Amanda Alvarado

Are you struggling to find last minute Christmas gift ideas? Let me help you!

I was struggling myself until I came up with this list, so I hope that it helps you out, as well. Here are some of my best last minute Christmas gift ideas.

An Experience

Material things are great and all, but there is nothing better in life than a good memory of time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. Many times, a memory will last longer than a material thing anyway! One of the greatest parts about gifting an experience is that it can be as inexpensive as a local hike or a couple of movie tickets, or as extravagant as a vacation with the family to another state or country. You can make your gift unique and personal by picking an experience that is special for the person you are giving it to, such as a cooking subscription or a cooking class for a friend who loves to cook, or piano lessons for your friend who has been wanting to learn to play an instrument. Not only will the gift be meaningful, but the memories will last a lifetime.

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

Memories aren’t the only gifts that last for more than Christmas day - if you want to gift something that won’t be tossed into the pile of short-lived excitement, try a gift that keeps on giving, or something that will continue to be a gift or surprise even after it is opened once! Subscription services are a wonderful example of this, and there are so many to choose from! If you have a loved one who is very stressed out, consider a weekly or monthly massage subscription. For your friend who loves to cook, a food subscription would be very valued! For your girls (or guys) who live on red wine, check out some wine subscription services. There is something for everyone!

A Plaque or Nameplate

If you have someone in your life that has recently accomplished something huge, think about gifting them with a plaque to celebrate them. A custom plaque from East Point Foundry is a great gift for commemorating important people and institutions. Bronze has been a staple in history to honor and memorialize the living and dead alike, says East Point Foundry.

“Whether exemplary service in mankind, or a commitment to excellence, East Point Foundry takes this cause very seriously, which is why we hand-craft every Bronze Plaque, start to finish right in our 100% American made Foundry located in Atlanta, Georgia since 1948.” Your plaque - no matter if aluminum or bronze - will be 100% unique and designed/approved by you to ensure perfection. You can choose from different borders, textures, and more to make it unique. You can provide East Point Foundry with exact specific dimensions, or a big picture idea. Either way, they will meet and then exceed the challenge and your expectations for your gift. In addition to plaques, they also offer nameplates, lettering, sculptings, and more.

A Gift That Gives Back

There are so many gifts that give back and I feel like every single year, there are even more options! For example, originally, the trend used to be supporting or “adopting” an animal in need. Now, there are still those great gift options, but there are also gift options that can benefit other charities around the world. For example, Toms has donated over 60 million pairs of shoes with its buy a pair, give a pair program. That means that for every pair you gift during Christmastime, that is one pair of shoes that is given to someone in need.

Smart Home Products

Smart home products are there to make your life easier and in my opinion, every person needs their life to be just a little bit more seamless each day. Products such as an Amazon Alexa (or a Google Home) allow you to control your smart devices in your home, play music in the blink of an eye, or even research recipes and start timers. Having an Alexa or a Google Home is a great hands-free way to get things done more efficiently. For example, they can turn off lights for you when you do not have an extra hand, or even start your washing machine for you later on.

Nest has great smart products, as well such as doorbells, cameras, and smoke detectors. The great thing about Nest products is that you can access them from your phone or computer and you can control them with your Alexa or Google Home. More and more people are also using Nest Cams as baby monitors because they are a safe option and they are easy to access at all times (even away from your home). So, if you know of someone that just had a baby or is pregnant, that might be a great option! Nest’s smoke detectors and thermostats can work seamlessly together and also alert you when there is a potential issue. For example, if there is a fire, your thermostat and fire detector will work together to prevent the fire from spreading. Most thermostats will cool the room after a fire has started because it thinks the room is just getting hotter, but if the Nest fire detector recognizes smoke or carbon monoxide, it will alert your thermostat and your thermostat will automatically shut off your air, which can help prevent the fire from spreading. You will also receive an alert on your phone saying that your fire detector is going off. If you have a Nest Cam, you can see what is going on.

Christmas will be here before you know it! Happy shopping!

xx,

Amanda

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I've got some BIG news to share!

I want to thank Atlanta Peach Movers for sponsoring this post! All opinions are mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this space possible.

Big life changes such as changing jobs, moving states (or even cities!), getting married, graduating from college, and more, has the potential to be very stressful, even if you are more than likely excited for the specific change that you are going through. Why? Because any big change, especially while you are in it, gives you an uneasy feeling because you do not really know what to expect.

A great example of a big life change is changing jobs and guess what? I'm doing just that! I just accepted a new job as a digital content producer working for Gray TV's Digital Content Center in Atlanta. I start in about a month and I'm so excited (and a little nervous!) for this big change. Changing jobs can be hard. Putting in applications and going to interviews take time and really require you to be on your A-game, right? It can be stressful and even a bit scary when you start the application process for new jobs and not to mention how upsetting it can be when you receive a rejection e-mail, but isn't it a great feeling when you get that call with a job offer? This new job I'll be starting is seriously a dream job for me and I'm so excited, but I'll be honest, the process of change can be stressful.

Big life changes can make people feel uneasy, which is upsetting because one you get set into that new change, it’s usually an amazing thing and you look back wondering why you were ever stressed or nervous in the first place. So, to try and avoid as much nervousness as possible, you should try to make your big changes a bit easier on yourself. Here’s a few ways that help me make big life changes easier.

Prepare

First of all, you need to prepare for your life change. To give you an example of a life change, let’s just pretend that you are moving - long distance moving Atlanta. I actually will be moving. I'm in the metro Atlanta area, but I'll be moving closer to my new job. Moving long distance from or to Atlanta definitely needs lots of preparations. First, you need to make sure that you are all set when it comes to where you are moving to and how you are getting there. Then, you need to create a checklist of everything that needs to happen before the move, during the move, and once you move in. This will help you stay on track and will hopefully ease nerves because when I move, I always feel as if I am forgetting something. A way to avoid this completely, or at least limit these feelings, is to be prepared. Of course, if you do not write everything down on your list, this way of preparation could fail and things do also pop up along the way, but as long as you try to prepare as much as possible, then you will most definitely feel better about your big life change.

Gear Up Mentally

Next step to making your big life change a bit easier is by preparing mentally. You need to accept that things are changing and that you might go through a period of transition, but this is okay. This is a natural part of life and most of the time, this will just lead to bigger and better things - good things! You’ve got this, but do not be afraid to work through your emotions (and better to do so before your big life change!).

Set Aside Time

Obviously, a necessary step when it comes to going through a life change is to set aside time. No matter what it is, you are going to have to put in the work and make things happen for yourself. If you are moving, you may have to pack, or at least write up a packing list. If you are changing jobs, you will probably be uncomfortable for the first few weeks (or longer) and you will have to set aside time to get to know your co-workers, learn the ins and outs of the company, and understand what you are supposed to be doing. Every big life change comes with a learning curve and this just involves setting aside time to try and go with that learning curve.

Hire Professionals

With any big life change, one of the best ways to limit the stress put on yourself is by hiring professionals. With moving specifically (especially when it comes to long distance moves), I highly recommend hiring people to help you out. Atlanta Peach Movers believes that your needs are their #1 priority. They offer superior customer service and the safest and most dependable relocation services. Alleviating the stress and confusion of relocating and moving has been their focus for years and their mission is to make relocating a red carpet experience for every single customer. Atlanta Peach Movers leads the way in:

- Experience

- Three decades in the industry

- Government Relocation

- Specialized training in government and municipal needs

- Security

- 24-hour surveillance at our 110,000-square-foot facility

- Training

- All our movers are alumni of Peach University™ and must pass background checks and continuous drug screening.

Treat Yourself

Last but not least, once you are finished with the stressful aspect of your big life change, find time to treat yourself! This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Maybe it’s a new table for the kitchen in your new home, or a new clothing item for your new desk job. Or, maybe you just want to go to a movie, or get a drink. Whatever you consider treating yourself, do it!

Got any exciting changes happening in your life? Let's celebrate each other. Share your news in a comment.

xx,

Amanda

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Post-grad life is an interesting topic. It is such a time of transition.

I want to thank Prestamos Por Oro for sponsoring this post! All opinions are mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this space possible.

After graduating, I had no idea where to start. You go through four (or more) years of your life in college and then they just let you out into the real world with no manual on what to do or where to start when it comes to finding a job, managing your finances, finding a place to live, and more. I was fortune enough to land a job after graduation that aligned with the career path I wanted to pursue, but navigating post-grad life is still a tough time.

If you are graduating college soon, or if you have recently graduated college, keep reading. If you know of someone that will be graduating soon, pass this article their way. Here are my best tips when it comes to surviving the real world after college:

Take Time Finding Your First Job

Okay, this is important. Take time finding your first job. I know it’s instinct to accept the first job that comes your way and sometimes, you will have to accept something that is not your dream job at first (more on this in a bit), but do not rush into a decision because a lot of the time, you will regret it. For example, my friend recently graduated with her masters degree in speech language pathology. Her masters, y’all. She rushed into a position that she was not 100% sold on and now she really regrets it and doesn’t know what to do. Needless to say, please do not rush into any and every position that is thrown your way. We spend so much of our lives at our workplace, so we really need to enjoy what we are doing and where we are working.

Consider Your Commute

This is huge, as well - you need to consider your commute before jumping into a position. Why? Because who wants to spend hours upon hours getting to and from our jobs. Not me. When you choose a position, consider the commute and make sure that it is do-able. My current commute is over an hour. In the future, I'll make sure I'm within 30 minutes of my workplace.

Manage Your Finances

Managing your finances is extremely important after college because it is very, very easy to rack up the high-interest credit card debt at first, when you are trying to figure everything out for yourself. Instead of using your credit cards (which could have interest rates close to 20%), think outside the box, like getting a collateral loan from Prestamos por Oro. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, they provide low-interest loans in cash in exchange for your gold, diamonds, jewelry, and other valuables. As a new college graduate, random expenses pop up and when they do, choose a low-interest collateral loan vs. a high-interest credit card loan. It will definitely benefit you in the long run. Prestamos por Oro has been located in Buckhead less than a block from the Lenox MARTA station for almost 40 years now. You can get your cash the same day, without an appointment, you do not need a credit check, and all you need is your credentials from any country. They even have a new customer special, which is a $10 gas card with each loan! Check out their Facebook page or website today to find out more information about them.

Prioritize Friendships That Matter

After college, friendships can be tough. There’s always that group of people who are still in the “partying every single night” mindset and then there are those people who are in the “can’t party at all mindset.” No matter who you are, there is always a group of people for you. Maybe you do not party at all, or maybe you party once every now and then. Either way, there are the perfect group of friends out there for you and when you find them, you need to make sure to make them a priority in your life because family and good friends are all that matter at the end of the day. Well, and happiness, but that significantly contributes to your happiness. Do not settle for your friends.

The people that matter will make time for you and never make you feel guilty whenever your plans might change. They are the ones who you appreciate the Facetime call and random texts you send them. They are the ones who don't make you feel bad when your life gets busy and you can't catch up as often as usual. Keep your real friends close. Prioritize the friendships that matter.

Don’t Expect Too Much At First

Okay, so we have talked about not settling, but you also need to manage your expectations. When you first come out of college, things will not be perfect. You will probably have to get an apartment that isn’t your dream apartment in your dream location and you will probably have a job that is not your absolute dream. Maybe you are doing what you love to do, but the pay is not the best. It is okay. While you definitely should not settle for the first thing(s) that come your way, I do believe that starting from the bottom and working hard to make your way to the top is something that most, if not all, people have to do in their career paths and that is 100 percent okay and honestly, it is good for us. It teaches us that hard work and effort are important. So, just know that although things are not perfect, if you put in the effort, they will get there for you.

xx,

Amanda

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You’re never fully dressed without a smile!

I want to thank Metro Decatur Dental Group PC for sponsoring this post! All opinions are mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this space possible.

We all know those people who smile without showing off their teeth and I always wonder what they are so scared about. I know that it is hard to be confident about every aspect of your body, but when it comes to your smile, there are easy fixes to work on it, leading to improved oral health. Here are a few different ways to do so:

Brush And Floss Twice A Day

Everyone knows that you need to brush and floss twice a day, but how well are you actually doing it? Personally, every now and then, I’ll forget to do it (especially when it comes to flossing and brushing my tongue), or I will rush through a brushing. I would normally never want to admit something like this, but I know that I am not the only one in this boat. In fact, forgetting to floss and brush happens very, very frequently with many people. If you feel as if your teeth have begun to yellow, or if your breath seems to be smelling, I would highly recommend sitting down and figuring out if you are brushing and flossing enough and if you are not, fix that asap.

Go To Routine Dental Appointments

Going to routine dental appointments is extremely important when it comes to your oral health. Why? Because even if you are brushing and flossing enough on your own, you still will not be able to get ALL of the plaque that has built up on your teeth and preventing tooth decay definitely starts there.

Metro Decatur Dental Group PC says, “One of the top reasons to go to a once a year oral health exam is so our dentists at Metro Decatur Dental Group PC can spot problems, like cavities in the teeth, gum diseases, and enamel decay in their first stages. Tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite resin fillings, can fill and seal an area of the tooth that has been infected with a cavity. Tooth-colored fillings may be used to repair cracked and broken teeth, and areas of the teeth that are worn out from nail-biting, misuse, and teeth grinding. Unlike previous amalgams, tooth-colored fillings are created from a composite resin that is dyed to blend into the natural teeth for fillings that retain the normal appearance of the teeth. A filling is a straightforward fix at our Decatur, Georgia office by our dentists. With ideal care, a filling can seal the teeth for nearly 10 years.”

Metro Decatur Dental Group PC is a full-service dentist located in Decatur, Georgia. Dr. Gary Simms can help you with any of your dental needs such as basic teeth cleanings, whitening services, fillings, and more advanced needs such as dentures, root canals, bridges, and more. The best thing about Metro Decatur Dental Group PC is that you can trust them. They are friendly, caring, and have been known for their calming effect. “Dr. Simms loves what he does, and knows the importance of changing someones smile, both functionally and cosmetically; the results often positively change someones entire life, not just their smile. This is a cause Dr. Gary Simms does not take lightly, and treats all clients with the care and dignity they rightfully deserve.”

Oil Pulling

The verdict is still out when it comes to oil pulling. The American Dental Association says that there is a lack of evidence, which makes sense, but many people swear by it, so if you are really in a pinch with smelly breath, or if you just want to experience, maybe try it out for yourself!. According to Vogue, “Like many Ayurvedic practitioners, Raichur credits the ritual with reducing plaque, preventing gingivitis, and even regulating bad breath. That’s because, according to oil pulling proponents, plaque is made up of colonized bacteria, which are surrounded by fatty membranes that are attracted to the similarly fatty compounds in, for example, coconut oil—loosening them from the surface of the tooth and lifting them away as you swish, which may also account for the appearance of whiter teeth.”

I've written about how I incorporate oil pulling a few times here. Definitely give it a try! I find my that mouth just feels and looks cleaner after doing it once a day. Also... please clean your tongue!

Limit Your Sugar Intake

We all know that ingesting a lot of sugar is not good for our mind or our body, but it is also not great for our smiles. Sugar is one of the main culprits when it comes to tooth decay, but do you know how it actually happens? Our mouths are filled with many different bacteria - some great and some not so great. While we do want some bacteria (the good bacteria), the harmful bacteria feeds on sugars that you eat, creating acids that have the potential to destroy tooth enamel. Interesting, right? Limiting your sugar intake is very, very important when it comes to your oral health, but if you cannot limit it, then make sure that you are taking action to take care of your teeth immediately after you eat the sugary treat.

xx,

Amanda

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Cold weather has finally set in the many states across the United States!

I want to thank Georgia Paver Restoration for sponsoring this post! All opinions are mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this space possible.

With the temperature drop, it’s time to get your outdoor looking and ready for the drop. There are several things you can do actually make sure that your patio and outdoor area stay it’s best and there are a few tips that can help. Below are a few tips you should consider before it gets too cold to do the work! Hopefully these can help you keep your outdoor space ready in just a few quick steps!

Seal Pavers

One of the easiest ways to ensure that your paving stones will survive the winter is to use a sealer on them. This protective layer is there to keep your stones from chipped, eroded by the weather or scraped from any shoveling that may go on top of them. Having a sealer will also prevent water and ice from seeping into the pavers. This is really important because water and ice also damage the stones from within! If you use a sealer with grit, it also allows some benefits as well because it has a non-slip surface. One of the scariest things you can do when shoveling the snow outside is slipping so this is essential to keeping you safe. This sealer absorbs into the pavers and providers a large amount of protection that you’ll be happy you did. Nervous about applying it? It’s actually pretty easy. You brush the sealer on top and the visible sides of the stones. I would suggest touching it up every once in a while, especially a few months prior to winter coming. If you are unsure on what type of sealer to use, you can contact your pavers contractor to find out how often you’; need to touch up your particular pavers.

Keep Pavers Clean

An easy and one of the best ways to protect your stones is to keep them clean. This may seem difficult to do in the winter because it might be hard to see them but the longer harmful substances sit on your pavers, the more damage could occur. When you clean them, be sure to use a plastic shovel or a snow blower to avoid scraping the stones themselves. If you use a metal shovel, it really doesn’t end well for both parties involved.

Store Outdoor Furniture

If you have a backyard area with furniture, make sure that you cover or store them to avoid any upholstery being destroyed or any rust that might ruin your iron chairs. To help, make sure your furniture is cleaned. It’s critical to wash the cushions, throws and chair covers so they don’t have any mildew from the warmer months. Allow them to dry before you store to help prevent any mold happening too. I would suggest storing your outdoor furniture in a covered area or if you don’t have any, cover it with a waterproof sheet that can be tied down.

Prepare Your Lawn

Similar to protecting your pavers, it’s essential to make your lawn is also ready for the winter months. During the fall, it’s really important to put this into action. To help prepare your lawn for snow, make sure you're wedding your plants ahead of time because this will help determine the resilience of your landscape and how it will look when the warmer months return. In the cooler weather, it’s also ideal to plant grade sees. Have our plant beds covered in mulch or burlap to insulate the bulbs from the cold.

While some of these tips are easy for you to do yourself, if you are unsure about trying to seal your backyard pavers yourself, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. Georgia Paver Restoration, is a paver and natural stone company with years of experience. They are located in North Georgia area and offer you expert help in hardscape cleaning, sealing and repair. They offer a steam cleaning process which leaves your pavers and natural stone extremely clean. Not only can they help power washing but a full- service hardscape restoration solution for not only your patio, but your driveway, walkway or pool deck area. Their unique process and ‘state of the art’ paver sealer allows them to clean and seal most projects in just one day! So, if you’re unsure about the work, hire the professionals at Georgia Paver Restoration to give you a peace of mind during the cold months that are upon us! I can’t wait to hear how you help keep your outdoor space ready for the warm months that will hopefully be here before we know it!

xx,
Amanda

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