Month: January 2021

Looking Beyond the Physical: Do You Take the Delights of the Universe as Coincidences or Are You Simply Attuned to Them?

Looking-Beyond-the-Physical

Almost two decades ago, I spoke with a medium. My father had taken a one-way flight to heaven about seven years earlier, and I was curious to see if, in fact, there truly could be a way to get information about him.

Now, before some of you stop reading, I just want to let you know that I too was a skeptic. As much as I believe there is a metaphysical world beyond our earthly residence, I was reluctant to embark on this questionable exchange.

The woman with whom I conversed was lovely. She shared with me some matters that were somewhat accurate but nothing outstanding. At one point, she indicated there was a white dog sitting with my father.

I responded with, “Um, no white dog. There was a dog, Cupcake, who all of us adored, but she was black and had very little white in her.” When I finished my call, I did not think much about that part of the reading.

Sometimes It Is Just Not a Coincidence

A few days later, I was speaking with my sister. Casually, I mentioned that I had spoken to a medium not quite sure how she would respond. I did not say much about the conversation except that the medium had “seen Dad.” My sister enthusiastically indicated she was a supporter of this form of communication.

Without hesitation, she stated, “Yes, I definitely believe in this. I do not think I told you, but right before Dad died, Mark (her husband) and I visited him in the nursing home. While we were sitting with him, Dad said, ‘Look at Cupcake. She turned all white. Isn’t she beautiful?’”

Now I almost fell off my chair because I never knew this about my father. More significantly, there is absolutely no way that the medium whom I had never met could have had any of this information.

Coincidence? I don’t think so. In fact, when I share this story with more dubious friends or clients, they look at me with astonishment and often indicate they have chills going up and down their spine.

Several years later, I had another call with the medium. She asked me if I had a dog. I answered with, “We have two.” She went on to say that one of them had something amiss with one of his front paws. I told her she was absolutely correct.

The Inexplicable Even During Everyday Occurrences

Now, you might wonder, “What is the point of all this?” My sexagenarian conclusion is that no matter how much we justify certain events, there are times that the inexplicable occurs. I am not promoting mediumship, nor am I an advocate of magical thinking such as “just imagine and it will happen.”

Rather, I am suggesting that if we remain open to the universe and the possibilities, sometimes energy delivers in ways which are most unexpected: a new idea, a thought, a solution to a problem.

A few years ago, I had a client, Joan, who excitedly shared with me her newly-born grandson’s name. Let us just say it was Noel, a lovely name but not a common one. I told Joan that I’d had a client whose only child had used the same name. I had not seen this client in over ten years.

When Joan finished her appointment, I checked my messages. My voicemail contained a message from the client of long ago! I called her and said that I had just been thinking about her. Again, some might call this a coincidence. I don’t think it is.

Finally, a few days ago, I said goodbye to a delightful college student who I will probably never see again. She was visiting her family on winter break and sought my services while she was home. After a few sessions, I helped her find someone close to her college and wished her well on her life journey.

When she departed, I thought about another young woman, Portia, whom I had seen during last summer’s college break. Prior to our connecting, she had never been a recipient of behavioral health services.

Over the course of those few months we worked together, her openness and effervescence could not be overstated. As the summer came to an end, Portia informed me she would contact me on winter break. As of the early-to-mid January date, however, I received no communication from her.

After pondering whether or not I would hear from her, I put this thought aside and attended to my next client. A few hours later, I checked my text messages, and there was one from Portia asking to see me right before she returned to school. Coincidence or attunement with the universe? I would say the latter.

Openness Is the Key!

No matter what our belief system is, there are times we cannot attribute such events to a coincidence. Sometimes we receive offerings which are perplexing but often enchanting.

No matter age or circumstances, I think it is important to remain open, not just with our eyes and ears but with all of our senses. You never know when that thought, idea or solution will reveal itself.

Would it be a coincidence if it occurred just when you needed it? Maybe, but as you can probably deduce, my answer would be, most likely not.

Do you recognize the inexplicable in your life? Are there times when certain unfoldings cannot be justified as a coincidence? Do you remain open to the universe’s offerings? I certainly hope so because you never know when the right thought or idea will arrive in a most timely manner. Please share in the comments below.

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Madison LeCroy’s Season 7 Reunion Dress

Madison LeCroy’s Season 7 Reunion Dress

Southern Charm Season 7 Reunion Fashion

According to the previews for the Southern Charm Season 7 reunion Madison LeCroy is taking no prisoners (watch out Austen…and apparently Craig!) while looking like one herself in this black and white sequin striped dress. And as the judge and jury of fashion, our final verdict is that we definitely find her guilty of a very stylish execution.

 

Fashionably,

Faryn

 

Madison LeCroy’s Season 7 Reunion Dress

Southern Charm Reunion

Click Here to Shop Her Silvia Tcherassi Dress on Sale

Click Here For Additional Stock

Stuart Weitzman Sandals Sold Out

Photo #2: @LevaBonaparte

Originally posted at: Madison LeCroy’s Season 7 Reunion Dress

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Is Metabolic Surgery Safe for Seniors?

metabolic surgery

You have undoubtedly heard of metabolic surgery, but it might be more familiar to you under another name: bariatric surgery or weight-loss surgery. All three refer to the surgical procedures that have evolved over the last 75 years or so, aimed at treating excess body weight and type two diabetes.

The instances of both obesity and type two diabetes increase with age, but is metabolic surgery safe for seniors?

Science Says Yes

The answer might surprise you, but the resounding response from wide-ranging studies is yes. In fact, the surgery in its modern form today is considered by medical societies around the globe to provide a large risk reduction for seniors.

It lowers risks of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and death by a substantial amount. But how exactly does surgery reduce one’s risk?

The main reason is that modern metabolic surgery is quite successful at changing the internal metabolism, hormones, and the body’s biochemistry, which leads to significant loss of weight and reversal of type two diabetes.

Each of these results means a lot less strain on the heart, kidneys, and other organs of the body, resulting in fewer heart attacks and lower risks across the board. The other development in recent decades is the improved safety and simplicity of the metabolic surgical procedure.

Today, the primary procedure performed in the United States and around the globe takes about 45 minutes, uses four small Band-Aids, and is statistically safer than a C-section or a gallbladder removal.

The most widely performed procedure goes by the name laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. It involves trimming off the outer portion of the stomach tissue, a specialized tissue rich in the production of those key hormones. The result is a “re-set” of metabolism, body weight, and blood sugar.

Sleeve gastrectomy does not involve placing any sort of device in the body, and it is a good deal simpler than the previously most popular gastric bypass, and hence safer and less invasive. Most people stay overnight for observation after the brief procedure and recover and resume work within two weeks.

Guidelines Now Recommend Metabolic Surgery

Although metabolic surgery has evolved and improved over the past 75 years, the last 10 to 15 years have seen an explosion of scientific discovery about the biochemical workings of the stomach in regulating body weight and blood sugar.

While a person feels fuller faster and reports a lot less hunger on average, the real magic happens behind the scenes at the level of our cells that begin burning fat instead of storing it. Published studies from large U.S. databases demonstrate sleeve gastrectomy to be both safe and effective for seniors.

More than 53 leading endocrinology societies around the world now recommend metabolic surgery as a primary treatment for type two diabetes.

The surgery causes an immediate and lasting change in the important regulatory hormones that control blood sugar. The result is complete remission of diabetes for most people and significant improvement for everyone else.

Because the surgery produces a direct change in the regulatory biochemistry, an important amount of lipids – the triglycerides – drop right away along with blood sugar before the person has even lost a pound.

The result is a lowered risk of the progression of diabetes to serious health conditions like kidney failure, blindness, heart attack, or amputation.

Next Steps

Increasingly, seniors are being advised to consider metabolic surgery by their primary care doctors. In past years, this would have been surprising advice because it seemed like something that was focused on weight loss was probably meant for younger people.

Today, large studies confirm that the hormonal effects of the less invasive metabolic procedures we now perform routinely confer big health improvements for seniors.

Additionally, due to its exceptional safety record, Medicare no longer considers any upper age limit restriction for metabolic surgery. In fact, the procedure is widely covered.

Do not make the mistake of assuming you are too old for metabolic surgery. Current guidelines no longer recommend seniors stay content with treating their diabetes with shots and pills.

Peer-reviewed studies of diet plans to treat obesity show little or no success. If you are struggling with excess weight or living with type two diabetes, it is worth learning more about your options. You may be surprised to learn how receptive doctors are today about metabolic surgery.

What do you know about metabolic surgery? Has your doctor recommended it to you as possible treatment option for type two diabetes? If you suffer from this condition, would you consider metabolic surgery? Please share your thoughts with the community.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor to get specific medical advice for your situation.

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Lisa Barlow’s Black Sunglasses in Las Vegas

Lisa Barlow’s Black Sunglasses in Las Vegas

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 1 Episode 12 Fashion

As someone who has a sunglasses drawer(s) at her home, I can totally relate to the fact that Lisa Barlow seems to have a pair for every occasion. The only difference being her selection seems to be a lot larger and more expensive than mine, as proven by her black sunglasses in Las Vegas that certainly aren’t the first pair that are going for over $500 that she’s worn.

For the rest of us, I love sunglasses as an accessory because now you can get designer pairs for well under $100 from places like Nordstrom Rack and they can totally make your look luxe. Or, thanks to brands like Diff, Quay and Le Specs you can get super fab, affordable pairs that aren’t designer.  And when you become a sunglasses hoarder collector, ya’ll have to be sure to pick up these organizers for them.

And that completes my dissertation on sunglasses. Have a lovely day.

 

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

 

Lisa Barlow's Black Sunglasses in Las Vegas

Click Here to Shop her Chanel Sunglasses

Originally posted at: Lisa Barlow’s Black Sunglasses in Las Vegas

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Headband Wigs Are Trending Like Crazy & Here Are My Favorites

The ’70s fashion hair accessory is back—with a modern update. If you often find yourself falling into a rabbit hole on Instagram watching wig videos, you’ve probably seen so-called headband wigs exploding all over your timeline. This type of unit, sometimes referred to as a headband half wig, is made with a piece of material at the wig’s base that mimics a headband.

Headband wigs offer an easy-to-wear option that requires nothing more than your natural hair being slicked back or braided down under. If you’re not a pro at applying wigs, headband wigs are a great option. Not only does it not require any combs, clips or glue, but it also tends to look more natural than lace wigs.

While headband wigs may have seemed to appear out of thin air, making it even harder to decide which type of wig is suited for your needs, it was, in fact, a response to lace production shortages during the beginning of the pandemic. Wig-wearers were having trouble finding quality lace wigs early during the pandemic. Plus, spending more time indoors is all the more reason to find lower maintenance alternatives to help you slay at home.

Headband wigs may have been a response to a temporary hiccup in the wig industry, but the ease of application has won over wig-wearers ranging from novice to expert. It’s safe to say that headband wigs aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. In case you need some help venturing off into the wonderful world, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite wig units to guide you through the process.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

coily headband wig Headband Wigs Are Trending Like Crazy & Here Are My Favorites

Her Given Hair Coily Headband Wig

The company has created a few gorgeous textured headband wigs to channel your natural texture in a matter of minutes. If your wash-and-go typically requires a large chunk of time, having this headband wig at your disposal may come in handy.

Headband Brazilian Glueless Density Headband Wigs Are Trending Like Crazy & Here Are My Favorites

UNice Body Wave Headband Human Hair Wig

The glam goddess in you deserves this full-bodied wig available in lengths from 12-28 inches.

Buy: Headband Human Hair Wig $89.20

Brown Highlights Yaki Textured Headband Wig 1 Headband Wigs Are Trending Like Crazy & Here Are My Favorites

RPG Show Brown Highlights Yaki Textured Headband Wig

This pink headband wig is just about the easiest way to get trendy highlights.

leo zodiac collection human hair ombre curly Headband Wigs Are Trending Like Crazy & Here Are My Favorites

My First Wig Leo – Zodiac Collection Human Hair Ombre Curly

There’s no doubt in our minds that the Leo-themed headband wig will be a conversation starter, even if it’s just on your weekly Target run.

Headband Synthetic HeadWrap Headband Wigs Are Trending Like Crazy & Here Are My Favorites

Clione Kinky Curly Headband Wig

Full is not even the word to describe the volume on this affordable synthetic kinky-curly afro wig. If you’re on the hunt for a statement wig, this is it.

Buy: Curly Headband Wig $25.89

Recifeya Headband Density Glueless Machine Headband Wigs Are Trending Like Crazy & Here Are My Favorites

Recifeya Hair Headband Wig

You may not be spending much time poolside or at the beach this year, but that doesn’t mean you wear this water wave textured headbang wig. We recommend keeping keep a spray bottle with water handy to keep this hair texture moisturized and defined.

Buy: Hair Headband Wig $69.99

Ali Pearl Headband Wig Headband Wigs Are Trending Like Crazy & Here Are My Favorites

Ali Pearl Headband Wig

Don’t sleep on short curly wigs. Compared to their longer counterparts, the ringlets are just as beautiful but much more manageable. This particular curly headband wig comes with three headbands and one scarf for you to switch up your look.

Buy: Headband Wig $75.48

Luvme Kinky Straight Headband Wig Headband Wigs Are Trending Like Crazy & Here Are My Favorites

Luvme Kinky Straight Headband Wig

If you have type 4 hair, kinky straight wigs are a must for your arsenal. The best thing about kinky straight textured wigs (besides the fact that they mimic straightened natural hair perfectly) is that they’re versatile. You can wear it in its natural kinky/crimped state, straighten it or even pump up the volume by adding curls.

Buy: Kinky Straight Headband Wig $199.90

Kryssma Headband Glueless Synthetic Natural Headband Wigs Are Trending Like Crazy & Here Are My Favorites

K’ryssma Headband Wig

This affordable synthetic wig comes with multiple different headband prints so there are endless possibilities.

Buy: Headband Wig $27.77

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