Giving Myself Time To Read

I love books. Reading is one of the things I really enjoy. I liken myself to a sponge, eager to absorb new information and draw inspiration from great literary works.

I do not favor a particular genre when I sit down to read. Anything would do - a paperback novel, a compilation of short stories, old magazines and cookbooks. I share the same passion with my husband who introduced me to the exciting world of crime and suspense bestsellers. Lee Child, James Patterson, Mario Puzo and John Sandford are now included in my list of favorite authors.

On the other side of things, I have always loved reading inspirational books. In my lifetime, there are but a few books I have read and re-read with as much joy as the first time.

Let me share with you my favorite Inspirational Books List and the unforgettable quotes that have created an impact in my life. Let's do a countdown from the "Best" to the "Greatest"

5. THE GREATEST SALESMAN IN THE WORLD - Og Mandino.
This is a book about a poor young camel boy named Hafid who found success as a salesman by understanding, applying and living the lessons inscribed in ten scrolls.

The Ten Scrolls

An excerpt from Scroll IX

 
4. THE PEARL - John Steinbeck
This is a story about Kino, a pearl diver of Mexican-Indian descent, his wife Juana and their infant son, Coyotito. It is about how a young family, although living in poverty have learned to cope with whatever little possesions they have until that day, when Kino finds the "Pearl of the World." The family started to live with fear, and was exposed to the evils of greed. "The Pearl" is an excellent book that teaches us that about the evils of the world and how it can destroy one's humanity.

3. JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL - Richard Bach
A beautifully written fable that teaches us about breaking out of the daily struggles of monotony. It inspires us to break out of our shell and strive to achieve our dreams, to rid ourselves of limitations, and to go after a more meaningful life.

 

"For most seagulls, life consists simply of eating and surviving. Flying is just a means of finding food. However, Jonathan Livingston Seagull is no ordinary bird. For him, flying is life itself. Against the conventions of seagull society, he seeks to find a higher purpose and become the best at doing what he loves. 

This is a fable about the importance of making the most of our lives, even if our goals run contrary to the norms of our flock, tribe or neighborhood. Through the metaphor of flight, Jonathan’s story shows us that, if we follow our dreams, we too can soar."

2. THE LITTLE PRINCE - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
This is a story about a pilot whose light aircraft crashes in the middle of a desert. In this same desert, he finds a little boy who fell to earth from his home, an asteroid. The reason this book is so heartwarming to read is because of the portrayal of the child's innocence. It is also about how grown ups tend to see things superficially. The Little Prince is a book that helps us to understand that in order to appreciate the true worth of anything and everything, we must look beneath the surface.

"Here is my secret. It is very simple. 
It is only with the heart that one can see clearly.
What is essential is invisible to the eye."

 

1. THE HOLY BIBLE
The best and greatest book ever written. It is my go-to resource for guidance, comfort, happiness and love. If any one needs an instruction book to live a meaningful life, pick up the Bible. Everything we need to know is there. 

And no matter how many times you have gone back to the Bible for guidance, there is always something new you can learn from it and from the gospels. Picking up the holy scripture and re-reading a passage may offer you a different point of view on a situation. You might also find a different interpretation of a concept, such as end times that you had not thought of before. What a great opportunity to learn something new.

May you all have a blessed weekend!

Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing The Ring

While some would argue that it gets too much of the attention and energy that goes towards a wedding, there’s no denying that choosing the ring that you’re going to be wearing for the rest of your life is a big deal. As such, you don’t want to make any mistakes that could make the hunt a lot harder on you. Here, we’re going to look at some of those exact kinds of mistakes, and what you can do to avoid them.

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Not having a budget

Wedding budgets are notorious for growing endlessly. The more you spend on them, the more they seem to keep demanding and the same is very much true of wedding rings, as well. There are a lot of wedding and engagement ring budget sites that can help you set an arbitrary budget. It’s best to stick to paying what you know you can reasonably afford but, if you don’t know what that is, you should set a basic limit at the very least to make sure that you don’t go too far overbroad with it.

Not knowing what you like

You’re going to feel like a kid in a candy store if you go jewelry shopping without any idea of what you’re looking for already in mind. There are so many different ring types, jewel cuts, settings, and more, that whittling it down by eye alone can be hard. Get an idea of what kind of wedding jewel and band you want, in advance, getting to know the different styles so that you can better narrow down your options when it’s time to choose. You may want to match it with your other rings, as well, so keep in mind those styles.

Not picking out just a few stores

If one jeweler has more than enough variety to keep you guessing, then you can only imagine what it’s like when you go to one after another. There’s nothing wrong with picking out more than one store, but you should whittle your choices down before you actually make the trip. Make sure you’re getting quality service and good prices by looking at online opinions from customers like this Jared review. That way, you can at least rest easy that you’re not wasting time on overpriced places with poor service and low-quality rings.

Not considering your lifestyle

You might think that your wedding ring is a purely aesthetic choice. Indeed, if you don’t mind taking it off and putting it back on regularly, that might be true. However, if you want to wear it constantly, you need to make sure that it fits your lifestyle. More rounded, thinner rings tend to be better for those that use their hands a lot, such as to play an instrument or use tools. Those who manually work with their hands should also consider not getting too many loose gems that could easily come out, too.

No-one can guarantee that the hunt for the right wedding ring is going to go smoothly. However, so long as you follow the tips above, you can at least make sure it goes a little smoother.

Why Use A Removals Company?

When you start to plan out your house move, it will probably all start many months, or even years, in advance. You’ll start to get weary of your current home, or you’ll see that it’s no longer suitable for your needs and circumstances. Then you’ll start to toy with the idea of just taking a look at what’s out there as an alternative. Then you’ll get serious, realizing that there is a decision to be made – will you move or not? 

 Once you’ve decided that it is time to move, everything else needs to fall in place. You’ll have to find the ideal place to move to, and eventually, the time will come when your moving day will arrive. But do you have a removals firm in place to help you get from one place to the next? If not, you might regret it. Read on to find out more. 

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It Saves Time And Energy 

We all know that moving home is a stressful event, even if it’s worth it in the end. It takes a lot of time to pack everything up, move it all into a van, then unload it at the other end, and when you have plenty of other things to be dealing with and thinking about, this extra – very big – task can be absolutely overwhelming. 

 

This is why it’s always best to hire a removals firm to do it for you. They will be much quicker than you could be, and they will understand the logistics of maximizing space in their van. You won’t have to worry about ensuring everything is out of your old home in time for the next owners to move in either. You won’t even have to do any heavy lifting or ask friends and family for help when you outsource the entire moving job. 

 

One Cost

As well as being stressful, moving is an expensive thing to do. Even if you’re downsizing to granny flats Victoria there will still be items to pay out for for the move itself. Boxes, packing materials, tape, van rental, the fuel for the van, the added insurance, even the time of your friends who are coming to help you, will all need to be paid for. It can soon add up and become much more expensive than you might have budgeted for. 

 

If you hire a removals firm all of this will be taken care of with one single price. You’ll pay the removals company a pre-agreed rate (and it is crucial to have this in writing before you begin), and that’s it; you won’t have to pay any more. 

 

Peace Of Mind 

The biggest benefit of hiring a removals service is the peace of mind it will bring. We all have an emotional connection with objects, and we want to protect them from damage. A reliable, professional removals firm will know exactly how to pack, move, and store precious items so that they are safe and can be unpacked in one piece at the other end. 

 

When you have other things to think about, and you’re emotional about leaving your home anyway, having to deal with broken possessions is the last thing you’ll want. Don’t risk it; hire professionals and it won’t be a problem (and if something does go wrong, they’ll have insurance to help you). 

Eight Great Ways to Boost Your Earnings in 2021

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Following the year of 2020, which was all about surviving, 2021 should be the year of thriving. This is especially true from a financial perspective as the last 12 months have shown the fragility of your financial health. Now is the time to regain control of your situation to open new opportunities and put your mind at ease.

Here are eight great ways to bolster your earnings in the months ahead. Start to embrace them right away, and you should notice the difference in next to no time.

#1. Work for a promotion

Perhaps the most obvious and logical way to increase your earnings is to focus on getting a better job. Your career is likely to be the primary source of income in 2021 and until you retire. Therefore, knowing how to ask for a pay rise and get it is essential. Before approaching your boss, though, you’ll want to ensure that you are the strongest possible candidate. This means investing in your resume, appearance, and relationships with hiring managers and bosses.

If you successfully land a promotion, internally or elsewhere, it won’t only boost your finances in 2021. The benefits can last a lifetime.

#2. Maximize your rental property earnings

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Real estate is one of the best assets that anyone will ever have at their disposal. Therefore, squeezing every last dollar out of yours is essential. Traditional landlord duties are still a good option, but vacation rentals. Knowing the best way to advertise your VRBO property and get the recommendations to gain more bookings will take earnings to new heights. In truth, the short-term agreements are likely to outweigh monthly rentals, even if only full for 50% of the year.

Domestic vacations are likely to be more popular than overseas trips due to the pandemic. So, you may find that the earnings are even bigger than expected.

#3. Launch a side business

Starting a new business will require an investment of time and money. Nonetheless, the climate makes it more accessible than ever for home-based ventures and small local firms. Whether selling a service or creating products with the support of outsourced staff, you can run a business from your smartphone. It does not have to stop you from enjoying a successful career in traditional employment. And when things go well, you’ll be able to make the transition you crave.

There will be difficult moments ahead, though, which is why you should aim to work on something you love. When you do, the rewards are huge.

#4. Become an influencer

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Shooting for increased earnings without any risk is a particularly popular solution right now. Affiliate marketing through CBD schemes or other products can be a great way to gain success without ever handling products. Whether you have a lot of friends with joint interests or know how to target a niche through social media marketing doesn’t matter. The potential of this highly versatile arena should not be ignored. As a small side hustle, the fact it can be done from home is amazing.

Aside from removing the need to risk your capital, it solves headaches linked to managing an inventory of products. The ceiling is limitless too.

#5. Utilize your knowledge

When you have skills or experience in a particular field, it’s likely that novices are looking to follow in your footsteps. With the best podcasting equipment or home video camera, you can monetize your knowledge. Creating courses to become a tutor or mentor can open the door to a new revenue stream without having to abandon your career. Moreover, the use of pre-recorded content means you can take on as many digital students as you can find. It’s an ideal solution to refresh your mind.

Even 100 students at $50 each would boost your annual earnings by $5k. If you do well, it could grow far bigger than that.

#6. Start gaming

If you’re looking for a fun way to earn a few extra dollars, gaming for money may be the ideal solution. It does come with a degree of loss if you’re using a platform where you pay to play with a chance to win cash. However, there are plenty of free competitions out there too. In fact, the best players are signed to esports teams and can turn their passion into a career. Even if you are just looking for a way to earn a little extra cash in your recreation time, it’s worth researching.

Besides, it will make the gaming activities feel far more engaging and exciting than playing against the computer. Just be sure to be responsible.

#7. Make investments 

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Utilizing your savings in a successful way will have a telling impact on your future financial health. While Bitcoin has gained a lot of headlines, the whole crypto arena offers great opportunities. This is because the market is very volatile. So, when you trade at the right time, you can see stunning results. Another option is to support other businesses through funding in return for equity. There is a degree of risk, but calculated decisions should yield good results. Especially as most savings accounts pay low-interest rates.

You can combine this with a desire to go green by supporting eco-friendly schemes. After all, society’s desire to embrace them can only increase their hopes of success.

#8. Sell unwanted products

You probably feel that you are fairly good at removing clutter from your life. In reality, it’s likely that your home is packed with many unnecessary products. The good news is that they can be sold using the best online apps and websites. Whether it’s old electronics, collectibles, or clothes doesn’t matter. You could quickly generate a four-figure fee to boost your finances in 2021. It will simultaneously create space around the home. This is surely a match made in heaven.

There’s never been a better time to make the changes. After all, it’s a new year while the chances to socialize are limited due to the pandemic. Use the time while you can.

5 Tips For a Stress-Free House Move

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Moving to a new home should be exciting. You are beginning a new chapter of your life and improving your circumstances. You should be counting down the days until you get the keys to your property and you can make it your own.

But unfortunately, this milestone can be somewhat ruined by the stresses of moving day. Transporting all your worldly belongings from one home to the next takes a lot of time and energy, and can be very costly too. You will worry about things getting lost or broken during the move, as well as dealing with unruly children and last-minute delays. Moving day causes a lot of anxiety for many families, and the last thing you want is for your memories of your new home to be marred by this. 

But as long as you plan ahead and are smart about your move, it’s relatively easy to move all stress from the proceedings. Here are five tips to relieve your moving anxiety.

Make an inventory

More often than not, worrying about anything happening to your belongings will turn out to be in vain. But you can set your mind at ease by drawing up an inventory of everything that needs to be moved. This will make packing a lot easier as you can tick things off as you go. And once you arrive at your new home, you can easily check that all of your stuff has arrived as planned.

Pack smart

It may be tempting to shove everything into cardboard boxes to get packing over with as quickly as possible. But you'll be making things harder for yourself in the long run. Once the move is complete and you start to settle into your new home, you don’t want to spend all evening hunting for your kitchenware or bath products. Do your future self a favor by dividing your packing by rooms of the house. Label all your boxes clearly, and make sure they are well taped and secure to prevent things from going missing en route.

Start early

Don’t leave all the packing to the night before. This is a guaranteed recipe for anxiety. Start the packing process as early as possible, by getting all your cardboard boxes ready and packing anything you won’t need until after the move. Start deep cleaning your home well in advance, so you’ll only need a quick spruce up on the day.

Hire a removal firm

Although a removal firm will cost you, it is often more than worth the reduction in stress levels. A good moving company such as Allied Van Lines will handle all the packing and transport, so you can take a moment to breathe. 

Plan your first night

Once the last cardboard box has been moved, you won’t want to start unpacking all your kitchen stuff and cooking dinner. Make a plan to ensure your first night in your new home is as laid back as possible. Order in a celebratory takeaway for the family to save on the washing up. Keep a go-to bag close to hand throughout the move so you have everything you will need that night right with you. This way, you can save the unpacking for the morning.

How To Spot The Warning Signs When Test Driving A Used Car

Buying a used car is a great way to save money, but it can be risky. When you buy a new car, you can guarantee that it’s in good working order and there are not any hidden problems. However, with a used car, you have to take the word of the seller when they tell you that it’s in good condition and there is always a chance that it will have expensive maintenance issues that you need to deal with. 

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Following these simple tips will help you avoid getting ripped off when buying a used car but the most important thing you can do is to test drive it. If a dealership or a private seller is unwilling to let you test drive the car, start looking elsewhere because you can pretty much guarantee that the car is in bad shape. When you are able to test drive cars, there are certain things you should look out for to make sure that you are getting a good deal. Here’s everything you should be on the lookout for when test driving a used car. 

Check The Bodywork 

Before you get behind the wheel, take a good look at the outside of the car. If there are some small dents and scratches, that’s not the end of the world. As long as you are happy to live with it, they shouldn’t affect the performance of the car, just scratches fixed as soon as possible or they can cause the car to rust.

Speaking of rust, avoid buying cars that are covered in it because you will need to do extensive work on the body of the car and that can quickly get expensive. A little bit of rust here and there isn’t the end of the world but if the wheel arches are starting to fall apart, it’s not worth buying. 

When checking over the bodywork, pay particular attention to the different panels and how they fit together, and look for any slight variations in color. This can be an indication that the panels have been replaced because the car has been in an accident, in which case, you need to ask the seller about the extent of the damage. 

Test The Brakes 

The brakes are one of the first things you should test because the car is dangerous to drive if they don’t function properly. Test that the car stops in a straight line and listen out for any squeaking or scraping noises when you stop. If there are strange noises, this is an indication that the brake pads are wearing down. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t buy the car because you can just look for local brake repair shops and get it fixed. However, you should consider whether the deal that you get on the car is good enough to justify spending money on new brakes. In some cases, you might be able to haggle them down and get them to knock off the price of a new set of brake pads. 

Try All Of The Gears 

Clunky gear changes can indicate issues with the clutch or the gearbox, so make sure that you try all of the gears to ensure they are smooth. In an automatic, take note of the gear changes and listen for any noises (ideally, they should be smooth and silent). Pay attention to where the biting point is as well because if it is near the top, that’s a sign that the clutch needs replacing soon. 

Check The Steering 

Make sure you can find a long stretch of straight road during your test drive so you can check the steering. If the car naturally pulls to one side when driving on a straight road for a long period, that’s a bad sign. There shouldn’t be too much noise when steering either, and the action should be smooth. A quiet whining sound is normal in cars with power steering but anything else is a cause for concern. 

These are the main things that you need to check when test driving a used car, but you should also be on the lookout for anything else that feels strange. Looking at the pedals to see how worn down they are is a good way to get a sense of how old the car is, which is important because some people may lie about this. When you are buying a used car, always trust your guy and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Instead, look for other options and hold off until you find something that you feel confident about. 

Should You Get Your Hearing Checked? Here Are the Signs to Look Out For

Hearing health is something that a lot of us are aware of, but we rarely check up on it. Unlike our overall physical health, our teeth or even our eyes, many of us tend to ignore our hearing health. This isn’t because we’re neglecting it, but it’s likely because most of us don’t know the effects of hearing loss. When you start losing your sight, it’s rather obvious because you start to notice differences in what you can see versus what others see.

This is a lot different from our hearing health because it happens very gradually as we age or if we’re exposed to loud noises. As such, we typically can’t tell if we have hearing loss or not and we usually brush it under the rug. Sometimes we just don’t notice a sound or we might be focusing on something else so we don’t hear someone calling for us. It’s fairly natural for this to happen and we usually don’t do anything about it.

So what are the signs that you should get your hearing checked? What kind of things should you be looking out for if you want to take better care of your hearing?

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Others complain about the volume that you listen to things at

One of the biggest telltale signs that you could be losing your hearing is if someone else complains about the volume that you listen to things. If you’ve ever passed your headphones to someone and they reel back because it’s too loud, or if they tell you to turn down the TV or your speakers, then there’s a chance that you might be experiencing hearing loss.

You work in a loud workplace

If you work in a relatively loud workplace that requires you to wear hearing protection, then it’s worth heeding their caution and ensuring that you have ear protection. Likewise, if you work in a loud environment such as driving a train, working as a DJ or even playing live music, then you’ll want to learn more about molded earplugs that could save your ears. If you work in a loud workplace, it’s a good idea to get your ears checked now and then so that you can ensure you’re not being affected by hearing loss.

You occasionally miss calls or alarms

Missing a call or alarm now and then is fine, but if you find that it happens more often than you’d like, then it’s worth seeing a hearing specialist. If it happens too many times and has caused you problems in the past, such as missing an important call or leaving a friend waiting outside your house for a long time, then you should definitely see an expert about it.

You find yourself pointing your ear at someone when you want to hear them

If you find that you’re constantly pointing your ear at people to hear them, then it could be a sign that you’re starting to lose your hearing. However, it could just be because you’re in a loud place, but it’s a concern that you shouldn’t ignore. While it doesn’t mean that you’ll need to start wearing a hearing aid every day, it could be a good wakeup call so that you start paying a little more attention to how loud your environment is.

Having a conversation makes you feel tired

Another sign that you might have hearing loss is if you feel tired after you have a conversation, particularly if it’s in a relatively loud space such as a crowded area. Trying to listen to people when we have hearing loss can be surprisingly stressful. This is because our body needs to compensate for our hearing loss, so we tend to strain our body if we want to hear something. This means that we can feel a little fatigued after a conversation. This makes it hard for us to be in social situations and can lead to us feeling isolated from others.

You experience a ringing or buzzing in your ear

A ringing or buzzing in your ear indicates that you have tinnitus. However, it doesn’t always mean that you have hearing loss. It’s worth checking as the conditions for both hearing loss and tinnitus are similar, but it doesn’t mean that one causes the other. While they are closely related, it’s good to remember that tinnitus can usually be treated in a number of different ways. You can retrain your ears to filter out the tinnitus, or you can even use devices to mask the tinnitus.

5 Hidden Dangers For Dogs You Need To Know

 As a dog owner, you’ll undoubtedly want to make sure your canine companion is at his or her best. You might feed your dog the best food and give them plenty of love, attention, and exercise each day.

But, are you aware of the hidden dangers to your dog that may lurk in and around your home? Don’t worry because a lot of dog owners seldom know about those hidden dangers. Here are 5 of the top hidden dangers you need to know and how your dog can avoid them:

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1. Rodents

Some people keep rodents like mice and rats as pets and look after them like any other household pet. However, wild rodents that roam the outdoors can pose serious health risks to dogs (and humans, for that matter). But, just how serious is the problem posed for dogs?

Mice and rats can bite dogs if they’re scared and feel they are in danger. A bite from a rodent can cause serious problems for dogs because rodents can transmit leptospira bacteria. That results in leptospirosis: an infection that can often be fatal to dogs of all ages.

You can take practical steps to minimize the risk of your canine companion getting bitten by a mice or rat. Examples include:

• Pest control surveys. Pest Authority and other pest controllers can check your home inside and out for rodent infestations and help you eradicate the problem;
• Store sealed garbage outside. Rodents will bite through plastic garbage bags to find discarded food to eat. Store your waste in trash cans or locked dumpsters.

2. Food and Drink

You would think that food and drink isn’t an issue for dogs. However, there are some foods and beverages you should never give to a dog or let them eat if someone in your household drops it on the floor. The foods dogs should steer clear of include:

• Chocolate;
• Candy;
• Coffee;
• Alcohol;
• Raw cooking ingredients, such as raisins, avocados, onions, garlic, and salt.

Suppose your dog has accidentally ingested even a small quantity of the above. In that case, you must immediately take them to Shallowford Animal Hospital or your preferred local animal hospital for treatment to help them expel the contents of their stomach.

3. Toys

All dogs enjoy playing with toys as it gives them mental stimulation and helps them stay fit and healthy. There are many different toys available to buy that get marketed as dog-friendly. And while that might be the case, the problem with those toys is when dogs break them.

It’s no secret that many dog toys get manufactured out of plastic for durability reasons. The trouble is, when dogs chew through those plastic toys, some pampered pooches might try to swallow them.

As you can imagine, when that happens, you’ll have to take your dog to your nearest animal hospital for treatment. Firstly, fragments of broken dog toys can pose choking hazards. And secondly, the jagged edges of plastic toys can cause internal tearing and bleeding.

You should keep in mind that those same hidden dangers also apply to dogs that chew and swallow toys for children. Always supervise your dog whenever he or she plays with toys, and keep children’s toys stored away from dogs.

4. Small Household Items

Most households will have things like remote controls and toys that require batteries to operate. If you leave batteries lying around within easy reach of dogs, the temptation for dogs to chew on those items might be too much to resist.

The same applies to other small items used regularly in households, such as buttons, rubber bands, and twist ties. Some dog breeds are more likely to pick up small household items and chew on them than others.

Still, irrespective of your dog’s breed, you should try to keep anything remotely interesting to a dog out of sight.

5. Small Animal Bones

There’s no denying that most, if not all dogs, will enjoy chewing on bones. If you live in a household where chicken and similar food gets eaten regularly, you might get complacent about where you discard the bones.

Let’s be clear: the only bones you should ever allow a dog to have are large ones sold by pet stores. Never give your dog discarded chicken bones as they can splinter and cut your dog’s mouth or puncture their stomach or esophagus.

Make sure you always dispose of chicken and other small animal bones in your garbage soon after you’ve eaten your meals.

Should You Scrap Your Old Car Or Pay For Repairs?

If you have an old car that is causing you problems, you might be wondering whether you should keep fixing it or just scrap it instead. Is it really worth the time and money that you spend on repairs? 

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This is a tough decision to make, especially if you like the car, and in some cases, you shouldn’t give up on it just yet. But in other cases, the car is just a financial drain and you’d be better off scrapping it. If you don’t know what to do with your old car, here are a few things to consider. 

How Much Is The Car Worth?

When deciding whether repairs are worth it, you should consider how much the car itself is worth. If the car is only worth $500, do you really want to spend $400 on repairs? It’s only worth repairing the car if it’s actually going to be worth something afterward. If fixing it will cost almost as much as the total value, you’re probably better off scrapping it and investing in a new car. 

Can You Sell It? 

In some cases, it’s worth paying for repairs if you can then sell the car on afterward and make a good profit. So, when you check the total value of the car, think about whether you might sell it on afterward. If you can get some interest from potential buyers, it may be worth paying out for repairs. However, if it’s a car that nobody is really interested in, it’s best to just scrap it instead. You also need to consider the time involved with selling a car. If you search junk my car online, you can easily find companies that will take away your old car and give you a fair price for it right away. But if you are going to sell it privately, the whole process could take a long time. You need to think about whether you’re willing to put the time into repairing and selling the car or if you should just save yourself the hassle and scrap it instead. 

How Bad Is The Damage? 

Looking at the extent of the damage will give you an idea of whether you should repair or scrap your car. If the damage is mainly cosmetic and it won’t be that expensive to fix, perhaps just needing some slight repairs and auto detailing, you shouldn’t give up on your car just yet. If everything under the hood is working just fine, you can continue driving it for a bit longer. However, if there are some serious problems with the engine or the brakes etc. that’s a sign that you should replace your car. Severe damage can make the car unsafe to drive and it will be incredibly expensive to fix. In that case, the safest and most sensible thing to do is to get rid of the car and buy a new one. 

You might not want to scrap your car but it’s important that you are realistic about these things. Unless the car is actually worth something and it will be safe to drive, you shouldn’t waste your money on repairs.  

Getting Used To Life With A Stoma

 

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A stoma is a small bag you will be given after having an ostomy operation - and it is used to help the body to divert urine and faeces out of the body if your digestive system has been compromised for any reason. 

Living with a stoma is a daunting prospect as often these will protrude from the body in the form of a small pinkish bag, and it is common for those who get a stoma for the first few months to feel a little self conscious and uncomfortable with this addition to the body. 

Today we want to take about stomas and how you can get used to living with one if you have one this year. It is not as difficult as you may think and you can absolutely live a full and happy life with one. 

Your stoma nurse 

The great thing about the process of having ostomy products on your body is the nurse. Your nurse is trained to make you feel as confident and comfortable as possible and they will talk you through what a stoma is as well as how to live your day to day life with one. Your nurse will teach you how to care for your stoma, they will help you get used to food and drink with a stoma, and how to be confident in your intimate relationships. Your stoma nurse is a brilliant resource and you should utilise them. 

Don’t be scared to ask 

When you first have a stoma installed on your body it is only natural that you may feel uncomfortable and confused. There will be a lot of questions you will have for your nurse and doctor and this is the time when you should absolutely ask as many questions as you need to to understand life from here. Never feel afraid to ask a question because the more you ask the better it will be for you in the long run. 

Find the right one for you 

There are a few different types of stoma you can have for your body and it is important that you get the right one for your needs. When choosing a stoma for yourself you have 3 different options: regular, inward, or outward. When a decision is made on a stoma it will most likely be to down to the severity of your condition and your needs. 

Clothing 

One of the hardest things for you to get used to as a stoma wearer is fashion. We all know how hard it can be to feel confident in our clothing choices on a regular day but when a stoma is added to the mix things are more complex. However you can still feel happy and confident with a stoma as long as you consider wearing clothes more suited to one. Think of flowing styles of tops and dresses and stick to low rise jeans and pants to give room to your stoma. You can still dress to impress with a stoma so don’t feel as if you have to wear baggy T-shirts and sweats all the time!