Top Reasons Pet-Owners Utilize CBD Products

The Speed of Life has us all in a constant state of movement and activity. There are certain things, however, that stop us in our tracks. When our pets are not feeling well or acting like themselves a response is necessary. Everyone knows the importance of a vet visit when these instances occur. There are times when medications are less than a favorable solution.

Alternative products and treats are being used around the world for pets. Dogs and cats with anxiety problems can be treated this way. Pets that have suffered injuries or are battling illness may also be helped with CBD oil products. It’s certainly the pet owners challenge and responsibility to find the right solution to address these concerns.

Here are some of the top reasons that owners consider CBD products:

Resolving Anxiety Problems

Just like many people struggle with bouts of anxiety our pets do as well. You may have noticed a bit of separation anxiety in your dog. In some cases, this is something that resolves itself with time. There are other pets that don’t naturally recover. Some seem to get worse and require something to help them calm down. CBD products are a terrific option for this anxiety.

Combatting Health Issues

Local Frederick County owner of Hive Bake Shop, Rebekah Ontiveros developed The OG brand of dog treats as a solution for her dog Kelso. This is a CBD line of products from her Kinetic Reserve Label. At one point Kelso was suffering from various health issues and was taking 2 doses of human allergy medications daily. After eating the CBD product The OG, he has been medication-free for the past 7 months. This was a positive change in both health and behavior for her pet.

Addressing Physical Symptoms

According to the Canine Journal, pets experiencing an array of symptoms can be helped with CBD products. Some of the most common symptoms that our four-legged friends may suffer from include arthritis, chronic inflammation, and joint pain. Utilizing the proper dosages of treats and other products on the market with CBD oil is important to keep your pets safe and healthy.

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Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – Mixing Jazz in Estonia

A big part of my chronicling of this trip has to do with our shared love for jazz. I must be honest, however, in saying that I came late to the party. My husband grew up in Brooklyn, NY and has a rich history of listening to different styles of jazz. I started my journey by getting my feet wet with artists, such as Kenny G and Dave Koz.

Not long after we went on our first cruise in 2013 with DK, I realized that I was hooked. At the time, new artists like Vincent Ingala were hitting the scene and would soon be on the charts, as well. Industry staples like Richard Elliot and Gerald Albright solidified their place in what many refer to as Smooth Jazz.

There’s no way to separate the music from the destinations that we travel to. They are a mixture, a perfect blend that follows the couple thousand of us cruisers, who are on board for the both of them. Estonia left an impression on me partially because of its natural beauty. This was showcased in a very unassuming way.

There was no way to look at the busy residents and tourists on city streets to know about Tallinn’s history. It wasn’t possible to know that 1,500 islands, beaches, lakes, and forests are a part of the landscape that defines the country. Sitting relaxed in front of a restaurant near the mall, I listened to the sounds of the city.

I collected my thoughts and the inspiration for future writing, while absorbing the memories created in this place.

Chronicling Europe 2018 - Travel through My Eyes

I don’t do a lot of promos for airlines or many brands in general. It’s hard to say anything bad about an airline, however, which spoils you rotten as you travel. British Airlines has safely transported us from the US to destinations around the world.

There are some folks out there who are like me in that they LOVE to travel and they HATE to travel. I’m always excited to get to the final destination, which for me has included stops like Rome, Venice, and Copenhagen. It’s the hustle and bustle of getting there, journeying through airports, and constantly running that I HATE.

I’m not sure if it’s My Journey to 50…or a saucy attitude, but there are parts of the process that make me grumble. This is one of the many reasons why this airline was made for me! Comfortable seating, tasty beverages, yummy meals, music, and movies make me settle in and rest.

I  did anticipate traveling to this portion of the world for many years, even before my husband booked this trip. Now the only thing I needed to do was nap, write, eat, drink, and REPEAT! British Airlines did the rest.

My Journey to 50! - Oh, No…Thinking About Hair, Too?

Girls will forever be thinking about their hair. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 20 or 40 this is a feature that follows us around. For me right now, I decided to turn My Journey to 50 into a hair exploration, too!

In fact, I chose my style for 35, 40 and 45. Although I’m a little over-the-top in the detail department, I’m looking forward to the 50 hairstyle reveal. Comfort and ease are the key factors for me, right now. My stylist tries to convince me all of the time that longer hair is beautiful.

I totally agree with her. It’s just that it’s beautiful on someone else. I’ve never felt more free and attractive than when my hair was short. This is my opinion and my journey. Finding my way, and yours as well, is about listening to yourself.

If your hair or anything else becomes drudgery, is it worth it? No matter the compliments, I just want to enjoy as much of this time of life as possible. Loving the Speed of Life and all it…

Introduce Color into Your Home – Décor Tips

You may be embarking on a remodeling project at your home. This will take a bit of time when it comes to selecting interior furnishings and décor items. The same is true for those who are trying to develop their very first homes.

The introduction of color is extremely important to each room of the home. This can be a scheme that is the focal point for the rest of the space. Color is also utilized as an accent to other shades, designs and features.

Finding the right pieces that bring this color into the room requires research and comparison shopping efforts. The Speed of Life and your other responsibilities could make it challenging. Don't give up!

Planning for each step of your decoration project can be helpful. Let’s take a look at some tips that will make it easy.

• Select a Central Color for Each Room
• Look for Artwork and Wall Hangings to Harmonize
• Set a Theme that Works for the Space

Creative Ways to Construct Meals – Save Time with Leftovers

If you are the family meal planner, you may be juggling a lot of ideas. The Speed of Life can make matters challenging, which is why organization is key. It is possible to construct meals for multiple days at once.

This can be done by using similar ingredients for those meals or to simply by making one large dish to accommodate the time. You can save even more time by creatively using your leftovers.

This can allow you to either deconstruct a meal or to be completely innovative. Roasted rosemary chicken, saffron rice pilaf, broccoli and rolls is an example of a very nice meal. There are a number of terrific dishes, possible with leftovers from this one meal.

These dishes are good for both lunch and dinner. Take a look at these 3 options:

Chicken Casserole – Use chicken, rice and broccoli along with a creamed soup mix and shredded cheese.

Chicken Sandwiches – Make cold/hot sandwiches from meat and roles, mix rice and broccoli for a side.

Chicken Salad – Use chopped chicken, mayo, mustard, pickles and spices to make a cold salad.

What other meals could you construct with leftovers?

My Journey to 50! - Changing Looks

If you’re like me, you’re features make you an enigma. People are always questioning my age, which is a compliment. However, I know the truth because I’ve seen me from the beginning to now.

Another key thing to consider on My Journey to 50 is the expectation of changing looks. Women, especially have a challenge in this area because we hear it more so than men. Who cares what other people think about your maturing looks?

Embrace who you are today and find ways to appeal to YOURSELF. I’m finding my way now just like I did as a teen. Peer pressure, trends and outside influences are always coming! I’m preparing by feeling good in my own skin, such as it is. Lol.

Let’s embrace this Speed of Life thing together!

True beauty is only possible when the inside is healthy, intact and positive…

Freelance Work Opportunities – Scrutinize Client Lists

The Speed of Life is there and waiting for you no matter what your stage of life. Some people are looking for part-time work to supplement their regular incomes. Others require work that allows them to stay-at-home.

Freelance is the perfect solution to both of these interests. It provides workers with varying skill sets the opportunity to earn money online in different fields and industries. Writers are some of the most popular examples of freelance workers.

They perform development activities, as it relates to content, such as articles, blog posts and other materials. These are not, however, the only freelancers. There are technical projects, IT projects and sales projects in this field of work.

One of the first things necessary is to list your marketable skills, to choose your clients. Scrutinizing your client list involves simply determining the types of projects you are interested in. These should be projects that connect your skills along with the requirements of the work.

Websites like Upwork make it easy to find the types of projects that you want. Here are some areas of consider:

• Content Writing
• Customer Service
• Product Sales
• Research Projects

Taking Advantage of Local Offerings – Summer Field Trips

There are many things for couples and families to consider during the summer. Once the Speed of Life slows a bit, travel is usually on the agenda. Globetrotting can be a lot of fun but certainly requires a bit of planning and budgeting.

Getting away from the stresses of life is possible by exploring the things that are available locally. These may include local day trips to parks, lakes and museums. Most cities, however, have activities and attractions that can be interesting to see.

Even planning a trip to landmarks, such as state and national parks is a nice way to learn and getaway. Visit their websites that display tourist details that travelers look for. Many of these trips are budget-friendly and can be done within a day or two.

• Walking Trails – Plan for the difficulty level and take a lot of pictures.

• Historic Sites – Look for site requirements and if tickets are necessary.

• Tour Brochures – Many cities with popular landmarks and attractions have brochures online.

• Weekend Getaway – Find scenic locations within an hour or two to relax and explore.

Certification Tests for Your Field

There are many fields these days that require certification testing. Some are linked to professional activity and others are connected to a certain position. Companies within the health industry, for example often require applicants to have these certifications.

Nurses are some of the most commonly known in these fields. Educators are also among those who need these tests. It doesn’t matter what your area of expertise may be. You must find effective ways to prepare for these exams.

The costs associated with them alone are a motivator to students. Fortunately there are terrific resources online that can help with your study and preparation. Here are some resources to consider for certification and supplemental training:

***Use Speed of Life links to SAVE!!

ExamEdge – Promo Code: SAVE-CJ 10

My Journey to 50

Yes, I’m Excited to Turn 50

I’ve had friends who practically lost it when they turned 30. I guess every milestone comes with a bit of trepidation. Embracing where you are in life and being truly thankful is important. This sets the theme for the rest of life.

Aging is a privilege to those who actually understand it. Make no mistake, I’m not saying sit back and knit…unless you know how. Lol. Who says you cannot embark on this phase of life with expectation?

Travel, learn, write, explore and whatever else helps you to grow! Getting older offers us all the opportunity to tackle life in a new way. The Speed of Life doesn’t slow down for any of us so finding a pattern and rhythm is crucial.

Fortunately for me, I’ve been an outside-the-box kind of girl from the start. My plan is to take the next 2 and a half years and get prepared. The embrace, may take a little bit of work. I’ll get there though.

How about you joining me on My Journey to 50? It’s going to be AMAZING!

Freelance in Your Lane – Utilize All Your Skills

There are many different ways to pursue career goals. Some will find work in their areas of expertise or field of interest. Others will discover the opportunities that freelance work provides. This is work that is available through companies and industries around the world.

In most instances, these employers are in need of short-term relationships to achieve specific objectives. Hiring freelance workers is a good way to get the work done at a reasonable cost. The options for freelance professionals are vast.

Those with diverse skills have the opportunity to earn in that number of ways. For example, if you are speedy at typing information, you can work for clients needing data entry services. It may also be possible to secure projects that involve document creation.

The key to pursuing these opportunities is to fully utilize your skill sets. Those with technical knowledge can find clients in IT or administrative fields. Writers, discover that there are many companies requiring articles, blog posts and marketing materials.

Freelancing in your lane requires being strategic about what you offer and consistently increasing your experience levels.



Discover Ways to Relax – Creating a Quiet Space

Everyone has seen the studies that say there is good stress and there is bad stress. It’s true these are involved with virtually every aspect of life. Finding real ways, however, to decompress is essential to every lifestyle.

This involves discovering methods to enjoy true relaxation. Often this requires shutting out distractions and enjoying a quiet or serene space. Many homeowners have realized the importance of this space and are creating them DIY.

Those with additional rooms have the option of designing this area. It doesn’t have to be a large space but one that is adequate. Designating such a place for meditation, reading or even listening to music is beneficial. Couples can share this space or take turns utilizing it.

• Choose a Room
• Remove Clutter
• Embrace Natural Light
• Make it Your Own

Spring Workout Options – Carve Out the Time

Now that we have the season, not every region has the weather. It’s normal for there to be a bit of chill in the air during the spring. Much of the country however is dealing with full blown blizzard conditions.


This does present a challenge for those wanting to continue with outdoor routines in their workouts. All is not lost as long as you monitor the forecast. Don’t let the Speed of Life overcome you!


Understanding the windows of opportunity for running, jogging and walking is a smart plan. This will require watching the weather to determine what the best times are each week to get out there.


Depending on the state that you are in this window may be dwindling if it’s a particularly cold week. Schedule the best times to incorporate the outdoors into your fitness plans.


• Purchase Layering Items
• Carry Water with Your
• Map Out Your Route
• Stay Motivated

Preparing for an Empty Nest – Home and Life Plans

There is not just one example of empty nesters these days. Some of these couples have just sent the last of their children off to college. Others are seeing older children finally move away on their own.

Having your home to yourself presents an array of opportunities. This is a time to not only develop your home but to transform your life, as well. Couples often define themselves over the years as parents.

They sometimes forget that they are individuals and spouses. Preparing to be an empty nest involves evaluating where you are currently. It is also about making plans for the future.

Thinking about this time in advance makes it easier to adjust. Instead of going into a panic from the quiet, prepare for it and make a serene space for your lifestyle.

Redesign Projects

Now that the house is empty, why not redesign specific rooms. Setting up a budget for incremental changes is a good idea. New kitchen appliances or flooring will improve the look and functionality of this space.

Bedrooms, living rooms and even basements can be targets for change. This may also be an opportunity to develop more areas for entertaining.

Create Personal Space

Depending on how many children are vacating the nest, there may now be a lot of extra space. This is finally the time for husbands and wives to create their own personal living areas. You can transform a bedroom into an office.

Moving furnishings around or changing the décor will help with these projects. Couples should adopt rooms for themselves and to use together. This can be a fun adventure.

Outsource Your Writing Needs - Get Content that Produces!

Many businesses and organizations require relevant content on their websites. Content is displayed on each page of the site, as well as, on blogs. The information found here are what visitors see about you. Their impressions will be based upon what's written and the information provided.


It is important to maintain your website on a regular basis. Unfortunately, staff writers are not in everyone's budget. This is one of the reasons why outsourcing options are effective. Hiring a skilled content writer could be the solution to your problem.


Update Site Pages


If your site pages are outdated, they are not producing for you. Changing information or even showcasing new products and services is important. You should want your traffic to fully understand what you offer. Outsource this work to a freelance content writer for tailored wording.


Start a Blog


Blogs are not simply a way to communicate through social media. Corporations and successful businesses around the world utilize blogs as tools. They bring increased interest to the business and can affect sales. It is possible to hire content writers to regularly provide posts for your site's blog.


Post Articles


Articles are one of the most effective Search Engine Optimization tools. These articles are displayed and dispersed in various locations online. They are written to describe your site and services. At the same time, these articles include links back to your specific pages. Having these available could change business metrics altogether.


Thinking about what your business does, whether it provides services or products, is critical. This is the information that you want out there about you. It is extremely important that this information is displayed on your website. Simply existing online will not make your site productive.


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Teen Conversations: Important Parental Moves

It's true that parents and teens often speak a different language!


This shouldn't discourage either from conversation. It is important not only to the relationship of the family. Keeping these lines of communication active promotes expression in the future.


Teens learn how to think critically and to verbalize their positions. Topics of these conversations can vary. The primary objective is to use the time wisely. Although the Speed of Life is challenging to families, it is essential that they maintain relationships in a healthy way. Conversation is a good tool for this!


Daily Lives


Some teens need to be encouraged to talk about the issues that trouble them. The things that occur daily are a part of these concerns. Setting aside time specifically for these conversations, shows interest and concern.


Current Events


There are confusing things happening in society. This is true for both parents and teens. Discussing current events nationally and internationally can help. The goal is not to figure out the world's problems. It's simply to pursue understanding and spark more conversation. 


The Future


The future is one of the things that troubles teens the most. Parents don't always understand because they've conquered their fears in some ways. Teens need and want direction for attaining the goals, whether short term or long term. Conversation could mean the difference between success and failure.


Let's start talking more. . .


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Stand for What You Believe

Taking a stand for what's right can be challenging.


There are many ways to approach this particular issue. Everyone operates at the Speed of Life these days! Each day though we see or hear about injustices happening around us. What should we do?


It's important to invite conversation. Some of the world's biggest movements started with a simple conversation. It is super important for parents, especially to encourage talks where social issues and problems exist.


Our children will discover that their voices can stand against the ills of the world. There are times and opportunities to stand more tangibly in some instances. Being a good communicator is an essential step in standing for what you believe in. This is also one of the best ways to stand against something.


Here are some ideas that make taking a stand feasible:


* Use your verbal skills


* Write your views down


* Social media outlets


* Spark conversation


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How to Get What You Want from Work? - Job Satisfaction

I recently heard a story about an administrative worker who longed for more responsibility at work. This worker, of course, wanted to rise up the corporate ladder and earn more. Her primary objective, however, was to utilize the skills and expertise she'd gained over the years.


Because this worker had earned a good reputation at her office, she was able to get what she wanted. Speaking with one of the senior leaders, resulted in her being able to secure a new position. This position was a bit out of her current field, but it held greater responsibility and tasks. Not everyone will be able to experience this result because...


They don't showcase dependability


Dependability is a diverse area when it comes to workers. It is important to be on time for work and an active participant. At the same time, you show dependability by trying hard to meet company goals and objectives. Communicating well with supervisors is helpful, too.


They aren't team players


Team players are not simply people who follow the leader. They work cohesively with the team to achieve goals and objectives. This may mean working independently in some cases. Understanding initiatives, asking questions and completing projects effectively is essential.


They don't speak for themselves


Speaking for yourself is all about communicating well. This can be verbally or in written form. How do you express yourself? Professional examples are seen not simply through apparel. These individuals understand the company and its long term goals and missions.


It is important to be a GOOD worker no matter what your field or area of expertise.
Hiring officials and employers are looking not only for the brightest candidates. They want people who have committed to work and are trustworthy. This is the best way to get what you want out of your position or perhaps a new one.

Utilize Your Degree - Take Advantage of Diverse Skills

Just because your degree is in one particular area, doesn't mean you're locked into that field. As millions of Americans have discovered, their initial career fields aren't productive. Whether it be major layoffs or areas that are obsolete, it is important to utilize your degree to the best of your ability.


This may mean reevaluating your resume design. There are skills that you've gained from your field, that can translate to other career paths. With this goal in mind, you should take advantage of education, training and professional abilities that are instrumental to any position. Here are some ways to view your accomplishment:


Light Skills Transfer Easily


Light skills are those that are useful to almost all fields. Some of these include: computing, record keeping, finance, inventory control and many others. If you're looking to move from management to technical service, it's your skills that need to be expressed.


Use All Leadership Abilities


Leadership, whether supervisory or management is priceless. Employers want workers who have gained experience leading teams. The skills that these roles provide are diverse and critical to every field and industry. These skills allow applicants to consider many different professional roles.


Your resume is a tool that can make your first introduction. It doesn't matter whether your degree is IT related or in Humanities. The skills that you've gained over the years, can be helpful to virtually any employer. Showcase them in all future professional pursuits.


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