March 14, 2o24

💭 Sneaky things that may be making your house stinky

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Thursday

"I take steps every day to align myself with my most authentic life."
Happy Thursday! In today's newsletter:
Did You Know?
Dust is mostly made of what two things?

Scroll for the answer!
Sneaky Things That Can Make Your House Stinky
Candles, potpourri, and essential oils can be great ways to help your house stay smelling fresh. 

However, rather than enhancing the smell of your home, they may be masking some stinky smells.

If you can't figure out exactly why your home has had a funky scent, here are a few sneaky things that may be the cause:
  • Towels: If you've been using the same towels for a while — or if they are not able to dry completely between uses — this can cause a smelly odor. Swap them out for fresh ones, or try to wash them more frequently! While couch and bed blankets usually don't get wet, they may also not be frequently washed and can contribute to a stinky home.
  • Kitchen sink: From dirty sponges to the sink itself, it can be easy to neglect the area where we clean our dishes. Toss your dish brushes in the dishwasher, and scrub the sink down to keep things fresh!
  • Dust and dirt: While it may not seem a big deal if you don't vacuum, piled-up dust and dirt can cause stale smells. Try to keep a regular vacuum schedule to stay on top of it!
  • Trash: If your trash doesn't seem to fill up often, that can be a great thing for the environment. However, it can also lead to some stinky odors. In addition to taking the trash out more frequently, opting for a smaller trash can, adding a compost bin for food scraps, and taking out raw meat containers and other garbage that will cause strong odors are all ways to help ease that garbage stink.
  • Appliances: While we use appliances like the washer, microwave, and fridge daily, we typically don't clean them often. Find a regular schedule to keep these items clean — and ensure what goes in them stays in tip-top shape, too!
Image courtesy of Michiel van Kaam
The Truth Behind the "Five-Second Rule"
At some point or another, many of us have dropped a piece of food on the ground, picked it up, and eaten it.

While many of us would never dream of doing it outside our homes, what does science say? Is the five-second rule a thing?

Especially if you have pets or wear shoes indoors, experts say there are likely more germs that get tracked around your home — and therefore, there is more risk of eating food that fell on the ground.

However, taking your shoes off of having a pet-free home doesn't mean you're safe from bacteria on the floor.

Even things like raw chicken in the kitchen or fecal matter and other bathroom germs can get tracked around your home. Furthermore, surfaces like tile grout and cracks between hardwood may harbor germs even if you clean frequently.

Does length of time matter? What if you pick it up right away?

Unfortunately, one study found that bacteria can transfer to food in less than a second. Certain foods do seem to be more risky — wet food appeared to pick up more pathogens than dry ones.

The study's authors also pointed out that several other studies have found that the longer food is on the floor, the more bacteria can transfer — and that research echoes their findings that wet foods also appear to grab more pathogens than dry ones.

While it's not a guarantee you'll get sick from eating food you dropped on the floor, experts say it may be best to play it safe and toss it out — whether it's been five seconds or not.
Image courtesy of Heather Barnes
What Is Collagen?
Collagen, often touted as the "fountain of youth," offers a plethora of benefits beyond just youthful skin. As the most abundant protein in the human body, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of various tissues, including skin, bones, joints, and muscles.

One of the primary benefits of collagen is its ability to promote skin elasticity and hydration, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, collagen supplements may support joint health by improving cartilage strength and reducing joint pain and stiffness, making them particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis or joint conditions.

Moreover, collagen has been linked to improved hair and nail health, promoting stronger and faster growth. It also supports gut health by enhancing the integrity of the gut lining and aiding in digestion.

Furthermore, collagen has gained attention for its potential to promote muscle growth and recovery, making it a popular supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Overall, incorporating collagen into your daily routine through supplements or collagen-rich foods can contribute to overall health and vitality, supporting various bodily functions and promoting a youthful appearance from the inside out.
Fuel Your Body Naturally
Collagen is essential for healthy skin, joints, and bones, but most collagen supplements on the market are made from animal byproducts and contain artificial ingredients.

At NativePath, they believe in sourcing only the best ingredients for their products, and that’s why they offer a collagen powder that’s truly native—or as close to nature as humanly possible.

Why You'll Love It:

  • Full of Benefits: Each scoop delivers 10g of collagen for comprehensive support for your bones, joints, hair, skin, and nails.
  • Type 1 and Type 3 Collagen: Made of the essential collagen types, making up over 90% of what your body needs for optimal wellbeing.
  • Certified Grass-Fed and Pure: Their collagen comes from 100% happy, healthy, pasture-raised cows ensuring the highest quality without any growth hormones.
  • Flavorless, Odorless, and Clump-Free: Formulated for a seamless mixing experience, their unflavored collagen, effortlessly dissolving in your favorite beverage.
Carefully crafted from high-quality ingredients, this collagen offers a delightful taste that will leave you wanting more. With just two scoops a day, you'll fuel your day with a remarkable 20 grams of protein, providing the energy you need to conquer life at your best.

Embrace the pure power of nature with NativePath and embark on a journey to a healthier, more vibrant you.
Thanks to NativePath for sponsoring Note To Self.
What We're Watching: Tips To Keep Your Home Tidy In a Minute
Keeping your surroundings neat is an amazing form of self-care — it can clear our minds, help us feel more productive, and, in general, help us feel more relaxed!

However, cleaning can feel like a daunting task.

Taking a few moments to do quick and easy tidying can make a great impact on our homes and make us feel much better!

We loved picking up some quick 60-second cleaning tips in a video from Christina Mychas.

Check out 60-second habits to keep your home clean & clutter-free, and find some simple, fast ways to tidy up!
Image courtesy of Sarah Brown
Tips For Falling Asleep Faster
Struggling to fall asleep can be a frustrating experience, but there are several tips and tricks to help you drift off into dreamland more quickly:
  1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, to regulate your body's internal clock.

  2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

  3. Limit Screen Time: Avoid electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

  4. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows to enhance comfort.

  5. Watch Your Diet: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime, as these can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.

  6. Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity during the day can help promote better sleep at night, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.

  7. Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation before bed.

By incorporating these tips into your nightly routine, you can improve your chances of falling asleep faster and enjoying a more restful night's sleep.

Meet the Bedtime Blend That Keeps Selling Out
If you're looking to get better, deeper sleep then meet Dream Powder from Beam- now available in a delicious Seal Salt Caramel flavor.

Dream Powder is packed with zzz-promoting ingredients, like nano CBD, reishi, magnesium, I-theanine, and melatonin. Swirls of caramel mixed with creamy chocolate help you fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up refreshed- with only 15 calories and zero added sugar.

After taking Dream, a clinical study revealed:

  • 93% of users woke up feeling more refreshed.
  • And 93% reported that Dream helped them get a more restful night's sleep.

Check out Beam today!

Thanks to Beam for sponsoring Note To Self.
Parting Thoughts:
  •  Did You Know: Clothing fluff and dead skin cells! The skin cells are hard to see by themselves, but they make up around 70-80% of dust.
  • 🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 
  •  Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Taking just a few minutes each day can help keep your home a much more enjoyable, clean space!
  • The Best Time To Apply Nighttime Skincare: For some of us, our nighttime skincare routine is ritualistic...
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