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Author: Kristian Wilson

  • Best Jean Brands for Every Woman’s Body Type

    Best Jean Brands for Every Woman’s Body Type

    There’s nothing better than a fabulously-fitting pair of skinny jeans. As soon and you slide into them, you just know they’re the right jean for you.   The length is perfect, the knees aren’t baggy and they sculpt your body in all the
    right places.  Not to mention they make your booty look amazing. These are your go-to jeans, and putting them on makes you feel like the goddess that you are.

    While this casual wardrobe fixture has been reinvented endlessly, it is still a classic. Denim is one of those outfit staples that can be both perfect and overwhelming all at the same time. Nothing is worse than an ill-fitting pair of jeans. For example, finding the right denim for someone with a shorter frame, hips, and a sizable butt can be extremely difficult.  With the countless styles, fits, and wash options available,  along with the dreaded dark fitting rooms with incredibly unflattering mirrors – it’s easy to get overwhelmed pretty quickly.

    The key is to know what design features will enhance your particular shape.  A higher rise is great for curvy women as it slims the waistline and gives a sleek overall look. However, petite and boyish figures will want to avoid the higher waistline as it can engulf the shorter torso. Also, you want to check the back pocket placement. It makes a monumental difference for aiding in lift, accentuation and creating smooth lines. The wash of a jean can also make or break a look depending on a lady’s body type.  Let’s look at some of the top options available for women’s jeans.

    The GAP

    A favorite cheap denim and staple since high school for many are Gap’s consistently good jeans. The brand has a great range of petite sizes and they boast a well-rounded selection of curvy, cropped, slimming, straight, and even novelty denim. Gaps jeans have ridiculously soft fabric engineered to upgrade your comfort.  Gap has some of the best jeans and the best prices.

    Forever Karlie Flare Jean

    Karlie Kloss, a world-renowned supermodel, first collaborated with Frame Denim after confessing her struggle to find jeans that were long enough for her 6’2” silhouette. This jean was designed with tall girls in mind and features a higher rise, lengthened leg proportions, and a stretch blend fabric.  While these are designer jeans created for specific body types, they are elegant and striking for the right-sized ladies.

    True Religion Casey Low Rise Super Skinny Jean

    These jeans are most suited for women who have a straight up and down figure. These are a lower rise jean, and are a great option to help accentuate or even invent new curves. This particular pair from True Religion is constructed of stretch cotton denim and has a flattering dark wash. These jeans also feature a lower waistline, with a slightly cropped hem. With a super skinny fit in a deep midnight blue wash, this low rise jean takes you from day to night with minimum effort.

    Levi’s 712 & 311

    The 712’s jeans from Levi’s are flattering and comfortable, and can be dressed up or down. You might be surprised by how much you will like the slim cut.  The 712 is a slightly more grown-up and less overtly “sexy” look, with a versatile fit. They will definitely become your new favorite daily jeans if given the chance!

    The 311’s are a mid-stretch denim with a skinny leg and fit that shapes throughout the hip and thigh.  This style includes tummy-slimming technology with added stretch for comfort. They hold their shape and don’t end up baggy by the end of the day. For those with athletic thighs you won’t be nervous about skinny jeans any longer. These are very slimming.

    As the main stream American jeans brand for the last 100 years, Levi’s are readily available just about everywhere. Most major retailers carry all styles and offer discounts and BOGO’s frequently. This makes it very easy to get your favorite style of Levi’s at a great and affordable price.

    Good American Good Legs High Rise Skinny Jeans

    Contrary to what you may think, wide hips can look rather fabulous and jaw dropping even in skinny jeans. This is especially true in Good American Good Legs High Rise Skinny Jeans!  In addition to a body-lengthening high waist, they feature a contoured waistband and “advanced stretch recovery” for a fit that moves with your shape.

    These jeans feature a signature four-piece, gap-proof waistband that contours to the body to help avoid a gap appearing at the back of the waist. Good American was launched last year by Khloé Kardashian and Emma Grede. They are available from the Good American website and Nordstrom at lower prices than you might expect.


  • Don’t get Hacked! Use a Password Manager

    Don’t get Hacked! Use a Password Manager

    Your password is one of your strongest tools to protect your accounts and all your personal data. But too many people do not pick out good passwords and then their information is vulnerable. To protect yourself against hackers and keep your online data and identity safe, you need to know all the rules about passwords.

    The Importance of Your Password

    The first thing we need to look at here is the importance of the password. The password is considered one of the most important things for any system that you would like to use. It is a great way to maintain your own identity online so that no one else is able to view the account at all. If you don’t have a good strong password, it is more likely that someone will guess it and take over the account. A password can be almost anything that you would like. Some organizations may set up certain safety parameters to make sure your password is safe, such as requiring one uppercase and one lowercase letter or some numbers or special symbols. Other websites give you more freedom. No matter the policy in place with that website, picking a strong password is a must. The stronger your password, the harder it is for someone to guess what the password is. Many hackers will try to steal your password with a password cracker, and one method is to just try out all of the most common password types. If your password is on the list, they have a better chance to get onto some of your important accounts.

    Ways Hackers Can Get Your Password

    Hackers are really good at discovering passwords, especially if you use a really simple password. They are able to try a few different methods to get ahold of your password and use it for their needs. Some of the most common ways a hacker can get your password include:

    Password Recycling

    Many times a hacker can harvest a list of passwords from a data breach. Passwords and credentials from data breaches are often bought and sold illegally. These passwords can be leaked and other hackers will decide to use them the way that they would like. Using the same email and password for multiple accounts can mean if one account is compromised in a data breach, your other accounts will also be at risk. The hacker is able to use that same password to access all of the sites that they want under your name. The best way to prevent this is to make sure that all of the passwords across your accounts are different and use a password management tool to help.

    Wi-Fi Sniffing

    This method allows a hacker to get onto your Wi-Fi and access all of the data that goes between you and other systems. This one takes some time because they need to get onto the Wi-Fi and then take the time to figure out where the passwords are located. But once they do, they can get all of the information they want. A good way to prevent against this is to make sure your Wi-Fi is strong and has a good protocol behind it, encrypt everything that is sent between you and another person, and do not use common passwords like your phone number or street address as your Wi-Fi password.

    Security Questions

    If you happen to forget a password on one of your accounts,  you will need to answer a few security questions before you have a chance to reset the password. Security questions may seem like a good idea, but they are usually weak and if the hacker has gotten ahold of your email or other passwords, they can probably figure it out. A good idea is to answer security questions differently for different accounts.

    Dictionary Attacks

    This is known as a type of brute force attack. While some sites will disable the account after three failed attempts, the dictionary attack can still be effective on websites that do not require this. To work with a dictionary attack, the hacker will need to run a script of their own that is able to try out all the words in the dictionary. To make this option harder to accomplish, make sure there is a minimum of one capital letter in the password.

    Why You Should Have Different Passwords for Each Website You Visit

    It is important that you have a different password for all of the websites that you decide to visit. This will help you keep your information safe. If there is a data breach or the hacker is able to gain access to your password on one site, they will try to use that same password on other sites as well. If you used the same password on all of them, then the hacker has access to all of your accounts. However, if you have different passwords on each account, this task becomes harder. Many people worry about remembering all those passwords, especially if they have a lot of them to keep in mind all the time. This is why you should choose a password manager. It can hold onto your passwords safely and make sure that you can get onto each website while the hacker can’t.

    Why Should I Have a Long Password?

    The longer you can make your password, the better. This makes it even harder for a hacker to get onto your system and gain the information that they need. Shorter passwords are not as tough to work with and can make it easier for the hacker to do any of the tasks that we talked about above. The longer, and more complicated, the password, the better for everyone. If you can, try to make the password into a bunch of letters and numbers mixed together. It shouldn’t even make sense or be readable. This makes it much harder on a hacker. Your password manager can handle the work for you by making sure you can remember those passwords later on.

    The Requirements of a Good Password

    We have spent some time talking about passwords and learning how important they are for protecting your information. Now we need to look at some of the recommendations that you need to remember in order to write out a good password and keep your data and personal information safe.

    If you are using a website that has specific instructions and requirements of their own for creating a password, then make sure to follow those instead. This will make it easier to keep it safe and are often really safe on their own. Some of the requirements you should consider when it comes to picking out a good password includes: It is 12 characters long at least: You should pick out a password that is longer than normal. There is not a minimum password length that each person will agree on, but picking one that is at least 12 characters long will make a big difference. If you can make one that is longer, you are doing even better. You also want to include a good deal of variety in the password. You should include capital letters, lowercase letters, symbols,  and numbers to make sure that the password is as strong as possible.  Don’t use words from the dictionary. Stay away from some of the more common dictionary words or even combinations of dictionary words. This will make it easier for the hacker to do a dictionary attack on you. Do not use substitutions that are obvious. As an example, substituting zero for ‘o’ or 3 for ‘e’ is not good practice. “H0us3” vs. “house” is just too easy to guess.

    What Should I Do If I Think Someone Has My Password?

    So your password was stolen and now someone else has been able to get onto your account. This can be a big hassle and lead to loss of data, money or worse. Sometimes even the good passwords can be taken if there is a big data breach. Knowing how to handle this situation can help you protect your own data safe. The first step to take is change up your passwords right away. Sign up for some text alerts for your accounts and if something does show up on your account, you will get a notification about this. If you were the one who did make that purchase, then you won’t have to do anything, but if it was a hacker, then you will need to make some changes and changing your password is the first step. If there are any other accounts that have the same password, then you need to change those as well. This leaves a little more protection on your accounts so you know everything will stay safe. If you suspect that someone has gotten your password, there are a few resources you can check out to help see whether your account information is readily available online.

    These include:

    1. haveibeenpwned.com: This website holds onto a database of password and username combinations found after a public leak.
    2. LastPass: This website will take a look at all the email addresses in your database and then will check those against a database to see if your information has been leaked.
    3. 1Password: This one works as a password manager as well, but has features that will check out whether your passwords have been leaked.

    How Password Management Software Can Help You Keep Your Information Safe

    Now that you know how important it is to have some tough passwords that are different for all of your accounts, you may be worried about who you will remember all of these different passwords for your needs. This is where a password manager will come into play. The password manager can take all of the work out of remembering and keep all your data safe. Benefits of using a password manager include:

    -You Don’t Need a Good Memory

    The main benefit of using this password manager is that it will give your security online a boost. You can make the passwords as strong as you would like without having to remember them. You can make them long with lots of different random characters and symbols and numbers and the password manager will remember it all for you.

    -You Can Choose Tougher Passwords

    Without having to remember all of those passwords, you can use stronger ones and even go with ones that are a random match of numbers and letters. This helps you to really get something strong that is hard to break through. You can even use a different password for each access point so if there is a breach, it won’t result in everything getting ruined in the process.

    -You Have Fast Access to Websites and Accounts

    These password managers help you to get onto your accounts quickly. You just need to type in one password and you can then automatically get all of your accounts opened up for you. This helps you to speed up your time without having to type in all of the usernames and passwords and remember them all.

    -Password Managers can help with more than just passwords

    While the password manager is awesome for helping with passwords, you will find that it can help you to store and manager a lot more than that. For example, some of these are designed to help you store and access the information for your credit card. Others can make it so you need to do more than one step to authenticate it is you so your information and data will stay safe.

    -They Help with Managing Any Accounts That are Shared

    If you share an account with others in the company, it is important to make sure that you can manage the passwords and only allow those with the right credentials to get one. A password manager makes it easier for you to manage and change the password when it is necessary. Some even have some features so that one person is able to be in control the password on the account while providing access to some other users, without even having to give out the password.

    There are many great password managers that you can choose to use to help you keep track of all those complicated passwords you now need to make. Some of the best include:

    1. Kaspersky
    2. Keeper
    3. Dashlane
    4. NordPass
    5. Google Chrome also has a password manager built in for you.
    6. RoboForm

    When it comes to your password, the stronger you can make it and the more you monitor your accounts, the easier it is to keep hackers away and protect all of your data. Make sure to check out the tips above to help you take care of yourself online.


  • Dry Skin Moisturizers with SPF

    Dry Skin Moisturizers with SPF

    Everyone uses face moisturizers, but not all moisturizers are created equally. Many do not give you the protection you need. So, today we are looking at the best moisturizers with SPF protection! 

    The “best” face moisturizer for one person might be the worst for someone else.  It is important to know your own specific skin type before you buy anything to put on, especially on your face. Best practice would most likely be applying high quality face moisturizer and a high quality SPF lotion separate from one another, but for time’s sake, these moisturizers have the SPF already in them to save you time in your routine.

    The Best Oil-Free Moisturizer With SPF

    Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture With SPF35 Sunscreen:

    If you are one with predominately oily skin, this product might be one to check out.  People that use oil based moisturizers on already oily skin could end up with unwanted breakouts.  They also have a SPF 70 version of this product, for those of you who need extra protection.  Best to use this product right after you get done washing your face. This will leave your skin very soft, clear, and free from redness. Excellent product much more reasonably priced than others on the market.

    The Best Moisturizer With SPF for Sensitive Skin

    Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF30 Sensitive Skin:

    You probably have sensitive skin if you found this article in the first place. If you do, finally, a 30 SPF sun lotion with moisturizer that does not smell, does not make your eyes sting and does not make your mouth taste like suntan lotion.

    The Best Illuminating Moisturizer With SPF

    Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer With Broad Spectrum SPF 30:

    This one is a great all around daily moisturizer. It controls oily skin and it has very little specks of shimmer (don’t worry, you can barely see it) that make your skin look flawless. There is a slight herbal scent, but you can’t smell it after a minute or so. It works great under makeup because it isn’t oily.

    The Best Brightening Moisturizer With SPF

    RoC Multi Correxion 5 In 1 Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturizer for Skin Discoloration SPF 30:

    If you are like the majority of us, I am sure you have tried many other creams for lightening spots, but this product really works well on lightening those brown spots. It’s very lightweight but hydrates perfectly. If this one works for you and your skin, they also have a night cream that can enhance the effects.

    The Best Tinted Moisturizer With SPF

    Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 Tinted Matte Moisturizer:

    This one is very easy to apply and has a bit of a sheer tint to it.  It won’t necessarily make you look darker, it just won’t look like you’re wearing regular white sunscreen. It never leaves you too greasy, it makes your skin feel and look like your skin. It won’t leave you oily at all and it absorbs really fast. You can even apply regular moisturizer underneath from time to time during the winter, and it still won’t let your skin get greasy or shiny. For very oily, acne-prone skin, when using this product, your skin’s oil production slows down. This one doesn’t let your face get shiny too fast at all.

    The Best Longwear Moisturizer With SPF

    La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense 24-Hour Face Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid SPF 20:

    Do you still find that you get dry patches when using other moisturizers? This one is an impressive one if you typically have predominately dry skin. This one will keep your makeup looking fresh and hydrated. If you are looking for moisturizer that feels like it’s working and leaves your skin looking healthy without all the grease, this one might be the one for you.

    The Best SPF Moisturizer With Added Ceramides

    CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30:

    This one definately has some of the best ingredients out of any expensive face cream or moisturizer. you have other ones to do ‘extra’ stuff when you need it, but this is the best everyday one for a lot of CeraVe belivers. The ingredients have hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamides, which are awesome for your skin, and if you look at more expensive creams, they usually only boast ONE of those three…this lotion has three in one! It is light but holds moisture in, and will not break you out. This has the potential to work better for you than some expensive moisturizer (including Korean skin care) because it is so simple.

    The Best SPF Moisturizer With Retinol

    Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Retinol SPF 20:

    Use this cream under your eyes, between eyebrows, around the mouth and nose, and on your neck. Put the cream on after a shower once a day, rarely skipping a day. You will notice you have to use it for quite a while, but it will do amazing things. The skin tone under your eyes will have gained so much elasticity, you will be blown away, to tell you the truth. You never expected such a good outcome because you have used other products and they simply did not live up to what they said their products would do, but … you will notice without any doubt that this product has vastly improved the condition of your skin where you applied the cream, especially under your eyes. Previous customers told us they have considered some type of under-eyelid surgery or acid peel because they hated how many fine wrinkles they had under my eyes, but this product has smoothed those out and made them look so much younger. You will be so happy that you got it and used it so often for this long, it was worth the wait.

    The Best Moisturizer With SPF 50+

    Replenix Antioxidant Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 50:

    This sunscreen triples as a moisturizer, tint, and sunscreen — and your skin will look improved after using it for a few weeks, due to the other antioxidants and good stuff in it. These products are superior for sensitive, aging skin, especially if you tend to break out. The moisturizer is pleasant, clean, and easy to use — and reasonably priced given the great quality in each product.


  • Review: Best Online Grocery Delivery Services

    Review: Best Online Grocery Delivery Services

    Review Of Best Online Grocery Delivery Providers

    It could be that moving from one aisle to another is a big turn off for you, you are really busy, you are self-isolating or you simply hate grocery shopping. Whatever the reason maybe, the fact remains that you still must eat and groceries are but a must shop category. And that is where online grocery delivery services come in.

    According to research by Statista, 52% of grocery stores were already offering home delivery or store pick up options by August of 2019, and this is in addition to a projected roll out of integration of online grocery services by 25% of those existing. This only goes to point out the fierce cut throat competition existing between the crowded chains, which are still growing by the day. 

    With the thousands of online grocery stores marking the online grocery landscape, it can be pretty confusing and at times frustrating on where to shop. However the ease, efficiency, flexibility, affordability and convenience accompanying it is fast transforming the industry into a multi-billion dollar sector. For with online shopping, all you need to do is virtually fill a grocery cart from the comfort of your couch, pay with your card and Voila, your groceries appear at your door. And this is exactly what the 21st ever busy person is after.

    But how do you sift through the thousands of stores to settle on that which best meets you personalized preference? 

    That is the very reason we compiled this comprehensive list to help you decide. 

    1. ThriveMarket.

    Starting our list is ThriveMarket.

    Founded in 2015, and built to eliminate the brick and mortar grocery stores, thrive has established itself as a leading membership-based grocery delivery store boasting of over 6,00 organic and natural groceries.

    True to its founding vision, ThriveMarket offers contactless deliveries, is eco-friendly, alcohol free, and gives back to society through its give back charity program.

    Delivery – the deliveries are contactless and take between 3 to 5 days. You may however be forced to wait for up to 10 days should your order include seafood, frozen meat and wines.

    Coverage– It delivers across the USA except Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska. 

    Membership, shipping and delivery costs – Members can opt for either the annual membership plan of $120 or a monthly billing of $9.95. The first order is shipped for free after which all orders under $49 will cost you a handling fee of $5.95. They offer free shipping on all orders above $49.

    Cash back upon cancellation– Thrive will refund you your membership fee should you choose to cancel 30 days after sign-up

    Discounts – In return for the monthly or annual membership fee, members receive free samples of new products and 50% off on all quality organic products.

    2. Amazon Fresh

    An affiliate of the American e-commerce giant Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh is a grocery delivery service that has tentacles across major cities of USA, India, London, Tokyo among many others.

    Among the pioneers of online grocery delivery services, Amazon fresh has stamped its authority as a leader on matters grocery. Building on existing infrastructure, both physical and non-physical, clientele base, reputation and financial muscles, Amazon Fresh has revolutionized the online grocery delivery service to make it a thrilling, seamless, and convenient most preferred option.

    Delivery areas – Its pickup or delivery options are available across major cities that it is available in.  You can check out their website, or mobile based apps to check their availability in your current place of residence or visit.

    Delivery fee – orders amounting $35 and above and that are to be delivery within 2 hours are free. One hour delivery will however have you incur an additional $7.99 with pickup of within 30 minutes attracting a levy or fee of $4.99.

    Delivery Time – With Amazon Fresh, you can expect your delivery within 2 to 3 hours after you order.

    3. Fresh Direct

    Available in most web-based technologies and mobile based apps, Freshdirect works just like other online grocery sites. Among the pioneer stores, the store has expanded its services, initially exclusive to New York, to other states including Washington, DC among many others.

    Delivery– Most of the areas served are eligible for same day delivery. Some select few however, have the option of an express 2-hour delivery. And others still can take up to a week to be delivered.

    Geographic coverage– compared to most, it has a pretty narrow net that include Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Delaware, and Jersey Shore among a few others.

    Shipping and delivery costs– it has a minimum order of $30 that will cost you a delivery of $5.99. Unlike some of its competitors, its minimum order and delivery fee vary across localities with Hamptons being the most expensive at $99 minimum at a delivery fee of $15.99.

    Membership. The main options available are a six month plan that will cost you $79 or an annual plan that will cost you $120. The plans are called DeliveryPass option with the year plan allowing members $5 discounts for weekday deliveries, and reserved time slots with free deliveries.

    4. Walmart grocery+

    With over 1600 stores across the country ranging from hypermarkets, retail stores, grocery stores among others, Walmart has a significant market reach. Founded in 1962 before being incorporated in 1969, Walmart has grown to be a leader that has pushed convenience to a whole new level with its Grocery Delivery membership option for its customers.

    Delivery– Initially piloted in four markets, Walmart’s Today received an overwhelming positive response forcing the store to expand it to 200 metro areas. Additionally you can have express deliveries or have them scheduled for delivery at your convenience.

    Membership – The annual membership fee is $98 with a cheaper monthly renewal option of $12.95. Members are entitled to free unlimited deliveries, fuel discounts and access to family shopping tools that make shopping easier and faster. The membership has a free 15 day trial for first timers. For non-members, a pay on delivery option is also available.

    Shipping and delivery fee – it ranges between $7.95 to $9.95, and your order must be of $30 and above, for pay on delivery but is free for members. The fee however varies depending on order urgency for both members and non-members. The urgency fee is an extra $10 above normal fee and can see to it that you have your order for up to 2 hours after ordering. 

    Delivery coverage – with over 1600 stores spread across America, Walmart has so wide a coverage. To check if your area is covered, simply access the website or mobile based app and check whether your area is covered.

    5. Instacart

    Founded in 2012, Instacart serves customers across Canada and the USA. Its grocery delivery services can be accessed through both the web and mobile based apps. Unlike other grocery delivery services, Instacart customers will shop through the company’s mobile app or web based platform, fill in their virtual cart and submit it for processing. The company will then have one of its part time employees to shop, on your behalf, from major stores close to you and drop them to you.

    Membership – Members sign up for Instacart Express for an annual billing of $99 or $9.99 per month. However non-members too can shop using Instacart for free for first orders that must be more than $35. 

    Delivery cost – It is free for customers with Instacart Express and will cost non-members a minimum of $3.99 fee for orders amounting more than $35. In addition to the membership or delivery fee, customers are strongly encouraged to tip the personal shoppers who deliver with tips of either $5 or 20% of the cost of shopping.

    Delivery times – The average delivery times for Instacart ranges between the same day to next day. More flexible deliveries are however available and can allow for advance scheduling of up to two weeks. The deliveries can be changed up until the part time employee starts shopping. 

    6. Imperfect foods.com

    Saddened by the gleam food wastage statistics, Imperfect foods.com was conceived. This was a few years back, while the founder, Ben Simon was in college. In the conceived idea, He made it his life  goal to improve nutrition for the general populace by improving food business – specifically fruits and veggies – outcomes through technology, and that is what imperfect foods.com has become.

    With weekly, bi-weekly or customized option schedules, including pause options, imperfect foods.com will deliver customized food boxes within 7 states at up to 50% off normal grocery store prices.

    Delivery times – deliveries are made on Monday through to Saturday 9 PM. Customizations options are available to customers that may include, pause, bi-weekly or even weekly deliveries.

    Delivery costs –launched and built on a cost reduction and minimal emission, imperfect foods.com clusters clients into efficient delivery zones to benefit on economies of scale and reduce emissions. The fee ranges between $4.99 to $8.99 and will be included on your customized cart invoice when ordering.

    Discounts – Customers eligible for the yet to be rolled out SNAP program are entitled to 33% off total order costs. Periodic promotions of 10% are also periodically available.

    7. Postmates

    Reliant on its mobile based apps and global positioning systems to match and pair consumers with local grocery delivery, postmates has posted up to 90 % profits year after year. The on demand delivery company built to rival the likes of Amazon Fresh, Instacart and Fresh direct operates on an on demand farm to table model.

    Delivery – Touted to give most online grocery stores a run for their money, the company tried 30 minute delivery windows, and 2 to 3 hour windows. Other longer options are available and customers can track their deliveries.

    Coverage – It makes deliveries to 400 plus states including some parts of Mexico.

    Delivery cost – Most of its deliveries are priced between $0.99 to $ 9.99 and may be calculated as a percentage of your total cost. They may also vary from one merchant to another. This however is available for review before your checkout from your virtual shopping cart. 

    Membership – Annual subscription fee of $99.99 per or monthly billing cycles of $12 will guarantee you unlimited free deliveries. Postmates unlimited members are however still charged varied service fees and small cart fees of $1.99.

    8. Shipt

    The company partnered with numerous retailers to offer grocery delivery services. Unlike its competitors, Shipts allows one to shop from stores that are nearest to them. This greatly reduces the turnaround time. Even more, it will allow you to shop any time subject to working hours of the select stores closest. 

    Membership – the app is exclusive to members with an annual subscription fee of $99 or $14 per month. Grocery product pricing will vary depending on your select store. Non-members cannot use Shipt.

    Delivery fee – Deliveries are free for members who spend above $35. The non-members will however have to fork an extra, in addition to the membership fee, $7 for orders worth $35 and.

    Delivery – It delivers within an hour or more from time of delivery. It also allows you to text individual shoppers in case of need to change order details. This however should be done prior to the actual shopping. The delivery time may vary depending on other factors like distance to your address.

    Coverage – Its services are available in over 200 cities across the USA.

    9. Safeway

    A unique departure from its fierce competitors, Safeway does not offer annual or monthly subscription plans. But just like most of its competitors, it does offer first time shoppers free deliveries. 

    Delivery fee –for orders below $150 you will pay $12. 95. Orders amounting to anything above $150 will save you an extra $3 fee below that is chargeable on orders worth $150 and below. Notable, the delivery fee is not inclusive of the tip to the person delivering.

    Delivery window – the time taken to deliver can be anything between an hour to more. This, just like the delivery rates depend on order size, mileage to be covered and availability of requested groceries.

    Discounts – online grocery pricing is similar to in-store prices but can be subject to discount terms. That is, discounts like digital coupons can be redeemed but they have to have been added to your account before order placement. Interestingly, paper coupons are not redeemable for grocery deliveries.

    Coverage – the coverage is majorly in Colorado but other cities and states are covered. This can be confirmed by checking on your account before you place an order.

    10. Hungry Root

    Unlike most in this list, Hungryroot combines grocery delivery options and meal kit services. The grocery can be customized to meal specific groceries, general grocery shopping or a two in one option of the former and latter. 

    Built around the philosophy of simplifying grocery shopping and making healthy eating a habit, Hungryroot provides vegan grocery deliveries that can be further customized by non-vegans.

    Where available – Everywhere within the USA

    Delivery and shipping fee – though rare, shipping fee may be included depending on mileage to be covered. The delivery fee is within the ranges of most traditional stores ranging between $7.99 and $12.99. 

    Time taken to deliver –customers get weekly deliveries of their small, medium or plus size boxes. This contains their pre-selected grocery essentials but can be customized prior to delivery. Subscription plans- with a customization option to either increase or reduce the box size, plans are based on a credit point system of $69 and above. Depending on the plan, your delivery can be tailored to be ingredient based, recipe based or a combination of both.

    11. Peapod

    Among the pioneer grocery delivery services, Peapod offers both home deliveries and pick up options. In the pickup option, at a minimum of $30 per order, shoppers will load your order into your truck in select Stop & Shop stores for $2.95 service fee.

    Delivery fee – It largely varies on demand but will cost you a minimum of between $6.95 to $9.95 per delivery with a minimum order amount of $60 for non-members. Members enjoy free deliveries with discounts available for off-peak times. Tipping is permitted.

    Membership – It offers an optional PodPass that can be billed either monthly, semi-annually or annually. This will cost you $13, $69 or $99 respectively. This guarantees you free delivery for the period of the subscription. 

    Time taken to deliver – deliveries can be scheduled for delivery for as soon as a day after order or for up to two weeks in advance.

    Where available – Currently it is majorly available in Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and New England. With expansion plans however to new regions.

    12. Boxed

    With expert shoppers to hand pick daily fresh high quality produce, Boxed lets you shop and save money on groceries.

    Where available – available across the contiguous U.S.

    Membership – ordering is free but shipping will come at a cost for non-members. The annual subscription is $49 with a cash back guarantee of 2%, exclusive discounts and free shipping on orders amounting to $19.98 or more. 

    Delivery fee – It is free for both members and non-members (only on first order) for deliveries of $19.98 and more or $79 respectively. Subsequent deliveries will cost non-members $6.99 for orders that are $49 or less. Additionally, Boxed will not charge non-members for any shipping fees for two day orders should they spend more than $20.

    Delivery timeframe – you may have to wait for your order for between 2 to 3 days from the time you submit your order.

    This summarizes our review of the best online grocery delivery services. Much as they are out to take off the weight of physical shopping off your shoulder, care should be taken to ensure you are getting value for your money. Key factors to consider in selection should include, but not limited to, payment options, reliability, turn around, variety of produce, quality of produce, cost of produce, discounts among many others.

     


  • Search Best Applicant Tracking Systems

    Search Best Applicant Tracking Systems

    Hiring new quality employees in the time of COVID is extremely difficult for hiring managers and HR managers.

    Remote working means that in-person interviews are challenging to facilitate, if not impossible. In addition, collaboration between hiring teams is also difficult, and keeping candidates moving through the pipeline can be slower than in pre-pandemic times.

    From a candidate point of view, many job seekers express frustration around lack of communication from the employers, the inability to make a strong impression over zoom or other video conferencing services.  Negative impressions from interviewers are showing up on websites like glassdoor.com. If you are a hiring manager or HR professional, you may want to consider a new applicant tracking system. Our team researched some of the leading options below:

    1. BambooHR: Bamboo is priced slightly higher than others- which may make it out of reach for smaller companies. However, reviews show it is easy to get up and running, has a rich feature set and UI functionality that has resonated positively with hiring managers and HR professionals. Pricing starts at $4.95 per employee per month.
    2. Workable: Workable is designed for companies of all sizes. Features that set it apart include access to 200 free and premium job boards and over 600 job description templates. Pricing can be ‘hire as needed’ and features a $99 per job month subscription.
    3. Bullhorn Staffing and Recruiting: This service starts at $99 per user per month, so only feasible to larger enterprise customers. However, the user interface is a very high quality, and features a very easy integration with outlook at Gmail. The intuitive features have drawn favorable feedback from users across the board.
    4. Greenhouse: Greenhouse is very popular service featuring custom interview plans, automated job approvals and candidate scorecards. The job board syndication feature is very ideal for smaller businesses who lack a built out career page.
    5. Jazz HR: Jazz is designed with small and midsized businesses in mind. Free trials are available, and the feature set eliminates busy work with ranking and candidate tracking tools which are intuitive and quick to learn. In addition, pre-poplulated templates can speed up the offer process and give candidates a personalized feel that is very efficient for the hiring manager.

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  • Pest Control: How to Manage Rodents

    Pest Control: How to Manage Rodents

    Whether it’s mice or rats crawling in your cupboards, you just want them out. No one likes having rodents living in their house unless they’re pets who have their own living space. And, trust us, there’s a big difference between a sweet pet rodent and a serious vermin infestation. Calling out an exterminator can be costly and disruptive, though. What should you do?

    There are a few ways to deal with a rodent problem in your home. Today we’re looking at some of the most straightforward solutions, and how they stack up against one another. Let’s get started!

    Get a Cat

    This incredibly straightforward method is far from fool-proof, but it’s time-tested and has a good chance of fixing your rodent problem. Cats live with humans primarily thanks to their unchallenged mastery of hunting small pests. The average house cat will be delighted to move in with you for the head pats and free food, and you’ll get a sweet little buddy out of the deal. Often, the mere presence of a kitty will be enough to scare savvy rodents away, as your home becomes rather deadly to them.

    Meanwhile, your new feline friend will be having a great time snapping up mice and rats and dealing with the problem for you. This is a win-win solution, assuming your kitty is a dedicated enough hunter and you’re not dealing with terribly intelligent rodents. Of course, some cats aren’t great hunters, so if your kitty doesn’t manage to fix the problem, don’t get rid of her! She’ll still make a great little companion, even if she can’t hunt.

    Deprive Rats of Food

    Well, you have a cat now and the rats are still in your house. Or maybe you just skipped that last step, which is fine, too. In either case, your next step should be to shore up all of the potential food sources in your home that rats are going for. Seal up all foods in airtight containers, clean up your trash and don’t leave any table scraps or crumbs around. This will make the rats hungry and desperate.

    Once the rats’ food sources dry up, they’ll start getting desperate to grab a meal. Sometimes this drives them directly into the paws of your cat, if you have one. If so, great! If not, there’s a few other steps you can take.

    Rat Traps

    Once deprived of food, you can often trick rats into traps with some of their favorite snacks. Some rat traps are deadly, killing the rodent as it enters, leaving you to dispose of the remains. Others are a bit more humane, but then require you to drop the rat somewhere far from your home so they don’t re-enter and restart your problem.

    Traps are a preferred method for a few reasons. Poisons can be dangerous to have around children or pets, and also don’t take effect immediately. Often, a rat who ingests poison will go back to their hiding hole, only to die there. Here’s the issue: rats like to hide in your walls. A dead rat in your walls will stink to high heaven, and attracts bugs.

    Warding Scents

    Another way to deal with rats is using warding aromas. There are many products sold that purport to smell horrible to rats, usually composed of essential oils. Since rodents have such strong senses of smell, it’s not unreasonable that some powerful scents would confuse and repel them.

    If you have pets or children and don’t want to deal with rat traps or rat poisons, using these warding scents can be a good way to try to humanely stop the problem from occurring in the first place. If none of these efforts have any effect, however, it’s time to call in a professional exterminator.


  • Best Joint Pain Remedies

    Best Joint Pain Remedies

    More than 50 million people in the United States are affected by arthritis, and up to 67 million are expected to be diagnosed by the year 2030. Arthritis pain can be downright incapacitating if it gets intense enough.

    Wrists and joints ache and you feel as though nothing can make you feel normal. Every joint can be affected, but most often hands, wrists, knees, and feet are affected.
    When not properly treated, arthritis can be damaging to many aspects of people’s lives, causing all kinds of physical and emotional issues stemming from chronic pain and the loss of mobility. There has been much research into arthritis remedies for those suffering with aching joints. Here are a few you can try.

    Top Arthritis Remedies

    1-Enbrel

    Etanercept (Enbrel) is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. It is a prescription only injection that has been proven to stop joint pain, and prevent joint damage. It has many side effects, despite its effectiveness. Contact your physician for more information.

    2-NSAIDs

    Two non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and naproxen are available without a prescription, and are quite effective at treating arthritis pain. Aspirin, the proptype of this class, is still used quite commonly in treating arthritic pain. Avoid upset stomach by taking these medications with food.

    3-Over the Counter Rubs

    There are a wide array of creams and ointments available without a prescription that are effective in alleviating pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Look for ingredients like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate when choosing a product.

    4-Ginger

    Ginger is quite effective at treating and preventing arthritic pain. It is available in many forms including the root which can be chewed, cooked, or used in teas.
    5-Black Seed Oil

    A teaspoonful a day is helpful in treating arthritis. Black seed oil has many other uses.

    6-Hot and Cold Therapy

    Hot and cold therapy can do wonders for aching joints from arthritis. Taking a nice, long and hot bath or shower in the morning can do aching joints wonders. Alternatively, using electric blankets or heating pads can help to relax stiff joints.

    On the other hand ice therapy can be used to alleviate intense pain rapidly. Ice packs wrapped in towels and applied to sore joints can provide fast relief. Follow this cold treatment with a bit of heat treatment for relief from joint pain!

    7-Turmeric
    Consider adding turmeric to your diet in higher quantities. This root plant is a known anti-inflammatory and has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of years. You can add it to dishes easily, as it is a common spice. It tastes really good, too! While it’s not a cure-all, you might find it helps to alleviate symptoms of joint pain.

    The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric could result in your joints and tendons feeling some relief from your arthritis symptoms. This is a great way to attempt to tackle your symptoms from several angles.

    Because, at the very worst, it’ll just add some spice to your dishes!

    8-Cocoa/Chocolate
    Did you know that cocoa provides an abundant source of phytochemicals? You might not know much about phytochemicals, but this odd ingredient means cocoa is an antioxidant – and antioxidants are known to help with cardiovascular health, brain function, and cancer prevention. If you have RA, consuming cocoa (yes, even in the form of chocolate) can also benefit your immune system.

    Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, can significantly reduce inflammation throughout the body. Cocoa properties are known to decrease COX-2 enzymes that cause inflammation, meaning every bite of dark chocolate helps decrease what’s causing your aches and pains.

    When you consume chocolate, it triggers the release of serotonin in the brain – or what many people call “the happiness chemical.” Serotonin literally changes your mindset, releasing happiness and lifting your mood.

    Suffering from the symptoms of RA can have a devastating impact on your well-being. However, treating yourself with dark chocolate can help combat both a bad mood and a little of your pain. Enjoying dark chocolate (in moderation, of course) is enough to lift up your spirits, even if just for a moment.

    9-Acupuncture
    The use of acupuncture for treating pain is a bit contentious. However, many patients claim that their chronic pain symptoms are greatly alleviated by acupuncture. Consider visiting a specialist for a consultation and a quote! They might be able to help you.

    In short, acupuncture is a practice that uses select placement of needles to attempt to manipulate the body’s pain receptors. Some practitioners ascribe the benefits of acupuncture to the manipulation of chi flow in the patient. Chi is an energy force that many Eastern traditions believe flows through all living things, though scientific examination has shown no evidence of such a force.

    Those patients who have had acupuncture treatments have had varying responses, though many claim that the procedures have helped them manage their arthritis pain.

    10-Massage
    Along those same lines, you could consider visiting a massage therapist. They could use massage techniques to help relax your muscles and loosen stiff joints. Alternatively, you could work with a physical therapist to learn techniques of self-massage if it would be difficult to see a professional regularly.

    11-Exercise
    Make sure you get lots of exercise! Simply staying active can work wonders on aching or stiff joints. Make sure you walk often and don’t spend all day indoors. If you find walking to be too high-impact, consider hitting the pool. Getting some light swimming in is a great way to work your joints, tendons and muscles without putting a lot of stress on them. Staying limber and exercising often is a great way to directly tackle arthritis symptoms.
    Try a combination of these arthritis remedies and hopefully they will alleviate your symptoms!

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    Natural pain relief is a great alternative to potentially harmful painkillers or NSAIDs. While you should always take medicine as directed by your doctor, there are non-medicinal ways to combat aches and pains. This goes double for arthritis pain, which can be a big deal for older people. Here are some of our top picks […]

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    What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

    Posted: September 9, 2020

    Rheumatoid arthritis is a commonly-occurring autoimmune disorder that often occurs in older patients. RA is caused by the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues and resulting in inflammation. In particular, RA attacks the lining of the joints, resulting in stiffness, soreness and joint pain. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Arthritis Overview Generally speaking, […]


  • Exclusive! Our Team Reviews Hard to Find Black Friday Sales!

    Exclusive! Our Team Reviews Hard to Find Black Friday Sales!

    Black Friday is taking on a new look this year. Long lines, mass crowds and short deals are all on pause. However, there is good news, Black Friday deals will be as popular as ever as retailers aim to make up for store closures and lost sales earlier in the year. This year, look for multiple offers and deals extending far beyond Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The even better news is that the sales will include some of the most popular luxury brands and purveyors. To take advantage of the incredible deals, make your list and earmark these sites for the great sales on gifts that will delight your friends and family and keep your budget in check.

    LUXURY CLOTHING

    1. The OutNet:

    From leaders in the luxury goods space, Net-A-Porter known for carrying hot brands like Balenciaga, Stella McCartney and Theory, The OutNet has become a go-to for fashion insiders who know a good deal when they see one. The OutNet offers beautiful styles often 55% – 70% off. Already, The OutNet is leading the Black Friday deals with impressive savings on some of the most coveted brands and styles of the season. Look for exciting Black Friday deals that will wow your entire list.

    A few items already on the NICE list:

    • DKNY Double-breasted belted felt coat at 50% off DKNY puts a youthful spin on designer Donna Karan’s signature New York-cool aesthetic. Classic designs are reinvented with splashes of color and glittering appliqués, blending timeless tailoring with luxe contemporary style.

    2. RAG & BONE

    Bonnie satin-jacquard blazer at 80% off
    Marcus Wainwright and David Neville founded rag & bone with the aim to ‘create beautifully constructed clothes’ of the highest quality. Originally a menswear line, the label has won awards and A-list fans for their slouchy knits, cool shoes and understated blouses. This blazer, one of the hottest trends of the season is a prime example of what makes this brand so hot and the deals from The OutNet so impressive.

    3. STELLA MCCARTNEY

    logo tote at 45% off
    From basics to sophisticated evening wear, British designer Stella McCartney sets the standard for sustainably-made clothing that exudes confidence and femininity. The Chloé alumna launched her eponymous fashion house in 2001 with a fur and leather-free brand ethos dedicated to using recycled, organic and forest-safe textiles. Don’t miss the smart tailoring and cult-favorite ‘Falabella’ bag in our edit of brand classics.

    Can’t miss bargain tips: Save 15% off your first purchase with code FIRST15

    If you still want more from the world of NET‑A‑PORTER, download their app, explore Mr. Porter and look for their fashion paper. All sites offer excellent fashion tips and inspiration articles for the season, like finding the perfect holiday outfit Celebrate the season in style or this season’s hottest trend, Luxe loungewear ideal for cozy holiday celebrations.

    Next on the list of must-watch luxury retailers, offering impressive holiday savings, is a true fashion icon, Neiman Marcus.

    4. LUXURY CLOTHING & BEYOND

    Neiman Marcus:
    Founded in Dallas, Texas in 1907, Neiman Marcus has built an empire of serving luxury clients and brands. While not often thought of when it comes to Black Friday deals and steals, the Neiman Marcus name should not deter you when looking for the latest in luxury goods at great prices. Kicking off the holiday season early, Neiman Marcus has already begun embracing the holiday sales with 50% of luxury brands like Tory Burch and Ugg, and should be top of your watch list for even more incredible savings.

    While you are watching for official Black Friday deals, here are three ways to maximize your Neiman Maracus experience:* Join their email list now to receive early announcements and notifications on more Black Friday offers and special savings. Stuck on what to give someone on your list, check out the Neiman Marcus handy online Gift Guide. Answer a few questions and the tool presents hot items from gourmet food gifts to kitchen items to kids toys and fashion accessories for everyone on your list.
    Watch for their cash back offers that typically run multiple times a year. Currently you get back money for purchases starting as low as $150 when you use code NOVSAVE. See below for full details:

    Terms and Conditions: *Online & in stores. To receive $30 off $150, $100 off $400, $300 off $1,000, or $650 off $2,000+ discount offer, enter the promo code NOVSAVE in the promotion code box in your shopping bag during checkout. The value of your select regular-price order must total at least $150 USD before shipping and tax; sale and reduced-price merchandise do not qualify. Qualifying items will be designated on the site with colored type on their product page. Does not apply to beauty or fragrances, jewelry, previous purchases, gift registry items, Neiman Marcus Gift Card purchases, catalog orders, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, or with any other discount offer. Neiman Marcus employees are not eligible for offer. One discount per customer. Other exclusions may apply. Ends 11/20/20 at 10:00 PM CT

    5. LUXURY OUTDOOR GEAR AND APPAREL

    BACKCOUNTRY.COM

    Luxury goods and savings will span far beyond fashion apparel and accessories this shopping season. Top gear can be hard to hunt down and very costly, but Black Friday is guaranteed to help you shop while keeping money in your wallet. A new favorite e-tailer with passion and great taste is Backcountry.com. Ideal for those looking for the hottest brands in outdoor gear and athleasure attire, Backcountry.com is the place to shop and watch for great Black Friday promotions. Already on sale are must-have brands like Prana, Sorel and top gear for the favorite outdoor loving person on your list. At Backcountry.com, you’ll find the highest-performance outdoor gear as well as clothing and expert-level gear knowledge and customer support. This is camping, trail running, mountain biking, alpine and Nordic skiing, mountaineering, backpacking and more—all under one roof, including deals on items like:

    Arc’teryx – Cerium Lt Hooded Down Jacket – Men’s

    Prana – Brion Pant – Men’s

    Backcountry – On The Go Pant – Women’s

    Arc’teryx – Patera Down Parka – Women’s

    Sorel – Joan Of Arctic Wedge Ii Zip Boot – Women’s

    The North Face – Osito Fleece Jacket – Women’s

    Savings tip: shop their house brand “Backcountry” for even better deals.

    Go deeper in the gear world and savings with Steep & Cheap From the same creators of Backcountry, Steep & Cheap is a showroom of limited-time, limited-quantity deals for the outdoor enthusiast without a ton of cash to burn. Through their website or app, they offer incredible thrills and deals.

    6. LUXURY TECH AND MEN’S GIFTS

    Touch of Modern:
    For the hipster in your life who has it all, Touch of Modern is a wonderful place to shop for luxury, fun and less common gifts. In addition to ongoing daily deals, you can bet they will offer some incredible Black Friday offers. While the “members only” access might initially stop you for going further, the site is worth the login. Touch of Modern is the leading e-commerce app for men to discover cutting edge products. Catering to male millennial tastemakers, Touch of Modern focuses on offering unique and new-to-market products not easily found at traditional retailers, with more than 250+ new items added daily.

    Be sure bookmark this page and check back regularly so you do not miss deals like 75% off Edox watches and Mobile Pixels laptop accessories. Since 1884, Edox has produced precision timepieces with passion, ingenuity and meticulous attention to detail. The name “Edox” means “the hour” in ancient Greek, and the hourglass logo has adorned every Edox watch since the company’s beginnings. Edox has a history studded with horologic successes and inventions, many of which remain unrivaled to this day.

    Mobile Pixels was founded by a small group of entrepreneurs who met while studying at MIT. Their innovative multi-screen laptop accessory is designed to boost productivity and make it easier than ever to multitask. Perfect for working professionals, gamers, stock traders, entrepreneurs, coders, and students that are on-the-go, it makes it easy to add 1 or even 2 screens to your setup, wherever you are.

    LUXURY HOME GOODS
    Luxury home goods will also be hot items this season, as people spend more time enjoying time at their house. Your friends and family will be delighted by a fresh blanket to curl up with Netflix or an upgraded pan to cook the next gourmet meal at home.Kicking off the season early with 50% off Black Friday sales is furniture and home good stores like West Elm, William Sonoma and Mark & Graham, offering savings on items like bedding, lighting, pillows & throws, wall art & mirrors, curtains, kitchen & dining, room decor, furniture, storage, holiday decor and baby & kids room items.

    William Sonoma has kicked-off Black Friday early with special savings like;
    https://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/sale-special-offer/premier-event/offers-electrics-premier/?cm_sp=visualnav-_-default-_-premier_day_electrics

    BEYOND BLACK FRIDAY DEALS
    More ways to maximize Black Friday and Holiday savings
    The savings do not have to end when the special discounts expire. In addition to killer holiday sales, many retailers are offering additional savings and increased loyalty points. If you have one particular favorite store, now is a great time to consider joining their credit card program for even more benefits and rewards. For example, Talbots a prominent provider of women’s clothing built from a singular & personal vision, inspired by a joy of discovery and fueled by a commitment to timeless and timely fashion, extraordinary quality and memorable service has an impressive credit card incentive program, including:

    * Extra discount with first purchase
    * $25 Style Rewards at 500 Style Points2
    * Style Points per $1 spent
    * % Back in Style Rewards
    * Bonus Style Point Events
    * Birthday Bonus
    * Special Offers & Exclusive Access
    * Anniversary Bonus Gift
    * Extra 5% off during our Red Hanger Sale
    * Zero Fraud Liability
    * Free Shipping

    To sum it up, there are a lot of great deals to be enjoyed this holiday season for those who stay in-the now, online and ready with the wish-list. The sales and traditions might look different this year, but we can all still enjoy savings, treating our family and friends and spending time with loved ones, even if it is via zoom.


  • How to Fix a Slow Computer

    How to Fix a Slow Computer

    When you first get your computer, there is a lot of excitement around it. You spend time trying it out, zooming in and out of it at a speed that seems amazing compared to the old system that finally died out on you. You have big plans for your computer and are ready to see what you can do with it.

    However, as time goes on, you start to notice the speed slows down. While a little speed reduction is pretty normal for a computer, many systems will start to wear down and go at a slower speed much earlier than they should. Often it is due to the kinds of actions the user does with the computer rather than something being wrong with the computer itself.

    Reasons Your Computer is Slowing Down

    There are a lot of different reasons why your computer may be slowing down. A little speed reduction is normal when you have had the computer for some time, but many systems tend to slow down way before their time. There are a number of reasons for this including:

    • Too many items in the trash bin: Whenever you delete files, they head to the trash bin instead of deleting from the hard drive. You should check the trash ban regularly and delete anything that is not important.
    • A desktop that is dirty: When the desktop is dirty and disorganized, it can slow down computers while making it hard to find what you need. Reorganize those files and delete anything you do not need.
    • Too much in your cache: Caches are good for making things easier and faster on a computer. But if you let too much get into the cache, it may slow down the computer. Take the time to delete your browsing history often to avoid this.
    • Software that is old: It is important to update your computer on a regular basis to keep it up to speed.
    • Too many programs; If there are a lot of unnecessary programs on your system, it will slow everything down. Take the time to uninstall these to free up some space on the computer.
    • Not enough space on the computer: You need to make sure the computer has enough memory and RAM space present for the tasks that you plan to do on the computer.
    • Too many processes: Your computer may slow down because the CPU performance is too low. Always take a look at what processes are running. If you see some that are not needed at the time, turn them off so your computer can go faster.

    Things You Can Do to Fix a Slow Computer

    Many times you are able to do a lot of the repair work on your computer on your own. This allows you a chance to fix it without spending a lot of money. Some of the steps you can use to fix a slow computer include:

    1. Remove Unused Programs and Applications: The more you use your computer, the more likely there are old programs and applications you are no longer using just sitting around. These can still use up a lot of the memory on your system, especially if they are set up to run in the background each time you start the computer. Taking a few minutes to remove all of the unwanted programs will free up some of the resources on the system, helping to improve how well it can perform.
    2. Get a Bigger Hard Drive: To see the best results with your computer, it is best to leave at least 15% of the hard drive open all the time. If you use up more than that at any time, it will affect the speed and performance of the computer a lot. Deleting some applications and programs can help. But sometimes it is best to upgrade to a hard drive that has more space. This will make ad drastic difference in how well your computer performs.
    3. Add in the RAM:Low memory is often the biggest culprit when it comes to how well the system can perform for you. When you try to access more than one program at a time without enough memory, your computer will slow down. You can always check the Performance Tab, which is located in the Task Manager to see how much memory is being used at a time. If it always seems to be high, then you may need to add in some more RAM, or random access memory, to the system to make it work better.
    4. Scan for Viruses: If your system does get a virus or some malware on it, it can slow down the whole computer while causing damage to the system. One of the first things you should try is a quick scan for viruses. This will help you see if that can be a problem and only takes a few minutes. It is best to keep a good quality antivirus software on the system all the time to keep your data safe.
    5. Delete the Temporary Files: Any time you decide to use your web browser, all of the browsing history will stay in the PC. This happens when you install something on the system as well. It’s something that you may never think about again, but can definitely slow down the computer and make it not work as well as you would like. Take the time to delete your temporary files and see if that is enough to speed up your computer.
    6. Do a disk defragment: This one is a little more advanced than some of the others, but you can still do a lot of the work on your own. This is basically just a way for you to optimize how efficient your hard drive is. To do this, you just need to head to My Computer, then right-click on the hard drive. Then click on Properties. You should notice under the tab for Tools there is an option for Defragment Now. You can click on that and walk away. It does take some time to complete but you should see a big improvement in your computer speed when it is done.
    7. Do a Disk Clean-Up: Next on the list is a disk clean-up to get rid of things that are large and not necessary on the computer. Using these will ensure that the system isn’t carrying around a lot of junk, without you accidentally deleting something that is important. There are a few steps to follow to work on this one. Click on Start and then go to All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and Disk Cleanup to get it done.

    Fixing a Slow Mac Computer

    If you have a Mac computer, there are a few different things you can do to help speed this type up as well. Some are similar to what we discussed with a PC, but a few options to try include:

    • Close the Applications: Mac OS X likes to keep some applications running in the dock. Even if you thought you closed it out, it will still run in the background. This isn’t usually a big issue, but if the computer has slown down, you can look for any program with a dot next to it. Click Ctrl+clic and then select Quit to make these turn off.
    • Too many startup programs: You may need to manage your startup programs to help speed up the computer. You can open the System Preferences window, located under the Apple menu icon. Then click on Users and Groups. Click your account and then on Login Items. You can then uncheck the applications that you no longer want to run when you first log in.
    • Reduce the Animations: These may look cool, but they are going to tax your graphics hardware as the computer gets older. To help with this, you can open your System Preferences. Click on Accessibility and then Reduce Transparency. This can speed up some of the older Mac Computers.
    • Disable the FileVault Disk Encryption. This is found on the Yosemite version of Mac OS X. This is supposed to keep your files safer and make it so no one can change the password. However, it may cause the system to slow down. You can go to System Preferences, Security and Privacy and then FileVault to turn this off if you choose.

    The Best Software Solutions

    Sometimes there is something bigger wrong with the computer and even after doing the cleanup and all the other work suggested above, you will find it doesn’t work as well as you would hope. The computer is still slow and you can’t seem to get it to work. This is when it is time to bring on some clean-up software to make everything work a little better.

    There are a few options for clean-up software that you may want to try. Some of the best include:

    Glary Utilities

    This is a fantastic tool to use to make sure your computer will run faster. It provides a number of tools to remove clutter, while speeding up the computer. It is also a safe option to using it will not make the firewall or antivirus on your computer mad. Some of the benefits of using this cleanup software includes:

    • Cleanup and repair: This software is able to do registry and disk cleanup, find duplicate files and delete them and fix some of the shortcuts that are present.
    • System tools; it is a great option to use for repairs, restore, and backup of all your files.
    • Optimization: It can do a good disk defragmentation and memory optimization to make the computer stronger.
    • Privacy: You can even use the features to protect your privacy, like encryption and file shredding to name a few.

    You can even choose some customizations to make sure that this works for your needs. The regular price for this is $40 a year, but there is a special introductory price of $20 right now, with an auto-renewal option that is $20 a year until you cancel. This subscription can be used on up to three computers.

    Ashampoo Win Optimizer

    This is a great software that is able to scan your system and then will use its own tools to fix any problems that are found. This is a good scanner to use to look for bloated software, broken registries, and junk files on the computer. It can even help you by erasing some of the diagnosed directories while restoring the system to a clean state that is more efficient. It will run checks on the system while giving detailed descriptions so you are up to date.

    Ashampoo is a good option to use for defragmenting and finding any inefficiencies that may be in the system. This will speed things up and make it easier to use your computer for longer. The traditional price of this is $50 to use on up to ten computers, but they often run specials that make it more affordable.

    IOLO System Mechanic

    This is a utility cleaner that will get rid of everything extra on the system. It can also update or remove the diagnosed results based on what you have put in your settings. It will free up the PC RAM as well as removes any web browser history to free up more room. All of these come together to increase the computer performance for you to enjoy.

    This option does have a free edition that you can try out, though the features are limited. If you want all of the great features, there are two paid versions to give a try to as well. One year of professional services with this will cost about $70 if you get the paid subscription.

    Driver Sweeper

    Another great option that you can try is known as Driver Sweeper. This tool is one that will help you to sweep out the driver and make sure that nothing extra is left behind that will slow down the system. Any outdated drivers can cause some lag in startup and will increase the time it takes to boot up the system. Driver sweeper will help to clean out, update, and remove the drivers you no longer need.

    When you are looking for an installer tool that is able to scan and check out the latest drivers on your system, this is the right one. It will clear up a lot of space so your computer will perform better. This is a free option because it only provides a quick clean to the system.

    CleanMyMac X

    This is a professional cleaning service that will help speed up your Mac computer. it is able to scan all of your system to find the hidden junk and then you can remove quickly. It can even free up some of the disk space on the computer and can save you some time. This is one of the best tools out there for cleaning out the Mac and getting it to work well again. This service is free to download and run, and you can click on the Review Details to see what all has been found.

    Stellar SpeedUP Mach

    This software bills itself as being able to speed up your Mac computer by 25% or more depending on what is found inside. The app is designed to clean all of the computer up and all you need to do is download it and then click on the recommended scan. Then sit back and watch while the software does all the work for you.

    It will then provide you with a list of different things that you are able to clean up on your computer to make it a little faster. It is fast and efficient, giving you fantastic results. Right now they have a 30 day trial and then will charge you $40 a year to use the subscription.

    Summary

    No one likes working with a computer that is slow and hard to handle. It can cause crashes and is a big waste of time when you have important work to get done. Understanding what may slow down your computer, and trying a few methods on your own and with some clean-up software to get things moving can be one of the best ways to keep your computer running well, without the hassle of it slowing down.


  • Infant Formula Review

    Infant Formula Review

    Parents these days are under tremendous pressure to do “everything right” for their children, yet there are thousands of differing opinions on what and how to define “right”, especially when it comes to feeding your baby. The saying are endless, “Breast is best”, “EBF” (Exclusively Breast Fed), Organic only, but the opinion creators forget that babies do not follow a “one-size fits all” approach to eating, and what works for one child may not work for the other, even if they have the same parents. The most important thing to remember is to do what supports the health and well being of your baby which can mean breastfeeding, formula feeding or a combination of both. Selecting the right breast pump, formal and even bottle or pacifier, can be an equally unique experience and just because one system works for your friend does not mean it will work for you or your baby. Below are a few honest reviews and companies you can trust to help you navigate the world of finding your “right” feeding plan for your baby.

    Favorite Formulas

    1. Tride & True: Similac 
    There is a good reason why Similac is known as one of the best formula producers. They use the quality ingredients and offer a variety of formula types ranging from traditional to organic, neonatal to, sensitive. Additionally, similac includes, Human Milk Oligosaccharide—HMO for short—an immune-system nourishing prebiotic similar to one found in breast milk.

    Similac offering:

    • Similac Pro-Advance®
    • Similac® Organic with A2 Milk.
    • Similac® Advance® For Neuro Support
    • Similac® Advance® S
    • Similac® For Supplementation
    • Similac® Organic
    • Pure Bliss™ Infant Formula
    • Similac® Advance® Lamehadrin Infant Formula.

    Sensitive Tummies: Pro-Advanced formula 
    For the baby with the even extra-sensitive tummies, finding the right formula can take a lot of trial and error. Don’t give up, some parents find that this non-GMO Similac formula is the one that finally eliminates their babies’ painful bouts of gas and bloating. Safe for lactose-sensitive babies, the formula aims to boost your little one’s immune system. And just like the brand’s Pro-Advance formula, it also contains the 2’-FL HMO prebiotic found only in breast milk.

    FORMULA TIP: Similac is popular for a good reason and is also trusted by many professionals, which means your hospital or doctor’s office might have samples. Also, join their mailing list for coupons and other savings tips.

    2. Organic Formula: Earth’s Best 
    Organic ingredients are always important, and as a parent you hope it works best on your babes tummy. A great place to start for organic formula is Earth’s Best. Certified USDA organic and non-GMO, this formula is also created with the goal to be as similar as to breast milk as possible, containing quality protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids and no added corn syrup solids. Earth’s best also offers other options if your first attempt does not work.

    Happy Baby Organics® – Organic Formula by Happy Baby 

    Another organic brand to consider is, Happy Baby. Designed with your baby’s nutritional needs in mind, Happy Baby uses ingredients similar to those found in breast milk such as probiotics and key vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, DHA, zinc, choline and organic lactose. The lactose used is made from organically farmed cows and the formula is non-GMO and free of corn syrup.

    3. Loved and Trusted: Enfamil 
    Researched and studied extensively to prove that it is as close to breast milk as possible, Enfamil is trusted leader in formula. It contains milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), a 3-layered membrane previously found only in breast milk that has been proven to support brain development. Enfamil also contains DHA, proteins and baby probiotics for immune support. The formula is known for being gentle on tiny baby tummies and helps reduce fussiness, colic and gas.

    4. Baby and Wallet Friendly Buys: Target, Walmart & Costco
    * www.target.com Target has created a formula that follows many of the same principles of the big brands. Designed to be easy on the tummy and your wallet Target’s non-GMO baby formula is a smart buy.
    * www.walmart.com Walmart Parent’s Choice Gentle Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron receives great reviews from many happy parents.
    * www.Costco.com Costco also receives many praises for baby loved and wallet friendly formula.

    Breastfeeding has many benefits for baby, but can be challenging for some moms so having the right tool – your trusty breast pump is important. Making the decision on what you want and need can seem daunting, but it breaks down into two simple categories:

    1. Type of pump
    2. Brand of pump

    Types of Pumps
    * Hospital-grade breast pumps: These are considered the “mecca” of breast pumps, but are often hard to come by. These heavy-duty pumps offer a power-filled motor for extra quick production. They extract milk quickly and are generally fairly quiet, but they can be bulky and less portable than many of the commercial grade options. Hospital-grade pumps can sometimes be rented, but if you are looking to purchase one, it can be very costly, upwards of $1,000. Hence why they are not as common.
    * Electric breast pumps: The most common and popular, the electric breast pump is efficient, portable and adjustable on speed. The down side, they do require electricity and some can be a bit noisy. Many come with a carrying case and are typically double pumps with the option to make it singular.
    * Wearable electric breast pumps: Popular for the mom on the go, the hands-free portable pump is set up so you can wear them directly over your breast and often discreetly. While they are technically hands-free, it can be cumbersome to attempt to work or do other activities, while wearing the pump.
    * Manual breast pumps: The pumping action is created when you squeeze the pump with your own hand. The lack of motor makes these quiet and very convenient. While they take longer to produce a full feedings worth of milk, they are very handy to have them around. They are great choice for working moms or those who love to travel and can’t always find a plug. The inexpensive costs makes it an attractive supplement to an electric breast pump.

    Top producers of pumps:

    *Best Overall Breast Pump: Spectra Baby 
    Spectra offers a variety of sizes and styles of electric pumps and has quickly become a mom favorite.
    About Spectra: Spectra Baby USA is a team of passionate moms, dads, daughters and sons dedicated to helping nursing mothers and their babies get off to the best start possible. Our double electric breast pumps are designed to bring comfort and confidence to as many breastfeeding moms as possible. From our unique Natural Nursing Technology to our one-of-a-kind customer care, moms can count on Spectra to be right there when they need them most, every step of the way. We import and distribute top quality, high performing breast pumps and accessories that have built a community of active supporters. Women-owned, privately held and located in South Florida, our products are available through e-commerce providers, big box retailers, distributors of medical equipment, and lactation centers.

    *Best Premium Breast Pump: Medela: 

    Medela is a one of the most trusted names in breast pumps and for good reason. They offer a wide variety of both electric and hand-pumps.
    About Medla: Medela was founded in 1961 by Olle Larsson and is headquartered in Switzerland. Under the leadership of Olle Larsson’s son Michael, Medela has become a global player in breastfeeding products and medical vacuum technology thanks to continued research, innovation and the evaluation of customers’ needs. Medela has 18 subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia. Medela distributes its products in more than 100 countries, either directly or through independent partners. Medela has a staff of 1,740 worldwide, 440 of whom are located in Switzerland (as of 31 December 2016).

    Medela’s breastfeeding products are based on more than 50 years of innovation and evidence-based research into the life-giving benefits of breast milk. We work collaboratively with renowned universities, hospitals, research institutions, and lactation experts around the world to develop advanced technologies for breastfeeding solutions. This dedication, combined with these insights and discoveries, has made Medela the #1 breast pump brand in America*, with innovative products designed for today’s parent.

    *Most Comfortable Electric Breast Pump: Lansinoh: 

     Since our beginning 35 years ago in the kitchen of a new mom, Lansinoh has always been there for breastfeeding mothers and the healthcare providers who support them. Our founder’s own breastfeeding challenges inspired a passion to help other moms that is still the driving force behind Lansinoh today.

    We’ve become a global leader in breastfeeding with world class research and development, serving mothers in more than 60 countries around the world. From our #1 recommended lanolin nipple cream, to launching the first Bluetooth connected breast pump, to hospital products that support the first few days of life, Lansinoh is on the cutting edge of innovation.

    *Best Budget Breast Pump: Bellababy by BelleMa Co., 
    Bellababy is a US based company, one of the pioneers in the research and development of electric breast pumps in 2003. Products being produced include all types of breast pumps and related mom and baby products. Bellababy primarily focus on breastfeeding by helping moms to successfully breastfeed their babies easily and safely.

    Remember, a fed and thriving baby is the number one goal, no matter which path works best for you and your baby.