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Month: March 2019

  • Best Android Phones of 2019

    Best Android Phones of 2019

    Android is a fantastic platform for mobile phones, and many users prefer Google’s operating system over other phone OS’s. However, Android is on so many phones that it’s hard to tell which is the best choice for you. Today we’re going to break down some of the best Android phones available on the market right now.

    Best Android Phones of 2019

    Samsung Galaxy S9

    While the Galaxy S10 is out, the S9 remains an excellent choice for those looking for a stellar Android phone. The price point is right, as you can often find the S9 for less than $600, while the S10 is $1,000 at the lowest.

    The nearly bezel-free display, the fast processor and the excellent AMOLED screen all make this a killer phone. When it comes to Android, it’s hard to beat Samsung’s flagship phones. The Korean phone manufacturer really knows what it’s doing.

    Huawei Mate 20 Pro

    This phone is a bit hard to find in the US, but you can snag it off of Amazon for $900. It’s easily the best Huawei phone ever made, and one of the best Android phones. The huge QHD screen, the blazing fast processor and the great battery life all add up to make this one well-worth the price.

    Huawei might not be a name you know well. That’s because they’re a Chinese phone manufacturer that doesn’t market to the US or sell phones here. That doesn’t mean this is a bad phone, though. In fact, the Mate 20 Pro sports some of the best cameras on an Android phone, in addition to 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.

    Google Pixel 3

    Google’s own Pixel range of phones is also stellar. When you made the operating system, it’s not hard to make the phone, as it turns out. This goes double for the newest incarnation of the Pixel. It’s a beast. Sporting a huge, gorgeous display and a smooth design that would make anyone jealous, it’s easy to see why people love this phone.

    Coming in at $700, it’s on the high side, but this is a luxury phone. When it comes to the bright colors, fast processing and killer functionality, you’ll be glad you went with Google’s flagship phone. It’s hard to beat how good this phone is at its price point, unless your name is Huawei.

  • Best Places to Buy Frames Online

    Best Places to Buy Frames Online

    Frames are more than just the things that go around your picture. Whether you’re looking to hang a poster, a piece of your favorite art or just a photograph you like, you need a good frame. Now, the hard part, of course, is finding a frame that fits with the look of your house. The best way to do that is by shopping online.

    Best Places to Buy Frames Online

    Simply Framed

    This website offers a great variety of sizes and price ranges for whatever you need framed. You first have to select what you’re framing, and then you select a type of frame you want for your image. The prices range from $65 to $1440, and you can get pieces from 1″ x 1″ to 40″ x 60″ framed. That means there are a number of images you can get framed through this site.

    The site is also able to shadow box your image, as well as fitting images to various dimensions for you. You simply send them the image you want framed in a tube they provide, and then once the framing is done they mail it back to you. Easy!

    Framed and Matted

    With prices ranging from $61 to $233 and frames from 1″ x 1″ to 32″ x 40″, Framed and Matted is a bit different from Simply Framed. Namely, Framed and Matted is more about framing artwork than pictures or posters. To that end, this site offers museum-quality materials, including wood and acrylic, for their frames.

    The site offers double mats with each frame, and the frames are designed to be installed at home. However, you can send in your art to be framed by the professionals at Framed and Matted for an upcharge. In short, this is a great site if you want fine art framed.

    Framebridge

    Beyond just fine art, Framebridge can also frame any object less than 3/8” deep, such as buttons, coins and jerseys. They have prices from $39 to $199 and will frame pieces from 4″ x 4″ to 32″ x 40″. You can send in a piece of artwork or memorabilia you want framed, or you can opt to simply upload to them the image you want framed to save on shipping.

    No matter which you go with, Framebridge is a fine choice for framing thanks to their wide selection. You can get frames made from bamboo, whitewashed wood and more. Whatever your home’s style, Framebridge has you covered.

  • Best Treatments for Migraines

    Best Treatments for Migraines

    Chronic migraines can be downright disruptive to your daily life. It’s difficult to explain to people who don’t experience them just how hard it is to make it through your normal tasks with such intense, pounding headaches. As such, finding the treatment that works best for you is important. Here are some of the best treatments for migraines.

    Best Treatments for Migraines

    Preventative

    Preventative treatments, such as medicines and therapies, are designed to stop migraines before they even start. Typically, preventative medication is prescribed to those who suffer from serious, chronic and debilitating migraines. That’s because these medications require daily doses and work only if taking consistently.

    Another preventative treatment that some people have noted is getting a daith piercing. The daith is a part of the outer ear that is somewhat above the opening of the ear canal. Piercings in this location have been stated by some to help greatly reduce the number and severity of migraines. While it’s not a guarantee, some people swear by this preventative treatment.

    Relief

    There are a few medications available that are able to relieve pain for those who need immediate relief from migraines. Common NSAIDs, like Tylenol and Ibuprofen, are often taken for mild migraine symptoms. Those who suffer from mild or infrequent migraines often just keep a bottle of their preferred NSAID on hand in case of a sudden flare-up.

    There are also pain relievers that are geared, specifically, toward migraines. These medications use a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine, which are all useful in combating serious headaches. However, these are best when used in a dark room and when attempting to get to sleep. Nothing flares up migraines worse than bright lights and loud sounds.

    Triptans

    Triptans are medications that were designed specifically to combat extreme migraine symptoms. Triptans work primarily by constricting blood vessels and blocking the brain’s pain receptors. These are primarily taken by people who are experiencing infrequent but intense migraines.

    Triptans are available in pill, injection and nasal spray varieties. Typically, people who want relief from extreme migraines but don’t get them often enough to merit full preventative regiments opt for triptans. Those at risk for heart attacks and strokes are urged to not take triptans.

    Side effects of these medications can include muscle weakness, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and skin reactions due to injection. While many other medications are available, these are of some of the most common, and relied upon, forms of relief available.

  • Why Buy Infiniti SUVs?

    Why Buy Infiniti SUVs?

    Infiniti is well-known for their luxury vehicles. The most common of these, of course, are their high-end luxury compact cars. However, Infiniti also produces excellent luxury SUVs that are well-worth your consideration. Why should you buy an Infiniti SUV? Because, frankly, they’re one of the best values in luxury you can find on the market today.

    Why Buy Infiniti SUVs?

    Luxury

    There’s nothing quite like getting in the car, cranking it up, and enjoying a quiet, gentle ride, even over rough road conditions. While there are a lot of brands that offer that, no one serves it up in the same amount of comfort, and for as low a price, as Infiniti.

    The value of luxury varies from person-to-person, but if you enjoy a big infotainment system, a great sound system and comfortable seats, Infiniti has what you love. Notably, it has all of these features at an incredibly competitive price.

    Price Point

    Infiniti’s SUVs are rather affordable when you consider how luxurious they are. The Infiniti QX30, for instance, starts at $30,945, while the high-end QX80 starts at $66,795. That’s before you get into trim levels, upgrades and various appearance and performance packages.

    Even when taking those into account, though, Infiniti remains a highly competitive luxury automaker. When compared to the likes of BMW, Audi and Cadillac, it’s easy to see what makes Infiniti such a popular brand. For those who love the balance of both power and luxury, Infiniti SUVs are a a great value.

    Performance

    While no one buys an SUV to race around the track, Infiniti’s SUVs have fantastic performance. When the time to hit the highway comes, you’ll delight in the horsepower and acceleration of the otherwise responsible and elegant Infiniti vehicle. The best part is that this performance doesn’t come at the expense of the luxury the vehicle offers up.

    Across the lineup SUVs, Infiniti offers up tight performance, great torque and awesome acceleration. While you’ll find vehicles that are faster or more powerful, you won’t find them with the balance of value, luxury and performance that you get with Infiniti.

    Buying Used

    Another great aspect of Infiniti’s stable of SUVs is how they retain their luxury and value well after their initial release. Even four, five and six-year-old Infiniti vehicles remain luxurious, attractive choices for car buyers. Finding them for an even better value used is common.

    In short, there are a number of reasons to buy Infiniti SUVs, even when they’re used. Hopefully we’ve made a believer of you with some of these reasons!

  • Eczema: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

    Eczema: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

    The worst of eczema’s symptoms result in serious itching, redness and scale-like skin. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with eczema, you’re likely wondering about the symptoms, the causes and the treatments available for the condition. Today, we’re going to delve into exactly that.

    Eczema: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

    Symptoms

    Eczema is a skin condition, and is autoimmune. Its symptoms include scale-like, reddish plaques that are quite itchy and uncomfortable. There are actually several different types of eczema. They include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis.

    Commonly, the red patches of skin appear to “boil over” during flare-ups. In fact, the word eczema comes from the Greek word, meaning “to boil over”. These uncomfortable patches aren’t contagious, and are a result of over-active skin cells producing too many copies of themselves in isolated locations.

    Causes

    While it’s not entirely known what causes eczema to occur in people, flare-ups can be predicted. For instance, it’s easy to tell that when skin is irritated, kept wrapped up or rubbed constantly, such as the skin on the foot inside a shoe, it can cause a flare-up. While such conditions won’t cause someone to suddenly develop eczema, it could result in a flare-up for those already diagnosed.

    Treatments

    There is, sadly, no cure for eczema. While it occurs commonly in young children and babies, eczema isn’t solely a children’s issue. Some people never grow out of the condition, while some others do so easily. It depends, entirely, on the individual and their genetics.

    There are a few things you can do to mitigate the symptoms of eczema, however. Namely, using over-the-counter drugs that help to mitigate inflammation can be a good course of action. Likewise, daily bathing and moisturizing is highly advised, especially around the site of the most common flare-ups.

    Wearing loose, breathable clothing is also a good call. Tight-fitting, poorly breathable clothes are not ideal for people with eczema, as they can lead to increased flare-ups. If your job requires you to wear certain clothes or shoes, see if you can get an exemption for medical reasons.

    Final Thoughts

    Eczema isn’t life-threatening, but it is uncomfortable. Learning the triggers that set off your eczema can be a really important way to keep yourself from experiencing an uncomfortable flare-up. Taking anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medication, wearing breathable clothes and regularly moisrturizing problem regions are all highly advised, as well.

    Eczema: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

  • Best Applicant Tracking Systems for 2019

    Best Applicant Tracking Systems for 2019

    Finding the best applicants for your business can certainly be difficult. Narrowing it down to the most qualified candidate is equal parts art and science. Applicant tracking systems, or ATS, are a great way to make sure you narrow it down to the right candidate. Here are our picks for the top ATS for 2019.

    We’ve selected our top picks based on a variety of factors. ATS with straightforward, easy-to-use interfaces are ideal, and have been prioritized most highly. Likewise, those systems that are used by high-profile companies are more likely to get the nod, as they are trusted to work by major corporations. Here are some of our top picks!

    Best ATS for 2019

    Greenhouse Software

    Airbnb, Pinterest, and Vimeo: these are some of the companies that rely on Greenhouse Software. These huge companies put their faith in Greenhouse because it just works. Greenhouse does a great job of helping to both track and organize applicants with a simple, easy-to-use system.

    Activities, such as applicant testing and even post-hire events, are all collated and streamlined through Greenhouse. The back-end content management of the site gives way to a well-honed, easy-to-read front page. Both applicants and employers love the layout and design of this excellent ATS.

    JobVite

    Another great choice for ATS is JobVite, a system that is trusted by JCPenny and LinkedIn for their own hiring. JobVite’s unique layout allows employers to make their own branded job site that can act as a landing page for all applicants.

    JobVite is able to offer analytics, as well, helping recruiters see what areas to focus on. Video screening, social recruiting and even onboarding materials can all be handled through JobVite as well, making it an all-in-one ATS. This is a great pick for companies that want to brand and curate their own onboarding process and keep everything under one roof for new applicants.

    Oracle Taleo Cloud Service

    The Oracle Taleo Cloud Service is one of the best Applicant Tracking Systems available today. If you’re looking for the best candidates for management positions or skill-intensive roles, OTC is a fantastic choice. That’s because Oracle Taleo Cloud Service uses networking and social media to power their applicant tracking.

    By narrowing candidates down via their Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn postings and connection, OTC allows for fast sorting of the best candidates. This is a service that does wonders for fields that are based on strong networking and team-building.

  • Best Headache Remedies: Fast Relief from Headaches

    Best Headache Remedies: Fast Relief from Headaches

    Nothing can ruin a good day faster than a killer headache. You’re having a good time, getting through your day, and then you get struck with a splitting headache. When you need fast relief from a headache, you’ll need to know some of these great headache remedies.

    Here are some of the best quick remedies for a headache that you should know.

    Best Headache Remedies

    Get More Sleep

    It’s important to get the right amount of sleep. Adults should get around seven to nine hours of sleep per night. While sleep deprivation is quite bad for you and can result in headaches, the same goes for oversleeping. If you’re constantly getting too much, or too little, sleep, then you should try to stick to the rule of thumb when it comes to sleep.

    Getting enough sleep is quite important for a number of other health reasons. Driving while sleep deprived is quite dangerous, and sleep deprivation can lead to increased risk for heart disease. Oversleeping can lead to dehydration, which brings us to our next point.

    Water

    A lot of times, a serious headache could simply be the result of dehydration. Pour yourself a glass of water and drink it at a reasonable pace. Dehydration is a serious issue, as it can cause you to be irritated and make it hard to concentrate, which further exacerbates your headache symptoms. Sometimes the best solutions are the most straightforward.

    Cut Back on Alcohol

    Nothing dehydrates quite like alcohol. If you have a drink every now and then, it’s unlikely to cause a headache. However, if you’re pounding beers with your friends or killing sugary mixed drinks, you might find yourself with a killer headache during and after your drinking session.

    In these cases, the answer is simple: drink less alcohol and more water. If you’re constantly drinking large amounts of alcohol, you could develop more serious health issues than just headaches, too. In general, drinking less alcohol and more water is ideal for the average person.

    Cold Compress

    If you need fast relief and don’t want to take some kind of NSAID or headache powder, consider a cold compress. Take a washcloth and soak it in cold water. Press the cloth to the part of your head that’s hurting, and apply light pressure.

    This cold compress will cause blood flow to slow and reduces inflammation. These things can result in a lessened amount of pain when it comes to headaches.

  • Most Effective New Antidepressant Medications

    Most Effective New Antidepressant Medications

    Trying to make it through the day when you’re struggling with depression can feel impossible. Some people need antidepressant medicine to keep their depression symptoms in check.

    Many adults struggling with depression have tried some antidepressants, and maybe some people have found they don’t work well.

    Today we’re breaking down some of the most effective new antidepressants. Talk to your doctor about some of these medications to see what would be right for you.

    Most Effective New Antidepressants

    SSRIs

    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed to start. These are medications with relatively few noted side effects and are largely considered unlikely to have complications. SSRIs, notably, tend to be prescribed at higher doses by doctors due to their lower side effect risks.

    The most common types of SSRIs are fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram and paroxetine. Brand names of this variety include Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa and Paxil. Note that these medications do, in fact, have side effects, they just don’t have as many as other antidepressants.

    SNRIs

    Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, like Cymbalta, Fetzima, Effexor XR and Pristiq are similar to SSRIs. These medications are notable for their lower amounts of potential side effects, though doctors don’t often begin by prescribing these medications. Typically, those who want these medications ask about them directly from their doctor.

    Tricyclic Antidepressants

    Medicines like nortriptyline, doxepin, imipramine and desipramine often have more reported side effects. These antidepressants can lead to side effects such as an increase in suicidal thoughts, nausea, insomnia or blurred vision. Usually these are only prescribed if other antidepressants are having no effect on the patient.

    MAOIs

    Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are notable because their side effects can be extreme. These are normally prescribed as a last resort if every other type of antidepressant on this list simply isn’t cutting it.

    These medicines, like Nardil and Parnate, can be dangerous in combinations with certain foods. Certain cheeses, wines and even birth control can have lethal side effects in some people, so they require close consideration by the patient and doctor.

    Atypical Antidepressants

    Medicines like Remeron, Trintellix, Aplenzin and Wellbutrin are uncommon antidepressants. They are not prescribed in very high numbers, so they’re unlikely to be in the conversation with your doctor. Typically these are prescribed if other medicines haven’t worked and your doctor would rather you not start a regiment of MAOIs.

  • Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Waiting for that big tax refund to come your way? Certainly, you’re excited to figure out what you want to do with that windfall of cash.

    Well, today we’re looking at some of the best ways to spend your tax refund. From fun splurges to sensible investments, there are a number of options.

    Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

    Savings Account

    Do you have a savings account with $1,000 in it? If not, getting started towards that goal is a good thing to do with your tax money. It’s good to have that kind of emergency fund squirreled away in case of an unexpected expense.

    It can be difficult to answer sudden expenses like car repairs or broken appliances, so having a rainy day fund is important.

    Bills

    It can also be helpful, from a financial wisdom standpoint, to pay ahead some bills. If you own your home, paying ahead on your mortgage is a good idea.  Putting yourself a month ahead on your car payment, electrical bill, car insurance or even your subscription services can all be a good move.

    This not only gives you some space on your finances, but it also feels like you’re not “blowing” your refund.  That said, by paying your bills ahead, you have a bit more spending money for things you want to buy.

    Tattoo

    Many people consider refund season to be tattoo season. Tattoos are exactly the right cost for the average tax refund. Between $300-$700 for the average tattoo means that it’s a great price range for getting new ink. There are a lot of reasons to consider spending your refund on a tattoo if you’re looking to splurge a bit.

    Firstly, tattoos last for your lifetime. That means it’s money well-spent to get a tattoo that means a lot to you on your body. Secondly, it’s easy to overthink what you’re going to spend your refund on.

    Why not get that tattoo you’ve been eyeing for years?

    High-Interest Debts

    High-interest debts are a huge pain. If you’ve got credit card bills or student loans that are compounding interest in the wrong direction, consider paying them down with your tax refund.

    This way, you’re not only lightening your bills, but you’re also buying your future financial security.  There are countless other fun or responsible things you can do with your refund, of course.  However, no matter what you do, just make sure you spend your money in a way you won’t regret. It’s yours, after all!

  • Fast Relief for Heartburn

    Fast Relief for Heartburn

    Heartburn is a major pain for people who deal with it regularly. It’s very difficult to find relief for your heartburn symptoms, so today we’re going over the best ways to find fast relief.

    You never know when heartburn might strike, so it’s important to know how to get relief quickly. Here are some of our top picks for heartburn relief.

    Fast Relief for Heartburn

    Posture

    Upright posture is really important for getting relief from heartburn. Heartburn tends to occur when the contents of the stomach rise up into the esophagus. As such, standing up straight can help with heartburn. If you’re lying or sitting, try standing up as straight as you can.

    Gravity should do its work to help keep your stomach acid down.

    Baking Soda

    Take a spoonful of baking soda and dissolve it into a glass of water. Then, stir the water slightly and drink it slowly. In general, make sure you drink everything slowly when you’re struggling with heartburn.

    Baking soda, in particular, can help to settle the stomach and calm down stomach acid.

    Sip Apple Cider Vinegar

    Apple cider vinegar has been noted to have some properties that can help to settle the stomach. Slowly sipping on a bit of apple cider vinegar has been stated by some people to calm heartburn.

    The ideal way to do this is to slightly dilute the apple cider vinegar with water and then drink it slowly after a meal. Try this if certain meals tend to give you heartburn.

    Gum

    Chewing gum after a big meal could also be helpful for getting heartburn relief. Chewing gum stimulates saliva, as well as swallowing.

    As such, it could help to dilute and neutralize stomach acid, making it less likely for you to experience heartburn symptoms.

    Antacids

    If you need fast relief, it’s helpful to have antacids on hand. TUMs and Pepto are two preferred antacid brands, and they work by directly neutralizing stomach acid.

    Additionally, antacids can be helpful with a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including nausea and diarrhea. As such, they make ideal medications to keep on hand.

    Don’t Smoke

    Smoking, of course, is bad for you health. However, cigarette smoke can also lead to heartburn. As such, if you’re suffering from heartburn, don’t smoke while you’re trying to get relief.

    Likewise, stay away from people who are smoking, as even secondhand smoke can cause heartburn to flare up. Generally, just stay away from cigarettes.