Oh, and more importantly, we also set out to find out: how good is AI poetry about nausea relief?
The following interview was conducted using Bing AI Chat, which uses GPT-4, the most advanced language model currently available. We've slightly edited some answers for conciseness and clarity, while keeping the substance of the answers untouched.
Blisslets: I’m wondering about natural remedies for my nausea. What drug-free products help relieve nausea?
Bing AI Chat: There are several natural remedies that can help relieve nausea. Some of them include:
• Ginger: Ginger is one of the most well-known natural remedies for nausea. It can help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. You can eat fresh ginger or drink ginger tea.
• Peppermint: Peppermint tea or candy can help relieve nausea.
• Acupuncture/Acupressure: Acupuncture may help reduce nausea.
• Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea can help soothe an upset stomach and relieve nausea.
• Lemon: Lemon has a calming effect on the stomach and can help relieve nausea.
• Cannabis oil: Cannabis oil may help reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
• Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 supplements may help reduce nausea during pregnancy.
It’s important to note that natural remedies may not work for everyone, and it’s always best to consult with your doctor before trying any new remedies.
Blisslets: Do clinical studies support the use of acupressure for nausea relief?
Bing AI Chat: Yes, there are clinical studies that support the use of acupressure for nausea relief. A number of studies show that acupressure works to relieve nausea. For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, results of 11 trials differed according to modality with acupressure appearing effective for first-day nausea. A 2012 study that tested acupressure versus fake acupressure on 80 pregnant women found that acupressure significantly reduced nausea. The meta-analysis showed that acupressure reduced the severity of acute and delayed nausea.
Blisslets: Thanks! What acupressure points are most helpful for nausea relief?
Bing AI Chat: The best pressure points to relieve nausea include Pericardium 6, Stomach 36, and Kidney 21. Pressure point P6 is also called Neiguan. It is found on your inner arm near your wrist. You can learn how to locate and stimulate these pressure points yourself and you may be able to get quick nausea relief at home.
Blisslets: Great. What about stress and anxiety? Does the P6 acupressure point help relieve anxiety?
Bing AI Chat: Yes, stimulating the P6 point is said to help alleviate anxiety, stress, and fatigue. A study found that the P6 and LI4 acupressure points are effective in lowering the anxiety level. Acupoint Pericardium 6 is the primary point for nausea and can also help relieve anxiety.
Blisslets: I'm looking for a discreet option to relieve my nausea with acupressure. What are some good options for acupressure jewelry?
Bing AI Chat: There are a few options available for acupressure jewelry that can help relieve nausea discreetly. Some of the popular options include bracelets that target specific acupressure points such as P6, P7, and H7. These bracelets can be worn like regular jewelry and are designed to provide natural relief for nausea and anxiety. Some of the popular brands that offer acupressure jewelry for nausea include Blisslets, Aculief, and Acupressure Bracelets.
Blisslets: What can you tell me about Blisslets?
Bing AI Chat: Blisslets is a brand that offers stylish and discreet acupressure jewelry for natural relief of nausea caused by motion sickness and morning sickness. They are also designed to be stylish and comfortable to wear, unlike some other acupressure bands. They come in different collections and colors to suit different preferences and occasions.
Blisslets are created by a mom who was tired of frumpy and uncomfortable alternatives. They are designed to be beautiful jewelry that also provides natural relief for nausea. Clinical studies show that wrist acupressure is effective for nausea due to morning sickness and motion sickness.
Blisslets: And can they be used for anxiety relief?
Bing AI Chat: Yes, Blisslets can also be used for anxiety relief. Acupressure is a natural and drug-free technique that can help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Blisslets: That sounds good. Does Blisslets have good reviews?
Bing AI Chat: Blisslets has received positive reviews from customers who have used their products. Clinical studies also show that wrist acupressure is effective for nausea due to morning sickness, motion sickness, anesthesia, and chemotherapy. Dr. Ashley Brandt tried out Blisslets and she considers them “an excellent option for women seeking early treatment for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.”
Blisslets: Thanks for the info! Now maybe can we end with a little poetry? Can you compose a limerick about Blisslets helping someone during their cruise?
Bing AI Chat:
There once was a lady named Sue,
Who loved to go sailing the blue,
But she felt so unwell
With the motion and swell,
Till she wore her Blisslets so true.
She put them on both of her wrists
And felt a relief in her midst,
No more feeling queasy
With a method so easy,
Now cruising’s a joy, not a risk.
Blisslets: That's awesome, but I'm feeling in the mood for something more formal. Can you write a Shakespearean sonnet about Blisslets helping someone who is scared of getting motion sick at a theme park?
Bing AI Chat:
I longed to ride the thrilling coaster’s track
But feared the queasy feeling in my gut
That oft assailed me with a vengeance black
And made me spew my lunch with no grace, but
My friend, who knew my plight, did offer me
A pair of bracelets, claiming they could ease
My nausea with gentle pressure. She
Did swear by them and begged me try them. Please!
I donned the bands and hoped they would not fail
As we approached the ride. I clenched my teeth
And braced myself for torment. But to my avail
I felt no sickness, only joy beneath.
"The bracelets worked!" I laughed and screamed with glee,
And thanked my friend, for setting my stomach free.
But did you know that you already have a first line of defense against stress and anxiety built right into your body?
While acupressure is an ancient technique that comes from traditional Chinese medicine, it's exciting to know that its usefulness for anxiety (as well as nausea and insomnia, as we've shown in other posts) is increasingly supported by studies carried out within the context of modern Western medicine as well.
When you're feeling that stress is taking over, the Cleveland Clinic recommends three pressure points that can help you find relief without drugs or side effects.
The P6 point, also known as Nei Guan, is the Cleveland Clinic's first recommendation. Many clinical studies that account for the placebo effect have shown that this point is effective for relieving both nausea and anxiety.
You can easily find the P6 point three finger-widths below the wrist crease on the underside of the arm, between the two centr al tendons. To stimulate it, you may apply pressure with the other hand, or you may use a pair of acupressure wrist bands like Blisslets so you can get hands-free relief while you get on with your day.
The second acupressure point the Cleveland Clinic recommends for stress and anxiety relief is known by many names, including Yintang, Hall of Impression, or even "The Third Eye." Just massage this point with your index finger for a few minutes to start feeling relief. Studies from 2017 and 2018 on people about to undergo surgery showed that acupressure or acupuncture on this point was effective in reducing anxiety levels.
To find the Hall of Impression point, simply place your index finger in the spot between your eyebrows and massage in a circular motion. That's all there is to it!
To relieve anxiety with the Ren 17 acupressure point, use three fingers to apply firm but gentle pressure for a few minutes. Simply keep the pressure on the appropriate point; there is no need to massage.
You can find the Ren 17 point in middle of the sternum, at the same height as your nipples. This is a great point to try when your stress literally feels like a weight on your chest.
The more we find out about the human body, the more reasons we have to be amazed. As we all know, stress and anxiety are bad enough in themselves, but many people are unaware that prolonged exposure to them can have serious negative effects on their body, mood, and behavior. The issues that may arise include everything from headaches and upset stomach to depression and substance abuse.
The fact that we can use natural acupressure as a way to help the body let go of stress and anxiety is great news for all of us who have to navigate the high pressure environment that is modern life. It is important, however, to find ways of keeping our level of stress under control before we are caught in an overwhelming situation.
The Mayo Clinic, another world-renowned medical institution that takes an integral approach to health, recommends increased exercise, using relaxation techniques, and prioritizing time for friends and family, among various aids. Acupuncture and acupressure, such as the P6-point pressure Blisslets provide, should be tools in this broader anti-anxiety toolkit.
As we've seen already, stress and anxiety can lead to very delicate situations when it comes to your health and wellbeing. While a certain level of stress is normal, if you find that you've taken steps to cope but your symptoms continue or even intensify, consider finding help from a professional counselor or therapist. A healthcare professional can assist you in pinpointing the sources of your stress, learning new coping tools, and assessing the treatment options available.
Doesn't sound fun, but you didn't need me to tell you that. The question is: what do you do if you're struggling?
First things first: chronic sleep deprivation is a serious condition, so you should consult a medical professional who can help you get to the bottom of the problem. All I want to share in this post is a few tools you may not have heard of, which can naturally support your overall strategy for achieving better sleep.
Specifically, I want to take a look at four acupoints that have been shown in promising clinical studies to help promote better sleep without drugs or side effects.
The HT7 point, also known as the Shenmen point in traditional Chinese medicine, is found on the underside of each wrist, just below the wrist crease on the side of your pinky finger. Stimulating this point with acupressure or acupuncture has been shown in various studies to be effective in relieving insomnia.
The International Journal of Nursing Studies, for example, published a controlled study conducted on 50 residents of long-term care facilities who were suffering from insomnia. The study compared a group receiving acupressure on the Shenmen point against a control group that received only a light touch on the same location, concluding that "acupressure on the HT7 point may improve insomnia for up to 2 weeks after the intervention."
Likewise, a study of Alzheimer's patients suffering from sleep disorders found that using HT7 acupressure was correlated with a number of positive results. As the study explains: "After receiving the acupressure treatment, patients saw a significant decrease of sleep disorders. The number of hours of effective sleep was perceived as increased. Furthermore, the time necessary to fall asleep decreased significantly and also the quality of sleep increased. Additionally, also the quality of life was bettered."
To try HT7 acupressure for yourself, you can stimulate the acupoint manually every night before bed, or you wear a pair of Blisslets through the night, with the acupressure bead positioned over the location shown in the diagram above.
The KD3 point is another acupoint for insomnia that has research to back it up. This study from the International Journal of Nursing Sciences looked into the effectiveness of acupressure using the KD3 and HT7 points, finding that "acupressure can lower [blood pressure] and effectively improve the sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertension."
While the study was small, looking at 75 middle-aged and older adult participants with hypertension, its findings are in line with many other such studies that have shown positive effects. Perhaps most importantly, take note that you can use acupressure on the KD3 and HT7 points together, especially if you wear a pair of Blisslets to activate the HT7 points on your wrists, while applying pressure with your fingers to the KD3 points before bedtime.
I have to confess: the P6 point is my favorite and I'm totally biased towards it!
Why? Not just because it is the main wrist acupressure point that is most commonly used with Blisslets, but also because it is probably the most studied of these points, with research showing it as being more effective than placebo for nausea, insomnia, and anxiety. We've actually compiled a whole other post with links to clinical studies supporting its use for:
You can read that post if you want to follow up on all those uses, but for the purposes of this article, I'll just share the one relevant to insomnia. In that study, adolescents who were struggling with insomnia wore acupressure bands through the night over a period of six months. During that time, the participants using P6 acupressure improved their sleep scores significantly. The study concluded that "acupressure is a noninvasive, safe, and effective method for the management of insomnia in adolescents, with good compliance and no adverse effects."
You can find the An Mian points on either side of the neck, at the point where the neck meets the jawline. In traditional Chinese acupressure and acupuncture, these points are recommended for helping relieve insomnia.
To try out the An Mian points, stimulate the location for 10 to 20 minutes before getting in bed.
There is research suggesting that a treatment regimen that includes An Mian points in conjunction with meridian acupoints is more effective than meridian acupoints on their own. However, studies on the An Mian point conducted so far have been small and relatively few in number compared to some of the other points we've seen, so more research is needed in order to draw hard conclusions. However, it's another option to try out and see what conclusions you can draw for yourself.
I hope you can try out these points to see which of them are the most helpful for you, and that you can soon be getting the great sleep you deserve!
Want to make targeting your pressure points for better sleep easier? Try Blisslets today with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
]]>In case you're planning an Orlando vacation and wondering what to look out for, we took a poll to find out what rides theme-park fans fear most when it comes to nausea!
A growing consensus among theme-park goers suggests that screen-based rides are indeed more nauseating than traditional attractions like dark rides or even roller-coasters.
One commenter on a popular online forum had this to say: "I can't ride any of them; if it has a screen, I'm out."
Of course, what exactly you find nauseating (and how bad the nausea gets) is a highly individual thing. Even so, it makes sense that screen-based rides would tend to trigger more riders, since they can have an effect both on people prone to motion-induced and visually-induced nausea. People also vary on how to deal with the prospect of nausea, some choosing to take medication, others preferring drug-free nausea relief bands, and some even skipping certain rides altogether.
Whatever your preferences, this article will give you the knowledge you need to be prepared. Our poll asked frequent theme-park visitors which rides at Disney World and Universal Orlando they found the most challenging. These are the top five rides that caused the most queasiness for our respondents:
The good news? Our poll suggests that designers of newer screen-based rides are actually getting better at reducing the amount of nausea riders experience. While some new rides still caused riders nausea, the top spots in our poll were all taken by earlier generation simulators and simulator/coaster hybrids.
TIER FOUR
5% OF VOTES
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT), Avatar: Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom), and Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT): These three rides are all fairly new (or brand new, in the case of GotG), but while they did cause issues for some riders, they only garnered a small number of votes, at about 5% of the total each. Whether you'll feel queasy after riding these probably depends a lot on your particular make up. They're pretty impressive attractions, so if you're not super prone to nausea, we'd recommend giving them a shot if you're visiting the parks.
TIER THREE
15% OF VOTES
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (Hollywood Studios): Hollywood Studios has a ton of new rides, some quite tech-heavy, but the most problematic one when it comes to nausea seems to be this older simulator. Some people avoid it altogether, opting for the rides that use more advance tech in the new Star Wars-themed section of the park.
TIER TWO
20% OF VOTES
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (Islands of Adventure), The Simpsons Ride (Universal Studios): These two attractions in Universal Orlando Resort tied for second place as most nauseating rides. Forbidden Journey is the ride inside Hogwarts Castle, which opened back in 2014 (the newer HP rides don't seem to cause as much motion sickness). I'd recommend leaving it for the end of the day. I've ridden it and it's fantastic, but I would not go on it without a pair of Blisslets nausea relief bands. The Simpsons Ride is built on an old simulator that used to house the Back to the Future ride, and the animated visuals probably make the ride's nausea-inducing properties worse.
Mission Space (Orange Line), EPCOT : This is a centrifuge-based simulator, which means the ride spins riders around to mimic the G-forces of taking off in a spaceship. Unless you're a tech billionaire, this is the closest you can probably get to experiencing space-flight. Unfortunately, that also makes Mission Space a problematic ride for many people. It's not for nothing that Disney eventually introduced a less-intense version of the ride, and made barf bags easily accessible. Don't ride it on a full stomach, and make sure to have a pair of Blisslets relief bands on hand.
]]>Perhaps you've owned a pair of natural relief bands for years; perhaps a friend or doctor just told you about them and you're wondering whether they might work for you. Either way, we're willing to bet you don't yet know half the possible wellness uses you can put these bracelets to.
Never fear! We've done the research for you and compiled a comprehensive list of different acupoints and uses for your bands.
Many people know these kinds of bracelets as nausea relief bands or motion sickness relief bands, and they certainly are that, but their wellness uses go far beyond this popular application. They come in many forms, including drugstore-variety sweatband-style options like Sea Bands or generic store brands, plastic or artificial rubber straps like Psi Bands or Nomo Bands, electric stimulation bracelets like Emeterm or Relief Band bracelets, and, of course, natural relief jewelry like Blisslets.
While each brand has its pros and cons, and there can be huge price differences (a Relief Band can leave you up to $269 in the hole!), they all work on the principle of stimulating acupoints in the wrist associated with different wellness uses.
For that reason, it's not surprising that clinical research on their effectiveness suggests you can expect similar results from them, so long as you are using them correctly and getting a good fit (some brands like Blisslets offer multiple sizing options, while others don't). For a more detailed comparison of the different varieties of natural relief bands an their pros and cons, check out our Complete Guide to Nausea Relief Bands.
Bracelets that work through wrist acupressure have most commonly been used for stimulating the P6 or Nei Guan point, located on the underside of the wrist, three finger widths below the crease, between the two central tendons. However, they can also be used to stimulate three other points mapped out by Chinese medicine:
Each of these points is associated with different wellness uses, including relief from nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and even lower back pain. Many of these uses have been found to be effective in controlled clinical studies from the perspective of Western medicine.
For your convenience you can find each of these acupoints in the following diagram.
P6 Point: Found 3 finger-widths below the wrist crease on the underside of your arm, between the two central tendons.
HT7 Point: Found near the wrist crease, on the pinky side of the tendon, just inside the head of the ulnar bone. Use the tip of the index finger to feel for a small depression found on or near the wrist crease.
LU9 Point: Found on the side of the wrist nearest the thumb, look for a slight indentation near the edge of the wrist.
TE5 Point: This is the mirror image of the P6 point, found on the outer side of the arm.
Points to use: P6 (Nei Guan)
We are often asked whether acupressure bracelets can be used to relieve nausea from a variety of causes, or if their use is limited to a single type. Thankfully, studies have been done to assess their effectiveness in relieving nausea stemming from many different causes. These include:
I am recovering from a spinal cord injury and suffer from vertigo. These bracelets work wonders for me. The room stays upright now, motion sickness is gone and my everyday life is so much better.
Points to use: P6 (Nei Guan), HT7 (Shenmen), LU9 (Great Abyss)
For those who are familiar with acupressure bracelets as an option for nausea relief, it can come as a surprise that many users know them as anxiety relief bands. When used for anxiety, you can take advantage of three different points which you can target with the pressure bead on your relief bands. These are the P6, HT7, and LU9 points.
It should come as no surprise that soldiers deal with an above average level of anxiety. The journal Military Health conducted a study of 120 soldiers, seeking to establish whether P6 and other forms of acupressure where useful in reducing their anxiety levels. The study concluded that "acupressure can reduce soldiers' anxiety" and recommended that "this simple and cost-effective intervention be used to relieve soldiers' anxiety in stressful situations."
Likewise, another medical journal looked at the effectiveness of acupressure on the HT7 and LU9 points, along with several others, in relieving anxiety experience by cancer patients. The study's conclusion?
"Acupressure is recommended as a complementary therapy to reduce anxiety in patients with cancer."
Blisslets users have also written about their experience with anxiety relief after wearing their bands. Blisslets user, mental health advocate, and Instagrammer @cynthia_marie struggles with anxiety and uses Blisslets as a tool in her support kit. She calls them her "Wonderwoman bands"!
Points to use: P6 (Nei Guan), HT7 (Shenmen)
If you're struggling to get good sleep, Chinese medicine prescribes various points that you can use your relief bands to target. The University of Minnesota's Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing recommends stimulating the P6 and HT7 points that we have already identified.
Is there evidence for this use from the point of view of modern medical science? The journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment published a study on adolescents with insomnia, which concluded:
"Acupressure is a noninvasive, safe, and effective method for the management of insomnia in adolescents, with good compliance and no adverse effects."
Participants in the study showed remarkable improvement in sleep after using their insomnia relief bands to apply pressure "at the Shen Men point on both wrists, starting from the usual bedtime (10 pm) to the usual awakening time (7 am) every night for a period of 6 months."
The University of Minnesota's Bakken Center also recommends an entire insomnia protocol that also several other points that you can apply pressure to with your hands:
Points to use: P6 (Nei Guan), TE5 (Outer Pass)
The familiar P6 point, and it's mirror point on the outer side of the arm, are both recommended by Chinese medicine for relief from various sorts of pain, in particular back and shoulder pain, and even earaches. Both can be targeted with natural relief bands.
The P6 point, which is also a popular acupressure point for people suffering from fibromyalgia, is associated with calming properties that help release the muscle tension that often leads to upper back pain.
The TE5 point, on the outer side of the arm, is connected by Chinese medicine with the head and upper back, which makes it a popular option for getting relief from shoulder pain and earaches.
Given the many points that acupressure relief bands can be used to target, not to mention the fact that they are affordable remedies that are both drug-free and side-effect free, they are a fantastic tool for supporting general wellness.
While they have generally been known as nausea relief bands, they are also anxiety relief bands, insomnia relief bands, and even pain relief bands. In brief, they are a magnificent natural solution that should be part of every wellness toolkit.
Going on your first cruise and wondering what you need? It can be trickier than you think.
In a typical vacation on land, you usually have easy access to shops where you can pick up any last minute items you forgot, but on a cruise you can be stuck at sea for days. Yes, onboard shops will carry some essentials, but they will be pricey and may lack what you're looking for.
In this guide, we're sharing some of our top packing tips! We'll focus especially on Disney Cruise Line, of which we're big fans, but there will be plenty of information you can use for any cruise.
So what do you need to know?
Embarking on a 3, 4 or 7 night cruise, you’re likely to see it all from a packing point-of-view, from folks with gigantic suitcases (who might make you wonder if they know something you don't) to others with little more than a roll-aboard suitcase and a backpack (making you jealous at the efficiency of their packing).
However you choose to pack, the following tips are sure to make life easier for you onboard.
Every cruise line has a list of prohibited items, which you should consult before packing. Some of the stuff is pretty obvious, usual suspects like weapons that you wouldn't be allowed to take on a plane either. However, you can encounter some surprising items too (we've included links to prohibited items on major cruise lines below).
As Disney Cruise Line fans, we're especially familiar with their list. Were you hoping to get some cool areal shots of the ship with that new drone you got for Christmas? Leave it at home. Did you just start learning the guitar? Sorry, musical instruments are not allowed. Power strip for all those electronic devices? Nope. Fan for white noise? Also, no. Hoping to do some scrapbooking? Leave the scissors behind. In short, you want to check before leaving home.
If you do arrive at port with a prohibited item, chances are your cruise line will find it. If one is found, it will be confiscated for the duration of the cruise, and you will be given a claim check to have the item returned to you at debarkation. That said, picking up a confiscated item adds time to your group’s debarkation, so better to check the list and leave any prohibited items at home.
Official lists of prohibited items by cruise line:
Unlike other lines, Disney Cruises are going to attract a lot of fans (adults and kids alike) who love the Disney brand (like us!). Wherever you are on the Disney-fandom spectrum, our recommendation is embrace it, if only for a few days!
First, rock those ears and t-shirts! If you love wearing ears at the parks, you won’t be alone if you sport them on the cruise. Have a Disney t-shirt collection? Now is the time to rock one day and night.
Another fun bit of Disney cruise culture is decorating stateroom doors. Door magnets are an awesome way to show off your Disney and DCL pride. Magnets of your favorite characters, or commemorating your favorite Disney trips, are a fun way to add flair to your stateroom door. Magnets also make it much easier to find your room among the long hallways of identical white stateroom doors. If you head over to Etsy, you'll find lots of fun and affordable options for door magnets that can add a little extra flair to your cruise.
Finally, Disney Cruise Line loves to give guests opportunities to dress up. This may or may not be your cup of tea, but either way, it adds a fun atmosphere to the sailing. Your trip may include anything from Pirate Night on most Caribbean sailings, to themed sea days like Star Wars, Marvel, or, now, Pixar Day at Sea. If you’ve got the space in your luggage, this the time to bust out that Hans Solo costume. Just check your sailing’s itinerary to know what special days at sea might await you, and know you won’t be alone if you choose to rock an awesome costume.
If you’ve been to the Disney parks, you know: there’s always a cool piece of merch you want to bring home to commemorate your trip. The same is true for both Disney cruises and cruises in general. T-shirts, pins, ship models, and atrium statuettes are among some of the most treasured souvenirs for a DCL sailing. The kicker, you can only buy most DCL merchandise onboard. You’re also likely to be visiting some fabulous ports with unique items, including Castaway Cay. So if you want something, you’re going to need to have room in your luggage to get it home!
Here’s a pro tip. You have three easy options to leave room for those amazing souvenirs. First, collapsible duffle bags are a great item you can throw in your suitcase and then pack as a carry on for the trip home.
Second, sizing up your suitcase (if you’re already planning to check luggage) and leaving some of it empty on the way to your trip means you’ve already built in extra room for the return trip.
Third, we’ve taken to packing a medium size suitcase with our son’s cruise gear inside a larger suitcase and then checking that suitcase at the airport. It means we have one huge empty suitcase when we arrive, but for the price of one checked bag (which may be free for you if you have loyalty status with your airline).
A quick note, if you are planning to participate in fish extender exchanges onboard (you can learn more about those in the Facebook group for your cruise), make sure you leave plenty of room for all the great gifts you’ll get from your fellow shipmates. It may take more space than the gifts you are bringing to give away.
After many cruises, we’ve learned the biggest tip to packing light is planning to do laundry onboard. Gasp! Laundry on vacation!?! Are you crazy!?!
Coming to terms with either doing laundry when we travel or sending laundry out has made our packing lives so much easier! We typically pack enough for 4-5 days at a time, which means we can pack in a much smaller suitcase. I’ve even traveled to Europe for 10+ days in a carry-on using this strategy.
If you’re spending time at your embarkation port-of-call pre-cruise, look for laundry at your hotel, near by your hotel, or even services that pick up laundry by the bag and return it next day. If you’re staying at Disney pre-cruise, look for resort laundry facilities, especially at Disney Vacation Club properties. DVC one-bedroom resort rooms and above also typically have in-room laundry. These same tips work just as well if you’re staying at your debarkation port city for any period of time following your cruise. We’ve used all of these strategies when we’ve traveled in the U.S. and abroad.
Depending on the cruise line you use, you will have different options available (see a full report here). Each of the Disney ships has laundry facilities onboard that have washer, dryers, and other laundry essentials at a very reasonable price. They also allow you to buy tokens for laundry services using your onboard account, and will alert you when your washer or dryer are done via the onboard Navigator app. Note that some cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian don't have self-service laundry facilities, so you'll need to pay for their laundry service.
We recommend packing some laundry pods and dryer sheets to save some money. We even bring a long a collapsible “pop-up” hamper to help separate our dirty clothes and make it easier to haul laundry back and forth to the laundry room. We also recommend doing laundry on port days, as machines tend to be unused onboard with so many folks leaving the ship for the day.
Sending your laundry out will cost more, but also takes the hassle out of this strategy. A quick note that we’ve heard: onboard dry cleaning (if you’re dressing up for dinner) is, in some cases, less expensive than what you might find on land.
Today’s modern cruise ships are not known for rocking and rolling like the smaller ocean-liners of yore. They come with technology (stabilizers) to limit motion, even at speed.
That said, a lot can impact how much motion the ship experiences. Different bodies of water are known to experience more motion than others, and ocean waves are influenced by time of year, storms and how far out in the “open” ocean you are sailing. There are also times when the ship may need to forego the stabilizers, or take routes through rougher waters to keep to their itineraries. Warm-weather Caribbean cruises are likely to be very pleasant. Transatlantic cruises, or cruises that are headed from the mainland to Hawaii, can have a bit more motion depending on route and time of year.
Your placement onboard can also impact how much motion you experience. Generally, midship staterooms are known for experiencing less motion than forward and aft staterooms. Aft staterooms also generally experience more vibration from the ship’s propellers. Higher decks sometimes fare better than lower decks as well.
If you are one who gets motion sickness easily, or have experienced motion sickness on a prior cruise, we strongly recommend consulting with your physician about possible remedies. Some people like to bring along seasickness medicine, though others dislike the drowsiness and other side effects that often go with pharmaceutical options.
Anti-nausea bands are another proven and popular option that comes without side effects. If you’ve used nausea relief bands in the past, or are thinking about trying them out, Blisslets is our top choice, which is why we've decided to partner with them and share this guest post on their blog. In our opinion, Blisslets are a much more fashionable and better constructed product than the alternatives, not to mention more discreet.
There are a lot of other great packing tips, like using packing cubes to organize your packing by person or even outfit. But there are five “wild-card” tips we like to recommend.
First, while Disney Cruise Line is great about providing storage in staterooms (large suitcases will even easily slide under your bed once empty) some find it still isn’t enough. Our tip: neodyne magnetic hooks and clips. All (or most) of the walls and ceilings in your stateroom are metal, and while you can’t adhere anything to the walls, magnets are OK. So, we sometimes use magnetic hooks to hang lanyards or hats, or even to hang a shoe-organizer from the ceiling for extra storage of smaller items like sunscreen. You can find great hooks and clips on Amazon that will last you many cruises to come.
Second, bring a day-bag or backpack for embarkation. Trust us on this one. When you board, your stateroom is unlikely to be ready, so whatever you bring on you’ll need to carry or roll around the ship for lunch or other activities. Fill up that suitcase and have Disney haul it on (they have no weight limits), but bring a backpack for the essentials of your first day: bathing suit, sunscreen, camera, medications, and citizenship documents.
Which brings us to our third tip. Your luggage may not be at your stateroom right away, or even before the ship sets sail. Don’t panic! If you gave it to Disney, it’s very unlikely that it did not make it onboard. We’ve had luggage show up well after our first evening’s dinner. That said, if you have a special outfit you were hoping to wear, then be sure to pack it in your day bag, just in case.
Our fourth tip is really a suggested item that we discovered over many cruises. If this is your first time cruising, Disney Cruise Line will not give you a lanyard for your Key to the World Card (KTTW) (essentially the only card you need onboard to unlock your stateroom, and make onboard charges). If you are a Silver Castaway or above (or DVC member), you’ll get a lanyard corresponding to your status. On that lanyard (or one you might purchase) will be the world’s most frustrating ziplock pouch. Your card will fit snuggly, but anytime you want to get it out, prepare for a fight. Enter the quick card holder! If you work in an office building you may be familiar with these (or have one laying around), but they are essentially a plastic holder that your KTTW card can slide in and out of easily. You can find packs of them on Amazon for really cheap, and they will last a very long time. I bring one on every cruise to make access to my KTTW much easier. Pro tip, add a small key ring to the holder to more easily attach it to your lanyard.
Fifth, you’re gonna need some power! Disney’s staterooms are noticeably sparse on outlets. Since power strips are forbidden onboard, we recommend picking up a USB charging hub online. Most give you 4-6 USB plugs in one, which enables you to expand one power outlet to meet all of your needs. Our pro tip, if you have a European multi-plug travel adapter, grab it. There are additional European plugs in the room that you can access with these adapters.
We use all of these tips to great success in our travels and hope they'll work great for you too! For more great cruising tips and Disney fun, don't forget to check out the DCL Duo Podcast!
]]>About 80% of expecting moms experience morning sickness. If you find yourself in this category, you may be wondering what can help you get some much-needed relief. Acupressure bracelets (such as Blisslets, Sea Bands, Psi Bands, and similar products), are one of the most popular options for drug-free relief, but you may find yourself wondering if they really work.
This article will help you settle that question, but since there are a lot of myths surrounding pregnancy nausea and how to get rid of it, we’ll also take careful look at various proposed remedies and the evidence for them.
Morning sickness is more properly known as “nausea and vomiting of pregnancy,” especially because (as you may already have discovered) it does not happen only during the morning. As unfortunate as that may be, it is good to know that it is a normal condition that affects most women, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, though some (including me!) may experience it all the way through the third trimester.
While the cause of morning sickness is not yet perfectly understood, the Cleveland Clinic explains that it “may be caused by low blood sugar or the rise in pregnancy hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or estrogen.”
Most women experience mild to moderate symptoms that tend to decrease over time, but up to 3% suffer from the most extreme kind of morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Women suffering from HG may experience vomiting more than 3 times a day, become dehydrated, and lose weight. While regular nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are not usually a cause for concern, you definitely want to reach out for help to your medical provider if you think you are suffering from HG.
Besides nausea relief bands, which are the focus of this post, the most common remedies for morning sickness you’re likely to hear about are the following:
We’ll go in-depth into these various options in other articles on the BlissBlog, but for the moment, here are the highlights:
Types: There are many over-the-counter and prescription anti-nausea medications, some of the most popular being antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine), as well as others like scopolamine (Transderm Scop) and ondansetron (Zofran).
Side Effects: These drugs have been shown in clinical studies to reduce nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, but they all have their side effects. These vary depending on the drug and are typically minor, but may include drowsiness, blurred vision, agitation, confusion, dry mouth, and in some cases even delusions of persecution and seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there. Understandably, many expecting mothers try to avoid them during pregnancy, preferring more natural ways to manage morning sickness.
What you are able to keep down may be affected by what (and how) you eat. To reduce your morning sickness, the Cleveland Clinic recommends avoiding fatty or spicy foods and instead trying “bananas, rice, dry toast, plain baked potato, gelatin, broth, eggs, tofu, or applesauce.” Try starting your morning with a few crackers or toast to help settle your stomach, and eat 5 or 6 small meals instead of 3 large ones, incorporating protein to balance those carbs when possible. Finally, to avoid dehydration with vomiting it is also important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water (though you may find it is helpful to consume your solids and liquids separately). Consider adding drinks or foods with real ginger to your diet, and taking vitamin B6. Since different foods affect people differently, you may want to consider keeping a nausea diary to identify your own triggers and learn what eating patterns help you most.
Side Effects: So long as you keep a balanced diet, you should not experience any side effects. However, while this is a way of managing how much morning sickness you experience daily, it won’t help much with getting rid of it when it does show up.
Types: Because ginger is such a popular recommendation for relieving morning sickness, products containing it deserve their own category. Store-bought products include chews, drops, lollipops, gum, ginger tea, ginger ale, ginger supplements, and more. You can also get real ginger at the grocery store and make yourself something nausea-friendly (check out some recipes here).
A study in the journal Integrative Medicine Insights concludes that while greater study is needed “best available evidence demonstrates that ginger is an effective and inexpensive treatment for nausea and vomiting and is safe.”
Side Effects: Ginger is generally considered safe, but the Mayo Clinic mentions that while most research suggests ginger is safe for pregnancy, “there's some concern that ginger may affect fetal sex hormones.” Consult with a medical professional before consuming ginger in large quantities or in supplement form.
Types: Inhaling essential oils is a popular recommendation for morning sickness. The most popular oils for this purpose include lavender, chamomile, peppermint, lemon, and ginger. While many women find them helpful, their usefulness may be due in part to the placebo effect. For example, this study of 56 pregnant women in the Journal of Reproduction & Infertility found that nausea and vomiting decreased equally among the group of participants taking a placebo and the group using peppermint oil aromatherapy. However, another study found that, although aromatherapy performed comparably to a placebo on the first day of treatment, it outperformed the placebo as time went on.
Side effects: Some people believe that, because they are naturally derived products, essential oils have no side effects. However, essential oils have been known at times to cause rashes, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and even chemical burns. Consult with a knowledgeable medical professional before using them, especially if you are expecting.
Yes, they do. And it’s not just a placebo effect.
The evidence for the effectiveness of morning sickness bands is not only anecdotal, though certainly there is a lot of that too, since these bracelets have been favorites of expecting mothers, travelers, and boaters for a long time. Still, many first-time users are skeptical, as it seems surprising that pressing on a certain part of your body would decrease nausea and vomiting.
Thankfully, there are plenty of clinical studies available that have tested morning sickness bands for effectiveness, using a double-blind methodology to control for bias and the placebo effect. Let’s look at some of them:
I think the point is clear by now: morning sickness bands have been shown in many clinical studies to effectively reduce nausea.
Once you've got your morning sickness bands, it's important to wear them correctly. You need to place the pressure beads over your P6 acupressure point on each arm, located three finger-widths below your wrist crease, between the two tendons on the underside of your wrist. Wearing both and placing them in the right location can help maximize the nausea relief you're getting.
Having considered the evidence, you may be wondering what kind of relief you should expect, and what kind of side effects there may be.
As with other nausea medicines, including oral medication, it is to be expected that different users will experience different levels of relief. Remember that the clinical evidence shows what a treatment’s overall effect on a population will be, but not the effect on each particular individual.
Some expecting moms report that morning sickness bands completely relieve their nausea, others that they do a great job at taking the edge off, while still others prefer to use different methods. Usually, the best thing is to use a couple of the above methods together and see what works best for you, such as changes to your diet and acupressure.
If you’re on the fence, the good news is that if you want a risk-free way of trying morning sickness bands for yourself, Blisslets offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee with free and easy returns, no questions asked.
Side Effects: Since morning sickness bands simply place gentle pressure on the underside of your wrist, there are no real side effects to speak of. Make sure to get the right size bands so they don’t restrict your circulation, and take breaks from wearing them every few hours if you experience any soreness where the pressure bead touches the wrist.
Considering the evidence in their favor and the fact that they allow you to avoid the side effects of other options, it’s not surprising that morning sickness bands like Blisslets are one of the most popular choices for relieving nausea without drugs or side effects among expecting moms. Wondering how Blisslets stack up against other acupressure bands? Dive deep with us in our Complete Guide to Nausea Bands.
]]>Make sure to watch the whole video to learn about okayu, the Japanese home remedy for motion sickness that her grandpa used to make for her when she was a child.
I'll add that we have no affiliate relationship with Kristi. She is simply a Blisslets user who wanted to share the bliss with her followers! You can follow her on YouTube and Instagram (@kristiallure) for great lifestyle tips and reviews.
After I discovered Kristi's video earlier this month, I decided to reach out and ask her a few more questions about her experience with Blisslets, and what it's like to be a pro NBA dancer!
BLISSLETS: Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us Kristi, we loved the video! Can you tell us a bit more about how you started struggling with motion sickness?
KRISTI ALLURE: I’ve struggled with motion sickness, specifically in the car and most boats since I was kid and then dissipated through my 20’s & 30’s but it came back very strong in my 40’s. Now every time I’m not driving I start to feel it but some days worse than others. It used to be only when I looked down, but now it happens just by sitting in the passenger seat.
B: How did you learn about acupressure as a nausea relief method?
KA: My mom used Sea Bands on her cruise years ago and mentioned how much they helped. Then my godmom sent me one last year after I mentioned how awful my motion sickness was getting. I saw an ad pop up on IG for Blisslets and I was sold! I disliked wearing the old-school wrist bands, especially going around town in my neighborhood of Newport Beach, California, so I knew I had to order the Blisslets if I was to continue going the acupressure route. As a beauty & fashion influencer it’s important for me to always accessorize my outfits!
B: You've mentioned you use a variety of approaches to keep your motion sickness in check. When you use acupressure, why do you choose it over other methods?
KA: At first I was using Dramamine, which was the only form of nausea relief I knew of that worked, but I didn't like that it made me sleepy—even the low drowsy one. I needed an alternative, which is what led me to acupressure!
B: Why did you decide to make the switch to Blisslets over your previous nausea relief band?
KA: I chose Blisslets because, like I stated earlier, I needed something that went with my style! I like to wear gold accessories even when I’m just running errands!
B: What are some of your favorite styles?
KA: I love the black ones with the gold and silver beads and the gold ones! The leather one is beautiful too, but I love the gold and black ones. I hope Blisslets adds more bling (especially gold) ones to the product lineup! I would love a black and gold one and a white and gold one!
B: What's your favorite story from your days as an NBA dancer? You probably have some good ones!
KA: Great question! The entire experience! Doing what I love in front of 17,000+ fans in my hometown was amazing! Going pro after spending my whole life training, and then meeting my best friends there, who are the most amazing women! So many great memories! Probably at the top is my first game, because I was right out if high school, and it was just unbelievable! I reached my dream at the time!
On my third year dancing, we went head to head with the Lakers in the Western Conference finals 2002, which almost led us to the finals for the first time! Most amazing playoffs ever. The crowd was insane! It was indescribable. I was the tumbler, and it was so fun for me running out there with screaming crazy cow bells and fans going wild! Biggest rush I’ve ever felt!
Years later I got to coach my mom with an amazing group of ladies in the first Senior NBA dance team!! My best friend was the director of the Sacramento kings dance team at the time, and we got to see our moms perform together at the games just like we had before! It was incredible! This is a special memory because I unexpectedly lost my mom the last year she danced, which was also the final year for dance teams as we knew them since in 2019 many NBA and NFL franchises got rid of their traditional dance teams.
B: It's a grace that you two got to share that experience. It must be a beautiful memory to have of your mom.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us! It's our honor to be able to help you keep your nausea in check!
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You probably know the traditional carol, "Here We Come A-Wassailing!," but have you tried the drink?
It's not only seasonally perfect, but with healthy doses of ginger and lemon, it's also a great choice for queasy carolers (just don't overdo it with the bourbon!).
Try this recipe from Cookie + Kate that uses simple ingredients and is delicious and easy to follow.
Do you want to avoid alcohol? Need something more refreshing?
This drink from The Dizzy Cook, featuring pomegranate juice and non-alcoholic ginger beer, makes for a "tart, sweet, and peppery combination" that also has a refreshing, minty twist. And doesn't it just LOOK like the holidays?
For those who prefer a full cocktail, just add a splash of vodka or rum and you're good to go.
Turns out Charles Dickens was really into punch. Besides A Christmas Carol, the drink comes up in The Pickwick Papers, David Copperfield, and Nicholas Nickleby. Cedric Dickens, the author's great-grandson, features this drink in his book Drinking With Dickens.
The recipe also features citrus and spices, but tread carefully with the gin and wine if you're prone to nausea (or just put on your Blisslets and live dangerously!).
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Blisslets is launching this month nationwide at West Marine, and to celebrate we're offering an amazing deal! If you purchase a pair of Blisslets at any West Marine location, we'll send you an additional pair at no cost from Blisslets.com!
Purchase any pair of Blisslets from a West Marine location (see current locations below).
Put on your Blisslets and take a selfie holding your receipt in front of the store.
Post your picture on Instagram and tag @blisslets, or email it to info@myblisslets.com.
We'll write back to get your mailing information and choice of style. All Blisslets from our Classics, Sierra, and Wind & Waves collections are eligible for this promotion.
Offer ends on November 19, so don't delay!
Blisslets will soon be available at a total of 87 West Marine stores. Currently, you can find us at the following locations:
With the holidays quickly approaching, this deal is a fantastic opportunity to find a unique gift for someone you love while growing your Blisslets collection for free!
]]>1. Drake Passage / Cape Horn (Chile)
Waves tend to be rougher where two bodies of water meet, and that's especially true on the southern tip of South America. Ships headed to Antarctica will have to make this notorious crossing, so come prepared. Larger ships tend to move less, so take that into account when choosing a company. For a relatively affordable option, try the Celebrity Infinity, though you'll have to wait until early 2023.
2. Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
At the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans is Africa's southern tip, the Cape of Good Hope. It's a beautiful location, but choppy waters are ever-present here. If you're set on going, larger ships, and especially ones with modern stabilizers, are your best bet (along with a nice set of Blisslets 😉).
3. Ocean Crossings
Cruising usually happens in an ocean or sea, and though tranquil waters are not guaranteed in either, transatlantic and transpacific cruises are more likely to experience harsh conditions, given the size of the bodies of water. Spring and summer are the best times to try a transatlantic crossing, as well as going on cruises to Bermuda. Unfortunately, for transpacific cruises (e.g.: West Coast U.S. to Hawaii), it is harder to predict when rough seas might strike.
4. Gulf of Alaska
If you've been on an Alaskan cruise limited to the Inside Passage, you might be wondering what on earth I'm talking about, as that's about one of the calmest bodies of water anywhere. However, if your Alaskan adventure is taking you over the unprotected Gulf of Alaska, turbulent waters are possible. Try booking your trip before Labor Day for a better chance of calm seas.
5. Hurricane / Typhoon Seasons
Depending on where your cruise is going, there are different seasons to observe for stormy weather. Cruise lines will still run voyages during these times, diverting ships from the path of storms, but keep in mind that your itineraries might change, and that even if you're not directly in the path of the storm, disturbances may be felt in the water even far away. For Bermuda, Mexico, and the Caribbean, the official hurricane season is June 1 through November 30, but storms are most active from August into the fall. If you're headed for the Mediterranean, your best bet is cruising during spring and summer. Finally, if you're traveling around China, Japan, the Philippines, or South Korea, typhoon season runs from May to October.
While these are the most significant itineraries to watch out for if you're prone to seasickness, keep in mind that any time you head out to sea, it is never certain what how weather may affect your trip, so come prepared. If you're especially concerned about getting nauseated, we recommend starting to wear your Blisslets before setting out, and before any situation when rougher waters are expected. If you're feeling great, you can try giving them a rest and seeing how you do, and figure out the best times to wear them accordingly. Keep in mind that when it comes to nausea, we're all different, so movement that makes one person violently ill might have no effect on another. Finally, don't forget to stay well hydrated and avoid over-indulging in foods that may be hard on your stomach and trigger queasiness.
]]>That description actually fits my husband quite well, so I speak from experience when I say that a little planning ahead (plus bringing along your favorite pair of Blisslets!) is key to making sure you'll have a great time and feel well throughout the day.
Without further ado, then, here's our own guide, based on our own experience and that of others, to the most nauseating attractions at Disney World!
(In all that follows, keep in mind that due to the pandemic, Disney requires all guests to wear masks, something that may exacerbate nausea for some. For that and other reasons, it may be wise to postpone a Disney trip until the world goes back to normal.)
1. Mission Space (EPCOT)
This is likely the closest you'll ever get to experiencing spaceflight (unless you happen to be a tech billionaire). But look, we'll put it simply: the barf bags in this attraction aren't just for decoration. Thankfully, you do have an option of riding on the less intense version of the ride, so if you're not sure how you might fare make sure you use the Green Line (and don't leave your Blisslets in your pocket).
2. Star Tours (Hollywood Studios)
Our runner up for most nauseating ride at Disney world is another space-themed simulator. If that kind of ride tends to make you feel queasy, beware. Star Tours is a venerable attraction, offering six simulator experiences based in the Star Wars universe. Unfortunately, the older technology this ride uses often triggers motion sickness. The newer Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run may be a better bet, though still potentially nausea-inducing. Same goes for Avatar: Flight of Passage (included below).
3. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios)
This is perhaps Disney World's most intense roller coaster, starting with an intense acceleration that takes you into a loop and upside-down twist. If not knowing where the floor is triggers your motion sickness, proceed with caution and make sure to wear your Blisslets.
4. Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom)
A much tamer ride wins our forth spot. When my husband was a kid, he was not even allowed to ride it because his father had once ruined his whole day at Disney World after getting a little carried away in spinning the tea cup he was riding. The saving grace for this ride is that you do have some control over how much and how fast you will spin, so if you do decide to ride, try to keep it reasonable.
5. Avatar: Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom)
This is such an innovative, magical ride, that for most people I'd recommend riding it, even at the cost of paying with motion sickness. Last time we were there, my husband forgot to put on his Blisslets and felt quite queasy on the way out, though thankfully the feeling subsided quickly after he put them on. Motion sick or not, however, the experience of soaring through the planet Pandora in what is perhaps the most convincing simulator anywhere on the planet is absolutely worth it.
6. Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom)
This is one of our family's favorite rides at Disney World, both because of the thrills and the intricate theming, such as only Disney imagineers can accomplish. However, the ride does involve fast turns, a big drop (by Disney standards), and a significant portion where the ride goes backward at a fast pace. We're usually fine after one ride, but the problem (if you want to call it that) is that queues for this ride are often short (especially when using the single rider line), tempting you to ride repeatedly, which can end up having an unsettling effect.
7. Honorable (?) Mentions
While these are the rides that typically give people the most trouble, if you're especially prone to motion sickness, there are several more you should approach with care. Among them you should especially keep these in mind:
If you're tackling any of these rides during your next visit to Disney, remember to take it easy, keep hydrated, and get your Blisslets in place five to ten minutes before getting on the ride.
Wishing you peace and bliss,
Katie from Blisslets
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Cruising is coming back, and we're here to share the top five cruise vacations you can book right now. Blisslets are perfect for cruises, helping you stay nausea free while complementing—rather than detracting from—those vacation outfits you so carefully select, not to mention the paradisal pictures you'll soon be sharing with the world.
With six ships already operating cruises or setting sail later this month, plus many more being added in the coming months, Royal Caribbean is an excellent choice. Current departure ports in the US include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Seattle.
Holland America is resuming its Alaska cruises on July 24th. Note that you can expect differences from a typical cruise such as social distancing through reduced capacities, staggered event times, and other adjustments.
River cruises aren't only for the Rhine. The American Queen Steamboat Company is currently open for cruises on the great rivers of America, offering plenty of nostalgic charm and stops at iconic American cities, from Minneapolis to New Orleans.
Windstar offers a small-ship experience for those who like something more intimate and relaxing. Their next Caribbean cruise departs July 10th from St. Marteen, with more starting on the 17th, 24th, and 31st of the month.
Celebrity has many destinations available in July, including the Caribbean, the Greek Isles, and the Galapagos. Some options start as low as an amazing $539 for a seven night trip.
I trust these options get your imagination going. Whether you end up taking your Blisslets on a trip out to sea or just around the block, I hope you have a beautiful, nausea-free summer!
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We were thrilled to appear in this channel because as soon as we discovered it, we fell in love with the simple yet beautiful approach to life this family is practicing, and how they document the unique joys and challenges it brings. We're so glad they love Blisslets just as much!
We often get emails about whether we are planning to release a kids collection. We do eventually plan to have specific designs for kids, but did you know that our existing size small Blisslets will fit many children? As the kids say in the above video, they love wearing them!
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With 2020 behind us and the first vaccines being rolled out, many are starting to think about traveling again. If you're like me, daydreaming about the places you'll go once this is all over has become a habit, but what about getting a list dsown and starting to plan something for real?
If you're looking for some 2021 travel ideas for later in the year, plus some things you might need to keep in mind even if you already have immunity, read on.
1. Costa Rica: According to Forbes, "Costa Rica has maintained one of the lowest Covid-19 fatality rates in Latin America and its government has been recognized for its successful management and containment of the virus." Moreover, as an ecotourism mecca that is currently open to travelers, Costa Rica offers excellent opportunities to visit a new place without having to spend a lot of time among crowds. Pictured above is the Nayara Tented Camp, for those who prefer to take in the sights of the rainforest and the Arenal Volcano amid a bit of luxury.
2. Alaska's Coast: The pandemic essentially cancelled Alaska's 2020 travel season, but local officials as well as cruise companies and small-boat lines are expressing (muted) optimism for later in 2021. It would be an ideal time to visit as crowds are likely to be small and the natural environment has had a year of rest with few tourists coming.
3. Kenya: 2021 can be a great time to visit Kenya. According to Melissa Biggs Bradley of Indagare: "I was able to get into properties like Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, as well as normally impossible-to-book places in the bush." Bradley says the country is doing a good job handling Covid, including its testing requirements and temperature taking, plus it's wide-open landscapes make social distancing easy.
4. Disney World: While exotic destinations are awesome, a bit of Disney magic can be just what we all need this year! While some draws such as parades and shows may be on hiatus, crowds have been relatively low, so if you have immunity to Covid, it may be a perfect time to visit. Find everything you need to plan your visit at disneytouristblog.com and check out our own nausea guide to the Magic Kingdom.
5. Dominica: Described by National Geographic as "a thrill-seeker’s dream," this Caribbean island boasts "nine active volcanoes, 365 rivers, towering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and blistering-hot geothermal features like Boiling Lake," among other marvels. If adventure tourism is your thing, Dominica may be the perfect option and has hotels for all budgets.
I hope these options give you some ideas as we collectively start imagining life post-Covid. In the mean time, we wish you health, happiness, and a nausea-free time.
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To use this technique, start by emptying your lungs of air, then breathe in quietly through the nose for four seconds. Proceed by holding your breath for about seven seconds, and then exhale through the mouth, pursing the lips and making a wooshing sound for eight seconds. You may repeat this process up to four times in a row as you feel the stress subside.
Acupressure on the P6 point below the wrist is well-known to relieve nausea, but did you know that scientific studies have also shown it to be effective against anxiety? A study published in the journal Military Health, found that, compared to a control group given a placebo treatment, "the mean anxiety score in the P6 group decreased significantly," and that "It is recommended that this simple and cost-effective intervention be used to relieve soldiers' anxiety in stressful situations." The soldiers in the study applied the acupressure three times, for ten minutes at a time, at thirty minute intervals. You can apply the pressure with your own hand, or simply put on your Blisslets!
Exercise is well-known to have very strong anti-anxiety powers, but it's so hard to find the time and motivation to do it, and so easy to find excuses. Thankfully, if your goal is general health rather than aiming for a six-pack, this seven minute workout, originally published by the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal, "fulfills the latest mandates for high-intensity effort" according to the New York Times.
Fragrant essential oils can help you relax and also get better sleep, which is also key for reduced anxiety. For this purpose, the oils recommended are bergamot, lavender, clary sage, grapefruit and ylang ylang.
Lack of sleep is a big contributor to anxiety. To improve sleep, try avoiding screens during the evening, setting a bedtime alarm to keep your sleep regular, and keeping a notepad by your bedside to write down your worries before bed, which helps clear your mind. (And don't forget that Blisslets can help with sleep too!)
We hope these tips will help you have a fun, safe, and anxiety-free summer!
Before getting to the list, a warning: check for the latest travel restrictions and possible site closures before leaving. Also, while experts have classified uncrowded beaches as low risk for COVID-19, keep in mind that if travel requires contact with others at hotels, restaurants, etc., you may be exposing yourself and others to the virus. This may be the perfect time to rent an RV or camper van from a site like Outdoorsy.com.
1) Sandbridge Beach, VirginiaFifteen miles south of crowded Virginia Beach, this lovely beach is not only uncrowded but also gives you an opportunity to explore the marshes and open waters of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or enjoy nature at False Cape State Park.
2) North Padre Island, TexasNot to be confused with touristy South Padre Island, this beach and National Seashore park allows you access to miles and miles of beach, where you can park on the sand and camp overnight while you fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
3) Duck, North CarolinaThis beach in the Outer Banks is uncrowded, pristine, and can be reached by car, so no need to get into a crowded boat. There are no hotels, which keeps most tourists away, but you can find houses to rent.
4) Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, GeorgiaYou don't need to get on a boat either to get to this island, which has been voted one of "America's Ten Most Romantic Beaches."
5) Enderts Beach, CaliforniaHidden away in California’s Redwood National Park, you won't find a more secluded beach than Enderts. On this 37-mile coastline stretch, you'll find giant trees, hiking trails, and dramatic views to satisfy all your longings for travel.
Whatever your plans, whether staying home or getting away, we hope you will have a fun, safe, nausea-free summer.
And, while we're at it, don't forget that we're currently offering the Blisslets Value Pack for just $44.99, without a doubt our best deal ever.
Best wishes,
Katie from Blisslets
When you feel queasy, a gourmet meal is probably the last thing in your head. Thankfully, this list of five delicious recipes can help you get through the summer feeling good and eating well.
Here are 5 summer recipes that you’ll not only be able to stomach, but enjoy as well.
Nothing goes down so easily as a refreshing popsicle in the middle of summer, and the best thing about them is how easy they are to make. These yogurt and fruit popsicles are not just refreshing but nourishing, and they include a bit of ginger, which helps to naturally soothe feelings of nausea.
Sour foods help many people relieve their feelings of nausea. This tasty sandwich pairs tart apple with tangy sharp cheddar, and is sure to please adults and kids alike. Swap butter for cooking spray to reduce the greasiness factor.
If migraines are the cause of your nausea, these amazing flank steak tacos from The Dizzy Cook, which are citrus-free and made with simple ingredients, will delight you without triggering migraine symptoms. And frankly, even if you don't suffer from nausea at all this recipe just looks soooo good!
Eating light foods in small quantities spaced out through the day can help when nausea is on the prowl. This delicious cucumber salad is quick to make and nutritious, and it's tangy flavors and light ingredients will help keep the queasiness away.
It's summer, and whatever else you do, you need to stay hydrated. But how to keep your hydration down? We have two great drink options for you to try throughout the season. For the more adventurous among you, the "What's Up Doc? Carrot-Ginger Mocktail from CamilleStyles.com comes highly recommended. Sound weird? Here what she had to say about it: "I’m not typically one to order a 'mocktail' . . . I’d rather just drink an iced tea or grapefruit juice. However . . . I discovered a serious exception to the rule."
On the other hand, for those who want to try a stalwart summer drink with a bit of an anti-nausea twist, check out this delightful Mint-Ginger Lemonade as a thirst-quencher that's friendly to queasy stomachs.
]]>This Memorial Day, like so many things in 2020, promises to be an unusual one, but you can have a memorable (and nausea-free!) celebration with this list of great activities and recipes that are still appropriate in times of social distancing.
Want to go beyond putting up the flag this year? Gather the family for some crafting time with this great list of 25 DIY decorating ideas for Memorial Day
Honor fallen veterans who have served our country (and front-line healthcare workers who have died in the pandemic) with a prayer. Think about their sacrifice by watching a thematically-appropriate movie or reading a Memorial Day poem from those included in this well-picked list of classics.
Not being able to host a big cookout is no reason not to grill. Our friend the Dizzy Cook has a mouthwatering recipe for Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce that is friendly for people who struggle with motion sickness due to vestibular disorders such as migraine. We're getting hungry just by looking at the pictures!
Here are two refreshing options for drinks depending on whether alcohol triggers your nausea or not. For those going alcohol-free, this Pear Mojito Mocktail from The Dizzy Cook seems like the perfect drink to kick off the summer. On the other hand, if you're looking for something a little stronger, I love this super-easy and refreshing wine and Campari cocktail that tastes like ruby red juice:
Small businesses are not only crucial to a country's economic health, but also give it an element of uniqueness and vibrancy that large corporations can't equal. Unfortunately, many are seriously threatened by the current downturn. Take advantage of Memorial Day Sales while supporting your favorite small businesses. Blisslets is offering a flash 30% off sale through Memorial Day with code THANKFUL30.
A pair of epidemiologists from the University of Chicago and Ohio State have put together a handy list of 14 summer activities, rated by risk of infection. While they list various indoor activities as "high risk," the good news is that popular choices like camping or going to the beach are in the clear! (Note that the risk varies depending on the particular context and what precautions you are taking.) See the full list here.
With all these options, whether you stay indoors or venture out, we hope you'll have a great Memorial Day and start your summer off on the right foot!
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If you are suffering from a vestibular condition visit vestibular.org for more information.
Fight Nausea. Look Great.
]]>I have been thinking a lot lately about all of you, and how the COVID-19 pandemic is likely affecting you and your families. Perhaps you use Blisslets to help relieve the nausea of chemotherapy, and are having to be even more careful than ever to protect a weak immune system. Maybe you're an expecting mom who relies on Blisslets for morning sickness, and are concerned about being able to get the medical care you need, when you need it. Or maybe you're a business traveler who uses Blisslets for motion sickness, but are out of work indefinitely as you shelter in place. Here at Blisslets, we are still open for business and would like to share with you how we are available to support you during this challenging time.
During the pandemic, any new inventory we receive will be quarantined to ensure that there is no transmission of the corona virus from outside facilities. We are strictly limiting contact with our ready-to-ship inventory, and ensuring thorough hand-washing prior to the handling of products or shipping materials.
We are offering amazing sales on our website right now, with prices on Blisslets styles as much as 35% off, plus free shipping on ALL U.S. orders. Starting today, we are offering a new coupon code to give you 10% off our lowest-listed prices as well: THRIVE10.
Everyone knows that a good night's sleep is essential to keeping your immune system in top shape. But did you know that acupressure on the P6 acupoint, such as that provided by Blisslets, can also help relieve insomnia? So if you've been using your Blisslets primarily for relief from nausea, but are having trouble getting the rest your body needs these days, start keeping a set of Blisslets on your nightstand to slip on before bed. Clinical studies show that acupressure can contribute both to better sleep quality, as well as improved sleep duration. For links to these studies, as well as other tips for getting quality shut-eye, check out our blog post on insomnia and acupressure here.
We are here to help! For the fastest response, please send us an e-mail to info (at) myblisslets.com.
Wishing you the best of health,
Katie
CEO & Founder
We're celebrating #GivingTuesday all week with a pledge to donate a set of Blisslets nausea relief bracelets to a cancer patient in need at UC San Francisco Medical Center for each set purchased at myblisslets.com from 12/3 to 12/9. Blisslets use acupressure to help relieve nausea from a variety of causes, including chemotherapy and anesthesia. So whether you're shopping for Blisslets for your own cancer journey, or for journeys around the world, you can feel good knowing that your purchase will help someone else struggling with nausea too.
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VR games mess with our bodies' sense of equilibrium because our eyes tell our brains we're moving in certain ways, while our limbs tell our brains something different. Thankfully, acupressure on the P6 point—such as that provided by Blisslets—can help relieve these feelings of nausea brought about by virtual reality displays. We were thrilled to be able to partner with BMF (the unofficial home of all things Oculus Quest) to give you 5 different ways you can fight nausea while still enjoying VR.
While some of these tips really only apply to gamers (running in place!) some apply across the board for all types of nausea (pocket fan, anyone?) Try several of these tips together (don't forget your Blisslets) for the quickest relief next time nausea hits.
]]>What, you might ask, is HG? Our friend Ellen Toner, a current HG sufferer herself, shares what it's like to suffer from this severe condition that afflicts some expecting mothers:
Hyperemesis Gravidarum, literally translated as “excessive throwing up of pregnant women,” is a rare but dangerous pregnancy complication that can be fatal if left untreated. Affecting only about 1 percent of pregnant women, it became better known in recent years when the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Kate, revealed that she was struggling with it through her pregnancies. The nausea and exhaustion that HG brings is severe and easily made worse by anything that stimulates the senses (bright lights, loud noises, the smell of an open refrigerator, even gentle motion), leading to dehydration, malnutrition, rapid weight loss and deterioration of mental health due to the persistent and overwhelming nature of the problem. In the most severe cases, women may experience organ failure, require constant hospitalization, and need to receive all of their nutrition and hydration through feeding tubes and IVs.
I remember when, at 17 weeks with my first baby, I was able to go to the grocery store for the first time in months. The lights, the smells, the bright colors, and, let’s face it, the lack of comfortable seating, had made it impossible for me up till that point. And I only made it 10 minutes before I had to check out and fall back into the passenger seat, but I was elated! We’re expecting our second baby now; because of some really great support groups that I didn’t know about last time, and because of getting better educated on what works for me, it’s been a little easier this time around. I still take about 10 doses of anti-nausea meds every day, still started out by losing almost 15 pounds, and still, even though I’m almost halfway through and things have gotten easier, I find that I need to either sleep or at least be lying down for about 15 of every 24 hours. And, every day, every night, I wear my wristbands, because even with all those medications and extra care, I feel noticeably worse without acupressure helping me through the day!
One of my favorite organizations out there, one that has helped both me and my family to understand and cope with HG, is the HER Foundation. They are the leaders in HG research and treatment, providing information on a network of doctors who specialize in treating it (sadly, because of its rarity, there are a lot of Ob/Gyns who don’t know what to do with it), educating on the best medications and other treatment methods, and funding and conducting research to try to figure the cause of what some people have called this “allergic reaction” to pregnancy. The HER Foundation also has helpful charts and articles that explain in clear and concise language the difference between HG and normal pregnancy nausea, which can be illuminating for well-wishers of HG sufferers who might be prone to suggest that HG is psychosomatic affliction that can be cured with the right combination of crackers, ginger, and a good attitude.
We are incredibly grateful to Blisslets for their generous offer to direct 10% of their online sales proceeds this week to this amazing foundation that has done so much for us, and for so many mothers and babies out there! If you need Blisslets for your summer road trips, days fishing out on the boat, or because you have your own little one on the way, now is a great time to stock up on a few pairs and so support a truly incredible endeavor!
]]>When I met Jo Heitz earlier this year and was first introduced to the group Girls Love Travel, I knew I wouldn't soon forget it. She told me they had just taken a group of one hundred-some women on an expedition to Antarctica, and this was just one of many such adventures that GLTers were planning all over the globe.
Their travels have also taken these travel-loving ladies to Mexico, Cuba, Thailand, Iceland, Egypt, and Havasupai Falls, with additional trips to Brazil, Finland and Egypt on the horizon.
I was excited, therefore, when she asked to include Blisslets Nausea Relief Bracelets as one the top 4 Girls Love Travel picks of women-owned travel brands, alongside other great brands such as The Barrier Method (not what you think it is), Walter+Ray (ultra functional, space-saving travel gear), and Big Skinny (skinny, durable, lightweight wallets, card cases, bags and travel goods). Check out the full article to support women-owned businesses and find some great travel items for your next expedition, with GLT's 15% off code!
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Here are 10 recipes for summer that you’ll not only be able to stomach, but will thoroughly enjoy as well.
Many people find relief from nausea by nibbling on sour foods. This recipe pairs tart apple with tangy sharp cheddar. This carby classic is sure to satisfy, and by swapping traditional butter for cooking spray, you’ll cut down on the greasiness factor.
Bready foods may be the easiest things for your stomach to handle when you feel sick, but these muffins come with two of our favorite pantry-picks for nausea: real lemon and ginger.
This throw-together soup is ready in 5 minutes—and let’s be honest: who can stand more than 5 minutes in the kitchen when nausea hits? This soup is nutritious and satisfying, while light enough for summer.
Okay, so this isn’t much of a recipe—but that’s the point. Even when you can barely lift yourself out of bed, you can probably still spread cream cheese on a bagel. So what if it won’t make anyone’s list of nutritional superfoods? It will give your body the energy it needs for recovery when nothing else can.
There’s nothing like saltines as soon as you wake up to ward of morning sickness, but store-bought varieties often include not-so-good-for-you additives like partially hydrogenated oils. This homemade version comes together with a mere 6 ingredients. Save some for eating with your ice box soup!
These dried fruit and nut bars are reminiscent of Lara Bars—sweet, chocolatey treats without any added sugar or artificial sweeteners. They boast 5 grams of protein per serving and have a smooth texture that goes down easily.
This delicious smoothie will fill you up and quench your thirst at the same time. Featuring tummy-calming ginger and electrolyte-balancing coconut water, this drink gives your body what it needs to withstand bouts of nausea and vomiting. One note for pregnant mamas: the recipe includes an optional add-in of bifidus powder. While probiotic powders such as this are widely touted as healthy ways to promote balance in your gut, speaking to your OB about nutritional supplements is always a good idea.
Guzzling liquids may make nausea worse, but nibbling one of these frozen ice pops will keep you hydrated without overwhelming your stomach. These pops are a tasty way to get your anti-nausea dose of both lemon and peppermint. Make a batch of these when you are feeling well so you can grab one from the freezer when you are not.
Mint, and ginger, and lemons? Oh my. These three potent nausea-fighters come together in a refreshing drink that would be the star of any summer barbeque.
When the drink cart comes rattling by on a bumpy flight, ordering a ginger ale seems like a smart move. But does that can actually have any real ginger in it? Vague ingredient descriptions like “natural and artificial flavors” can make it hard to tell. Instead, mix up a batch of this classic beverage at home, which is made with a whopping two cups of fresh ginger. Now if only they’d let you bring it through security...
]]>The Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas is an industry-only convention featuring the latest in travel gear and gadgets. CNBC has compiled a short list of some of the most noteworthy products at this year's convention, including Blisslets among their choices:
"CNBC got a preview of the products that will be introduced and available at the show and picked a handful of innovative, useful and truly unusual items we think travelers might enjoy. . . . Travelers susceptible to motion sickness in cars, on planes or on cruise ships often turn to drugs or to tell-tale sets of nausea-relief acupressure bracelets. Blisslets are a fashionable, jewelry-style version of those bracelets, with designs for both men and women."
Click here to read the full article and see the rest of the list, which includes items like luggage that weighs itself and finger print-activated locks.
]]>We at Blisslets were excited to see this recent article from the People's Pharmacy (Terry Graedon, PhD, medical anthropologist) highlighting the effectiveness of acupressure wristbands in relieving some forms of sleep disorders.
How many of us haven't passed an occasional night staring at the clock, hoping for sleep to come? For some, the condition becomes a regular occurance, with lack of sleep leading to difficulty concentrating on daily tasks, missed days of work, and increased risk of accidents on the road. Insomnia is not only uncomfortable; it is dangerous for your health as well.
Limiting caffeine and alcohol, avoiding blue-light-emitting screens in the evening (cell phones, computers), moderating room temperature, and getting sufficient exercise during the day can all help. But when these aren't enough, is your only option to reach for a pill?
Not at all. A number of studies linked to by the People's Pharmacy article demonstrate the effectiveness of acupressure wristbands in improving sleep duration and quality for target populations including adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant women.
We recommend the Blisslets "Sierra Collection" of acupressure bands for women and the "Wind and Waves Collection" of acupressure bands for both men and women. Both are made from super soft elastics to be extra comfortable for sleep.
Have Blisslets helped you get a better night's sleep? We want to hear about it. Share your stories with us on Facebook (@myblisslets), Instagram, or Twitter (@blisslets).
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