Mm, yes, but you can be very good at smuggling things through the checkout,” Martin says. “A whole bottle of alcohol, though—very sneaky.”

“I’m really not trying to be,” Jon says, amused, before twisting off the top of the bottle with a flourish. He gestures toward the mugs with the bottle and says, “Yes or no?”

Martin bites his lip, considering, before giving Jon a small shrug. “Yeah, why not? A little shouldn’t hurt.”

Jon obligingly pours a dash of Baileys into Martin’s mug before adding a not-insubstantial amount to his own mug. They settle back onto the couch, mugs cradled between both hands. The gentle, flickering light from the fire reflects in Jon’s eyes and casts shadows across his cheeks and nose, and Martin feels affection swell within him, as warm and sweet as the cocoa in his hands.

“How much did you put in there?” Martin says some time later with a small laugh, when Jon’s mug is empty and his eyes are hazy with intoxication. Jon’s on his lap again, his legs bracketing Martin’s and his hands resting firmly on Martin’s shoulders. Which Martin is definitely not complaining about.

Jon shrugs and wiggles a bit closer, which is not helping the flush Martin can already feel creeping up the back of his neck. “Just a bit.” He gives Martin a smile a touch more lopsided than normal and says, “I… I will admit, my alcohol tolerance is… essentially non-existent.”

“Yeah, I got that,” Martin says, the words jumping up in pitch near the end when Jon leans forward and, without warning, places a feather-light kiss on the side of Martin’s jaw. “Jon.”

Jon shrugs and releases one of Martin’s shoulders so he can place his hand on Martin’s cheek. Martin feels every point of contact between them like pinpricks of static electricity, and he leans his face into Jon’s hand with a small, contented sigh. “I’ve been told that I get… touchy when I drink. And I’m already quite fond of touching you, so perhaps you can understand why I very strongly feel the need to kiss you right now.”

Martin flushes deeply, and his hands tighten on Jon’s sides. “Oh,” he says, embarrassed at the way his voice squeaks around the word. “Well, I- I’m quite fond of touching you too, and ki—”

The rest of Martin’s words are swallowed whole as Jon leans forward and kisses him, hot and fierce and a bit sloppy. Points for enthusiasm, Martin supposes, and he certainly isn’t going to complain about being kissed rather passionately by his very attractive boyfriend who he loves very much.

For a few minutes, there’s just this: Jon’s mouth hot on Martin’s, his hands tangling in Martin’s hair and pulling in a way that has Martin making little bitten-off noises against Jon’s lips, Martin’s hands gripping Jon’s hips tightly and his thumbs rubbing little circles across Jon’s sides. At some point, Jon shifts and knocks his empty mug off the couch and onto the rug. He breaks the kiss with a frown and twists to stare at the mug. After a moment, he shrugs and says, “It’s not broken,” before turning back and capturing Martin’s lips with his again, pushing Martin back against the couch as he does so.

Finally, out of necessity more than anything, Jon pulls back with a contented noise, just far enough to rest his forehead against Martin’s. His breaths ghost across Martin’s lips, quick and labored like he’s just run a marathon, and after a moment, he says, hoarsely, “I’ve decided, after considering all of the variables and conducting quite thorough research, that kissing you is unequivocally my favorite pastime.”

Something in Martin’s chest flutters at that, and he says with a wide smile, “Oh? Even more than reading? I’m honored.”

“Mm,” Jon says in affirmation. He pulls back further as a yawn splits his face in two before curling into Martin’s chest and resting his head against Martin’s shoulder. “I could tell you to ask again tomorrow, when I’m once again fully in possession of my faculties, but my answer isn’t going to change.” He turns his head, presses a kiss to Martin’s collarbone, and says teasingly, “It’s official: I love you more than books.”

“Is that so?” Martin says, amused. He runs his hands down Jon’s back, lingering on his shoulder blades and the knobs of his spine before settling on Jon’s lower back and kneading that spot where Jon always caries tension. Jon makes a low, contented noise and somehow burrows further into the fabric of Martin’s jumper. “Well, then, I suppose I should inform you that I love you more than poetry.” After a moment of consideration: “I love you more than the cows.”

Jon lets out an exaggerated gasp and pulls back to give Martin an affronted look. “No, not the cows! They’re good cows, Martin. You said so yourself; I distinctly recall it.”

Martin laughs and leans forward to press a quick kiss to Jon’s nose. “You’re right, how rude of me. I retract my statement entirely; if we’re going in order, I love Martha the cow, then Francis the cow, then you.”

“Much better,” Jon says with faux severity. After a moment, though, his lips curl into a soft, affectionate smile and he moves his hands from Martin’s shoulders to the sides of his face, rubbing his thumbs gently over the top of Martin’s cheeks. “I do, though. Love you. Very much so, in fact.”

Around the sudden tightness in his throat—no, he will not cry, no matter how much the words make his heart swell with unbelievable fondness—Martin whispers, “I love you too. With all I have.”

The smile Jon gives him, unabashedly tender yet still shy around the edges, melts Martin utterly. Jon leans forward and presses another lingering kiss against Martin’s mouth before wrapping his arms around Martin’s neck and resting his forehead against Martin’s. “Bed?” he says softly, voice rough and weary around the edges.

“Bed,” Martin agrees.

And the surprised noise Jon makes when Martin sweeps him up in his arms again and carries him to the bedroom is like birdsong and windchimes and the rustle of leaves, stunningly beautiful and tucked safely next to Martin’s heart.

#the magnus archives #tma #jonmartin #jonathan sims #martin blackwood #my fic #my writing #anon #thank you for the prompt!

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prince-of-elsinore · 3 years ago

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@stanfordsweater tagged me aaages ago for this, and I'm finally making my way through a backlog of tags! Thank you for the tag ☺️

tagging: @doilycoffin, @damnable-bell, @theregoestheneighbourhood, @decadent-prince, and @canthearyouoverthesoundofcanon if y'all feel like it :)

nickname: online, elsi. IRL, it's my initials.

height: 5'6"

last movie I saw: Tremors! I watched it specifically so I could better appreciate The Elko County Adventure, an amazing crossover fic by candle_beck (strong rec! Go read it!). Glad I saw it, it was a hoot.

favourite musician: holy shit how do I choose one? I can't so I won't: David Bowie, Haruomi Hosono, Fishmans, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, and Oasis (for heart/gut reasons)

song stuck in my head: Get Behind Me by Scott Walker

other blogs: they're both pretty much dead now, but I originally kept up a separate blog for my fic (obsolete now that my main is basically an spn blog, so any spn fic will be posted here) and a separate blog for my main fandom when I first joined tumblr, which was Hetalia. (I know, I know)

blogs following: I follow, bafflingly to me, 1,009 blogs. Many many of them are from Ye Olde Days and must be dead by now, because I pretty consistently see the same people on my dash. Feels like less than 100. And I have 587 followers.

amount of sleep: I do not have a regular sleep schedule. But usually 5-10 hours.

lucky number: 4 (even though apparently it's considered a bad omen in East Asia)

what am I wearing: it's cold in my house (no insulation in this clime) and I haven't turned on the heat for the winter yet, so I'm in socks, sweatpants, and a hoodie while in bed under the covers 😂

dream job: writer of some sort, maybe for TV, hopefully in multiple areas (theatre, personal essays, etc). And/or musician

languages: my German is decent, and I can read French. And a smattering of other languages because I love to dabble in language-learning.

play an instrument: guitar, acoustic and electric; some keyboard/piano; I used to play clarinet and saxophone but I haven't touched them in a very long time

favourite song: again, how can I possibly choose just one? But uhhh ok Ashes to Ashes by David Bowie; Harvest Moon by Neil Young; Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths (very hard to choose a favorite Smiths song, this is just one I like a lot); Once in a Lifetime by The Talking Heads; and Pass This On by The Knife to name just a few!

random fact: I know Kung Fu 🥋

#about me #tag game

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im-still-thinking · 4 years ago

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1, 3, 7, 17, 20, 22, 26, 30?

1. When you have cereal, do you have more milk than cereal or more cereal than milk?

I like having enough milk to cover about the bottom half of the bowl. I don’t really want cereal soup but I like the second half to be kinda soggy.

3. What random objects do you use as bookmarks?

Mostly like receipts. More often I’ll dogear my place or leave the book open upside down.

7. Do you name your plants?

YES all of my indoor plants have names. There are too many to list right now, but I’ll tell you about them if you ask.

17. What color do you really want to dye your hair?

I really want to dye my hair light lilac purple, but I’m not keen on bleaching it, especially since it’s long now. When I inevitably cut it short again, I might.

20. What is your favorite eye color?

Blue/green

22. Are you a morning person?

Absolutely not. Never have been. Capitalism is Hell

26. What are the shoes you’ve had forever and wear with every outfit?

In the summer it’s birkenstocks and in the winter its my Doc Martin’s. I’m on my second pair of ‘stocks and I need to replace my Docs before next winter.

30. What is your opinion on socks? Do you like wearing weird socks? Do you sleep with socks? Do you confine yourself to white sock hell?

I LOVE cool socks, they bring me joy in these bleak days of late-stage capitalism. I barely have any white socks any more, and the ones I do have are mostly like no-shows that I wear under thinner cool socks. I don’t usually sleep in socks anymore since our apartment is much better insulated than my parents’ house and it’s nice and warm in the winter, also you keep me warm.

#tysm #ask #answered #lydia #I love you so much #tranzlehar

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lyz-fics · 5 years ago

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Kaminari X FEM! Reader: SFW Alphabet

Hewwo! Nana Here!

—===✨🎇🎆💀🎆🎇✨===—

A = Attractive (what do they find attractive about you?)

· He absolutely loves your taste in music.

· Mainly because it is very similar to his taste in music and for this reason, you never have an argument with him about what band is the best.

· He was super stoked when he found out that you liked the same kind of music as him, he basically fell in love with you right that instant

B = Baby (do they want a family with you?)

· He would love to have a baby with you.

· He doesn’t say it but he would love it if you had a baby girl. Something about a spunky tough girl would seem really lovely to him.

C = Cuddles (how do they like to cuddle or be cuddled?)

· You often cuddle into his chest for his electric warmth.

· Although he has fallen asleep a few times and zapped out while he was reaming it wasn’t anything major and you learned from your mistakes and asked Momo to make you and insulated hoodie especially for when you cuddle.

· It’s a black hoodie with white printing ‘WAIT!! Now you can cuddle with me! >w<’

D = Dates (where do you often go for a date?)

· You two often go on dates at popular internet cafes where you can test your karaoke skills, and surf the web for the newest ‘Drama’ on UA’s students

· That, or you too go to rock concerts together.

E = Everything (you are my everything)

· He is your entire world. He would fall apart without you.

· You tend to act like his brain at times, sometimes he can’t think of a proper decision to make if you are not with him.

F = Feelings (how did they know they liked you?)

· He definitely fell in love with your spunk.

· He loved that you too loved to rebel against the rules and show the teachers a little bit of defiance.

G = Gentle (are they gentle with you?)

· He is very gentle with you.

· He knows how powerful is quirk can be and he would hate to accidentally use it on you.

H = Hands (are they into holding hands?)

· Yes but you often have to wear gloves.

· Sometimes he can get a bit excited and give you a small electric shock.

I = Impression (what was their first impression of you?)

· You very very shy when you first got admitted into the hero course/

· He didn’t think much of you until you went through the quirk assessment test, seeing you try your best and giving it your all with your courageous vibe and spunky attitude.

J = Jealousy (do they get jealous?)

· He gets very jealous but he always tells you when he feels that way.

· When he tells you these things you always want to reassure him and show him that you will always be loyal to him.

K = Kiss (how do they kiss you?)

· When you two are in public his kisses are somewhat soft and warm.

· When you are alone though…his kisses can tend to get a bit rough and heated, and let's say…‘sparky’

L = Love (who said it first?)

· He said it first but he will always deny it.

· You two were cuddling on the couch and he ha fallen asleep, he was talking in his sleep so naturally, you laughed at him then he just blurted it out.

· After that, he woke up and then you told him that you loved him too.

· He resents that day because he wishes he could have told you in a better way.

M = Memory (what’s their favorite memory with you?)

· His favorite memory was when you had just started in his band with Jirou. They needed a lead singer and you were his prime candidate.

· He would spend his lunches with you helping you get confident in your singing ability, he always s loved to hear you sing and he loved when you would turn bright pink when you finally noticed he was staring at you.

N = Nurture (do they spoil and look after you?)

· He tries to look after you but that could never end well.

· He often ends up relying on the internet to nurse you back to health when you get sick.

O = Outfit (do they like it when you get dressed up for them?)

· He loves it when you dress in one of his giant shirts that cover your thighs. Especially when you wear one of his back ones with your electric yellow skirt.

· You know that he is really into that E-Girl style of clothing on girls.

· High sock with platform boots. A colorful skirt matched with one of his oversized tees with chains hanging from your belt. And of course a studded choker.

P = Pet Names (what do they call you?)

· You are his princess of rock, his one and only, the lead singer of his life.

Q = Queen (who’s superior?)

· He would like to be the one in charge of the relationship but there was an anonymous vote and…it turns out you’re the queen in this relationship.

· And when we say anonymous… we mean you elected your self the queen.

· With his dumb ideas, it was just going to be safer that way.

R = Rainy Day (what do you two like to do on a rainy day?)

· MAKE SOME NOISE!!!

· You often go over to his dorm and start yelling and playing all sorts of instruments, everyone hates you for it but you love to spend time with him like this.

· You often make some weird sounds and somehow he manages to turn them into a really cool background noise that you can use in your next song.

S = Sad (how do they cheer you up?)

· He plays all the funny recordings you have with him and Jirou.

· Ever since making a band with him and Jirou you decided to record your sessions together because you knew from the beginning that some funny shit was gonna go down.

· Most of the recording are of him short-circuiting and acting all dumb when he plays an instrument he doesn’t know how to use, these are the types of the recording that always find a way to make you laugh.

T = Talking (what do they like to talk about?)

· You often spend your time talking with him about what your next song should be about, like what sort of feeling it should have behind it and things like that.

· It's likely that but more often than not its what sort of dumb things he did in class over the course of the week.

U = Useful (are they helpful around the house/apartment?)

· He can be very useful sometimes but then other times he doesn’t exactly know what to do.

· He tends to need a bit of encouragement when it comes to helping out around the dorms.

V = Verbs (how do they describe you to everyone else?)

· You are his everything, his independent queen.

· He often tells everyone that you are rough, tomboy-like and that you don’t care about what other people think of you and he loves you for that,

W = Wedding (when, how, where do they propose?)

· He is waiting for his band to go viral and finally get a tour around the world.

· His dream is to propose to you on stage during a show in front of the crowd of fans. Something about proposing to the person he loves while doing the thing he loves is something straight out of a fantasy for him.

X = Xylophone (do they play any instruments ?)

· He was learning to play the electric guitar a while ago but with the manifestation of his quirk, he found some new ‘instruments’ he prefers.

· He likes to use his launchpad to ix the song you make with him and Jirou, and distort the vocals and add other background noise.

Y = Yours (do they get protective over you?)

· Very, and you know it.

· Anyone who even thinks they can steal you from him and fuck off. He will fry them straight to hell and back.

Z = Zoo (are they a fan of pets?)

· He isn’t the biggest fan of pets to be completely honest but he does respect your wishes.

· Wishes that entitle that whenever you see a dog of any sort you must go over and pet it.

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smithadam2119 · 4 years ago

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7 Best Ways To Keep Feet Warm In Work Boots

The Fall is almost here and if you are one of those people who spend much time working outdoors then I am sure you are well aware of the fact that it is quite difficult to keep your feet warm in winters, especially the toes.

The weather is not only cold but damp and therefore it becomes a necessity to keep your feet warm. But this vitally important task is not easily achieved and can ultimately lead to serious conditions like frostbites. That is why we are here to tell you some easy hacks by which you can keep your feet cozy no matter how cold it is. So, let’s get started!

1.) Dry feet means Warm Feet

As a rule of thumb, get it straight that keeping your feet dry is the first step to keep your feet warm and toasty. Why? It’s quite simple to understand if your foot is wet it becomes the primary reason for reducing heat to many folds. How can you achieve this task? One of the simplest ways to keep your feet dry while you are working in a cold and wet environment is by investing in a pair of waterproof boots.

Interestingly there are various boots in the market that have various types of waterproofing on them. The most popular type are the ones that are manufactured using Gore-Tex and similar types of fabrics which promise to protect the shell of your work boots from outside moisture.

Apart from fabric there are special types of boots that have fully waterproof leather upper and rubber lowers which gives you full freedom to wander through water and mud by creating a protective layer and shedding the water completely.

2.) Understand the importance of winter socks

If you are spending a significant amount of time outdoors then I would advise you to understand the importance of quality winter socks. Winter socks when paired with the right boots work perfectly to keep your feet warm and insulated.

Is there something special about winter socks?

Yes, a sock made of wool, IsoWool, shearling, fleece, and similar types of synthetic material has great potential to trap the heat.

You’ll be glad to know that no matter how wet these socks get because of excessive perspiration, they do not lose their insulating properties. Not only this, these winter socks come in different styles which are far thicker in comparison to a thin cotton sock.

Let me help you with some of the amazing recommendations for winter socks. If you ask me, my personal favorites are Carhartt Men’s Arctic Wool Boot Socks, Darn Tough Merino Wool Hiker Boot Socks, Smartwool Men’s Hiking Light Crew Socks. You can read the reviews for additional information and can choose accordingly.

3.) Dry your boots between wears

What can be worse than sliding in a pair of damp work boots right before you leave for work? I know it’s quite irritating and contributes equally to freeze your feet. Solution? Just leave them inside overnight for drying.

As an added precaution you can stuff your boots with newspaper or towels to absorb all the moisture. Although, you should always avoid drying them using direct heat as it can ruin the material of your boots and can even break down the glues which are used in between the layers.

4.) Try using Sock Liner

Sock liner is probably the most underrated asset to keep your feet warm in cold weather. Sock liner like Fox River Mills CoolMax Liner which pulls double duty, first by adding a bit of insulation and second, by transferring your foot sweat directly to your socks. Well, in this process, the liner itself remains dry and does wonders!

Moreover, a sock liner helps you from facing that “itchy, scratchy feeling” which you might sometimes get while wearing wool socks.

No matter how strenuous or wet your work is, this product with its construction increases the chances of keeping your feet crispy and cozy many folds.

5.) Say No to cotton socks

You’ll thank me later for this advice but trust me, using cotton socks for keeping your feet warm is a big NO! Cotton socks have almost negligible insulation value and they even absorb and hold moisture.

In the worst case scenario, a wet cotton sock, coats your foot with perspiration and gives you chills while losing all the insulation. So if enjoying cold, wet, and slimy feet at work is’ on your agenda then I would definitely suggest you wear cotton socks.

6.) Layer up your feet

Do you ever go out wearing a thin summer jacket in below-freezing weather? No, right? Don’t make your feet do the same thing. Like you use a layering system for your body, I would suggest you layer up on your feet too!

If you are going to seriously work in a harsh cold environment, try these a two to three layer system:

Lightweight wicking socks

Lightweight wool socks

Medium to heavy wool sock

Once you adopt this layering system, trust me nothing can stop your feet from being warmer than ever.

7.) Invest in Toe Warmers

These single use inserts can turn out to be a great hack in providing gentle heat for upto six hours. Just insert them in your boots above or below your toes, open the plastic packet and activate them. Isn’t it too simple?

Although these are like thin insoles, but if you already have a tight fitting work boot, you may have to wear a thinner sock . These Toe Warmers go perfectly with mesh performance walking shoes as they block cold air while keeping your toes warm.

Still looking out for more? Here’s a bonus tip!

Walk faster! By walking at a faster pace then normal, you can maintain the circulation of blood through your feet and can easily keep them warm and comfortable without any efforts.

Final Thoughts

After reading this article I am sure you will be able to say goodbye to cold feet. Just follow these tips religiously and get ready to get warm tootsies anywhere on Earth. Till then stay warm!

Read more...https://workgearz.com/best-ways-to-keep-feet-warm-in-work-boots/

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tsukishima-tadashi · 8 years ago

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Rules: Answer the questions in a new post and tag blogs you would like to get to know better. I was tagged by both @bloodandhedonism and @cincosechzehn!

Nickname(s): Mike and Kuni! The first is because my real name is Michael and the second is because Kunimi Akira is Literally Me

Star sign: Cancer.

Time right now: 9:58 PM

Last thing I Googled: Sebastian Vael hip swivel. I was trying to prove a point.

Favourite music artist: Marina and the Diamonds/Marina Diamandis.

Song stuck in my head: Froot (by said artist)

Last movie I watched: Temple Grandin.

What are you wearing right now: My Friday shirt (the shirt I started wearing every Friday to see if anyone would notice), boxers briefs, socks. When I get home, the pants come off.

When did you create your blog: 2011 or 2010, I believe. It was during one of my awful teen years, is what I know.

Do I have any other blogs: Yes. My current NSFW blog (linked on the sidebar, just gay bullshit), my old nsfw blog (not linked because SHAME), a few old URLs used as redirects or dumps for vent posts or tag links for when I’m on the Shitty First Gen Ipad With An Outdated Version Of Tumblr Mobile (SFGIWAOVOTM) or anything else, and a vent blog.

I also set up the AO3 Feed blog for tsukkiyama fanfics.

Do I get asks regularly: Not really :(

Why did I choose my URL: The otp is Yamaguchi Tadashi x Tsukishima Kei. It’d be too unwieldy to make a joint family name, especially in Japan, unless they squashed them together like a ship name, and I just like the idea of Yama taking Tsuk’s name.

Also I wanted a way to upset people who notp them because I’m petty and spiteful and a mean person. :)

Gender: Male.

Hogwarts house: Slytherin. Though it does fit my nasty personality, idk. THe ambition part ain;t really me. And Ravenclaw fits my meta-tendencies I think?? But I’m not even into Harry Potter so I’ll leave it to the experts.

Pokémon team: I’ve never even seen a pokemans but I like the pretty ones.

Favourite color: Orange.

Average hours of sleep: 3 hours of sleep, 1 - 2 hours of being up, 4 hours of sleep.

Favourite characters: Yamaguchi Tadashi, everyone else from Haikyuu!! except Coach Washijo, Morrigan, Leliana, Shale, Queen Anora Mac Tir, Merrill, Fenris, Solas, Cole/Compassion, Vivienne, Sera, Calpernia, Tavros Nitram, Gamzee Makara, Ryuji Sakamoto, Goro Akechi, Yosuke Hanamura, Naoto Shirogane, Tohru Adachi, Yukari Takeba, Mitsuru Kirijo, Shinjiro Aragaki, Mikleo, Sorey, Edna, Lailah, Simone... I think that’s the full list, though it’s hard for me to call favorites sometimes... I love pretty much anyone I don’t hate in fiction, haha. Faves like Yama just stick out sometimes, while with others I have to think about to realize that I love them more than others.

How many blankets I sleep with: One, usually. I overheat too easily while I sleep. Only if I’m in a room with zero insulation would I use any more than that.

Dream job: Being pretty and getting paid for it. Alternatively, being an author.

Now, ya’ll ain’t gotta if y’all ain’t wanna, but for the spirit of the meme...

@rainbowgrilledcheese @theoinkypiglet @pitifulmerthurobsession

@milindso @noyasun @genjishimemeda (u don't like fun so ur gonna snark at me)

@bowlcutprotag @deanpendragon @freckledtadashi @codenamefox

@sirwallahoo @spaceprick @haku-chuu @badatusernames

@tsushikki @wtfeveridgaf

That’s 16, good enough.

Sorry if any of you don;t like being tagged in these things! Again, no pressure.

#crows squawking loudly

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josephlrushing · 5 years ago

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2019 Holiday Gift Guide: There’s Something for Everyone and for Every Budget!

2019 is quickly zipping by, and you know what that means — the holiday season is now upon us! If you’re now faced with trying to figure out what to get for the people on your gift-giving list, take a look at these items we’ve rounded up; we have something for everyone and for every budget!

Activ5

The Activ5 is a $129.90 (and up) portable isometric fitness device that allows you to get in a workout regardless of where you are. Paired with a smartphone and the companion training app, you can reach your personal fitness goals in as little as five minutes per session in your home, office, or even sitting in an airplane (I’ve tried it!). This would be a perfect gift for anyone who is interested in fitness but has a hard time making time for it, and it’s great for those New Years’ resolutions to start off 2020.

Google Nest Hub Max

If you’ve been looking for a great ecosystem for your home that works with an unlimited amount of third party accessories, Google’s Nest products are a fantastic start, but most specifically the $229 Google Nest Hub Max. Great for the nightstand or even your kitchen, its built-in Nest cam can recognize your face to give you personalized messages, including how long it will take you to get to work, the weather for the day, and more. And if you are one to cook in the kitchen, you can follow Youtube recipes, or just play Spotify to set the right mood.

Ninja Foodi Grill

A do-all kitchen device that’s shown its value just in a few months, the $199.99 Ninja Foodi Grill is a perfect gift for someone who has everything else. Even if they have an Air Fryer, or a Sous Vide, the Ninja Foodi Grill is a 5-in-1 device that looks incredible on your countertop all while making your food be the highlight. The Food Grill is virtually smokeless, allowing you to Grill, air crisp, bake, roast or dehydrate your foods with ease. If you or someone you know is an apartment dweller but wants that char-grilled taste to their meats, or simply want to eat a bit healthier, the Ninja Foodi Grill is the device to have in your checkout bin.

Helm Audio True Wireless 5.0 Headphones

Named the most awarded headphone brand at CTA, the Helm Audio True Wireless 5.0 are the only headphones on the market that not only feature Qualcomm APTX with AAC low latency audio, but feature noise isolation, deep bass, Bluetooth 5.0, and a secure fit that doesn’t hurt after wearing for hours (averaging 9 hours on a single charge). Did I mention that at $89.99, they are significantly cheaper than any of their competitors including Jabra and AirPods?

Gourmia GCM7000 Coffee Maker

Whether you like to use Nespresso pods, Starbucks Verismo pods, or even your own freshly ground espresso beans, the $129.99 Gourmia E-Z Espresso Machine can handle it! The E-Z Espresso has four adapters so that one machine can do it all with two cup sizes. Brighten someone’s mornings and afternoons with a properly made cup of joe!

Philips 3200 LatteGo Super Automatic Espresso Machine

For the espresso connoisseur in your life, the Philips 3200 LatteGo may be the way to their heart. At $799, it’s not an inexpensive gift, but it makes a damn fine espresso as well as many other espresso drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos all with the push of a button. Our full review is coming soon, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend it for the holiday gift giving season.

Soul Ultra Wireless

An affordable over-ear pair of headphones, the Ultra Wireless by SOUL Electronics are headphones whose sound and price will knock your socks off. At only $69, the Ultra wireless headphones boast 36 hours of playtime on a single charge, dynamic sound, and Bluetooth 5.0 for superb connectivity to your devices. These would be the perfect gift for a student in your family to have waiting under the tree!

Saxx Underwear

Perfect for the man of the house, or even the active teen in your home, Saxx Underwear has been voted the World’s best underwear and for good reason. Saxx Underwear feature a “Ballpark pouch” to separate the “meat from the potatoes,” they feel incredible, they don’t chafe, and they won’t rise up inexplicably. You can pick up singles for as low as $25 a pair, or get a multi-pack for as low as $40.

Cleer Ally

Nowadays the standard for truly wireless listening is about 4.5 hours on a single charge. But what if I told you that there’s a pair of headphones that could get you through an entire workday without needing to be charged? That’s the $149.99 Cleer Ally. With ten hours on a single charge and touch-controls, the Ally are designed for every situation. Since they’re also IPX5 water and sweat proof, you can rock them in the gym; they won’t fall out thanks to the Freebit ear wings that give a secure fit so they don’t fly out when you shake your head.

Huawei Watch GT 2

Last year I reviewed the Huawei WatchGT, and I really enjoyed the experience. The $299.99 Huawei Watch GT 2 is the successor to that watch, and I’ve been wearing one for the past month — my review is coming soon. The Watch GT 2 builds upon the features I liked (like the 2 weeks of battery life), and it adds storage capacity for up to 500 MP3 songs to listen to during workouts, Bluetooth connectivity for calls at up to 150 meters, sleep tracking and analysis, and movement tracking with analysis. The watch looks great, and it’s a good fitness tracker with extra tricks.

Cleer Enduro 100

There are a lot of over-ear headphones on the market, but how many of them can boast over 100 hours of use on a single charge? Only one, and that’s the Cleer Enduro. Great for any audiophile, at only $179.99 the Enduro comes with Google Fast Pair, and the ability to be charged quickly with Fast Charge is also a highlight; ten minutes of charging will give you up to 13 hours of listening. Cleer Enduro’s lightweight design make these headphones great for listening in the office, or on the go. Definitely consider these for that family member who wants to tune out the world but often forgets to charge their cans.

Corkcicle

This is the Poketo colorway.

Corkcicle’s long been one of my favorite ways to carry my hot and cold beverages every day. With the ability to keep items hot for six hours or cold for up to 12, the triple-insulated canteen or tumbler comes with over 25 different designs to fit you or a family member’s style; they are completely dishwasher safe and are modestly priced starting at $23.95. Personal suggestion: The Unicorn Magic colorway looks great, but if you’re feeling a bit artsy, grab yourself the Basquiat.

FIFA 20

With plenty of days off around the holidays, get your football fan the 27th installment of FIFA for virtually all platforms including PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. With lifelike gameplay, at $59.95, FIFA 20 raises the bar by offering the new VOLTA FOOTBALL mode, that allows you to customize your player and gear to express their own personal style.

Hex 4-in-1 iPhone 11 Pro Max case

Yes, you can have it all! If you want an iPhone 11 case that can operate as a protective case, a folio, and as a wallet, you’re going to love the $99.95 Hex 4-in-1 iPhone 11 Pro Max case. It has 4-in-1 Functionality; you can use it as a Hybrid Case (Hybrid Case alone), a Wallet Case (Hybrid Case + Card Wallet), a Folio (Hybrid Case + Folio), and a Wallet Folio (Hybrid Case + Folio + Card Wallet). The Hybrid case even works with most magnetic car mounts and stands. The Card Wallet has 3 card slots with RFID blocking for fraud protection, and the offset magnet design allows for wireless charging when using the Hybrid Case. Perfect!

Madden 20

Even though we are more than halfway through the NFL season, there’s going to be plenty of opportunities to play the $59.95 Madden 20 over the Christmas Break when your favorite team isn’t playing. You can become the Face of the Franchise and control their NFL superstar’s journey starting in the College Football Playoff, competing against or with friends online or side by side. Players can take the league by storm, leading their team from pre-season to the Super Bowl at the center of every play. The brand-new X-Factor features let players feel the power of NFL Superstars, unleashing unique abilities that make stars feel like stars.

Traeger Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill

The $799.95 Traeger Pro Series 575 Pellet Grill combines a high-quality smoker with state of the art technology to create an amazing product. WiFi with WiFIRE technology will connect your grill to the internet allowing temps to be monitored and changed from a device anywhere in the world. The new D2 Direct Drive includes a direct drive variable speed fan and auger to compliment the Pro D2 Controller to provide consistency and precision which are integral in making great food. 575 sq. in. of cooking space should provide plenty of area to cook for the family or small party. Dad wants this.

NHL 20

Available for PS4 and Xbox One, NHL 20 introduces cutting-edge gameplay, revealing the next major innovation in RPM Tech-powered gameplay with Signature Shots. NHL stars now look and feel truly authentic with the trademark shooting-styles. New gameplay modes, including the battle royale-inspired Eliminator Mode, provide more ways for players to become kings of the ice. The $59.95 game is now available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Metomics

Metomics designer building blocks are made from precision-cut anodized aluminum; they connect together to form creations that are only limited by the number of building blocks you have and your imagination. Metomics blocks are colorful, fun to build with, and they articulate so that you can pose your creations. There are multiple sets and colors available — this $69.99 kit is for the gold T-Rex 3-in-1; the same kit will also build a Mecha (robot-looking dude) and a sparrow. T-Rex plans are included in the reusable box; you can scan the in-pack QR code to access digital instructions for the Mecha and Sparrow. Also, if you buy before December 2, you can take advantage of their Black Friday deals:

• Get 20% off everything with code BLACKFR19• Free shipping on all orders over £65 / US$85 (automatically applied after other discounts)

The Sims 4: Realm of Magic

Something magical is brewing this holiday season in The Sims 4: Realm of Magic game pack ($19.95). Sims fanatics can step into the spellbinding world of Glimmberbrook and experience the magic this supernatural pack has to offer: master the art of wizardry by learning to cast spells, summon a familiar for protection, collect and cast spells, or create various potions on platforms such as Origin for PC and Mac, and consoles like the PS4, and Xbox One.

Ooler Sleep System

Using the latest hydro-powered technology, Chili’s OOLER Sleep system ($699) is one of the best holiday gifts for couples. The mattress topper allows you and your spouse to adjust their own side of the bed to their desired temperature. So if you sleep hot, but your wife wants her side of the bed to feel like a freezer, the Ooler Sleep system can do this with a simple tap of the control unit or through the companion Ooler app.

Braven Flye Sport Rush

A truly wireless spin on their popular Flye cordless headphones, the $79.99 Braven Flye Sport Rush not only do away with the cable but boast a total of ten hours of playback time with two additional charges in the case, totaling 36 hours. Available in Black, White, or Blue, these are great wireless headphones.

Braven BRV-X/2

If you know someone in need of a Bluetooth Speaker, Braven’s BRV series is a GREAT purchase for yourself, or a gift for someone else. The $99.99 Braven BRV-X/2 is one of the few speakers on the market that floats in water thanks to its IPX7 waterproof rating. Perfect for sitting poolside or a winter tailgate, you can even pair it with another BRV-X/2 speaker for room rocking sounds for up to 18 hours.

Soundboks

If you’re looking for a larger speaker that is fitting for any Christmas Party this year, it has to be the all-new Soundboks. At $999, it’s not the cheapest speaker on the market, but you certainly can say its the loudest. The only PERFORMANCE portable speaker on the market, the Soundboks will blow you and your party guests away. With a swappable battery, you can keep the party going even when the juice is almost gone. Soundboks is also extremely durable, with its steel honeycomb grill, ball corners, and IP65 coating, it will easily fit in your car or trunk for easily transporting to a friend’s house for a house party.

V-Moda CrossFade M-100 Master – $249.99

V-Moda has long been known as “the high-fidelity headphone brand with a dynamic soundstage”, and there’s no better way to showcase that than with the $249.99 V-Moda CrossFade M-100 Masters. Co-engineered by Roland, the V-Moda CrossFade M-100s were created via crowdsourcing and fine-tuned by audiophiles, producers and DJ’s alike and the result is headphones that feature natural and active noise isolation, guaranteed fatigue-free listening for hours, a multitude of cables for virtually every occasion including a boom microphone which is great for phone calls and podcasters alike. It’s also worth noting that the V-Moda M-100s can be personalized with your name or logo so you can fully “Endorse” you or your brand. Now, if only your job gave these away as Christmas gifts!

Nomad Slim Wallet

Dad might tell you he doesn’t need a new wallet, but don’t believe him. The $59.95 Nomad Slim Wallet is a gift that eliminates a problem most men have — a bulging wallet that carries way too many cards. With the ability to hold four cards as well as space for cash, the slim wallet also comes complete with a quick access pocket for your ID or most important card. But what’s worth mentioning is that the wallet has a pocket that’s hidden and dedicated for a Tile Bluetooth tracker; perfect for that special someone who always misplaces their wallet in their jeans, they can easily find it using the Tile app on their phone.

Zippo HeatBank 9s

With a run time of nine hours and six heat settings, you can get warmth from both sides of the $49.95 Zippo HeatBank 9s hand warmers. Not only that, there’s a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and it can charge any USB device, truly a double threat.

Zippo Fight Fire With Fire

A new windproof lighter, Zippo joins forces with WOODCHUCK USA creating 10 unique designs including a brushed chrome lighter with real wood cedar emblems. Not only will you get a great lighter, but you will contribute to the restoration and protection of forests around the world by just purchasing one. The Zippo Fight Fire with Fire Collection ranges between $45.95-$62.95.

Anker Wakey

A fantastic alarm clock for anyone in the family, the $99.99 Anker Wakey not only comes complete with a wireless charger on top for any Qi-enabled device but has additional ports for your Apple Watch or any external device. It’s also one of the few Alarm clocks I’ve seen that has a built-in FM Radio.

CLEER Halo

A wearable neck speaker, the $149.99 Cleer HALO is great for someone who is always on the phone around the house, or that teenager who tends to lose their AirPods. With a great soundstage, the Halo is great for gaming; they pair easily to that new Nintendo Switch and with 12-hour battery life, it’s designed to give you all of the immersive sound a normal pair of headphones would give you without blocking your ears.

Logitech MX Master 3

Logitech’s latest flagship in the MX Master series offers instant precision thanks to its new MagSpeed scroll wheel that can scroll through 1000 lines in less than a second. Great for a student, or even in your study, the $99.99 MX Master 3 is the most advanced mouse yet.

Blue Yeti X

Perfect for any beginning Podcaster or Gamer, the $169.99 Blue Yeti X is a USB microphone allows you to stream all of the things. With a new four-capsule condenser, you can get broadcast sound with a crystal-clear focus with each of the four pickup patterns. You can “switch between cardioid for recording and streaming, omni for conference calls, bi-directional for podcast interviews and stereo for immersive experiences like ASMR recordings,” with Blue’s latest microphone.

Jaybird Tarah

With six hours of battery life on a single charge, the $99.99 Jaybird Tarah is a great gift for the active person in your life. Designed for fitness, the Tarah is fully waterproof and comes complete with one-touch access to Siri or Google Assistant, allowing you to manage calls in the middle of any activity.

Jaybird Vista

A truly wireless headphone, the $179.99 Jaybird Vista cuts the cord completely, allowing 16 hours of battery life in-ear, with two additional charges from the case. If you’re running late to the gym, the Vista will give you an hour of playtime with a quick five-minute charge making these sweat and waterproof headphones a MUST-have in any gym bag.

Ultimate Ears myBoom 3

Probably one of my personal favorite Bluetooth speakers, the $179.99 Ultimate Ears myBOOM 3 can be personalized with a range of cool fabrics and patterns so you can truly make the speaker your own. The myBOOM 3 is made to order, and if you order now, the order should ship right in time for Christmas.

Jackery Explorer 500

A Do-All portable power station, the $499.99 Jackery 500 can charge ALL of the things. It will be a great emergency device for the car or as a home backup power source; the 518Wh lithium power station features three USB ports, an AC outlet, and a 12V car output, which makes this an item great for ANY circumstance. In bad weather, the last thing you’d want is for the power to go out and for your loved one to be unable to stay connected; the Jackery Explorer 500 will give your loved one (and you) peace of mind.

Crossrope

If you have aspirations of getting back in shape with the new decade approaching, the $88 Crossrope might be a great way of getting things done. Possibly the quickest way to burn calories, it’s said jump roping for 15 minutes with a weighted rope can burn up to 300 calories for you, and with Crossrope’s weighted ropes, you can easily get yourself in tip-top shape with their “Get Lean” starter set.

Nokia Beacon

There’s nothing worse in a home than spotty WiFi, and the $99.99 Nokia Beacon wants to be the solution for you and your family this holiday season. A whole-home mesh router, it works in tandem with your existing router, or separately if you opt to save a few bucks. Combined with the Nokia WiFi app, you’ll get intelligent WiFi coverage for your entire home that you can monitor anywhere, as well as send the WiFi code to your Christmas guest that you plan on hosting.

TCL 6-Series 4K TV

Photo courtesy of TCL

To go with that new Disney+ subscription, don’t you think you need a nice new ultra high definition TV? The TCL 6-series 4K TVs start at $529.99 giving you a lot of bang for your buck thanks to its great picture and its incredibly easy to use smart TV features with Roku built-in. You can quickly and easily get that Disney+ app on your TCL and start streaming.

Vizio M-Series Quantum TVs

Speaking of great 4K TVs, here’s one that we plan to review in 2020. The Vizio M-Series Quantum offers up 80% more color than standard 4K TVs while featuring brighter LEDs, 90 local dimming zones, and deeeeep blacks. They also feature a 120Hz refresh rate so you can play video games to your heart’s content without the picture blurring. Prices for the Vizio M-Series Quantum TVs start at $349.99.

Vizio 36″ 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos

If you’re gaming, you’ll want immersive, surround sound audio to help you stop someone from creeping up on you. Vizio is here to help with their 36″ 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos; it retails for $499.99. This new soundbar provides immersive new dimensions of surround sound for cinema-inspired sound from every angle so you don’t miss a thing.

Crate Club Subscription

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Crate Club is the perfect gift for the outdoors person in your life, featuring curated gift boxes chock full of tactical, survival, and outdoor adventure gear. The boxes come in three levels, including Lieutenant, Captain, and General. Lieutenant crates come with smaller gifts for the home or auto for $49.99. Captain crates come with great gear for outdoor adventures, including hiking and camping for $99.99. General crates are the holy grail of subscription boxes, coming with really cool and practical custom gear like lightweight bulletproof bag inserts, travel bags with hidden pockets, tools, and much more for $399.99 per delivery.

PureCo Socks

There is NOTHING like a good pair of socks, and PureCo does good … GREAT. Regardless of whether you’re playing sports or just need a bit of warmth while in the house on a wintery day, PureCo’s socks are available in multiple styles both long or short. All of their socks are created to prevent sprains thanks to their multisport halves, with grip zones that are great for athletes or anyone who wants a bit more comfort; they start at €30.00.

APL Shoes

A great shoe option for women, men or children — Athletic Propulsion Labs has created a variety of comfortable, affordable footwear that’s sustainable build quality and stylish aesthetic. I personally suggest the $250 TechLoom Breeze.

from Joseph Rushing https://geardiary.com/2019/11/27/2019-holiday-gift-guide/

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treadawaytraining · 5 years ago

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Fitness Christmas Gifts For Him - 2019

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Are you lost about what to get the number one man in your life? Does he spend hours in the gym? Does he love all things fitness? Is his automatic response when you ask what he wants for Christmas, “I don’t care.”

Well, good news! The person I just described is me! In this list, I cover 20 categories of things I own and love or think are awesome and would love to own. That means, if you answered yes to the questions above, there’s a good chance your main man will love these gifts as well.

(If you stumbled upon this list and need to buy something for her, most of these gifts will still be great options!)

I’ve broken the list down into three price categories (Note: Where these items are placed on the list is based on Prices at the time of writing. Prices may fluctuate.):

Stocking Stuffers: Under $20

Big but Budget Friendly: Under $100

All out: Over $100

(All links are affiliated and will help the website if you use them!)

Stocking Stuffers

1) Padded Lifting Straps

These are great for being able to lift more weight on big lifts like deadlifts and rows if grip strength is a limiting factor.

2) Shaker Bottle

You can never have too many shaker bottles! A shaker bottle can also be easily customized to be an affordable and thoughtful gift. (Tip: Purchase their favorite color and put a personalized vinyl sticker on it.)

3) Preworkout Funnel

If he goes to the gym on the way to or on the way from work, it’s helpful to pack light and be quick and efficient. Being able to have a serving of his preworkout in a preworkout funnel, ready-to-go, will check all those boxes.

4) Ab Wheel

Ab roll-outs are a fun and challenging ab exercises that can be done from home. Having an ab wheel will allow your man to work on that sweet six pack anytime he wants.

5) Blood Flow Restriction Bands

Blood flow restriction training allows individuals to produce muscle growth while using lighter weights. You can find purpose made bands or you can use cheaper quick-release tourniquets.

6) Insulated Water Bottle

Regardless of what type of fitness your man is into, he’ll need to stay hydrated. This insulated water bottle will keep his drinks cold and even comes with three types of lids! There’s even a coffee lid option if he wants to take his coffee on the go!

7) Loop Bands

Loop bands are great to use during squat warm up sets for cuing proper form or for stand-alone exercises to target the smaller muscles of the hip.

8) SBD Deadlift Socks

If he’s performing deadlifts correctly, he will scrape his shins with the bar. Protect his skin with SBD brand socks. SBD is one of the best brands in the powerlifting business.

Big But Budget Friendly

9) Preworkout

Whether he’s dragging himself out of bed to go to the gym or working out after a long day at work, preworkout will help him make it through to the end. PEScience preworkouts aren’t filled with garbage ingredients either. You’ll only find the good stuff in there.

10) JLabs JBuds Air True Wireless Earbuds

Looking for true wireless earbuds for $50 can be pretty sketchy, but these are the exception. I can personally vouch for the quality of these earbuds. They’re comfortable, sound good, and have great call quality.

11) Versa Gripps Pro

Standard lifting straps are great, but Versa Gripps Pro are better. They’re quicker to use and there’s no need to take them off between sets.

12) Inzer 10mm Belt

If he wants to move as much weight as possible (and move it as safely as possible), he needs to be using a lifting belt. (I personally own the red, white, and blue prong belt.)

13) Knee Sleeves

Similar to the lifting belt, knee sleeves can help him move more weight on leg movements and can help him do so more safely.

14) Protein Powder

Nothing says “gains on the go” quite like a tub of protein powder. (My favorite flavor is Banana Cream.)

15) Isolator Fitness Meal Bag

In my opinion, the ISOBAG is the best bag for the money. My wife and I both own one. The best part is, the bags are modular. You can add backpack straps and a duffle to make your meal bag double as a gym bag

16) Rada Knife Block Set

Nutrition is one of the most important (and overlooked) aspects of fitness. Making cooking quicker and easier by having nice, sharp knives will help ensure more meals are prepared at home and fewer meals are from the fast food line.

17) Ninja Coffee Bar

Many people use coffee as their preworkout. Even if your man doesn’t… coffee. Who doesn’t love coffee?

18) Shoes Specific To His Fitness Activities

(NOTE: Shoes may fall in the under $100 category or over $100 category depending on the type.)

Olympic Weightlifting shoes: If he does olympic lifting or powerlifting, the Adidas Adipower are an amazing shoe.

The Adidas Adipower can sometimes be hard to find. If you can’t find them in his size, the Nike Romaleos 3 would be my second pick.

Cross Training Shoes: If he’s more into things like Crossfit, the Nike Metcon 4 would be my choice. These would be a great choice for a general purpose gym shoe as well.

Running Shoes: If he’s a psychopath, I mean a runner, I’d recommend the Nike Flex Contact 3. These are also a great general purpose shoe and are what I typically wear to the gym.

All Out

19) Jabra Elite Active 65t True Wireless Earbuds

The Jabra Elite Active 65t are the true wireless earbuds I wish I had. They’re sweat resistant, dust resistant, and have a built in accelerometer for step counting. Their design also seals the ear against outside noise. (An in-app option allows noise to pass through if you want to hear your surroundings.)

20) Smart Watch

Smart watches have many great fitness and health tracking features now. If you really want to wow your number one guy, this is the way to go.

If you think none of these gifts are right for him, here are a few honorable mentions:

Gym Bag

Gym Clothes

Tickets to watch his favorite sports team

Entry free to fitness competition (strongman, powerlifting meet, Spartan sprint, etc.)

Bands for smart watch

Foam Roller

Silicone Wedding Band

Workout Log Book

SPIbelt

Fitness Care Package: Purchase a gym bag and fill it with some of the items mentioned in this post.)

Check this out next:

Fitness Christmas Gifts - Fitness Gifts For Men

Thank you so much for reading! If you found this information helpful and want to help the Treadaway Training blogcast grow, simply share this post with a friend. If you like what I have to say, sign up below to become a Treadaway Training insider or check out my YouTube channel. I will be back here Saturday with another body transformation topic. As always, God bless you AND your family and I'll see you Saturday.

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gethealthy18-blog · 6 years ago

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2018 Ultimate Holiday Gift Giving Guide (For Everyone on Your List!)

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2018 Ultimate Holiday Gift Giving Guide (For Everyone on Your List!)

I don’t know about you, but this time of year can be a little hectic for me! With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and several family birthdays, there is a lot to plan and a lot of gifts to wrap. We try to stick to experiences instead of stuff as much as possible (here are some of my best ideas), especially with our own kids, but also usually give one physical gift per family member.

Also, for extended family and close friends that we don’t live close enough to share experiences with, we send small gifts as well. I know it seems early, but I try to get my shopping done now so that I can savor and enjoy the holidays while knowing gifts are already wrapped!

This holiday gift guide is a compilation of the best gifts we’ve ever received and the ones that are favorites to give. As much as possible, all these gifts are eco-friendly and limit plastic whenever possible. They are also natural, organic, and health-promoting.

My Natural + Eco-Friendly Gift Giving Guide!

I’ve included my favorite gifts for every member of the family, age group, and interest level, so keep scrolling if you need ideas for a specific family member. They go in rough age order (adults down to babies) and then special interest gift ideas are below that (for the chef, the grandparents, white elephant gifts, etc).

Important: Please note that many of the links in this guide are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase through these links, the price will be the same for you and I’ll receive a small commission that helps support my blog and my family. Many thanks!

Gifts for Mom (That She Won’t Just Pretend She Loves)

As a kid, we always got my mom new kitchen gear and equipment as gifts. I remember feeling a little guilty because my brother and I got toys and fun gifts, and I always thought she got the short end of the stick just getting kitchen items that she used for us. Then, I became a mom myself and developed a love for cooking, and now I get just as excited about new kitchen essentials. This list includes some of the best practical gifts for moms, as well as some pampering and relaxing ones!

Amazon Prime Membership – Get free 2-day shipping on many items, plus free streaming music and movies.

or Real Plans Membership – My biggest time saver – this plans all of my meals and shopping lists and can handle allergies, bulk prep day and more!

Shiatsu Massage Pillow – Seriously rivals an actual massage for half the price!

Hydroflask Water Bottle – The water bottle I use that keeps water cool (or hot) for days!

Complete Facial Kit – Amazing facial oil with the highest quality ingredients and no junk!

RTIC Tumbler – Great for hot or cold drinks.

Wake-up Light Gentle Alarm Clock – Wake up gently to gradual light and sound

Himalayan Salt Lamp – Soothing warm orange glow at night from these beautiful lamps.

Blue Blocker Glasses – I wear these after dark for better sleep (some studies show that avoiding blue light after dark helps melatonin levels).

Sleep Master Sleep Mask – Great for travel – a sleep mask that is actually comfortable!

10,000 Lux Happy Light – Feel blue in the winter? I use this super-bright light to keep my cortisol levels healthy.

Anything Le Creuset – Incredible (but pricey) dishes. I’ve been collecting a few pieces over the years and resisting the urge to buy it all!

Microwaveable Slippers – Does someone you love always get cold? These slippers have microwaveable pads that stay warm.

Dry Brush – Brushing isn’t just for hair and teeth. Brushing skin can help it stay smooth, supple, and may improve collagen.

Low EMF Hair Dryer – Did you know that hairdryers produce a lot of EMFs?

French Press Coffee Maker – Make wonderful coffee with this classic method.

Instant Pot – Revolutionize dinner! This electric pressure cooker makes roasts in about an hour and turns tough cuts of meat into deliciously tender meals.

Grown-up Coloring Book and Markers – Coloring isn’t for kids anymore and studies show it may reduce stress levels. Try a “grown-up coloring book.”

Kokomo Cream Organic Deodorant – This natural deodorant smells like the tropics and lasts for months.

A good book – Just off the top of my head… maybe The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox or The Wellness Mama Cookbook? 🙂 Ok, I’m biased, but it’s a great way to have all of the best recipes and health hacks on the site at your fingertips.

Blackout Curtains – Even a little light can interfere with sleep quality. We use blackout curtains to keep our room really dark.

Wine Bottle Tiki Torch – Upcycle old wine bottles with these adorable tiki-torch kits.

Gifts for Dad (No Ties or PJs on This List)

I’ve always had the most difficult time finding good gifts for the men in my life, especially my husband. He has incredibly high standards for products and prefers really high-quality items that last forever. These have been some of his favorite gifts in recent years and they might be perfect for the guys on your list too. (Also, check the lists below for more specific ideas for dads who travel a lot or who love the outdoors!)

Magnetic Wrist Band – Holds nails and screws for the handyman!

Fire Starter Kit – Useful tool to start fires without matches or a lighter.

Blue Blocking Glasses -These glasses help reduce eye fatigue from computers and reduce blue light for better sleep.

Lifestraw or Sawyer Water Filter – Survival water filter that fits in your pocket.

Comfy Slippers – My husband loves these slippers he got a couple of years ago.

Heat Proof BBQ Gloves – For the man who likes to grill, these gloves will protect his hands.

Smart Wool Socks – Warm but not sweaty and they keep feet dry. Great for hiking or everyday use.

Surefire Flashlight – High quality and super bright pocket flashlight.

Wine Aerator – Pour wine through this to improve flavor.

30-day Lantern for Camping – A really long lasting lantern for the outdoorsman who loves to camp.

Esse 3 Knife – Really high-quality multi-use knife.

Saddleback Leather Wallet – This wallet has a 100-year warranty!! (yes, really!)

Quality Shaving Kit OR Beard Oil– Great options for the clean-shaven or bearded man in your life!

RTIC Insulated Tumbler – This insulated large mug keeps things cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12.

Hydroflask Insulated Water Bottle – Insulated water bottle that keeps water cold for days.

Backjoy Seat – Does your guy sit a lot? This may help improve posture and alleviate tension in the back.

Defender Phone Case or Tablet Case – Protect him from EMFs when using electronics.

Tactical Pen – More than just a pen, it works in all conditions and can break a car window if a person is trapped.

ENO Hammock – Portable hammock that fits in a small bag and is great for travel and camping.

Tactical Backpack – For the outdoorsman, this bag holds everything he could need.

Tool Pen – Available in hex and mini-tools for easy use.

Whiskey Stones – Freeze these rocks to use in place of ice in drinks “on the rocks.”

Gifts for Older Kids & Teens

My older kids have gotten harder to shop for, but these gifts all got their seal of approval!

Buddha Board – A relaxing way to paint with just water (it evaporates and you can paint again).

Leather Journal – A beautiful leather journal for sketching or journaling.

Japanese Puzzle Box – These beautiful puzzle boxes are a unique way for older kids to keep valuable items safe and fun to learn.

Rubix Cube (or Giant Rubix Cube) – The 1980s called, but we told it we are keeping the Rubix Cube. Older kids love learning to solve this.

Star Wars Legos – Popular among big kids and teens with dozens to choose from.

Build Your Own Programmable Robot Kit – A favorite with my oldest. Build a robot and program it!

Grown-Up Coloring Books – Coloring isn’t just for little kids anymore. These “adult coloring books” are very detailed and studies show that coloring is relaxing.

Boogie Board – Reusable board that encourages doodling and drawing.

Kindle Fire – An affordable tablet with a lot of capabilities.

Runaway Alarm Clock – Does your teen have trouble waking up? This alarm clock runs away and keeps making noise until caught!

Natural Makeup Brushes – If your teen is old enough to wear makeup, these natural brushes are great!

Power Cube Wall Adapter – Surge protector and charges multiple devices at once.

Collapsible Duffel Bag – Great bag for short trips that collapses to a tiny size.

Minnetonka Chrissy Boots (for teenage girls) – Super comfy boots!

Cash inside a Money Maze Puzzle Box – Give money so they can get what they like, but make it fun by hiding it inside this puzzle cube.

No Crease Ponytail Holders – These are really popular right now. They are gentle on hair and don’t leave a crease!

Travel Hammock – Have an outdoorsy teen? These travel hammocks collapse small and are awesome.

Pocket Strings Guitar – A fun way to learn guitar! Fits easily in a backpack.

Gift Ideas for Younger Kids

There are certainly the most options to choose from when looking for gifts for children, but I’ve found that many are lower-quality plastic items that break easily and release harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals into the home or that only facilitate one activity. These are a few of the gifts I’ve found in recent years that have survived the durability test of our house and that the children have enjoyed the most:

Gym 1 Indoor Doorway Gym – Our kids’ favorite Christmas gift of all time. It is a gym that mounts in a door frame and they use it every day.

Snap Circuits – Really neat kit that lets kids learn about electricity by building different types of basic machines like a fan, a radio, etc.

Art Kit – A favorite among our girls. This kit contains markers, paints, colored pencils, and more.

Seedling Wooden People kit – Kids can create mini wooden people.

Mini Trampoline for Indoor Play – We’ve had a trampoline in our house for years and it is great for cold or rainy days. Rebounding (bouncing) is also great for adults!

Wooden Twig Colored Pencils – Wooden colored pencils made from twigs. Good size for younger kids just learning to write and draw.

Wooden People and Craft Supplies – Our kids loved making their own little wooden dolls with these.

Plasma Car – Our little kids love these and they are great for kids of all sizes.

Natural Paints – Made from natural earth pigments.

Design Your Own Superhero Cape – A fun activity that encourages creativity and is great for imaginative play.

Microscope Kit – My oldest loved looking at hair, dirt, and all kind of other things in this microscope.

Crayon Rocks – Portable and fun for littles who still have trouble with regular crayons.

Or Beeswax Crayons – Triangular crayons made of natural beeswax.

Doll House – Fits Barbie size dolls and other smaller dolls.

Stainless Steel Play Kitchen Pots and Pans – My daughters play kitchen with these for hours!

Beginner Piano Keyboard (and free Hoffman Academy Lessons) – These are a great way to get the kids started with music.

Boogie Board – A reusable writing tablet that encourages creativity.

Sun Art – Fun educational craft idea that kids love.

Kendama Game – Fun interactive game that encourages movement.

Gifts for Babies (and Expecting Parents)

There are literally thousands of options for gifts for babies, but many of them contain endocrine disrupting plastics or will just never get used. With over a decade of parenting and six kids, these are the gifts, toys, and gear that made the cut for us.

Pregnancy Affirmation Cards – I love these sweet cards that encourage pregnant moms!

Organic Mattress Cover – Protect baby from mold and allergens in mattresses.

Organic Cotton Crib Sheet – Soft organic sheet for crib.

Organic Muslin Swaddling Blankets – My favorite blankets that are perfect for swaddling or nursing.

Snot Sucker – Not as gross as it sounds and a lifesaver if baby is sick!

Baby Bouncer – This bouncer actually bounces! Rock with a foot to keep baby asleep.

Food Grade Silicone Fruit Teethers – A favorite with my 9-month-old!

Hape Wooden Toys – I love these high-quality wooden toys!

Ergo Organic Baby Carrier – A great organic baby carrier that is comfortable for mom or dad too!

Sophie the Giraffe – This teething toy has a passionate following with the under-one-year crowd!

Fleece Newborn Booties – Babies always manage to lose socks, but these stay on and keep toes warm!

Manhattan Toys Rattle and Clutching Toy – Little ones love this engaging wooden toy.

Natural Rubber Orthodontic Pacifier – For babies who will take a pacifier, try this natural rubber option.

Baltic Amber Teething Necklace – May help soothe teething pain.

Manhattan Toys Circle Toy – A beautiful and fun toy that baby love to play with.

Natural Rubber Teething Toy – The only toy my baby prefers to my finger when teething gets bad.

Organic Cotton Teether – An organic cotton and wood teething toy option.

Shea Moisture Baby Wash and Lotion – Fabulous smelling baby wash and lotion without the junk!

Animalz Wooden Animal Toys – Adorable and durable wooden animal toys.

Gifts for the Chef or Foodie

Does someone in your life love to cook (or eat)? These gifts make spending time in the kitchen so much fun!

Stainless Steel Coffee Percolator – No plastic, no junk, just awesome coffee that stays warm for hours in this all-stainless percolator.

Blendtec or Vitamix – both are amazing blenders that will last for years!

Stainless Steel Immersion Blender – Great for sauces, smoothies, blending things in a pot or pan and so much more.

Yogurt Maker – Homemade yogurt tastes so much better than store bought and is simple to make.

Ice Cream Maker – Make any kind of ice cream: dairy-free, sugar-free, etc.

Lead-free Crock Pot – A great slow cooker with a lead-free crock.

Instant Pot – This electric pressure cooker has almost replaced our slow cooker and I use it at least three times a week.

Crinkle Cutter – So the kids can help cut food for meals.

Stainless Steel Bowls – Great for mixing, serving, and storage.

Spiral Slicer – Make vegetables into noodles with this spiral slicer.

Stainless Steel Straws – Replace disposable straws forever with these steel straws.

Huck Towels – Similar to the towels they use in emergency rooms… these towels are super absorbent, great for cleaning and easy to wash.

Mason Jars + Cuppow Lids + Sprouting Lids – Use mason jars for cups and the opportunities are endless.

Kombucha Brewing Supplies – Do you drink kombucha? If so, do you make your own? It is so much better and the flavors are endless.

Dehydrator – Preserve foods with a stainless steel dehydrator.

Xtrema Cookware – Scratch-proof ceramic pans.

Bamboo Utensils – These inexpensive bamboo utensils are great for cooking.

Stainless Steel Large Baking Dish – These have been a lifesaver when cooking for large get-togethers with family and friends.

Glass Electric Tea Kettle – Make tea in seconds with this glass electric tea kettle.

Salt Block for Cooking – I love cooking fish, meat and even baked goods on a salt block for amazing flavor.

Premium Milk Frother – If you want to spring for an unusual (and more pricey) gift, this milk frother makes coffee shop worthy froth for coffee.

Organic Spice Set – These super high-quality organic spices (from my favorite olive oil makers) are beautifully packaged and come in ready-made blends like Smoky, Tex-Mex, Savory, Taco, Bagel, and more to make flavorful cooking easy.

Gift Ideas for the Grandparents

Our parents both live nearby and are involved in our kids’ lives. I always struggle with what to get them that somehow says “thanks for everything you did for me all of those years and thanks for being just as awesome with my kids.” We usually give them something handmade from the grandkids, but these are some other ideas that have been a hit. (Some of these are also ideas for this year, so Mom, if you’re reading this … don’t read past here. 😉 )

Amazon Prime Membership – What my parents are getting this year (don’t tell them!). This gives them free 2-day shipping on many items and free streaming of many movie and music.

Photo Frame – This photo frame was a hit a few years ago with our parents. No fancy motion detectors, wi-fi, bluetooth or anything else that can stop working.

Kindle Fire – My brother got my mom a Kindle a couple of years ago and she uses it quite a bit.

Terracotta Plant Waterer – Perhaps not the most fancy of gifts, but very practical for anyone with house plants (I just ordered some). It upcycles a glass bottle to water a plant for weeks.

Wine Subscription – If your parents are wine-drinkers, they will love this wine subscription box of organic biodynamic wines.

Royally Flawless Face Oil – Ditch all the overpriced anti-aging creams out there. This oil uses high-quality ingredients for real results.

Shiatsu Massage Pillow – I got this for my mom last Christmas and she uses it all the time.

Glass Electric Tea Kettle – For tea-drinkers, this electric glass tea kettle makes tea available almost on demand.

Instant Pot – The grandparents love it for all the reasons we love it- faster and more nutritious meals!

The Grandparent Book Journal – A sweet way to encourage kids and grandparents to spend time together and a beautiful keepsake of family history.

Or anything on the lists above that they will love!

“Just in Case” Gifts

These inexpensive gifts are great to have on hand for when someone drops by with a gift or to take to party hosts. I keep several of these wrapped to give when someone brings a gift by unexpectedly:

Electric Wine Bottle Opener – A fun way to open up a bottle of wine.

RTIC Tumbler – Great for keeping drinks hot or cold while on the go.

Bottle of Wine – We have a subscription to these delicious biodynamic wines, so I always have an extra bottle on hand.

Grocery Bag Carrying Handles – They make carrying all those bags of groceries a lot easier!

Bag of Organic Coffee – Who doesn’t love coffee, especially when it’s organic and fair trade?

Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Iced Coffee Pot/Maker – I’m a big fan of cold brew coffee and this is a great way to make it.

Car Diffuser – Keep the car smelling great all year long!

Mason Jar Solar Light – Add some beautiful ambiance to any room with these solar lights.

Mason Jar with Drinking Lid – Ditch the plastic and drink out of old-school mason jars!

Funny Gifts for Dirty Santa and Gift Exchanges

These are some of my favorite funny gift ideas for dirty santa or white elephant gift exchanges. Sure to get lots of laughs!

Toilet Light – For those night time bathroom trips.

Nap Sack Prank Box – Take a nap anywhere with this hood.

Prank Pack Crib Dribbler – A fun prank for baby someone with a baby.

iDrive Prank Pack – This is just hilarious!

“You Parked Like An Idiot” Cards – I think my husband would actually use these!

Slipper Genie Mopping Slipper – This might actually get my kids to help sweep the floor more often.

The Obsessive Chef Cutting Board – For the OCD chef.

Pooping Pooch Calendar – Yep, it’s exactly what you picture… perfect (or awful?!) for the dog lover in your family!

Banana Slicer – If you’re going to eat bananas, why not slice it correctly?

Cards Against Humanity – These are incredibly irreverent, but will have you on the floor laughing for hours.

Maybe Swearing Will Help Coloring Book and Markers – For the potty mouth (or clean mouth?) in your life 🙂

Family Gifts & Outdoor Fun Gifts

If you’re like us and often choose family gifts that the whole family can enjoy (or enjoy better health because of), you might love these options. This list also includes outdoor activity gifts that we use and love.

Sauna – This is one gift that will have long-lasting health benefits. It isn’t an inexpensive gift, but one that family can enjoy all year.

Joovv Light – Like the sauna, this gift also brings the benefit of boosting health. Red light therapy is well-studied for its skin and mitochondria benefits and this is one of my favorite parts of my daily routine.

Rapid Release – Like a chiropractor and a massage therapist built into one. This device is designed to release muscle tension and it works! I love this thing.

Myobuddy – A percussive heated massager that targets muscle and fascia. A lot of people use this for cellulite, I just use it for relaxation and fascia massage.

Wholetones Music Subscription – Uses soothing music with targeted sound frequencies to induce health benefits like stress reduction, focus, sleep… and yes, it works even for kids! I love this one too because it isn’t a physical item to store around the house.

Organic & Natural Mattresses – This was our gift to each other one year and we love our mattress. We have an Intellibed and love it, but My Green Mattress is also a great option and not as pricey.

Natural Cookware – I got some of this cookware for Christmas years ago and have been using it since then!

Matching Organic Jammies – Switching to organic PJs is one way to reduce chemical exposure from clothing by half and these organic jammies are our favorites.

A Year of Wine – I love wine, but most wine is contaminated with chemicals and additives. Hubby and I give each other natural wine from Dry Farm Wines.

Trampoline – Not just for kids when you consider the lymphatic benefits of jumping!

Swing – Our kids love this backyard swing and they can all fit on it!

Slackline – Like a balance beam and trampoline in one. It encourages balance and coordinating and is hours of fun.

Ninjaline – Like monkey bars but tougher. A lot of people use these for Ninja Warrior training, but our kids just think it is fun!

Natural Beauty & Home Gifts (Ones to Buy or DIY)

Home & Beauty to DIY

I love receiving homemade gifts and making them for others. I have hundreds of DIY recipes and tutorials on the blog, but the ones on this list make the best gifts. These are especially perfect for stocking stuffers!

Home & Beauty to Buy

If you aren’t into the DIY options, here are some great store-bought alternatives:

Lotion Bars – If you’d like lotion bars similar to my recipes, but that you don’t have to make yourself, check out Made On, a small, family-owned company that makes all kinds of lotion bars, soaps, natural baby products, and hair products that are up to my standards. If you use the code WELLNESSMAMA, you’ll get a 15% discount on your order!

Alitura Skincare – Alitura uses organic botanicals and superfood ingredients to nourish the skin. This is serious skincare with the works: clay masks, intensive moisturizers, derma rollers, and more. Use the code WELLNESS for 20% off!

Toups Organics (Makeup & Beauty) – Heather of Mommypotamus introduced me to this line and they have an incredible line of clean cosmetics, lotions, and even a baking-soda free deodorant for sensitive types.

Crunchy Betty Facial Serum & Natural Deodorant: Mentioned before, but I can’t say enough about them.

Branch Basics Cleaners – I know I’d be happy to find some all-natural cleaning products (I don’t have to make) under the Christmas tree.

Vibrant Blue Oils – Wildcrafted and organic essential oil blends made to support specific health conditions. Use the code WELLNESSMAMA10 to get 10% off through December 31st.

Magnesium Oil – Spray on for relaxation, detox support, even deodorant!

Homebiotic Spray – Like a probiotic for your home, this freshens air by targeting the source of bad smells… bacteria and mold.

Genexa OTC Medicines �� So much of what goes in children’s medicine is just flavors, dyes, preservatives, and fillers. Genexa is the first to come up with a line of over the counter and homeopathic medications completely free of all unnecessary additives. I give these to my kids for colds, coughs, fevers, or even just a bad night of sleep, and they’ve worked great for us.

Kid-Safe Essential Oil Roll-Ons – For sleep, headaches, cold relief, and more, without having to worry about negative side effects.

There’s probably a lot more that could be added to this list, but these are my current favorites. If you still haven’t found the perfect gift on this list, Heather shares all of her favorite natural gifts here.

What is on your Christmas list this year? What are you getting for friends and family?

Source: https://wellnessmama.com/25195/gift-giving-guide/

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ronaldmorton · 7 years ago

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Dog Winter Safety Check List

Do you have a dog winter safety check list handy? We do! Dogs are more resistant to cold weather because of their fur, right? WRONG!!!!! With terms like bomb cyclone infiltrating news feeds, dog moms and dog dads wonder how to keep dogs warm in cold temperatures. Thankfully, we have over two decades experience on this topic AND we’ve put some products and theories to the test.

Rule of Dog Parenting: If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for dogs.

This post contains affiliate links for which I earn a small income if you click through and purchase something on the links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Dog Apparel

There are many myths out there about dogs and winter coats. Dogs and cats get cold, particularly short-haired breeds, senior citizens, puppies, and pets with medical conditions. Look for an insulated sweater with a turtleneck, that covers the belly, and that allows for protection from neck to tip of tail.

Just because a dog has a fur coat does not mean it protects them from the elements. Some breeds can withstand the colder temperatures, as my blogging pal Jen Costello, of My Brown Newfies explains in her recent blog post on the topic: Newfies in the Winter.

Sizing is an important factor in dog outerwear. Keep in mind that many stores will not allow coats to be returned, so measure your dog adequately before making any parka purchases. Here’s how: With the dog standing up, run a tape measure from the base of the dog’s neck (where the collar would sit) and to the base of the tail. The majority of dog clothes use this measurement. Knowing your dog’s chest measurement will ensure a good fit, too.

You can also have a custom coat made, as we did from coats Made by De. De Hufford started her own company of making dog jackets and coats as an alternative to the big stores, where the sizes are Small, Medium and Large and you can’t find “dachshund” or “bulldog” or “skinny mutt” anywhere. Over the years, she expanded the line to include dog cooling coats, dog raincoats, dog britches and belly bands, dog specialty wear and dog pajamas.

What I like about De’s custom coats is that the outside is waterproof ripstop nylon with Windro fleece lining for warmth, Velcro neck if desired, tummy panel Velcro, and you can mix and match options like D ring, fleece turtleneck or snood, and more.

Some dogs were bred with a thicker or a more dense coat, including the Idiatrod-savvy Siberian Husky. But other bigger breeds might benefit from a coat, so assess each individual dog. Greyhounds are more sensitive to the colder weather, for example, so this particular breed could use the extra layering.

Here’s our dog, Dexter, in his custom coat. If you want something custom and with specifications to keep your dog warm and protected, stop by and see Coats Made By De.

Paw Protection

Chemicals can be absorbed through a dog’s sensitive pads. In turn, those chemicals (such as what’s found in antifreeze) can be licked by dogs and cause severe problems. I use Musher’s Secret Pet Paw Protection Wax on my dog’s feet and have given this product as a stocking stuffer to dog-loving friends and family in the past. Some people opt for dog booties, which is a smart idea in the winter months. Wash dog pads off thoroughly after a walk, perhaps using some warm water and a washcloth to melt any ice balls that may have formed on the bottom of their feet.

BONUS: I am not one to be easily sold on claims of a product being a miracle, but this one sets the bar high. Dr. Harvey’s Organic First Aid Healing Cream for Dogs is a combination of healing herbs in a base of organic shea butter. This cream is used for minor skin irritations, hot spots, rashes, cuts, sunburn and itching. It is great for human bug bites, too! I use it on Dexter’s paw pads: They are oh so smooth and soft now. Toss this in your dog’s first aid bag right away.

Some of our favorite dog paw recommendations for coverage like boots include:

Pawz Purple Water-Proof Dog Boots Poochie Boots

A common myth in among dog parents is that a dog’s paws need no protection; after all, they’ve been walking around without socks or shoes for thousands of years, right? True, but a dog’s paws do need protection. There’s a way to treat the feet and a multitude of dog paw problems that can ensue if you don’t.So massage your dog’s feet: the tops of the feet, pet the legs, and do so in a positive and reinforcing way. Some dogs don’t like their feet touched, and if this is the case with your dog, don’t scold him or get upset. Don’t bug him.

We even use Pawz boots in the summer on hot pavement, as you can see. A little tip we learned from our pal Rosalyn Acero over at Golden Woofs is to poke small holes into the Pawz so the paws can breathe.

A post shared by Dexter and Carol B. (@fidoseofreality) on Jun 18, 2016 at 11:26am PDT

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Read all about dog paw protection here.

Dog Winter Weight

Not all dogs are created equally and not all dogs should gain weight to “stay warm.” An overweight dog is more prone to heart disease, cancers, diabetes and a host of ailments, not to mention a decrease in metabolism. Dogs should stay active with indoor games, brisk walks, and activities to stimulate their bodies and minds all year long, despite the season.

Generally speaking, dogs (and people) are more sedentary in colder weather. If a dog is very active and a high performer, then talk to your dog’s vet about boosting his nutritional requirements through diet. However, most dogs, do not benefit from additional weight gain. In general, consider that each pound of weight on a dog is the equivalent of five to seven pounds on a person. Feed as you normally would but watch the snacks and increase the indoor activity.

Here are some low calorie snack options for dogs in the winter (and year round):

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Cabin Fever

Winter blahs don’t just affect people: Pets get them, too! Dogs can become irritable, depressed, sleepy, and generally bored in the winter months due to lack of activity

The following activities are designed for dogs who are overall healthy. If your dog is immobile or has movement or joint issues, then you should modify or avoid some of these. Use your own best judgment in how much your dog can do and be sure to have fun. These games to keep dogs active indoors are also designed to enhance the human-animal bond. (Plus if you travel, many of these activities can be done in a hotel room, too):

Here are 8 Ways to Keep Dogs Active Indoors and some of our favorite indoor games below:

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Skin

Dogs need extra moisture in the winter months due to: • Forced heat indoors • Lowered humidity inside • Dry heat • Cold temps outdoors

As a Cocker Mom of nearly 25 years, I know the importance of essential fatty acids to support a dog’s skin hydration. A lot of pet parents may not realize that good health starts from the inside out, but that the outside coat and skin are imperative to proper health, too.

I brush my dog regularly and dogs do need baths in the winter, but often times the frequency can be lessened. Here are a few of our favorite bath time products and dog skin care products:

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Supplements

Vitamins and supplements are part of the daily rituals for millions of people, but should dogs take them? In some and many cases, yes. In fact, my dog takes certain supplements. Diligent dog parents need to understand what their dog needs first and foremost and why.

We’ve blogged extensively on this topic and here’s our take on the Reality of Dog Vitamins and Supplements along with some of our picks for winter and year round care for dogs:

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Indoor Warmth and Drafts

As the temperatures drop, the thermostat rises indoors. The usage of an electric heater or fireplace should be done with caution. Tails, fur and paws that come too close to flames, hot surfaces or the coils of an electric heater can be damaged, and an unattended heater could be knocked over by a curious pet. To make sure your dog is warm indoors, and that fire hazards are diminished, never leave a heater on without someone in attendance.

Check drafty windows and door jambs and keep dog beds away from drafts.

Final Facts and Dog Winter Warnings

Provide your dog with plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated and to prevent its skin from flaking and itching in the dry weather.

A humidifier can help dogs and people during cooped up winter months. Dry air in the home can make pets itchier, cause dry noses, upper respiratory infections, more dander, and dry throats. Consider a humidifier, talk to the veterinarian about skin conditioners and fatty acid supplements for healthy skin.

Dry eyes can happen in the colder months, too, and not just to people, but to our dogs. Since the air outside is very dry and indoors, heaters are pumping out dry air, eye dryness can occur. Talk to your vet about eye treatments like artificial tears or dog safe lubricants.

Not all ice melts are created equal and just because it says ‘pet safe’ does not mean it is 100 percent safe for pets. Pet safe means safer for pets, but not 100 percent. Wash your dog’s paws if he doesn’t wear boots in the winter outside. Ice, salt, and chemicals can burn their feet. Here is the ice melter we use: Safe Paw Non-Toxic Ice Melter Pet Safe, 8 lbs. 3 oz.

Car coolant and antifreeze chemicals are both lethal to animals, so clean up any spills or leaks immediately. Don’t let dogs lick off the ground during walks, as you have no idea what they may be inadvertently ingesting.

Stay warm and have a safe winter!

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Dog Winter Safety Check List syndicated from http://ift.tt/2k1J2Eq

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