5 Ways To Defend Yourself From Online Fraudsters

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Online criminals are constantly finding new ways to steal the personal details of unsuspecting victims. Here’s how you can defend against the most common types of fraud.

Strengthen your passwords

You should firstly ensure that your passwords aren’t easy to hack. You should avoid obvious numbers such as dates of birth and addresses, as well as obvious words such as you child’s name or your pet’s name. Instead, try to keep passwords completely random. Feel free to use real words to keep things memorable – just make sure that these words are totally random and try to add in numbers and different case letters. Something like OrangeZebra23Saturn is completely random and very secure without being particularly complex. Make sure to use multiple passwords and avoid saving passwords so that they’re automatically filled in.

Be wary of suspicious emails

Online frauds may try to pose as your bank or your energy bill provider in order to trick you into giving away personal details. They may even use an email address and template that makes them appear genuine. Try to remember that no official body will ever ask for your details via email – a bank will usually ask you to come into the branch in such a situation.

Use screening software

You may be able to use software to help detect fraudsters in many cases. The likes of Netverify by Jumio can be useful if you’re a business wanting to screen clients – it allows you to use facial recognition technology as a secure option. You may also be able to use a secure email filter such as VadeSecure to check emails for authenticity. There are also tools that can check if sites are genuine to prevent you using a fake site to buy something and giving away your details.

Watch what you post on social media

Fraudsters are now using social media to gain information on people’s personal details. Be careful of broadcasting information such as your address, your date of birth or your mother’s maiden names (there are quizzes that are sometimes set up to obtain these details). Avoid accepting friend request from people you don’t know and make sure that your account is set to private – this will ensure that only people you trust see your information.

Use a credit card for online payments

When it comes to online payments, you’re sometimes better off using a credit card than a debit card. Credit cards tend to be more secure – it’s often easier to get refunds for money that was spent fraudulently. Most payment online platforms such as PayPal allow credit card payments.

What Should You Do When Your Child Is Sick?

Sick children are something that no parent wants to go through, and yet it is a fact of life that people get sick. There are things that we can do to prevent it, but this isn’t going to stop your child from ever getting poorly. As such, you need to know what to do when your child does eventually have some kind of illness and we are going to help you with this. We are going to talk about some of the things that you need to do when your child is sick.

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Get Some Professional Advice

The first thing that you should do is get some professional advice. If you don’t know what is going on with your child, and you have no idea how to treat it, then you should seek out professional advice as soon as possible. If your child has an issue like eczema but you have never seen it before on your child, there are some sites that you can go on to find the best treatments for eczema. While this is the case, if it is the first time that you are noticing this issue, you should still take your child to get checked out. As the saying goes, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

If the issue isn’t too bad, you can usually wait and get a doctors appointment the next day. However, if your child is having serious symptoms such as loss of consciousness or anything like this, you need to take them to the emergency room.

Keep Them Feeling Cozy

One of the things that everyone likes when they are sick is to feel safe, and cozy. This is the same for adults and children alike so you need to make sure that they feel this way. Wrap them up in blankets, sit them on the couch or in their bed and make sure that they have everything that they need to feel cozy. If they have a soft toy that they love, let them have this with them at all times. You need to be giving them everything that they need to feel better again.

Don’t Leave Them Alone For Too Long

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You shouldn’t be leaving them alone for long periods of time. Not because anything is going to happen, but because they are going to want to be comforted. Giving them your love and attention is going to be crucial at this time. You want to be there for them, so the only time they should be left alone for hours at a time is when they are sleeping at night time. Even if they fall asleep in the day, you should ensure that you are staying with them so they have that comforting feeling.

Even if you have things to do through the day, try to make it so that you can do them around your children. This way your child will know that even though they are ill, they have their parent there with them, and this alone will make them feel a little better.

Keep Them Hydrated

Your child needs to be getting all the fluids necessary to keep their body working. Having them take small sips of water or juice are great ways to do this. As well as this if your child is hot, you can have them sucking on an ice pop. This will not only get them the fluids that they need, but it will also bring their temperature down. It is common for kids not to want to eat or drink when they are poorly, but it is important that they do continue to do so. You need to be replacing all the fluids that they are losing through sweat, and even if they aren’t sweating, keeping their intake of fluids up is vital.

Encourage Them To Play

Finally, you should be encouraging them to play as normal. Sometimes this is not going to be possible, but if your child can, you should be getting them to play with their toys as they normally would. This could help them to feel better, or it could just serve as a distraction to the fact that they are ill.

Hopefully, you have found this article helpful, and now know some of the things that you should do when your child is sick. Keeping them comfortable is one of the most important things here, because while we as adults know that it will pass, kids sometimes don’t realize this and need the comfort of their parents.

Prepare Your Home For Viewings

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Now that 2019 is here you may be looking to move on to the next stage of your life and this can often involve you looking to buy a new house for your family. If you fancy buying a new home this year and living somewhere else, you will want to start preparing your home for a sale. There are some super simple ways you can check your home is ready to sell, and today we are going to look at ways to prepare it for viewings. 

Clean Up

The first and most obvious thing you will want to do before people come and look at your home is to look around and clean up. Your house can end up scruffy in your everyday life and of course you don’t want this to be the impression other people have of you and your home. Be sure to clean the house completely and clear away any of your personal items. Make sure to also lock and hogs any valuables to keep you safe. 

Curb Appeal 

The way your home looks from the street outside is actually much more important than you might think. When you want to sell a home fast you will need to make sure that your house is looking good from the street and it is tidy and appealing. Before people go and view houses they will often drive by and take a look. This can be a make or break for your home so make sure that the front looks just as good as the inside. 

Make Repairs 

Cracks in the wall, mold, damp… all of these things will be annoyances to you in your home but they can be make or break for anyone who is looking to buy your house. Be sure that you take the time before viewings to make some simple repairs around the house and this can really make a huge difference to you when they come over to take a look. 

Cook Something Nice 

This is something which is about creating that cozy and homely atmosphere more than making the home look presentable. When people come to view your house they will be trying to imagine themselves living in this house, not you. This is why anything you can do to make the home feel more like a home is amazing. Baking some cookies or having a stew in the cooker when people come around can spread homely scents around the house and this will help people imagine this as their own home. 

Clear The Rooms 

As we said above, when people come to see your home they will want to imagine themselves living here and not you and because of this it is important for you to clear out things such as your photographs and personal items. This will allow people to see past your home and to a clear space which they will be able to fill up with their own furniture and Knick knacks, which will make things much easier and will make them more likely to buy your home. 

The Benefits of Animal Medical Insurance

Healthcare is something that is very necessary for every family in the United States. It protects you from unexpected health events. Just like you would invest in medical insurance for your children, you might want to think about investing in insurance for your animals. Whether you are looking for insurance for your dog, or horse medical insurance for a farm of animals, there are a number of different providers that you can choose from. The policy that you choose should fit your budget, but it should still be able to provide you with the amount of coverage that you need.

What is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance is designed to provide coverage that will cover the cost of a medical procedure. Just one day of attention from a vet could cost you thousands if you aren’t prepared. Something as simple as a urinary tract infection can take time to diagnose and treat. Your insurance provider will help cover the costs that you incur during an appointment with a professional. Depending on the policy that you have chosen, you may also get assistance with routine medical examinations, prescription medication, etc.

Peace of Mind

You can’t predict when one of your animals will require medical attention aside from a routine appointment. The monthly cost is usually very low and typically a large percentage of your expenses will be covered after you reach a certain deductible. In the long run, you’re going to save a lot of money. You’ll also feel better knowing that you have this coverage available.

Pets Living Longer

Unfortunately, many animals are not able to receive the attention that they need because the owner cannot afford immediate medical attention. Insurance will remove this burden and get an animal the care that they need. When you invest in animal medical insurance, you are preparing for a medical emergency that could strike at any time. Seeking medical attention for an animal can be a very expensive situation. Take the time to learn about animal medical insurance and what it provides to you as the owner.

What Are You Trying To Teach Me, My God?

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This is going to be a short post. I just need to write my thoughts and feelings about something that happened to me.

Two days ago, I was worried about our financial state. There are so many medical expenses we need to take care of, then the bills for utilities, even the budget for food was a concern.

I whispered a prayer. "My God, please give me an opportunity to earn a steady income. You know my needs, Lord. Please lead me to the way where I can provide more for my family."

In the afternoon of the same day, I lost a thousand pesos. I was so upset, trying to budget everything and then BANG! I lost my money. Maybe it was because I paid it for my tricycle fare (and never got change back) or misplaced it (impossible for me because I always keep track of expenditures).

My hard earned money that was supposed to go into the food budget for the week is gone. I will have to offset some payments first because food is a priority.

I asked myself, "What is God trying to teach me?" I am confused. I asked Him for an earning opportunity, and yet I lost money instead.

My husband said, "Pray. Ask God to make you understand. Just pray."

I know it is just money and that I can still earn it back somehow. Sadly, I had to accept this unfortunate incident. I am still praying for guidance, for peace in my heart. 

I am putting all my trust in God. He has plans for me. I may not understand it now, but I know everything happens for a reason. 

Come into my heart, O God and dwell in it. Make me understand your Divine Plan for me. 

How To Pay For Emergencies

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Apply for a credit card

Credit cards are a convenient way of borrowing money for emergencies - rather than going through the whole loan application process, you can make purchases with borrowed money with the swipe of a card. It’s worth doing your research when choosing a credit card as there are many different cards out there. 

Many credit cards come with variable interest rates, which you should be wary of. Most also have a spending limit, which is also worth considering.

Having a good credit score will often help you to get better deals on credit cards although there are credit cards for bad credit. You should always aim to pay your credit card bills on time as many credit card providers will offer rewards for good spending.

Open a savings account

If you don’t want to get into debt, you could always set up a rainy day fund. This could include putting money regularly into a savings account. Ideally, you always want to have a couple thousand dollars saved up so that you’ve always got enough money in the event of an emergency.

It’s worth shopping around for savings accounts in order to find one with the best interest rate. This will allow you to naturally grow your savings. Some savings accounts with high interest rates may have restricted access of penalites for taking out money (for example, you may not get any interest for the month if you take money out). You should weigh up whether these restrictions are worthwhile. Online savers also have good interest rates, but withdrawing money from these accounts isn’t as fast as withdrawing from a brick and mortar savings account, making them potentially unsuitable for emergencies. 

Make sure that you only dip into these savings for expenses that are genuine emergencies. Having another savings account set aside for treats such as vacations or a new car is worthwhile.

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Get insured

Insurance is another way to pay for emergencies for those that don’t want to get into debt. There are insurance schemes out there for all kinds of disasters – by agreeing to pay a small amount each month, your insurer will then pay for any emergency costs when they arise.

Health insurance, pet insurance and property insurance are some of the most popular voluntary insurance schemes, although it’s possible to get insured against anything. Obviously, you don’t want to be paying extortionate insurance rates, so you should always shop around for cover.

There are lots of ways to lower your insurance. Investing preventative measures in order to lower the risk of emergencies can often lower your insurance rates (for example, if you live in a high flood risk zone and take out flood insurance, it could also be worth making some physical attempts to flood proof your home such as putting a wall up and damp-proofing the side of your home. Upping your deductible can also lower insurance rates, however this does mean that you have to pay more out of your own pocket in an emergency. 

Quartz Clinical: Providing High Quality Health Care At A Lower Cost

Everyone needs health care. Whether you get health care coverage from your employer, or pay for it yourself, access to health care must be available to everyone.

It is sad that the rising cost of health care drives people to self-medicate, which would later cause a disease to progress and complications to set in. 

No one wants to fall ill, but if we do, we entrust doctors and health care workers to provide the care we need. On the part of the hospitals and medical professionals, they perform their sworn duties to alleviate suffering to the patients who come to them for treatment. However, they have to consider certain factors such as providing quality care while reducing patient costs and possible re-admissions as well as ensuring profitability.

The medical profession operates on ethical standards, so there should be no short-cuts in providing care, and reducing operational costs should not mean compromising quality of treatment offered.

What can be done to achieve both quality health care and business sustainability?

The solution to this is provided by Quartz Clinical.

Quartz Clinical is a program specifically designed to help hospitals deliver high quality care while reducing costs. It is cloud based therefore it provides ease of access to data. A feature of the program is artificial intelligence that can provide forecasts on possible complications and/or readmissions. 

The platform provides in depth analysis of the areas for improvement by handling billions of big data from all aspects of hospital operations - medical care, finance, logistics, etc, all coming together to provide the best strategy that would give patients the same high quality, customized care regardless of demographics, and with a lower cost for both patient and hospital.

This is modern technology meeting health care that was only dreamed of decades ago. Quartz Clinical is bound to change the delivery of health care. It will be more efficient, more customized, more economical and patient centered. This is business intelligence perfected. 

With all that has been said, we are looking forward to a healthier future with Quartz Clinical.

6 Major Mistakes You Must Avoid When You Buy Property

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Buying a new home is an incredibly exciting process, especially if it’s your first time. Between choosing the perfect area and viewing all of the great houses, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun. However, as enjoyable as this task can be, it’s also very complicated and confusing, which can lead those less experienced to make a number of huge blunders. To save yourself the unnecessary cost and worry when buying property, here are six major mistakes you should avoid.

1. Buying Before You’re Ready

Buying property is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s one of the largest transactions you’ll ever make and has the power to affect the rest of your life. Because of this, you should ensure you’re definitely ready to buy a house before you jump into the process. As frustrating as renting can be at times, it is the best option for those that need a little more flexibility. 

2. Not Getting Pre-Approved

Online mortgage calculators can be of great help when determining how much money you can borrow. However, you shouldn’t just assume you’re going to get approved for that amount. Many loan applications, especially those for an itin loan, are denied each year. To put yourself in the best position for negotiations, you must ensure you get pre-approved before you start to bid. 

3. Shopping Without An Agent

With property sites and online listings at your fingertips, no one would blame you for questioning the use of a real estate agent. That being said, they are incredibly beneficial, saving you time, money, and worry with their knowledge and support. What’s more, it is the seller that pay realtors fees, not the buyer, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a professional at your side. 

4. Underestimating The Full Cost

Unbeknownst to many first-time buyers, a mortgage loan doesn’t actually cover the entire cost of buying a property. There are a number of expenses you’ll need to pay yourself, including a down payment, loan application fees, mortgage insurance, and more. You must ensure you have enough money saved up to cover these costs, or your plans could fall through. 

5. Skipping The Home Inspection

Home inspections, though often costly, are utterly invaluable in your property buying process. Though there’s the chance you’ll pay out for little to nothing, it’s also possible that an inspection will spot a major issue that could have caused you problems later down the line. This allows you to negotiate a better deal or walk away from a bad one. 

6. Settling Out Of Desperation 

The process of finding and buying a house can go on for months, and sometimes even years. This can cause a great deal of frustration, that causes desperate buyers to settle for a home they’re not entirely happy with. Instead of leaving yourself in debt, and with a house you don’t like, you should take a break for a while and start looking again when you feel up to it. 

Buying a property is a major transaction, so ensure you do it right by avoiding the mistakes listed above. 

Keeping Your Family Safe On The Road

When you take your family out on the road, you need to be confident that you know how to keep them all safe. There are some precautions that you can take to ensure that you have done everything possible to keep them safe, and there are also some things that you can do while you are in the car as well. So, let’s take a look at what some of these are.

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Keep Your Tires Inflated

The first thing that we suggest is to make sure that you are keeping your tires inflated. According to sites similar to https://ericpalacioslaw.com/ underinflated tires could end up causing accidents on the road. We know that this is not something you want, and as such, you should be making sure that your tyres are inflated the correct amount before you set out on your journey. 

If you do this, you will have peace of mind when you are on your journey that you have taken the right precaution by correctly inflating your tires.

Don’t Forget Your Furry Friend

We said keeping your family safe, and your pet is included in this. You need to ensure that you have the measures in place to keep your pet safe while you are traveling. This could be getting a seatbelt clip so that you can strap your dog in safely from their leash. Or it could be putting their bed in the back so that they feel safe on the way, and are not going to move about and hurt themselves. You need to keep your pet in mind here, because you don’t want them to get injured while you are on the road.

Use Child Safety Seats

If your kids are under a certain age, or a certain height, they need to be using child safety seats. These make sure that in the event something does go wrong, your children have an extra layer of protection from harm. You will have to check the specific requirements as they vary from state to state, but making sure that you have one is always going to be a good idea. You might find that your children don’t want to sit in these seats, but it is imperative that they do so that you are not distracted with their safety while you are operating a vehicle. If you are looking for the best child safety seats, then check out this site http://www.madeformums.com.. 

Be Vigilant Near Water

Finally, you need to be vigilant while you are near water. This might sound silly but water is unpredictable and could cause you an issue at any moment. Especially if you are driving by the sea, you need to ensure that you are watching out for slippery roads, or large amounts of water coming towards you. To do this, you need to stay calm, and have no distractions in the car. So make sure that everyone has stopped talking until you are passed it, and don’t have anything on the radio either.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now know some of the things that you can do to keep your family safe on the road.

This Is the Year to Get Your Driver's Licence

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If you’re legally old enough to drive, but don’t have your own licence, this is the year when you should really focus on getting it. Learning to drive can benefit you in so many different ways! Let’s just take a moment to look at some reasons you should book into lessons and finally get behind that wheel.

Driving Really Isn’t That Difficult or Scary

Of course, getting behind the wheel for the first time is bound to be a relatively daunting experience. You’ll find yourself quickly switching from being in the passenger’s seat to suddenly having control over an entire vehicle. But think about this rationally. Look at the sheer number of people who drive on public roads every day. If most people are capable of something, it really can’t be that difficult or complex. When it comes down to it, driving is a simple combination of being aware of how roads work, understanding how to make a vehicle move in the way you want it to, and combining the two things safely. Besides, you’ll have a professional instructor by your side and you can always reach out to HugheyLawFirm.com/sc/charleston-auto-accident-lawyer/ if you do experience any issues on the roads.

Driving Provides You With a Newfound Freedom

One of the main benefits of being able to drive is a newfound sense of freedom. You will be liberating from the timetables and stop locations of public transport. You’ll be able to drive to a wider range of places as and when you please! You can head where you want, when you want, without having to rely on anyone else to get you there.

Driving Can Boost Your Career Potential

It may sound odd, as you’d think that you only need to drive for jobs that require you to drive for a living, such as being a taxi driver. Now, obtaining a licence can open up new career opportunities like that if that’s something you’re interested in. But driving can boost your career potential in other ways too! Nowadays, more and more employers are requesting a full, clean driving licence of applicants. There are various reasons for this. Some may want you to run occasional errands in the company car. Many will simply want to ensure that you can get into work on time without having the excuse of public transport cancellations and delays.

Committing to Something

If you don’t have a hobby, driving lessons encourage you to commit to something productive until you manage to completely master it. You won’t pass your test unless you are fully competent and can be trusted to drive independently on the roads. So, you’re going to have to keep trying again and again if you don’t take your lessons seriously.

So, it’s time to get on it! Check out local driving schools and pick one with good reviews and recommendations. You’ll be steering the wheel of your own car in next to no time!

6 Things You Should Do Before You Even Consider Buying Property

Buying property should not be taken lightly, and yet many people are entering into this expensive and complicated contract just because they believe it’s the ‘done thing’. Being a property owner can be a great feeling, but not if you struggle to keep up with mortgage payments because you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. Let’s take a look at 6 things you should do before you even consider buying property:

1. Check and Improve Your Credit Score

If your credit score isn’t right, you’ll seem unreliable and nobody will want to loan you money. If you’re not sure what state it’s in right now, this isn’t a good start. You can check it for free with Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Make sure you fix any mistakes and ensure you’re not being penalised for settled/paid debts, as this can happen sometimes. Ensure there are no mistakes and get your credit score in the best possible condition before moving on.

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2. Know Exactly What You Can Afford 

If you’re going to buy a property, you need to know exactly what you can afford. Use a reliable calculator online to help you. However, you should remember; just because you’re being offered a certain loan amount doesn’t mean you have to accept the full loan. If you bite off more than you can chew and you end up not being able to pay off your mortgage, you’ll need someone who can help you with law covering real estate to come up with a solution so you can stay in your home. 

3. Have A Healthy Amount In Your Savings

You shouldn’t be living payday to payday, and if you are, banks will not want to give you a mortgage either. You’re going to need money put aside for home fixes and unexpected costs. You don’t want to have to take out a loan or loan money off family every time something happens - and things will happen, it’s just a matter of time. A healthy amount in your savings will give you peace of mind and keep you out of debt. 

4. Research Renting/Buying In Depth

Now, it’s also important to note that buying isn’t for everyone. You should research both renting and buying in depth to figure out what suits your situation best. For some, renting can even be a permanent solution depending on their life goals. 

5. Know Exactly What You Want Out Of A Property

You should know exactly what you want out of a property before you start looking. Knowing what is non-negotiable for you will help you to narrow down your search. You should also remember that if you’re going to live in it, you’re likely going to want completely different things than if you were to buy it and let it out. If letting out a property, you’ll want to consider your target audience. 

6. Think To The Future 

Could your situation change? Do you want kids, a pet, or are likely to move to a far away place with work? Think of every eventuality to make the best decision! 

Gifts Suitable for Acquaintances and Co-Workers

There are often people on your gift giving list that you feel obligated to buy for, but you may not know them on a personal level. This could be co-workers that you do a gift exchange with, a neighbor you appreciate, or the kids’ teachers. You don't want to skip over these people, but what do you buy for them. The following are a few general categories that are appreciated by anyone.

Food

Many people that you need a present for are not close friends. You might not know their personal style or interests, but this doesn't mean you have to skip over them. Food is always a safe option. Consider food gift baskets for neighbors or homemade cookies for your coworkers. Candy and chocolates are also a lovely token of appreciation during the holidays. You will find many boxed sweets available in decorative packaging or collector tins that can become a keepsake.

Candles

A candle is both functional and beautiful. There are several scents and colors to choose from. You will even find layered candles that offer multiple scents in one candle. If you want something truly unique, consider a battery operated candle. They are safe around pets and children, and many include timers.

Christmas Decor

Give Christmas decor to those hard to buy for people on your list. Stick to items that will fit in with a variety of decorating styles. Fresh greens are perfect. A wreath or swag made from fresh cuttings can be used indoors or outside. They have a wonderful scent that immediately reminds one of the holidays, and they are a luxury one doesn't often buy for themselves.

As long as you pick out gifts within these general categories, you will be sure to be purchasing a present that anyone can appreciate. Food is always welcome, and candles will suit a variety of styles and tastes. If all else fails, Christmas decor is a safe option for anyone on your gift list this year.

Top 3 Ways To Make Extra Cash In 2019

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If you are looking to make some extra cash in 2019, here are some great options…

Binary trading - There is only one place to begin, and this is with binary trading. This is a good option for beginners because you maintain a level of control while minimising your risk. A lot of people want to start trading but they feel confused by all of the options. This is why it is wise to sign up to a platform like this whereby you can use trading signals to make more informed decisions.

Matched betting - How to win at betting is something a lot of people ponder, but most seem to come to the conclusion that it is just a matter of luck. They accept that they are simply going to lose some and they are going to win some. However, what if we told you that you could win every time? You stick £100 on a horse! It is the favourite, all pundits have picked it as their tip for the day, and the rest of the field doesn’t seem competitive. What could go wrong? Well, the horse gets boxed in, and there is no room for it to make a run, leaving another horse free to come and take the victory. You are incredibly frustrated, but what could you have done? You just put it down to being unlucky. However, if you had placed a lay bet on a betting exchange, you could have covered all outcomes. What would have been the point in this? You wouldn’t have won or lost anything. Well, if you had used one of the free bet offers that are provided by all bookmakers today, you would have made a profit. This is known as matched betting, and it is a risk-free betting approach that guarantees a profit. This is the only way to make money betting every time. With a bit of time, you can make in excess of a thousand pound. The only trouble is knowing how to source the free bets and what bets to place.

Affiliate marketing - The third and final way to turn a profit this year and make some extra cash is affiliate marketing. This means you will market a product or service on the behalf of another company. Whenever a sale is made through you, you will receive a percentage of the profit. It is wise to choose a product you believe in. This will increase your chances of success because you will be believable. If you already have a blog up and running, this is an excellent platform to help you get exposure to the product and drive sales through your affiliate link.

So there you have it - three great ways to make extra cash in 2019.

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.