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hounds & hearth LIVE LOUDLY. REST BEAUTIFULLY.â„¢
A Year for You Keeping that self-care commitment
Photo Tips from a Pro Rock your Christmas morning pics of pets and people
W W W . H O U N D S A N D H E A R T H . C O M
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
Sparkly Winter Magic November marked the beginning of the Holidays; a truly wonderful time of year full of tradition, gatherings, food, gifts, laughter, joy, and celebration. But the holidays can also bring a bit of something else. Chaos Our normal day-to-day interactions with family and friends, as well as our schedule of events (yes, even the online ones), have suddenly increased four-fold and that in itself can be chaotic. Sprinkle in the desperate need to make sure every moment of the next two months is perfect and you have the standard definition of Holiday Chaos. Having a plan can help keep your mind clear and now is the perfect time to start planning not only your your schedule of events but managing stress, increasing joy, and finding peaceful moments. This issue is full of ideas to balance 2020's unique holiday madness (Zoom dinners, mailing packages...) with quiet moments that allow you to fully embrace Winter's magic. This article first appeard on the Hounds and Hearth blog. By Arielle Myer
Carina Thornton
publisher, homebody, pastaholic WE HELP DOG-MOMS SLOW THEIR HUSTLE BY CREATING TRANQUIL HAVENS IN THEIR HOME THAT ALLOW THEM TO BALANCE LIVING LOUDLY WITH RESTING BEAUTIFULLY.
HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
Table of Contents 09
05
05
Beat the Winter Blues
Conquer Seasonal Affective Disorder with these simple tips.
09
Christmas Photo Tips
12
A Year for You
21
Big Little Secret
Pro tips for perfect Christmas morning pics of people and pets.
Many New Year's resolutions revolve around commitments to self-care.
The gentle way to keep that New Year's resolution.
29
Your home is the place you go to feel secure when your anxiety is in overdrive, to recharge after a long day of meetings and traffic, or to just breathe. Hounds and Hearth is dedicated to serving the unique needs of dog moms so they can harness the calming magic of their canine bestie in all aspects of their full, wonderful lives.
10 20 29 32 33
Printable Holiday Photo Checklist Advertise with us Dog-Friendly Hot "Chocolate" Share Your Story Subscribe to the magazine
HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
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BEATING THE
Winter Blues Do you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? by Arielle Meyr
HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
According to the Mayo Clinic, SAD is “a type of
depression that’s related to changes in seasons” (1) and can begin in Autumn (usually when the clocks change) and continue through Winter. Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms include: difficulty concentrating lack of interest in things you typically enjoy problems with sleep and appetite sense of hopelessness feelings of depression carb cravings
About 5 percent of adults in the U.S. experience SAD and it typically lasts about 40 percent of the year.
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“The specific cause of SAD remains unknown but some factors that may come into play include: Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression. Melatonin levels. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body’s level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.” (2) (1), (2) Seasonal Affective Disorder https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
What To Do 01
Try sitting in front of a Light Therapy box for 20 minutes a day. These boxes emit bright light (filtering out UV rays) that can help alleviate your symptoms in 1-2 weeks with daily use.
02
Bundle up and spend a few minutes in nature. The increased exposure to sunlight will help but don’t forget the sunscreen! If you prefer the warmth of indoors, try to move your workspace close to a window.
03
04
Plan regular virtual gettogethers with friends and family or volunteer in your community. Our in-person gatherings may be limited but online meet-ups can keep you connected. If your symptoms don’t improve, it’s time to see your doctor. Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be conducted individually or in a family or group setting. Your psychotherapist may also prescribe an antidepressant to help you navigate through your symptoms.
Get Additional Help
If your depression is severe or you are having thoughts of suicide, contact your doctor immediately or seek help at your nearest emergency room.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255).
printable checklist
Christmas morning photos prerequisite: Accept that there will be playful chaos. FORGET PERFECT. Don’t worry about being perfect. Let there be wrapping paper everywhere and bed head and cookie crumbs and pre-coffee drowsiness. Let the puppy run around with your new cashmere scarf. Let the cat get all up in your tree. It’s all good.
PAJAMAS! Matching pajamas might be the one way to keep some sense of planning in the morning frenzy! And don’t forget the dog jammies – or if you’re really brave, you can match the entire family, pets included! GET IN THE PHOTOS. I know you have bed head but guess what… in 20 years you won’t care what your hair looked like. You’ll only look at the photo – and probably at people and pets that are long gone – and remember how perfect the moment really was. Grab an inexpensive tripod for your camera or phone and get everyone in the pic. LIGHT. Although you don’t want anything too formal, try to notice the lighting especially since it could be quite early! Ideally you want your subjects on the floor, facing a window, with the tree behind them. This will allow natural light to to fall on your subjects and will give you a nice background of tree lights. If there is crazy harsh sunlight, consider hanging a sheer white curtain over the window to soften the light and reduce shadows. If the window is behind them, you will likely need to use your flash to avoid silhouettes.
GET LOW. When taking photos, get on down to eye-level with your subjects. Avoid a bunch of photos of the tops of heads by getting on your knees – and sometimes on your belly (hello shih tzus!) – in order to be level with your subject.
PLAN OUT SOME OF THE IMAGES YOU WANT SO YOU DON'T MISS A THING.
There is no chance, no fate, no destiny that can circumvent, or hinder, or control the firm resolve of a determined soul. Hyrum Smith
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
2021 A Year For You
Many New Year's resolutions revolve around commitments to self-care. If you feel as if you’ve been going a million miles a minute and think you can’t take a break – listen up for some tough love! You cannot serve others from an empty cup. Read it again. Slowly. When you are overworked, overwhelmed, and just plain exhausted, resentment will start to creep in and affect your relationships: with others and with yourself.
If left unchecked, it will burst out in a fit of tears or rage, leaving you in a constant loop of overcommitment and resentment.
You cannot serve others from an empty cup.
HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
You may think you’re being helpful and nurturing by saying yes to everyone else’s needs but if your actions are peppered with negative feelings and resentment and a half-hearted contribution, does anyone really benefit?
“Slowing down does not indicate that you are giving up. It simply means that your soul is seeking some well earned recharge.” Christine Szymanski
Break out of the loop. Today.
How Pick one or more of our 5 simple tricks to claim a few minutes of downtime.
"IT’S OK TO START SMALL. PICK ONE OF THESE AND TAKE THE TIME. WHICH ONE WILL YOU DO TODAY?"
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
01
The
“You” Block
Just like that meeting you can’t miss, schedule time for you and don’t cancel! Whether it’s once a day or once a week, set aside a block of time for you; time that can’t be used for work or chores. Read a book, watch a sappy movie, or spend an afternoon in the park. My go-to choice is a Sunday morning sunrise with tea and a journal. Seriously, 10 minutes is all you need.
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Put The Phone Down
The simplest (and most difficult) way to make extra time for you is to put the phone down. I know it’s hard, but try to limit electronics use especially before going to bed. It’s easy to push your bedtime later and later because “one email” somehow turned into an hour of social media scrolling. My rule is no electronics 1-2 hours before bed. I use the time to unwind, journal, play with my kitties, and read.
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
03
Get Your ZZZs
The more you have to do, the more important sleep is. Make getting enough sleep a priority and you’ll find yourself much happier, energized, and relaxed. I have a reminder that tells me to start my evening routine an hour before bedtime so that everything is wrapped up and ready for morning!
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
04
Light a Candle
I love candles but if they’re not your thing find what it is that relaxes you. Aromatherapy has a huge impact on mood! Diffusing essential oils is a perfect choice as well so whenever you’re at home, set the mood. Whether it’s your favorite candle or gentle music in the background, make it a space that relaxes you even if there’s work to be done. I have a very special candle that I use when I’m at my desk working – it brings me back to a magical place and inspires me.
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Move Your Body
Setting aside time for exercise, even just a walk around the block (or a dance around your living room), has more than one benefit. Exercise helps keep those pesky stress hormones at bay. My doctor recently told me that I have a “prescription” for workouts – it’s not just recommended, it’s required! Staying physically active is a huge help with my anxiety and panic attacks. (Oh those fabulous endorphins.) The extra bonus of exercising? Your energetic pooch can join you on your evening stroll.
“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” LEWIS CARROLL, ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
• THE SECRET TO KEEPING YOUR •
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION I am an instant gratification kind of girl. I take no pleasure from the “process” – I want results and finish lines now, now, NOW! But there is a better way. By Carina Thornton
HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
Full Disclosure... I am an instant gratification kind of girl. I take no pleasure from the “process” – I want results and finish lines now, now, NOW! I don’t have collections of anything because it would drive me crazy to create a collection piece by agonizing piece over months, years, and OMG decades. Needless to say, this mentality has not always served me well. It makes me change things before they’ve had a chance to work. It makes me start things before I’m ready (y’all, I ran a marathon only 2 years after I started running! Not my best decision…) and it keeps me in a constant state of a “get it done” frenzy.
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are There is a better way. Octobers.” Show of hands – who else has made their resolutions with the same all or nothing mentality? Lose pounds! L.M. 30 Montgomery, Run a marathon! Organize my entire Anne of Green life! Journal every day and night! You Gables get the picture. These are huge goals and what most of us tend to do is go all in. Salads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner until those 30 pounds melt away or until we are starving, miserable, “hangry”, and vitamin-deficient. Very likely that it’s the latter that makes us throw in the towel after 2 weeks.
"I'm so glad I live The Big (Little) Secret So here is the big secret: Baby steps. Embrace the idea that any step in the right direction is closer to your goal. Replace just 3 meals a week with a healthy salad. Make time for just 2 extra walks per week with your dog, even if they are 15 minutes! I resolve every year to floss more. But here’s the thing: I hate flossing. I HATE IT. And frankly, flossing isn’t the goal – healthy teeth and gums are the goal. So instead of dreading an evening routine that starts with flossing, I bought a Water Pick, promised to use it twice a week (get your frequency on a calendar and get reminders), and then see my dentist for cleanings 3 times a year instead of 2. Same result – healthy teeth and gums – but less of the crap I hate. And zero guilt for never hitting my floss-every-day resolution. Are you trying to prioritize a self-care routine that includes an hour a day to indulge yourself? You are not failing at your goal if you take 10 minutes twice a week to read a few pages of the book that has been collecting dust on your nightstand. Or 15 minutes a day to play with your cat. Start by defining your end goal. Maybe you'd like to spend more time outdoors instead of in front of electronics.
HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
in a world where Choose one small step in that direction. there are Add 2 extra dog walks per week. Get it Octobers.” on your calendar and set reminders. (Tuesday and Thursday 7pm: Walk L.M.atMontgomery, my pooch around the block.) Anne of Green
Gables
Be gentle with yourself. Know that a step forward is a step forward no matter how small.
opening February 2021 OUR SIGNATURE COURSE
ARE YOU...
DO YOU...
ARE YOU READY...
frustrated trying to create an effective space for yourself in your home?
feel trapped in a cycle of keeping up with day-to-day chaos?
for a step-by-step method to create your personal haven in your home?
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HOUNDS AND HEARTH MAGAZINE
It's time to claim your haven.
Making decisions on creating a space that you love can be an overwhelming task! We are flooded from every direction with "Inspiration!", "Sale!", "Hottest Trends!" (and don't get me started on targeted ads that hit you as soon as you mention new curtains.) But...
what if you were confident enough to clearly understand the difference between their perfect home and yours?
Now that you love the idea of creating haven at home, you are so ready for the next step. Grab a cup of tea, glass of wine, or shot of whiskey (we don't judge here) and let's continue your journey with a "Claim Your Haven" course. In "Claim Your Haven", we'll take a close look at our 6 Step Success Plan to give you a clear roadmap for creating a space and home that is all you.
YOUR SUCCESS JOURNEY
Commit
How to eliminate distractions that can slow your progress.
Reflect
Use our exercises to get clear on your definition of haven.
Connect
Understand your home to make project planning simple.
Create Learn how to tell your unique story in your space.
Devote Choose to prioritize your self-care.
Expand Expand into new parts of your home and #BeTheHaven for others.
OPENING FEBRUARY 2021 Enrollment for "Claim Your Haven" opens only once a year so I can devote time to help each and every one of you.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Questions? Get in touch: hello@houndsandhearth.com www.houndsandhearth.com
recipe a yummy drink to accompany your perfect blanket
Dog-Friendly Hot "Chocolate
Doggie Hot "Chocolate" Ingredients milk water a dash of carob powder
Instructions A little carob powder goes a long way – a tiny dash is all you need. If you can’t get carob powder, you can melt and mix carob drops for a similar effect. If your dog is sensitive to dairy including lactose free options, unsweetened coconut milk or straight water can be used instead. Heat and froth the milk. Pour the majority of the milk into single serving bowls retaining some of your froth Add water to dilute and adjust temperature (serve warm, but not hot). Stir in a small amount of carob powder, top with remaining froth, sprinkle with a dash of extra carob powder and serve to yourself and to your pup! *** Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Do not replace carob with chocolate if you're serving this to your dog.
SHARE YOUR STORY Hounds and Hearth magazine is a quarterly online publications for onthe-go dog moms. We recognize the unique needs of women that are striving for balance in their gorgeously full lives with their furbaby right by their side.
We believe in living loudly and resting beautifully. We live loudly because we: - love Summer concerts on the lawn - persist (nevertheless) - belong to dog meetup groups - rock our 9 to 5 jobs - do fun stuff with our besties (people and pups) - participate fully in our wonderful lives We rest beautifully because we are: - unapologetic homebodies - Saturday night bookworms - Introverts - Anxiety warriors - puppy + kitty snugglers - solo hikers - Netflix bingers - salt bath fiends - library wanderers - searchers of the perfect blanket We welcome submissions from writers, poets, artists, and photographers. If you would like to contribute, please note the following guidelines.
WRITERS We are looking for original work focused on: well-being specific to dog moms, tips for the home design needs of pet friendly homes, benefits of rest and self-care, advocacy and volunteer work, recipes, holistic and natural remedies. PHOTOGRAPHERS/ARTISTS Images that capture authentic moments between women and dogs, women engaging in self-care: reading, sipping tea, cooking healthy meals, tending to their dog, volunteerism, enjoying local "Yappy Hours" and dog-friendly businesses. Moments should be candid. If accepted for publication, photos and illustrations must be hi-res images (300 dpi, 6� x 6� min.) We only consider original submissions. All images used in submissions must be copyright free. It is the responsibility of the submitter to ensure that no copyright infringement has occurred and that all submitted work is their own. Please do not submit the same work to competing publications. Any work that has already been featured in competing publications will not be accepted. Publishing on your personal blog is permitted. SUBMIT TO: submit@houndsandhearth.com Include name, mailing address. No phone calls please.
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