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Health and your liver

I’ve been taking medications for so many different bodily functions and conversing with various specialists including a nutritionist that I feel I can suggest this electrolyte supplement.

Some claim it helps alleviate hangover symptoms. I wouldn’t know about that!

I just spent some time researching reviews on electrolyte replacements and this Hi-Lyte brand came up as the number one brand or at least in the top five. I almost always research a product before I buy it. If it’s an expensive product, then I ask people I know and whose opinions I respect if they have any thoughts on the product.

One reviewer wrote this on Amazon: “I have struggled my whole life with staying hydrated. I have become very health conscious since I turned 16 and I drink NOTHING but water, coffee and the occasional brewskis. My work supplies us with free bottle water and I drink at least eight 16oz bottles a day and I still always felt dehydrated. Everyday I’d wake up with a swollen face and body with aches and pains. I even tried a subscription of coconut water for several months and nothing seemed to work for me. If I was to ever drink more than 4 or 5 beers I woke up so dehydrated I was hungover for days. This product has literally changed my life. Not only am I constantly hydrated and more energetic everyday, but I haven’t had a hangover since I bought this product. (and I drank my face off for the SuperBowel last Sunday like an idiot) I put it in everything, not just my water. Most will probably not like the taste at first (to me it tastes like skim milk) but I promise it will grow on you. I have never been so excited about a product in my life. This is seriously a game changer! I will be subscribing to the monthly re-order for sure.

A reviewer on TheBoatGallery website (works for seasickness) compared this product to a similar one: “I actually found two products, which are very similar: Hi-Lyte Electrolyte Concentrate and LyteShow Electrolyte Concentrate. Neither one has any flavoring, sugar or other sweeteners, or color. Just the stuff your body needs!

“Both are a concentrated liquid that you add to water. A single small bottle (4 ounces — 1/2 cup) will provide electrolyte for 48 quarts with Hi-Lyte or 40 quarts with LyteShow. Neither one has to be refrigerated before or after opening — and they have a 2-year shelf life!

“I’ve tried both and they impart a very small taste to water. I don’t find it objectionable, but if you don’t like it, a bit of lemon or lime juice in the water makes it totally undetectable (or put it in your coffee water). I particularly like that there is no bright color to stain my clothes if a drop drips.

“So why do I prefer Hi-Lyte to LyteShow? To be honest, there’s not much difference and I recommend both. But Hi-Lyte does have three tiny advantages: it has slightly higher levels of electrolytes, it’s slightly more concentrated so that the same size bottle can treat 8 more quarts of water, and it is (typically — depending on sales) a little cheaper per serving.”

I’m hoping that this supplement can help with my ankles being painful after I walk on the treadmill. But as with any supplement, check with your doctor to see if it will interfere with medications or supplements you are already taking.

If you want to try them for yourself, click on these links.

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Local charities need your help; you can make a difference!

me giving away winter coats

These are some of my favorite local charities that need help all year round, but especially at the holidays and during the winter months when resources are scarce for many in our community.

I’ve donated coats to Trinity Jubilee Center and they were very appreciative.

When I was in high school I created and printed a brochure for Safe Voices as part of a graphic design class project (Safe Voices was called something different back then).

If you can help in any way at all, please contact these organizations directly. I am not affiliated with any of these organizations nor do I receive a commission from your donation to them. I am simply sharing contact information and getting the word out that you can help — it does make a difference.

Many organizations maintain a Wish List on their websites.

• Franco Center, 207-261-5240, dscammon@francocenter.org. Website: www.francocenter.org/donate
Mailing / physical address: 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston, ME 04240

• Trinity Jubilee Center, 207-782-5700, info@trinityjubileecenter.org. Website: www.trinityjubileecenter.org
Mailing address: 247 Bates Street, Lewiston, ME 04240
Physical address: 51 Spruce Street, Lewiston, ME 04240

• Tree Street Youth Center, 207-577-6386, info@treestreetyouth.org. Website: www.treestreetyouth.org
Mailing/Physical address: 144 Howe Street Lewiston, ME 04240

• New Beginnings, 207-795-4077, info@newbeginmaine.org Website: www.newbeginmaine.org
Mailing/Physical administrative address: 134 College Street, Lewiston, ME 04240

• Good Shepherd Food Bank, 207-782-3554, Website: gsfb.org
Physical address: 3121 Hotel Road, Auburn, ME 04210
Mailing address: PO Box 1807, Auburn, Maine 04211-1807

• Safe Voices, 207-795-6744, Website: www.safevoices.org
Administrative Office mailing address: P.O. Box 713, Auburn, ME 04212-0713

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Hello Christmas!

I love this time of year!

Getting together with family and friends, focusing on what’s important, finding the perfect gift, cooking up favorites, decorating, and watching holiday movies. Oh, and hot chocolate and cookies, too.

Have you been asked to a holiday party? I’m excited to be able to share a free downloadable game to play at this year’s Christmas party. You can print it at home at your convenience. CLICK HERE.

Have you been watching a lot of Christmas movies? Check out my list of favorite holiday movies if you’re looking for something good to watch with the family. Click HERE to go to my Christmas movies page. I have a Bucket List of Christmas movies that you can download for free. CLICK HERE.

Next I’ll be sharing a Christmas recipe that you can use when you’re going to a Christmas party. It’s one of my favorite “what can I bring?” recipes.

Have a great day! Make it sweet!
Love,
Dana

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Warm and comfortable in more ways than one

If you click the links in my online shop, I may earn a little cash through qualified sales because I have joined some affiliate programs. I promise you, the money earned will be put to good use, such as food, cell phone bill, clothes, and rent (yes, it’s not free to live with the ‘rents). But I also hope to select a charitable organization, preferably local to Lewiston-Auburn, to give a percentage of sales. I will also buy sushi.

To go to my online shop and see all my affiliate links, click here: https://livingwithdana.com/shop/. Thanks so much!

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The ‘PG’ Version of Vegas

Sushi dinner at Tao restaurant.

Are you planning a vacation for you and your family? A weekend get away with your friends? May I suggest Vegas?!
If you haven’t been, don’t judge just yet.

On my way back from the Hoover Dam, I had to stop to take a picture of the famous welcome sign!

The first time I went, I was so nervous, I didn’t really know what to expect other than what you see on tv and in movies. I was thinking either glitz and glam or dirty and nasty… Come to find out, it’s pretty amazing!

Malls that have full sized aquariums inside, amazing architecture everywhere you look, restaurants, fountains galore and of course, casinos!

A mall inside a hotel that looks like you’re outside!

The casinos are super clean and for the most part, quite friendly. (Of course they are, you’re spending money)! Just walking around the casinos is fun, even if you’re not a gambler. The atmosphere is electric! The people watching, the lights, the statues, the exhibits… Although, dropping a $20 in the penny machines is pretty fun, even if you don’t win, and you get free drinks!

Strolling through one of the grand hotels…

I’ve been to Vegas twice, I’m not an expert, but I can give my opinion, it’s definitely worth a visit! The first time I went I stayed for 3 days and 2 nights. That was perfect! Just enough to get away and enjoy your time there. You can walk everywhere and see most of the sites in the first day. And then of course have a great night!
The second visit, I stayed for 5 days and 4 nights, that was a day too long! It was a system overload. It almost got old by the 4th day… but that’s just my opinion!
The food is amazing, tons of things to do, go to a broadway show, museums, exhibits, street performers, it is never ending!

The iconic Bellagio Fountain!

All in all, Vegas is a great vacation spot for any type of getaway! You can check out the link below on my page and see some of the attractions that are offered. Well worth the look!

 

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Why am I using Bluehost to host my website?

They offer everything I need in one place. They have shared hosting, bluehostWordPress hosting, vps hosting, dedicated hosting, reseller hosting and many features to go with these products. You can customize your website.

The dashboard is easy to use. There is built-in security and 24/7 expert support. You can get complete hosting solutions starting at $3.95 per month.

It’s what I use because I don’t have time to learn a lot of web coding. Did I already say it’s easy? I’ve joined Bluehost’s affiliate program because I think it is a good company. Click here to get started on your own website.

 

 

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Vegged Out!

I consider myself to be pretty healthy. I eat right, take my vitamins and work out. I used to run everyday, but that’s a different story … I’m in good shape. My favorite snack to eat is vegetables! Salads for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Soups packed with vegetables, grilled vegetables whenever I have the chance, steamed vegetables … you get the point. I choose vegetables because I actually love eating them.

I’m slightly obsessed with eating vegetables and dip. Not just any dip; it has to be the Hidden Valley Ranch packet mixed with a container of sour cream.  I have that for a snack throughout the day. Okay, I can eat the entire dip in a day! But I only eat it with fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, zucchini, broccoli and my favorite, cauliflower! I feel like I’m eating healthy and it’s delicious! No harm done.

The catch is, the next day I am so bloated from the vegetables! I seriously look like I’m five months pregnant! Raw broccoli and cauliflower will bloat your belly! Along with cruciferous veggies, such as kale, cucumbers, and cabbage cause bloating and gas when eaten in their raw form. This is because they’re extremely high in fiber, which can be difficult for your body to break down. Furthermore, cruciferous vegetables contain raffinose, which is a sugar molecule that falls under the FODMAP umbrella.

FODMAP is an acronym that stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols. In simple terms, FODMAPS are a group of indigestible short-chain carbohydrates, or sugar molecules. Since your body is unable to completely digest these sugar molecules, they travel through your GI tract and reach your colon undigested, where the bacteria that live in your colon begin to ferment them. The fermentation can produce gas and bloating.

Wow, lots of info for just a simple vegetable! If you’re finally ready to say goodbye to the food baby, avoid the vegetables that cause bloating … easier said than done! So, if you’ve ever been gassy after eating a plate of broccoli, you can rest assured it’s not your fault—it’s the raffinose!

Cruciferous vegetables provide several essential vitamins and minerals, in addition to the hormone balancing compound Indole-3-Carbinol. So you probably don’t want to leave them out of your diet. Instead, try steaming cruciferous vegetables to help soften their tough fiber and make them easier to digest. You can also increase their digestibility by blending them into a soup with a cup or two of veggie broth after steaming.