Author: Karen

Can You Vape CBD?

The benefits of CBD have been widely accepted, with both anecdotal evidence and many emerging studies pointing to its benefit for things like chronic pain, nausea, headaches, and stress. The FDA has not yet issued solid guidance as to dosage levels or guidance on the different formats, so the question remains, what is the best way to take CBD, and how much do you take? 

CBD is available in many different formats, from flavored gummies and candy, CBD oils, tinctures and salves, and even in things like CBD-infused beverages (including beer!). Each format has a different absorption rate, however, and the best way to get CBD into your system quickly and to get the full benefit of it is through either taking drops under the tongue or vaping. 

CBD vape oils and vape juices have gained popularity, not just because you can feel the therapeutic effects of CBD more quickly, but also simply because of the popularity of vaping. Besides the rapid effect, another major benefit of vaping CBD is that many CBD vape oils are available in a variety of flavors, which masks the taste of CBD, which some may find disagreeable or overly strong. 

There have been some concerns over vaping due to news reports of EVALI, a lung disease that was initially attributed to vaping. Researchers have since discovered that the incidence of this lung disease was not caused by commercially available vaping products, but rather, from vaping bootleg THC liquids that used vitamin E acetate as a carrier oil. This was a concern for many to begin with, as vaping delta 8 THC is the new trend, but this research has shown that commercially available vaping products are safe for use. This is because commercial products do not use vitamin E, and CBD oils are safe to vape.

There is a difference however, between CBD oil and CBD vape juice, and consumers should be sure to get the right one. Vaping CBD oil, which is normally taken under the tongue, usually doesn’t work very well. Some CBD oils, which are meant to be taken orally, do use a food-grade oil such as canola oil or olive oil, and these are perfectly safe to ingest. It’s the same as the oils used in an Italian salad dressing. CBD vape juice, which is formulated specifically for vaping, on the other hand, does not use these food-grade oils because it would be too thick. Instead, CBD vape juice will often use vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol (NOT vitamin E oil, which is dangerous to vape). Propylene glycol is a safe ingredient that is commonly used as a food additive.  

CBD vape juice is also available in flavors, and have not been affected by the FDA’s flavor ban. CBD vape pens and cartridges are also available, although if you’re looking for a flavored experience, the vape juices will be the better option. The cartridges do offer convenience and are disposable, in the form of an enclosed tank filled with a predetermined dosage of CBD e-juice and connected to a standard battery. Cartridges (pods) are also available and area compatible with most popular cartridge devices. 

As with all CBD products, look for reputable retailers and manufacturers which offer CBD products that offer an independent lab test to verify CBD content and purity and the presence of other ingredients. 

Best Ways to Quit Smoking and Change Your Bad Habits

Were you one of those people who said they’ll try out cigarettes just to experience the feeling of smoking without fearing you’ll get addicted? You probably said you could quit whenever and you won’t even start smoking actively, but before you knew it, what used to be casual smoke or two, had soon become smoking 2 packs a day. The benefit you got from smoking, where it made you feel less stressed or anxious, isn’t doing you good after all. You’ve found one of the worst ways to cope with challenging situations, so it’s high time you chose the other way. Even though bad habits offer certain types of pleasure, it’s essential that you start breaking the habit and turn to the healthy side of life. It will be very challenging to eliminate the habit in the beginning, but with the following steps, it won’t be too much of a hassle.

Start by cutting back

Whether you’re trying to give up junk food, smoking or any other bad habit, you must start gradually. No habit was developed overnight which means you can’t expect to quit that quickly either. For start, try smoking 2/3 of what you ordinarily smoke every day. So, if you need a pack a day to keep you satisfied, let that one pack last for at least a day and a half. Keep it up for a day or two and then try to slowly smoke less and less. Eventually, you’ll notice that your need for cigarettes is declining. Moreover, you can find some more helpful ways to kick the awful habit of smoking for good by taking a look at the resources on the CFAH website.

Avoid the triggers

Dodging triggers that make you want to smoke is crucial when you decide to quit. If you think about it, you get the urge to smoke only on specific occasions, such as after a meal, when you’re taking a break from work and need to chat with colleagues, or when you’re stressed out. When you commit to quitting, do your best to avoid the situations in which you want to smoke. According to reports, smoking kills more people in New Zealand each year than road crashes, so be sure to stick to your plan. Instead of chatting with co-workers in a room full of smoke, go for a walk. When you need to blow off steam and destress, work out instead of lighting the cigarette.

Switch to e-cigarettes

One of the good alternatives to smoking tobacco is to switch to electronic cigarettes. They can help you smoke less frequently and won’t have as bad an influence on people around you, as regular cigarettes will. You can find numerous vape shops in NZ and pick out the best e-cigarette for you. E-cigarettes are not as addictive as cigarettes and are likely to eventually help you quit for good. 

Set yourself a specific date to quit

Another good strategy to help you quit smoking would be for you to set yourself a goal, and decide on what day you need to stop smoking for good. Whether it’s a three-month period or half a year, it doesn’t matter. All it matters is that you need to have a goal in front of you and strive towards achieving it. This will be especially beneficial if you’re competitive and you love to always win. What’s more, you should think about teaming up with a friend or family member who’s also on the road to breaking a bad habit and make a fun little competition out of it. Tell everyone that you’re going to quit smoking, throw away all the ashtrays and stashed cigarette packs from home, to get the feeling that you’re serious about your decision.

Replace smoking with new, better habits

One of the best ways to break a bad habit is to replace it with a good one. If you’ve spent hours smoking every day outside the house so you don’t pollute your home, you can spend that time with your family now.  Play with your children, bake with them or simply talk about the day you’ve had. When you feel the need to smoke, go for a run or a swim instead. Keep yourself busy and start a new hobby that will have your hands wrapped up in any kind of activity so you don’t reach out for cigarettes.

Try alternative therapy

Behavioral therapy is one of the great ways to quit smoking because nicotine addiction has been shown to be related to the typical behaviors involved in smoking. Behavioral therapy will help you learn the causes of your smoking, showing you the right coping skills and leading you in the right direction of quitting smoking. Hypnosis has also been shown to have positive effects on smokers, making them break the bad habit quickly.

Learn craving management

Cravings will be your worst obstacles on the way to cigarette-free life, but luckily, you can control them with several strategies. One of them is among the most effective tricks and it involves you finding an oral substitute for cigarettes. When cravings hit, pop a mint, nibble on a carrot or celery sticks, or have a chewing gum nearby. If your mind is wandering, it’ll easily find its way to a pack of cigarettes, so make sure you keep it going all the time. Have a book within arm’s reach, flip through the magazine, or start doing a crossword puzzle. Becoming more physically active will banish the need for cigarettes too. Start walking more, create your workout plan to fill in the time you used to spend smoking, and think about having your 5-minute breaks to do a series of lunges, squats, push-ups, or pull-ups. Every time you feel a craving coming along do a series of exercises. 

Final thoughts

Breaking a bad habit such as smoking will be anything but easy. However, if you’re determined to start leading a healthier life, you’ll have no other choice but to succeed in your mission. Start slowly and work your way towards the ultimate goal. Look for support in family and friends and you’ll soon find yourself free of the nasty vice.

10 Bathroom Remodeling Ideas That Won’t Blow Your Budget

Redecorating bathrooms is a huge business. In fact, bathroom design has become more of a movement than just a business, with an estimated $158 billion being spent according to figures published by the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association. Bathrooms comprise almost half of that total.

Whether you can’t afford to spend much on a bathroom remodel or would just rather not, there are plenty of ways to redecorate a bathroom without matching the national debt. If you are looking for a way to do Bathroom Remodeling on a Budget, here are 10 ideas that will help.

 

1. Become green.

One way to decorate a bathroom that is quick, easy, and inexpensive is to add plants. A plant can be selected that will add virtually any color of the rainbow to brighten a bathroom and improve your mood. Plants will also help to purify the air in a confined area. They will also help to reduce moisture by absorbing the dampness. Some of the best plants that add color and utility to a bathroom are peace lilies, bamboo palms, Boston ferns, and weeping figs.

 

2. Update Tilework.

Tile has been popular for use in bathrooms for years. Not only is it affordable and will dress up a bathroom better and faster than usually thought, but it’s easy to clean as well.

There are plenty of ideas out there for how tile can be used, and they won’t blow your budget. Perhaps best of all, tile will last for years and is unlikely to go out of style any time soon.

To save even more on your tile expense try to limit it to areas that are likely to get splashed with water or suffer from steam. Areas, where less tile is used, can be painted with mold-resistant paint to prevent damage.

 

3. The Latest and greatest: Art.

There was a time when art was a decorating option for nearly every room of the house except the bathroom. Today, however, art is becoming more commonplace for every room in a home, including the bathroom. Art in virtually any form—from painting to sculpture—is in just as great a demand for bathrooms as for any other room in a house.

To begin, paint a wall, then add some kind of art that has a primary color to complement the rest of the room. Try picking out some gift-frame art that add a touch of glamour to the bathroom. There’s nothing like being able to see a picture of your family while soaking in the tub.

One concern many people have over adding art to the bathroom is keeping it protected from moisture. This can be done by limiting the amount of steam via good ventilation. Frames can also be sealed and kept away from the wall with bumper pads add to each corner.

 

4. Update the bathtub and shower.

One of the most expensive items to replace in a bathroom is the tub or shower. If you think replacing these is your only option, think again. Instead, a tub or shower can be given a fresh new look by removing stains, resurfacing it, and touching up the old grout. This job takes patience, but the new look will be well worth the effort. Best of all, that new look will last for years.

Another way to make your tub or shower looks great is to cover everything around it. Paint, tile, wallpaper, or other surfacing can be used to make the surrounding area look great.

 

5. Spread some color.

A few small pieces of décor in complementary colors will give your bathroom a totally new look. Colorful new towels, a soap dish/toothbrush holder, and other items will give your bathroom an immediate new life. Colorful candles (don’t forget scents) are an attractive and inexpensive way to add a relaxing touch.

Little things like these can not only make your bathroom stand out, but you might be tempted to go in and never come out.

 

6. Window work.

Windows can be made to look practically new without even touching them by replacing curtains and other coverings. Not only are there many types and styles of curtains to choose from, but a look can be updated with blinds, shades, and even shutters. Letting your likes and dislikes dictate the look of your windows will guarantee that they will end up being very unique.

 

7. Cabinets and class.

Despite what many people think, cabinets are one of the easiest things in a bathroom to upgrade. All that’s needed is some water-resistant paint and a little drying time. Even the hardware can be easy to replace to fit a new style.

When you go shopping for your new hardware, be sure to have your old fittings with you so that you purchase something with the same screw configuration. This way there is no need to fill old holes and drill new ones.

 

8. Recycled chic.

Thrift shops and second-hand stores are a great place to find tons of finds for bathroom redecorating. Look enough and there might even be faucets, bathroom furniture, and other items.

Shopping online has become the latest source for nearly everything, including new looks for your bathroom. Not only can these treasures be found in numerous stores and outlets, but it can also be used for comparison shopping.

 

9. Flat on the floor.

As ugly as a floor can become over time, it can be remarkably easy to bring it back to life. There are ready to cut carpets available, throw rugs, and other options. If there is a wood floor in the bathroom, try refinishing it. There is also vinyl flooring that looks great and is surprisingly inexpensive.

 

10. Lighting up.

As daunting as replacing lighting might seem, achieving a new look can be remarkably easy. Get rid of an old light cover or shade to create something that is nothing short of dazzling. There are still other lighting options, including pendant lights, wall sconces, and even stick-on lights, to add a dash of snazzy.

 

Adding Up the Savings

Suffice it to say that considerable amounts of money can be saved when redecorating a bathroom. All it takes for a totally new look is planning, a little resourcefulness, and some creativity.

 

Bonus Tip:

Before you finalize your bathroom remodelling budget, remember to calculate how much value the renovations are likely to add to your property. Fortunately, bathroom upgrades can have a significant impact on the resale value of your home, but to get a more accurate number, have a look at this easy-to-use ARV calculator. It can help you workout the current value of your home, based on the selling price of comparable homes in your area.

7 Fascinating Facts About Cannabis One Needs To Know

Classified as a Schedule I drug, the free use of marijuana is not allowed in many parts of the world. Yet it is the most used illicit drug on a global level. Cannabis never fails to amuse users with the varied effect it has on individual perception, including the sense of sound and color. Notably, scientists and medical researchers cannot get enough of this drug either. They are consistently discovering something new and astounding about cannabis. Moreover, in recent years, cannabis growers have become increasingly experimental and so it is now possible to purchase a wide range of exciting strains like the fruity pebbles weed strain that can be bought from online dispensaries such as the Canada Cannabis Dispensary website. Depending on whether you want to feel more relaxed or energized, there are so many different strains to learn about. Consequently, online dispensaries are often a fantastic resource for people who are curious to learn more about the potential benefits of each individual strain. Ultimately, there is always a lot to know and learn about this miraculous herb. However, for now, let us discover and document some interesting facts about cannabis.

1. Its Ancient use Dates back to Thousands of years.

Many of us believe marijuana to be the discovery of the later 90s, but it is mesmerizing to know that the cultivation of the plant in ancient China dates back to 10,000 B.C. Although it wasn’t for smoking, Chinese cultivated cannabis to use its seed as a food source and make rope out the hemp. Later, in 4000 B.C hemp became an integral part of the textile industry all over the world. People were making abundant use of the plant, up until the 90 where marijuana had to face restriction and stringent laws, ultimately leading to prosecution in some parts of the world. People often get confused and think hemp and marijuana are exactly the same. Whilst they are both a type of Cannabis sativa, there are some differences between hemp and marijuana that are worth learning about.

 

2. Its various Derivatives show Different Properties.

Cannabis contains nearly 120 cannabinoids, each showing different properties. The human body’s natural tendency to attach to external cannabinoids from cannabis seeds makes it a catalyst enough to change our mood, hunger, stress, pain, etc. The isolation of its compound CBD fascinated people in the 1940s as they discovered one could make use of cannabis’s theocratic properties without feeling high. Ever since then, CBD products have become a popular choice as an alternate medicine. However, it is not just CBD products that are popular, as the use of things like terpenes and delta 8 THC is also increasing. If you visit https://finestlabs.com/, you can learn about the use of these further.

 

cannabis img

 

3. People may get Varied Experiences from the Same Strain.

We all know that different types of strain bring different effects; some of the strains are more relaxing while others can give you a high feeling. But, how an individual reacts to the strain has to do a lot with their state of mind. Studies reveal that males and females also respond differently to cannabis use, revealing females to develop better cannabis tolerance than males. After a few days of a couple of smoking together, there are a fair number of chances that the female will outpace her partner.

 

4. It led to the Discovery of Anandamide Molecules.

It is not late when the discovery of THC receptors in the human brain was discovered in 1988. Such researches are carried out to find out the brain’s affinity towards the THC compound. One of these researches led to the discovery of an anandamide molecule, which was later isolated in 1992. Anandamide molecule has its name driven from a Sanskrit word ‘Ananda‘ which means a feeling of calm and peacefulness. It is the brain lipid that binds to cannabinoid to restore a sense of happiness, which is primarily responsible for your good mood after a smoke.

 

5. It is nearly impossible to get High from eating Raw Cannabis.

You may eat a considerable amount of raw cannabis seeds and much to the amusement you may not feel even a bit high. Though it can be a trouble to your stomach, fresh raw cannabis requires decarboxylation to impart any psychoactive effect. So basically for weed to activate you require to heat it in one form or the other.

 

6. Some Renowned Artwork has a lot to do with Marijuana Use.

The traces of marijuana found in the smoking pipe in the Shakespeare house led people to believe that the legend himself smoked cannabis while producing some of the best literary work in history. There is no substantial link to prove that cannabis enhances creativity and yet there many artists and painters who are marijuana enthusiasts. Whether or not cannabis enhances creativity, many creatives claim that they owe their good work to weed, all thanks to its mind-alerting properties.

 

7. Medicinal use of Marijuana Might be the Next Big thing.

You must be aware that cannabis oil Canada can help treat the symptoms of chemotherapy in cancer patients. It helps deal with the feeling of nausea and pain related to the treatment. The scientists are also interested in finding out its potential in the treatment of cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties in Marijuana are helpful in treating many auto-immune diseases that attack the organs of the body. The legalization of medical marijuana objectively says enough about its healing properties.

 

The bottom line.

Cannabis has been around for thousands of years, freely grown and cultivated until recent years, where it faced suppression. Gladly its legalization and decriminalization in some of the world are opening new doors. Some of the cannabis facts are tickling, while others proclaim its utility in dealing with grim diseases. Cannabis is an intriguing herb; the more we dig about it, the less we seem to know.

What is Ketogenic diet and how can you benefit from it?

Keto diet consists of proteins, high fat, and very low carb, it replaces the consumption of carbohydrate with fat. This reduction process of carbs in the body called ketosis. It reduces the weight and insulin level in your body. Moreover, the ketogenic diet is the favourite diet for athletes and bodybuilders. Keto diet also helps in controlling epilepsy in children. A high intake of protein helps in digesting easily.

What you can eat during your Keto diet?

Keto diet suggested by many nutritionists with full of high-fat, protein, and low carb diet to reduce weight and brings high energy level in your body. Various types of healthy foods should be intake during keto diet for quick weight loss diet.

  • Seafood
  • Low Carb-Vegetables
  • Cheese
  • Avocados
  • Meat and Eggs
  • Coconut and Olive Oil
  • Yogurt
  • Nuts and Seeds
  • Berries
  • Butter and Cream
  • Shirataki Noodles
  • Unsweetened Tea and Coffee
  • Cocoa Powder and Dark Chocolate

 

With these food items, you will follow your diet plan and achieve your motive of Keto diet.

How you can start a Keto diet? 

The process to start a keto diet or low carbohydrate in very easy, but before starting of ketogenic diet you need to consult a doctor or a certified nutritionist.

  • Set limit of carbohydrate
  • Use a high-fat diet
  • Drink more water
  • Keep up with electrolytes
  • Eat only when you are craving for food
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat whole foods

These are some of the do’s while you are on the keto diet, it gives you results effectively and speedily.

How many types of Keto diets are available?

Ketogenic diet pursue by people for several reasons. It is very difficult to follow the keto diet, but we make it simple to follow. Ketogenic diet is sub-categorized into four types.

  • Standard Ketogenic Diet- It applies to all your meals i.e. breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. It consists of 75% fat, approximately 20% of protein, and up to 10% of carbs. Meals like butter, fish, ghee, meats, and olive oil. You will consume 150gm of fat and 90gm of protein including your three meals.
  • Targeted Keto Diet- This type of keto diet is taken mostly by athletes and active individuals. They consume 70-80 grams of carb and 20-30 grams of protein in a day. Their meals include dairy products, fruits, grain-based foods, and nutritious foods.
  • Cyclical Keto Diet-  As you understand by the name, five days in a week keto diet is followed by individual and remaining days normal controlled diet consumed by them. During keto diet 75% fat, 5-10% carbs, and 15-20% of protein. In normal days 50% carbs and 25% each for protein and fat.
  • High-Protein Keto Diet- This type of diet is easy to follow with high protein foods. High consumption of protein causes loss of weight. In this, you need to consume 130gm of fat and 120gm of protein.

Is the ketogenic diet is safe for your health?

This is a very much conflicted question, many experts say that it is safe for the persons who have overweight. Some doctors and nutritionist says it is not good for your health because it decreases the level of carbohydrate in your body.

But if you intake the diet with the suggestion of doctors in proper quantity, then it will not create a problem for your health. You can follow a keto diet for a short period, but it is not preferable for the long-term.

What are the foods you need to avoid for loose weight during keto diet?

While sticking to a ketogenic diet for losing your weight, you need to away from some foods for better results.

  • Low fats diet
  • Sugary food
  • Legumes and beans
  • Sauces or condiments
  • Alcohol

Beyond this many other food items are also prohibited in the Keto diet plan for weight loss.

What are the advantages of a ketogenic diet?

The ketogenic diet contains numerous benefits that help in maintaining your body fit, fine, and active.

  • Controls Blood Sugar
  • Reduce Appetite
  • Lower Blood Pressure
  • Improves Digestive System
  • Weight Loss
  • Boost Energy Level
  • Skin Improvement

Out of these some other major benefits related to health issues

  • Reduce chances of heart attack
  • Helps in the treatment of various types of Cancer
  • Reduction in epilepsy
  • Improves symptoms in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
  • Helps in recovery from brain injuries

But you need to follow the diet with strictness under the supervision of doctors to reduce the chances of side-effects.

How much time is required for the effectiveness of the keto diet?

It depends on your need and the prescribed by the doctors or nutritionists. The minimum period for a keto diet is three months and it extends up to one year. The first 2-6 weeks are the adaption phase for the user.

10 Stunning Wedding Venue Decoration Ideas to Steal

When it comes to decorating your wedding venue, you have certain limitations to follow, and some of these limitations are highly strict if you choose a destination wedding,  historical monument, museum, church, hotel, or even a marriage hall for your wedding venue. The restrictions are for the safety of the same. There is no limitation when you choose an open space for your marriage ceremony. In simple words, you have to face challenges for the decoration of your wedding venue.

Sometimes the challenge is due to the uniqueness of your wedding style or theme. Your budget constraint is also a cause of wedding venue decoration. However, some ideas are out there that you want to steal for the decoration at your own wedding. Here are some of them for your assistance:

1. Point the way with signs

The use of signs at a wedding venue is not a new idea, but placing a wedding welcome sign with direction to different areas of the venue is the one that you love stealing. Placed at the entrance of your wedding venue, wedding signs and directions for seating and allied other things make your guests feel greeted and helpful to find the one they need during your marriage ceremony.

2. Go with wooden picnic table benches

Wooden benches placed along with tables are more comfortable in comparison with chairs. Apart from bringing a homey feel, they encourage guests to sit closer to each other, leading them to have familiarity with one another at the venue. This close sitting is not possible with chairs, as you have to leave space between them.

3. Place blossom trees

You are blessed with lots of space, high ceilings, and grand interiors when you select a country house as your wedding venue. To have a fairytale finishing touch or draw the eyes of your guests up, you can place tall blossom trees at your chosen venue for your marriage.

4. Use white lights in a large number

Even being simple, white lights make your wedding venue more elegant and beautiful. The use of a lot of white lights works as an addition to the décor of your wedding venue. Hanging them from the ceiling, on the sidewalks, around tables, on trees, and on the potted plants gives a unique and elegant view to decoration. The usage of white lights in a large number makes your wedding venue more enchanting and spacious.

5. Opt for ceiling draping

The use of fabric brings significant change into the look of the entire venue and improves the overall decoration. Many color options, like red, yellow, blue, and pink, are available to choose from. For an elegant and formal look of your wedding venue, you can go with the use of white fabric. Opt for bright colors, such as yellow and red if you want to add some fun vibe.

6. Go with starlit ceiling

Starlit ceiling is one of the wedding venue decoration ideas that you won’t miss to use in the décor of the venue for your marriage ceremony. Starlit ceilings make you have a fairytale wedding feeling and encourage all your guests to dance and enjoy your marriage celebration in the twinkling lights. Apart from making the venue magical, such a decoration is ideal for excellent wedding photography.

7. Place silver candelabra

For making your wedding venue décor stunning, you can install glistering glass chandeliers at tables for an addition to the existing style. Finished with softening gypsophila, elegant roses, and garlands of crystal beads, chandeliers enhance the glistering effect, making a wedding venue stylish, chic, and super luxurious.

8. Prefer greenery garlands

Greenery garlands at centerpieces are the ones you must opt for in the decoration of your wedding venue. In this, you have an opportunity to take the benefit of the existing features. You can dress the cart wheel lights with foliage and sprawling flowers to create fanciful balanced centerpieces.

9. Place over-sized letters at the entrance

Placing over-sized letters showing the names of both of you work wonders whether you are getting married in a country house, rustic venues, or city center. You can select worn metal with bulbs for an industrial style or wooden finishes for a country look in your wedding. Place the same at the place for invited guests, entrance, or dancing floor for decoration.

10. Decorate walls with flowers

Show your love for flowers by decorating the walls of your wedding venue with the same. You can use the flowers of your choice with petals and leaves and stems to give a garden view to the venue of your marriage ceremony. With this, you can create a picturesque backdrop in your decoration.

Conclusion

You come across numerous decorations in your locality or on the internet that you want to steal and use in your wedding venue décor. While stealing or going with a particular idea, you need to keep the venue of your marriage ceremony in mind. Proper usage of an idea can make you achieve what you want in decorating the venue for your wedding. 

Tips for Planning an Amazing Road Trip Adventure

One of the most exciting adventures you can have is going on a road trip. Still, in order to make the most of it, you simply have to have a good plan. This includes choosing the route, possibly renting the vehicle (consider Limo Find), choosing the destination, making the itinerary, packing all the necessary gear, etc. This is especially true if you’ve never been on a road trip before.

A road trip can be taken pretty much at any time of the year, which means you have all the freedom to choose whenever suits you best. After all, freedom from having to stick to a plan somebody else made is the foundation of an experience that is a road trip. So, how should you prepare?

Packing list

Just like you make a list of the things you need to take on a regular holiday, you need to do the same when preparing for a road trip. However, this list is a bit longer. You should not forget to bring enough food that doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge, sufficient quantities of water, as well as gadgets, such as a camera, GPS, and appropriate chargers.

Also, you need a first-aid kit, toilet paper and other essentials that you wouldn’t pack if you were going to stay in a hotel. Make sure you have the right kind of clothes for the weather and don’t forget that you might need to sleep outdoors, so a sleeping bag is actually a good idea. And, bear in mind that your car also needs a few road trip accessories that can make a lot of difference and keep you out of uncomfortable situations.

Decide on your route

It’s crucial you make a solid, realistic plan when it comes to your itinerary and the distances you plan to cover. Make sure you have enough time to stop for rest and to enjoy the scenery or a town along the way. Another important thing to consider is definitely the weather. You may live in a warm area, but just a few hours’ drives from your home you might face totally different conditions, so make sure you and your vehicle are ready for such challenges.

Road safety first

Probably the most important thing when it comes to your road trip is to have a reliable and safe vehicle. It goes without saying that you need to have your car regularly serviced and have an extra service done before your trip. Another recommendation coming from the experts is to get your car insurance. It pays off to ask for car insurance quotes and choose the one that will suit your needs best. Knowing your options and all the details can save you a lot of worry and money. That way you`ll be covered and safe if something unforeseen happens.

Allow time for changes

Ideally, you should give yourself some extra time when planning a trip, in case you decide to take a detour or have a change of heart at the last moment. Remember that you are only responsible for yourself and your company, so if you wish to change the original plan, feel free to do so. Obsessing over a route and simply rushing just to make sure you stick to it will make you focus more on the plan than the experience and you just won’t be able to enjoy your trip.

Embrace nature on your trip

Taking a road trip with your family gives you an excellent opportunity to see new places and enjoy the great outdoors. You can also use that dull time while traveling from one place to another to seek ways to connect to nature. Utilize that time to explore interesting regions, soak up the sun and fresh air, play games with your kids, and learn about plants and wildlife. 

Who to travel with?

Your traveling companions can make the difference between a road trip from hell and the most memorable journey ever. Everyone onboard needs to expect to spend quite a lot of time in the car, sometimes hours on end, and if they aren’t ready for that challenge, they shouldn’t come along. 

A road trip can really be a great experience for everyone involved, but it can easily turn into a nightmare if you don’t plan it well. On the other hand, if you are ready, chances are you’ll have one of the best holidays in your life and you’ll start planning your next road trip as soon as this one ends!

How Can I Find a House I Can Afford?

The process of looking for a home is an exciting one; however, it is also important for people to know how much house they can afford. There are numerous factors that people need to consider when it comes to looking for a home. 

 

Household Income and Stability

Some of the most important factors that people need to keep in mind include their household income, their monthly debts (such as a student loan or a car loan), and the amount of money available to put down. The trick when it comes to looking for a house is stability. This is what the bank will want to see because they are trying to minimize the amount of risk they will take on. The income for a household is probably relatively stable and most of the debts are locked in (in the form of a repayment plan). On the other hand, a large unexpected expense (such as a medical bill or a car repair) can really eat into a family’s savings. This impacts the down payment. One of the best guidelines that people should follow is that they should have three months of payments (for house payments and loan payments) in reserve. This ensures that families can cover the mortgage in the event that something unexpected happens.

 

Debt to Income Ratio

Now, one of the biggest factors that will play a role in how much house someone can afford is something called the debt to income ratio. This is one of the most important metrics that the bank will look at when it comes to approving someone for a loan. The credit score is going to impact the ratio for which someone will qualify. If someone has a higher credit score, the bank is more likely to allow someone to take on more debt in reference to their income than someone with a lower credit score. As a good rule of thumb, the added housing expense should not exceed 28 percent of someone’s monthly income. For example, if someone has a monthly income of $4,500 before taking out taxes, 28 percent of this number is $1,260 per month. That should be the target mortgage payment. At the same time, those who already have a lot of debt (or who have a lower credit score) might not be approved for this same percentage. The bank might only give out 25 percent instead of 28 percent.

In addition, people also need to consider the other expenses that come with owning a home. The two other expenses that someone will have to assume are home insurance and real estate taxes. Often, the lender will take payments for real estate taxes, holding it in escrow. This is usually tacked onto the mortgage. The lender may also provide an offer for home insurance, but homeowners should still take the time to look around and make sure they are happy with the offer. Both of these expenses still need to be factored into the monthly expenses that go with the home.

 

Mortgage Structure and Interest Rates

Finally, the structure of the mortgage itself is also going to play a major role in the final cost of the home. The biggest factor that people need to consider when looking at a mortgage is the interest rate. The lower the interest rate, the better the loan. Even a single percentage point can save someone thousands of dollars. Often, banks negotiate in terms of ¼ percentage points. This simply goes to show just how important these percentage points are. It is important to work with trained professionals to make sure that everyone understands how their mortgage is structured.

These are a few of the most important points that people need to keep in mind when they are looking for a home. While this process is supposed to be fun, people need to make sure they can afford the home they end up purchasing.

Role of vitamins and minerals in energy production

Micronutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and water are the strength of our cells, and they supply the nutrition for our bodies. Think about the vitamins both as a food and as tools that activate pathways in the body for big reactions, such as energy production. 

Top Vitamins for Energy Production

 The easiest strategies to preserve natural strength are to consume a healthy diet, exercise frequently, and sleep sufficiently. But such tasks are not always feasible, particularly when it comes to juggling the demands of existence. Thankfully, you can turn to a vitamin b12 supplement to boost energy.

B12 vitamin

B12 vitamins are vital to produce energy in the Cells. Vitamin B12 is responsible for the formation of red blood cells that carry oxygen to the blood around the body. The oxygen is used for energy production once it reaches your body’s cells. Vitamin B12 also plays a crucial role in neurological activity. As per the 2016 National Institute of Health guidance, you are more at risk of fatigue, weakness, or losing weight if you don’t include enough vitamin B12 in the diet.

It is most abundant in seafood, dairy, poultry, milks, and other fortified products that may be poor in vitamin B12. Older adults or those with intestinal problems such as Crohn’s disease risk an imbalance because the B12 they eat is less able to absorb.

The fatigue you can only increase your strength if you consume food rich in vitamin B13 or take a supplement.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is needed in each cell of the body for the proper cell function. Your cells need CoQ10 in order to produce energy, and it has been shown to benefit cardiovascular patients by research.

Meat, especially organ meats, and fish and peanuts are present in CoQ10. Our bodies can produce CoQ10, although their ability naturally decreases with age, a supplement of CoQ10, especially later in life should be taken into consideration.

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most plentiful biochemical processes needed in the body. This involves muscle and nerve activity, the regulation of the blood pressure and development of electricity. This is common in foods such as fish, almonds and whole grains and is an excellent energy source.

Magnesium is said to enhance symptoms of insomnia as per various research.   If your exhaustion triggers difficulty taking a nap, a magnesium supplement will boost your sleep quality and make you feel more relaxed.

Iron

Iron is a key mineral that allows the whole body to circulate oxygen. The cell of the body must also work and develop correctly. The most prominent reason for anemia is insufficient iron in the body. It may impede cognitive ability, decrease immunity, and adversely impact output at work.

Food and fish are healthy sources of mineral strength. If you’re vegetarian, then iron foods can include seeds, beans, lentils, spinach, and enhanced grain products. Iron supplements, if required, will help to maintain proper iron levels, but be aware that iron supplements can trigger serious side effects if over consumed. Before iron supplementation, please contact your specialist.

Iron is especially relevant for people with heavy menstrual periods or pregnant women owing to the need of iron for fetal growth.

B6 vitamin

This vitamin is critical for proper brain development and ensures that the nervous and immune systems are healthy. This vitamin is present in foods such as seafood, meat, rice, chickpeas and bananas. It can also be considered as the best vitamins for energy.

Vitamin B2

Every vitamin B is very important for energy; all carbohydrates are split into power. Studies illustrate that vitamin B reduces exhaustion in this specific process. In foods such as almonds, wild rice and mushrooms, you can find this vitamin.

OMEGA 3 fatty acid

For cell function and brain safety, Omega-3s are relevant without noting that a preventive fatigue mechanism can be used. Omega-3s are found most frequently in fish oil, but also in vegetable oil and nutrients.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is well known as an immune booster, although fatigue mitigation is also documented. However, a warning is only possible, especially if you take large doses of vitamin C supplements. It may contribute to vomiting, fatigue, shaking, cardiovascular disorder and stomach cramps. The suggested dietary supply is 75 milligrams for women 19 years and over.

Conclusion

If you’re still uncertain and the question what supplements should I use is ringing in your mind you should take into consideration that supplements will help you stay healthy and active all day long but they cannot eliminate the essential needs of the body: adequate sleep, a balanced diet, hydration, and exercise. In general, but always somewhat sluggish, if you follow a balanced lifestyle, any of the six vitamins and supplements will fix the root cause. Unlike certain alternatives that provide a temporary energy explosion, these supplements can help you achieve long-term well-being. They often offer specific advantages over and beyond increased capacity.

9 Small Changes to Live a More Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

It is crucial now more than ever for people to be more conscious of how their lifestyle affects the environment.

There are a lot of conveniences in our lives that make living a lot easier. Still, the consequence of that is that our environment deteriorates. In relation to this, many people want to have an eco-friendly lifestyle but are afraid of letting go of such conveniences.

What people don’t know is that it’s much easier to shift towards a sustainable lifestyle than they initially think.

There are a lot of small, environment-friendly changes that you can apply in your daily life. So, if you’re interested in making the shift, then here are nine small changes that you should consider applying to your life:

Refrain from using plastic

One of the things that you should stop using in your life would be plastic. Plastic takes a thousand years to decompose. However, its lasting adverse impact in the environment is not worth the wait.

You can find plastic covering ocean surfaces all over the world. Not to mention that plenty of animals fall victim to plastic. Either they mistakenly consume plastic as food or get tangled in it and end up dying because of it.

Reducing your plastic usage is going to help you reduce the number of plastic material left in trash dumps. You can reduce plastic usage in simple ways. One example would be to stop drinking water from plastic bottles. Bringing a reusable water bottle is a lot better.

Go paperless

We live in an increasingly digital age, so it makes sense for you to let go of paper and start going paperless. By reducing your paper usage, you help reduce the number of trees chopped down every year.

Going paperless won’t only benefit the tree; it will also benefit you in the long run. If your office or home office has a lot of paper inside then it can be a fire hazard. That’s because the paper is a combustible material. Plus, paper all over the office makes it less than attractive to look at anyway.

Converting your documents to digital form makes them a lot more convenient to access them anywhere and anytime.

Cut back on your meat consumption

Cutting back on meat consumption is usually the last thing people are willing to do for the welfare of the environment.

However, reducing meat consumption doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to completely cut it out of your life. All you need to do is be more conscious and deliberate when you consume meat.

Taking care of livestock requires a lot of lands and a variety of natural resources. Livestock requires tons of water to all sorts of chemicals that end up damaging the environment.

Reducing your meat consumption by once a week will be a massive impact in itself.

Switch to green cleaning products

The cleaning products that you use in your home are probably quite potent. You probably don’t think about how the harsh chemicals you use to clean your home could end in the environment when you wash it away.

If your cleaning products aren’t safe for you to be around in for a long time, what do you think happens when you wash it away?

Luckily, there are a lot of green cleaning products readily available commercially. You can find the green cleaning solutions in the same place you’re buying your current cleaning products.

Therefore, switching to green cleaning products is a minimal change that won’t change your way of life by a lot.

Cut down on energy usage

Cutting down on the amount of energy that you use in your home is another sustainable but straightforward change that you can adopt in your lifestyle.

There are a lot of simple changes that you can apply that allow you to cut down on energy usage. You can start by unplugging all the appliances that you aren’t using.

It would be best if you considered washing your clothes using colder water because washing machines use 85% of its energy to heat the water alone. While you’re at it, you might want to reduce your drier usage and off for drying your outfits on clotheslines instead.

Replace your lightbulbs

Replacing your old compact fluorescent light bulbs is going to help you be more energy efficient.

It’s better to use LED for any of your light fixtures because they use less energy and are brighter than your older light bulbs. They will also last longer than your older light bulbs, which will save you money in the long run.

Cloth over paper

Reduce your reliance on paper towels to wipe away the mess and spills in your home and use microfiber towels instead. You can even recycle an old shirt and cut it up to use as rags around the house.

Since you’re using a cloth to wipe these spills, you can wash the fabric instead of throwing them away and then use them again.

Reduce your travel carbon footprint

Instead of relying on cars to take you anywhere, you should use public transport. Using public transportation is a lot cheaper than using your vehicle. Aside from that, it doesn’t generate a lot of carbon footprint.

There are also alternatives, aside from public transport, to take you anywhere. Biking is a popular choice for many people because not only does it take you from point to point faster, but it’s also keeping you fit.

Caring for the environment starts with the smallest things – you don’t have to ditch your automobile and live in a hut running solar power. Instead, making small changes in every area of one’s life adds up to big changes for the environment as a whole.

Start recycling

Having a recycling bin inside your house makes it a lot easier for you to start recycling. You can also locate the nearest waste management facility to identify the places that could pick up your recyclables.

Recycling ensures that your garbage doesn’t end up in landfills. Instead, they end up finding a new life.

Having a more eco-friendly lifestyle can be intimidating if you’re only starting. However, as this article would show you, it’s simpler than you would initially believe. The smallest of changes can have the most significant impact. Hence, if you’re intimidated by completely renewing your lifestyle, you can start by applying these small changes instead.

About the Author

Jacky Xu is the Chief Operating Officer for Maid Sailors Cleaning Service Chicago. Maid Sailors take pride in providing unparalleled cleaning services at affordable prices. Maid Sailors help transform your house into a home.