Does Looking At A Screen All Day Actually Damage Your Eyesight?

Pixabay - CC0 License

Looking at a computer all day long is an unfortunate reality of modern life for many of us. We have to sit motionless looking at an LED-backlit screen all day long if we want to earn our keep. It's the way of the world. 

The majority of us are willing to make the sacrifice if it means that we can take care of ourselves and our families. But the calculation changes dramatically when you include health considerations. Is it still worth staring at a screen if it hurts your eyesight? Maybe not. 

Does Screen Time Damage Your Eyesight? 

So, is looking at a screen from 9 am to 5 pm every day a good idea? Does it lead to long-term eye damage? 

To the surprise of many, the answer appears to be "no." Looking at a screen does not increase your chances of developing sight loss or damage your vision so that you need progressive lenses. In other words, it doesn't lead to fundamental changes in the eye that you can't reverse. It isn't permanent. 

That's not to say, however, that looking at a screen never causes any issues - it does. 

The human eye evolved in an environment in which people would have mainly focused on objects in the distance. Rarely would a person sit down and just stare at a rock or a tree for eight hours per day, so the eye never had to evolve to perform this function. 

In the last twenty-five years, though, we've seen a shift. Now more than ever before, people need to stay in one place and look at one thing, and it is causing problems. 

Eye dryness is the most common complaint of people who stare at their computers all day long. Researchers think that the reason for this comes down to the fact that people blink less when they look at computer screens. Less blinking reduces the amount of tear fluid sitting on the surface of the eye, making it feel dryer than it should. 

The next most common issue is eye strain. Remember we said that the human eye evolved in an environment where it was focusing on distant objects more than those up close? Well, this can lead to eye strain. The muscles that make the eye focus on near-field objects aren't designed to do so for hour after hour every day of the week. Eventually, they become fatigued, and this can cause eye strain - an uncomfortable muscular condition of the eye. 

How To Deal With Eye Strain

Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to combat eye strain and dry eyes. Take a look at them below.  

• Try placing a matte filter over the front of your screen as this will reduce reflections from sunlight coming in through the window
• Take a break for five minutes every hour or so and stare out of the window. If you can touch type, close your eyes as much as possible while working. 
• Keep some eye drops on your desk, just in case your eyes start to feel itchy. 

Child Support Payments: Dead Broke vs. Deadbeat

Leaving an unhealthy relationship is part of life, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with prioritizing your health, happiness, and future by way of obtaining a Michigan divorce. But leaving your spouse does not mean your responsibilities to your family are over. Child support is a state-mandated requirement that’s based on a number of criteria, including current and expected income. According to the U.S. Census, there are over $10 billion in unpaid child support payments, and that number is growing annually. Of course, there’s a huge difference between being a deadbeat parent and just dead broke. But what’s the difference and how can a divorce lawyer help you get the support you need?

What Is a Deadbeat Parent?

“Deadbeat” is a derogatory slang term used to describe the ever-present and continually growing phenomena of biological or legal parents who fail to fulfill their financial responsibilities to their children. In many cases, a parent isn’t truly considered “deadbeat” by non-legal sources until their actions become habitual and practically expected by the other parent and the kids. A deadbeat parent is considered by social standards to be an inexcusable individual, often a narcissist or manipulator, who puts themselves ahead of anyone else, including their children. However, in many cases, these assumed “deadbeats” are honestly just “deadbroke”.

How Does Child Support Work in Michigan?

Child support is a legal decision that is mandated upon the finalization of your Michigan divorce. The State of Michigan uses a child support formula to determine the proper amount required to pay monthly by the non-custodial parent. Modifications and amendments can be requested and made through your Michigan divorce attorney during the divorce process. However, once the court makes the final judgment, failure to comply may result in felony charges.

Why Do Parents Fail to Pay Child Support?

Good parents want the best for their kids and attempt to prioritize their children however they can. But life happens and sometimes tough decisions need to be made. Between 1993 and 2015, payment trends have stayed pretty consistent: approximately 44% of custodial parents receive the full amount of child support due while almost 31% receive no support whatsoever. Those two trends have risen slightly over the years while partial payment trends have nosedived from nearly 40% to 25%. But why do parents refuse to pay the support their kids need and deserve?

The majority, between 37 and 39% of struggling non-custodial parents, either feel no need to go to court, they pay or provides what they can, or they simply can’t afford to pay anything at all. Sometimes it’s a pride issue as 21-24% of custodial parents either don’t want to contact the other parent, they’re unable to locate the parent, or they simply refuse to ask for or accept help. Only 1% of parents either have shared custody or can afford to raise their children on their own. In most cases, these statistics focus on financially unstable parental situations and those without a legal and binding custodial arrangement.

What Can Be Done to Get the Support Your Children Need?

Relying on promises and personal agreements to make things “easier” on either parent is more likely to cause future headaches and heartaches then get you the help you need to raise your kids. Your kids must be prioritized after your divorce is finalized, and the only way to get consistent and legal child custody payments is to get a legal child support order. A divorce attorney can handle all your concerns and assist with a reasonable payment arrangement to ensure it’s fair and workable all around. If you’ve put off making payments or applying for custody payments, a Michigan divorce attorney may still be able to help. Give us a call to see what can be done.

Running Out Of Things To Do In This Cold Weather?

Pixabay License. Free For Commercial Use. No attribution required.

Sunbathing and water sports may be out of the question for the months ahead, but this does not mean that there is not plenty to enjoy during the cold months. Read on to discover five of the top things to do in the city throughout the months ahead…

1. Pamper yourself at a spa – What better way to relax than by taking a trip to a spa and enjoying one of the many treatments that are on offer? From massages to facials, this is the best way to unwind and be pampered whilst it’s cold outside. There are lots of new and exciting facials as well for you to try, such as microneedling. Why not opt for a hot stone massage or enjoy a sauna or steam room? 

2. Sip hot chocolate – Winter is always a popular season amongst chocolate lovers, as it gives them plenty of opportunities to indulge in a hot chocolate drink. There’s also delicious food to eat in winter, such as soup, red meat, stews and such like. But, if you are looking for something to do with your friends, why not meet up for a hot chocolate?

3. Ice skate – If you really want to make the most of winter then you should definitely try a bit of ice skating. Of course, this is an activity you can enjoy all year round at the indoor ice rinks. However, when the colder months are upon us there are lots of outdoor places that set up ice rinks for people to enjoy. This takes the fun to an entirely new level. There are various places for you to try this activity, depending on where you live.

4. Shop until you drop! – A lot of people can feel a bit depressed and gloomy at this time of year. If you are someone who enjoys a good bit of retail therapy, now is the perfect time for you to indulge and treat yourself. So, why not go on a shopping trip at your local mall?

5. Spoil yourself with sweets – If there is one thing we enjoy during the winter period it is eating. It is the season when eating more than usual is certainly acceptable. After all, we need more food when it is cold, right? There are lots of fantastic restaurants that have been set up in recent years that focus on sweet treats and desserts specifically. Why not meet one of your friends and one of these places and enjoy some delicious snacks?

Hopefully, you now feel like you have some good suggestions that can help to cure your boredom during the colder months. While we may not be able to go outside and bask in the sunshine at the moment, we can enjoy ourselves by pampering ourselves or heading to the local ice skating rink! Don’t sit inside this weekend and feel down; get out and do something fun. 

How To Keep Your Kids Happy, Healthy & Safe

Pexels

As a parent, you want what’s best for your kids and to keep them out of harm’s way. It’s your responsibility to ensure they are nurtured and well taken care of while under your roof.

There are ways for how you can make sure they’re not only happy and healthy but also safe. Be an involved and active parent so that you can build a stronger bond with your children and protect them as they grow and explore. Try your best but also don’t be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes. Instead, use these moments as learning opportunities to do better the next time around.

Wear Your Seatbelts

You can keep your kids healthy and safe by requiring them to wear their seat belts. Model good behavior by doing so yourself and reminding them to wear it each time they enter the car. If an accident should occur, then they’ll be more likely not to get injured. However, misfortunes happen, and you may find yourself in an impactful car crash. If your child ends up in the hospital with severe head injuries, then find a lawyer who specializes in traumatic brain injury law and can assist you with your case.

Know Their Whereabouts

Another opportunity to keep your kids happy, healthy, and safe is always to know their whereabouts and when you can expect them home. Make sure you have them check in with you frequently when they’re out and about and get to know their friends. If they’re old enough, you may want to equip them with a cell phone so that they can call or text you in case of an emergency. Remind yourself that keeping tabs on your kids isn’t being nosy; it’s you being a good and responsible parent.

Maintain A Clean & Organized Home

Having a clean home will not only make you happier, but your kids will enjoy it more as well. You can keep them healthy and safe by removing any dirt and grime frequently and decluttering your rooms and closets. You want to avoid having belongings out in the open that are a tripping hazard or that your kids can get into and hurt themselves. Assign each member of the family tasks so that you don’t have to do all the work yourself and you can teach them some responsibility at the same time.

Have Conversations with Them

Directly talking to your kids more can help you to ensure they’re happy, healthy and safe. Open up with them and ask questions so that you can better understand their perspective and what’s going on in their lives. You can also use these discussions as a chance to teach them new information and healthy habits. For example, explain to them the importance of getting decent grades, cleaning up after themselves, and treating others with respect. You have a lot more experience and knowledge as the parent, so don’t be afraid to share your viewpoints and perspectives with them and see what they have to say. 

Do You Know How To Handle The Things Life Throws At You?

Source

It would be nice to say that it's easy to go through life without any nasty surprises coming up. As though you could spend every day knowing exactly what's coming. Of course, just about everyone knows that this simply isn't the case. The reality is that life is always going to throw things at you that you're not expecting and that's just something that you're going to have to come to terms with. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't things that you can do to make facing those surprises a little bit easier. With that in mind, here are some ways to better handle those things that life throws at you.

Be prepared

If you want to avoid life throwing you for a loop then one of the best things that you can do is to make sure that you're prepared for anything that might happen. One of the simplest ways to do this is to make sure that you have money put away in a savings account in case something happens that requires you to spend money. That way you don't end up in any financial trouble. The same goes for things like keeping your resume up to date. Losing your job suddenly can be really shocking but a fully up to date resume makes it much easier to hit the ground running and find something new right away.

Get the right help

One of the hardest things, when you find yourself at the mercy of one of life's nasty surprises, is the sense that you're having to deal with it all on your own. However, that's not the case. It's always a good idea to know who you can reach out to if something happens, whether that's a financial advisor or a personal injury lawyer. Having someone in your corner can make even the most difficult and stressful situation just a little bit easier to deal with.

Learn to roll with the punches

No matter how well prepared you might be, things are always going to take you by surprise. Whether it's getting a bunch of tasks you weren't expecting at work or our life taking a direction you never could have been ready for, if you really want to avoid letting these things derail you entirely, you've got to be willing to be flexible. Learning to roll with the punches is one of the best things that you could possibly do in order to handle anything life could throw at you.

The reality of living in the modern world is that none of us are ever going to be fully prepared for the things that might happen. That might seem like a pretty scary prospect but you shouldn't spend all of your time thinking about what could be or what might be. At the end of the day, all you can do is live your life and focus on what's right in front of you. After all, that's all you really have control over when it all comes down to it.

What To Do If Your Home Gets Flooded

Image Credit Pixabay.com License CC0

If your home gets flooded, either due to excessive rain, a river nearby bursting its banks, or through a plumbing problem, it can be catastrophic. The damage that water can do to your property and all of your possessions is significant. Dealing with the aftermath of a flood can be upsetting, and stressful. There is a lot of work that you will need to carry out, and it is important that you do everything that you can. 

What To Do Immediately During The Flood

Your first priority is to your safety. If it is unsafe in your home, or if the emergency services have told you to evacuate, then you need to leave your home as it is and come back to it whenever you can. Your life is more important than your possessions. 

Once you are able to enter your property again, you should take photographs of as much of the damage as possible for your insurer. Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can. You may be covered for support in getting your house cleaned up, but at the very least, they need to know about a potential claim as soon after the flood as possible. 

If you are able to, hire a professional company such as Service Restore to help you to get the home cleaned. 

Removing The Water From Your Home

Your first priority is going to be to clear the water out of your home. You can do this using a combination of buckets and a wet-dry vacuum. If you don’t have a wet-dry vacuum, you can try and borrow or hire one. 

It may be possible to push some of the water out from your home, assuming you have somewhere outside where it can easily flow to. 

For any residual water remaining on the floor, you can mop this up. Use towels as much as possible, but ensure they are constantly being rung out. You will be left with a damp home. 

Airing Your Home

It is important that as soon as the water has been removed, that you air your home immediately. Open windows and hire dehumidifiers. If you have fans or air conditioning units, use these to circulate the air. 

If damp is allowed to remain anywhere in your home it will quickly turn to mold. 

Assessing The Damage

Following on from a flood, your home may have sustained damage. Flood water may contain sewage and there are some severe health implications relating to some forms of flooding. You need to get your property professionally checked out by an expert recovery team.

You may have serious safety problems if water has got into your electrical wiring. Where water has soaked into flame retardant wall panels, it may be compromised. If water has got under flooring, then there is of mold developing under the tiles. All of these could be major problems that could cost a considerable amount to repair. A professional assessor will be able to advise on the full course of action that will be required. 

Why Do I Feel So Tired All The Time?

Do you feel like you’re always on the verge of going back to bed for a nap? Feel like you have no energy to do the things you want or need to do? There are a lot of reasons you might be feeling fatigued, and some of them might need some serious attention, so here are a few issues to take a closer look at.

Link - Pixabay License

You’re not getting enough sleep

It might seem like the most obvious answer, but if you’re having trouble getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep on a regular basis, it will naturally impact your energy levels. Try to maintain a sleep routine that stays consistent and avoid naps that tend to interrupt your regular sleeping habits. Similarly, make sure you make your bedroom the best environment for sleep, possible, maintaining the temperature, cleanliness, and noise as best as possible.

You need to diet and exercise

Alongside sleep, how you eat and how sedentary your lifestyle is can impact your metabolism greatly. If you don’t get the energy you need and condition your body into burning it efficiently, you can end up feeling a lot more lethargic. Eating the right amount of calories for your body, and creating a balanced diet is essential, as is working to get a little bit more active with every day.

Your mental health may be affecting you

Stress is commonly known to cause tiredness because of the impact it can have on our sleep. When we are stressed, we find it harder to go to sleep, which then leads to us feeling tired. If you’re suffering from depression, however, you may not have any problems sleeping, but you might feel constantly low energy. This may be in part related to changes in diet and stress commonly associated with depression.

Anemia

One of the most common medical reasons for feeling tired all the time is that you are anemic: you don’t have enough iron. Anemia, or iron deficiency, is more common in women who are pregnant or experience heavy menstruation, as well those who have stomach ulcers, or those who regularly used NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin. A simple blood test from the doctor can pinpoint anemia, and treating it is as simple as taking supplements and making dietary changes in the long term.

Other medical symptoms

If you get enough sleep, eat and work out well, and don’t have any of the symptoms of mental health issues or anemia, it’s important to go to the doctor. There is a wide range of medical causes of fatigue and lethargy, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems, diabetes, restless leg syndrome, and more. Simply put, to narrow it down to any of these, you’re going to need a professional medical opinion.

Tiredness doesn’t have to mean anything more than you need to have a good night’s sleep. However, if that doesn’t fit the problem, it may be time to start looking at lifestyle improvements such as exercise and better dietary habits, as well as to consult your doctor.

How To Care For Your Winter Boots To Make Them Last Longer

Image credit

When it comes to purchasing a good pair of boots you will wear for winter, there are a few factors to consider and these would be the choice of material, style, and insulation. 

Boots primarily used for outdoor activities should be insulated, with sturdy construction and if possible, made of materials that would keep moisture out. However, we have no command over the weather and a sunny day in the winter can suddenly turn into a day with freezing rain and leave you and your boots soaking wet. This can happen to anyone, so how can you dry your boots? Here are some effective ways to get the moisture out of your beloved boots.

1. Thoroughly dry the exterior of the boots using paper towels or rags. Pat dry instead of rubbing. This method would absorb the moisture better. Then stuff the interior of the boots with crumpled pieces of old newspaper. However, you will have to replace the crumpled paper every two to three hours or so.

2. Place your wet boots in an area in the house where it gets good air circulation. Do not leave them out in the garage. The moisture in your boots can freeze and cause more damage. 

3. Do not subject your wet boots to a high heat source. It is tempting to use a hair dryer to do the job quick but this would do more harm than good, especially if you are dealing with leather boots. 

4. A more efficient and convenient way to dry your boots is to purchase a boot dryer. Cozy Winters has a wide selection of boot dryers and other top of the line products to provide your family (and pets!) cozy winters! (no pun intended). Boot dryers work by providing a gentle heat source to dry the inside of the boots. Cozy Winters boot dryers have different models from different suppliers, all tried and tested for quality and performance. These portable machines not only dry your boots, but they also provide a UV light that kills bacteria. We all know that bacteria thrives in high moisture areas and you don't want that, right? Check them out and choose which ones would work best for you and your family. 

These are just 4 simple ways to care for your winter boots to make them last longer. Don't let the weather and wet boots stop you from having fun!

5 Important Things To Consider If You Find Yourself In A Car Accident

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay 

If you’re worried about what you would do if you were to have a car accident then don’t worry, you have definitely come to the right place. Although the chances of getting into a car accident are low, you need to ensure you’re as prepared as you can be should the situation arise. Whilst it may be overwhelming and stressful, there are lots of things you can do to make the situation a little easier. From remaining calm to calling for help, the more you’re doing the better. With that in mind, here are 5 things to consider if you find yourself in a car accident:

Are You Remaining Calm?

One of the most important things you can do if you find yourself in an accident is to remain calm. Although the situation is incredibly stressful and overwhelming, staying calm will help to ensure you’re approaching the situation as rationally as you possibly can. If there are others in the car with you, you need to ensure you’re also helping them to stay calm. For tips and tricks when it comes to staying calm in an emergency situation, you can visit this site here.

Have You Called For Help? 

Once you have calmly assessed the situation, you need to call the right people for help. Whether that means calling your friends and family or calling the emergency services, getting help should be your main priority. If you don’t have your phone on your or you’re struggling to connect, you may need to attract someone’s attention in order to ask for their help. Chances are if you’ve been in an accident, there will be people who stop and offer to help regardless.

Are You Hurt Or Do You Need To Seek Medical Attention?

If you or anyone in your car is hurt, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you’re seriously injured or someone needs attention right alway, calling an ambulance should be one of the first things you do. If you’re feeling sore as a result of your accident, you may be able to wait a couple of days before booking an appointment. At the end of the day, you need to do what’s right for you.

Do You Need A Replacement Car?

Another important thing to consider is whether or not you’re going to need a replacement car. Depending on the damage that you have done to your car, chances are you’re going to need to use a loan car for a couple of weeks. If you’re looking for a loan car you can use after your accident, you may want to consider contacting not my fault car hire.

Will You Be Claiming On Your Insurance? 

Finally, you may also want to consider if you’re going to be claiming on your car insurance. Although there are certain cases where you’re not going to be able to make a claim, it’s always worth contacting them to find out exactly what you’re entitled to. For a guide to claiming on your car insurance, you can visit this site here.

Are you worried about being in a car accident? What can you do following an accident to ensure you're approaching things as calmly as you possibly can? Did we miss anything off the list? Let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.

Spring 2020 Makeup Trends You Should Know About

Photo by kinkate from Pexels

Throughout the various seasons, you might see different makeup trends. But what you’d wear around Christmas might vary hugely to what you wear in spring. 

This spring, there is an array of fabulous makeup trends that you should know about. A new era of makeup, these bold looks will certainly stand out from the crowd:

1. The Bright Lip

This year, the bold lip is making a comeback. From bright reds to light pinks, there are plenty of vibrant shades out there for you to choose from. Whether you opt for a matte lipstick or a traditional satin finish, you’ll look and feel fabulous the moment that you step out of the house. 

With hundreds of different brands to choose from, you’ll be able to find a bold lipstick that fits your style and your price point. 

2. The Red Smokey Eye 

Ok, so everyone knows about the power of the grey or black smokey eye. So if you’re looking for something a little different this spring, opt for the red smokey eye. 

A trend that’s rapidly on the rise, it looks wonderful no matter what your eye colour. If red isn’t your favourite choice, you could alternatively opt for navy blue, a light brown or a forest green (for those who really want to push the boat out). 

3. The Floating Eyeliner

Another prominent makeup trend that’s sweeping the catwalks and Instagram is floating eyeliner. Many people might not be brave enough to do this look as it is quite extreme, but it’s very fashionable. 

A fun new thing to try, you could do it with black eyeliner or try out a bolder, neon colour. You could also do it in a more unique shape, like a cloud, angel wings or a dramatic cat-eye. There are plenty of sites with inspiration for this trend, including Pinterest.

4. Sheer/Natural Makeup

Why not take it back to basics with sheer or ‘barely there’ makeup. This spring many people are opting for this look, ditching the glam style of yesteryear. Choosing a light highlighter and other natural-looking products, it brings out your inner beauty and whos that less truly is more. 

A lot of celebrities swear by this look – from Jessica Biel to Blake Lively and Kendell Jenner.

5. Brightly-Coloured Mascara

Mascara doesn’t always have to be black. This year, why not give it a break with the traditional mascara and experiment with brightly coloured mascara for once? Think neon pink, blues, greens and other colours. A bold makeup statement, it’s something that you will want to pair with natural lipstick and eyeshadow so that it’s not too OTT. 

Final Thoughts

So, there you go! Those are 5 of the top 2020 makeup trends that you should be aware of this spring. What style you choose to replicate, of course, is up to you. Makeup is a very individual preference and something that everyone chooses to do differently. But whatever out of the above you go for, just know that you’ll look (and feel) fabulous! 

Planning For The Future Of Your Family

It can be a difficult task to look after your family, juggling work, and social life. It can be tempting to get so wrapped up in the here and now instead of looking to the future. But at some point,  you will need to start planning for the future of your children, and here are some questions you will want to ask yourself:

I have assets and income, but can I live comfortably? 

When will I be able to afford to retire?

Have I enough to consider giving money to my children?

What impact would my death or serious illness have on my family and life plans?

Image credit: Pixabay CC0 License

It is quite often a serious injury or illness that forces you out of work for a while that propels you to start asking these questions. However, you should be thinking about all of these things anyway, especially if you have children. Most jobs will typically have a period in which you are entitled to be sick and still get paid, and many people run out of money pretty fast when this period is up.

Before you do anything else or set up anything, sit down and take a close look through your finances. Write down your income for a month, and list any significant expenses, like your rent or mortgage, auto insurance, home insurance, and taxes that come out instantly. Whatever money you have left is what you have to spend on food, travel and anything else. Looking at this, do you have enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle?

If not, there are things that you might need to think about.

First of all, you need to discuss whether you have plans in place to add to your family. While a blessing, children can add more financial pressure. If you know that this would make things difficult, a vasectomy will take away the worry. 

Can you downsize your home? If you have more rooms than you actually need, it may be worth selling up and buying something smaller. Not only will this be cheaper outright, but the running and maintenance costs are likely to be lower on a smaller property. 

Increasing your income stream may be another possibility. While that is easier said than done, if you have a bit of spare time and a good idea, you can make a fair amount of money around your regular job. Perhaps you are can play the piano and could offer piano lessons on the weekend, or maybe you are good with wood and can make items to be sold on Etsy? Think outside of the box and see where the opportunities lie!

Can you reduce your expenses? Shopping around for your utilities and insurance can save you money every month, as would cutting out unnecessary costs. Have you got into the habit of picking up a coffee on the way to work, or grabbing lunch in the office canteen? Cutting those out and taking them from home can save a considerable amount.

There are plenty of things that you can do now to improve your financial future and leave your family safe and secure. 

Getting Rid Of Fat Can Be Easy

Many of us go through periods when we are feeling a little bulkier than usual. This is part of the normal cycle of things, but if you find that you have got to a point where your body weight is unhealthy, or you just want to look a little better in the mirror, then you might want to do something about it. Fortunately, getting rid of fat is much easier than you might think, and it is something that anybody can achieve if they set their mind to it. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective methods that you might want to consider.

Pic Credit - CCO Licence

Strength Training

A lot of people immediately look to cardio exercise when they are trying to get rid of fat. Cardio is hugely important, and as we will see it is another of the major things you need to be doing to burn fat. But it is not the only kind of exercise that helps to reduce fat - strength training also does. If you do enough strength training, your body will respond by burning more fat than usual, and converting more calories from your food into muscle, rather than fat. So start lifting weights today - even if you are not particularly looking to bulk up.

Nonsurgical Options

If you have a lot of fat that you would like to get rid of, you might well have considered surgery at some point or another. Of course, that is a drastic step to take, and it’s important to make sure that you don’t just go straight into it without thinking about your options deeply. Actually, there are many things you can do to make sure that you get rid of fat, including nonsurgical options. Learn more about nonsurgical fat removal if you want to look into these options.

Pic Credit - CC0 Licence

Eat More Protein

You need to think about the kind of diet you are eating too if you want to get rid of fat as much as possible. In particular, you might want to think about eating a high-protein diet, as that is one which is going to help convert more calories into muscle rather than fat. Just changing to a high-protein diet, and not even watching your calories, is going to really help you to get rid of so much more fat, so this is a powerful thing that you should bear in mind.

Get Your Good Fats

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to not eat any fat at all. You need fat, and you continue to need it even if you have a lot of fat on the body, as those reserves are not enough and don’t provide the right nutrients. In particular, make sure you are eating plenty of good, healthy fats, while avoiding the bad ones like saturated fats. If you don’t believe this works, just look at the keto diet: that is a high-fat, low-carb diet, and it is proven to help you lose weight incredibly fast. So get your fats if you want to lose fat.

Find Your Passion & Turn It Into A Business

Having a passion in life is so important, yet as an adult, we feel like it is a lost art. Think of the number of things you loved to do as a small child, or even as a young adult. You might have been into your sports, or you might have played an instrument, or you might have been into dancing. The point is, as children and young adults it’s sort of expected of us to have some sort of passion and hobby. You don’t realize how much it keeps you grounded until it’s gone. Because now all your life will be focused on is work and socializing, and perhaps even a family if you have started one. So, we want to inspire you to find your passion in life, and turn it into a business. Pretty much every passion in life can be turned into a business, you just have to put your business thinking cap on. So, if you keep on reading, we’ll show you some of the best passions to turn into a business.

Image source

Helping People

If helping people is just in your nature, then there are so many careers that you can go into that would suit this passion. Naturally, most people think of a public service or healthcare role, but there are so many other ways of helping people. For example, if criminal law interests you and you want to defend the innocent, get your law degree. If Kim Kardashian can do it will all of the things that she has going on in her life, you can too! It’s so easy to get into as well once you have the qualification. A small-town law firm can have so much success, but only with good promotion. Using Elite Lawyer Management is just one of the ways that you can do so. We’ve probably made this a lot easier than it sounds, but it is one of the easier paths to follow in terms of a business idea because there’s always going to be someone who needs representing and can’t afford the costs of big lawyers.

Cars & Bikes

So many people have a passion for cars and bikes, and it’s not just men. Although the stereotype used to be that it was just men, we love that more women are now into their cars and bikes. So much so that people all around the world have the passion of buying old cars and doing them up, using them for a year or two and then selling them on. So, why not turn this into a lucrative business idea? There’s actually a big gap in the market for this idea, and you don’t even have to invest a ton of money because the likelihood of you making money from a classic car restoration is huge! Plus, you could do it all from the comfort of your drive, so you don’t even need to rent an garage space. It’s a really low investment business idea when looking at the money you will make back.

Preparing Yourself for Starting a New Business

Taking the step to branch out and start your own business can be an exciting time. Knowing how you want to progress your career can take you to places you have been dreaming of and allow you to come out from the shadow of an employer and show the world what you have to offer. 

Image credit: Pexels CC0 License

Being prepared mentally, practically, financially is essential. You want to give yourself the best chance to succeed before you startup to help you grow your business. 

With over 50% of new businesses failing in the first 5 years, it makes sense that you would want to put foundations in place to help you avoid the common pitfalls many new businesses face. 

Create a Business Plan. 

Starting without a business plan is like building a home without a foundation. If you don't know what your goals are or how you are going to make the business a success you are setting yourself up for failure. This goes for any business regardless of the sector you are looking to start up in. 

Ask yourself questions such as the following to help you create your road map to force your new startup forward with the best chance of success. 

• What are you offering? 
• Do you have a unique selling point? If not, can you find one? 
• Who is your ideal customer? 
• What competition is there for your business? 
• How are you going to attract your ideal customer? 
• Will you have opportunities to grow and expand your company and/products and services? 
• How long before you will realistically be able to turn a profit? 
• What finance or backing will you need to get up and running? How will you get the right finance for you? 
• Do you need staff? How will you train them up and what equipment do they need? 

Being as thorough as possible will help make sure you are starting off on the right foot.

Prepare Yourself. 

Are you ready to take the next step? Chances are you feel like it is time. But making sure you have prepared yourself is always a good idea. 

Get your finances in order before quitting your current employment. Make sure you are in a good position to be able to withstand an uneven income for at least the first few months of your company. Look to clear any debts and create a savings pot to help you pay your bills. This will cover you in the event of not turning a profit immediately. 

Expanding your knowledge and skills is also a great idea too. Consider taking mba online courses to help you brush up on your skills and knowledge. Delve into your sector more and your homework. 

Look for changes in your industry to help you accommodate this into your company and look for ways you can fill gaps in the market. Adapt what you are offering to meet demand and work out how you can effectively implement this before starting up. 

The more you can do before your company is up and running will give you a head start when you are ready to open up to customers. 

Figuring Out Your Finances: The Areas That May Save You Money

At this time of year, many of us are taking a long, hard look at our finances. The excesses of Christmas are long behind us, and many of us are starting to think about how to get back on track, and how we can trim down our expenses. However, it can be a lot easier said than done. If you are overstretched and need to evaluate your finances, here are a few areas in which you might be able to save a bit of cash.

Image Credit: Pixabay CC0 License

Debts

Sadly, many of us have a debt of some kind, and these need to be prioritized as they can get you into a real financial mess and affect your credit rating. It may be that you need to consider additional forms of income or seek professional financial advice if you are struggling.

You may also want to consider getting in touch with creditors to lower your repayments or come up with some sort of payment plan to help get them back under control while leaving you with enough money to live on.

Lower your expenses

First of all, take a look at your utility bills (gas, electricity, and water) and work out whether you are getting the best possible deal. It may be worth phoning up your supplier and seeing if they can offer you a better deal, and if not, switch suppliers.

This also applies to other expenses. For example, your auto insurance. It is something we all need, but if you do not drive many miles, it may be more money than it’s worth. You cannot avoid paying it, however, but there are insurers out there who will cover you on a mile by mile basis? A Metromile overview will give you more information about this sort of scheme if it sounds right for you.

Look at your spending habits.

The chances are you waste money. We all do! It might be that cheeky cafe au lait in the way into work, or that bagel at lunchtime. It might be that bottle of water you grab while you are out or that gym subscription that you never have time to use. Keep a record of all of your spending for a week and see what you can cut out. Take a flask of coffee, a packed lunch and a reusable bottle of water with you to work, and take up running or home workouts and cancel the gym sub.

Some of these habits might be harder than others to cut out - they are often well ingrained and you do not think a couple of dollars here and there makes a difference, but when you add them all up at the end of a week or a month, you may be surprised.

With a bit of planning and preparation, and being a bit stricter with yourself when it comes to spending, you can save yourself a fair amount of money for the more important things in life.

How To Hire a Nanny

Image credit

Once children come into the picture and it is time to get back to the office, it is always a difficult decision choosing between a parent staying home, touring day cares or hiring a nanny. If you may be interested in hiring a professional to come to your home and look after your kids, keep reading. Here are a few tips on how to bring a nanny into your household. 

Use a Nanny Resource

There are many perks to using a nanny staffing agency to hire a nanny, but there may also be Facebook groups available in your area, specifically put together to connect families with potential caregivers. If you have friends and family who have used similar services, it doesn't hurt to ask around for recommendations.

Conduct Many Interviews

It is always a good idea to bring in many applicants in for an interview to help find the right person for the job. From there, you can narrow down the list and invite a few options to come and meet your children. You can then base who you want to hire on how they interact with your family. Your intuition will likely be a huge deciding factor during this process.

Better To Be Safe Than Sorry  

Once you have your very own Mary Poppins, it is highly recommended to order a driving record background check. It is always better to be safe than sorry in a situation where your loved ones are involved. Another great reason to use a nanny agency is that all applicants sent from these services will be pre-screened. References are also a great way to get an idea of a candidate's relationship with previous families.

If everything is done the right way, bringing a nanny into your household can be a positive and beneficial experience. There is nothing wrong with taking your time to find the right person for the job. With the tips above, you will be well on your way to doing so.   

Fun Decor Ideas For An 18th Birthday Party

Pixabay License. Free for commerical use. No attribution required.

For a big birthday like an 18th, it is sometimes difficult coming up with unique gift ideas to help make that person feel special. Printed balloons make a great birthday gift as they are fun and something you only receive on your birthday which adds to the excitement of the special day. 

Birthdays should not come without celebration, after all, birthdays are the best excuse to party throughout the year! When giving a balloon, you want to add a personal touch as it shows you have put thought and care into the gift. So whether you just want to wish someone a happy 18th year or you want to make them laugh with your gift, here are the top eight printed balloons for an 18th birthday. You can also incorporate some of these sayings and ideas into a scrapbook if you’re looking for something the recipient can cherish for many years to come. A scrapbooking coach will help you to ensure you create a great gift.

Ideas for printed balloons

1. Happy 18th Birthday “name”- This might seem simple but it is really effective. Personalizing the balloon just with a person’s name shows that the balloon was created just for them and makes them feel loved in four simple words. To make it even more personal, you could have their nickname printed as well.

2. Baby photo- Putting a baby photo of the birthday boy/girl on printed balloons will really surprise them and even raise a giggle. It helps celebrate how much this person has grown up and celebrates their life and the achievement of reaching such a milestone. You could also add a funny catchphrase such as “You are no longer a baby” to go with the photo.

3. I’d like to raise a toast, it’s your 18th birthday- This pokes fun at the fact that the recipient is now legally allowed to drink while also pointing out it’s a cause for celebration. Any drink-related printed balloons are bound to raise some banter between friends.

4. Welcome to credit cards, phone bills and voting!- This sarcastic printed balloon shows the 18 year old what life ahead will be like while remaining light hearted and jovial.

5. May all your dreams come true- Printed balloons like this serious and heartfelt one show that you care not just on their birthday but what happens throughout their life. An 18th birthday can be emotional as it marks the beginning of adult life so an 18-year-old might appreciate this as they begin their new chapter.

6. A picture of champagne glasses- Drinking alcohol will be a novelty to a new 18-year-old so capture that excitement with a simple picture of some champagne glasses to signify the celebration!

7. 18, the best reason ever to get the party started!- What more does an 18-year-old want than to have some drinks and just party hard with friends. Follow suit and give them a balloon that encourages them to celebrate in style!

8. Photo collage- You could create printed balloons with a photo collage printed. Gather a few photos which show the birthday boy/girl happy and having fun and put them together to be printed onto some balloons. They will love taking a walk down memory lane to commemorate their birthday and will be amazed at the gesture.

Making That Proposal As Perfect As Possible

Pexels - CC0 License

Most people have an idea of how they would like falling in love with someone, and how that might lead into finally settling down with the person of their dreams. But the reality, especially in the important moments, is rarely how we picture it. That shouldn’t be something to lament, because oftentimes it can be even better than you may have first imagined. It’s worth making that potential known, because it opens up many options, particularly if you’re the one who needs to generate them.

Making that proposal as perfect as possible can be a worthwhile place to start, and a measure of planning that grants you confidence and comfort knowing that you want this more than anything else in life. Note that we add the ‘as possible’ to show that no proposal can be truly perfect, because it’s hard to know by what measure to achieve that. However, we can make it as perfect as we can for you, and that means tailoring excellent timeless wisdom to your own ends.

We’d like to offer some of that wisdom below:

Additional Sentimental Value

Consider what additional sentimental value you can add to the proposal to make things special. For instance, you may ask the band of a local restaurant to play your favorite jazz track as you’re about to pop the question, something that most hospitable establishments will only be happy to adhere to provided you give them plenty of notice. Perhaps taking them to the first place you met or renting out an entire part of a stadium late at night for the best view can help you add something special to the event, something extra to remember it by.

Public vs. Private

Not everyone wishes to be proposed to in the middle of a baseball game while their response is broadcast on the large game monitor for everyone to see. Some people wish for a private affair, together after a long walk through the Parisian streets, or perhaps along a beautiful stretch of beach you have both been walking together. Some do wish for that spectacle, some would rather anything but. Be sure to understand what your potential spouse may like and cater accordingly, it can have a large effect on how successful you are.

The Perfect Ring

While finding the perfect ring can mean different things to different people, it’s no less important to find something that allows you both to feel proud and that will serve as a milestone in your relationship. This is where services such as Whiteflash https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/tacori/ are so important, because not only do they help you assess the best rings for your possible purchase, but they hope to secure your business through ensuring you know exactly what you’re buying, such as staying clear about the kind of gems you are purchasing, what the value of a certain item is, and how this investment could truly help you.

With this advice, we hope you can make that proposal as perfect as possible.