Ashlyn Bradley Expert Guru

I have many passions, but I would say my top three are God, relationships, and creativity. I love studying and writing about God, Christianity, and religions in general. I also really enjoy studying relationships--reading about them, talking about them, analyzing them, improving them, and of course writing about them. Finally, I love all things creative. Whether it be writing, cooking, dance, photography, music, sewing, gardening, drawing, decorating, fashion, scrapbooks, or arts and crafts, I derive great pleasure from studying, doing, or writing about areas of creativity.

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Maintaining Romantic Relationships in the Holiday Season

Holidays generally mean a flood of food, festivities, and relatives. Most people are busier during the holidays than any other time of the year. While people try their best to take off work for holidays, they should remember not to take a break from close relationships during the hectic seasons. Romantic relationships, whether the couples are married or unmarried, tend to be the relationships that are most at risk for being neglected during holidays. Most of the focus shifts to children and relatives during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, and spouses or partners can easily get overlooked. That is why it is important to make a point in romantic relationships to spend time alone with each other during the holidays, even if it can only be a few minutes here or there. Some ideas for brief, but quality time together include taking a short walk, going to the grocery store to pick something up, washing the dishes together, or simply giving each other a quick hug and saying “I love you.” This way, when all the relatives have departed, the food is cleaned up, and life returns to normal, your romantic relationship can be as close as it was before the holidays without skipping a beat.

Make-Up And Dates

When preparing for romantic dates, many women make the mistake of applying too much make-up. Their reasoning behind more make-up is that they want to appear as flawless and beautiful as possible. The truth is, however, that a lot of men prefer little to no make-up. Even though women may feel prettier wearing a “mask” that disguises any blemishes or wrinkles, having a lot of make-up on is not necessarily the way to win a man’s heart. Most men tend to enjoy a more natural look. The line that needs not be crossed is when the make-up goes from enhancing your own personal beauty to changing who you are and masking the features that form your uniqueness. For most dates, a small touch of foundation, eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss is all that is needed. Of course, there are always exceptions—such as very fancy dates or men who take pleasure in layers of make-up. For the most part, however, less tends to be better.

Male Chivalry in Romantic Relationships

Although some women like to take a feminist approach to romantic relationships, male chivalry is not “dead.” Quite the opposite, many women will swoon over a man who will open the door for them, take their hand when they exit the car, or help them put on their coat. While some would say this is a sign of weakness, it is really a display of respect and honor. A lot of women will appreciate this kind of behavior, and if they do, a man will be well on his way to winning her heart. Even a simple act of chivalry, such as pulling out a chair, offering your arm, or walking nearest to the traffic on the sidewalk, can speak worlds to a woman about how you cherish and respect her.

Starting Your Own Business

When setting out to start your own business, the most important thing to remember is that you are going to need persistence. For example, if you get everything in order for your new business and upon launching it no one or not very many people are interested in what you have to offer, you have to keep trying. Likewise, if you have started a business, advertised it everywhere, and received little or no response, it is vital that you try again. And again. The key to success in being an entrepreneur is having faithful endurance, no matter what circumstances come. That means instead of quitting when the bills are over your head, you step it up and notch and work all the harder. A second key to successful entrepreneurship is to utilize creativity. Be inventive. If one avenue of advertising does not work, try another. Find a niche, and design your business so that it is unique and offers what no other business does.

Improving Sleep

Sleep is essential to feeling healthy and functioning well. Some helpful tips for improving the quality of your sleep are:

1. Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule every day.

2. Exercise regularly—this contributes to sounder sleep. Complete your workout at least a few hours before bedtime, so your body will have time to settle down and cool off.

3. Avoid caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea, soda, chocolate) close to bedtime. Caffeine can easily keep you awake.

4. Finish eating at least two hours before going to bed. Digesting food is not very relaxing to the body when it is trying to sleep.

5. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows. Even if you have to spend a little extra money on these items, quality sleep will be well worth it.

Road Running Safety

Every runner enjoys getting outside in the fresh air to enjoy a good run. Here are some tips on safety to keep in mind the next time you go for a routine or pleasure run:

1. If at all possible, stay on a sidewalk.

2. Run in the direction of oncoming traffic, so you can see the cars coming your way.

3. If running in the early morning, evening, or at night, wear or carry reflectors or reflective items so that cars, bikers, and other runners will be able to see you.

4. Stay in public places. Avoid dark alleys or trails that might stray far from the road.

5. Bring a friend. If no one is available, consider taking your dog.

6. Always bring a cellphone with you.

7. Clip a small water bottle onto your sportswear, especially if the weather is hot or humid. Avoid the risk of dehydration.

How to Make a Perfect Cup of Tea

Brewing a good cup of tea is simple, but here are a few specific steps to making the perfect cup of tea:

1. Gather a teabag or a bundle of loose leaf tea, a teapot for boiling water, and your choice of a teacup or coffee mug.

2. Fill the teapot with fresh, cold water. In areas with poor tap water, use bottled or filtered water. Never use water from the hot water tap. Let the tap water run for a few seconds until it is quite cold; this ensures that the water is aerated enough to release the full flavor of the tea leaves.

3. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

4. Pour the boiling water onto the tea leaves or teabag in your cup.

5. After brewing 3 to 5 minutes, strain the tea leaves or remove the teabag.

6. If you prefer, sweeten the tea with a tablespoon of sugar, honey, or a half-teaspoon of lemon.

7. To enhance the richness of the blend, add a teaspoon of milk and stir. Never use cream, as it is generally too heavy for tea. Make sure the milk is served at room temperature to keep it from cooling the tea too quickly.

8. Finally, sit down and enjoy the warmth of a perfect cup of tea.

True Teas and Herbal Teas

When walking down the tea aisle in the grocery store, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the selection of teas available. The vast array of colored boxes and different names can throw people off guard. The truth is, however, there are only three types of tea: true teas, herbal teas, and fruit teas. True teas are made from the dried leaves of evergreen shrubs called Camellia sinensis. This shrub is known as the tea plant. It is grown and processed in many Asian countries including China, India, Japan and Sri Lanka. Herbal teas do not contain any true tea leaves, but are created from a variety of herbs and spices such as rosebuds, peppermint, and cinnamon. Fruit teas are made from dried fruit such as apples, oranges, or berries, and are often blended with herbal teas.

Selecting a Type of Tea

When selecting a type of tea, it is important to remember that there are three main categories of tea: fruit teas, herbal teas, and true teas. Fruit teas are made from dried fruits and are often blended with herbal teas, which are created from herbs and spices. True teas are made from authentic "tea leaves" and come in four different types: Black, Green, Oolong, and White. Black tea yields a hearty, amber-colored brew, with a rich taste. A popular Black tea is called English Breakfast. Green tea has a more delicate taste and is pale green or golden in color. Green tea has a high content of vitamins and minerals, and scientific studies have shown evidence that green tea reduces the risk of strokes and heart disease. It is also used as a dietary supplement in weight loss programs. Oolong tea is a cross between black and green tea in color and taste. White tea has a very mellow taste and a hint of sweetness. Its name comes from the very pale color of its infusion.

Starting Off Your Honeymoon

The wedding ceremony is over, and the newly married husband and wife are whisked off in a limousine to the nearest airport. Exhausted from the days events, they embark on a tiring plane ride to reach their honeymoon destination. Doesn't sound very relaxing, does it? A lot of engaged couples plan their honeymoon in other states or countries, which is all well and good, but they fail to realize that leaving the same day they get married can send them into overload. Weddings are beautiful but generally somewhat stressful and tiring events. That is why it can be so much better to plan to spend the first night or two at your new home together before setting out for a honeymoon elsewhere. This way, when the wedding is over, the married couple can go home, relax a bit, and feel rested the next day when the plane takes off and their honeymoon kicks into full gear.