From One Financial Extreme To Another

Money is not an object to some lucky people out there, but to others, it’s the biggest object in their life. So to go from one financial extreme to the other is pretty hard, and a lot of people actually never manage to do it. Once you’re stuck in a bit of a rut with money, it’s definitely hard to try and get out of it. But, there’s more to life than being stuck in a rut with money, so we’ve come up with a few tips that should help to take you from one financial extreme to another, see how the pointers below might be able to help you.

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Your Monthly Spendings

It can be quite intimidating listing all of the things that you have to pay for in one month. The list might seem small in your head, but once you write it out on paper and actually start putting prices next to the names, you’ve got a bit of a problem on your hands. One of the biggest monthly expenses is household bills, but luckily they’re one of the easiest to reduce. First, you’ve got the actual gas and electricity bills, they’re the worst. To get them down you just need to think smart, and even get a smart meter. That way you’re able to monitor exactly what you’re spending on both electricity and water each month. If you see it creeping up, you can take measures to make sure it stays down. Making sure you’re using energy saving light bulbs, only having the heating or air con on when necessary, and restricting shower times to ten minutes. It might seem a little strict, but if you’re looking to change your financial situation, then you’re going to have to take drastic measures.

Big Troubles

If you’re at the bad end of the financial extreme, then you could be going through some big troubles. One of the biggest is definitely bankruptcy, and it can often be intimidating for people to admit they’re going through that. If you are, chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyers are the people you need to contact. They will do everything in their power to make sure you’re keeping as many of your personal possessions as possible. Recovering from something like this, or debt, is what will take you from one financial extreme to another. With bankruptcy, the first thing you need to do is find a job that will provide you with a good enough income to support the payments you’ll need to make. It’s also about staying mentally strong through the whole ordeal, especially if you have a family to care for. If an extra income is what you need to recover from either debt or bankruptcy, here’s one really easy way of earning some extra money.

Extra Income

One of the easiest and cheapest that you can do from the comfort of your own home is blogging. All you need to do is make the initial payment of buying a domain name and a server to host it on. Then find a great theme and something you wish to write about. All you need to do then is gain some followers and start contacting companies for collaborations. Within a few months, you should have a decent enough following to be able to make some big money!

What You Can Do to Help Look After Your Parents’ Health as They Age

It’s easy to take your parents for granted, and because they’re the parent in this relationship, you might forget that they often need your help and support too. That’s why you need to be ready to help them look after their health and general wellbeing as they get older. It doesn’t have to be a burden for you, but even helping them out in small ways can make a real difference to how they live their lives. So read on to learn more about the specifics of all this.

Start by Talking More

First of all, you’re going to need to get into the habit of talking more to your parents about the situation they’re in with their health. That means the conversation you have will be entirely dependent on what situation they’re in right now. Only when the dialogue is open is it possible for you to be truly helpful to your parents. Nothing gets archived when nobody’s talking.

Don’t Let Them Rely on Public Transport

One of the things that gets harder when you’re a little older is getting from A to B. It’s one of those things that seems so effortless when you don’t have to think about it. But getting around and trying to navigate public transport can be difficult for people who are a little older. So get into the habit of taking them to where they need to go as often as you can. That way, they won’t have to rely on public transport so much.

Ensure The Care They Receive is Up to Scratch

If your parent is already receiving care of one form or another, it’s important to make sure that they’re being cared for in the right way. Check up on them and get to know their carers. That way, you can be sure that nobody is mistreating your parents in any way. If you do find examples of mistreatment, visit Gray Law Group and get legal advice from there. You can’t just accept things like that.

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Listen to Their Wishes

They’re the ones who should be in the driving seat when it comes to how you help them. You shouldn’t assume that you know best because that’s not necessarily the case. It’s important that you recognise the types of roles that you’re going to have to assume. Being a good listener is where all that begins.

Take Steps to Help Them With Mobility

Mobility can be a big problem, and it’s often biggest in the home. Even simple modifications to the home can make it so much easier to get around for your parents if their mobility is faltering a little. It’s also a case of confidence. With the right support in place, they’ll feel much more confident on their feet, which has to be a good thing.

Looking after your parents in their older years is not always easy, but it’s a challenge that you have a responsibility to take on. After all, they were always there for you when you needed them most, so it’s only right that you should help them out in any way you can now that you have the chance to.

Getting Your Home Ready For Spring: The Actions To Take

Spring has finally sprung and that means that more of us are looking ahead to the warmer season and nicer weather. It certainly means that we dusting off the cobwebs of winter, both personally and within our homes. It is amazing how the sun shining through the window can highlight some of the areas they may need your focus on your home. I thought I would share with you some of the ways that you can get your home ready for spring with the actions that you can take. 

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Ensuring any air conditioning is working 

The weather is about to turn warmer, and so our homes can become the stuffy and uncomfortable environments to be in if we are not careful. This is when air conditioning can really help. It has the power to keep your home cool in the summer months. But, the chances are you won’t have used it for some time. This is when get companies that are experts in Heating, Cooling and Plumbing can really help you. Ensuring that all aspects of your air conditioning system are working as they should be so that you can rest assured that even on the hottest of days your home will be cool. 

Spring cleaning to the max

Spring cleaning is one of those things that many of us feel motivated to do at this time of year. It is a chance to really give our homes the thorough cleaning they need, especially have the hibernation period of winter. There is nothing like the sun shining through your window and highlighting ever spec of dust. Get yourself a list and note down all of the jobs and chores you want doing. Give yourself a routine or schedule for each room and see the difference a good clean could make to your home. 

Decluttering your home

We can let clutter build up over time, and this can less than ideal if you are wanting a clean and tidy space. Now would be the ideal time to start decluttering your home of anything you no longer love, want or need. Websites like eBay area great platform to utilise to get rid of things that are still working, and then recycling things that are not worth anything. Don’t forget that you could also donate to charity shops to help them. 

Adding spring interior touches

Finally, why not add some spring touches to your home? Fresh flowers are a great way to add some colour and a subtle hint of scent to your home. You could consider changing the theme in terms of colour and add some new cushions into the mix, or new pastel shades for the spring season ahead. Other people like to add different touches to their home in terms of decorations like banners and reefs on the door. Also, at this time of year, people actually use it as a chance to totally redecorate or at least freshen up the walls. 

I hope that this has given you some inspiration to help get your home ready for spring. 

Here’s to You, Chef: 5 Ways to Cook Better Food At Home

We know that cooking at home isn’t always the most enjoyable activity. After a long day at work, it’s much more tempting to just look at the takeout delivery options available, and fill your stomach with delicious, unhealthy foods. If we do cook at home, it’s often something quick and simple - and not so tasty. However, once you get the hang of creating restaurant-worthy foods in your own home, you won’t look back! Below, we take a look at a few useful tips that’ll have you on the way to impressing friends and family - not to mention yourself - with meals you could eat and eat and eat.

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Do it More

No-one is born with talent; it takes time to acquire. Cooking is no different. If you’re not used to it, then the cutting, prepping, and cooking will feel like a chore. Yet there’s no great mystery to making delicious meals at home; indeed, it’s one of those things that you can get pretty good at, pretty quickly. If you commit to a month of meals at home, then you’ll be a whizz in the kitchen. Pick a few easy to make recipes, set aside the time, and you’ll notice an improvement in no time. 

Invest in the Best Ingredients

The key to making the best meals has little to do with chopping correctly or making it look aesthetically pleasing; it’s about using the best ingredients that you can find. Take your vegetables. There’s a huge difference, when it comes to taste quality, between pre-packaged supermarket purchases and the veg that you’d find at a local farmer’s market. It’s like most other things you can buy: the best may be ever so slightly more expensive, but it’ll taste significantly better. If you don’t believe us, try it: make the same meal with budget and quality ingredients. You’ll notice the difference. 

Stepping up Your Equipment

If you currently only have the standard issue pots and pans in your kitchen cupboards, then you might want to think about investing superior equipment. For starters, it’ll allow you to make better, more interesting meals. If you have a meat grinder, for example, then you can make your own hamburgers and sausages, which will be much better than the store bought options; if you don’t know what meat grinder would be appropriate for you, check out bestmeatgrinderreviewsguide.com. A food processor, skillet, and slow cooker will also be worthy investments. 

Taste and Improve

Practice makes perfect, as they say. Once you’ve made a meal, don’t automatically move onto something new the next time it comes to dinner time. Instead, really taste your food, and think of ways you can improve it next time around. After making a meal three or four times, you should have the taste down - and from there, it’s all about putting your own creative spins on the dish. 

Eat Out 

Finally, remember that eating out is good for your cooking too. Go out, see what’s on the menu, and use it as inspiration for your own meal ideas. 

9 Parts of the Body that Need More TLC

More often than not, our personal care and beauty regimens focus on the most visible parts that are easily noticed by others, like the face, hair, arms, and legs. However, in our effort to keep these parts healthy and beautiful, we forget some small or hidden areas that also need some TLC. Here are a few areas of the body that deserve more attention.

1. Scalp

If you don’t take care of your scalp, your hair won’t be able to look its best. In fact, many hair issues like severe hair fall or dry and brittle hair is caused and/or aggravated by an unhealthy scalp. Make sure to choose a shampoo that suit your scalp’s condition; using the right product can help resolve a lot of scalp-related problems without the need for expensive treatments. You should also occasionally massage your scalp with an oil like coconut or jojoba to stimulate blood circulation and hair growth. Lastly, exfoliating your scalp is an important step in keeping it healthy, to unclog hair follicles and remove dead, dry skin. Just add some brown sugar or even baking soda to your shampoo and scrub gently. 

2. Lips

The lips are just a small part of your face but they make a big impact. Keep them healthy by exfoliating them regularly using lip scrubs made from natural ingredients. Korean brand Skinfood, for example, uses avocado, sugar, jojoba, shea butter, and lime oil to remove dry skin and nourish and moisturize the lips. After scrubbing, give your pout a layer of protection by applying a moisturizing lip balm. You should also consider using lipsticks, lip tints, and lip balms that contain SPF because the lips can also get sunburned.

3. Neck and Decolletage

A dry and wrinkled neck and decolletage can draw the attention away from your glowing, silky-smooth face. Taking care of your neck and decolletage is as easy as including them in your cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing routines. Massaging these parts will also help trigger the production of collagen and elastin to maintain firmness. There are also a lot of facial and neck exercises that helps prevent premature wrinkles and sagging skin.

4. Underarms

Shave your underarms toward the end of your shower, so that the warm water has had time to “soak” and soften your ‘pits, making it easier to get a close shave. Don’t forget to use a new, sharp razor and apply shaving cream to achieve a smoother result. You should also dry your underarms completely and wait for about ten minutes after shaving before applying any product, like antiperspirants or whitening creams, to prevent irritation.

5. Belly Button

Taking care of your navel is as simple as washing it gently yet thoroughly every time you shower, and then drying it completely to prevent the growth of germs and bacteria. If the skin around your belly button gets a bit dry, you may try applying moisturizing oils or lotions in and around the area.

6 & 7. Hands and Feet

Did you know that your hands can look older than your actual age? They’re the parts of our body that gets the most use every single day, and because we wash them so often, they can get quite stiff and dry. Likewise, your feet also take much abuse every single day -- especially if you wear heels to work.

One of the simplest ways to take care of your hands and feet is to exfoliate and moisturize them regularly. Schedule a monthly mani-pedi to maintain your nails and get the blood flowing to your extremities. You should also apply hand and foot creams (or just some good ol’ lotion), especially before going to bed so that the moisturizers have time to work overnight.

8 & 9. Elbows and Knees

Dry and sagging skin in your elbows and knees can age you almost as much as wrinkles on your face. To keep your elbows and knees in great shape, you should regularly exfoliate them to soften the skin. You can do this by scrubbing them gently with the same exfoliant that you use on your face; you can also dry-brush them prior to taking a shower. Afterwards, don’t forget to moisturize. Exercise is also a great way to keep your elbows and knees strong and firm.

Taking care of your body involves each and every part, no matter if they’re small or hidden or don’t get too much notice. Start giving these body parts some well-deserved TLC today!

Investment Advice That Makes You Think “Yes, Yes I Can Be Successful!”

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One quick look at an investment and you’ll think “oh my god, how does anyone understand any of this?!” To a layman, the idea that you can turn a couple of bucks into a million dollars is as easy as learning quantum theory. Sure it’s possible, but the chances of it happen are slim to zero. Anyway, that’s the attitude individuals have, particularly if there is a lack of knowledge and experience. Do you know this culture of fear is reducing your ability to make money?

No one expects you to take like a duck to water. Investments aren’t guaranteed and there are bound to be errors along the way. However, success is relative so there’s no reason to make as much as a Buffett or Musk. It’d be nice, but it’s important to stay grounded in the beginning.

With those words of advice ringing in your ears, below are the tips which should ease your fears. This is advice that makes people think “yes, yes I can!” 

Ride Winners And Sell Losers

Conventional wisdom dictates that you should buy low and sell high. Another good piece of advice though it is, selling at the right time is the key to success. Get rid too soon and you may lose money, yet keep hold for too long and the investment may tank. So, the simple equation is to sell the losers (obviously) and ride the winners until they begin to turn. Everyone wants to know the nuclear codes, and the truth is there aren’t any. What there are is a set of guidelines which any investor can use to their benefit. Take a loser as an example. Stocks underperform, and there’s a chance they will bounce back. Still, if it has been a while and it shows no signs of recouping its losses, it’s time to get out unscathed. Never let ego prevent you from making a savvy financial move. 

Cool Down On The Small Details 

Regarding the research that goes into choosing an option, the fine print is essential. This example, though, is talking about something else, something called short-term gains and losses. Using generic rules isn’t a smart move on the whole, yet this generalization holds true: investments fluctuate. Whether they go up or down, they tend not to stay steady for the first couple of months. In fact, it can take a year for a stock or share to plateau at a constant rate. Please don’t worry when there is a hike because it isn’t a clear indicator of the future. A feature of the market may make investors take a gamble or pull out, but they will be back. Short-termism hits new investors all of the time and it’s essential to stay strong and hold firm. After a year or two is when it will start to show its true colors.

Avoid Penny Stocks

Ever watched Wolf of Wall Street? If you haven’t, Jordan Belfort made millions from trading these stocks and he was a shady character. Not that a Hollywood movie should stop you investing, but the film does show you the risks. To lay it out plain and simple, there is as much risk with a penny stock as a high-value option. Imagine you invest $10 compared to $100 and it drops to $0. $10 may only be a small amount, yet it’s 100% of the total investment. By the law of percentages, if a $100 stock fell by 50%, you’d lose a small chunk of change in comparison. Also, you have to take into account the reliability factor. There is slight chance that the penny stock may boom into a winner and provide a huge ROI. The odds, however, are high that it’ll fall in value and you’ll lose the stake. A reputable option costs more but carries less risk.

Don’t Gamble On A “Hot” Tip

“Hey, do you want some advice? Cool, because this stock is about to soar. It’s 100% guaranteed.” Investors find themselves in conversations like this on a regular basis, and there is a sign it’s a scam. The glaring symbol is the fact that they advertise it as a sure-thing. Nothing is certain regarding investment, and you should remember this at all times. Gambling on a tip is a poor move because it neglects the legwork needed to be successful. Wealthy men and women don’t take advice based on random strangers in the street. Instead, they find the areas where they think there are opportunities and investigate. They may have more resources and more knowledge, but anyone can conduct a simple Google search without any hassle. Should you hear something and check it out, it’s a different matter because you’ve evaluated the pros and cons. Just don’t take a person at their word if they are unreliable and untrustworthy.

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Diversify

You’ll hear this term a lot because there is never a reason to put all of your eggs in one basket. Portfolios need to include a variety of investments as it lowers risk and increases the chances of making money. How you do it is the trick and it’s where the majority of people fail. Typically, beginners see diversifying as dipping into separate industries. So, as well as having gold and real estate, they’ll add stocks and shares. There; all done. Not quite because to be successful there has to be a range of risk too. Usually, a portfolio will have a majority of steady options, but it’s also important to include high-risk, high yield. Bitcoin may qualify depending on your position, and you can check out more investing info by following the link. The high-risk stuff should only be a small percentage of the overall investment, of course. Too much of it and you may end up doing the thing you tried to avoid in the first place.

Pick A Plan And Be Consistent

Last but not least, it’s best to choose a strategy and stick with it through the good and the bad times. Everyone has a personal style, and it makes the process easier which is why it isn’t closed-minded to stick rather than twist.

Do you think you can be a successful investor after reading this post?

Inexpensive Ways To Give Your Home A Facelift

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The appearance of your home can say a lot about you, so it’s no wonder that so many people spend thousands renovating each and every room of their house. Unfortunately, we don’t all have the cash to install a new kitchen or buy new flooring, but that doesn’t mean that we have to suffer with a home that we’re not happy with. There are lots of ways that you can refresh your home without breaking the bank. Here are four inexpensive ways to give your home a facelift.

Declutter And Clean

Giving your home a good clean and tidy will always make a huge difference, even if it’s the only thing that you do. Of course, decluttering your entire home in one go is no easy task, so pick a room to start with, get that done, take a break, and then do another one. You should start by getting everything together, and then separate it into piles of things you’re going to keep and things you won’t. Anything you don’t use should be in your “won’t” pile. This will take a while, but you’ll thank yourself for your hard work. 

Refresh The Front Door

Your door is the first thing that your guests are going to see of your home, so it’s essential that it makes a good first impression. If you don’t have the cash to buy and fit a new front door, you should just repair or replace the parts that are damaged, like a rusty knocker, for example. You could also update your door with a lick of paint, a new doorbell, and some fresh numbers, and add some flower pots outside for a homely touch. 

Add A Rug

If your flooring or carpet is looking a little worse for wear, you might want to replace it, but depending on your budget, this might not be possible. A much cheaper alternative is to buy one of the rugs at Modern Digs or another store. Of course, this isn’t going to have quite the same effect as replacing your flooring, but it will brighten up the room and will draw the eye away from any imperfections around it. 

Refresh Your Walls

If it’s been a while since you last painted your walls, you can probably tell. The paint on your walls very obviously reflects age, so it’s important to refresh it every year or so, to cover any scuffs or discoloration that has occurred over time. If you have had the same color walls for a while, it may be time to make a change and experiment with different colors. This will make your room look completely different, even if it’s the only thing you’re altering. 

A common misconception about home improvements is that they are always expensive. If you want to give your home a facelift, you shouldn’t let this misconception get in your way; There are lots of inexpensive (and sometimes even free) ways to refresh your home and give it a completely new look. 

If You’re Not A Fan Of Chores, These Services Will Save You!

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We all have to do chores in life. From cleaning your bedroom as a child to cleaning the entire house and then some as an adult, chores are a way of life. But just because we have to do them, it doesn’t mean that you have to like doing them! In fact, most of us will not enjoy doing a large portion of the chores that we have to do on a regular basis. Whether you’re a lousy cleaner or a lazy gardener, you’d probably be glad if you were able to bring in a little help, right? When you lead a busy life and you find yourself doing chores at midnight or first thing in the morning, this would be perfect for you. So here are the five main services you should turn to if you want to make that happen.

1. Gardening

Up first, there’s a gardening service to consider. When you’re just about keeping the house in order, it’s safe to say that you’ve probably not spent time sorting the garden in months! So you should look into a company that can provide maintenance services to help you keep your garden together. We all want beautiful yards to be able to enjoy during the summer months, but we don’t always want to take care of them ourselves. So this is why hiring a gardening service could be exactly what you need.

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2. Window Cleaning

Another outside service that you may want to consider is a window cleaner. When you have lots of windows high up, you may notice that they always seem to look dirty! And this can get on your nerves. But at the same time, you don’t want to get out there and climb a ladder to sort it yourself. By hiring a window cleaner on a monthly basis, your windows will always sparkle without you having to lift a finger.

3. Laundry Service

Now, we’re going to head inside and tackle some of your most dreaded chores there. And the first has to be laundry. Because when you have exponential amounts of laundry building up, it can really freak you out. At the same time, when you feel like you’re always doing laundry, it can drive you insane. So think about choosing a laundry service to take this off your hands. That way, it all gets done and you don’t have to stress over it.

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4. Weekly Cleaning

And what about cleaning? Do you have time to scrub your place from top to bottom to the standard you want? Or do you find yourself doing bits here and there just to keep the place in check? When that’s the case, you may benefit from hiring a cleaner to get your place up to scratch each week for you.

5. Dog Walking

Finally, there’s always the dog to walk! And when the weather sucks, you don’t always want to head outside to give Rover his thirty mins of exercise. So hire a dog walker that can take him out once or twice a day when you just don’t have the time!

Rock Those Locs!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

I have stick straight, shoulder length hair and I have been sporting this layered cut for years. I dream of having a really daring hairstyle but I don't want to be stuck with it if it doesn't work out for me.

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Since I was a young girl, I have always been fascinated by women who sport locs. I keep thinking about the time and effort needed to grow hair to be that long and then twist or braid them into those lovely locs. 

Now I don't have to wait to grow my hair. I can sport locs anytime I want to! At Black Hairspray, I found bobbi boss crochet locs in various lengths and colors matching my own natural hair color!

Beautiful! These locs are hand braided using a crochet and hook system. The craftsmanship is fantastic! These are very affordable and come in 12 different shades. Each package contains 15 locs for less than $10! It is the best deal I've found to boost my confidence in my looks.

Head on to the website and check them out. I am sure you will find the perfect wig or locs you've been wanting to have for the longest time. However, the company does not stop there. They even have items for all our hair, skin, and nails beauty needs.

Wouldn't it be nice to show up at my next party, get together or event looking nothing less than fantastic!

Oh yes, I am absolutely going to rock those locs!

7 Best Fabric Types for Curtains and Drapes

Choosing the perfect drapes and curtains for your home can prove to be a very stiff challenge. Not only do they come in every color and every possible shades of those colors, but they also come in innumerable patterns and textures. It’s enough for anyone to seek the services of an interior decorator and just have the experts make the choice to save oneself of the headache.

However, if you’re set on making this decision for yourself, then one thing you can do to help narrow down your choices is to first pick the fabric type that you want or need. Here are some of the more popular and arguably better-quality fabric types that you should be looking at:

• Silk. Who doesn’t like silk? This particular fabric, made out of fine strands spun from silkworm cocoons, can be considered one of the most luxurious fabrics available today. It’s soft, it’s smooth—to the point that the expression ‘as smooth as silk’ has become part of our vocabulary—and the way it shines as it drapes beautifully due to its weight is worth every penny it costs. 

Be warned, however, that silk can be fragile and tough to maintain. Not only does it tear easily, but it’s also very susceptible to sun and moisture damage. If you’re really set to purchase silk curtains, choose a set that is lined with supporting fabrics because this help increase silk’s durability.

• Faux silk. If you’re looking to enjoy the look and tactile delight of having silk curtains but you’re not too eager about the asking price of real silk, then you might want to look at having faux silk curtains and drapes instead. Often made of synthetic materials like polyester, faux silk definitely looks and feels very similar to actual silk, but is much more durable and more resistant against degradation due to sun or moisture exposure. Faux silk is also machine- and hand-washable, so any cleanup involved will be a breeze. 

Perhaps, the only downside to faux silk is that it doesn’t have the same exact texture and quality as actual silk, so anybody experienced with fabrics will be able to tell right away. Faux silk can also be a fire hazard (burning polyester can melt and drip flames), so keep them away from the kitchen stove or any open flames like candles.

• Cotton. Cotton is a very versatile fabric, able to be tailored and fit for both traditional and modern styles, in addition to being easily dyed in every color imaginable. It’s also a great choice for those looking for window treatments that are a bit more on the affordable side but don’t compromise on quality. 

As cotton can be a very light material for curtains, they can give any room a nice and breezy feeling—but they won’t be able to do much when it comes to giving privacy or blocking out sunlight. If you need your cotton curtains or drapes to do these things, then choose a product that possesses a heavier and tighter weave.

• Linen. Linen is a natural fiber that has enough weight to it to drape naturally and beautifully while also being light enough that a breeze can make it billow out in a very appealing fashion. Its ability to look tailored makes it perfect for dining, bedroom, and living room areas that have a contemporary look, while also giving said rooms a light and airy feel. Linen curtains should be washed carefully when laundered, although dry-cleaning them is the best way to give them a good washing.

If you’ve already picked from the fabrics above, you should also know that curtains and drapes can likewise be classified according to construction or weave—each one geared toward a specific function or to cater to certain needs. If you’re looking to have your curtain do more than just look pretty, then you need to be discerning about the following as well.

• Sheer. Sheer fabrics are basically fabrics that are made to be very light and very thin, almost to the point of transparency. These are great for when you want a room to have a more feminine or airy atmosphere. They can also be used as an accompanying layer to firmer and more opaque window treatment options such as blinds, shades, or even heavier drapes.

• Velvet. Velvet is a fabric that’s specially woven to get a really smooth, soft and heavy consistency, almost like carpeting. For anyone who wants to truly make a luxurious statement, velvet curtains are where it’s at. Their thick and dense quality also make them a perfect insulator against the cold. Furthermore, they are no slouch when it comes to blocking out sun and sound as well. The only downside here is that velvet can be expensive.

• Blackout. Blackout fabrics are for people who really want their rooms quiet and dark no matter what time it is or what’s happening outside. Much like velvet, blackout fabrics are woven to be dense and thick, but definitely to a higher degree than actual velvet for better light and sound shielding properties. They also serve to protect floors and belongings from sun damage, as well as help bring electricity costs down by preventing the indoor environment from getting too hot or too cold.

By keeping these types of fabrics in mind, you’ll most likely have an easier time picking the perfect drapes or curtains for your room. Choose wisely, and if you’re really lost, you can always consult a professional to help you out.

Garden Maintenance For The Lazy Gardener

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Wouldn’t it be great if you could just leave your garden and it would always look fabulous? You wouldn’t have to lift a finger in it but it would always be perfect for you to sit in and enjoy all of the brilliant weather in summer. Unfortunately, though, a no-hassle garden is something of a dream. There is always going to be some work that needs doing out there, which can be a bit of a pain for those homeowners who just can’t be bothered with their outdoor areas.

Don’t worry if you are a bit of a lazy gardener, though. You don’t have to spend hours out in your garden to keep it looking ship shape. Here are some very easy garden maintenance tips that can keep your garden perfect with only minimum attention.

Switch Your Garden Fences

Even though you may not realize it at first, garden fences require quite a bit of maintenance. That’s because you need to keep them protected from the elements. So, if you don’t fancy spending a couple of days twice a year painting your wooden fences, you might want to swap them for fences made out of easy-to-maintain materials. One idea is to add composite wood fence panels to your garden borders. These require little painting and are much easier to maintain than traditional wooden fences.

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Attract Wildlife

Don’t want to do all the hard work out in the garden? If not, you should get all of the wildlife out there to do it for you! Attracting wildlife into your garden by adding food for the birds and bee-friendly plants is such a great idea. Birds often carry in seeds, which will end up in your flower beds and growing into all kinds of plants. That will save you sowing seeds yourself. Similarly, bees pollinate flowers to help them grow, so you won’t have to use fertilizers so often.

Plant Flowers That Don’t Need Much Attention

There are some plants that require a lot of attention from gardeners. They will need a lot of watering and feeding, for instance. So, as you can probably tell, if you plant these in your garden, you will need to do a lot of work to keep them healthy and looking good. Thankfully, there are also lots of plants that need minimal help. These are perfect for lazy gardeners, as you can plant them and leave them for long periods of time.

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Turn Lawn Into A Patio

Are you getting sick of needing to mow your lawn so often? During the summer months, you should mow it once a week, which is too much for some people. There is a way around this - just replace your lawn with a patio or decking area. That way, you won’t have any grass in your garden that needs to be mowed.

As you can see, even the laziest of gardeners can create a garden that they can enjoy. And it won’t involve too much hard work for you at all!

Is Following Your Dreams Worth It?

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From a very young age, we're all taught that the one thing that you should always do is to "follow your dreams." No matter what happens, you should never let anything get in the way of doing what you really want. At first glance, this seems like perfect advice. After all, no one wants to find themselves living a life that they're unhappy in. However, the reality is that "following your dreams" can often be a more complicated than idea than a lot of people realize and it can also be something that might not live up to your expectations. Here are a few things to consider when deciding if following your dreams is really worth it.

Putting all your eggs in one basket

One of the things that you generally need if you're going to follow your dreams is a totally single-minded approach that you never waiver from, under any circumstances. However, one thing that a lot of people fail to realize is that, if you spend your life with a totally one track mind and then something changes that leave you needing to go in a different direction, that can be incredibly difficult to deal with. Make sure that, even if you're pursuing your dreams, that you leave room for changes and adjustments in your plan every step of the way.

Risks

Following any kind of life or career path is going to come with risks, that's just something that you need to be aware of. However, you need to know how much risk you're willing to put up with. You might think, "I've moved to a new place, found fantastic storage near me for all of my belongings, and I'm ready to get out there and find my perfect career!" However, you need to think about whether or not you've got something to fall back on. After all, if you're not able to start following your dreams right away, the last thing you want is to suddenly end up in a position where you have no way to support yourself.

People change

This is something that a lot of people seem to forget. Just because you grew up wanting to do something with your life, that doesn't mean that you have to spend the rest of your life wanting to do that exact thing. People change and grow over time, and you may find that something that you were incredibly passionate about just a few years ago holds no real interest for you anymore. If you built your entire life around one specific thing, then you could end up getting trapped on that path even when it's not something that you're especially interested in pursuing.

Now, please don't think of this as somehow trying to tell you not to follow your dreams. Far from it. If you have an ambition in life and you want to follow it, then that's fantastic. Just remember that you don't need to spend your life on one single track if you feel as though you might be better off moving in another direction.

Everyone Can Be An Investor With These 4 Qualities

There is a common misconception about managing money. Generally, the social expectation is that you need to be born in a wealthy family to have an understanding of the financial market, and therefore be able to define which risks are worth taking to grow your income. Unfortunately, scientists all over the world have to admit that, despite their best efforts, they didn’t find the investor gene, nor did they discover a formula to grow such a gene. What this means is that investment know-how is not acquired by birth. It is a skill that you develop gradually, assuming you’ve got the right qualities to manage financial duties effectively. 

The smart investor rejects unnecessary luxury

Don’t waste unnecessarily

First of all, a good investor isn’t someone who can happily through money out the window with feeling a significant consequence. It’s a person who is acutely aware of the value of money and therefore ensures that there is no unnecessary spending. As successful investments are defined by their ability to get more return for your money, it’s natural for the investor to cultivate budget boosting tips. Getting more value for less money is the definition of quality investment. You may not be yet ready for the stock market, but you can certainly get used to maximize the value of your money by cutting down energy and grocery costs.

Don’t get less for less

Value is what investments are about. An investment that costs less but delivers less too is not profitable. Similarly, you can apply the same attitude in everyday life. Of course, you want to cut down your bills to maximize your wealth, but the process should remain reasonable. Choosing not to turn the heating up in winter might save you tons of money on your energy bills, but putting your health at risk is not a smart investment. In other words, paying less for what you need is not the same than ignoring your needs to reduce expenditure. 

Know when and where to invest

Nobody is born with a knowledge of the best investment solutions. As the finance market is always fluctuating, the smart investor needs to ensure a regular source of information to stay on top of the trend, whether it’s checking the stock score of Vanguard Healthcare ETF or identifying trend patterns in the market transactions in Asia. Similarly, if the stock market isn’t your kind of investment, it doesn’t stop you from learning more about other kinds, such as the property market for instance. 

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Stay informed of your situation

Last, but not least, the best quality of a good investor is to know how much money they can afford to lose. As there is always a degree of risk in investment, you need to be comfortable with a loss, and more importantly, you need to manage your budget closely. Using budgeting apps such as Digit bot or BUDGT, you can learn to keep track of how much you spend and earn. These apps can also let you know how much is available for a financial investment. 

The bottom line is that to become a successful investor; you need to establish a trust relationship with money. You need to understand and respect its value, and know how much you can bear to spend and invest. But there’s no beginner's luck: without educating yourself about the options available, you will burn your gains! 

The Art Of Thoughtful Gift-Giving

There is nothing lovelier than getting someone that you love a gift. You get to choose something that they would love, proving – in a way – how much you know them and how generous you are. Everyone loves getting a new gift, but it’s the thought behind the gift that really counts. Anyone can pick up a box of chocolates or a bunch of flowers, but the gift that you buy is going to really tell people what you think of them and how much you love them.

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Giving gifts isn’t entirely selfless, as you feel good doing it. You can bust stress by giving and you can lead a happier life knowing that you have taken time out of your day to make someone else’s brighter. There are certain things that a thoughtful gift-giver will get up to when they make a choice to buy for someone else, and if you adopt these habits then you will also be just as thoughtful!

Plan ahead. A person who is putting effort into giving a gift is planning ahead at all times to ensure that they get the best possible gift. If you’re going to buy collectors coins from somewhere like LPM.hk then you need to ensure post times and that they have the right gift in for you. Taking the time to think about the recipient’s personality and desires is important, and you can do that by carefully planning ahead.

Money DOES NOT matter. When it comes to the perfect gift, a budget isn’t always a consideration. Givers who are going for the most thoughtful gift shouldn’t focus on the price tag. Dwelling on the cost of the gift you want to give can take the enjoyment out of giving at all.

Make it personal. A personal gift given to someone often means more than something more generic. Giving a gift is a chance to let someone know how much you love them, appreciate them and want to see them smile. You don’t have to make the actual gift personalized, but you could gift wrap it perfectly to suit the personality of the recipient.

Get a little crafty. A thoughtful gift-giver knows the value of good glitter and wrap. Putting a little crafty effort into the gift wrap can really help the recipient to feel taken care of and wanted.

Presentation is everything. When you are getting a gift to someone, you can’t just chuck it at them with the price tag still attached. Giving a gift means presentation is important; you want the recipient to feel wanted by you and the effort that you put into that will help them to see how much you really care.

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Giving a gift has to be personal, beautiful and meaningful. If you want to practise the art of thoughtful gift-giving, you have to make sure that every effort goes into the present. Whether you gift a trip or gift something handmade, it has to have meaning. Make it count.

When The Rain Won't Stop: Flood Safety Tips

We may take it for granted most of the time, but the weather can be a very dangerous force. In fact, it can be so dangerous that it can put our whole home at risk. This is the case with flooding. During times when it seems like the rain will never stop, you will probably be quite worried about the possibility of your home flooding. Hopefully, this never happens, but if it looks like you might have to deal with a flood, these safety tips can help you and your family get through it.

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Stock Up On Supplies

First of all, you should aim to stock your kitchen with plenty of tinned and canned foods. It’s also a good idea to get plenty of bottled water as well. That way, you always have lots of food and clean water to keep you going if the flood gets so bad that you can’t make it to your nearest supermarket or shop.

Use Sand Bags At Weak Points

It’s also a good idea to stock up with some sandbags. You can then place these on the floor in front of doors to try and stop as much flood water as possible entering your home. It’s worth checking this flooding infographic so that you can learn where your property’s weak points will be. These also need to be protected with sandbags.

Move Upstairs

If water does start to flow into your home, you should move everyone upstairs as soon as possible. Take any important documents and paperwork with you too so that it doesn’t get lost or damaged in the flood. By moving upstairs, you can stay warm and dry and also stay away from the dirty flood water. There’s a good chance that the flood water contains bacteria that could spread diseases and infections.

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Keep The Radio On

Make sure you always have the radio on and tuned into your local news channel. That way, you can keep up to date with the flooding situation around town, and you will also hear about all the advice and help that the emergency services are giving out. If you don’t already have one, you should find a battery-powered or wind-up radio so that you can continue to listen to it even if there is a power cut. 

Turn Off Power And Gas Before Evacuating

There might be a situation in which the flooding is so bad that you are forced to evacuate your home. This could be because the flood water is particularly dirty and dangerous, or because the water levels are extremely high. But, before you leave, you should make the effort to turn off your home’s power and gas. This will drastically cut the risk of any damage to your home’s power systems and it will prevent a gas explosion.

Flooding can be bad news for any property. Thankfully, though, all the above tips will keep you and your family as safe as possible until the situation starts to improve.

Is It A Cold? Or Is It Nasal Polyps?

Some health problems can really get up your nose. In these first few months of the year when (unless you’re lucky enough to live in Australia) the weather is at its coldest and most forbidding, it’s not uncommon for those quotidian infections to do the rounds. Thus, workplaces are aflood with runny noses, reddened and swollen eyes, coughs and sneezes and a general malaise. In this sort of climate, it’s quite common for us to feel those common cold and flu symptoms such as sore throats, blocked noses, headaches, muscle pains and fevers. Very often we just shrug these off as cold symptoms. But when cold symptoms come back time and again it could be a sign of something more serious. If you feel you’re affected by colds more often than usual this year, have your doctor check for signs of nasal polyps.

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What are nasal polyps?

Nasal polyps are small, non-cancerous growths inside the sinuses and nasal passages. They are soft and painless and thus, hard to notice. They can affect anyone but they usually affect adults although there are certain causal factors such as repeated nasal/sinus infection. They can exist for years without causing any symptoms, although if they are beginning to bunch together they can begin to cause problems. 

How do I know if I have them?

Most of the time we accumulate nasal polyps without any ill effect. Since they are small and lack sensation they’re often unnoticeable. Over time, however,  nasal polyps can build up into groups or you can form particularly large polyps. These cause symptoms akin to a nasty cold that just refuses to shift. As your doctor to check for nasal polyps if you have the following symptoms for 10 days or more:

• Persistent stuffy /runny nose
• Loss of sense of smell
• Loss of sense of taste
• Headaches and facial pain 
• Pain in upper teeth
• Feeling of pressure on the forehead and face
• Increased snoring

Do I need surgery?

Not necessarily. Despite any sinus surgery myths you may have heard, sinus surgery won’t affect the appearance of your nose or give you black eyes like a raccoon. Nonetheless, surgery is rarely the first course of treatment. Often your doctor will try and use medication to shrink or even eliminate nasal polyps, but there are some scenarios in which surgery may be necessary. If your polyps are blocking the sinus drainage ducts then surgery is a viable option. It’s worth noting that even when removed nasal polyps can return and there are lifestyle and dietary measures that one can take to avoid this from happening that your doctor may recommend depending on the size or number of your polyps. 

Can nasal polyps have serious consequences?

Although non-cancerous, nasal polyps can interrupt the normal flow of air and drainage of fluid through the sinuses and as such can lead to potentially serious consequences. Left untreated they can result in sinus infections as well as aggravating asthma. They can even cause sleep apnea which can interrupt your breathing while you sleep. Fortunately, these are unlikely to occur if effective treatment is sought quickly. 

5 Must Have Gadgets For Baby Boomers

If you were born between 1945 to 1965, then you belong to the Baby Boomer Generation. According to The Sun, this generation is known to be the wealthiest, healthiest and most active generation in history.

I am a Baby Boomer, born in 1964. Now in my 50s,  I am doing my best to keep up with the trends of this current generation. From health discoveries to innovations in technology, I am amazed at what the human race has achieved.

The Millennials or simply put, the youth of today are glued to gadgets. Little electronic devices that help them stay connected and up to date with their friends and family, help them with homework, keep track of their diet and exercise, track location and play music wirelessly. Oh, the convenience of these innovations! My kids have those gadgets - smartphones, tablets, fitness trackers, and whatever-you-call-that-talkative-speaker-thing. 

As a middle-aged mother of three young adults, I too, have invested in gadgets, although most of these are entirely different from the ones that my children own. In this post, I will share my list of the five must-have gadgets for the Baby Boomer generation. 

What I have:

A Blood Pressure Monitor

I invested in a digital blood pressure monitor three years ago. I chose one that would give me not only a blood pressure reading but my heart rate as well. My trusted gadget is the 5 Series Omron Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor. It alerts me if my blood pressure or heart rate is high and it also gives an irregular heartbeat warning. What is great with this monitor is that it also allows me to store up to 50 results with date and time stamp for 2 users. That's 100 readings stored in its internal memory! 

A Blood Glucose Monitor

I have Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. I have had this chronic illness for 15 years now. It is important for me to take my blood sugar readings regularly, which would help my endocrinologist assess the effectiveness of my current medication. I've gotten used to pricking my finger to draw blood. For me, it is as routine as browsing Facebook. I have a One Touch Select Simple blood glucose monitor and it has been my buddy for quite a while now. 

A Compressor Nebulizer

The DeVilbiss PulmoNeb Compressor Nebulizer System was the very first medical device we purchased for home use. My husband has COPD and he has episodes of wheezing and difficulty breathing. This device is really good to have at home. We can also use this nebulizer when someone in the family has a stuffy nose. We put a normal saline solution in the receptacle instead of our bronchodilator vials. 

My Future Purchases:

A Pulse Oximeter

My husband suffers from epileptic seizures and we need to make sure his oxygen levels do not get too low during seizure episodes. We can also use it to get blood oxygen readings when doing certain activities at home, at work or during leisure time. That way, we will get to learn which activities affect our blood oxygen saturation.

A Pedometer

As we age, our physical activity becomes limited due to decreased flexibility and strength. Putting other factors into consideration like high blood pressure and joint problems, trips to the gym become less frequent. In my case, I was advised to continue exercising but only chose those that are low impact activities. Walking is my exercise of choice and I do walk a lot! A pedometer will help me keep track of the number of steps I did during the day, the distance covered and the calories I burned. I can set a goal for the number of steps to complete daily too. A pedometer will help me with all that without having to use an app on my smartphone. Simple, straightforward information provided in one glance.

So these are the gadgets I and my husband have at home. Of course, we have our own smartphones, a laptop, a desktop and Bluetooth speakers but none of that other stuff. We may be technologically challenged at times but we have the right gadgets that will provide us the information we need.

Note: This is NOT a sponsored post. The products I have mentioned in this post are the ones we have chosen and bought for ourselves. We do vouch for their quality, having used them for quite some time. If you do wish to purchase, feel free to browse online stores for pricing and availability.