2018: A Year of Challenges

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Dear 2018 Self,

It is the first day of 2019. What are your expectations for this year? I know you have a lot on your mind, but it would be best to reflect on the year that passed. 

It seemed like there were more trials than glories last year. Experience is always the best teacher. To recap your 2018, here are some of those events that made up your year. Hopefully, you take these things to heart to make you wiser and stronger in facing life this 2019.

During the first 11 weeks of 2018, four of your family members were hospitalized.

• Mama: University of Santo Tomas Hospital for Modified Radical Mastectomy of the Left Breast. (Breast CA, Stage 3B)
• Douglas: The Medical City Hospital, for severe pain in lower back
• Bianca: National Kidney Institute for Acute Gastroenteritis
• Heidee: World Citi Medical Center for Hypocalcemia and Hypokalemia

You received fewer offers for writing jobs and paid guest posts. Earning money was a a major concern and opportunities were few. You even seriously considered going back to a regular 9-5 job.

In April, Mama underwent a bone scan. Sadly, there was a metastatic lesion found in her hip bone. 

It was mid-May when your empathy and parenting skills were put to the test. Aton and his girlfriend of 6 years split up. Reason? The girl moved to Australia to study and found herself another man there. It broke your heart to see your grown up son crying. 

In July, your one and only grandson Amo was admitted to the hospital for high fever, diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Dengue was ruled out. The pediatrician found out he had a bad throat infection and antibiotics were started.

Enter September. You woke up to the dog barking hysterically and you find your husband on the floor convulsing. For two hours, the seizures went on and on and you did know what to do. You took him to the emergency room of The Medical City Hospital and he was immediately whisked into the Neuro ICU for left sided weakness and decreased sensorium. As if that was not stressful enough, you found so much difficulty asking his health insurance provider to cover for the hospitalization costs. Those 36 days in the hospital were to the most stressful 5 weeks you ever experienced. It was at this time that you learned to pray really hard for a miracle. And you were granted the blessings you fervently asked from God. Thank you, my Lord.

In this same month, Mama had to undergo a second bone scan to check her responsiveness to the treatment plan by her oncologist. Another major setback - the lesion grew in size. Your mother had to do another 6 months of Osteomet.

September brought good things as well. Mickey started training for Hotel Housekeeping. He is hoping that this will be his ticket to land a job on board a cruise liner. Aton seems to have recovered from his failed relationship and has finished the required number of hours for his on-the-job training. He is done with college now. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Yay!

October was smooth sailing too. Aton got an offer to work in one of the country's best tech companies. Of course he accepted and his first day will be on December 3rd. Two children now officially a part of the workforce. Yay! Thank you God.

November. Your birthday month and Mother's as well. Despite the pain she is feeling in her hip, your mother still wanted to cook a special dinner for the family. You went over to her house to volunteer with the cooking. A simple, home cooked meal for everyone. Your mother is now 80 years old and it breaks your heart to see her getting weaker day by day.

December. Whew. Finally, we are at the last month of the year. Heidee planned a trip to Mama's hometown in Lipa, Batangas. She wanted Mama to meet up with her cousins and relatives whom she has not seen in many years. It was only a two hour drive from home but that was very exhausting for Mama. It made you happy that Mama enjoyed being in the company of her sisters and cousins again.

Amo celebrated his 3rd birthday on December 6th.  You daughter and son in law decided to take him to Manila Ocean Park. Amo was over the moon happy. He loves fishes and to be that close to them, watching them swim around was an awesome birthday celebration for him. However, on the second week of December, Amo got sick once again. He had a cold and was running a fever. A viral infection, the pediatrician said. He did not feel well until after Christmas.

Your laptop of 5 years "resigned" on the 17th of December. You hoped it was something that could still be repaired, but it was way worse that you expected. Thankfully, your daughter offered her credit card so you could buy a new one. Whew. Relief. Even if the monthly payments are a little pricey, it is still a big relief that you can continue working.

New Year's Eve was not like the years that passed. Mama was not able to prepare a feast for the family to enjoy. She was too weak to do anything, even walking from her bedroom to the living room was a task in itself. My sister and I made sure there was food on the table. A simple meal to mark the occasion of welcoming the New Year.

2018 was a challenging year. With God's Grace, I claim that 2019 will bring better days.

I will be hoping, praying and keeping the faith.

With much love,

Your 2019 Self

Living Alone For The First Time? Here's What You Need to Know!

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If you get the chance to live alone at some point in your life, it’s always worth taking it. Running a home by yourself can teach you a lot, it can give you independence like you’ve never known it, and can also give your self confidence a boost too. Knowing that you’re able to completely sustain yourself and stand on your own too feet really is a great feeling. Whether it’s your first place after moving out of your parents or it’s after a breakup, instead of instantly considering shared homes and roommates- why not go it alone? Here are a few things to bear in mind if you decide to do so. 

Think about safety

Safety is something that everyone should be thinking about when it comes to their home, but it can be a particular concern when you’re by yourself. If you work full time it can mean that your property is unoccupied for long stretches, whereas when you live with others there’s a chance that people will be at home more often. When you live by yourself, you also want that peace of mind that you’re as safe and secure as possible. Choosing a good neighborhood is the first step. Of course, most of us don’t have the budget to live in these William Pitt vistas, gated communities or huge mansions! But you can do some research into different areas and find one with a lower crime rate. Once you have found the safest neighborhood you can afford, get serious about home security. Have a burglar alarm professionally fitted, and CCTV installed. These days you can link this with your smartphone, and it can send you alerts if the cameras are activated while you’re away. Other smart home technology that can make your home safer is lighting. When you can turn lights and lamps on and off while you’re away from home, it can give the impression that someone is in. Which is enough to put off most opportunistic burglars. 

Get your money in order

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to living alone is managing a budget. When you live with a partner or roommates the bills are split which can make everything much more affordable. Before signing on the dotted line for your tenancy or mortgage, you need to make sure you can afford all of the running costs. Set a budget and stick to it, there are lots of apps and softwares that can help. While living alone is undoubtedly expensive, it’s also incredibly satisfying knowing that you’re paying for everything yourself and really standing on your own two feet. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Living alone is a great way to gain independence, but that’s not to say you need to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. If you’re struggling, reach out for help. Lean on your support network when needed, whether it’s rallying round for unused furniture and appliances when you first move in, to speaking with a financial advisor when it comes to your bills. Especially in the early days there will be a number of kinks you’ll need to work out, reaching out and asking the right people will help everything run as smoothly as possible. 

Living alone can be a lot of fun. Since you don’t have to answer to anyone else, you really get to learn a lot about yourself and what you’re about. And since you don’t have anyone else living with you for company, it can actually encourage you to get yourself out there and be more social. 

Choosing the Right Towel for Your Bathroom

So you’ve spent hundreds or thousands of dollars ensuring that your bathroom is built and designed according to your every specification. Everything is just the way you want it, and you can’t wait to show it off to your family, loved ones, and friends. All that’s left is to stock it with the right kind of bathroom essential, and what better place to start than with the towel.

How do you go about this, then? If you’re stuck and have no idea where to start, or you’re just simply confused at the many towel options that you have to take into considerations, then let us remedy that. Here are some easy-to-remember tips on how to choose the perfect towel for your bathroom.

Pick one that’s made out of the most absorbent and advanced materials to date. You may have heard about microfiber towels before, and how their unique construction and design makes them perfect for cleaning up messes and picking up dirt, grime, and even bacteria off of hard surfaces. Did you know, then, that these very same traits make them great as bathroom towels too? 

Indeed, microfiber towels aren’t just made for cleanup. Their unique construction—that is, being made out of millions of tiny microscopic fibers—makes microfiber towels have a denser and softer quality to them, which feels absolutely luxurious on the skin. This is a sensory delight especially after you’ve just taken a bath or a shower.

The extra denseness isn’t just for tactile feel, however. It also ensures that they soak up a lot of water very quickly, which in turn dries your freshly-bathed skin a lot quicker than regular towels do. Finally, their antimicrobial properties ensure that you come out of the bath germ- and bacteria-free. 

Trust us, buying premium microfiber towels over regular ones will be one of the best things you can ever do for your bathing experience.

Bigger is always better. The standard bath towel measures around 27 inches by 52 inches. If you’re someone with an average weight and height, then a towel of that size should be enough for your needs. However, if you’re even slightly bigger than the average, then you might find it a bit too small to cover you completely, like a good towel should. What to do, then?

Go big. As big as you can manage. The biggest size of towels currently available is what’s known as a bath sheet—basically, a towel that measures 35 inches by 60 inches. No matter how tall or how wide you are, you’re sure to enjoy being fully covered and enveloped by this kind of towel. They also make for great beach towels, either to spread on the sand for some sunbathing action or to use as something to keep yourself warm after getting out of the drink.

Of course, this does come with a certain downside, namely that they’re going to be a bit more difficult to launder than your regular-sized towels. However, for that comfortable, fully-enveloped feeling after your shower or bath, it’s more than worth it.

Choose thicker towels over thin ones. Another towel trait that you should be going for is thickness, as it not only dictates how soft and luxurious a towel is but also its ability to soak up water. As such, you should be aiming for only thick bath towels, never thin.

Towel thickness is measured in grams per square meter, or GSM. A thin towel, which you would usually use in the gym or in a kitchen, goes up to 300 to 400 GSM. The minimum GSM for an acceptable bath towel is around 400 to 600 GSM. As for the ideal bath towel, we recommend shopping around for a towel with at least 600 to 900 GSM. This ensures that your bath towel will be soft, fluffy, and able to absorb the moisture from your body very quickly.

The only downside to thicker towels is that, like all big-sized towels, they can be a chore to launder. There’s also the fact that they take up a bit more time to dry than their lower-GSM counterparts. 

Choose eco-friendly towels. If you can spare the added expense, go for towels that are made from sustainable and organic materials. By doing so, you not only go for a higher quality towel, but one that doesn’t do as much damage to the environment as those made with synthetic materials. Quick-drying towels also count as eco-friendly, as they take much less time in the laundry to clean.

Pick towels with colors that complement your bathroom. The right colored towel also serves as a way to finish off your bathroom’s overall look, so make sure to pick their colors wisely. Once you’ve done so, stack them somewhere that’s highly visible, such as on the counter between your bathroom sinks or on a towel rack. 

What if you’re not at all well-versed in color theory and have no idea what color of towel complements your bathroom? Then pick white towels. White towels usually go with every other color. For those of us with white-tiled bathrooms, however, something vivid and in the primary color range would do. Such colors include green, red or blue.

Conclusion
Picking the right towel for your bathroom might seem like a needlessly complicated chore, but it really isn’t. By keeping these easy-to-remember tips in mind, you’ll be able to stock the perfect kind of towel that not only makes your bathroom experience a joy to have, but also one to remember.

Getting Your Garden Ready For Summer '19

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It’s fair to say that most gardens will have been neglected over the winter period. Apart from the odd snowman popping up to say hello, it is unlikely that they will have had any tender love and care. But realistically, who wants to sit outside or partake in some gardening when it is absolutely freezing? Nonetheless, once winter is out of the way, it is time to start turning your attention to your outdoor space. There is no better time than the present to hire landscape gardeners and get our garden ready for the warm months ahead.

After the cold, damp, and snow filled months pass, your garden is likely to need some new life breathed into it. This will take you an extensive amount of time if you try and tackle the challenge yourself. For most people just thinking about it is tiring enough. It is always difficult to know where to start as well. What do the plants need? It’s likely they have gotten enough water over the winter period, but have they had too much? Are some of them beyond saving? Leave it to the professionals. They will be able to deal with the current state of your garden in order to pave the way for a new and beautiful landscape design to welcome the summer with.

Once the blank canvas is ready – so to speak, the landscape gardeners you have employed will be able to work with you in order to come up with a fantastic design for your outdoor area. There are lots of ways you can get the most out of summer with your garden. This includes constructing a greenhouse. You can look at Growing Spaces residential greenhouse manufacturers for a better idea of this. Plus, there is nothing better than sitting outside in the sunshine, indulging in a scrumptious ice cream cone, and watching the world go by. But you need your garden to be a pleasant area in order for this to be the case. After all, when has anyone ever enjoyed sitting around a bunch of weeds?

One thing you may want to consider is having a patio area. Your landscapers could create a decking area with a couple of stairs going up to it. Here you can place a table and chairs and even a barbecue. If the sun is shining then you can guarantee your patio will get a lot of use. You should also consider the different flowers and plants you are going to have in your garden. There is no better time than summer to inject lots of vibrant colours. You can create a space filled with zest and energy. This will instantly put a smile on your face when you wake up every morning.

There is nothing wrong with neglecting your garden over the winter period – everyone certainly has a valid excuse. But when it comes to the summer you should make the most of what you have got. There is no better time to hire landscapers and have new garden design put in place. You will truly enjoy summer a lot more if you do.

Everything You Need To Know About An Ectopic Pregnancy

You may have heard of the term ectopic pregnancy before, but many people don’t know what one of these is. As it is not a very common condition, only 6-16% of women will experience this, not much is known in the general public about this type of pregnancy. But, it is something that is good to know about, as you never know what the future holds. This article is going to tell you everything that you need to know about ectopic pregnancies, and by the end of this, you will be well informed on what it is, what causes them, and what the signs are.

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What Is An Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy is where the embryo implants itself into the fallopian tube instead of the womb. This is dangerous, and if this type of pregnancy bursts, it will kill the mother. This is why they are so dangerous, and need to be identified quickly to give the mother the best chance of survival. Unfortunately, the pregnancy cannot be saved if it is ectopic, and must be removed as soon as it is found. All pregnancies like this must end, as the baby will not survive, and every second that it remains inside the tubes, the risk grows for the mother.

It doesn’t just have to be the fallopian tubes though, even though this is the most common kind of ectopic pregnancy. It can be implanted anywhere outside the womb, but because the womb is where everything is the embryo needs to stay sustained, it will not be able to survive.

What Causes Ectopic Pregnancy?

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The most common cause for this type of pregnancy is some sort of damage to the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg may have issues getting past the fallopian tubes, and as such implants itself in there instead. There are some factors that can cause damage to the fallopian tubes, and these are commonly thought to be some of the causes. The first one is smoking, as the more you smoke, you are going to be at higher risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Endometriosis is another one of the possible causes of ectopic pregnancies due to the scar tissue in or around the fallopian tubes. 

If you have had an STD such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, you are more likely to have what is known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. This is thought to be another cause of ectopic pregnancies. Or, if you have had surgery on your fallopian tubes, or IVF, this too could increase your chance of having an ectopic pregnancy.

Signs Of An Ectopic Pregnancy

You should see your obgyn if you start exhibiting any of the signs or symptoms that come with an ectopic pregnancy, these are the things that you need to be looking out for. Pelvic or belly pain is one of the first symptoms that you might experience, and this is usually on one side first. Vaginal bleeding is also something that you need to keep a close eye on. While spotting is common during the first trimester of pregnancy, any bleeding should be reported to your doctor, just so they can make sure that everything is okay.

We hope that you have found this article informative, and now know everything that you need to about ectopic pregnancies.

The Best Christmas Song For Me: "Mary, Did You Know?" (Ceelo Green version)

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Every year as Christmas time approaches, the world goes crazy with gift guides, shopping tips and deals, decorations and special recipes.

Not me

Being a Christian, I feel that Christmas is the time to reflect on the true meaning for the celebration. It is the birth of our Lord Jesus. It is his birthday. A baby born into this world to suffer for our sins. A selfless sacrifice. It makes me sad because my sins put Him on the Cross.

Christmas has been too commercialized

I understand that gift giving is a manifestation of a Christian value of sharing our blessings, however, we must not be too preoccupied with shopping for gifts that we forget to teach the children that receiving toys and new clothes is not what Christmas is all about.

Don't get me wrong. I am no Scrooge or Grinch. I am not saying this because I don't have money for shopping. (Well, actually, I really don't have money for lavish gifts). I am not being bitter because I can't buy the things I like or travel to places I want to see. I just want to share how I truly feel. 

Praying for health for my family, protection from harm, peace in our hearts, and realization of dreams

Intangible gifts. These are the best gifts anyone can ever receive. Those four things I mentioned are the gifts I wish to receive this Christmas from my Lord God. I know He is All Good, and He has plans for me. I may not receive all these blessings at one time but I know that He will provide these to me in His Time. 

The Christmas song that speaks of my faith

Sharing this music video that never fails to bring tears to my eyes. 

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to the blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you kissed the face of God

Oh Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?

That sleeping child you're holding is the Great I am

Thoughts to ponder: 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

We have sinned and continue to sin and yet despite our misgivings, God still loves us and showers us with His blessings. 

As I welcome the sunrise every day, I will be grateful for that one more chance to make myself worthy of His Love. 

Have a blessed and meaningful Christmas.

Three Tips for Transitioning into Motherhood

When a woman becomes a mother, her entire life changes. Now, she's not only living for herself. She has a little life that is fully reliant on her in order to make it. If you're a woman who is on the cusp of motherhood, there are a few tips you'll want to consider as you make the transition. Think about these three. 

1. Self-Care

It's easy to lose yourself in motherhood. It can happen so much that you can easily look up and realize that you don't recognize yourself anymore. On a daily basis, make sure that you're finding ways to take good care of yourself. Exercise regularly. Incorporate lots of fresh vegetables into your diet. Do your best to do something you really enjoy each day. Whether it's a quiet hour with a good book and a cup of tea or a manicure and pedicure at the local salon, find ways to recharge yourself. 

2. Support 

Realize that you can't do it by yourself. Even if you're a single mother, you need to develop a support system of people to help you. It's always good to have a babysitter to watch the little one when you need a breather or if you need to run an errand. Family members and friends are important so that you and your family can be part of a larger community. When your little one is ready for school and you've decided that private school education tampa florida is the way to go, you'll want to make sure you have support in making it happen. Between transportation, after-school care and more, you'll need support in order to thrive in this experience. 

3. Selflessness While you want to make sure that you take care of yourself, remember that this is a selfless journey. There are going to be many nights of little sleep. You'll have to sacrifice quite a bit during the journey in order for your child to succeed. However, it'll be the hardest job you'll love. Being a mother is such a special experience. As you get into the crux of it all, you'll be grateful for every moment you have as you help another human being grow in the world.

3 Tips to Improve Your Heating and Cooling Bill

A significant amount of your electric bill is contributed to heating and cooling. When it comes to your heating and cooling Williamsburg VA AC technicians have a few tips for you to follow. It can end up saving you quite a bit of money over the course of the year.

Program Your Thermostat

It’s important to program your thermostat based on when you are and are not going to be in the house. There is no need for your HVAC system to be running constantly if you aren’t home. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, it is well worth the investment. This way, you can program different temperatures for the mornings when you are getting ready, during the day, as well as a different temperature when you are getting ready to go to bed.

Change Your Filters

You should change the air filters on your returns on a regular basis. Depending on how many people you have in your home and whether you have pets, filters should be changed every one to three months. Otherwise, you are expecting your air-conditioning system to work extra hard, penetrating through a thick layer of dust and dander on the filters.

Schedule Inspections

It’s a good idea to schedule inspections on your HVAC system at least twice a year. A professional repair technician can come in to identify if there are any issues with the system. Your system can be charged. Issues can be addressed. Plus, the coils can be cleaned. It will help your system to work as efficiently as possible throughout the year.

There’s no reason to spend more money than necessary on your electric bill. By following a few tips, you can keep your system in good working condition so that it doesn’t cost you too 

What Are The Right Passive Income Streams For You?

When it comes to passive income, it’s something everybody can and should do in order to make money. Making money with passive income can mean swapping less time for money at your 9-5 job, and even quitting that job altogether once you have multiple streams of steady income.

However, you shouldn’t listen to anybody that tells you passive income is super easy to earn. It does take some work initially, but once you’re set up you can sometimes simply perform maintenance work to keep things going smoothly. However, with other sources, this is not the case - a YouTube channel, for instance, will need fresh videos so you can continue growing your channel. 

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Passive Income Stream Ideas

A YouTube Channel - starting a YouTube channel can be a great way to make money with affiliate links and ads. Talk about something you’re passionate about. 

An Amazon Seller Account - create your own line of branded products and setup an amazon seller account. The great thing about selling on amazon is that they do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. 

Write an Ebook - if you have a lot of knowledge on a particular subject, write an ebook. This is something that could make you money for a long time if it’s high quality and you market it properly. 

Create An Online Course - you’ll need to work hard to create your course initially, but it’s something that people may buy for a long time. 

Rent Out A Room In Your House - if you have a spare room in your home, why not rent it out? You can also rent out your driveway if you’re not keen to share your home. 

Use Cashback Sites - cashback sites are a very easy way to get started, and they allow you to make money by making purchases you were going to make anyway. 

Buy a vending machine business - all you have to do is find the right places to install your machines. By choosing a place with 100 workers or more, you could make a great income with your vending machine business. Hiring somebody to stock the machines for you can save even more time.

Buy An Existing Online Business or Blog - how about using your own savings to purchase an  existing online business or blog? Many are already making money but the owners are keen to pass them over. You just need to make sure you’re prepared to continue putting the work in. 

Figuring Out The Right Passive Income Streams For You

Above is just a few examples of how you could be making money by generating passive income. There are so many more options for you. It’s a good idea to look at mastering one income stream before moving on to another - you don’t want to get overwhelmed. Make sure that whichever passive income stream you choose, you’re excited about it and prepared for the work you’ll have to put into it.

Leave your own thoughts and ideas below! 

Why Professional Dementia Care is So Important for Your Loved One

Having a friend or family member who suffers from dementia can be heartbreaking in so many ways. You are probably willing to take any steps that you can to make sure that your loved one gets the help that he or she needs when suffering from dementia. You may even try to offer some care on your own. Of course, there is nothing wrong with trying to help your loved one in any way that you can, but you have to understand the importance of professional dementia care. Listed below are some of the reasons why professional dementia care is so important for those who have dementia.

It Can Be Heartbreaking to Provide Care on Your Own

For one thing, it's important to understand the serious impact that providing dementia care for a loved one can have on someone. You might already be having a hard time coming to terms with the idea of your loved one having dementia. Having to witness it on a daily basis, particularly when your loved one is going through a really hard time, can be very hard. By having someone else help with dementia care Darien CT, you can make things a little easier on yourself during a time that isn't easy at all.

Your Loved One Could Get Hurt

Someone who has dementia can easily get hurt without the proper care. For example, if your loved one forgets to turn off the stove after cooking or forgets to take his or her medication, then he or she could be at serious risk. Making sure that a professional who knows how to handle the situation is there to provide care is a good way to help keep your loved one safe, though.

Now that your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, it's important to start thinking about care. Instead of trying to provide all of your loved one's care on your own, you're probably going to want to seek professional dementia care for the two main reasons that are listed above.

Don't Let The Cold Sink In

In the human consciousness, there is no worst winter word than cold. Nobody likes to be cold. Your body shivers. Your extremities feel numb. You find yourself trying to shrink into your own skin in an effort to warm up. Arms crossed against your torso; this is the universal symbol for being cold. But winter doesn’t have to feel like that. You can take preventive measures to make sure your home stays warm this season. 

Is winter coming?

Is it coming from the roof?

Did you know that your home can lose up to 30% of its heat through the roof? Indeed, poor insulation in the attic area is often the cause of cold rooms in the upper part of the house. Additionally, if your roof is damaged – or old, as roofs have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years – you might need to consider planning for repair and maintenance. You’re likely to be able to tell whether your roof or attic needs attention rapidly. A damaged roof can lead to leakage, which is noticeable on the ceiling during rainy days. Similarly, you can also touch the ceiling of your rooms. If it’s cold, your attic lacks insulation. 

Is your home not appropriately heated?

Your heating system is crucial during the winter months. You can’t keep your family warm if you can’t trust your boiler or heater. One thing is for sure; if you need furnace repair, it’s best to schedule it as early as possible. The longer you wait, the colder the house will be. Ultimately, what are the signs there’s something wrong? Your heaters need a long time to get to temperature, or they can’t maintain the temperature. 

Your furnace doesn’t react to the thermostat. 

The electrical heating unit makes a clicking noise.  

Is the home too well heated?

You’ll be surprised to know that sometimes your heating works a little too well. Indeed, if you overeat your home, you are at risk of drying the indoor air. When the air is too dry, it can feel cooler than it is, forcing you to turn up the heating some more. Additionally, it can also lead to dry skin and respiratory troubles. To prevent extreme air dryness, you need to maintain the air moisture above 30%. 

Is it coming from the ground?

If your basement doesn’t have any insulation, you might struggle with a cold floor. Additionally, you could lose some of your heat through the ground, making it hard to stay warm. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to the problem. Insulating your basement is the work of a weekend. For amateur DIY-ers, you could sort out this issue fairly quickly. 

Are your windows air-tight?

Last, but not least, while windows are often listed as the main reason for houses to be cold in winter, your property loses less than 10% heat through poorly insulated windows. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider tackling the problem. You can insulate your windows for good with secondary glazing and even triple glazing. For tight budgets, adding thick curtains can make a great deal of difference! 

Don’t let your home get cold this winter. You don’t need to break the bank to stay warm. All it takes is to figure out where the source of cold lies. Whether it’s under the roof and in the furnace, there’s a solution to most heating failures. 

Thinking Outside The Box When Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home is a challenge for many young adults. Indeed, property prices have been increased gradually over the past few decades, making it more difficult for the Millennial generation to become homeowners. 

However, while property values are going up, it doesn’t mean that the only way to buy a house is to win the lottery! In reality, the property market has evolved dramatically, meaning that the strategy your parents and grandparents used to reach the first step of the property ladder is not relevant anymore. 

Nowadays, homeowners need to embrace their creativity and think outside the box to achieve their objectives. Therefore, the big challenge about homeownership is your ability to find solutions in the least expected places. 

DIY and home ownership

Lesson #1: You need to secure some cash

Let’s focus first on the elephant in the room. A house comes at a high price, meaning that your top priority is to ensure you’ve got enough cash to afford both your down payment and your monthly mortgage. To put it clearly, while the obvious solution is to save money, you need to consider your budget with a pinch of salt. Indeed, there’s only so much you can save. Therefore, if you’re planning to buy your first property in the near future, you might want to check the possibilities to get a promotion at work. Indeed, who says promotion, says pay rise, and that is precisely what you want. If your employer provides no chance of a promotion, it’s time to change jobs and find a business that provides you with better prospects. Securing higher wages can go a long way toward affording your first home. 

Lesson #2: Your banker is not always the best interlocutor

While the majority of homeowners turn to banks when it comes to applying for a mortgage, there are others options that can make it easier for borrowers with an atypical credit history to qualify for a large loan, such as mortgage brokers – check Altrua Financial to find out more about the rates a broker can get you. As a rule of the thumb, brokers have access to a wide variety of loan options. 

Lesson #3: 4 miles, it’s nothing and everything

Real estate agencies compile a selection of criteria to define the value of a property. One of these criteria is the location of the property. Indeed, two houses in the same general condition could show up under different prices as a result of where they are. If you want to land a cheaper property, you might need to be ready to commute. A few miles outside of the premium radius can save you tonnes of money! 

Lesson #4: You can do anything with a hammer and a screwdriver

Ultimately, a house that needs improvement works will come out at a lower price. If you boost your DIY skills, you can actively tackle the most common DIY challenges, from bathroom remodeling to refreshing the wall paint. In the long term, investing in the appropriate tools and skills can give you access to further properties. 

It’s time to revolutionize the way you are approaching the property market. From considering financing options to rethinking your career, you’re in control of your investment. 

7 More Amazing Body Facts That Made Me Go "Wow! I Didn't Know That!" (Again!)

The human body is a masterpiece. The structure and the physiology are truly marvelous! 

A few years ago, I wrote a post about some amazing body facts which surprisingly turned out to be my most read blog post. There is so much to learn so I am sharing some interesting information about the human body's internal structure.

► What are the largest and smallest organs in the body?

The skin is the largest organ. In an average sized human, the skin has a total area of 20 square feet. The skin acts as the body's first line of defense against illness and infection. It also helps regulate our body temperature and protects our internal organs from damage due to external elements.

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The smallest organ is the pineal gland. It is about the size of a grain of rice (5 to 8 millimeters) and is located in the center of our brain. Its main function is to produce melatonin which regulates our sleep cycle.

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► What are the largest and smallest bones in the body?

The largest and strongest bone is the femur or thigh bone. Its upper end connects to the pelvis to form the hip joint while its lower end connects to the tibia and to form the knee.

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The smallest bone is the stapes, which is one of the three tiny bones found in our middle ear. It measures around 3 x 2.5 millimeters. Now that is tiny!

Human stapes bone size in comparison with a penny

► The small intestine has an absorptive surface area of 250 square meters!

The small intestine is a long, narrow tube roughly about 6 meters (20 feet) in length. It is where nutrients in the food we eat are absorbed and carried through the bloodstream. What is more amazing is that inner lining of the small intestine has an absorptive surface area of 250 square meters (2,700 square feet), roughly about the size of a tennis court!

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The inside walls of the small intestine are not flat, rather, it has circular (mucosal) folds along its entire length. These folds have villi or small projections that protrude into the lumen (cavity) of the small intestine. However, that is not yet the end of it. Every villus has multitudes of epithelial cells, each of which has microvilli. Think of surface area multiplied!

► The longest nerve cell in the body is approximately 0.91 meters (3 feet)!

A nerve cell or neuron is composed of 4 parts - the dendrites, the some (or cell body), the axon and the axon terminal. The axon is the longest part of the nerve cell. It carries nerve impulses away from the cell body. The longest nerve cell axons in the body are those of the sciatic nerve. They start from the base of the spinal cord down to the big toe of each foot. That is approximately 3 feet long in an average height human!

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► Let's talk about the red blood cells

An average person has about 20-30 trillion red blood cells circulating in their body. Did you know that a pinhead-sized drop of blood can contain as much as 5 million red blood cells! A healthy red blood cell is only 6.2 to 8.2 micrometer in size. It is difficult to imagine such a minute thing doing the task of oxygenation for the body!

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A red blood cell's lifespan is 100-120 days. New cells are formed in the bone marrow and the old cells are destroyed in the spleen. 

Here's another interesting fact about red blood cells - it only takes one minute for a red blood cell to circulate the entire human body. From exiting the heart through the aorta into the circulatory system, it only takes 60 seconds for a red blood cell to return back to the heart through the superior and anterior vena cava. Wow.

► Our brain and neurons

Acting as the command center, our brain does really amazing things. An average human brain weighs about 1400 grams (roughly 3 pounds). It receives 20% of the body's blood supply. According to credible sources, our brain contains about 100 billion neurons or nerve cells that work non-stop in receiving and sending nerve impulses.

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There are different sizes of neurons. Some are very small with short axons and dendrites, while others have very long axons (see information about the sciatic nerve above). You may be wondering about the speed at which impulses travel through these neurons, right? The speed depends on the thickness of the axon. It has been discovered that the thicker the axon, the faster the speed of travel of impulses. So we can deduce that the long nerve cells have thicker axons to enable them to convey information faster.

How fast is fast? "Slow" transmissions are about 0.5 meters per second, while "fast" transmissions reach the speed of 120 meters per second (268.43 miles per hour)! Can you imagine something going that fast inside our own bodies? Mind-boggling.

► How strong is stomach or gastric acid?

Our stomach produces three different kinds of acid that aid in the digestion of the food we eat. These acids are potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and hydrochloric acid. With a pH level of 1 to 3, these three acids can dissolve metal! Oh goodness. And to think we have that inside of us? How on earth does our stomach stay intact with that much acid in it?

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We must thank our stomach's epithelial cells which produce mucus and bicarbonate that forms a layer of protection for our stomach lining. The pancreas likewise produces bicarbonate that it secretes into the duodenum part of the stomach for further protection and avoid damage to the small intestine. Sometimes, our stomach produces too much acid that the epithelial cells are unable to cope with. This is the reason we suffer from gastric ulcers.

The human body is wonderfully made, don't you agree? From two tiny cells merging together into a single cell that divides a multitude of times comes forth a human being! There is so much to learn and appreciate about this living, loving, thinking and rational creation that we call "our body."

Feel free to read my first blog post about human body facts here.

How You Can Raise Extra Cash In One Month

Ah, money. Is there anyone on earth who doesn’t have a complicated relationship with it? It seems like we never have enough, or we do but then get hit by a surprise bill, and whoosh, it’s gone. While keeping money might seem like trying to keep water from slipping through your fingers, it’s actually more possible than people realize. Within one month, you can see an increase in the amount of cash that you have! We take a look at several ways that you can do this below.

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Say No

You’ve got an income. Getting money into your bank account isn’t the problem; it’s just what it seems to leave just as quickly. But why is this? While you’ll have essentials that you need to pay for, is it also possible that you’re not quite as disciplined as you should be? Because we’re spending the bulk of our time working, it doesn’t take much to make us believe that we’ve earned a treat of some kind. And our friends are always willing to offer us one! They’ll invite us out to dinner, for drinks, to the cinema, anything that costs money, basically. For the next month, say no to invitations, unless it’s not going to cost you a penny.

Sell Old Goods

We’re a society of hoarders. We accumulate more and more, and rarely have a clear out. If this sounds familiar, then good news! You likely have a lot of cash sitting in your home. Take a look at through your cupboards and drawers, and see if you’ve got anything valuable that you could sell. Of course, the pricier the item was to begin with, the more cash you’ll get for it. If you’ve got an old smartphone and are wondering “can I sell my phone?” the answer is yes, you can. You’re not using the items anyway, so you may as well get some money for them.

Spartan Living

There are some things that you need to pay money for, such as your rent, food, and drinks. You can’t do much about the cost of your rent, but food and drinks? That’s all within your control. For the next month, look at only eating those bargain (but nutritious) meals. Ditch the expensive daily coffees, too. People spend much more money on eating and drinking than they think they do, and much more than they need to!

Reducing Essential Costs

Some costs, such as getting to and from work, can seem pretty rigid, but they’re not. If you’re driving, you can take public transport. If the train is too expensive, take the bus. While you’re at work, you should be eating your homemade lunches, not buying it every day! Track every penny, and make any cuts, where possible, which don’t impact your quality of life. If you put all the money you would have spent on these things into a savings account, and take a look at how much you’ve saved in a month; you’ll be pleasantly surprised! 

Recovering From Injury: A Victim’s Guide

Being a victim of injury is something that many of us have experienced, and that many more of us dread! The trauma of the incident itself, combined with the pain, and the rigors of treatment and surgery can be severe to bear! Then there is the money lost to days off work, and the extra cost of therapies that you never thought you would need to deal with as well. In fact, for someone people being involved in an accident can change their whole lives, and not for the better. Luckily, there is a way to remain strong and get through to the other side. A topic you can find out more about in the post below. 

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Coping in the moment 

In the split second when an injury occurs there is often nothing we can do to prevent it. However, the way we act in the direct aftermath can have a significant effect on both our experience and our recovery. 

In particular, ensuring our own safety is paramount, something that can be difficult when we are distracted by pain, or when we see another in danger. It's also crucial for us to seek out medical treatment as soon as possible. In fact, for many injuries, prompt treatment can make a considerable difference to the damage that is done, as well as reduce healing times. 

Knowing what to expect with medical treatment  

Once it is safe to do so, and if your injury is a serious one it's likely you will be taken to hospital for assessment and treatment. In an accident situation, this usually following a set number of steps, the first being when the ambulance people arrive to provide on the spot care, and often pain relief. It is also the ambulance crew that will work in tandem with the police and the fire service to ensure that the situation is made as safe as possible both for you the injured party and for everyone else involved as well. 

Once the ambulance crew has stabilized you, and assess your injuries, they will usually rush you back to the hospital for further treatment. This often involves being placed on a gurney in the back of the ambulance, frequently with one of the paramedics with you to keep an eye on your condition and administer any medication that you might need during the journey. 

Once you reach the hospital, you will be taken to the emergency department, where the seriousness of your injuries will be assessed once more so they can ensure the people that need treatment the most urgently are the first to receive it. Therefore, when your condition is more serious, you will be taken to a treatment room or operating theatre immediately. 

After any urgent issue have been treated, and you are considered stable, you will be given a bed in the main hospital to recover in. The length of time you may need to stay can vary depending on how quickly you make a recovery, and whether you encounter any complications with your treatment. Then once you have the go-ahead to go home, you will usually be asked to come back as an outpatient for regular check-ups to see how our injury is healing, as well as for any additional treatment sessions that are indeed. 

Of course, it's also worth bearing in mind that during your stay you can ask for a second opinion regarding the care that you received at any time. Something that many people forget until they have left the hospital building, and can be beneficial if you are unsure of the recommendations you are currently receiving. You may also be able to give a power of attorney to your relatives in case you are in a situation that requires an important decision, but you are unconscious, or not able to make it. 

Coping financially 

Of course, far from the struggle being over and done with as you leave the hospital, for many victims of injury it is only just beginning. This because the treatment that they received will be billed to them, something that may mean they need to take out medical credit to cover their bills. Add to this the fact that many people that are injured cannot return to work straight away, or even for an extended period of time and it's easy to see why so many people struggle financially after an accident has befallen them. 

To that end its vital to search for a legal advocate that has an impressive track record in personal injury cases. After all, claiming back compensation from those whose fault the injury was is the best way to cover the unexpected cost and the financial strain that an accident can cause. 

The psychological and emotional effects 

Sadly, when it comes to being involved in an accident, it's not all about coping in the moment, the aftermath, or even the financial burden. This because being injured can have an emotional and psychological effect as well. 

In particular, it can be widespread for injured parties to experience a condition known as PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. This is when thoughts, images, and flashbacks of the incident intrude into their day to day life and traumatize them all over again. Something that can make it hugely difficult to function and have a good quality of life. 

Happily, there are some effective therapies for conditions such as PTSD such as trauma-focused CBT were the therapist will guide you through remembering the experience, and help you to manage your emotions. 

Alternatively, there is also EMDR which is a type of therapy that uses rapid eye movement along with bringing the particular incident to mind. The idea being that the distraction allows the brain to process and file away the experience correctly, so it is no longer lodged in the psyche and gets trigger over and over again, even in situations that aren't actually dangerous. It can, therefore, be a valuable tool for victims wishing to recover and get on with their lives, after being involved in an accident and falling victim to an injury.

Traveling Long Distance with a Dog

When you own a dog, you always own a dog. You'll have heard the saying ‘a dog isn't just for Christmas', and this couldn't be truer. When you own a dog, they become a part of your family. You'll plan your days around them, and you'll always consider their needs when it comes to taking trips and spending time away from home.

Some people chose to put their dogs in kennels while they are away, or they decide to leave them with family and friends. But, for other families, it wouldn't be a proper family vacation without their furry friend. Of course, sometimes things come up out of the blue, and you have no choice but to pack your pet up into the car and take them on a long trip with you.

This can bring challenges. Some dogs are great in cars. They don’t mind travel and are happy to go along with your travel plans, whatever they might be. Others aren't quite so sure. Many dogs get anxious about even a short car ride so a more extended trip might seem impossible. Either way, here are some tips to make the journey as easy as possible for your whole family.

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Prepare Your Car

You should always take the time to check your car over before any long journey, with or without pets. Perform essential car safety checks like testing the brakes, tires and lights and checking the fluid levels under the hood. The last thing that you want is to find yourself looking for a legal solution for your car accident case because your car wasn't in good enough condition to make the journey. So fix any faults and take it to the garage if you have any doubts. It can also be worth going in for a full service before your trip if your car hasn't had one for more than a year.

If you are traveling with a dog, there are other things that you should check. Make sure that there is enough room for them to lie comfortably when your car is fully packed up. Make sure that they can be secured safely, and that the space in your vehicle can remain well ventilated and cool. 

Pack Home Comforts

Dogs can be a bit like children. Strange things, be it environments, atmospheres, noises, smells, sounds or people, make them anxious. They like stability and familiarity. When things are different, they get nervous, and their behavior can suffer. 

Everything about traveling is different. Even if they are used to being in a car, it won’t be for this long, and they might still have trouble settling when you reach your destination. One of the best ways to make them more comfortable is by keeping as much you can the same. Try to stick to any walking and feeding routines that you have. Pack their bed, their favorite toys and even their usual food bowl and blanket to help them to feel more secure and safe.

Plan Plenty of Stops

Just like you, your dog gets tired of being in the same position. They need toilet stops, they need to stretch their legs, and they need to relieve the boredom of being stuck in a tight space for hours at a time. So, if you are taking a long road trip, plan plenty of stops along your route, or make sure you leave yourself plenty of time so that you can stop as many times as you need to as you go. If you are staying overnight anywhere, make sure the accommodation is pet-friendly before you book, don’t just assume that they will be.

Go for Long Walks

A long walk shortly before you start your journey, with any luck will mean that they curl up and go for a long sleep as soon as you hit the road. Long walks at rest stops can have a similar effect. Try to tire them out as much as you can before loading them into the car.

Build Up Slowly 

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If your dog is a very nervous traveler, you can’t just expect them to be ok with a long road trip straight away. If at all possible, try to build up slowly. Take them on a short drive every day, building up to a longer journey at the weekend. 

Trust Your Instincts 

You know your pet. You know how they behave. You know when they are happy, and you know when there is something wrong. Along the journey, it’s essential that you trust your instincts to help you to keep them happy and safe and give them what they need.