Monday, August 14, 2017

10 Best Water Bottles That Are Stylish and Multifunctional

Even if you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you know how important it is to stay hydrated. Whenever you participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or camping, you need to carry water with you.

As people recognize how difficult it can be to drink enough water every day, we’ve even started carrying water bottles to work. We used to be satisfied with any old reusable sports bottle, but now we are interested in things that look stylish and provide a host of other benefits.

We know how tough it can be to determine which water bottle is the best for you. Lifehack has chosen the 10 best water bottles on the market today.

1. Lunatec Aquabot Sport Water Bottle

The Lunatec Aquabot will serve you well in any setting, but it really shines during long days outdoors. The pressurized cap can be used for showering, cleaning gear, or misting yourself to stay cool. The pranksters in the crowd will love having the ability to blast water up to 25-feet for water fights.

This BPA-free bottle makes drinking enough water fun and easy. You can choose from three spray patterns, including shower, stream, and mist. You can even drink from this bottle upside down, and it never needs batteries.

Best water bottle for: camping, staying cool, outdoor events, water fights

Lunatec Aquabot sport water bottle, $30.00

2. Ozmo Watertight Rechargeable Bluetooth Smart Cup Hydration Tracker

If you’re having trouble meeting your daily water intake goals, this bottle will keep you accountable. The Ozmo has an LED indicator to help you see your water-intake progress throughout the day, and it vibrates to remind you to take a drink.

It seems like there’s an app for everything, and this bottle is no exception. The Ozmo syncs your water intake data to your smartphone, which it then uses to give you personalized suggestions and a plan to consume the recommended amount of water.

At 16 oz., this holds about two glasses of water per filling. The LED is rechargeable, so you never have to worry about batteries.

Best water bottle for: the office, students, people who need help remembering to drink water

Ozmo Watertight Rechargeable Bluetooth Smart Cup Hydration Tracker, $69.99

3. Pokito: Pocket Sized Reusable Cup

One of the most frustrating things about finding the perfect on-the-go bottle is that they take up so much space. They either don’t fit into your bag, or you waste time trying to keep them from falling out of your cupboard. Pokito solves these problems.

This bottle is eco-friendly, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe. It adjusts to three different sizes. You can collapse it to its smallest size (about 4.5 cm) for easy storage or to transport it in your bag. When you arrive at work or your favorite coffee shop, you can expand the cup to take advantage of its full size.

Best water bottle for: environmentally conscious people, space-conscious people, on-the-go beverages, tossing into your bag

Pokito: Pocket Sized Reusable Cup (Back this on Kickstarter)

4. MWB Minimal Water Bottle

Here’s another one for the space-conscious. The Minimalistic Water Bottle (MWB) is made of flexible material that you can roll up when you aren’t using it. This makes it perfect for back-packing or traveling, when you might want a water bottle, but you don’t want to sacrifice space in your bag.

The look of this bottle is simple and stylish. It would be a great addition to your exercise gear, but the paracord handle also makes it easy to attach to whatever bag you choose. This bottle has a piece of flint near the paracord attachment so that you can start a fire in a pinch.

Best water bottle for: backpacking, travel, the gym, camping

MWB Minimal Water Bottle, $35

5. Pressa Bottle

Infusers are in right now, and if you’re looking for a good one, this is it. It’s dishwasher safe and BPA free. You can refill the bottle all day and use the built-in juice press to get the health benefits of juice without all the sugar and mess.

This bottle is slim enough to fit into your car’s cup holder, and it’s easy to carry or store. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, this might be a healthy solution to your problem.

Best water bottle for: the office, commuting, students, people who need to add flavor to their water

Pressa Bottle, $24.99

6. Gululu The Interactive Water Bottle & Health Tracker For Kids

For the gadget-loving parents in the audience, the Gululu will blow you away. This interactive water bottle not only helps you keep track of how much your little ones are drinking, but it also helps them build positive habits.

This bottle connects to an app that helps kids learn to take on healthy habits through fun educational games, digital pets, and rewards. Kids can even connect with friends through the Gululu.

The Gululu is wireless and safe to use. With a durable and easy-to-clean design, this will help your kids have fun without burdening you with lots of maintenance.

Best water bottle for: kids, health-conscious parents

Gululu The Interactive Water Bottle & Health Tracker For Kids, $129.00

7. Pao2GO Bottle

Tea-drinkers and people who love fruit infusions will enjoy this bottle. It is made of a specially designed borosilicate glass that is safe for hot and cold beverages. It brews and filters tea, and it has a compartment for filtering fruit out of an infusion.

This bottle is safe, leak-proof, BPA-free, easy to clean, and durable. If you love tea or just need to add flavor to your water before you drink it, the Pao2GO is a great option.

Best bottle for: brewing tea, hot and cold beverages, fruit infusions, people who need to add flavor to their water

Pao2GO Bottle, $24.93

8. que Bottle

This bottle not only looks cool, but it is also versatile. The spiral-design allows you to collapse the bottle to fit in your bag or pocket. It’s leakproof, light-weight, and made of BPA-free food-grade silicone. The que Bottle is dishwasher safe, and you can use if for hot and cold beverages.

If you are the person who often drops and shatters your water bottle, this would be a good choice for you. The silicone material is not prone to fracturing, which means that it will serve you well for as long as you care to use it.

Best water bottle for: the office, students, hot and cold beverage, space-conscious consumers

que Bottle, $24.95

9. The Oomph | Portable Coffee Maker

Take the power of the French press on the go with you. This pressure brewer is perfect for making your gourmet coffee on the road. Since it serves as both a brewer and a travel mug, there’s no need to make a mess or wait for your coffee to brew when you head out the door.

The Oomph only takes 18 seconds to clean, and its insulated design keeps your drink warmer for longer.

Best bottle for: making coffee on the go

The Oomph | Portable Coffee Maker, $50.77

10. KOR ONE BPA Free 750ml Water Bottle

The beautiful cobalt-blue colored bottle has more than just style. It’s available in four colors, all of which relate to an initiative which protects water. It’s BPA-free, durable, and has a “No-Worry Cap” that you can open with a button or by twisting it.

One appealing feature of the 25.3 oz bottle is the hygienic spout cap, which keeps unwanted things off the spout when not in use. It has an ergonomically-sound grip so that it’s nice to hang on to, and it comes with two KOR stones, which you can use for writing inspirational messages to yourself.

This is not only a stylish choice, but the company seems truly grounded in their mission to be eco-friendly and make the world a cleaner and healthier place.

Best water bottle for: environmentally conscious consumers, the gym, the office

KOR ONE BPA Free 750ml Water Bottle, $25.00

The post 10 Best Water Bottles That Are Stylish and Multifunctional appeared first on Lifehack.



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Appleton Domingos Arquitectos - Renovation of a house on Rua...

Forsberg Architekten - Renovation of an 1879 townhouse, Basel...

Und Mang Architektur - Pfarrheim children’s center, located in a...

Felippi Wyssen - Barn conversion, Adliswil 2014. Photos ©...

crossconnectmag: Stunning Contemporary Art from  Magnus...



















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Stunning Contemporary Art from  Magnus Gjoen

Magnus Gjoen’s prints examines how to change peoples relationship and preconceived notions of objects. Something which is potentially extremely destructive can be made into beautiful yet fragile objects of art. It’s this misconception of beauty which Magnus Gjoen wants us to see in a different light, being it weapons, animals or the human race itself. The latter which is capable of creating immense beauty but also capable of destroying it all. Taking inspiration from street and pop art and juxtapositioning it with fine art, he creates new and modern takes on old masterpieces or manipulates something powerful and strong into something fragile but beautiful. He often questions the correlation between religion, war, beauty & destruction in his art. Magnus Gjoen was born in London to Norwegian parents and studied design in London and Milan and has worked as a denim designer and graphic designer for Vivienne Westwood amongst others.


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crossconnectmag: Stunning Contemporary Art from  Magnus... crss



















crossconnectmag:

Stunning Contemporary Art from  Magnus Gjoen

Magnus Gjoen’s prints examines how to change peoples relationship and preconceived notions of objects. Something which is potentially extremely destructive can be made into beautiful yet fragile objects of art. It’s this misconception of beauty which Magnus Gjoen wants us to see in a different light, being it weapons, animals or the human race itself. The latter which is capable of creating immense beauty but also capable of destroying it all. Taking inspiration from street and pop art and juxtapositioning it with fine art, he creates new and modern takes on old masterpieces or manipulates something powerful and strong into something fragile but beautiful. He often questions the correlation between religion, war, beauty & destruction in his art. Magnus Gjoen was born in London to Norwegian parents and studied design in London and Milan and has worked as a denim designer and graphic designer for Vivienne Westwood amongst others.


Like us on Facebook and Twitter        Selected by Andrew

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View from Union Square down towards the tip of Manhattan in the...



View from Union Square down towards the tip of Manhattan in the 1840s, New York City

The Temple of Luxor Church, New York City, 1930s



The Temple of Luxor Church, New York City, 1930s

How to Stay Awake and Energetic No Matter How Busy Your Schedule Is

Previously I wrote an article on Why I have a Morning Routine and How It Makes Me Sharper Every Day. I discussed my morning routine and some big picture reasons on why you should adopt one yourself. However, many people have asked me for a deeper and practical look into how I do these things. Specifically, I have been asked how I am able to wake up early and stay awake. So, let’s dive into those topics so you can live in the world you want to create!

You Can Live the Life You Want Only If You Know What You Want.

Increasing our energy and stamina is important on so many levels. The choices we make today will determine the life we live tomorrow.

We are living in the age of inactivity. Think about how much time you are wasting in front of a screen. What are you usually doing for extended periods of time while you are in front of a screen? You are probably sitting down and eating.

Dr. Nick Knight wrote about inactivity and how our culture of laziness is killing us.[1] Knight remarked,

“Yes, physical inactivity has its price tags. It is linked to the development of chronic health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, dementia, and cancer. It can make us feel bad about ourselves, guilty and frustrated, appeased only with the ever-alluring reward of inactivity – comfort, rest, and stress-free.”

Let’s take a look at some of the characteristics that lead to the ailments Knight discussed. Do any of these characteristics resonate with you?

  • Do you almost float around in your chair appearing to be oblivious to your surroundings?
  • Do you eat fast food while watching television for hours upon hours?
  • Assuming you are otherwise healthy, are you a person who has to ride in a motorized cart while at the supermarket or the zoo?
  • Do you sleep the day away?
  • Do you look like a Jelly-Filled Human?

You might recognize some of these characteristics from the movie WALL-E. These are the Axiom Humans or the citizens in the film.

I only make these remarks in order to provide you a wakeup call or an awareness to the deadly life you could potentially be living. If these comments describe you, then it’s time to make a change.

A Jelly-Filled Human or a Hacker?

I have created a phased approach to this high-energy lifestyle. Let’s take a look at the 4-Levels people typically fall into. Note that you do not have to start at Level 1 (not all of us begin as Jelly-Filled Humans!).

  • Level 1: Jelly-Filled Humans. This is a person living the Axiom Human lifestyle discussed earlier.
  • Level 2: Learning to Walk. This level is usually brought on by an awareness of living in Level 1. Once you are aware of who you are (a Jelly-Filled Human), you can now learn to walk.
  • Level 3: The Aware. This type of person is someone who understands that they should be exercising and living well, yet at the first sign of failure they give in. They are close and simply need a breakthrough in their mindset.
  • Level 4: The Hacker. This is the level we should strive to be. The Hacker is a person who has adopted this lifestyle and is continually searching for new hacks (or ways) to improve their life. They have more energy, stamina, and an overall healthier lifestyle than Levels 1-3 combined.

So, how to become a Level 4 person?

Energy and Stamina Hacks

Let’s take a look at some of the energy and stamina hacks you can use and then we will develop an action plan to follow.

Exercise Hourly

I use a version of the Pomodoro Technique for physical exercise. Take a look at my approach in 5 Ways My Crazy Morning Routine Will Transform You into Superman. Simply use a timer on your watch or phone, set the timer for every 30 or 60 minutes, then exercise.

I have adapted my routine to look like this: 10 times a day – 80 push-ups, plank for 60 seconds, 40 curls. This is the best way to get your blood circulating and kickstart your metabolism every morning. Don’t forget to exercise while you travel… yes, be the weird person at the airport doing push-ups.

Run

The best form of exercise is to simply run. Run early in the morning. It is amazing what benefits this will bring. It will also bring about something called Neurogenesis. Read 10 Ways to Become Unstoppable for more on this topic.

Planking

If you only do one form of exercise (outside of running) this is the one you should do. Check out If You Can’t Hold This Pose for 50 Seconds, You Might Be Prone to Serious Health Problems for more details on planking.

Practice Deep Breathing

You must get quality sleep in order to stay awake longer and have more energy.

Use the following 4-7-8 Breathing Technique: Sit with your back straight, place the tip of your tongue behind your front teeth (upper), inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. Make sure you exhale completely, then close your eyes. Hold your breath for a count of 7, exhale through your mouth for a count of 8, then repeat the cycle three more times for a total of 4 breaths.

Two additional techniques are The Stimulating Breath[2] and Breath Counting.[3]

Stand While You Work

If I have to work in an office or the dreaded cubicle, I always stand. Purchase a standing workstation and refuse to sit down!

Improve Your Posture.

Most people have horrible posture. I found an increase in energy and stamina by simply practicing and using techniques to improve my posture. Doing this forces us to be alert and active.

For suggestions on how to improve your posture, read 5 Ways My Crazy Morning Routine Will Transform You Into Superman.

Nootropic

Otherwise known as smart drugs, these are cognitive enhancing supplements that improve memory, motivation, creativity, and performance. Some of the best Nootropics come from the Racetam family, such as: Aniracetam and Piracetam. Read 5 Powerful Mind and Body Hacks for a Limitless Brain and find out more about Nootropics.

Vitamin B-12

This is the perfect vitamin to take if you are looking for a vitamin to take to boost your metabolism or provide an instant energy boost.

Drink Bulletproof Coffee

This is what I call Super Coffee! Bulletproof coffee is a high-performance drink that greatly boosts the energy and cognitive function. It’s easy to make, find out how to make it here.

Drink More Water

Drinking water will instantly give you more energy. In fact, you will feel drained and fatigued if you are dehydrated.

Intermittent Fasting

When we fast, our bodies metabolic shift lowers our leptin levels. Calorie-restriction brings about a process called autophagy, which cleans house and removes waste. It also enhances our brain cells and improves cognitive function.

There are many different ways to do this, let’s look at the 16-hour Fast: stop eating around 7-8pm. Wait until 12pm the next day to begin eating again.

Stop Worrying So Much.

Stop worrying about things that do not matter. If you worry about too many things or try to spend your day pleasing everyone else but yourself, then you will lose energy. You will fail to get sleep and you will spend your entire day with low stamina. Why waste energy worrying when you could use the same energy to visualize success?

Take a Cold Shower

If you find it hard to wake up or you simply need an immediate energy boost then take a cold shower.

Get a Theme Song

Listening to music will provide you an instant energy boost. Try creating playlists for each mood you would like to put yourself in. Apple Music is a perfect place to start.

Go Outside.

You will be amazed at the energy boost by simply going outside.

Chew Gum

For me, chewing Big Red gum provides me an instant energy boost and an increase in focus. Just make sure to smack your gum when you are around your spouse! They will love it!

So, how can you put this all together?

Putting It All Together: Meta-Questioning

Step #1: Where are you currently?

Figure out if you are operating at the level of a Jelly-Filled Human or a Hacker. Be brutally honest with yourself. Identify the people you surround yourself with, the relationships you are in, and the tensions or stress you are living in and around.

Step #2: Where do you want to be?

Now figure out where and who you want to be. Use the powerful technique of Meta-Questioning.[4]

Start reframing your questions. For example, change the following statements:

  • When you say: “I can’t do this.”
    Change this to: “What specifically can I not do?”
  • You say: “I can’t exercise.”
    Then ask: “What is stopping me?”
  • You say: “I don’t have time.”
    Now ask yourself: “What needs to happen for me to start exercising?”
  • You discover: “I can use the techniques identified in this article and create more time.”
    Then imagine how you could start exercising: “If I could exercise, how would I do it?”

Step #3: What obstacles are impeding your progress?

Next, figure out which obstacles are standing in your way and remove them. Use the techniques discussed in How to Make Irrational People Rationalpeel back the layers of a cause and dig deep into the root of each obstacle.

After identifying the real obstacles that are blocking your from progressing, tackle them one by one, and layer by layer. The process will be challenging, but by breaking the challenges into smaller parts, they will be less overwhelming.

Do or Do Not, There Is No Try.

Yoda’s words are always wise.

In the end, you have to want it. You have to be willing to work hard and suffer some short-term pain. Follow the advice here from C.T. Fletcher,

“Suffer the pain of Discipline or suffer the pain of Regret!”

Reference

[1] Independent.co.uk: The age of inactivity
[2] Dr. Well’s Breathing Exercise: The Stimulating Breath
[3] Dr. Well’s Breathing Exercise: Breath Counting
[4] Slideshare.net: The four magic questions that help resolve most problems

The post How to Stay Awake and Energetic No Matter How Busy Your Schedule Is appeared first on Lifehack.



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How to Lose Belly Fat: From a Big Belly to Sixpack

Everyone has body fat. Ignore the fitness magazine headline of the ripped guy saying how he literally has no fat on his body.

Body Fat is necessary. It is the best fuel storage for your body as it’s providing him a lot of energy. Fat tissue is your body’s way of storing energy.

Back in our hunter and gatherer times this was crucial. One could not buy foods as easily as we buy them today. In prehistoric times we had to go days and maybe even weeks without food. The accumulation of fat cells was crucial in that day and age.

Fat cells used to be our friends, now we like to call them our worst enemy. What used to be so beneficial in the past is now deeply annoying. But that fat storage, especially around your waist — belly fat, can not only be annoying, but also be dangerously life threatening.

Not All Body Fat Is Created Equal

My grandfather used to have a really big and hard belly. He had such a huge belly that he would be able to drive his Mercedes with his tummy only. Just hilarious when you think about it.

My grandpa was not storing his body fat at the right point. In fact, the belly fat turned out to be life threatening. My grandfather suffered from lung cancer just some years later, but which he has thankfully beaten by now. He developed dangerous fat around his organs, which can be really, really dangerous.

We have to make an important difference when it comes to body fat:

Visceral Fat: the fat that is stored around your organs.

This is the fat my grandfather possessed in excess. Fat around your organs can be potentially life threatening. It reduces the blood flow to these important tissues and can impair organ function. It’s very stressful for your body. You’ve got a lot of visceral fat on your belly if it’s hard and constantly looks like the belly has swollen up. The typical beer belly is a product of fat build up around your organs.

Subcutaneous Fat: the fat that most people possess.

Instead of laying around your organs, this fat is directly under your skin. You can pinch it with your fingers. This fat is less life threatening, but it can also drastically impair your confidence, athletic ability and your self-image. Subcutaneous fat can also be found around your hips, where it is called cellulite.

Although visceral fat is the more dangerous one, both of these fat cells should be avoided to have in excess. They both can increase the fat content in your blood. As fat levels rise, the ability of your body to clear sugar from the blood drops due to insulin resistance. This can lead to type 2 diabetes in the long-term.

How I’ve Lost My Fat

I didn’t always have a sixpack. Belly fat was something that was nearly impossible to lose for me.

I remember talking with a friend that had great abs since he was born. I asked him for advice. He told me that I should find ways to cope with my current situation, as having a sixpack is purely genetical. Not the motivation I had hoped for.

Today I can tell you with confidence that he was wrong. I currently have a sixpack and am extremely proud of it. It shows me that everything is possible if you put in the work.

What needs to be done to lose your belly fat is often just a mindset shift. Most people know that they’re eating the wrong foods. You already know that daily exercise is crucial for losing your belly fat.  What people often lack is the mental state and the willingness to actually put in the work.

Increase Your Discipline, Motivation And Drive

How do you increase your discipline, motivation and drive? I suggest you doing three things:

1. Exercise

I don’t recommend you exercising for burning excess calories only. Yes, there is some of that, but exercise can also dramatically influence your mindset.

Physical activity gives you the feeling of control over your life. It gives you better self-awareness and control, it betters your thinking and increases your happiness. The mental state of mind that you need when you’re trying to lose your belly fat.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Meditate daily. Doesn’t have to be too long. As simple as two minutes of focusing on your breath is totally enough.

Mindfulness helps you improve your thoughts. Thoughts turn into desire and desire turns into actions. By controlling your thoughts you’re less likely to indulge in foods that you know are not good for you. My binge eating habit nearly disappeared after practicing mindfulness on a daily basis.

3. Improve Yourself Every Day

Or as Warren Buffett said: You have to develop the habits of success. Realize that your life is constantly under construction. You were not born perfect and neither was I. Try to constantly change your life for the better. This way you will find new ways to better your health and loose the excess fat on your tummy.

Start Losing Your Belly Fat

Take immediate action. The previous list may seem long and tedious, but don’t get discouraged.  Start small.  Small changes add up over the long-term.

Ask yourself: Have you washed your dishes today? If not, stop reading this article right now and wash your dishes. Don’t search for excuses, simply do it right now. Once you’ve washed your dishes, ask yourself: Have I made my bed this morning? No? Immediately start making your bed.

These habits may seem insignificant to you, but trust me, they will help you get momentum in your life.

There are two options: Either you control your mind, or your mind controls you.

To watch a video on how to better control your mind and become limitless, while losing your belly fat of course, click here.

The post How to Lose Belly Fat: From a Big Belly to Sixpack appeared first on Lifehack.



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Takahiko  Hayashi Born in Japan, Takahiko Hayashi received... crss





















Takahiko  Hayashi

Born in Japan, Takahiko Hayashi received his B.F.A in Oil Painting from Musashino Art University in 1985 and his M.F.A in Printmaking from Tokyo National University of Arts in 1987, both in Japan. Hayashi’s work has been exhibited in over 140 solo shows around the world since 1985, as well as an impressive number of group exhibitions. Hayahshi’s work is featured in the collections of: the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Australia, Kurobe City Museum of Art in Japan, Los Angeles Musum of Art in California, the Museum of Modern Art in Japan, and more.

“I try to create something from nothing.  I try to capture negative to represent positive.  I try to express the present with history, and east and west.  It is when objects exist that nothingness can be recognized for the first time.  Thats why wind attracts me.  And Tokuyama village in Gifu prefecture, Lao-Tse, and Enku greatly influence my thought processes.”  -Takahiko Hayashi

Txt Via FROELICK GALLERY


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