Tag Archives: fyi

Mar2

5 Ways To Defend Your Home Against A Storm

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5 Ways To Defend Your Home Against A Storm

When bad weather strikes, it can cause devastating amounts of damage to a home that hasn’t been suitably storm-proofed. Here are just a few ways that you can defend your home against the elements:

Seal up cracks:

Not only will rain get into a crack and cause water damage, strong winds could also get into the crack and possibly make it worse. Small cracks can be easily sealed up with caulk, whereas larger cracks may need professional intervention. Draft protectors, meanwhile, may be able to stop wind from getting into gaps beneath doors and windows.

Tending to any cracks now can prevent expensive future problems. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to bad weather or natural disasters. If you have extensive problems in your home’s foundation, a professional team like Victor Construction and Engineering (or a similar company in your local area) should come to do an assessment as soon as possible. A major issue in your foundation will only get worse and be hazardous to your family.

Reinforce windows and doors:

Old windows and doors could be ripped off of their hinges in bad weather. It may not necessarily be the door or window that is the problem – most commonly it’s the result of a broken frame or hinges. As for those living in flood-risk areas, it could be worth fitting a flood guard to the bottom of your door. These barriers may look ugly, but they could save you thousands in interior damage.

Get a backup generator installed:

Serious storms can often lead to power cuts. Investing in a backup generator could help provide you with an extra power source in the event of a blackout. There are companies out there that can do generator installations for you. You could alternatively invest in a sustainable backup solution such as solar panels, although these may be costlier to install.

Attend to outside dangers:

There could be many objects outside that pose a danger to your home during a storm. Loose garden items should be locked away in a shed the moment that you get a storm warning – you don’t want a garden table crashing through your patio doors. Trees may also be a danger, especially those that have been partially uprooted by a previous storm or seem to be dying. Investing in Tree Removal may involve getting planning permission and you may want to pay an arborist to do it for you.

In terms of trees, you really have to look at the ones in your yard from all angles. Are there branches hanging onto your neighbor’s property? How about over parked cars or dangerously close to your own roof? All it takes is one strong storm to cause a lot of damage on your own or someone else’s property. Do an inspection and enlist the help of Dunwoody Tree Service (or a similar company in your local area) to safely trim back any problem areas. This will give you peace of mind when a storm hits that you took the precautions to avoid any damage.

Another danger to be aware of is old guttering. This can be particularly dangerous in winter, as water in the gutter can freeze up, effectively turning the whole thing into a giant ice block. If this is loose or broken, a strong wind may have the power to rip it off and cause damage to your home. If you think this could be a problem, consider hiring a professional to see to repairing your guttering.

Get insured:

Getting insured won’t prevent storm damage from occurring, but it could help pay compensation for home repairs. Not all home insurance companies will cover storm damage, especially if you live in an area prone to storms and flooding, in which case you may need to seek out a specialist storm insurance or flood insurance company. Insurance rates vary from each provider, so it’s worth spending some time shopping around for the best deal. To get started, take a look at the websites for insurance providers near you like Caruso Insurance. Take note of the companies with excellent reviews and don’t be afraid to schedule a couple of different consultations for the best coverage and deal for you. Insurance is like an umbrella – you will always be happy you have it when you need it.

Taking measures to make your home safer when inclement weather strikes is important for you and all who live in your home. And, as always, it’s better safe than sorry.

Featured Image By: Maxpixel

Feb26

Simple Ways To Make The House Safe

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Simple Ways To Make The House Safe

Your home should be a fortress of safety for you and your family. It is the place we keep everything which is important to us and because of this, we should keep it safe and sound. If you are looking to make your home a little safer this year, here are some easy ways to do it.

Secure the front door:

The first way to keep your home safe, is to make sure that the main entrance is totally secure and safe. Your front door is the most crucial door in the home to keep secure, so it is worth investing a little extra money to make sure that you get the best one possible. Instead of looking for a hollow door, go for one that is solid and this will make things much safer for you and help to put your mind at rest.

Secure the windows:

The windows are the main place where burglars will look to enter the home. This is the reason why it is so important to make sure that these parts of the house do not serve as weak spots for them to get inside and harm you. To secure the windows, you will need to invest some time and energy. If you can place a metal rod on the track, you can also prevent them being opened from the outside.

Tidy the garden:

One of the things which people don’t think about is that the appearance of your home from the outside can tell a potential burglar a lot about you. For example, if your garden is overgrown, wild, and messy, this will suggest that no one lives here to look after it and, therefore, it will become an easy target for thieves. Make sure you tidy your garden and keep it trim to prevent this from happening. Another reason to trim the garden is so that there are no hiding places for thieves to wait. This will deter them from coming to your home because they are more likely to be caught.

Know your neighbors:

Not enough of us spend time getting to know our neighbors, which is a crying shame really. The sense of community we once had isn’t quite there any more, and this can be dangerous for your home while you are away on holiday or out of town. By getting to know your neighbors, you build that level of trust needed where you can ask them to watch out for your home when you go away. This is incredibly useful and is something which you want to work for.

Don’t give thieves a chance:

The easiest way to deter would be criminals is to install a security system which they can see from the outside of the home. The first thing to add would be motion sensor lights on the perimeter of the home which light them up if they come near your “fortress”, most of the time this will immediately stop criminals from trying to break in. Extra precautions are security cameras on the outside of the home, an alarm system on the inside, and even a panic button in case thing get nasty.

Everyone deserves the utmost safety in their home, and the above tips can definitely help to achieve that!

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures

Feb21

How Your Sleeping Position Can Impact Your Health

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How Your Sleeping Position Can Impact Your Health

We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is a vital component of health — but did you know the position you sleep in can also be important? On the surface, this sounds like junk science. After all, if you’re sleeping, that’s the bit that counts, surely? Why does it matter how you sleep, so long as you’re doing it?

Numerous studies have concluded that your sleeping position can indeed influence your health. The downside of this is that many people have a preferred sleeping position, and the idea of trying to sleep differently is very difficult to imagine. It therefore makes sense to know the potential downsides of your preferred sleeping position, so you can take action to mitigate the effects:

Side Sleepers:

The bad news…

  • Side sleepers are the most at-risk group for neck complaints. If you find that you frequently wake up with a sore neck or headache, it’s likely that the body alignment you adopt while sleeping on your side is to blame. Invest in a pillow that is specifically designed to adapt to the curve of your neck, so you are thoroughly supported throughout the night.
  • Side sleepers are also at risk of back and hip problems, again due to the alignment of your body while sleeping. As you can see on this Lull Bed review, side sleepers have been found to enjoy mattresses that conform to their body shape, so keep this in mind when you’re purchasing a mattress.

The good news…

  • Studies have shown that sleeping on your left side can reduce acid reflux for those suffering from GERD.

Back Sleepers:

The bad news…

  • Sleeping on your back does not mean you will necessarily develop a condition called sleep apnea, but sleep apnea sufferers who sleep on their back will definitely exacerbate the condition. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes people to stop breathing during sleep; this is usually only momentary and happens without conscious awareness in most cases. If you do have sleep apnea, avoid sleeping on your back to help prevent attacks. You should also be utilizing cpap cleaning machines to keep your cpap sanitary and keeping your doctor updated on any changes to your condition.
  • Back sleepers are also more likely to snore than those who sleep in other positions, which can cause issues with dry mouth and throat pain.

The good news…

  • Sleeping on your back ensures your spine is always in alignment with the rest of your body, so back sleepers are the least likely to experience aches and pains caused by their sleep habits.

Front Sleepers:

The bad news…

  • Lower back pain is a real risk for front sleepers, as your body is forced to flatten unnaturally. Try sleeping with a pillow under your abdomen to mitigate this.
  • Neck pain is also common for front sleepers. Most specialists recommend using pillows to train yourself to sleep on your side, as front sleeping is generally considered to be the worst sleeping position.

The good news…

  • Snoring is less common in front sleepers.

In conclusion:

Now that you know how to prevent any issues caused by your sleeping position, you can make a few changes and ensure that your sleep is always as beneficial and restorative as it should be.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb20

What Does The Future Look Like If You Don’t Tackle Your Health Today?

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What Does The Future Look Like If You Don’t Tackle Your Health Today?

None of us are stupid when it comes to health. There’s enough information out there to tell us we should live well today to avoid illness tomorrow. Heck, even without that, this is common sense stuff. You don’t have to be a genius to work out that neglecting your body will catch up with you down the line. Even some of us in our twenties are starting to feel the impact of teenage bad habits catching up. And, this karmic retribution can only get worse. We all know it.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be like that. If you can really open your eyes to the future that awaits if you don’t change, there’s no chance you’ll carry on this way. This does involve facing up to hard truths. Sometimes, though, the hard realities teach us the most important lessons. So, buckle up for a trip into your future if you carry on ignoring your health:

Confinement: In many ways, the worst thing about neglecting your body is how trapped you’ll be in the future. The worse you treat your body, the less able you’ll be to stay mobile in your later years. If you don’t exercise or use your muscles often, they’ll begin to weaken and waste. And, when that happens, walking for extended periods will become increasingly difficult.

Given that your joints stiffen with ageing anyway, issues like these can leave you unable to leave the house. And, when that happens, you’ll find yourself confined in the worst way. You’ll rely on family or carers to do even simple tasks for you, and no one wants that.

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Pixabay Image

Hours spent in waiting rooms: You may get away with neglecting your health for now, but it isn’t going to last. At some stage, things will start to fail. When that happens, you’ll be spending large portions of your time in waiting rooms for one appointment or another. It’s not unusual for neglectful people to face two or three weekly appointments down the line. And, that’s no way to spend your retirement.

What’s more, your decreased mobility will leave you unable to make your way to appointments. Walking won’t be an option, and neither will driving once your vision and hearing start to fail. As such, you’ll have to rely on taxis or public transport to get you where you need to be. Which means that even a five-minute appointment could take up a large chunk of your day. Is this what you dreamt of when you thought about your golden years?

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Pexels Image

Costs: The majority of us put money into a pension pot throughout our lives. As we do so, we imagine the blissful years that pension could afford us. Oh, the holidays abroad without a care in the world. Only, if you don’t look after yourself, that money will be tied up before you even receive it. Even if you have insurance, long-term and extreme medical costs can often be hard to come by. When you reach 65, you will be eligible for additions like these Medigap insurance options, which can make things a little easier to afford. But, even these measures cost a monthly sum.

So what can you do to prevent such poor health as you age? You can start with some of the following:

 

Exercise: You know this was coming, right? Exercise, exercise, exercise. If we say it enough, perhaps you’ll pay attention. Moving your body is the best way to ensure your mobility stays with you into your later years. The less you move, the less chance you’ll be able to down the line.

Of course, we’re thinking about this with the above future in mind. So, that means that you should focus on exercise to strengthen your muscles above all. Focus on gentle exercise techniques, such as yoga. It doesn’t get much better than this for helping to build muscle strength. Even better, you’ll likely find this routine is much easier to get into. With less focus on high-energy sessions, yoga isn’t as awful a concept as some exercises. All you need to do is grab your mat, and get to know your body a little better. Then, you can wave hello to a future of flexibility. Keep it up, and you’ll likely be more flexible in your sixties than ever before!

Eat right: If you eat poorly, your health WILL suffer. This applies in a variety of ways. Eating sugary foods on a regular basis could lead to issues such as diabetes. You’ll definitely fall foul to constant doctor’s visits if you suffer from this. And, the possibilities don’t end there. Eating processed foods which are high in fat can also lead to increased blood pressure and heart disease. Not to mention that excess weight can also cause issues with your mobility. That’s not to say, of course, that you have to eat like a rabbit. Instead, practice moderation and ensure that you’re eating plenty of fresh foods.

Cut bad habits: Habits such as smoking and drinking can cause significant issues for you down the line. As well as increased susceptibility to illnesses, smoking reduces blood circulation. Again, this is a mobility issue, which can even lead to loss of limbs in extreme cases. In which case, you would be even more confined than you would have otherwise. Drinking gets less attention, but this, too, can do damage. We all know alcohol can affect the liver. But, it also poses a risk to healthy brain functioning and leaves you open to some cancers. So, drop the habit before it drops you into the future we’ve spoken about!

Being in the best health possible is important, not just now – but for down the line, as well. If you want a future unlike the one we mentioned above, follow our tips to improve your health today.

Feb20

6 Things You Should Know About Whiplash

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6 Things You Should Know About Whiplash

Whiplash is a relatively common injury, but it is also incredibly misunderstood. Because of this, whiplash injuries are regularly mistreated, increasing recovery periods by days or weeks. If you believe that you have whiplash or another type of neck injury, it’s important that you know all of the facts before you get (or decide not to get) treatment. Here are six things that you should know about whiplash injuries:

How It Happens:

Whiplash is caused by a sudden backward or forward movement, leading to the ligaments and muscles in the neck to become overstretched, and the joints in the neck to become injured. This is most commonly the result of a rear-end car accident, but can also occur in sports, on roller coasters, and even from a fall.

The Symptoms:

The main symptom of whiplash is aches and pains in the neck and upper back. You might also experience tingling in the neck and upper back, difficulty swallowing, and concussion symptoms like dizziness and headaches. Symptoms and their severity can vary widely between different people, as can the times that these symptoms start to occur. While pain can start to develop immediately, it has been known for whiplash symptoms to take months to arise.

The Diagnosis:

Even if you only have mild pain in your neck, it should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. If they believe that you have fractured any bones, then they will send you for an x-ray. You might also be sent for an MRI or CT scan if you are believed to have sustained significant soft tissues injuries.

Treatment Options:

Most cases of whiplash are treated with some pain medication and sometimes a brace, if doctors believe that it’s required. You will also be encouraged to remain active to reduce the strain on your neck. If your whiplash is more severe, you might be offered physical therapy or spinal manipulation. It could also be recommended that you make a visit to a chiropractor to ease your symptoms. You will want to find a practitioner who comes highly recommended so pay close attention to reviews online and from friends. To start finding the best fit for you, simply enter a search for “chiropractic care near me” and don’t be afraid to call with any of your questions or concerns.

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 😦

The Aftermath:

If your whiplash was the result of a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you might want to visit your lawyer to see if you can make a compensation claim. When you do this, you’ll need evidence of your injury, such as a letter from your doctor. You will also need evidence that you’ve lost money because of the accident, such as with a letter from your employer or a receipt for car damages. If this is the route you are taking, be sure to document everything and do your research to find the best lawyer that will fight until the victims get the justice they deserve. Accidents are a serious thing and deserve to be treated as such.

When you are selecting a lawyer, you will want to find someone highly skilled and recommended for the best outcome. Ask for referrals from friends or enter a search for “car accident lawyer in milwaukee” (or your local area) to read up on online reviews.

Prevention Tips:

Because whiplash happens so suddenly, there is little that you can do to prevent it from occurring. However, caution is important. Whiplash usually occurs as the result of a car accident, so make sure to drive safely, always wear your seat belt, and check that your headrest isn’t too low. It is also helpful to research auto accident attorneys in your local area so that you have someone in your corner should an accident occur. If you participate in a sport, always wear the appropriate protective gear, and if you’re a fan of roller coasters, make sure you always sit back properly.

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Wikimedia Image

It’s usually incredibly difficult to avoid whiplash, but maintaining a good health and knowing the tips above can really help to speed up your recovery.

Featured Image By: Flickr

Feb20

Blog Post Ideas For When You’re Out Of Blog Post Ideas Finale

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Blog Post Ideas For When You’re Out Of Blog Post Ideas Finale

Howdy! I decided to make my Blog Post Ideas For When You’re Out Of Blog Post Ideas post a series, so today we are going to wrap things up with the grand finale! Writer’s block and blogs with no content will be a thing of the past, because after this post yours truly will have provided FIFTEEN prompts to help get you started. We will conclude with these ideas:

You could write about…

Your Pets:

Who doesn’t love animals? Whether it be your dog or cat or maybe you have more exotic pets like a snake or parrot, animal posts are always fun. I, myself, have written about my two beloved rescue pups, Gem and Ollie, many a time. You could share pictures of your furry, feathery, or scaly friends, which is sure to bring a smile to your reader’s faces. Or you could write about the rescue organization that you adopted your forever friend from. No matter how you go about it, pet posts are sure to please!

Your Job:

Being in the working force is something that almost all of us are familiar with. No matter if it’s the dream job or a dead end deal that you’re ready to move on from, chances are that your readers can relate. Of course, don’t spill details that you’re not comfortable with like your coworker’s names or the company that you’re employed by. But, do share humorous work stories like that time that your boss had toilet paper stuck to his or her shoe or when you accidentally asked for “one sex” instead of “one sec” while getting out your resume in a job interview. Or, perhaps you just need to vent about a bad day on the job. We all get it, so share away.

Your BFF:

With #friendshipgoals always being a relevant trending topic, why not write about your bestie? Maybe you have been best friends with your number one for over a decade, like mine. Or you might have met your A1 in an unconventional way. Your readers will be inspired by your loyalty to your ride or die AND your best friend will love being featured on your page – it’s a win/win. With friendship in mind, you could also write about tips for making new friends, which is especially beneficial to those that are shy or have some social anxiety. So, take a seat at your laptop and spread the friendship love!

Your Dreams:

What was the craziest/scariest/funniest/weirdest dream that you’ve ever had? Do you wake up with feelings of “wtf?” every morning from your vivid dreams during your snoozefest? Then, creating a dream log on your blog might be a great and interesting way to create content. We share our crazy dreams with people sometimes as soon as we wake up, so why not do the same on your page? Or, if you forget your dreams pretty easily, then you could always write about your daydreams, instead. A shopping spree or a trip to Europe, anyone?

Food & Drinks:

We all have to eat and drink, it’s a fact of life. And, because of that, us lucky bloggers will always have something to write about. Are you an adventurous eater? Or maybe you are a bit picky and are trying to branch out some more. Perhaps you love to host dinner parties. A meal brings people together in every walk of life, so food related posts can really help to bring a sense of community to your page. Share your favorite recipes, tell us your cooking disasters, and dish on your kitchen hacks that will make cooking and cleanup afterwards easier. Us foodies want to know!

I hope that this brainstorming series was beneficial to all of my blogging friends that tune into lifewithlilred. Thank you for checking it out! Which ideas are you going to incorporate into your blog? How do you go about creating content on your page? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb19

Why Is Japan Such A Popular Destination?

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Why Is Japan Such A Popular Destination?

If you are a keen traveler, there are probably many places on your list which you would like to visit. One that is commonly near the top of many lists, however, is Japan. For a lot of Westerners, Japan is seen as the ideal go-to for a slice of Asian life. It is certainly true that there is nowhere else quite like Japan, but the question is: why? What is it about this country that makes it so enticing to Western wanderlusters? As it happens, there are a number of reasons you might want to visit Japan, and knowing what they are just might tempt you into making it onto your travel list for the next few years. Whether you are planning a trip with friends and family or looking into japan solo travel packages, let’s look at some of the best reasons to visit Japan:

The Culture:

One of the main things drawing people into Japan has to be the culture. No matter who you are, you have to admit that Japanese culture is pretty much unlike any other in the world. And, for that reason, it is likely that a visit to the country will be a fascinating one for someone who is not used to it. In fact, Japan is one of the places where people most commonly experience culture shock when they are traveling, and if you are someone who likes a bit of culture shock, then this is definitely somewhere you should consider visiting at your earliest opportunity. There are so many aspects to the culture which might attract the traveler, from Japanese anime to the high-tech and fast-paced wonders of the city, so you can definitely expect not to be bored with the cultural highlights if you do visit.

The People:

Japan is also famously filled with some of the most polite and friendliest people on the planet, and that can be hugely important when you are traveling. If you are keen on traveling alone, you will find that the people being so friendly is definitely most welcome, and it will likely be one of the most important factors of all, in fact. Of course, it is never true that every single individual is pleasant to deal with, but on the whole you will probably find that Japan offers you an experience which makes you feel safe and welcome from the very start.

The Terrain:

If you are interested in seeing a huge variety of terrain, then you really don’t need to look any further than Japan. You could be crammed into the train in the busiest city in the world one moment, and completely alone on the top of a beautiful mountain the next. No matter what it is that you actually want from your trip, you can be sure that Japan will be able to offer it. This makes for a fascinating and enormously satisfying experience for any traveler, so it is well worth considering for your next trip abroad. You might even find that it is easier to traverse than you had assumed.

If your goal for your trip to Japan is sight seeing, you will surely want to know all of the best tourist destinations as well as beloved local spots. Of course, you can complete your own research online. However, AI functions like those featured on Novae.Travel can be a great asset for all aspects of your trip including popular locations, flights, and hotels.

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So pretty!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb17

Blog Post Ideas For When You’re Out Of Blog Post Ideas Pt. 2

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Blog Post Ideas For When You’re Out Of Blog Post Ideas Pt. 2

Hellooooo! Yesterday we talked about five different topic starters for when you are experiencing a case of writer’s block. And today, we are going to discuss a few more ideas for when you’re totally out of ideas for your blog post for the day or week. Let’s get to it!

You could write about…

A Movie/Book Review:

There is truly not enough time in the world to get through all of the books or movies on your must watch/read list when you lead a busy life. And when you finally get to tuck into that sequel or movie that you’ve been dying to see and realize that it really sucked can make it seem like you wasted your time. Not to mention that it’s disappointing! Reviews for books, movies, or even TV series are always going to be helpful for those who want to know whether to give that piece of pop culture the time of day. It also provides a hub for those who want to dish their opinions, as well. This is an excellent topic to focus on if you are a book worm or the film critic of your friends.

Your Favorite Songs/Bands:

It’s always fun to be introduced to new music. Not only that, but it’s interesting to see what your favorite blogging friends like to listen to when they’re making the commute to work. Use a post to highlight your all time favorite tunes or describe a concert that you went to recently. I’m sure that many of you revel in the chances to show your friends your favorite bands, so why not do the same on your page? Music posts are a great way to tell your readers more about yourself and starts great conversation in the comments, too!

Your Workout Regime:

Fitness will always be a hot trending topic, as most of us try to live a healthy lifestyle and try to incorporate some form of working out into our week. It doesn’t matter what level your workout is at. You could do the bare minimum or be a body builder, but there will always be someone who is right there with you and could benefit from your tips. New Year’s Resolutions are definitely still relevant, especially as some might be slowing down with their goals to get in better shape. Use your post for the day to help motivate those that are in the resolution slump or just beginning their fitness journey – it could help change someone’s life.

Crafting/DIY:

Pinterest will always be the mecca of all things DIY, but that doesn’t mean that your blog can’t become the next crafting hot spot! Similarly to working out, it doesn’t matter if you are an expert crafter or barely scraping by on your project, because someone will always benefit from it. Tell us about the best crafting products, give a step by step guide on your latest DIY endeavor, or you could even tell us about the time that your craft was an epic failure. Crafting is a fun and lighthearted topic to write about and can help inspire the artistic side in your readers. It doesn’t get much better than that if you have a passion for all things arts and crafts.

Ballin’ On A Budget:

Saving money is something that literally everyone could benefit from. In fact, if you were to write about your best tips for penny pinching, you would have a reader in me because I love that shit! Do you know where to score free swag? Maybe you know how to coupon so well that it brings new products to dirt cheap prices. Or, perhaps you know how to save tons of moolah on your travels. No matter what the saving money technique is that you shine in, I WANT TO KNOW! And, chances are, so does everyone else because who doesn’t love saving money?!

Writer’s block sucks, but the prompts above sure don’t! Use my tips above and you’ll be cranking out new content in no time. What are your go to writing topics? How do you cure a bad case of writer’s block? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb16

3 Things You Should Know About Getting A Hearing Aid

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3 Things You Should Know About Getting A Hearing Aid

Hearing loss doesn’t announce itself and it has a habit of creeping up on you. It’s a slow and incremental process that can take years or even decades and many of us don’t even notice its onset until it’s too late. When we do notice the signs, however, it can be difficult to come to terms with. Hearing loss has a number of causes. Some are hereditary and genetic while others are influenced by our work, our lifestyle, and how well we maintain our auditory health.

Nonetheless, we’re lucky enough to live in an age in which technology offers us more solutions than ever to mitigate the negative effects of hearing loss on our day to day lives. With the advent of digital technology, hearing aids are more discrete and effective than ever before. They are also even more accessible as you can purchase hearing aids otc. By no means, however, are they perfect.  Here are some things you need to know before you get your first hearing aid fitted:

Keep your expectations realistic:

Hearing aids are just that.. An aid to hearing. They cannot, unfortunately, reverse hearing loss. Many people simply stop using their hearing aids after a few days because the experience doesn’t match their expectations. They simply remember a time when they had perfect hearing and expect the technology to replicate that. While digital hearing aids have come a long way, technology has its limits. Although there are limits, hearing aids have advanced in a big way, therefore, if you are concerned about using them, be open to the idea instead. You may be surprised by how beneficial they are especially if you have been living with hearing loss for a while.

Expect a period of adjustment:

Having a hearing aid feels weird on a number of levels. First, there’s the feeling of having this tiny piece of plastic and circuitry nestling inside your ear canal and/or clipped to the back of your ear. It’s presence can feel obtrusive and you may feel that it’s conspicuous or that people will notice it (they likely won’t). Secondly, there’s the odd distortion effect that can take weeks or even months to get used to. The hearing aid is calibrated to the frequencies that your ear is “missing” due to nerve damage, replicating the vibrations that are translated by your brain. If, however, you’ve been without hearing for a long time it will take a while to recognize these vibrations as sound. Thus, you can expect everything to sound tinny for a while as though you’re listening to a dictaphone recording of the world. Be assured that your brain will adjust and the hearing aid will start to feel more natural.

When you become more accustomed to the hearing aid you can start to explore its features. You can tinker with the settings and set programs for different kinds of environments. Just remember to take them out when getting in the shower!

If you have two hearing aids, use both:

If your hearing loss is only in one ear, don’t be surprised if you get two hearing aids. This is because your “good” ear will have picked up the slack for the “bad” ear over the years. Have you ever heard a voice that you thought you heard on the right, when in fact the person talking to you was on your left? That’s a common symptom of hearing loss. Having two hearing aids helps to redress that balance but your brain will only properly attune to the adjustment if you wear both.

Hearing aids have come a long way. And while they are not perfect, give yourself the proper chance to get used to them before throwing in the towel.

Featured Image By: Flickr

Feb16

Blog Post Ideas For When You’re Out Of Blog Post Ideas

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Blog Post Ideas For When You’re Out Of Blog Post Ideas

As writers, we all have those days where we can’t seem to come up with anything. Whether that be writing a novel in pen or typing away on your blog, when nothing seems to click, it can be nothing short of ripping your hair out frustrating. We’ve all had writer’s block in some way shape or form as far as creating content goes. And today, I am here to help you get unstuck when you need some ideas for posts on your blog. Take a look:

You can write about…

Your Favorite Travel Location:

Whether it be your favorite family vaca or just your local coffee shop around the block, shine some spotlight on it. Everyone daydreams about travel, so give the people something to wanderlust about. Perhaps you visited Harry Potter World in Florida or California. Maybe that cute little smoothie shack in town makes the best strawberry banana treat that you’ve ever tasted. Giving people an escape from their own world is what blogging is all about, so literally let them escape and transport them to your favorite place.

All Things Beauty:

Do you have a cupboard full of makeup products or nail polishes? Do you dye your own hair? Perhaps you’re a cosmetologist, hair stylist, or nail tech. Tell us more! Beauty tips and tricks will always be popular, but it’s seriously such a hot topic right now. From YouTube influencers to celebrities spilling their secret hacks, everyone seems to be enthralled in learning more about the world of makeup. Dish about your favorite products, tricks, or your profession in the industry and watch your stats skyrocket.

Passion For Fashion:

Are you a shopaholic like myself? Are you a shoe hoarder? Do you love styling OOTDs? Similar to beauty, fashion is a hot trending topic right now. Whether you’re a full blown fashionista or just starting to develop your personal style, fashion posts will always be in demand. Tell us where you score the best deals for designer looks. Write about your tips on finding amazing steals at the thrift shop. Teach us how to style a wardrobe staple, like a blazer, two or three different ways. Or, maybe you have some crazy stories about working fashion retail. No matter the topic, those with a passion for fashion will certainly appreciate it.

Snap Some Pics:

Are you a budding photographer? A selfie queen? Or, you might just love snapping some quick pics on your iPhone of things that interest you as you make your way throughout the day. Like writing about travel locations, pictures can transport the reader, as well. It doesn’t matter if you’re a photography professional or just starting out, because a picture is worth a thousand words. Show your readers the world through your eyes, and discover or refine a newly found or old passion.

Tell Us More:

A blog is literally an online diary and sometimes it can help to treat it as such. Maybe you had a bad day. Perhaps you had a totally embarrassing moment that, in hindsight, was hilarious. Or, something amazing happened and you want to scream it from the mountain tops. Write it out. Your days might not be interesting to you but, to others, it might feel like reading reality TV. Everyone has had the feeling before that literally every single person on the planet has a more exciting life than them. Or, they might just want to relate to someone else’s problems instead of focusing on their own. No matter what the case may be, share it with the world and watch as people come forward to share their own similar situations or just offer a kind word.

Blogging is a tough job, but somebody has gotta do it. So why not you? Getting stuck on creating content can certainly suck. But, with the guide above, you should be able to start cranking out new posts in no time!

How do you shake the feelings of writer’s block? What is your go to topic to write about? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Planet Minecraft