#they literally have the sanitizing spray and clean towels all over

[caffeineandsmokebreaks-blog]

I swear it is the prettiest looking girls at my gym that feel they don't need to wipe their sweaty ass juice off the equipment.

Like, yes girl, some people pay good money for your muff sweat but if you could kindly wipe your literal pussy lip prints off the seat for me?

---an open letter from someone who has had cellulitis before

[tobiosmilktea]

red ink — semi eita

2.5k words | genre/s: tattoo shop!au, friends with benefits, smut | warning/s: uhh badly written nsfw | pairing: musician!semi x tattoo artist!reader

↪︎ in which famous musician, semi eita is a regular at your tattoo parlor and only gets work done from you and you only. the only catch is that fans only know that much and definitely not the fact that you and him are friends with benefits.

a/n: happy belated bday for my good friend @kitsunetea. here’s my shameless second (third?) attempt at writing smut as a late bday gift bc fuck it, amirite haha ✋🏻😔

please take it easy on this one,, this is singlehandedly one of the worst nsfw pieces i’ve ever written and i just want to apologize in advance...

semi had forgotten the tingling feeling of a tattoo gun striking away at his skin. he liked how each indent of minuscule pinpricks would leave a mark on him forever. the pain, though not enough to make him grit his teeth like the first time around when he impulsively got one on the side of his ribcage, was actually quite nice. the sensation was almost addictive, however, it wasn’t as nearly as addictive as you.

it was no shock nor surprise that each reveal of his newest tattoo was always done by you. most would understand the practicality of going to one tattoo artist consistently. if anything, most of his fans would come to believe that he simply just liked your style of tattooing and artistry, but no one would even claim to think that you two had even a pinch of something going on behind the scenes. it wasn’t like he would always stop by your shop all disguised and covered up in a black cap and a face mask just in case there were any hidden onlookers that would blatantly assume the worst.

the worst being that semi eita, the nation’s current rockstar heartthrob, was hooking up with some obscure, back alley tattoo artist.

but it was safe to say he was as addicted to you as he was addicted to the infamous pain of receiving a tattoo.

it had been ages since his last tattoo. this one especially was placed on his right forearm of a snake that spiraled up and around his wrist in red ink.

times like these—here, where your eyes are focused and locked onto his skin, making sure to capture each intricate detail, brows drawing together in concentration as you made swift and accurate runs over his skin—came to realize how much he missed the feeling of getting tattooed. but most importantly, he missed the feeling of you. the warmth of your skin, body blazing underneath him as your breath tickled at the nape of his neck.

at moments like these where he could just stare at your entirety for an hour and a half, admiring how the low lights cast shadows upon each and every curve of your body was enough to keep him occupied through the process.

you lifted your tattoo gun up as your other gloved hand wiped the area clean from any residual ink. you took one last look at your work, clean and well-done.

it was pretty good if you could say so yourself. the linework was easily one of your best, and the shading was even better. no wonder semi liked getting work done by you so much (other than the fact that you two are friends with benefits—he would joke, “i’ll give you the best night of your life and you can give me a free tattoo in return.”)

you’ve never seen that man back out of a joke that quickly in your life. regardless, you still found yourself taking him up on that offer, still paying for his tattoos as a good customer should. support local businesses as they always say.

“alright,” you say, breaking the last ten minutes of silence as you cleaned him up. “you already know the drill–gently wash it with warm soap and water at least twice a day, pat dry, and then apply ointment.”

semi looked up at you once you stood up to grab a box of saniderm from another station. he stands up, making his way to one of the large mirrors on the wall to inspect his tattoo as a smile crept onto his lips.

“how is it?”

“it’s perfect,” he says, “as always.”

“well, you shouldn’t expect anything less from me.”

“you know, you don’t have to be so professional all the time. the shop’s already closed and no one else is here but us.”

you give him a pointed look as you take out a strip of saniderm large enough to cover the circumference of his forearm. you press the thin plasticine carefully around his freshly bruised skin, peeling the protective backing off of the clear bandage. “technically, you’re still a customer. can’t really give you any more special treatment.”

“says the girl who literally gives me tattoos after the shop closes,” semi fires back.

“or you could actually come in during normal hours to get one instead of coming a minute before we close just so we can hook up,” you deadpan, ignoring the look he gave you as you turn around and made your way towards the front desk.

semi doesn’t miss a single beat in following right behind you, stopping in front of the counter as you were on the other side with the cash register.

“well if you didn’t want to fuck in the back room anymore, you could’ve just told me,” says semi as you tap away at the screen in front of you, “we can go to my apartment instead.”

“paying with card again?” you ask, completely ignoring the way your body heated up all of a sudden.

the musician in front of you nods, handing you his card quickly. you take the thin plastic out of his hand and swiped it in one quick motion, handing it to him once the machine properly reads his card. within seconds, the receipt comes out of the printer. you snatch it from the opening before shoving it into semi’s chest.

“so what do you say?” he presses, continuing to follow you around like a dog as you serpentine your way back to your station.

you let out a sigh, huffing as you start cleaning up, “about what?”

“about me taking you home. maybe spend the night?”

you swerve around to face him, a spray bottle of disinfectant in one hand and paper towels in the other. you give him a coy smile, “you’re funny,” you huff before pushing past him to spray the chair then wiping it down.

“come on, (y/n), it’s been a while since we’ve last done anything together.” semi gives you a mischievous pout, “don’t you miss me?”

his words immediately flush out your cheeks as you recalled the memory so vividly, it was like you could almost feel semi’s large hands exploring every inch of your body, memorizing every dip and curve like it was second nature. to think that all happened in the storage closet while there were people still in the shop. the simple thought of your last rendezvous with him went straight to your heat.

no wonder you haven’t done anything with semi in a while after that little stunt he pulled almost a month ago.

in order for a tattoo shop to run properly, it needed to be completely sanitary to prevent any health complications considering your job was to literally puncture tattoo ink deep into people’s skin, the risk of infection runs high in situations like these. so by law, fucking in a tattoo shop, regardless if it was in the backroom, was completely out of regulations. not to mention the scandals to potentially spread like wildfire that one of the world’s favorite musicians being at the root of all this.

those poor fangirls, you thought. drama was the last thing you wanted.

“so?” you say, trying to pull yourself together as you finish sanitizing the chair. you turn to face him, hoping that he couldn’t see the way your cheeks were burning up knowing he would only keep up the teasing. “why don’t you just fuck one of you groupies or something?”

semi scoffs, “i’d never stoop that low. besides, you’re the only one i’ve been with ever since this started happening between us.”

“good for you for not being a whore, i guess?”

you brush past him again, this time cleaning up the mess on your table. placing the spray bottle of water, rolls of paper towels, bottles of red ink, and your gloves away–you discard anything else in the bin.

“don’t be like that,” he sighs as he comes and wraps a strong arm around your waist. he rests his chin on your shoulder, the tip of his nose tickling at your skin as his mouth latches onto your neck. “i for sure missed you.”

“eita,” you say, attempting to hold back a moan as he nipped at the sweet spot on your neck. despite your efforts, quiet mewls escape your lips as his thumbs rubbed circles over your hips. “i-i still have to clean up. let me finish and then maybe we could—”

without another word, semi lets go of you and immediately starts getting to work, gathering up all the one-time-use disposable items and dumping them all in the trash. he moves quickly, rubbing down every nook and cranny of your station until it’s squeaky clean. your eyes widen at his state. it was clear he wanted to get this over with as fast as possible so he can finally have you all to himself.

did he really yearn for you this much?

in just a few minutes, the job is already done. clean and spotless and ready for tomorrow’s workday as semi gives you a hopeful look. “is that all?”

you hold back a smile as you motion towards the boxes stacked up near the entrance of the backroom, “i still have to put those away and then we’re all done for the day.”

the man doesn’t even let you finish as he’s already making his way down the hallway. There was no sign of hesitancy in his actions as he grabbed two of the boxes, one stacked on top of the other as he barged into the backroom. you follow him in with only one box in your hand as you placed them in their respective places on the large industrial shelving.

you let out a grunt as you picked up the last box and inserting it into its spot. you sigh, dusting your hands as you turn around to face semi, “alright, we’re all d—”

semi doesn’t hesitate for a second to push you up against the wall, his lips crashing into yours with such desperation and fervor. he had been anticipating this for the past two hours. from the moment he walked in, to the moment you finished tattooing him; all he wanted was you.

you moan into his lips, his hand cupping your jaw while the fingers of the other were already working their magic. his touch greatly juxtaposed the zeal in the way he kissed you deeply, dipping his tongue between your soft lips as his finger, slightly calloused from years of guitar playing, gently trailed their way up your shirt.

there was a brief moment where you had to pull away from him in order to catch your breath. chest rising and falling rapidly along with the quickening beat of your heart, semi dived down to your neck, marking you with dark red bruising to anywhere he had access to. his large palms rubbed your sides before squeezing at your breasts to elicit a pleasurable groan from you. the pent-up heat within you only built the more he played with your body, fingers flicking at your nipples.

“what happened to taking me back to your place?” you asked breathlessly.

“i couldn’t wait any longer,” he mutters on your warm skin, feeling his soft lips twitch into a lopsided grin as before you knew it, he was already tugging your shirt over your head. “jump,” he says and you don’t miss a beat.

he catches you quickly, hands palming your ass as he steers you towards one of the supply tables. pushing away loose items and paperwork off to the sides.

semi’s lips meet yours again as he fiddles with the button and zipper of your jeans, diving his hand inside. he palms your sex, the pads of his fingers teasing up and down your slit as his thumb rubs circular motions around your clit. your moan muffles into his shoulder, breathe heavy and uneven.

you couldn’t seem to catch your breath as he dipped two fingers into you, pumping them in and out slowly. it was a nice change of pace from earlier, and yet you couldn’t help but let out mewls of impatience as you ground your hips into his hand, desperate for more.

semi knew what the hell he was doing.

he was a musician after all. his entire career was literally built off of his innate ability to play the guitar that each expertly placed finger and movement that accompanied it was guaranteed to send waves of pleasure throughout your entire body. he was good at what he did and he knew it. he didn’t need to see the way you were shaking under him, coating his hand with your juices, or have to hear your addicting moans to know you felt so, so good.

“eugh, eita–” your breath hitches when he curls his fingers inside you, rubbing the spongy spot deep within you in the best way possible. you curse under your breath, savoring the pleasure as you felt your release coiling in your abdomen.

“you’re close aren’t you?” semi didn’t even have to ask to know as your walls tightened around him. you nod hastily, eyes coating in lust and the desire to feel the release as you look at him.

the look that you gave him as enough to send him over the edge, his thoughts blurring once he quickens his pace, his middle and ring finger pistoning in and out of you.

you let out a cry, practically trembling under him. “oh my god, oh my god.”

with his other hand, he finds your clit again, rubbing you over the edge. it was all too much. from the mixing cacophony of the most obscene and vulgar sounds of sex emanating from the backroom to the absolute thrill of how good semi was making you feel—you were ready to feel that euphoric glow.

“fuck,” you clawed at his shoulders, nails digging into his skin even through the fabric of his shirt. “shit, baby, i’m gonna—”

semi doesn’t mind the sting of your scratches at his body as he was too busy paying mind to you cumming all over his hand. gushing fluid escapes from you in waves as semi continues pumping his fingers in and out of you, his pace matching with the way your walls pulsated around him.

as you came down from your high, your arms that rested on the table to hold you up felt weak. almost immediately, your body slumps onto semi as he licks your pleasure off his fingers. you bury your face into the crook of his neck as you both stayed there for a few beats to catch your breaths, savoring the unique afterglow whenever you were with semi.

perhaps it wasn’t so bad doing this type of thing with him a bit more often. you didn’t mind what you had with him right now even if you two were just friends with benefits. you liked what you had now and asking for more would certainly cause a strain you don’t want to happen so soon.

your hand reaches up to run through his soft hair.

“hey,” you softly say. he only responds with a hum, “what about you?” you ask as your eyes cast down to the straining tent in his jeans.

he doesn’t answer. instead, he places a few kisses on your cheek and down to your neck before placing one of your lips. “let’s continue this at home, i have a surprise for you.”

general taglist: @yongboxerrr @rosepetalhaven @tvwhoresblog @tanakaslastbraincell @kellesvt @kitsunetea @anejuuuuoy

[autisticstarseed]

👐 Hand washing guide when you have sensory issues 👐

tbh. we shouldve been talking abt this a long time ago for many disabled ppls sake but ive put this post off for like a million years out of pure solidified fear of ableist harassment/kneejerk ignorance and also generalized cringe idiots but now that we got so much covid-19 fear and autistic ppl actually tend to have weaker immune systems than most people lets jump the shark;;;

i have autism and i physically struggle with washing my hands as often as i want to, having wet hands, drying them, the temperature difference, bad soap smells/textures, etc. are all genuinely painful. the good news is that ive dealt with water aversion shit since birth (its a common sensory issue), so ive had time to figure out alternatives and coping skills that still help reduce risk of disease and spreading it in ways that i can personally manage. (ie. not lazy or selfish or gross. genuinely putting more effort into this every day task than most other people would even think about. just disability lads) so heres the guide i have to offer if you’re in a similar boat, with some keypoints about hand hygiene and tips addressing the most common sensory struggles ive noticed with it;;;

1. hand sanitizer

i love hand sanitizer, i can get it in almost any scent i want and it dries down very very fast. the problem is; hand washing and hand sanitizer do different things. it only kills certain types of germs. which is all fine and dandy, but because of this, using only hand sanitizer wont actually keep you from catching or spreading many illnesses. so what its good for is times you cant wash your hands (out in public, sensory overload, no spoons, etc), thats fine, but it should not replace all hand washing if at all possible. it is supposedly effective to covid-19, but so little is currently known that it should not be considered your go to for this, and the only unanimous statement straight from the CDC is that hand washing works best at preventing its spread.

temperature - if you have trouble with it being too cold, conveniently keeping it in your pocket or closely against your body in some way warms it up and makes it much more comfortable. 

scent - they come in almost any scent you can imagine, but if you have trouble with strong scents, there are ‘scentless hand sanitizers’. they usually have a faint chemical smell, so if there are any testers available, you should check to make sure it can work for you before you buy it.

texture - if gel doesnt cut it, they also make foamy hand sanitizers and liquid sprays, but theyre harder to find and might be a little more pricey.

and remember; always buy hand sanitizer that says it contains AT LEAST 60% alcohol, the higher alcohol content the better, but try to keep track of how high it is and how much you apply it so you dont dry your skin out. and right now price gouging is pretty bad, so dont be surprised if you cant find any for a while, and dont buy any small bottle that costs over a couple dollars, its a rip off.

2. hand washing 

so what does hand washing do thats better than sanitizer??? soap and water lift up the dirt and oils that are carrying the germs and actually wash them off, and not only that, it also gets rid of all the things sanitizer cant, such as dust/dirt, spores, chemicals, and the previously mentioned viruses that are harder to kill. ik to an outside perspective it might not seem that hard, but obviously when you have autism and these tasks are split down into bigger ordeals and sensory nightmares, it can feel impossible. 

soap - there are so many different kinds of soap! scentless soaps exist, and they very rarely have any lingering chemical smell! theres also soap for sensitive skin, and baby soap also works well for that issue. bar soaps can come in all different shapes and sizes, with many different ingredients and additives to choose from (independent soap makers are an amazing source for customized soap btw), and liquid soaps can be pure gel, frothy, mousse-y or even have tiny exfoliating or moisturizing beads in them if thats a sensory experience you enjoy. this is my number one rec for people struggling with hand washing bc of sensory issues;;; mix up the soap. finding one that gives you an okay or even a GOOD sensory experience can completely turn around an otherwise meltdown inducing task

temperature - this is the one thats always been hardest for me. cold water straight up hurts me, and our plumbing is Terrible, so the trick i have for slow pipes is to run the hot water on high as Soon as i get into the bathroom. leave it going and by the time you’re done there should be at least lukewarm water. if this still takes too long for you, try out the various sinks in your house, usually one is able to get hot water faster than the rest (for me its the kitchen sink) and that can become a designated station for you if need be.

texture - some ppl just hate water. if thats the case, it rly doesnt change much abt the process if you use less water, ie work the soap into a lather, and then only use as much as you need to rinse it off. you dont have to keep your hands under the whole time, the soap clings to the dirt, the water takes it off all together, as long as you scrub well and rinse till you see no suds, you’re good 

If it really comes down to it, a washcloth with water+soap, a disinfecting wipe, or even literally just a rinse with plain ol water is better than nothing, but the stream of water and act of rubbing the soap in is the most effective combo against disease. soap/disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers are your second best option. if theres a time in your life where an issue is so disabling for you that you truly cant keep any of this up, rly the most important thing is to limit your direct physical contact with your face and commonly used objects as MUCH as possible until you can figure smth out. (you kno those old ladies that grab a wipe and open the doorknob with it between their hand and the knob? become that old lady) and if push comes to shove, if a safe and accepting therapy setting is something accessible to you, hygiene struggles are actually something many mental health professionals understand Very well and can help you cope with personally and directly, without shame.

3. hand drying

this is also. my personal hell. and what most people say is the hardest part of the sensory experience. but ya cant just walk around with wet hands right

towels - the obvious choice for most, but to me they actually dont dry enough. i always end up damp and with lint stuck to me. this kills the man. but hand towels do have some variety to them, you can find em with really long fibers or really short/flat, really fuzzy or really stiff, etc. sounds silly but its smth a lot of ppl dont think about that can change a lot. you can also try super absorbent towels (yes like a shamwow), and again baby bath towels are also an option if you want something gentle.

paper towels - yeah a little more wasteful and expensive, but imo much more absorbent. theyre also pretty thin so you can get between your fingers (MY BANE), and under your nails if you use a corner. 10/10

blow drying - ik this is the kind of shit you only see in like movie theaters and malls and they are definitely LOUD AS SHIT, but if you happen to have the money, and struggle more with Textures than Noise, ie a stream of warm air seems worth the sound, you Can actually find a small basic one of these items for your own home. 

4. public restrooms

everybody hates em!!! but you can make em more tolerable;;;

soap - bring your own! little travel soaps you can keep in your bag are a godsend for ppl with sensory issues, sensitive skin/allergies, and if you just prefer not sharing soap.

temperature - most public places i notice actually do get hot water pretty fast (like,,, too fast,,, like,,, it bur ns me) so if there are no faucets and its too hot or too cold, once again you can try different sinks and one might be more comfortable. if there are faucets i recommend grabbing a paper towel to turn it off, so you dont have to touch it again with your clean hands.

sound - WHY R AUTOMTIC FLUSH TOILETS SO FUCKEN LOUDD..... honestly if you have noise cancelling earmuffs or earplugs or w/e pop em in. if you dont have any of that i just literally plug my ears with my fingers when i stand up. if you struggle with the sound of the blow dryers, they almost always have paper towels as well, but its a great idea to carry something like that around in your bag with you just in case. if its really packed and people chattering is getting to you, sometimes the ‘family’ bathrooms are actually smaller and less full. if its bad enough and you feel comfortable asking, an employee might be able to direct you to a single stall bathroom or at least a different one than that.

and though its convenient, try not to use your sleeve to touch things like doorknobs, toilet handles, etc. instead use something disposable like a paper towel or wipe, bc the germs will simply transfer to your sleeve and still risk infecting you. 

5. schedule

the number one suggestion is to wash your hands literally as often as possible during a time like this but like. even for allistic/nt/abled/ ppl thats just not always an attainable schedule so the Best times to wash your hands are;;;

after using the bathroom - the most important time and generally the easiest to get used to. its smth you have to do multiple times a day that already has a schedule, and if you were to forget or go into sensory overload its usually immediately accessible as soon as you can. as i mentioned earlier, if you need help remembering, you can turn the water on when you first get in and leave it going.

the doctors - ANY KIND of health facility should be avoided right now unless really necessary, places where sick people would frequent is the quickest way to get sick but like. ya rly cant help it sometimes right. you cant stop dealing with your own illnesses just bc theres another one floating around. so, this is time to go apeshit on the handwashing. if your health issue involves coughing and sneezing, ask for a face mask. bring a scarf in case they dont have any, its not as great but better than nothing. otherwise, you honestly dont need it, face masks are more for these people bc they keep germs in better than out. whether you’re worried abt getting sick or infecting others, this is a time to use hand sanitizer, avoid physical contact like shaking hands [autistic cheering], and when you first arrive and right before you go to leave are the most important times to remember to wash your hands. 

preparing food - not as commonly spoken about, but also easy to work into a schedule. i personally dont care unless its food for somebody else or if im going to be putting my hands on it a lot, but if thats the case, a lot of the time thats produce you already want to wash in the sink, so you can kill two birds with one stone there. dont just get the germs off your own hands, get em off the fruits and veggies before you eat em. carpool

after grocery shopping - not very common. most ppl just slap some sanitizer/a wipe on there or dont think abt it at all, but if you just got home from walmart thats a great time to wash. you just touched a bunch of items other people touched, including the cart, money/credit cards, and all the products people will pick up and put back, so its prime germ time babey. But again, sanitizer or a wipe will help if its all you can manage after a trip out like that.

before self care - also uncommon. ppl always say ‘dont touch your face’ and ‘apply this product with clean hands’, and what they mean is that one of the fastest ways germs get into your system is through your mouth, nose, eyes and ears. if you’re simply washing your face theres not as much concern, but applying a mask, moisturizer, makeup, etc. should all be done after a gentle rinse of your hands (and face). very hard to get into the schedule of, but if you consider it a Part of your ‘self care’ or use a special fun cleanser, it can stick a little easier.

6. stim items

STIM ITEMS!! if you have stim items, its a good idea to clean them regularly, but even moreso during an outbreak like this.

rubber/plastic - if it goes in your mouth, hot water (not hot enough to melt!) and dish soap, if it doesnt, look up how to safely make a diluted bleach solution.

silicone - silicone is usually dish washer safe.

fabric - if its light, add bleach to the washing machine, if its colored, you can use white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide which are less likely to discolor any dyes. lysol detergent is also super great. small items you’re worried about losing, or items with details/loose parts, you can usually wash inside of a sealed pillow case. 

‘squishies’ - for ‘mochi’ squishies aka the rubbery ones, soap and water + some dusted baby powder or corn starch (optional) to keep it from grabbing lint for a while. for foam squishies, they can rarely be deep cleaned without the risk of growing mold or taking paint off, but a disinfecting wipe every now and then should keep it clean for a while.

slime - cant be disinfected, sorry. also a breeding ground for mold if you arent careful, so its always best to cycle through these quickly.

technology - cant really be completely sterilized, but there are many places to get sprays and cleaning wipes for the devices you use that can at least keep the areas your hands frequently touch a little cleaner.

BUT of course if your item comes with instructions on how to wash it, always follow that instead. this is just a general idea.

and as a final note;;; disabled ppl should not feel guilty or dirty for struggling with this. like. man idc abt ur cringe feels or your ignorant blame or your lack of understanding/sympathy for what goes into these tasks for us. if u dont wanna get our struggles and sensitivities when we’re working twice as hard on functioning tasks which personal ease you take for granted, thats on you. @ disabled people if you struggle with maintaining the same standard of hygiene as nts you arent gross or bad fucking person, you’re disabled and by definition that means your level of functioning will be different, and you deserve sympathy. its just that germs dont discriminate, they wanna cause problems for everybody involved (especially you!!!), so Anything you can manage is Great and if anything from this post can help make it a little easier for people in any way, i feel its absolutely necessary to talk about with respect and dignity. people with autism/adhd/sensory processing disorder/similar neurodivergencies/literally anybody else this could benefit, pls feel free to add on any tips you might have or send me questions. let disabled ppl help disabled ppl do our personal bests

[fuck-customers]

One of my least favorite things about working retail is how people don't respect your personal space *at all.* (Customers and coworkers) The number of times that people have reached behind me from the next lane over (behind me, next to my lane and register, confined spaces yay 😒) to throw out trash (or even to 'borrow' my cleaning spray, paper towels, or hand sanitizer) and freaked me tf out, or literally just shoved into me because they don't want to move their cart or whatever, but absolutely need the extra space I'm apparently rudely residing in while cashing out other customers, is uncountable by now. Some people apologise, and then I'm not as pissed, esp if they're genuine about it. Others don't even acknowledge that they even touched me or freaked me out, or possibly hurt me (I've had fucking carts plowed into my legs/ankles without any apology (how tf do they even manage that tbh?)) I'm the type of person who abosuley hates people I don't know, or don't like, touching me or invading my space. My bubble is important and I need people to start respecting it cause I'm gonna have a full blown panic attack at some point. Or snap at them....

Had a lady earlier today (12/19) legit shove into me so hard I jolted forward into my bagging ramp, and almost kinda fell. She didn't even turn or say anything. My customers at the time gave her the stink eye but didn't say anything cause I prolly looked embarrassed... I wanted so bad to whip around and yell "excuse me?" Or just tear into her but you know, not allowed.... 😒 The fuck lady? Retail sucks, we're not treated like real people half the time...

[glamrus-puta]

Help I Start School Tomorrow: A Check List

Do you need some sweet ass advice from somebody who’s spent no less than 18 years struggling through the muck of academia? Of course you do! Here’s a handy-ass dandy-ass guide to wtf should be going on in your pre-school prep!

Let’s get started~

1) What should I do with my day before I go back to the hell hole that is school?

I’m glad you asked! Do things that make the start of the semester feel like a fun and luxurious adventure awaits you! Especially for college and university people, the start of the semester loses pizzazz with age (and time).

Hype yourself up with some simple self care, these things don’t have to be expensive or cost anything at all if you can utilize what’s lying around in your kitchen, bathroom, neighbour’s house or wherever.

Wash your damn hair! Shower and take all the time you need, shave if you want to while you’re in there. The goal is to feel fresh and a lil less greasy the next morning.

Are you a lazy ass that doesn’t have time to moisturize? Me too! Get some Nivea in-shower lotion if you can, and before you towel dry douse yourself with baby oil gel (or literally just some olive oil or coconut oil- whatever you got lying around). Show yourself some love!!

Now is a great time to style your hair for tomorrow and protect it with a low pony or a night cap, btw

Do a face mask! Do a hair mask! Do a foot mask! Do whatever tf kind of mask you got handy! Use foods from your kitchen, or try Freeman masks they’re around 4$ each. Dollar store prices, department store quality.

Take an hour to fix your nails, toe nails, wax the stache or do any body maintenance you usually do. Pretend you’re going to a sick ass party and you’re grooming your meat vessel to perfection.

Lay out your sick outfit for tomorrow- pro tip: you want to be comfy and functional on buses/trains/on foot or however you commute. Think hard about the kind of weather you’ll be up against, and the general state of the terrain on your commute. Put your outfit on a hanger so it’s ready for tomorrow, even if you can’t do this every night during the school year it’ll get you in the right mental state to have your first day

Prep your meds! A big part of feeling good is taking our medications on time to reap their maximum benefits. Put them out on your kitchen counter if you think you’ll forget, go through your medicine cabinet: is there anything you need to remember to take with you to have during the day? Set alarms on your phone if (like me) you’ve got pills to take at different times of day- label them something that you’ll understand. (I use the names of the doctors that prescribed them so I know which pills are physical health and which are mental health).

Pack your lunch for tomorrow. Fruits and veggies bitch none of this “I’ll buy it when I get there” nonesense. Remember to stay hydrated! Bring some kind of receptacle to hold water/tea/coffee whatever. This is a solid habit to have year round, but remember the first couple school days can frazzle you pretty good and it’s good to have snacks on hand.

CLEAN YOUR GODDAMN ROOM. You’re gonna be shooketh in a bad way if you wake up on the first day of classes with a messy bathroom and shit strewn all over your sleeping space. Take all the time you need to put things lovingly away, if you’re feeling ambitious update your calendar and spray a little room spray or light a scented candle. Ooh la la

Do something fun. Do something distracting. Go out with a friend, read a book, take a couple hours of ‘me time’. You’ll be ready to die for it during the semester.

Feeling nervous? Call literally anybody you can stand to talk to for more than five minutes. Talk about dogs, talk about boats, ask them to guess how many jelly beans you’re holding right this second (sike b the answer is 0)- take a couple steps away from the whole school thing.

2) What the hell do I put in my backpack??

So this is where I fly into an unGodly rage. I’m so tired of seeing Instagram posts telling people their make up, perfume and breath mints are the most important of their school arsenal. What’s gonna save you when you bleed through your pants at school cause Aunt Flo decides to come chill on campus? Your perfume? Unlikely.

Here’s the real tea on what you should have in your bag, based on years of oopses, dire situations, and general mishap management.

A pencil case. Preferably full of writing implements. I can’t believe I have to tell people this but like......I do.....y’all childish

MEDICAL BAG: A small pouch is all you need! Tuck this away in your bag’s inside pocket, or in your purse, it could save not only your life but somebody else’s too. Get your prescriptions you need throughout the day like inhalers, anti anxiety meds, lactose intolerance pills, Imodium, symethicone etc.

Pack some ginger gravol (or regular drowsy gravol) for motion sickness or for when the flu season hits

Benadryl pills (and your epipen if you have one!) this is one of those things you should always have lying around at home and in your car

Alcohol swabs and band aids of your choice. Most pharmacies will sell 100 swabs for around 3$, look in dollar stores for discreet 1st aids packs and band aids. Stash them in your little pouch, it might not be you who falls down a flight of stairs and needs to bandage up their elbow- but at least you can help. (Based on a true story!!!!)

Panty liners/ tampons/ pads- this is another one of those things that others may benefit from

Get yourself a mini deodorant (3$ at Walmart) and wrap your hair ties around it. Double trouble, double storage capacity!

Tylenol/Advil, hunt around for little plastic pill holders like Pill Pals, they’re not usually more than 2 or 3 bucks and they hold A TON of pills

Vagina Bonus Round: do you take birth control? Have a tube of Canesten/Monistat/Vagisil or whatever for when the yeast season is upon us

Remember to carry your hospital card and/or medical insurance card on you at all times

Pharmacies will give face wipes individually wrapped for free. Usually brands like Cetaphil will dump them off as testers for customers- ask your local pharmacy cashier for stuff like mini hand creams, spf lip balms and face wipes. We’re happy to give them to you and you’ll get some real use out of them!

ASS WIPES. GET SOME. You can wipe down your bag with them, wipe down tables with them, flush them, and do all kinds of damage control. Trust.

Emergency money- the medical bag is a great place to hide emergency money (think bus fare, or 5$ for emergency food) because people are unlikely to rob what looks like a 1st aid kit

3. Friends come and go but portable chargers are forever- you can find cheap key chain ones at dollar stores. If you’re going to spring for one that lasts a few days on one charge I suggest the OKZU from Amazon. It’s HELLA SLIM and I can hold a charge for about 3 days before it reaches even 75% battery capacity. (It’s also the most budget friendly I’ve found to date about 14$ after shipping).

4. Remember make up, gum, little travel items and perfume can have a place in your bag but I would suggest transferring as much as you can into smaller and smaller containers. A whole bottle of perfume is a lot to carry around, imagine a water bottle bouncing around your bag- that’s the kind of space you’re using up. Be mindful of just how many books/ copy books/ textbooks you’ll be toting around and if it gets to be too much- get an actual tote!

5. A little clip on hand sanitizer never hurt anybody...also Kleenex I promise you’ll use it. (And if you don’t I’ll be there to borrow it lmao) ALLERGY SEASON BONUS ROUND: a small bottle of off brand artificial tears are great to stow in your glasses case for all those shitty October mornings where your eyes refuse to act like eyes and not the Sahara Desert 🐫 off brand artificial tears run for between 2-4$ at most Walmarts!

3) I’ve used my last 24 hours to get my shit together- but I have a horrible impending sense of doom! What should I do?

Ah anozzer day in bikini bottom, which means another day of crippling anxiety for 25% of adult Canadian students! (Wow that’s a lot of students!) Boy do I know how tough it is to be thrown back into the pressure cooker of life that we call school. Here are some tips from me to you that I hope help a little bit:

I believe in you! It’s not a tip, but I want you to know that I do. If you’re feeling unsure/ silly/ out of your element/ etc think about me wandering around just as confused as you are! And have a good laugh at my expense! Shoot me a DM, scroll around my nonesense blog- wow check me out I’m a real living person and I made this post for you- because why? I care about your well being! Sometimes it just helps to know that there’s somebody out there thinking about you and wishing for your safe return home at the end of the day~ for the start of your semester I’ll be that person. *smooch*

Arrive early! My therapist once told me that rolling out of bed five minutes before I have to be somewhere limits my chances of having a calm and meaningful experience where I’m going. I hate to admit it but she makes a good point. Wake up early and do something nice for you: have breakfast, just sit on your balcony and breathe some fresh air, pet your cat and gaze upon their stupid face. Take the time.

Arrive early BONUS TIP: get to where you’re going an hour early and just wander! Window shop, roam the building, learn where the fire exit is, sit outside on a bench and watch the students come in and out. The longer you chill at school the homier it’ll feel, and the more you feel at home somewhere the more you feel at ease. Strike up random convos with strangers if you’re feeling brave, or text an understanding friend to meet you there and roam alongside you.

Plan your day! Get an agenda if it’s in your means, or just scribble on some scrap paper. Make your grocery list, write your tasks of the day, your goals of the day, or even just a positive affirmation. Sometimes even when I know exactly what I’m doing that day, or have something trivial to do (like laundry) I’ll write down “do laundry” to feel like I have a clear path to follow.

Embrace your local accessibility Center and school councellor. Don’t live in fear of the resources your school provides. It seems scary/embarrassing/weird to have to have special accommodations to deal with your anxiety or depression but GIRL once you’re all set with the appropriate tools there’s truely nothing that can stop you. This was my experience anyway, but I strongly urge everybody I meet to take advantage of school services and wring them for all they’ve got. They’re there for you boo!

HOT TIP: feeling dizzy and overwhelmed on the bus? Look at the wall or something that isn’t moving. DONT LOOK OUT THE WINDOWS AS THIS MAKES DIZZINESS WORSE. Breathe in 2 beats and out 3 beats- this cuts your fight or flight. If you’re going to drink take small sips out of a straw or without moving your head. My GP gave me this advice and it’s saved my whole ass quite a few times.

Download free apps that are anti anxiety in the form of fun games. I’ve had positive results with Viridii (where you grow a little succulent garden) Tap Tap Fish (basically you’re a sentient coral that decorates the sea floor) and Polytap (you basically count the vertices of spinning polygons). A cursory google search will reveal more fun games for emergency anxiety relief! I also like to go on YouTube and search for positive affirmation anxiety videos, or storm/white noise/ ocean anti anxiety sounds the night before to get me in the right headspace to sleep!

So this has been your lightning round/ crash course for what to do the 24 hours before school! I hope you feel a little more prepared to take on the start of the semester!

A dios hoes!!

[ambitchousrobot]

Vent post because I’m currently alternating between having panic attacks, screaming into my pillow, and ugly sobbing and I’m not sure how to channel that energy into something constructive so I might as well try venting.

I have chronic depression and generalized anxiety. It sucks, but for the most part it’s old news. Except for the last 10 months or so, everything’s just slowly escalated until it’s at the point where I don’t know how to handle it.

Back in September I left the Barnes and Noble I had worked at for two years. So far it is the only job I’ve ever had that I loved. The work itself was pretty great, I was a kids lead and so I got to shelve books, set up promotions, organize the section, and do story time and help with events. I greatly enjoyed it for over a year. But thanks to a shit ass general manager and the fact that the corporate side of Barnes and Noble has made it exceedingly clear that the care about nothing but appeasing shareholders for as long as possible before they have to declare bankruptcy, the job turned into a living hell for me. After weeks of having panic attacks nearly every day, I turned in my two weeks after realizing that if I didn’t quit the job that I would kill myself. I didn’t finish out my two weeks because after my last shift there I went home and made a suicide attempt. I decided my life was worth more than my obligation to finish out my two weeks.

After that I went back to my previous job as a dog groomer at Petco. This decision was based solely on the fact that I knew I could get hired there in less than two weeks. I applied the day I put in my two weeks at Barnes and had the job two days later. I knew I would hate it, because I hated it the first time. But I needed money. My coworkers were racist pieces of shit. My salon manager straight up used the slur towel head on my first day there. There was no one there that I liked working with. I worked my ass off because it was a commission based job and I wanted the paycheck to be worth the misery of working there. I developed carpal tunnel in my wrists. The last month I worked there, I was in severe pain. When I would clean up at the end of the day, I would have to use both hands to grip the spray bottle to sanitize stuff because I literally did not have the grip strength to lift it with one hand. I had to put in my two weeks in March because I was literally destroying my body. And of course being in an environment I hated wasn’t good for my mental health either.

I was unemployed for a couple of months after that. First because my wrists were too bad and then because no one was hiring after the start of the new fiscal year. My partner and I had money saved up, but we were worried about how long it would last. My depression and anxiety were at an all time worst. So when my partner asked me to consider moving in with his brother, sister-in-law, and niece, I agreed. Because I felt like a worthless piece of shit burden and I didn’t want him to work himself to death supporting us.

I asked my parents to help us move because they have a trailer. They told me their was only day in the entire month of May that they could help us move. They told me his at fucking noon on the day before the only day they could help us move. So I furiously cleaned off all the big furniture and packed what a could, only caring about what we had to have a trailer to move because it was all I had time to do. I was up for 24 hours straight. We got the big furniture moved but there was still a bunch of small shit left because I had to pack in one day.

I also started a part time job at Lowe’s literally the day before my parents called me. (So two days before the move) and so right after moving I immediately had to work a week scheduled at full-time even though I was only hired as a part time worker. But I needed the money so I didn’t say shit. I spent the next week or so going back and forth to pack and unpack shit after my shift each day.

Lowe’s fucking sucked. I had a position that was relatively new within the store and no one was really sure what my job entailed, which meant it was a whole lot of “pretend to be busy so you don’t get your ass chewed, but there’s literally nothing to do.” Unoccupied time is horrific for me when my anxiety is high. I need work to keep my brain in check. So this job was torture. When I did have this to do, it involved asking people to do things because my job involved a fair amount of delegation. Which I hated doing, because anxiety. And since the position was new, there was a lot of resentment and refusal to cooperate from the other employees. Meaning I didn’t just have to ask people to do things, but I also had to ask multiple people to do things dozens of times just to get one task accomplished. And that often included me getting yelled at for bothering them because they were too busy to help me do my job. Which was fucking horrible for anxiety. I hated every minute but the pay was good so I was going to try to tough it out. But the last straw came during my second week on the job. One of my coworkers at my area had been transferred from head cashier to the online order desk where I worked. So she had worked at the company longer than me, but literally didn’t know anything more than I did about our area as she didn’t get promoted until the day after I started. She cussed me out and chewed my ass out, forcing me to stay thirty fucking minutes late because she was yelling at me, all over a single mistake that took literally 5 minutes to fix. And this was after she made a much harder to fix mistake twice early in the day. She made me cry and I was fucking furious because 1) she didn’t have the authority to reprimand me like that 2) it was my first mistake during my first week out on the floor, second week with the company and 3) it wasn’t even a big deal I could have fixed it myself 5 times over during the time she wasted treating me like a fucking dumbass. So the next shift after that, I broke down and harmed myself during my break and then unceremoniously walked out in the middle of a panic attack and never came back.

So now I’m unemployed again. My mental health is in shambles. I’m massively suicidal. And I haven’t even gotten to how much of a nightmare moving in with my in laws has been. But that’s for another post so sorry for the long ass line of text.

[roversbook]

Hiking Gear for Women : Do’s and Don’ts

Hiking Gear for Women : Do’s and Don’ts

Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors. Transported by your own two feet and carrying only what you need for the day on your back, you can discover the beauty of nature at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. And, with a little planning and preparation, it’s an activity that almost anyone can do. 

So Ladies, one of the wonderful things about hiking is that you don’t need a bunch of high-tech gear to get out there. With a few essential items for the trail and a sense of adventure, you’re ready to head into the wilderness.

  What should Female Hikers wear? 

A great hiking outfit for women is all about what makes you comfortable in the great outdoors. Hiking clothes that are practical, lightweight, and durable can make the difference between a great day out and an okay day out. Here are the few things-

Hiking Pants or leggings

Not only are leggings a comfortable and multi-functional piece of clothing, but they’re also super flattering and work well for almost every activity. Hiking Pants or Leggings are a must for your trip. Make sure these are not too loose or tight!

              Base Layer

A base layer is needed when you hike in a cold conditions. This piece of clothing covers your neck and chest and protects you from falling ill. 

            Mid Layer or Down Jacket

Mid-layer or Down Jacket is only needed if you hike in snow or freezing zone. Down jackets pack up light and small, so there is no reason NOT to have one in your bag. Seriously it could save your life in a bad situation. 

        Hiking Shell Jacket

If you are camping during your hike, these shell jackets will help you to have a good night’s sleep. Avoid these jackets if the area’s condition is not that freezing. 

        Woolen Socks

Yes, the best hiking clothes for women involve socks. Wool socks helps you to keep your feet nice and dry while you walk around. Most importantly, wool socks stay fresh for several days as they have natural antimicrobial properties.

        Sports Bra

A good sports bra is pretty much an essential hiking gear for women. Of course, it’s completely up to you, but you’ll want something light, nonconstricting, moisture-wicking, and will hold your breasts in when you’re hiking. 

        Hiking Underwear

Good underwear is a women’s hiking apparel staple. Women have specific hygiene needs in the backcountry. To prevent bacterial infections, it’s important to avoid wearing cotton underwear. In general, you have two synthetic options or wool. 

      Hat for Sun Protection

A hat is key for being comfortable when hiking on sunny days. It will also prevent your face from tanning. 

          Sunglasses

Sunglasses always protect your eyes from the sun or heavy reflections. Also, it looks good during a photo sessions! 

          Trail Runners or Hiking Boots

Hiking boots give your ankle support. As hiking means traveling through rough roads, therefore, a good pair of boots are extremely necessary. 

        Warm Gloves

Gloves help to keep your hands warm during the cold session. So if your plan is to hike in the snow don’t forget your gloves

        Hiking Shorts

If you’re looking for women’s summer hiking clothes, you have to consider shorts

          What You Should Not Wear While Hiking

Women make some common mistakes while packing their hiking clothes. These clothing choice mistakes can either add discomfort or can even be potentially dangerous. Here are the top 10 wrong choices- 

Denim Clothing

The reason denim is not ideal for hiking is that it absorbs moisture really easily. This means sweat, rain, or even river water will be soaked up. Having a material that collects water versus wicking water can be potentially dangerous, depending on the area’s current weather.

Cotton Clothing

Cotton is an absorbent material, so if you get wet from sweat or rain, it will soak it all up and won’t dry very fast, either. In hot weather, cotton will leave you feeling sweaty all day, and in cold weather, it will make you cold quite quickly.

Silk Clothing

So, silk isn’t as bad as cotton or denim, but it generally doesn’t do well during strenuous hiking. Basically, if you plan to sweat a lot, avoid silk! It has a modest amount of moisture-wicking ability, but unless it is chemically treated, it will usually hold on to moisture. 

No-Show Socks

No-show or ankle socks may work for some folks, but the type of socks you wear is a big deal when you hike. You want a sock that will not work its way down and bunch up in your shoe. This leaves the back of your foot exposed and rubbing against the inside of your shoe as you walk. 

Flimsy Shoes or Heels

Since hiking is essentially walking in the woods or on a trail in the wilderness, you want a shoe that will support you all the way. Most hiking trails have a fair share of rocks, river crossings, or sharp plants like cacti. In those conditions, you need a shoe that can protect you from the elements around you during the entirety of your hike.

Bras with Claps

Appropriate bras should be worn while hiking. It is best to avoid cotton bras, but you should also avoid bras with clasps. These could be metal or plastic clasps, but either way, you don’t want them. It can cause irritation to your skin out of sweat and heat. 

Brunchy or Bulky Clothes

Clothing that is too heavy or too loose can be potentially problematic on a hike. Try to avoid clothes that are too loose or too heavy. All in all, you want clothing that fits you properly. Avoid anything too heavy or clothes that shift around too much.

Stiff or Too Thin Fabric

Having clothing materials that move with your body is all about comfort and functionality. There have been so many instances on hikes where you have to scramble over rocks, maneuver through a tight canyon, or do a high step-up over a fallen tree. All of these movements require clothing that will move with the flexibility of your body. Having materials that are too stiff will impede your movement. While on the other hand, materials that are too thin and stretchy can easily rip. 

Body Sprays or Floral Perfumes

Some perfumes also don’t mix well with sweat and can cause skin irritations, especially in hot weather or with extensive sun exposure. Perhaps it is best to leave the body sprays for a night out on the town, and leave them off the trail.

Only One Layer of Clothing

Layering depends upon the area’s climate. If you are hiking in an extreme cold situation, one layer can be dangerous. It is a good rule of thumb to keep up with current weather conditions, and then you can gauge your clothes off of that.

  Women’s Backpacking Gear List

Women have different needs than men when it comes to backpacking and hiking gear. They have different hygiene habits, may run colder (or hotter) than their male counterparts, and obviously have very different body types. It’s important that you find great women’s hiking gear that works best for you. So here is the list- 

Tent- In case you want to do outdoor camping rather than lodging in.   

Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Mat- Necessary for the tent.

Hiking Clothes- List of all the necessary hiking clothes are cited above.  

Hiking Footwear- Don’t forget your boots!

Sunglasses

Sun Hates- This Will save you from face tanning. 

Water Bottles- Make sure your water bottle has a carrying capacity for almost 2 liters of water

Light Snacks- A light snack of some chocolate or brownies might help you in case of emergency!

Raincoat or an Umbrella- You never know when a storm or a light drizzle will knock in. Be prepared! 

Trekking Poles- This will add years to the life of your knees. 

Period Kit: Tampons, ibuprofen, menstrual cup, baby wipes, extra zip lock for trash.  Pack this trash out in a separate trash bag; don’t bury it!

Sandals: nice to give your feet a break from those hiking boots

Toothbrush, Toothpaste (travel-sized), Floss

A very small amount of soap for washing hands. 3 oz is plenty. 

Toilet Papers- Make sure you have enough of this for your entire journey. 

Tissues and Wet Towels

Sanitizers- Extremely necessary to clean your hiking hands! 

Mug for coffee or warm drinks

Headlamp (w/extra batteries.) or a Torch 

Medication and an emergency first aid tool kit. 

Map and Compass- When your GPS battery dies, this will help you to find your way!

Hairbrush, Sunscreen, and other essentials

Cellphone and the adapter. Although laptop and Ipads are not recommendable, you can carry if you wish. 

Passport, Identity card, or any other valid document

A small notebook and a pen

A Bluetooth Speaker or a guitar for some entertainment. Novels and Magazines can also be included.  

Gear Recommendations 

Hiking Gears are very difficult to choose from one brand. Amazon USA provides you the best product for your adventure. Here is the list- 

Best Reviewed Hiking Gear for Women

ProductDescriptionLearn More on Amazon

18 in 1 Emergency Survival KitCheck on Amazon

Pee Funnel for WomenCheck on Amazon

Lightweight Trekking PolesCheck on Amazon

Pee rag for WomenCheck on Amazon

Mini Compact First Aid KitCheck on Amazon

K2-Peak – Survival Bracelets with Embedded Compass, Fire Starter, Emergency Knife & Whistle Check on Amazon

The post Hiking Gear for Women : Do’s and Don’ts appeared first on Rover's Book.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/w8tbsl2sIUoYe2rT0teE9173JvHO5WiqXfDjz9OyGeSC9hqWf9rom6kie96dAzdsL8ZxjdTA3suhXFkIT8v0wF__JimRRqc4ge3unpyFrfNmglm0xFu4JxDBuIGGWSeeqdndcFXi https://roversbook.com/hiking-gear-for-women-dos-and-donts/

[gillzonline]

How to Prepare the Unprepared for a Day of Hard-Core Florida Saltwater Fishing

Hard-core Floridian saltwater anglers certainly treasure the time they spend on the water. For visiting anglers, though, casting into Florida’s coastal fisheries is often literally the fishing experience of a lifetime. To ensure that their time on the water is a fishing dream come true, rather than a nightmare, it’s essential to prepare the unprepared. That means being sure they have everything from enough water to the right high-performance fishing apparel. As a seasoned angler, you may have more insight, and the best gift you can bestow is the knowledge you wish you would’ve had the first time you hit the open water.

Stock Extra Food and Drink “Extra food and drink” here means bringing more food and hydrating beverages than you think those onboard will need. People unaccustomed to Florida’s heat and humidity, particularly on open water, may need to eat and drink more than they normally would to help regulate their temperature and keep their energy up. Keep Them Covered, Keep Them Cool Who can blame tourists and visitors who show up to their friend’s slip delighted to be fishing in the tank-top or t-shirt, Bermuda shorts, and flip-flops they brought? Unfortunately, the scalp-to-toes lobster-red sunburn that follows is far less delightful. And while those flip-flops may slide on and off easily, they can be a slipping hazard on the boat. Before the day in question, explain to anyone you’re taking onto the water that more coverage, not less, is the key to sun protection and staying cool. Inform them of the existence and importance of lightweight, breathable polyester performance fishing gear. Or, for the truly generous, provide it for them. Make Sure They Properly Accessorize In addition to high-performance fishing clothes, be sure that your inexperienced fishing buddy or buddies bring along a hat, quality polarized shades, and close-toed shoes on the boat. For added comfort, and pictures that will send their fishing cred through the roof among envious pals back home, suggest a fishing mask as well. Be Prepared for Seasickness Seasickness is a phenomenon that may not have crossed the mind of the average long-time, hard-core Florida saltwater angler for years. However, it’s an all-too-common reality for many of those who haven’t been ocean-fishing ever or within recent memory. Be sure you have their back, or their stomach, by stashing over-the-counter seasickness meds in your first aid kit. It couldn’t hurt to have some indigestion medicine and ginger ale as well. Pack Some Helpful Bits and Pieces Finally, consider having the following bits and pieces available, just to be sure. · Adhesive bandages, first-timers can be more prone to hook-sticks and knife knicks · Lip balm, preferably with UV-protection, for the less sun-accustomed lips · Hand sanitizer or wet wipes to clean those fishy hands before eating · A camera, though there’s an excellent chance a phone camera will already be aboard · Bug spray to keep bites and stings at bay · Extra swimsuits and towels to make the most of any downtime on your lines About Gillz® Kent Hickman has loved fishing for as long as he can remember. As a Florida native, there certainly wasn’t any shortage of world-class fishing to be had growing up, and he made the most of it. As an adult, that love of angling brought Kent to the professional tournament circuit. It was there that he encountered a problem: professional anglers often faced unforgiving conditions, and he couldn’t find any reputable fishing apparel that could stand up to the challenge. Whether they’re pros or not, hard-core anglers need gear they can rely on to stay cool, dry, and comfortable. That means gear that protects them from both the elements and the heat and UV rays of the unrelenting Florida sun. Kent took it upon himself to meet the challenge, and in 2009 he founded Gillz® to ensure that devoted anglers had access to high-performance, high-tech, professional-grade, and, of course, stylish fishing apparel. Gillz® fishing clothes include fishing masks, shirts for fishing, hats, shades, accessories, and more. Prepare yourself and your friends to fish longer and harder without sacrificing cool comfort by choosing Gillz® professional-grade fishing apparel at https://gillz-gear.com/ Original Source: https://bit.ly/3bZCtvY

[csrgood]

4 High-Tech Tools Johnson & Johnson Is Using to Get Products to You During the Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, everyday staples like toilet paper and paper towels were suddenly seemingly nowhere to be found. Over-the-counter products, like fever reducers and cough medicine, were in high demand—along with hand sanitizer, disinfectant sprays and cleaning wipes.

While consumers were getting a crash course in supply and demand, the experts at Johnson & Johnson remained confident in their ability to manage or circumvent disruptions so that hospitals, pharmacies and people around the world could continue to get much needed medications, medical devices and other healthcare products.

"One of the things I've learned after working on the supply chain for many years is that we need to expect the unexpected," says Lada Kecman, Vice President of Supply Chain Systems and Solutions, Johnson & Johnson. "The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us how supply chain market patterns can be affected by outside events—but the latest technologies allow us to be more agile in response to those events."

We take you on a behind-the-scenes look at some of the novel—and high-tech—ways Johnson & Johnson's supply chain organization tackled challenges posed by the pandemic to continue to serve patients, consumers, healthcare providers and customers worldwide.

1. The pandemic scenario: Responding to rapid surges in product demand

Early on in the pandemic, Johnson & Johnson saw demand from consumers and wholesale customers alike for Tylenol® literally double. The company's supply chain took all possible measures to maximize product availability in the face of this surge, running its plants 24/7 and making trade-offs in other areas, such as reducing the production of more complex formulations, in order to focus on producing the highest volumes of the medicines people most needed in the moment.

"Sometimes, the reason for the higher demand might be logical, but if it was simply due to stockpiling, we wouldn't automatically fill the order," says Kevin Whitehead, Head of Digital Strategy, Supply Chain, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Instead, the company would reassure the purchaser or country that enough product would be made available to them in future to meet their needs.

Another way the company works to circumvent unnecessary stockpiling: leveraging data science and utilizing complex algorithms to monitor typical order patterns and flag major deviations. Johnson & Johnson has technology that automatically monitors hundreds of thousands of orders placed by big customers, such as medical centers and governments. So when an algorithm detects an unusual pattern, it alerts supply chain professionals to investigate it.

"We want global supply to keep matching the global demand," Whitehead says. "We're confident that we can keep medication flowing as long as everyone only orders what they need."

2. The pandemic scenario: Planning ahead to be ready for a moment just like this

When COVID-19 first broke out in Italy, supply chain leaders knew they would have to deal with variable staffing levels in the company's manufacturing plants due to community exposure to the virus or government requirements to quarantine at home. How great an impact would that have on a given factory's output? What about all the factories in the country?

To troubleshoot this in advance, Johnson & Johnson turned to highly automated scenario risk simulation technology, which uses real, live data about staffing levels and typical production rates to make predictions about different worst-case scenarios that could occur. This way, the company could plan ahead instead of being forced to react in an emergency.

"We wanted to know what the thresholds were and what contingencies we had to plan for," Whitehead says. Could a factory function sufficiently at 30% or 40% reduced capacity? What if the products couldn't be transported for a week, two weeks or even a month?

Mathematical models enabled supply chain leaders to understand what they could withstand—and what would require some rejiggering, perhaps by shifting production to a different location, staggering shifts or changing shipping methods.

Risk simulation technology has also allowed the company to keep better track of the need for raw materials, so there was no reason to over-order or under-order—both of which could have costly consequences.

3. The pandemic scenario: Ensuring products arrive on time—as promised

As one of the world's biggest manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and consumer healthcare items, Johnson & Johnson’s products must often travel thousands of miles before reaching their ultimate home.

But a lot can happen between the time a package leaves a manufacturing plant and its arrival at the final destination.

Enter track-and-trace sensors that travel with a shipment, allowing for "end-to-end visibility"—meaning it can be continually monitored from the time it departs its initial location to the time it reaches its ultimate location. The sensor utilizes GPS technology, so it's easy to keep tabs on where a shipment is at any given moment, explains Whitehead.

It also measures temperature, so recipients know whether the product has experienced fluctuations that might interfere with its quality. "And it can check for shock—like if it's fallen off the back of a lorry or has been involved in an accident—we can measure that," Whitehead adds.

Knowing where your product is at any point in the supply chain is especially crucial during a pandemic, he says, adding that a recent critical shipment was on its way from the Netherlands to the United States when it missed its connection at an airport in Germany.

"Previously, we wouldn't have even known that had happened," Whitehead says. But thanks to the end-to-end visibility provided by track-and-trace sensors, the company was able to follow the shipment in real time and get it onto the next plane without further delay.

In some instances, track-and-trace technology is also being paired with intelligent automation, which is essentially an alarm or trigger that uses data to automatically set next steps in motion. So if a plane took off without an important package on it, for example, intelligent automation might instantly generate an email to the person responsible for monitoring that shipment.

4. The pandemic scenario: Managing manufacturing virtually

Before COVID-19, it wasn't unusual for a scientist or engineer to hop on a plane or train to check in on manufacturing equipment. Due to travel restrictions and contagion concerns, however, such in-person fine-tuning is not always an option.

This is where smart glass technology, such as Google Glass, comes in, which allows someone at a remote location to virtually see the exact same thing that a worker standing in front of a machine is seeing.

Employees often refer to it as "you see what I see," Kecman says, because it means someone need not be physically present to see or access information that was previously only available to someone in the same room. When paired with "privileged remote access," you can go a step further: An expert in a remote location is given elevated security clearance and can actually tap into the equipment, pull data from it and change the settings.

The benefits are clear. At many Johnson & Johnson locations, the combination of smart glass technology and privileged remote access has enabled manufacturing to continue without interruption, despite being in the middle of a pandemic, Kecman notes.

What's more, the company has been able to harness the technology to keep production flowing for its medical devices and consumer products, as well as to open new research and development centers and run them 24/7—allowing crucial projects to expand in record time.

Of course, relying on technology of this scale also requires an equally sophisticated security protocol. "Cybersecurity is extremely important for obvious reasons," she says. "We work very closely with the Johnson & Johnson information security risk management group" to ensure all data is kept secure.

Whitehead agrees and credits old-fashioned collaboration with the company's ability to successfully implement advanced technologies so quickly. "All our supply chain teams have a role to play," he says. "Everybody works together."

Originally published on jnj.com

source: https://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/45818-4-High-Tech-Tools-Johnson-Johnson-Is-Using-to-Get-Products-to-You-During-the-Pandemic?tracking_source=rss

[kilipeak]

Kilimanjaro Packing List

 KILIMANJARO PACKING LIST WITH KILIPEAK ADVENTURE: During a day on Kilimanjaro the temperatures can easily range from the high 20's (centigrade) right down at night to -15c. To cope with this huge range in temperature your clothing and kit strategy needs to be based around combining lots of thin layers that you build up and take off as the weather demands. Please note that Tanzania is implementing a ban on the use of single-use plastic bags on 1st June 2019. Please ensure that none of the items in your luggage are packed in plastic bags - if you are looking to separate items in your bag, please consider re-usable 'packing cubes'. Please also be aware that disposable plastic bottles are not permitted on Kilimanjaro National park. Kilimanjaro National Park operates an absolutely strict limit of 15kg per porter for your main equipment bag, which includes your sleeping bag. This is more than sufficient for your needs on the mountain. Your bag will be weighed before you leave the hotel to start the climb and if it is overweight you will have to check unnecessary take items and leave them at the hotel or we can arrange for an extra porter on the briefing time.

Solid Hiking Boots- Boots should have high ankle support with a solid Vibram®, or equivalent, sole. Gore Tex®, or other waterproofing, is recommended to have for wet days as well as added insulation. Be sure to break your boots in at least 4 WEEKS prior to departure. Additionally, bring a spare set of laces.  

SunGlasses – Your sunglasses should have 100% UV protection and should reduce glare as well as visible light. The frames should be lightweight with a wrap-around design for enhanced grip and staying power. Additionally, side shields are recommended to block peripheral light.

Day Pack – The most important things to look for if you need to purchase one are size (30L is good), hydration pack compatibility, hip, and chest straps, internal frame, good padding on shoulder straps, and water bottle holders.

Water/Windproof Jacket – Your water/windproof jacket is your outer water-repellent layer.  Gore-Tex, seam-sealed is recommended as well as a hood for added warmth.

Water/Windproof Pants – Your water/windproof pants will be worn on summit day as well as on rainy afternoons. These pants are essential for warmth and should be Gore-Tex lined and have lower leg zips.

Water/Windproof Mittens or Gloves – These are used for extreme temperatures and primarily worn on summit day. Be sure your gloves or mittens have a wrist cord as well as a reinforced palm to maintain grip during wet conditions. A removable liner is essential for drying, washing, and replacing.

2 large duffel bags – One we will leave at the hotel in Arusha to store non-essential gear when on the mountain (such as clean clothes for changing when off the mountain and for onward travel) and the other for carriage by the porters when on the mountain. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT THE ESSENTIALS Look for items that will add less volume to your overall pack. We will be using porters to carry our equipment however they are limited in the amount each can carry. Heavy synthetic materials will be very limiting and could cause issues when packing up for the hike.

2 pairs of synthetic warm weather trekking socks – These socks are for trekking in the warmest part of the day since they are made of a Coolmax® fabric. What is Coolmax®? – CoolMax® wicks moisture dries quickly and breathes well, keeping your feet dry and preventing blisters.

4 pairs heavier synthetic or wool blend socks – Your wool socks are ideal for around camp when the temperature drops as well as on cold mornings. Merino wool is very comfortable and dries quickly with fewer odors than synthetic blends.

2 pairs long underwear top – This will be your base layer for colder mornings, evenings, and days where the temperature drops considerably. The material is lightweight, tight-fitting, moisture-wicking, and comfortable.

2 pairs long underwear bottom – This will be your bottom base layer for colder mornings, evenings, and days when the temperature drops considerably. The material is lightweight, tight-fitting, moisture-wicking, and comfortable.

Warm pants – These pants are ideal for evenings around the camp and cold days on the trail. Typically made of lightweight fleece and Wind Pro material, these pants should offer the added warmth in case of cold nights or high winds on the summit.

Fleece Top – This Polartec® 200 weight top will provide added warmth during the evenings as well as on a cold morning starts. Please look for fleece material and stay away from cotton sweatshirts.  Ideally, this item is worn over the thermal base layer and underneath your water/windproof jacket.

2 pairs Shorts/Pants for Hiking- These convertible shorts/pants will be what we hike in every day. They should be of a lightweight, quick-drying nylon material. Some come with UPF protection and mosquito protection.

2 pairs long or short sleeve shirts for the trail – Your trekking shirt is what we should wear early in the climb in warmer climates. The shirt is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and designed for multi-day hikes.

Mid-Layer Top – This shirt is a long sleeve version of the one provided above. The long sleeve trail shirt offers added warmth, more protection from the sun, and an additional layer for evenings and early morning starts.

Warm Hat – This fleece or wool hat is ideal for evenings and will be valuable in the event of cold weather and temperatures on the summit. The hat should be tight fitting with minimal loose ends.

Lightweight Gloves – Fleece gloves are essential. Look for gloves that are Polartec® 200 weight with leather reinforced palm. For more protection windproofing is available and will add an extra layer of warmth.

Balaclava – The balaclava provides added warmth on summit day and colder evening. The balaclava should be of synthetic or wool material, lightweight, and close-fitting.

Sun hat – Your sun hat should be worn at the lower camps and should provide ample coverage for the face. A full brimmed hat is good for added shade and increased sun protection. Additionally, a neck scarf should also be considered to protect the back of the neck”.

Waterproof breathable Gaiters – Your gaiters should be lightweight and durable. Look for Gore-Tex lined with the ability to fit over your boots. Velcro or adjustable sides for easy access is recommended.

Down Jacket – 800 fill down jacket will add much need warmth for cold evenings as well as the added layers for summit day. Down is recommended for its compressibility and is comfortable around camp in the early nights on the climb. Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Marmot, and North Face are brands the guides wear. ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

Head Lamp- Petzl® and Black Diamond® make several models of small and efficient headlamps. Look for ones that have multiple lighting levels, LED bulbs, and uses AAA batteries. * Please bring at least 3 sets of spare batteries to ensure ample lighting on your summit attempt.

Camp shoes (Teva, Crocs, Sandals) – These are great for around camp after a long day on the trail. These can also be used for creek crossings that may be higher than the boot. Flip flops work well in warmer climates but are not as effective during cold nights.

Hydrator – Hydrators are ideal when hiking for several hours because they enable you to drink slowly and frequently. 2-3 liters is a good size and should fit easily into your pack. All Camelbaks® come with a bite valve, or on/off switch, as well as a large access port for filling.  You must bring a NEOPRENE SLEEVE for the hose to prevent freezing.

Bug Spray – DEET based products work well and we find that the spray-on versions last longer and are less messy. 4-6 ounce repellents that are perspiration and splash resistant are great.

Sun Screen – 30 SPF or higher is recommended as well as waterproof and sweatproof. 8 ounces will be plenty and we typically carry one with 45+ SPF for our faces and a 30 SPF for other exposed areas. Banana Boat, REI, Kinesis, and All-Terrain are good options.

2 wide mount water bottle – A 1-liter water bottle is essential for hydrating at lunch, around the camp, and refilling throughout the day. Stay away from glass and heavy metals and look for lexan® for durability. * For males, a third water bottle should be considered for use as a potty at night and must be labeled accordingly.

Pillow– A Thermarest® pillow that compresses down or folds into itself is ideal. A good benchmark for size and weight is 18 X 14 inches and 9 ounces total.

Dry Bag – A 20 liter + dry bag is great for ensuring your personal items are safe in case of rain. Cameras, wallets, money, and any other valuables can be kept dry at all times.

Pack Cover – The pack cover is an additional item we recommend everyone carry in case we encounter heavy rains.  The pack cover should have a drawstring cord and elastic edges to fit firmly over your bag. A 40-liter cover will work well on any day pack.

Trekking Poles – Collapsible poles are great for steep downhill terrain and assistance up the hill. If you have knee problems they reduce the impact on your joints by 20-30%. A nice soft foam grip will help prevent blisters and the poles with an aluminum shaft are durable and lightweight.

Camp Towel – the camp towel should be of a polyester-nylon blend that dries quickly and compacts tightly in your pack. The large (50 X 27 inches) is a good size and can be used to wash up at the end of the day. Stay away from the house or beach towels.  KILIMANJARO PACKING LIST WITH KILIPEAK ADVENTURE OPTIONAL ITEMS: Camera  Paperback book Journal with pen or pencil Person First Aid Kiband, moleskin or second skin, Ibuprofen, Aspirin) Hand sanitizer Sani-wipes Hand & feet warmers (2X) – Gel/ air activated are best Bandanna Cell phone (with solar charger e.g. solar monkey charger) since you tri and quad-band phones work on Kilimanjaro Flavored chocolate/energy bars for snacks A supply or rehydrate sachets 2 extra garbage bags for waterproofing and separating dirty laundry Earplugs iPod or MP3 player Pocket knife Water-flavoring to mask the iodine taste in the purified water Read the full article

[jsskkaa-etc]

All Chicken Dill Everythangg

So, I’ve had people try my family’s chicken dill recipe before and swear it is the best thing they have ever tasted. This recipe is to show you how to make the salad portion which is actually super easy. Once you’ve made the Chicken dill salad you can use it however you wish, It is really good on Croissants or Kings Hawaiian rolls (As Sliders) I mean, I’m sure it’s good on most everything. Lol. You can eat it with tortilla chips for a snack or all by itself. It is good for people on low carb and #Keto diets because it is all fat and protein. You could also make it with cooked Salmon instead of chicken. Whatever floats your boat. 

The ones above, I made tonight for dinner. They contain **this** (meaning the one i’m currently writing about) chicken dill recipe. I also added a piece of provolone cheese underneath and the bun is a toasted Kings Hawaiian bun. It goes great with most sides, I just used a microwave mac and cheese (Bob Evans) from the local grocery store because i didn't have much time for dinner tonight and it’s also my cheat day. Lol. Also, Instead of provolone cheese or with it you can add romaine lettuce for a nice crisp crunch or a tomato for a fresher take on it. Like i said before, if you know the most basic of cooking skills, this recipe is super easy and it is great for diets (esp. Keto or Low carb) or meal prep because you can make a ton of it an once if need be.

This recipe probably makes enough chicken dill to make about 10 of those sliders up there.

Here is what you need: 

2 pounds of uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast

1/2 cup of fresh dill, finely chopped (you can use dried dill as well but i think it tastes much better with fresh stuff)

1/2 cup or 3 stalks of green onion (shallots), finely chopped.

1 cup of REAL mayonnaise (not miracle whip, it has to be mayo) you can also use the Kewpie brand mayonnaise if you’re feelin’ extra. also, if you feel this isn’t enough mayo you obviously can add as much as you like.

This is probably a good time to tell you that if you don’t like mayonnaise you wont like this recipe. scroll down because there are other good posts before this! Lol.

granulated garlic, salt and pepper to taste.

cooking spray or a tablespoon of olive oil.

if you’re following the recipe to make the sliders above you want to get a package of kings Hawaiian Rolls.

You’ll also need a large mixing bowl, a medium sized cooking sheet, a large spoon, a sharp knife(s),cutting board(s) and obviously a towel(s).

Read the whole recipe once through because you’ll see

Preheat your oven to 400 Degrees

Put the towel down underneath your cutting board because it helps it stay in place, you don’t want to lose a digit all for the sake of chicken dill. Get your chicken out (2 lbs) which is normally about two big chicken breasts, Cut the necessary fat off the chicken and then cut them in half length wise. This will help them cook faster otherwise it would take much longer. Were going to cut them again after they’ve been cooked so it doesn’t matter what they look like. 

Spray or oil up the cooking sheet, and place the chicken on the sheet. Put it in the oven for 10-15 Minutes or until the biggest piece of chicken is 165 degrees inside and Obviously not pink at all. 

Whilst you’re waiting for your chicken to cook you’re going to do the rest.

MAKE SURE you wash your hands before you touch anything else with your chicken hands and make sure you get a new cutting board or thoroughly wash the one you used for the chicken, if you’re going to use the same area to finish the recipe I suggest cleaning everything up and wiping down the area with bleach before continuing the recipe because nothing will be cooked from this point on and No one Likes Salmonella.

Place a NEW towel under your Clean/other cutting board. First take the Fresh dill (1/2 cup) to the cutting board, You’re going to want to take all the dill off the stalks, no stalks in my chicken dill, probably not in yours either. Once this is done, With a clean/other knife (I worked in a kitchen for most of my life and I’m so weird about sanitation) you will finely chop the dill.

Next, take the green onion stalks and chop them from the end all the way to where they connect with the other pieces at the bottom of the stalk.

when you’re done chopping you can put both of those in the big mixing bowl. 

Now go to the bathroom,Change the laundry over or let the dogs out, Whatever, you have to wait until the chicken is done. 

Once your chicken is done, with an oven mitt, take it out and very carefully (cus it’s hot) lay them on a clean plate and let them sit there until the chicken has fully cooled off and is no longer warm to the touch.

Once your chicken has chilled out, you’re going to take it over to the cutting board that you still have out because I didn’t say to put it away (gotcha) and cut the chicken into little cubes, as big as you like But you might want to cut them neatly because people will see this chicken and they will judge you (Lol) Put the cut chicken into the mixing bowl with the spices and mix them all together well with your spoon.

Now it’s time to add the mayo, Put the mayo (1 cup) in the bowl with everything else and add your salt and pepper and granulated garlic. (you can literally use whatever spices you want but those are the ones I use) MIX everything together well. Cover and chill in the fridge until you’re ready to eat it (give it at least 10 minutes ya savage)

Now the chicken world is yours to take by storm, you can make chicken dill salad, chicken dill croissants, chicken dill pizza, chicken dill pasta, Chicken dill tacos, Cajun chicken dill, chicken dill sandwiches.. you get the idea...had to have my Bubba moment.

Well. that’s all for now my dears! I hope you enjoy the recipe! If you have questions or requests Email me at Hexubajessica@gmail.com or message me on my Instagram which is @Jsskkaa.etc

See You Next Time!!

[riseofawarrior]

            How YOU Can Help Houston Flood Victims

                                 From Both Near & Far

                                      by Kelly D  in Houston

We feel helpless. Watching flood victims being evacuated from their homes and families all across our city {even several from the HMB Team} left with nothing. Our city is in a state of devastation.  And not just in the literal sense, but in the physical, emotional, and psychological sense too.  Our hearts are truly aching for the beautiful city we call home, and for those of us who have somehow been spared — we are yearning to help however we can.

Right here, right now, our community is in dire need of so much help, namely a reprieve from the rain, winds, and tornadoes that continue to terrorize our city.  But unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there.  As we know all too well, the Houston community will continue to need aid in the days, weeks, and even months to come. So while we know we are still in the thick of Harvey’s devastation, we have begun compiling a list of tangible ways that you can join us in beginning to help those affected by the Houston floods. From volunteering your time to small gestures you can do in your own home, we hope you’ll join us in rallying around our city in its greatest time of need...

                                        Monetary Donations

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund :: The City of Houston has established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. The organization is accepting tax deductible donations in the form of checks, money orders, bank wire transfers, stock, corporate bonds, and other marketable securities.

Houston Flood Relief Fund :: Our beloved JJ Watt, Houston Texans’ #99, has also set up an online fundraiser called the Houston Flood Relief Fund.  He has graciously donated $100,000 to get the fund started and is personally rallying his troops to continue to raise funds.

American Red Cross :: The American Red Cross is also accepting donations via text {text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation}, phone {call 1-800-RED-CROSS}, and on the American Red Cross website.

The Salvation Army :: Support the tremendous efforts of The Salvation Army by donating online, by mail {PO Box 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301}, or by phone {1-800-SAL-ARMY}. (Providing food, shelter and clothing to flood victims)

DonorsChoose.org :: DonorsChoose.org currently has a fund going to help Houston teachers rebuild and restock their classrooms with materials such as books, furniture, technology, and so much more.

                           Volunteer Opportunities

NVOAD :: Wanting to donate your time, trade, or resources?  Houston welcomes the help with open arms! FEMA is encouraging people {not just Houstonians!} who are searching for volunteer opportunities to connect with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster {NVOAD} online.

Volunteer Houston :: Volunteer Houston is a group that connects people with volunteer opportunities that fit their skills or lifestyle. You can enter your information and get updates on areas of town that have a need.

Red Cross :: The Red Cross is in urgent need of volunteers locally here in Houston, and they have made the application process very easy so you can begin donating your time ASAP.

The Salvation Army :: The Salvation Army is also in urgent need of volunteers at their shelters. Contact them directly for current locations in need as well as opportunities and schedules.

Houston Food Bank :: As soon as travel is safe to the main warehouse again, the Houston Food Bankwill need volunteers {as well as product donations} to help feed our city.  Stay tuned to their Facebook page for the latest updates and needs.

Samaritan’s Purse :: If you’re the handy type, then Samaritan’s Purse is a great place to find volunteer opportunities.  Their organization helps communities rebuild after disasters, and they do everything from roof work to debris removal and cleaning up — which as you can imagine, we will need so much of.

Help Your Friends in Need :: Know someone who has been directly impacted by the flooding?  As soon as it’s safe to venture out, head to the stores, stock up on supplies, and then show up at their door.  Chances are, your friends will be feeling completely overwhelmed, so your unprompted support will mean the world.  Here’s a few items you can grab on your way over…

Bleach

Gloves

Spray Bottles

Masks

Trash Bags {lots of them!}

Tarps

Towels

Paper Towels

Spray Cleaners

Bug Spray

Mops

Sponges

Boxes / Plastic Storage Containers

Permanent Markers

Packing Tape

Food & Water

Manual can openers

                                    Product Donations

Donate Food :: Food banks across Houston and the entire coastal region are currently assisting flood victims as best they can.  Contribute to Feeding Texas by donating ready-to-eat basics like pop-top meat / fish, powdered milk, cereal, fruit cups, peanut butter, etc. In addition, cleaning supplies such as bleach and paper towels are also needed.

Donate Diapers :: The Texas Diaper Bank is frantically helping to coordinate diaper donations to those in need.  Connect with their Facebook page to learn more, or make it incredibly easy by purchasing items off their Amazon wishlist.

Donate Blood :: Hospitals across Texas are facing major blood shortages right now.  The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center is seeking blood donations {especially O negative and O positive blood} in an effort to provide trauma centers with ample supplies as they see an influx in patients throughout this disaster.

Donate Shelter :: Have a space to stay that you can offer?  Airbnb is helping coordinate those looking for shelter with people who have extra space.  Visit the Airbnb website for more info and to list your space for those in need.

                                Get the Kids Involved

Don’t think that giving back has to end with the adults … get your kids involved too! While we wish this devastation would have never happened, the silver lining is that it is a tremendous opportunity to teach our children about giving back to others while building support among the communities where they are being raised.  Here’s just a few ideas as a jumping off point…

Care for the Furry Flood Victims :: Many pets have been displaced during the floods. The Houston Humane Society is currently running a skeleton crew since many of their employees and volunteers have been displaced, but we can imagine they would gladly welcome any items off their wish list, especially items such as towels, cat litter, puppy food, and hand sanitizer.

Get Crafty :: There is nothing sweeter than getting a handmade note from a kid. Let your child make cards that can be put in with food boxes at the food bank or with meal deliveries. You can even have them make cards with well wishes or thanks for the volunteers.

Make Food and/or Goody Bags :: Have the family make sandwiches and drive around delivering them to volunteers and flood victims who may be busy cleaning up. Just be sure to check the road conditions first, and NEVER drive into areas with active flooding. You can also stuff warm socks with a water bottle and sandwich for a little package delivery. {Nothing feels better than clean socks, right?}

Give Thanks to Our First Responders :: Show some love to firefighters, police, and other first responders who are working major overtime right now. Make cookies, cards, or other treats and deliver them when travel is safe and the roadways are completely clear.

                                            Content Source

[kristablogs]

Everything you need to know about cleaning public surfaces in a pandemic

You definitely don't need to carry signs like these around with you. (Oliver Hale/Unsplash/)

Follow all of PopSci’s COVID-19 coverage here, including travel advice, pregnancy concerns, and the latest findings on the virus itself.

In these dark and confusing times, hygiene is undergoing something of a renaissance.

Since COVID-19 made landfall in the U.S. this January, disinfecting sprays and wipes have flown off shelves, triggering shortages nationwide as concerned citizens scramble to sanitize the countless surfaces they touch. From subway poles to shopping carts and doorknobs, few objects have been spared.

With hygiene heroes like hand-washing already on our side, this frenzied cleaning craze might seem like overkill. And, to be clear, disinfecting common spaces is not a replacement for thoroughly sudsing up your grubby mitts with soap. But in the spirit of limiting exposure to this new coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, we could all be a little more conscientious about sanitizing the things in our environments we touch most often—especially with our bare hands.

These behaviors are especially relevant now that researchers have some evidence that, with the right temperature and humidity, SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious for quite a long time after it’s sneezed or coughed out of an infected individual. In recently reported laboratory experiments—which have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal—scientists puffed the pathogen into air or applied it to a series of surfaces. Under these strictly controlled conditions, the virus remained detectable up to three hours in the air, up to a day on cardboard, and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

The real world is far more chaotic than the inside of a lab, and viral viability will undoubtedly vary from place to place. But these estimates still leave plenty of time for the virus to accumulate on surfaces made of these materials, from subway poles to gym equipment, says Elodie Ghedin, a virologist and epidemiologist at New York University’s School of Global Public Health. From there, SARS-CoV-2 can easily contaminate your hands and hitch a ride into your body when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Luckily, this particular virus is a vulnerable one. Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency published a hefty list of disinfectants with ingredients known to destroy coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2. Many of them contain ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or a bit of bleach as their active agent. All three of these chemicals are commonly used in microbiology labs, and work by wreaking havoc on proteins—the basic units that keep cells and viruses functioning. Alcohols can also disrupt the fatty outer coatings that shroud many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, preventing them from latching onto and invading new cells.

Not all formulations will work, though. Be wary of products that rely solely on chlorhexidine, a common antimicrobial that works on many pathogens but appears to leave coronaviruses intact. Another dead end? Things that contain only antibiotics, which act against bacteria, not viruses.

Pick your chemicals carefully

Sprayed liberally onto a surface, many disinfectants need only seconds to start their not-so-dirty work, says Efraín Rivera Serrano, a virologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But people should wait several minutes to let the liquids engulf and destroy the microbes before wiping them away. “It’s a chemical reaction,” Rivera Serrano says. “You have to allow time for that.”

Disinfectant wipes can work too, he adds, though they need to be well-soaked to actually serve up enough of the necessary chemical cocktail to dispatch the pathogens in question. Because they pick up entire swaths of microbes, wipes also can’t be reused, making them convenient but wasteful, says Carol Reiss, a virologist at NYU.

If a surface is visibly filthy, though, simply coating it with disinfecting chemicals won’t do much good—all that gunk can cloak and protect the pathogens you’re trying to destroy, says Robyn Gershon, an occupational and environmental health and safety researcher at NYU. Soap and clean water will need to mount the first attack—a solid sudsing will physically strip grit, grime, and germs away. Soap can also damage the same viral envelopes that are sensitive to alcohol. After the schmutz is gone, a thorough spritzing with disinfectant can destroy any infectious stragglers.

Not all surfaces are worth your time

Of course, none of us have time to disinfect every surface we come into contact with—nor is that strategy practical. Both Rivera Serrano and Gershon recommend focusing on the surfaces your bare hands contact most frequently. At home, that might include faucets, light switches, and handles; in the workplace (if you’re still going), things like keyboards, phones, cash registers, and desk surfaces might be in need of a good swab. Less worth your time? Things that contact your heinie but not your hands, like a bus seat.

One oft-forgotten culprit is the omnipresent cell phone, a veritable cesspool of microbes that makes frequent contact with fingers and faces alike. “My cell phone is the object I touch the most,” Ghedin says. “I suspect it’s teeming with stuff. If you clean your hands but not your cell phone, you’re recontaminating your hands every time.”

Most challenging of all, however, are surfaces in public spaces visited by hordes of people on a daily basis: transportation hubs, grocery stores, gyms, and more. Out there, it’s virtually impossible to clean a surface frequently enough to keep it perpetually clean, says Akiko Iwasaki, a virologist at Yale University.

Experts are now stressing the importance of social distancing—literally, staying away from other people (and crowded places) as much as possible to stem the spread of disease. When outings are necessary, you can avoid some contamination by putting physical barriers, like gloves or paper towels, between yourself and commonly touched objects, Gershon says. If your bare hand must make contact, then yes, feel free to go ape with the disinfectant—especially if it puts your mind at ease. But, Gershon stresses, don’t make that your only plan of attack.

Under most circumstances, we can’t control what’s on public surfaces, Gershon says. Instead, prioritize what you do have an immense influence over: the cleanliness of your own body.

Above all, personal hygiene matters most

Contagious as this new coronavirus is, it can’t do its job until it hits your airway and finds some living cells to attack. Touching a contaminated surface does not guarantee infection: SARS-CoV-2 can still be halted in its tracks by a bout of hand-washing or, as a second choice, a slathering of some alcohol-based sanitizer.

In a way, your hands are just another surface to clean and disinfect, and many of the same chemical rules of the road apply: Lathering up and giving your hands a good ol’ 20-second scrub both removes and damages pathogens; when soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol content can blitz many of those same bugs out of existence, as long as you let the gel fully air-dry on your skin. But don’t spray disinfectants on your skin, especially those containing bleach, which is no friend to living cells. Following the instructions on a label is always a good idea.

“You have a better chance of protecting yourself by protecting you than protecting a seat or a pole,” Gershon says. Keeping your distance, and your hands clean—“really, that’s about all you can do.”

[scootoaster]

Everything you need to know about cleaning public surfaces in a pandemic

You definitely don't need to carry signs like these around with you. (Oliver Hale/Unsplash/)

Follow all of PopSci’s COVID-19 coverage here, including travel advice, pregnancy concerns, and the latest findings on the virus itself.

In these dark and confusing times, hygiene is undergoing something of a renaissance.

Since COVID-19 made landfall in the U.S. this January, disinfecting sprays and wipes have flown off shelves, triggering shortages nationwide as concerned citizens scramble to sanitize the countless surfaces they touch. From subway poles to shopping carts and doorknobs, few objects have been spared.

With hygiene heroes like hand-washing already on our side, this frenzied cleaning craze might seem like overkill. And, to be clear, disinfecting common spaces is not a replacement for thoroughly sudsing up your grubby mitts with soap. But in the spirit of limiting exposure to this new coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, we could all be a little more conscientious about sanitizing the things in our environments we touch most often—especially with our bare hands.

These behaviors are especially relevant now that researchers have some evidence that, with the right temperature and humidity, SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious for quite a long time after it’s sneezed or coughed out of an infected individual. In recently reported laboratory experiments—which have yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal—scientists puffed the pathogen into air or applied it to a series of surfaces. Under these strictly controlled conditions, the virus remained detectable up to three hours in the air, up to a day on cardboard, and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

The real world is far more chaotic than the inside of a lab, and viral viability will undoubtedly vary from place to place. But these estimates still leave plenty of time for the virus to accumulate on surfaces made of these materials, from subway poles to gym equipment, says Elodie Ghedin, a virologist and epidemiologist at New York University’s School of Global Public Health. From there, SARS-CoV-2 can easily contaminate your hands and hitch a ride into your body when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Luckily, this particular virus is a vulnerable one. Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency published a hefty list of disinfectants with ingredients known to destroy coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2. Many of them contain ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or a bit of bleach as their active agent. All three of these chemicals are commonly used in microbiology labs, and work by wreaking havoc on proteins—the basic units that keep cells and viruses functioning. Alcohols can also disrupt the fatty outer coatings that shroud many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, preventing them from latching onto and invading new cells.

Not all formulations will work, though. Be wary of products that rely solely on chlorhexidine, a common antimicrobial that works on many pathogens but appears to leave coronaviruses intact. Another dead end? Things that contain only antibiotics, which act against bacteria, not viruses.

Pick your chemicals carefully

Sprayed liberally onto a surface, many disinfectants need only seconds to start their not-so-dirty work, says Efraín Rivera Serrano, a virologist at North Carolina State University. But people should wait several minutes to let the liquids engulf and destroy the microbes before wiping them away. “It’s a chemical reaction,” Rivera Serrano says. “You have to allow time for that.”

Disinfectant wipes can work too, he adds, though they need to be well-soaked to actually serve up enough of the necessary chemical cocktail to dispatch the pathogens in question. Because they pick up entire swaths of microbes, wipes also can’t be reused, making them convenient but wasteful, says Carol Reiss, a virologist at NYU.

If a surface is visibly filthy, though, simply coating it with disinfecting chemicals won’t do much good—all that gunk can cloak and protect the pathogens you’re trying to destroy, says Robyn Gershon, an occupational and environmental health and safety researcher at NYU. Soap and clean water will need to mount the first attack—a solid sudsing will physically strip grit, grime, and germs away. Soap can also damage the same viral envelopes that are sensitive to alcohol. After the schmutz is gone, a thorough spritzing with disinfectant can destroy any infectious stragglers.

Not all surfaces are worth your time

Of course, none of us have time to disinfect every surface we come into contact with—nor is that strategy practical. Both Rivera Serrano and Gershon recommend focusing on the surfaces your bare hands contact most frequently. At home, that might include faucets, light switches, and handles; in the workplace (if you’re still going), things like keyboards, phones, cash registers, and desk surfaces might be in need of a good swab. Less worth your time? Things that contact your heinie but not your hands, like a bus seat.

One oft-forgotten culprit is the omnipresent cell phone, a veritable cesspool of microbes that makes frequent contact with fingers and faces alike. “My cell phone is the object I touch the most,” Ghedin says. “I suspect it’s teeming with stuff. If you clean your hands but not your cell phone, you’re recontaminating your hands every time.”

Most challenging of all, however, are surfaces in public spaces visited by hordes of people on a daily basis: transportation hubs, grocery stores, gyms, and more. Out there, it’s virtually impossible to clean a surface frequently enough to keep it perpetually clean, says Akiko Iwasaki, a virologist at Yale University.

Experts are now stressing the importance of social distancing—literally, staying away from other people (and crowded places) as much as possible to stem the spread of disease. When outings are necessary, you can avoid some contamination by putting physical barriers, like gloves or paper towels, between yourself and commonly touched objects, Gershon says. If your bare hand must make contact, then yes, feel free to go ape with the disinfectant—especially if it puts your mind at ease. But, Gershon stresses, don’t make that your only plan of attack.

Under most circumstances, we can’t control what’s on public surfaces, Gershon says. Instead, prioritize what you do have an immense influence over: the cleanliness of your own body.

Above all, personal hygiene matters most

Contagious as this new coronavirus is, it can’t do its job until it hits your airway and finds some living cells to attack. Touching a contaminated surface does not guarantee infection: SARS-CoV-2 can still be halted in its tracks by a bout of hand-washing or, as a second choice, a slathering of some alcohol-based sanitizer.

In a way, your hands are just another surface to clean and disinfect, and many of the same chemical rules of the road apply: Lathering up and giving your hands a good ol’ 20-second scrub both removes and damages pathogens; when soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol content can blitz many of those same bugs out of existence, as long as you let the gel fully air-dry on your skin. But don’t spray disinfectants on your skin, especially those containing bleach, which is no friend to living cells. Following the instructions on a label is always a good idea.

“You have a better chance of protecting yourself by protecting you than protecting a seat or a pole,” Gershon says. Keeping your distance, and your hands clean—“really, that’s about all you can do.”

[mychores-blog1]

Everything you should know about cleaning washrooms and toilets

The cleaning of the toilets is fundamental for the hygiene of those who use them. The bathrooms of the home, those of the office or public toilets are the elements that can concentrate a greater amount of dirt and are a breeding ground for the proliferation of organisms harmful to health. The concentration of humidity, the excess of lime and a continuous and frequent use make the cleaning special. Cleaning is essential in these areas. With patience and willing to work hard it is possible for you to thoroughly clean the bathroom but good cleaning is always credited to professional bathroom cleaning services providers.

The pillars of sanitation cleaning are

Ventilation

Ablution

Disinfection

The first thing to do is to make good ventilation in the bathrooms. The window opening or aeration of the room will prevent excess moisture. Ventilation will help dissipate the concentrated malodor that is generated by use. Poor ventilation is also responsible for the appearance of mold. He is responsible for those unsightly black spots that are usually located in the joints of surfaces, sanitary appliances, tiles and screens.

The action of cleaning or washing the different surfaces with the right products and in the order required is essential to eliminate visible dirt.

Cleaning with soap and water does not necessarily mean disinfecting surfaces. The toilets require a cleaning that guarantees a disinfection of the appliances and the floors of the bathrooms. For this, it is necessary to have disinfectant procedures and products that end up with microorganisms harmful to our health.

Steps for a public bathroom cleaning

The cleaning of the toilets of offices, shopping centers and public places requires expert personnel in this type of cleaning, although normally bathroom cleaning services providers are responsible for training and qualifying their staff, here we leave the steps to be performed leaving the toilets clean and disinfected.

Place the danger markers.

Change bins, cleaning them and placing new garbage bags.

Pull the chain and spray the toilets with the descaling product, let it act.

Replace consumables, soap, towels and toilet paper.

Start cleaning the upper area, removing all types of debris or stains from tiles and doors.

Clean mirror and sinks with disinfectant products. Drying them well with a clean cloth. (use different wipes for mirrors and glass and another for toilets, never mix)

Scrub the inside of the toilet vigorously with the brush and pull the chain.

Clean on the outside, starting with the seat and going down to the floor, with disinfectant.

Remove the danger sign and clean the utensils you have used.

5 practical tricks to clean washrooms and toilets

Although they are not usually harmful, it is always convenient that, when we use any of these remedies to clean the toilet, we put on both gloves and face masks to avoid irritations.

The toilet is one of the elements of the home that we use the most every day. For this reason and for hygiene and maintenance, it is essential to clean and disinfect it recurrently. It is recommended that you have a clean and odor free appearance, as this harmonizes the entire bathroom and allows us to relax more easily at the time of use.

However, due to the accumulation of germs, moisture and other substances that make contact with its surface, it is common to have tartar spots that are very difficult to remove. This problem, characterized by a yellowish or brown coloration, is usually generated by the accumulation of calcium and other minerals present in the water supply.

Although the industry offers a wide variety of chemical products to minimize their appearance, many discourage their use because of the environmental impact they imply. The good news is that there are ecological solutions that, made with natural ingredients, help to remove it without affecting the environment or health.

Ingredients Steps:

White vinegar and lemon

The combination of white vinegar and lemon is a natural disinfectant par excellence that, for decades, has represented an ecological way to keep many surfaces clean.

In this special case it is quite useful. The natural acids of both ingredients easily decompose the tartar deposits of the bath. Its application significantly reduces stains and, in passing, removes microorganisms that cause bad odors.

½ cup of white vinegar (125 ml)

One lemon's juice

Add the juice of a lemon in half a cup of white vinegar and rub the mixture vigorously over the areas you want to clean.

Depending on the type of stain, you can use an abrasive sponge or sandpaper to facilitate the task.

Cola and bicarbonate soft drink

It is very likely that you have ever seen a video of the cola stunt as an option to unclog the toilets and drains. What you may not have known is that their compounds can be combined with other products to remove tartar and stains that form on the surface of the toilet.

1 can of cola (330 ml)

1 cup of white vinegar (250 ml)

3 tablespoons of baking soda (30 g)

On the clean toilet, pour the glue making sure to cover the areas where the tartar is concentrated.

Let it act for 30 minutes and brush it.

Then, add the white vinegar and baking soda to obtain an effervescent effect.

Wait for another 15 minutes to act, rub them with a brush and rinse.

Borax

Considered as an excellent cleaning agent, borax is a useful substance to disinfect and bleach the toilet in the home. Although it is a little more aggressive than the previous ingredients, it does not cause strong impacts on the environment or leave volatile compounds harmful to health.

1 can of cola (330 ml)

4 spoons of borax powder (40 g)

1 liter of hot water

Spray the white vinegar on the surface of the bath and let it act 20 minutes.

Rub it with a brush and then add the tablespoons of borax powder.

Make sure you wear gloves and a mask or face mask when handling these ingredients to avoid accidents.

After another 15 minutes, add a liter of hot water and remove the impurities with the help of a sponge.

Sodium bicarbonate with hydrogen peroxide

A paste made with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can be very useful to make this task easier.

Both ingredients offer a natural rinse of the surfaces and, by the way, provide disinfecting effects for a complete cleaning.

½ cup of baking soda (100 g)

2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (20 ml)

The juice of a lemon (optional)

Moisten the sodium bicarbonate with the oxygenated water and use the paste obtained to clean the stains of the toilet.

Rub it with a cloth or abrasive sponge, and allow it to act 20 minutes before rinsing it.

Optionally you can add the juice of a lemon to achieve a more powerful whitening effect.

If you have not yet eliminated the scale of your toilet, choose any of these methods and follow the instructions to end this problem. If you accompany it with a good bathroom freshener, the results will surprise you even more! Always wear gloves and a mask in your mouth to avoid possible irritation. If you don’t want to take the hassle yourself it is always best to contact bathroom cleaning services and get quality cleaning done from them.

[joshuamshea84]

8 tips to help you pack like a pro

Packing is an essential part of travel, and surprisingly, how you pack can have a lot of influence on how much you enjoy your trip. Have you ever traveled with the person who is bogged down with three different bags packed to the brim? It certainly doesn’t make crossing the globe any easier. How about the person who didn’t bring a coat to a cooler climate and is either having to buy something last minute or borrow from others? Don’t let this be you.

There is a delicate balance between packing light and having the things that you need. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that balance on your upcoming trip.

1. Use a capsule wardrobe.

A capsule wardrobe is a selection of clothing pieces that go well together so you can mix and match. For example, bring two pairs of pants that match all your tops, or a long sleeve shirt you can wear over all of your short-sleeved shirts. Bring accessories you can re-purpose, such as a scarf that can be used as a blanket on the plane or shoes that you can wear with all your outfits. Bring comfortable, loose clothing that you don’t mind spending the whole day in. Avoid white clothing, which can get stained easily.

2. Use travel sized bottles for your toiletries and pack them in a compact travel pouch.

There is no sense in bringing your full-sized shampoo bottles. Bring only what you need in small plastic containers. One handy tip to keep them from leaking is to put a small square of plastic wrap over the mouth of the bottle, then screw on the top. This will keep your bottles from leaking. Putting them in a pouch will keep them together so you can find them quickly when you need them. Pro tip: Include a small spray bottle of Febreze to keep clothing smelling fresh throughout the trip.

3. Leave towels, bedding or bulky items at home.

All the hotels where we will stay will provide bedding and towels. There’s no sense in filling your suitcase with literal fluff. A sarong or camping towel is a nice light alternative for cases when you might need a towel in between stops. But if you don’t want to even bother with that, you will probably get by without. Some hotels in Europe do not provide washcloths, so if you use one regularly that would also be a packable option to bring.

4. Bring one jacket and several layers.

Some of our destinations can be cooler at night or rainy. A jacket, especially one that doubles as a rain jacket, is crucial. Even for warmer destinations, it often cools at night or gets cold on the plane, so you will be glad you have something warmer. You can use combinations of lighter layers to make the jacket warmer or cooler.

5. Roll your clothes instead of folding them when you pack.

Rolling clothes will take up less space in your suitcase than folding. You can further save space by putting items in compression bags or gallon-sized plastic bags and squeezing out the air. This has the side benefit of keeping clean clothes fresher as you are traveling. Just be mindful that airlines restrict the weight of your checked bag generally to 50 pounds or less.

6. Leave valuables at home.

There is a lot you can live without for two weeks. Plus, why add the stress of having to worry about an expensive item or be looking for a safe at every hotel? You will likely be distracted and not as attentive to your valuables. We would hate for you to have anything stolen or misplaced. If you don’t absolutely need it, leave it at home.

7. Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair of sandals.

You will be on your feet a lot during our tours, so a good set of shoes is essential. Sandals can be used for dressier occasions, leisure time, and swimming. You’ll be thankful for comfortable walking shoes on long days when our tours take you to places that require lots of walking. Make sure you break them in before your trip if they are new to avoid blisters on your vacation.

8. Pack a small backpack.

One small backpack is great for carrying daily items you might need on your trip, such as a water bottle, wallet, sunscreen, medications or hand sanitizer. It can also double as your carry-on bag, so you can skip an extra bag roller or duffle. A backpack is also more comfortable during long walks than shoulder bags and more maneuverable than a rolling suitcase.

Did we mention you should pack light?

It is a pain to haul a suitcase up and down stairs, in and out of airports, and to and from stops. Our tours often move from hotel to hotel. Think how much time you will waste on your trip gathering your things up and repacking every few days. The more you have, the more likely you are to leave things behind. Trying to keep track of multiple bags, especially in a group, can be tricky during transfers. The general rule of thumb is to lay out everything you think you will need, then put away half of it. There is so much to see and experience; why spend your precious time worrying about all your stuff when you could be enjoying your new surroundings? For more tips on trip preparation, check out our FAQs.

Looking for other travel tips? Download our free travel checklist!

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