The Other Side of the Modern Coin

Today’s world comes with many modern conveniences. We have computers in our pocket that connect us to the world and all its knowledge. We never have to get ourselves through rain, wind or snow to get ourselves a nice film to watch. We can call a taxi from pretty much everywhere we are. We can track our deliveries on our phone. And we have added a new world to our collective dictionaries: binge-watching. Yep, we are living our lives with all the modern conveniences that we wouldn’t believe were possible. But what about some of the adverse effects of all these modern perks? Here are a few of those modern health risks we all face.

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Text Neck

There is such a thing that is called text neck. It’s when continuous looking at your mobile phone and causing a repetitive stress injury and pain in the neck. This is why it’s so important to either hold your phone or tablet a bit higher and make sure your screen at work or home is at eye height and your neck isn’t strained at all. Also, make sure to take plenty of breaks between screen time moments and stretch and walk around!

Air Pollution

One of the biggest worries of living in urban areas is air pollution. Even if you don’t live in a city infamous for smog, there is going to be plenty of pollutants in the air. One of the biggest worries is bronchial diseases. This is the effect caused by excessive pollutants, exposure to metals, and toxic substances to micro-particles in the air. It’s no wonder that in some Asian countries, where air pollution is extreme, people started to wear mouth masks to prevent inhaling too many harmful particles.

Hearing Damage

If you look at the street scene in pretty much any urban environment, you’ll see that most people will be wearing headphones, ranging from small in-ear ones to massive over-the-ear cans. Take that and the ability to stream music over the air, you will understand that people are listening to music more than ever. Especially with listening to music while out and about, people tend to turn up their music a bit too much. The risk of that obviously is damage to your hearing. If you ever heard whooshing, buzzing, and/or ringing sounds when everything is quiet, it could be Tinnitus. Click here to find out more about this condition.

Excessive Screen Time

All this screen time, at work, at home, peering at your screen while traveling to catch one more AR game creature, or just staring at your screen in the dark while you're supposed to be trying to get to sleep, can’t be good for us. Well, it isn’t. There is such a thing as computer vision syndrome (CVS) that causes headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, trouble focusing, sensitivity to light and burning or red eyes.

Today’s modern world comes with joys, but also risks you need to be aware of. As with everything, make sure you do things in moderation, when things start hurting or getting uncomfortable, don’t power through but listen to your body. Enjoy all the modern conveniences, but just remember there will always be new stuff, your body is only a lifetime.

3 Ways To Make Everyday Car Commutes To Work Bearable

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We sleep for 8 hours, we work for 8 hours, so whatever time we have left should be ours and ours only right? Wrong, there’s this little thing called the commute that eats into our personal time. You never know how much it's going to take each day and you don’t know if it's going to be smooth. It can make you drowsy, angry or just plain sad. Stuck in traffic, in a hot stuffy car surrounded by people that are becoming more and more frantic as time goes on. Surely there’s a better way to get to work and back? Well, yes and no because cars are the best way to get to work for most of us but you can plan your commute better and use modern technology to help you.

Don’t dawdle around

Do not make your lunch in the morning. It's one of the biggest time wasters for commuters. Before you’ve even left the house, you’re already behind the clock. You have to make your packed lunch the night before, preferably at the same time you’re making dinner. This has to become a routine. Be strict about this policy, so if you forgot the night before you have to leave without a lunch and just buy one at work. Do not dawdle around the house doing things you should have done before you went to bed, just get going so you can miss the traffic.

Eyes wide open

In the morning we’re all groggy. Our eyes are trying not to obey our commands of fully opening. We’re just waking up our senses and concentrating can be hard. However, if you paid more attention to what’s going on, on the roads you can drastically speed up your commute. When you’re not ‘with it’ in the mornings you can miss simple openings that will help you get ahead. Things like gaps between cars that are moving slow as the drivers in those cars are still waking up too. Get into those gaps so you can inch forward and potentially, miss a red light or two. If you can see ahead of you there is an accident and the road has been cordoned off, you can quickly change course and take a different route without missing a beat.

Traffic watch

Modern technology must become a part of your daily commute and connecticut travel is one of the best examples why. It shows you everything that’s going on way down the line, such as roadworks, traffic jams, incidents, construction, delays and weather alerts too. This is extremely helpful in so many ways. You’re kept up-to-date with moving situations, by receiving information about things going on many miles all around you, being taken by surprise is not something you’ll fall victim to.

The everyday work commute is never fun and pretty nothing will ever make it so. But the least you can do is not lose time before you’ve even left the house. Make a lunch the night before and don’t do so in the morning when you could be on your way.

Top Tips To Help You Look After Your Family's Health

Looking after your family's health can seem tricky at the best of times. It’s near enough impossible to keep your eye on everybody at the same time, so its more beneficial to learn some handy tricks that you can then teach to others to ensure they can care for themselves sufficiently. The responsibilities that you carry as an adult within your household mean that you must put in some effort to make sure you know the difference between right and wrong when it comes to preserving ultimate health amongst your brood, so if you want to know more about what you can do to look after your family's health then read on to find out some of the best top tips you can implement today! 

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Following A Nutritious Diet 

One of the worst things that you can do that will have both short and long term impacts on your families health is to allow them to eat whatever foods they like. Children are drawn to fatty and sugary foods like cakes and crisps yet these provide them with little or no vitamins and minerals at all. Reducing these foods and ensuring instead that they have a positive relationship with fruits and vegetables from a very early stage can help them to avoid this kind of behaviour as much as possible, directing them towards consuming more beneficial meals and snacks as a result. Following a nutritious diet means that your plate is made of 3 main food groups - complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, wholemeal bread or sweet potatoes, lean sources of protein like chicken, eggs or fish, as well as at least 2 portions of your 5-a-day. With fruit and veg offering so many nutrients, its vital that you include these in large amounts to ensure that your family are getting the energy and vitamins they need to perform to their optimum capabilities every single day. Incorporate them into every dish you serve, as research for some handy hacks to help you hide them in meals for picky little eaters. 

Get Health Insurance & Have Regular Check Ups

Having some form of health insurance that covers your family for a host of different ailments and illnesses is so important for both their physical and economic well being. Without this you may end up having to pay extortionate fees to receive the best level of care, and if a sudden accident were to happen then any chance of finding lawsuit funding to resolve the case would disappear in an instant. Many health insurance providers can offer you regular check ups with a general practitioner, which can help to identify and problems you may be experiencing before they get out of hand. Think of your body as a car - you do not wait for the car to sputter and break down on the road before you take it to the garage, you take it for a regular MOT to ensure there are no underlying issues.

Taking care of your family's health has never been so easy!

How to Deal with Menopause Symptoms and Sway Your Way Into Your Elder Years in Style

For any menstruating person, menopause is an unavoidable phase of life that hits them all. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to handling the symptoms, as even those present themselves in a different way according to the individual. 

Menopause is the period of time for where hormone shifts transition women away from their childbearing years. Some women have very few symptoms, but most will have several that will disrupt their everyday lives. Struggles such as hot flushes, weight gain, insomnia and excess hair growth are some of the characteristics that can be challenging for somebody going through the menopause. 

Going through bhrt hormone replacement may be a slight relief for some of the symptoms of menopause- but there are other ways to alleviate the symptoms alone to help for a smoother transition. 

Menopause is a phase of life, however-- not something that should be treated as a disease or medical condition.

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Hot Flushes 

During menopause, your internal thermostat may be a tad out of sync. Many women around this time will find that they have very specific levels of comfort. To avoid the frustration of dealing with hot flushes, try some of these tactics.

• Wear layers- make sure to wear something comfortable when you feel a hot flush coming on 
• Use controlled breathing techniques-slow, deep breathing can shorten the effects of a hot flush. 
• Stay Hydrated- a hot flush= sweat. Drinking water will replenish any water lost through sweat.
• Avoid Spicy Foods- even if you can usually handle the heat- they may trigger a hot flush. Avoid them until the hot flushes subside.

Vaginal Dryness 

Vaginal dryness can be an embarrassing and upsetting problem during menopause. It can be something that can cause sex to be painful and can therefore have a negative impact on relationships. 

• Use Lubricant- As the vaginal wall gets thinner, it is more prone to tearing and damage. Using a water-based lubricant during sex will prevent damage and allow for healthy sexual relationships. 

Memory Problems 

Struggling to remember things can be a nuisance, Some women become alarmed when they realize they have become forgetful. Memory loss is a sign of aging, but there are some things that can be done to minimize the effects. 

• Eat well- Feed your brain with colorful fruits and vegetables filled with antioxidants and vitamins. Avoid memory stealing foods such as alcohol, sugar and caffeine
• Use Strategies for memory- for example using cue words to associate one thing with another such as errands. Leave a pen and paper around to write lists of things you need to do- for example, a shopping list with what groceries are needed. 

Social 

During this transitory period of your life, it is important to not allow isolation to be part of your life. Be kind to yourself by surrounding yourself with those who love you, and use any opportunity possible to make new friends. 

• Join social groups- such as am-dram groups, book clubs, walking clubs. Staying sociable is as essential for good health as eating well and gentle exercise. 

Embrace Fall With These Tips

In recent years, it seems to have become fashionable to love Fall. You only have to log into Instagram to see picture after picture of everyone getting ready for going back to school,  of everyone getting pumpkin spice lattes, crunchy leaves and various other Autumnal aesthetics. Is it a new thing, or was everyone all over the world already in love with the season and can now share it with everyone else via the many social media outlets? Whatever it is, Fall is a big deal now, and when you look out of the window, it is not hard to see why.

This time of year there is usually a slight chill in the air, even on the sunniest of days, but it is not yet so cold that all anyone wants to do is hibernate under a duvet with a hot drink. On clear sunny days, the sky is a bright blue, and when the weather isn't so good, it is a murky and atmospheric grey. Whatever the colour of the sky, the world is lit up with flashes of red, yellow and orange leaves on the trees all over the ground that just beg to run through. It is hard not to feel cheerful when such bright and vibrant colours surround you!

If you need further persuasion or are looking for some fun ways to embrace Fall this year, read on!

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Dig all the Fall flavors

Fall is all about the rich, deep flavours. It is pretty hard to walk down the street without being bombarded with everything pumpkin spice, but it is so much more than that. Spend some time baking a pie - maybe using this apple pie recipe - and eat with thick, warm custard for a warming dessert. Pick up bags of candy corn and enjoy the sweetness or try salted caramel for a luxurious, oozy treat. Another warning winter drink if you want to avoid the cliches is some hot milk with the warming flavour of cinnamon or ginger added - perfect for fighting off germs and colds as well! 

Get out of the house

As we said above, Fall is all about the bright colours and crisp sunshine. Make the most of these by wrapping up warm and going for a long walk in the park - that pumpkin spice latte or hot cocoa will taste even better afterwards. Embrace your inner child and run through the piles of leaves on the sidewalk, or if it's raining, grab your gumboots and umbrella and splash in the puddles. Make the most of it before the long, dark days of winter make an appearance!

Spice up your home

Before we know it, Halloween will be upon us, so start digging out those spiderwebs and ghoulish decorations. If you are not quite ready to go all haunted house just yet, add some autumnal touches with some tastefully painted pumpkins on your porch, or some scented candles dotted on your mantlepiece. On your walk, pick up some pine cones and leave pop them in bowls for a subtle and unique centrepiece.

Snuggle up with a loved one

With the chill in the air and the nights beginning to draw in, Fall is the perfect time to snuggle up and get cosy with a loved one. Whether it's your kids, your husband or even your dog - grab those fluffy blankets, draw the curtains, light the fire, grab some popcorn and chill out in front of a movie. It is all about the Hygge!

Dig out the Autumn clothes

One of the best things about Fall is the fashion. Deep, rich colours such as plum, burgundy and navy start creeping back into the shops and into our wardrobes, along with comfortable boots, fluffy socks and snuggly sweaters. We don't have to worry about shaving our legs or painting our toenails any more - hurrah for that! 

Start a new tradition

We tend to think of Christmas as a time to start new traditions, but there is no reason why you can't begin some in Fall. Maybe you could visit a pumpkin patch with the kids for an annual photoshoot, or spend the day baking cookies. Whatever you choose to do, aim to do it every year and build it into your family traditions. Your kids will love thinking back to it in years to come!

3 Ways To Appear Professional

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There are many good reasons in your professional life why you might want to look as professional as possible, and clearly it is something that is worth looking into and trying to perfect. The truth is that anyone can spend some time looking more professional, and the kinds of results that you are going to get from doing so are well worth the effort it might take. It will help you to feel better in your work, more confident with how you relate to people, and many more things in between, so in the meantime you will definitely want to try and make this a reality. In this post, we’ll take a look at just some of the best ways in which you can hope to appear more professional, so that you can absolutely expect that to happen.

Your Appearance

The first thing that most people will probably feel they need to work on here is their physical appearance. You want to make sure that you look the part, and that means knowing how to dress in the right way for the occasion and make yourself appear presentable in a way which people would appreciate, and which they would think of as being professional. That can take some practice, but it is the kind of thing that you will certainly get better at over time. It can help to look at what other people are wearing and how they present themselves and taking some clues from that - but then it is always worth going your own direction a little if you can. All in all, as long as you look the part, you will seem and feel much more professional, in a way that will really make a difference.

Your Car

Because the manner of your arrival at any meeting is likely to be noticed, and because people will take it as an indicator of who you are and your level of professionalism, this too is something that you will probably want to think about to some degree. That doesn’t mean that you have to have a top of the range vehicle to be taken seriously. But it does mean you should make a point of keeping your car well-kept and ensuring that it does not look dirty or untidy. If you are to have people in your vehicle between meetings, then you will need to focus on the interior too, which could mean installing some of the latest gadgets to look the part - find out more info on that here. As long as it is professional above all else, that is all that matters.

Your Behavior

Finally, it’s always important that you focus well on the way in which you behave, so that you can make sure that you are doing so as professionally as possible. It might be that you need to work on some key elements to your behaviour, or you might just need a general confidence boost before you go into any professional setting. Whatever you think is necessary, make sure that you do whatever you can to bring it about in yourself.

Cutting Back on These Expenses will Make a Huge Difference to your Life

If you want to cut back on your daily expenses, then you have nothing to worry about. It’s easier than ever for you to do that and you’d be surprised at what a difference it could make to your life.

Compare Electricity and Gas Prices

Think about it, are you getting the best deal for your electricity and gas? If you’re not quite sure then you’ll be glad to know that it only takes a couple of minutes for you to compare the best deals and by taking the right steps, you can be sure to save a small fortune.

Cut out Pricey Drinks

If you spend every weekend going out or if you find yourself going overboard when having friends round, then this could be really hitting your budget. One way for you to help yourself here would be for you to put a small portion of your salary aside each month. When you do, you can then use this for any luxuries you might want without cutting into your main budget. Remember that this amount needs to last the full month, so if you go over one week, you’ll need to cut back the next.

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Keep a Change Jar

Believe it or not, having a change jar is one of the best ways for you to save money every month. Simply collect any loose coins that you have around the home or even in the back of the car. When you do this, you’ll easily be able to see how much you’ve saved, and you can also use it towards something special for the family.

Ditch your Overdraft

You might think that your overdraft is handy and that you can easily spend more than you have in the bank. You do however need to take note that if you do go into your overdraft on a regular basis, you’ll be cutting into the amount you have every month, and this can easily impact your budget. One way for you to get around this would be for you to get rid of your overdraft entirely.

Clear Out Anything that is Unwanted

This might not be an expense, but it can make a huge difference to your savings. If you have items that you no longer need then why not think about selling on Ebay? When you do, you’ll be able to make some extra money and you may even find that you are able to clear out your home too. This will also help you to build your savings, which can be the secret to long-term success.

Share your Car Journey

You’ll be wasting so much money if you drive to work every single day. One way for you to avoid this would be for you to see if there is a colleague who lives nearby. Car sharing is becoming bigger than ever before and usually, your colleagues will always be more than happy to contribute to your fuel costs. You can even put up a notice at work to see if there are people in other departments who can ride with you too.

Evaluate your Insurance

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking into travel insurance, health insurance, life insurance or anything else of the sort because you need to do everything you can to make sure that you get the best insurance rates. If you’re able to save a small amount on each policy, then this will really add up. One thing that you do need to be careful of when selecting your insurance is that cheaper is not always better. If saving money is ultimately going to mean that you end up with a worse policy, then you need to weigh up your options.

Change your Mobile Contract

If you have a mobile contract, you will know how expensive they can be. To cut the cost, think about whether you actually need all of those extras or whether it’ll be cheaper for you to get a pay as you go phone in the future. The more you can shop around, the more deals you’ll find so take the time and make sure that you’re willing to compromise if required.

Don’t Take out a Payday Loan

Payday loans can be appealing, but the interest rates are usually extortionate, and you certainly won’t be better off. If you do have a payday loan right now, then you need to do everything you can to pay it off as soon as possible. This will help you to make the most out of your policy and it will also help you to maximize your savings.

How Do You Get Your Finances Back Under Control?

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There's no doubt that money is always going to be a pretty serious part of just about all of our lives. In fact, there's a good chance that that's a pretty severe understatement. The truth is that money is one of those things that is constantly hanging over many of our heads every single day. The hardest thing is that it can often feel as though you don't have any real control over your finances. However, that doesn't need to be the case. With that in mind, here are some things that you can do in order to keep your finances under control.

Cut back on luxuries

One of the simplest things that you can do in order to take back control of your finances is to ensure that you're not wasting money on things that you simply don't need. A lot of people assume that it's the large purchases that drain their finances the most. And sure, that is a factor but it's also the smaller, more frequent purchases that make a big difference. These kinds of things can add up a whole lot more quickly than you might expect and it's the kind of thing that you can go without noticing for entirely too long. Make sure that you're keeping a close eye on any luxury spending, no matter how small it might seem.

Look at the cost of living

The cost of living in the modern era is higher than it's ever been and that means that more and more of us are having to be as careful as possible about how we make the most of our money. You need to make sure that you're not taking any of your general living costs for granted. You should always be looking out for cheaper deals on things like energy bills as well as ensuring that you're not being ripped off by your landlord when it comes to what you're paying every month.

Take control of your debt

Debt can be one of the scariest things in the world. It can feel as though once you're in debt things are never going to get any better. However, that's simply not the case. There are plenty of things that you can do in order to deal with your debts. One of the best things that you can do is to contact someone like https://www.mccarthylawyer.com/. Working with a debt settlement lawyer can help you pull yourself out of that pit when it feels like you can't do it alone. 

In all honesty, the simplest and most effective thing you can do is to set up a strict budget. Keep track of exactly what you're spending. This includes food, fuel, heating, rent, and shopping. Everything that you spend money on needs to go in the budget. It's the best way for you to look at your spending in the cold light of day. Look at your spending and can see places you can afford to cut back. If you can do that, then you'll be able to get your financial situation in order much more quickly than you'd expect.

Scientifically Proven Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself

If you feel as though you just aren’t taking good care of yourself, then now is a better time than ever for you to make that change. To find out more, take a look below.

Get Outside

Ditching the comfort of your home is a fantastic way for you to improve both your physical and mental health. It’s very similar to meditation in the way that it benefits the brain and it can also make you feel way more alive too. One way for you to really help yourself would be for you to explore green spaces, such as parks and gardens. This will satisfy you more and it will also make it much easier for you to reap the benefits. If you want to take things to that next level, then why not try an outdoor workout instead? Research has shown time and time again that being outside can reduce mental tension and it can also help you with depression and anger.

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Pay it Forward

Believe it or not, helping others is the best way for you to try and help yourself. By lending a hand, you can boost your mental health and you can also boost your self-esteem. You never know, by paying it forward, you might also be able to meet some new friends too.

Choose the Right Scents

Aromatherapy is a fantastic way for you to relax and it can also offer you different benefits. If you want to get the biggest benefits, then it may be a good idea for you to focus on citric scents. This can help you to slash stress and it can also boost your memory in some instances. Why not try the benefits out for yourself?

Stop Turning your Music Up

Music can have a profound impact on your mood, but if you listen to music too loud then this could damage your hearing. If you want to find out more about hearing loss then click here. Of course, if you want to benefit then you need to listen to mood-boosting music without having the volume turned up too loud. This will give you the same benefits without harming your health.

Stress Less

Stress is incredibly bad for your health. Research has shown time and time again that the more you stress, the more strain you put on your heart. If you want to de-stress then consider drinking more tea, or even have a nice relaxing bath at the end of each night. This will really help you to keep those feelings at bay and it will also help you to have more energy in the day too.

Meditate

Meditation is proof that it really doesn’t take a lot of time for you to make both your mind and your body feel good. It’s a fantastic way for you to relieve stress and it can also help your emotional stability too. Research has shown that meditation might also be able to keep winter illnesses at bay too, and this is another major bonus that you can certainly take advantage of.

How Expensive Can A New Baby Be?

Babies are expensive, there’s no doubt about that. And the more children you have, the more expensive your childcare costs are going to be - and when a new baby comes along, that’s when the cost of raising a family skyrockets to the moon and beyond. You have less time on your hands, and you definitely have less disposable income; how do you cope? 

The newborn stage, on average, is usually the most expensive time of a child’s life. You have to take care of their every need, after all, and that’s going to cost you quite a bit per week, never mind on a yearly basis. And because of that, let’s examine how expensive a new baby really can be. It’s important to think about in the run-up to extending your family, no matter how exciting the process can otherwise be! 

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The Prep Costs Can Be Huge

There’s going to be a new baby in the house, and that’s something that’s going to cost a lot to even get ready for. You have the nursery to decorate, you’ve got the kitchen to stock, you’ve got the bathroom to make baby-friendly, as well as baby proofing the rest of the house, just in case! On top of that, you’ll have to buy quite a few soft furnishings, as well as self-care items for you and your body, and there’s a good chance you’re going to be off work for a while. How are you going to pay for such an expensive addition to the family? 

Mostly it’s done via saving and budgeting, as well as one partner remaining in their job, whilst the other stays at home. Of course, depending on which one in your relationship has the higher paying the position, either mama or papa could be the one holding the baby! 

The Recurring Costs Can Be Hard to Keep Up With

After the preparation you’re going to have to do, you’re going to need to keep up with the recurring costs as well. And that means things like formula, clothing, cleaning items, as well as diapers and washcloths, and baby-friendly soaps and sponges. Most of all, you’re going to want to buy as cheap as you can, but at the same time, buy durable products that take care of your baby. After all, there’s always a worry that a cheaper brand of something is going to harm your child in some way, shape, or form. 

Of course, budget companies like Depends diapers exist out there, and they have a lot to offer people worried about the cost of their new baby. Especially if you’re a first-time parent, this is definitely a lot more useful than someone who’s been through the experience before! 

A new baby can be very expensive. Indeed, even just delivering a baby in the hospital can cost you upwards of about $10,000 in some areas. You’ll need to budget and prepare, so know the costs ahead of time, and be ready! 

How to Create a Great Family Home

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When you move into a home as a family, it is important that you can create a home that suits the needs and preferences of your family and your lifestyle. When you have children, there are certain elements which you need to consider to build a safe, stress-free and fun environment for all of the family, including areas which are adapted to the desires of each family member. 

Conduct Repairs

Although ensuring that your home's appliances, gadgets, and systems are in working order can often be the least of your priorities, it is vital that you are able to maintain these to ensure that your family is kept safe and happy. If you do not maintain home appliances often, these can break and lead to issues, such as being without vital appliances and services or starting a fire. To maintain your appliances and ensure that repairs are made to your home regularly, you should clean your appliances regularly, research the warning signs of a fault, such as sparks and get an assessment if you believe that there is a fault. You should also try to learn how to do basic DIY so that you can fix items while they are waiting for repair. If you are unable to fix these yourself, you can search for a local "handyman near me”  who can help you to work on odd jobs and fix non-urgent repairs to your home.

Invest in Functional Items

When living in a family home, it is inevitable that your decor and furnishings will be under constant wear and tear from pets, children, and even your partner. To ensure that your furnishings are a worthy investment and that they have the longevity to match their cost, you should try to invest in functional items which are both practical and durable. For instance, when investing in furniture such as sofas, you should try to opt for leather sofas rather than fabric, as these can be easily washed and cleaned of any stains that occur. If you do choose fabric, you should check if this can be easily removed and washed.

Install an Appropriate Amount of Storage

Every family has more possessions than they have space for, and installing an appropriate amount of storage from the start will help you to keep your house organized and tidy. There are many ways that you can add more storage to your home, and this includes options such as under the stairs storage, under the bed storage, and filing cabinets. For children’s rooms, keeping kid’s storage options fun can make them more likely to use them, and there are many exciting options for children such as pocket storage racks and toy boxes. To get your child to use these on a regular basis, you could turn your pocket storage racks into beds for your child’s soft toys, or create another game centered around this storage container.

Consider Extending 

If your family is expanding, or you have realized that there is not enough space for your family within your home, you should consider extending. Although extensions are not cheap, they can create a profit for you in the long term by adding value to your home. There are many different types of extensions that you can opt for to allow your family to have more living space, and one of the most popular options are conservatories. Although these can often be hot in summer. Orangeries are also popular options; similar to conservatories, they provide bright and airy spaces that you can use as living rooms, playrooms and dining rooms, taking advantage of the natural light and the room’s closeness to nature. 

Create a Great Layout 

Creating a great layout for your family home is vital if you want to make your home an enjoyable and relaxing place to be, especially if you have a large family. For instance, you should consider creating separate spaces for both adults and children so that they can each have their own area to perform activities that they enjoy without distraction. While playrooms for children can allow adults to have tidy and quiet living rooms to receive guests in and relax during the evenings, playrooms give your children a creative space that is fully their own. 

Creating the perfect family home can be difficult, especially if you try to make everyone happy. However, through conducting the required repairs and maintenance, and ensuring that you have taken your family’s needs into consideration, it is possible to create a family home that everyone will love. 

Every Day Drivers Waste Money On Cars

How much do you spend on your car? 

According to a study run by Pony Parts, we spend on average $335,080 in our lifetime on our vehicles. To put this figure into context, it’s the equivalent of 10% of our lifetime earnings with a bachelor’s degree. There are only two terrifying facts about this. First of all, not everyone has a bachelor’s degree and can claim the same kind of earnings. What feels like 10% for one household, could be 20%, 30% or even more for another family. Secondly, everybody and their grandma owns a car, which means that even though we are not all on a comfortable salary, we still have to make ends meet for our vehicle. That’s a tremendously big ouch for your budget. 

However, what’s even more worrying about our car expenses and budget, is how much many of us overspend without even noticing. Indeed, there is no need to make car ownership more difficult when you can keep your costs down and your car on the road. Here are a few tips to spend less than 10% of your lifetime earnings on your vehicle: 

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Your priority: Finding the right vehicle for you

There is such a thing as the right vehicle for you. Typically, if you’re going to save money on the purchase of your car, it’s a good idea to consider used models that have still plenty of life in them and a budget-friendly price tag. Indeed, if you consider depreciation, new cars lose most of their value during the first couple of years. Buying a second-hand vehicle ensures the best value for the price as long as you know how to choose the right car. Your budget plays a significant role in your decision. However, you need to also consider car dealership practices vs. private sellers’. You’re more likely to get a better deal via a trustworthy professional who can offer protection and repair in case of problems. Another factor that affects the purchase is how long you intend to keep the car before getting rid of it. Anything that doesn’t meet your criteria is a waste of money! 

Investing in maintenance saves you a lot of troubles

Does it need saying? Your car requires regular maintenance, even when everything seems to be running smoothly. The best time to maintain your vehicle and let professionals perform all the common automotive services from oil changes to basic repairs is when you don’t have any complaints. Indeed, fixing small issues before they have the potential to grow is the safest way to avoid dramatic expenses in the future. 

Modifying your vehicle is a bad idea

If you think about it, your car serves one clear purpose, which is to take you from A to B. It is a commuting machine that gets you to work every day, drives the kids to school and helps you to bring your groceries back home. As such, it’s a tool that makes your life easier. Your car doesn’t need to be modified to fulfill its primary functions. Modifying your car is a popular trend when it comes to injecting some personality to the model, but at the end of the day, it’s a waste of money.  Indeed, you’re likely to struggle to get a profitable resale value with a modified vehicle. Most buyers prefer stock models. Additionally, your insurance costs are likely to go through the roof! 

Getting your hands dirty

How many drivers can roll up their sleeves and fix their cars? There are a lot of things that, as a car owner, you can learn how to do to maintain your vehicle and cut costs. Something as simple as changing your brake pads yourself can be done in a matter of a few hours on your drive if you’ve got the right tools. More importantly, as you learn to change your brakes, your wheels, or even your oil, you develop a deeper understanding of mechanics. In the long term, fixing your car yourself makes you a better driver and enhances your awareness of issues. You can get things fixed more rapidly as you can easily explain where the problem lies. 

Waxing is not just for the looks

Everybody washes their car. Waxing it, however, is not as common. As a car owner, you need to wax the body regularly as it provides protection against the elements. Indeed, your car is constantly exposed to sunlight, oxidation, salt, and maybe even acid rain. A coat of wax, however, can act as a shield that preserves your paint and protects the body from rust. 

In conclusion, if you’ve been looking at cutting down costs on your vehicle, be warned that it takes more than reducing your insurance cover. In fact, you’d be better off maintaining the same cover while learning how to prolong your vehicle’s life. 

Homemade Self Care Products You Can Make This Weekend

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In the pursuit of youth, beauty, and natural health -  we are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to stay healthy without all of the chemicals. 

If you are looking to ditch the commercially chemical packed products this year, and head for a natural self-care routine, this post is ideal for you. Whether you are on the lookout for sulphate free shampoo,soap free body wash , or salt-free shower gel, today we have some simple recipes which are guaranteed to simplify your beauty routine once and for all. Here are our top recipes for self-care products at home this year. 

Soap

Soap is the most basic self-care product and is the most commonly used cleaning product by all. Soap is often laden with chemicals such and Sodium Laureth Sulphate which causes soap to produce suds and bubbles. However, this recipe is simple and easy to make and will leave you squeaky clean every time! 

You’ll need: 

• 1lb glycerine soap base

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp goat’s milk 

• Coconut oil for greasing

Melt the glycerine soap base in a bowl above a pan of boiling water. Once melted, add honey and goat’s milk and stir to combine. Grease silicone molds (any shape you like) with coconut oil, and then pour the mixture into the molds. Allow to set at room temperature or in the fridge, and enjoy it when you next take a shower!

Dry Shampoo

When out and about, dry shampoo can be a lifesaver, and when you have forgotten to wash your hair this handy little spray or powder can be used to absorb the grease and oil in your hair to make it appear clean until you are able to wash it. Dry shampoo is a great little product and it is something that can be made easily at home. 

You’ll need:

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp cornflour

Mix both ingredients in a bowl, and then sprinkle onto the roots of your hair to absorb moisture and make your hair feel revitalized. 

Shampoo

Shampoo is used to wash hair, and unfortunately a lot of the time it can contain a lot of harsh chemicals. Rather than use shampoo which can cause residue build-up on your scalp, there are some simple home recipes that will allow you to wash your hair naturally. The recipe we want to share with you is not only simple, but it will smell amazing and make your hair smell stunning. 

You’ll need:

• 8oz water

• 2 tsp dried rose petals

• 3oz castile soap

• 3tbsp aloe vera gel

• 1tsp jojoba oil

Add dried petals to boiling water and leave to soak for 30 minutes, then drain liquid into a bottle. Add castile soap, aloe vera gel, and jojoba oil and shake. Use to make your hair silky and shiny. 

These simple self-care products should make your life much easier and allow you to save money and stay clean without the chemicals. 

Why Dog Owners Are Happier People

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If you’ve never welcomed a little puppy into your home, you have no comprehension of the joy this little four legged creature can bring into someone’s life. Unlike a cat, a dog will cling to you like glue. They will imprint on every member of the family and become one of the pack. They adore being loved and showing love. Dog owners are happier than non-dog owners because they experience unconditional love from their pooch. But dogs give us so much more than just puppy mutt eyes and a cute little face. Dogs really are a man’s (and woman’s) best friend.

Read on to find out why.

Emotional Intelligence

Dogs have a tendency to read the emotions of their owners. It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy the company of an intelligent breed like a border collie or one renowned for its lack of obedience like a beagle, the chances are your pooch will read you like a book. When you are feeling alert and happy, they’ll bring their favorite toy to you so that you can play. However, if you are a little under the weather or you are feeling a little low, you mutt will snuggle close to you, sit on your lap or curl up at your feet. They know when you need company, a little extra love, and support, and this is their way of providing it. It is this emotional intelligence that forms the great bond between dog and human.

They Want To Please

A dog loves nothing more than hearing the famous two words, ‘Good boy,’ or ‘Good girl.’ It is these two simple words of praise that your canine buddy lives for. They are eager to please us and know their place within the pack. They want to be obedient and are keen to show just how agile, playful and trainable they are. If you find yourself with a pocketful of chicken breast, your mutt will sit, play dead or give paw for the treats they can smell on you. Your pooch will be keen to behave around visitors and will be great company on road trips, outings and walks down to the park.

Walking your dog can provide you with ample opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and get out into the great outdoors and exercise. This can help lift your mood, boost your dopamine levels and leave you feeling less stressed and with lower blood pressure.

Dogs Become Family

While you might welcome a puppy into your life expecting them to be nothing more than a pet, you will be surprised at just how much of an integral part of your family they become. Before you know it, you’ll be commissioning some custom pet pop art to put on your family photo wall, you’ll be making bespoke Christmas cards with your mutt on the front, and you’ll be considering where to go on your vacation taking into account your dog’s wants and needs from a trip. Dogs become one of the family very quickly. Having a puppy really is like having a newborn baby. They need love, feeding and sometimes even rocking to sleep.

If you want to become happier, you can do worse than buying a dog!

5 Diabetic Friendly Food That Provide Relief From Stress And Anxiety

I have been living with Diabetes for decades and it is not a pleasant experience. Fluctuating blood sugar levels, pricking your finger several times a day, insulin shots and pills, pills and more pills add to my anxiety that this chronic illness is here to stay.

Managing my blood glucose level is already as task in itself, but once anxiety sets in, then it is a whole different story. When I have those days, I don't want to get out of bed. I have all sorts of pain, I feel lethargic and my mind is in a blur. I can't work or function normally. Thankfully, I am able to snap myself out of the rut with the help of adding certain foods in my daily diet. These foods have a low glycemic index (GI) which means it would not cause a spike in my blood sugar levels. It is also known that eating food with low GI can reduce the risk of depression.

Here is my list of 5 foods that help ease my stress and anxiety. The best part? They are are diabetic-friendly too.

Brown Rice (GI = 50)

Brown rice is whole grain rice meaning it contains more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than white rice. Brown rice has a high vitamin B content, which is essential in the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin which regulates our mood. 

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Eggs (GI = 0)

Eggs are inexpensive, filling and has no carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of protein because it provides the essential amino acids in the right amounts. It is also packed with vitamins A, and D, and B-complex vitamins that helps keep blood and nerve cells  healthy.  One egg provides us with important antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin for eye health.  Other minerals found in eggs are Calcium, Selenium, Zinc, Iodine, Phosphorus and Choline.

A study on the effect of Vitamin D on depression and anxiety in women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus showed some improvement in the respondents' mental state, however more clinical trials are needed to establish its use in clinical practice. 

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Cashews (GI = 25)

Cashews are not only a delicious snack, but it also provides us with a significant amount of magnesium in our diet. In fact, a 100 gram serving can give us 73% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Magnesium restricts the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. It also acts as a barrier preventing this stress hormone from entering the brain. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer, so it helps reduce irritability, restlessness and fear.

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Black Beans (GI = 30)

Black beans, as well as other beans are great sources of protein. The health benefits of including black beans in our diet are improvement in cardiovascular health, regulating blood sugar levels, reducing cancer risk, improving digestion and boosting the functions of the nervous system. 

Black beans contain molybdenum, which help break down sulfites in highly processed food. Another important nutrient in black beans is its Vitamin B9  (Folate) content. Folate, or Folic Acid is needed to maintain a healthy nervous system. Deficiency of this vitamin may increase risk of developing clinical depression. For people already suffering from chronic illness, developing clinical depression and mental/cognitive impairment should be avoided at all costs. 

Photo By Sanjay Acharya - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5744293

Avocados (GI = less than 15)

This superfood is packed with healthy fats, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.It is naturally sodium free, sugar and cholesterol free. Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids, the good kind of fat, which ensures heart health, and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E. 

Avocados contain B-complex vitamins and magnesium. As previously mentioned, B-complex vitamins help in the production of mood-regulating hormones, dopamine and serotonin, while magnesium acts as a barrier to restrict the release of cortisol into the brain. 

There are natural ways to relieve stress and anxiety, and that is eating food that are rich in nutrients that promote a healthy nervous system. Start adding these 5 kinds of food to your diet now and let its nutrients nourish you back to a healthier, happier you!

How To Prepare for Car Accidents Before They Occur

Accidents can be part of life, and are often things that are considered inevitable. If you are someone that drives every day, then it doesn’t put you at risk. Plus, we will see and hear about car accidents on the news each day. You are no doubt aware of some of the risks that come from driving, but until one happens to you, then it is hard to really know the impact that it can have. So with all of that in mind, here are some of the ways that you can help to prepare for car accidents, all before they even happen. 

The things to do are things that are clear and pretty obvious, but they can tend to be something that we start to ignore when we have been driving for a long time. But if you aren’t paying close attention, then you might find yourself in need of a car accident attorney. So next time you get behind the wheel, make sure that these things come into your head, so that you can follow them and be the safest and most courteous driver that you can be. 

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Check your car before you drive

When you are learning to drive, then it can be one of the things that is going to be drilled into your head; check the car properly before you drive. But checking out the car first before you start to drive, is something that is really important. It might feel like you’re being super cautious, but your safety, and of those people around you, really is something to think about and consider. So make it a habit of checking for things like leaks, lights that are no longer working, and anything else that doesn’t look quite right. You should also check something like the rear view mirror to make sure that visibility is clear, as well as things like the wipers working well. 

Keep it slow

If you are someone who manages to make it to your final destination just in time, or even a little late. But that is only going to be a good thing if you have arrived there safely. It is so important to drive slowly, or basically just keeping to the speed limit, because after all, they are there for a reason. Of course, being someone who drives slowly doesn’t mean that you will be kept away from car accidents, but it will mean that you have plenty of time to react to different things, which could cause a potential accident. You are going to be much more in control of your car when your car is being driven slowly, rather than when you are storming through the roads. Plus, the severity of having an accident is going to be much less when there is a slow car, compared to a car going quickly. 

Keep both hands on the wheel

It is going to seem a little old-school, but having both of your hands on the wheel are going to help immensely when you are driving. Believe it or not, both hands are actually meant to be on the steering wheel. When you drive, the thing you should be focused on is the driving; there doesn’t need to be any other tasks that occupy you. Looking ‘cool’ with just one hand on the wheel isn’t something that should compromise your safety. It will give you much more control and help you to reduce the chance of being in an accident when you’re not in control of the wheel.

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No distractions

Driving is something that is enjoyable and fun. But there are some distractions that can really kill all of the fun. Things like calls and text messages can wait until you are at your destination. Updating your social media is not something that is needed when driving; a tweet can wait. If you need to make a call or get in contact with someone quite urgently, then it is a good idea to pull over, or just wait until later. People can always leave a voicemail if needed. 

It is important to remember that distractions can be outside the car too, not just things that are inside. There might be some things that catch your eye on the road, as well as things like the weather being a distraction. Putting sunglasses on when the weather is sunny, is naturally something that can be needed when the sun shines, but that can be a distraction as it can be hard to do one-handed when you’re driving. The focus when you are in the car should be on driving the car. Eating can be something that can be a distraction too; if you’ve ever opened a bag of chips when driving then you will know can be a dangerous distraction. 

Drinking and driving don’t go together

This could definitely be something that could have been classed as a distraction, but because of the impact it can have, it does need its own section. Drinking is a massive no if you are thinking of getting behind the wheel after. There are many accidents that are caused by drinking and driving, and the consequences can be pretty terrible. When you have been drinking you will lose control of your senses, especially with a large reduction in reaction time. So you really are putting yourself in danger, as well as the other people out on the road, so there really needs to be a blanket ban on it. Call a taxi if you end up drinking when you didn’t plan on it, and then you can collect your car the next day when you’re rested and it is all out of your system. Your life is so precious and losing it over driving after drinking would be something that would massively disrespect it.

One of the final things to do is to make sure that you have your phone charged, and have a list of numbers that you can call in case of an emergency (once you have been pulled over, of course).