Fashion

Shop Kids basic Styles for the Holidays at Kidpik

Erin Sluka

When you need the basics- bright colors, tees, hoodies and soft sweats, Kidpik has the styles to stock your children wardrobes back up. At Kidpik you can shop by piece, an entire outfit or even a styled Pik box. Let Kidpik send you the basics for the sizes you desire. It brings convenience to shopping for kids clothes delivered to your door at great prices.

When you are done choosing an outfit from chic to casual, finish off your style with shoes and accessories. I stocked my nephew up on clothes for his 4th birthday with the styles in this post. The pants I ordered will be easy on and off for him and the tops are so soft!

Kidpik has clothing and footwear for boys and girls, sizes from 2T to 16, and shoe sizes from 9 toddler to 6 youth. With the holidays approaching, shop.kidpik.com and show up to the Holiday events in style.

Home

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Washington Phone Plan?

Erin Sluka
Photo by Megan Lee on Unsplash

Shopping for a phone plan can be a complicated process. Many factors determine your best plan, including providers, phone prices, and network perks.

There are also several times of the year when carriers offer big discounts on phone plans and phones. Keep reading to learn more about when to buy a new plan.

Black Friday

Whether upgrading to a new phone or signing up for affordable Washington local phone plans, the best time to buy is often Black Friday. This shopping bonanza takes place the day after Thanksgiving and offers many deals on electronics and phones, including unlimited data plans with a free device.

Alternatively, you can find great smartphone deals during the preorder period or after the newest models are announced. It’s also possible to save on older devices if you wait a month until stores clear out their inventory.

Smaller carriers that offer flexible phone plans are another good bet for Black Friday deals. These providers typically offer short-term contract options cheaper than traditional two-year plans. They can also be more flexible regarding coverage area and data allowances to fit your needs.

Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day may be over (it ends tonight), but a few deals are still available for last-minute shoppers. Amazon’s two-day mega sale is like a second, warmer Black Friday for Prime members (and some non-members).

This year’s Prime Day saw some of the best phone discounts of the summer. Unless you’re looking for a specific model, most deals will run out fast—especially for older iPhone models. But don’t panic if your desired device is sold out: Amazon usually restocks most of its sales quickly.

The company is also planning a second sale for Prime members this fall. The new event will be called “Prime Big Deal Days.” It will occur in 19 countries this October and is expected to follow a similar format as Prime Day.

New Phone Releases

The newest models of phones usually come out in the fall and spring. When new models are released, the previous versions see a dramatic price drop. That’s an excellent time to pick up an older phone, especially if you want a low upfront cost.

Some providers offer 24-month installment plans that divide the cost of a phone into monthly payments. That’s a solid option for people who like to replace their phones often or those with credit issues.

It’s also possible to get significant smartphone discounts by using a trade-in. You can find the best trade-in prices around a new phone release or during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. In addition, many networks offer family plan deals that let you add additional lines at discounted rates. That’s a great deal for busy families with multiple device users. This option can be beneficial if your children need their own devices for school or extracurricular activities.

Big Sales Events

The major carriers also hold big sales events yearly to help customers save money on new devices and plans. These often require adding a new line or switching carriers but can still be worth the effort for anyone looking to get into a better phone at a much more affordable price point.

These special sales events are tied to a device-plan combo or a carrier trade-in program. We also see a sales offer, which gives you an older phone for free when you purchase a plan at the company.

It used to be that switching carriers was a big hassle, requiring exorbitant activation fees and trips to the store. However, changing providers is much easier, thanks to modern cellular plans and apps. And the best time to do so is during a big sales event.

Uncategorized

Achieve Emotional Catharsis with Music and Art

Erin Sluka

There is a movement on the benefits of catharsis to use for the purging of emotions. Imagine your emotions are like a pressure cooker, one more stressful event and you are likely to reach full pressure and then what? Explode or irrationalyl release your emotions? Catharsis is the means of relieving pressure a bit at a time before the stress becomes too much.

When it comes to art, whether it be on stage, in artwork or music, the use of catharsis is how we can get the audience to deeply connect with a story, image or meaning. I am featuring a new website with music and art downloads called, Cathartika.

When you visit Cathartika, it is quite simple and simplicity can help that pressure valve loosen a bit! Right now they have 5 music/art choices and more to come. The music is soothing – a bit of a folk feel. The words will have deep meaning and each song download (all under $2 each) comes with digital art. The idea is for you to take a moment and release those strong emotions. Pull up your screen art, press play and use the bright visuals as you listen to the words and find your peace for a few moments. Just remember to download your music and art after purchase within 24 and your art dumps into your downloads and my music dumped into my apple music folder. After you download your purchase, it is yours forever.

I have downloaded their song, Happiness. The meaning of the song has you not just finding a feeling of happiness, but asking yourself where your happiness comes from. If you have not researched the use of catharsis to release your pressure valve, start at Cathartika to get that general feeling of harmony and personal peace.

Healthy Living

Cork Made Yoga Blocks for Every Practice

Erin Sluka
Cork Made Yoga Blocks for Every Practice

Yoga blocks are versatile reinforcements that seamlessly integrate into a broad spectrum of practices, catering to practitioners of all levels and styles. Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation in restorative poses or striving for dynamic engagement in vigorous sequences, blocks, including the sustainable and eco-friendly cork blocks, serve as valuable aids. Let’s explore how these props enhance every facet of your journey while also considering the holistic benefits the practice offers for your overall wellness.

Restorative Bliss with Blocks

This practice emphasizes relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing the body to release tension and promote healing. Rest and Digest yoga blocks, to name a few good brands, play a pivotal role in creating the optimal conditions for these deeply nurturing poses:

Supported Heart Opener – Placing a yoga block beneath the upper back in poses like Supported Bridge Pose or Fish Pose allows for a gentle opening of the chest, relieving tension and enhancing breath awareness.

Elevated Relaxation – In Savasana (Corpse Pose), resting the head on a yoga block provides gentle elevation, allowing for more profound relaxation and releasing tension in the neck and shoulders.

Gentle Hip Opening – Restorative poses like Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) can be made more accessible by placing blocks under the thighs for added support.

Stress-Free Inversions – For those new to inversions, blocks can serve as stable supports in poses like Legs Up the Wall or Supported Shoulder stand, promoting relaxation and the benefits of inverted poses.

Dynamic Alignment in Active Practices

For dynamic practices like Vinyasa or Power Yoga, where fluid movement and precise alignment are crucial, blocks become important tools to refine and deepen your practice:

Balancing Stability – In balancing poses like Half Moon or Warrior III, a block under the grounded hand provides stability and helps maintain proper alignment, allowing for a more controlled and balanced stance.

Extended Range of Motion – Blocks extend your reach, making it easier to touch the floor or bring the ground closer in poses like Triangle or Revolved Triangle Pose.

Deepening Twists – Placing a block beneath the hand in twisting poses like Revolved Side Angle or Revolved Triangle can help you maintain proper spinal alignment and go deeper into the twist.

Support in Backbends – In backbends like Upward Facing Dog or Camel Pose, a block under the hands provides support, enabling a more controlled lift and greater extension through the spine.

Tips for Enhancing Your Practice

Yoga is a journey of self-discovery, and there are various ways to deepen and refine your poses. Now that you have ample knowledge of support tools like blocks, we have some tips to help you improve and get the most out of your sessions:

  1. Consistency is Key
    Regular sessions are fundamental to progress in yoga. Aim for a balanced routine and try to practice at the same time each day or week.
  2. Listen to Your Body Pay close attention to your body’s signals during practice. Respect your limits and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Modify poses or take breaks as needed.
  3. Focus on Breath Awareness Mindful breathing is the foundation of yoga. Concentrate on deep, steady breaths that synchronize with your movements. This fosters inner calm and enhances the mind-body connection.
  4. Cultivate Mindfulness Be fully present on your mat. Let go of distractions and worries, and bring awareness to each moment’s sensations, movements, and breath.
  5. Explore Different Styles Try various styles to find what resonates with you. Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin offer unique benefits and experiences.
  6. Seek Alignment Guidance Proper alignment is crucial for safety and effectiveness in yoga. Attend classes or workshops with experienced instructors who can offer alignment cues and adjustments.
  7. Set Intentions or Affirmations Start your session with a clear intention or affirmation. This can add a deeper layer of purpose and meaning to your time on the mat.
  8. Stay Open to Growth Approach every session with a growth mindset. Embrace challenges and be patient with yourself as you progress in poses and your overall practice.
  9. Integrate Yoga into Daily Life Bring the principles of the practice off the mat. Engage in mindfulness, conscious breathing, and gratitude in your everyday activities.
  10. Stay Hydrated and Nourished Maintain proper hydration and nourishment to support your practice. Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods and drink plenty of water.

Beyond the physical benefits, yoga is a holistic practice that contributes significantly to a person’s overall wellness:

Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance – Through mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation, yoga cultivates mental clarity, reduces stress, and promotes emotional balance. It provides tools to manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Improved Sleep Quality – Regular practice has been shown to improve sleep patterns, enhancing the quality and duration of restorative sleep. This leads to increased energy levels and improved cognitive function.

Enhanced Respiratory Health – The focus on conscious breathing during the practice supports optimal lung function, improving body oxygenation and reducing the risk of respiratory ailments.

Stress Reduction and Mindfulness – Yoga encourages present-moment awareness, helping individuals detach from the pressures of daily life and find tranquility in the present.

Enhanced Immune Function – Yoga stimulates the lymphatic system, supporting the body’s natural defenses and bolstering the immune system’s functionality.

Increased Body Awareness – The sessions foster a deeper connection between the mind and body, allowing individuals to become more attuned to their physical sensations, needs, and limitations.

Incorporating yoga into your life transcends physical fitness; it becomes a journey towards holistic wellness. By embracing the practice with intention and consistency, you strengthen your body and nurture your mind and soul, experiencing a profound transformation in your overall well-being. 

Remember, yoga is a personal journey, and progress looks different for everyone. It’s not about perfection but the mindful exploration of your body, mind, and spirit. Embrace your practice with an open heart, and let it unfold naturally over time.