Thinking of getting a pet? You’ll get no argument from me.
Dr. Jennifer Simmons recommends a furry companion.
Last January, my dear friend Francine asked me to watch her toy poodle, Bailey, for two months. This may seem like a big ask, but Francine was thinking what most people think of me…She already has three dogs, what’s one more?
I am a lifetime dog owner. For as long as I can remember, I have had a (big) dog. I can personally attest to the joys of pet ownership. At various times in my life I have had dogs, cats, birds, gerbils, Guinea pigs, hamsters, frogs, fresh water and salt water fish, the dreaded hermit crabs, and a tortoise. I pretty much run a zoo. Given all my experience, I could never have predicted the effect that my temporary boarder, Bailey, could have on me.
The health effects from dog and cat ownership is undeniable. Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, abate loneliness, inspire exercise and playfulness, and even improve your heart health. Having an animal can help children grow up to be more secure and active. It also lessens the chance that children will suffer from allergies and eczema. On the other end of the spectrum, pets provide valuable companionship for older adults.
Having a furry friend will
- Keep you fit
- Ensure you're never lonely
- Lower your stress levels
- Help you make friends
- Improve your immune system
- Help to prevent your children from developing allergies
- Lower the incidence of depression
- Lower blood pressure
- They can even detect cancer early!
Of course there are downsides to pet ownership. They are a huge responsibility. They need to be fed, cared for and loved. I fell in love with Bailey. So much so that when he left I felt a gaping hole in my heart that needed to be filled. So, in April, we welcomed Teddy to our family. It was the best decision I ever made.
Unconventional fashion: vintage
Gabriella Di Falco, Elect Lifestyle
We know that fashion is ever changing but vintage clothing is not going anywhere!
You are starting to see the vintage look everywhere again with more women opting to take this fashion route.
Vintage designer clothing will ALWAYS be in fashion. It all depends on how you style it.
My passion for vintage comes from my mother's fashion sense and also from my years spent in London studying fashion at one of the most renowned universities.
London has an undeniable eye for vintage clothing, but in Naples you can easily find hidden gems!
Here are some of my tips to shop for vintage fashion pieces:
- Get inspired before you shop. Before heading out to get the right item, create an mood board for inspiration (photos will help to narrow down your decision and what you are looking for).
- Another great tip is to always inject a hint of your personality to the outfit, no matter what!
- You don’t want to look like you just came out of a 1920s movie, so balance out any vintage top, for example, with modern styled shoes or pants.
- Pick garments that still look like current trends: vintage shirts, sheer tops, floral dresses, puff-sleeved shirts, long skirts, high-waisted pants, shorts or trousers.
Use these tips to master that vintage look, but keep it classy and stylish.
Remember: “Fashion is the only game you win by breaking all its rules.” - Sissy Gavrilaki