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  • Best Ways to Check Credit Score

    Best Ways to Check Credit Score

    If you’re looking to make a big purchase, like a car or a house, odds are you’re going to need a loan. The way lenders check to see if you’re eligible for that loan, of course, is your credit score. If you often pay bills on time and are financially secure, your score should be high but you should regularly check your score.

    Grab hold of your financial potential with free information about your credit score. Knowing your credit score is important because it helps you decide what your buying power is and what areas to focus on to improve this important score.

    There are many factors that go into determining a credit score, including employment status, credit history, and financial consistency. There are also several different types of credit scores rather than a standard way to measure creditworthiness. Although banks and lenders may have their own method to determine a credit score, there are ways that general consumers can monitor their credit activity and keep on top of the score as it changes over the years.

    If you’re looking to check your credit score you’ll want to do it for free. That’s where these free credit check sites come in!

    Best Free Credit Reports

    Credit.com

    Credit.com allows you to see your Experian and VantageScore results for free. VantageScore is a newer model of credit scoring that is usually more up-to-date than the traditional FICO score. You have to sign up for an account with Credit.com, but it’s a free process. The site is known for its credit report card, a quick glance at which things go into your credit. This way, you can see what factors you may need to address to get your score higher!

    Credit Karma

    Credit Karma has become the most popular of the free credit monitoring sites for many reasons. You’ve likely heard of this one. Credit Karma offers scores from TransUnion and Equifax, and both are shown as VantageScore. Credit Karma is a free site as well, and they don’t share customer information. If you’re looking for a no-frills credit check, you’re looking for Credit Karma. They offer a great mobile app, too.

    Quizzle

    Since 2008, Quizzle has been helping its customers understand their credit history and providing free access to their full credit report and credit score. Quizzle offers free Equifax and VantageScore reports. Once every three months you can see a free report of your score. Quizzle technically has a premium account too, though you’re better off just using the free functions. The free functionality doesn’t require a credit card, too.

    WalletHub

    WalletHub offers personal financial tools to users online. Their main product is offering a free daily credit score and report associated with it. WalletHub requires you to take a pre-screening questionnaire before you get your free score. Once you answer a few basic questions, such as your income and the last four digits of your Social, you get a TransUnion credit score. The report is similar to Credit.com’s credit report card, showing you what factors influence your score the most.


  • Best Over the Counter and Natural Pain Remedies!

    Best Over the Counter and Natural Pain Remedies!

    Sometimes you just need a bit of pain relief. Whether it’s sore muscles, a bad bruise, a killer headache or whatever else, you’d rather it just not hurt so bad.

    Thankfully, there are plentiful over-the-counter remedies available as generics to help relieve your pain. There are also a few natural solutions that many people swear by when it comes to pain remedies. We’ll highlight a few of the most popular so you can make an informed choice!

    Best Over the Counter (or Natural) Pain Remedies

    OTC: Ibuprofen

    The brand name versions of this drug are Advil or Motrin. It’s been clinically tested with a nearly 9 out of 10 rate of people feeling it’s worth taking. It could upset your stomach, so make sure you take it with food. Also, it could cause kidney damage, so don’t take it if you’ve got a history of kidney problems!

    Natural: Turmeric

    Many swear by the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. It’s been shown to help with upset stomach, indigestion, and even help as part of treatment for more serious conditions. It could even help with common aches and pains. If you’re the type who doesn’t tend to like taking pills, try this out the next time you’ve got a sore muscle!

    OTC: aspirin

    Aspirin is one of the most well-known pain relievers, often found in the brand-name Alka-Seltzer. In its various forms, it can be either a pain reliever or an indigestion aid. Children under 12 should avoid aspirin, though, as it could be harmful to the liver if taken too much. Keep in mind this is aspirin with a lower-case a, which is different from the version from Bayer with a capital A.

    Natural: Heat and Ice Application

    The pain-relieving qualities of applying heat and/or ice to a sore area are well-document. However, be careful when applying hot or cold items to your body! Apply heat to an area if it is stiff or if your pain is arthritic. Conversely, ice can help reduce swelling and cut back on inflammation. Athletes swear by this pain-relieving method! Speak to a physician about how this natural remedy could be applied to your aches or pains if you’re hurt.

    OTC: Aspirin

    The brand name Aspirin, which is different from Alka-Seltzer’s version, is another well-known pain remedy. It can reduce fever, as well, and is even known to have helpful effects in those with heart disease. However, keep in mind that it is a blood-thinner. If you’re at risk for internal bleeding, stick with ibuprofen or one of the natural pain remedies!

    Natural: Acupuncture

    Seeking pain relief from an acupuncturist may seem silly at first, but it’s a well-documented and ancient practice. The Chinese art helps relieve pain through a process known as qi manipulation, altering the path of your body’s natural energies. Scientific study of the practice has found that the pain-relieving qualities are a result of the serotonin released by the sensation of the needles being driven into your skin. Either way, it’s been proven to help in some cases!

    OTC: Acetaminophen

    This medicine works by affecting the part of your brain that controls temperature and regulates pain messages. As such, it doesn’t alter the physical causes of your pain, but instead tricks you into not feeling the pain. While that might sound scary, it’s quite safe! Prolonged sessions of taking acetaminophen can lead to liver damage, though, so be aware! Just take enough to ease your pain, don’t overdo it.

    Natural: Cryotherapy

    There are a few ways to go about this, whether with a cryotherapy chamber or just an ice bath. The idea behind cryotherapy is that, by shocking your body with cold, you make your body produce special type of protein. These cold-shock proteins have anti-inflammatory properties that can help naturally fight pain!

    OTC: Naproxen

    Those with a history of heart disease may prefer naproxen over ibuprofen. Naproxen is good for treating general aches and pains, as it is an anti-inflammatory. It does run the same risk of upsetting the stomach that many other over-the-counter pain remedies, so take it with food!

    Natural: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

    The theory behind PEFT is that using electromagnetic fields to stimulate natural anti-inflammatory compounds. While it sounds high-tech, you can actually get the treatment for between $30 and $60 from a physical therapist or chiropractor. If you want a machine in your own home, they’re a bit pricey: they run around $1500 on the low end.


  • Top Dog Food Brands

    Top Dog Food Brands

    Dogs rely on their owners for lots of things. They need love, they need shelter, they need to be cared for. But most importantly, they need to be fed! Most experts recommend feeding your dog twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening.

    What they don’t say is what to feed them. That’s where choosing the right dog food comes in. It’s important to take your time deciding on the best dog food for your pup because it is not recommended to change dog foods like humans do. Dogs need consistency and switching them to new foods can be a tricky business.

    There are a ton of dog food brands and they range from pennies to big bucks for high-quality top shelf dog food. Does your pup know the difference between the high-end premium dog foods and the regular? Is there a difference? There are many features to consider here. Taste, texture, and nutritional value should all be coming to mind. Dogs need the types of pet food that they’ll want to eat, of course, but they also need sustenance that will help give them energy and strength.

    Many dog foods today are manufactured with generic ingredients that aren’t the healthiest for your pup. That’s why doing your research really matters when it comes to making the right choice. So let’s take a look at the top 3 dog food brands for that special friend in your life.

    1. I and Love and You

    The best dog foods contain real foods, like vegetables and meats with Veggies like sweet potato, peas, and tomatoes provide vast nutrients for pets. Even protein such as salmon, white meat chicken, and lamb can be found in some of the best dog food today, I and Love and You. Not to mention the clever use of an Avett Bros song title, it is the highest quality, affordable, and most enjoyed by your dog. It’s great and your pup deserves it.

    2. Rachel Rays Just 6

    With lots of variety, tons of high quality ingredients and grain free, Rachel Rays just 6 is great mid-priced option. If your four-legged friends suffer from food allergies, this is the best dog food to easily and efficiently manage your dog’s diet. With just 6 ingredients in each bag, you can easily identify and eliminate the allergens. This is also my consigliere and questionable sushi tester Sam’s absolute favorite.

    3. Nature’s Recipe Dog Food

    Nature’s Recipe has a wide range of products featuring chicken, salmon, turkey, beef, venison, and lamb. They also have vegetarian and grain-free dog foods. They produce foods for puppies, seniors, adult dogs, large breed puppies, and for many dogs with special needs such as skin conditions, digestion problems, small breeds, and weight control. Their food comes in both canned and dry kibble forms. Again we are seeing a trend, grain free. No one does grain free better than Nature’s Recipe Dog Food.

    Bonus: Newman’s Own

    Paul Newman, the man, the myth, the legend, and the fantastic dog food. Much like everything coming from Newman’s Own brand it is a terrific dog food that your little guy will love. Oh Paul, to be like you and walk the path, to lend a hand, and make some wonderful dog food.

    The Final Thought

    Some of the best dog foods contain real foods, like vegetables and meats we would eat ourselves in order to have a balanced meal. Veggies like sweet potato, peas, and tomatoes provide vast nutrients for pets. Even protein such as salmon, white meat chicken, and lamb can be found in some of the best dog foods today. These days, pet food makers are making a conscious effort to shift toward organics, grain-free foods, and unique formulas packed with healthy proteins and fiber. Dog food comes in many different shapes and sizes. There’s dry food, dehydrated raw food and canned food. Do your research and find the best option for your dog!


  • 7 Ways to Fight Fall Allergies

    7 Ways to Fight Fall Allergies

    A lot of people love fall season for the crisp & cool air and the turning leaves. When you think of seasonal allergies, you may think spring. But for some people living with allergies, symptoms like a runny nose or itchy, watery eyes can be just as troublesome in the fall.

    There are many who dread the coming of Fall due to their Fall allergies. Along with cooler weather and changing foliage, weeds and other plants release pollen into the air and outdoor molds grow under fallen leaves, both of which can trigger fall allergies. Ragweed, which produces pollen from August to November, triggers allergies in as many as 23 million Americans, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

    As days grow shorter and temperatures drop, we also spend more time indoors with the windows closed, exposing ourselves to indoor allergens, such as dust mites and indoor mold. However, even if you have severe fall allergies, you can usually manage your symptoms and get back to enjoying your life — both inside and outside. These seasonal allergy management tips can help.

    Best Ways to Fight Fall Allergies

    Check Pollen levels

    If pollen levels are high in your area, it’s best to limit your outdoor activity, especially during the morning, when pollen counts are highest. Keep your activities inside for a few days instead, if possible, to minimize your exposure to allergens during those days. You can check pollen counts at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s National Allergy Bureau.

    Wear Protective Clothing

    If you do have to go outside, wear long sleeves, pants, a hat, and sunglasses to keep pollen off your skin and out of your hair and eyes. If you’re doing fall yard work like raking or mowing — which can stir up pollen and mold — wear a protective face mask.

    Dehumidifier

    You may have heard that humidifiers can help with breathing, but dehumidifiers may actually be better if you are sensitive to dust or mold. Dust mites and molds flourish in a humid environment. Using a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels in your home low can help fight mold growth. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American recommends keeping humidity levels below 45 percent — 35 percent is even better.

    Air Conditioner

    This is another way to help remove moisture from the air. It’s especially important to use an air conditioner in your bedroom. It’s where you spend eight or more hours each night, so it’s critical to keep it clean and pollen-free to avoid allergies. Close the windows and keep the air conditioning on.

    Change Air Filters Often

    The first thing you should do is invest in HEPA air filters for your home. These will help keep most particulates out of your home! Additionally, make sure you change the filter out regularly to keep it from becoming compromised. This should cut down on airborne allergens in your house.

    Medical Treatments

    If your allergies prove a severe detriment, consider contacting your primary physician or an allergist. They can recommend different treatments to attempt to alleviate your symptoms. Examples of medical remedies for allergies are topical nasal sprays like Flonase. These medicines help reduce inflammation in the nasal lining.

    Other medications that are often recommended include eye drops to help reduce itchiness. Anticongestants are also commonly used, and they are present in most nasal sprays. Many over-the-counter allergy drugs are now non-drowsy, long-lasting, and effective.

    Avoid Trigger Foods

    If you have an allergy to ragweed, you may also suffer from some related food allergies. Foods that could trigger a similar allergy response include bananas, cucumbers, sunflower and zucchini. Other foods, such as melons and chamomile tea, can also trigger similar symptoms in about a third of those with seasonal allergies.


  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    When you discover that a friend or family member has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it often comes as a huge surprise to you. But secrecy is the drug on which addiction thrives, so it’s not really that odd that you were in the dark.

    Addiction grows worse over a sustained period of time, and there are some indicators that may give you an idea something is wrong with your loved one before the bottom falls out.  Here are the 7 signs and symptoms of addiction you should look for if you suspect someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

    7. Change in Behavior

    As people’s addictions get bigger, their lives start to change and the things that they value the most begin to fall away. Depression sets in, and suddenly they stop doing activities or hobbies that they once loved, or maybe their mood becomes erratic. An example of a change in behavior that’s worth noting would be when a person who values health and fitness abruptly stops exercising or eating well.

    6. Change in Friends

    This sign isn’t always the easiest area to recognize, because it’s fairly normal for friendships to fade and new people come into our lives. But when normally social people stop hanging around with their usual group of friends with no explanation, it’s important to take notice — especially if there wasn’t an event that precipitated the change. Or, maybe there’s a new person in their life that just doesn’t seem to be someone they would normally be friends with. This can be a telltale sign that something funky is going on.

    5. Job/Career Issues

    When addiction takes hold, inevitably some issues are going to come up at work or school. Over time, addicts becomes less capable of hiding performance flaws in areas of their lives that are under the microscope. If a normally responsible person is missing deadlines or not following through on commitments, this could be an indicator that something’s up.

    4. Legal Issues

    Addiction is likely to create a bevy of legal issues that are going to make it hard to ignore that something is going on. A DUI or getting thrown in the clink for a drunk and disorderly is an obvious tell that your loved one’s judgment is off. But there are also less obvious signs, like doctor shopping or frequenting ER rooms. And addicts can justify their behavior so that they make you feel foolish for asking why they have so many doctor appointments. But if you think something’s wrong, go ahead and ask anyway.

    3. Family Strain

    Relationships with family are often jeopardized when people develop an affinity for drugs or alcohol. Early on, it may reveal itself in behaviors like retreating to their room after work or spending too much time with their face in the computer, playing games or surfing the Web. Communications become strained, and the addict stops showing up to family engagements, or maybe even to dinner. If you feel a substantial shift in your relationship with a family member, you should start asking questions.

    2. Physical Changes

    Extreme physical changes are a big indicator of a problem. Maybe they’re getting scraggly and smelly because they’ve stopped grooming or showering.  A noticeable weight loss or gain can be a symptom, and the same goes for a change in eating and sleeping habits. For example, crystal meth addicts can stay up for days, then crash and sleep for days. When they eat, they’re likely to ravenously consume sugary foods.

    1. Personality Changes

    In an adult brain, defined as a brain that’s 24 years or older, there are really only three things that are likely to cause a profound personality change in someone. Substance abuse or chemical dependency, mental illness and or a physical ailment, such as a brain tumor are the three things that can cause a profound personality change. Mind you, this isn’t the same as watching a person get a little down in the dumps, or go through a period of anxiety. Profound personality changes are much more extreme. If you witness this, it’s advised to reach out to a professional for guidance and counseling on how to address your loved one.


  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    When you discover that a friend or family member has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it often comes as a huge surprise to you. But secrecy is the drug on which addiction thrives, so it’s not really that odd that you were in the dark.

    Addiction grows worse over a sustained period of time, and there are some indicators that may give you an idea something is wrong with your loved one before the bottom falls out.  Here are the 7 signs and symptoms of addiction you should look for if you suspect someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

    7. Change in Behavior

    As people’s addictions get bigger, their lives start to change and the things that they value the most begin to fall away. Depression sets in, and suddenly they stop doing activities or hobbies that they once loved, or maybe their mood becomes erratic. An example of a change in behavior that’s worth noting would be when a person who values health and fitness abruptly stops exercising or eating well.

    6. Change in Friends

    This sign isn’t always the easiest area to recognize, because it’s fairly normal for friendships to fade and new people come into our lives. But when normally social people stop hanging around with their usual group of friends with no explanation, it’s important to take notice — especially if there wasn’t an event that precipitated the change. Or, maybe there’s a new person in their life that just doesn’t seem to be someone they would normally be friends with. This can be a telltale sign that something funky is going on.

    5. Job/Career Issues

    When addiction takes hold, inevitably some issues are going to come up at work or school. Over time, addicts becomes less capable of hiding performance flaws in areas of their lives that are under the microscope. If a normally responsible person is missing deadlines or not following through on commitments, this could be an indicator that something’s up.

    4. Legal Issues

    Addiction is likely to create a bevy of legal issues that are going to make it hard to ignore that something is going on. A DUI or getting thrown in the clink for a drunk and disorderly is an obvious tell that your loved one’s judgment is off. But there are also less obvious signs, like doctor shopping or frequenting ER rooms. And addicts can justify their behavior so that they make you feel foolish for asking why they have so many doctor appointments. But if you think something’s wrong, go ahead and ask anyway.

    3. Family Strain

    Relationships with family are often jeopardized when people develop an affinity for drugs or alcohol. Early on, it may reveal itself in behaviors like retreating to their room after work or spending too much time with their face in the computer, playing games or surfing the Web. Communications become strained, and the addict stops showing up to family engagements, or maybe even to dinner. If you feel a substantial shift in your relationship with a family member, you should start asking questions.

    2. Physical Changes

    Extreme physical changes are a big indicator of a problem. Maybe they’re getting scraggly and smelly because they’ve stopped grooming or showering.  A noticeable weight loss or gain can be a symptom, and the same goes for a change in eating and sleeping habits. For example, crystal meth addicts can stay up for days, then crash and sleep for days. When they eat, they’re likely to ravenously consume sugary foods.

    1. Personality Changes

    In an adult brain, defined as a brain that’s 24 years or older, there are really only three things that are likely to cause a profound personality change in someone. Substance abuse or chemical dependency, mental illness and or a physical ailment, such as a brain tumor are the three things that can cause a profound personality change. Mind you, this isn’t the same as watching a person get a little down in the dumps, or go through a period of anxiety. Profound personality changes are much more extreme. If you witness this, it’s advised to reach out to a professional for guidance and counseling on how to address your loved one.


  • Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    If you rely on Medicare for your health care, you might have found that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For those on a fixed income, it can be extremely difficult to afford medication or any additional health care costs not covered by Medicare.

    If you are in a difficult situation where the health care bills are piling up, consider Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Medicare Supplemental Insurance is insurance that can help cover what Medicare doesn’t. We analyzed several plans with our experts and today we are breaking down the Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance!

    Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    Information About Supplemental Insurance

    An important note: in order to get supplemental insurance, you must have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Part A covers inpatient, and Part B covers outpatient care. Anoter factor to consider is Supplemental insurance only covers one person. Additionally, as long as you’re paying your premiums, Medicare supplemental  insurance can’t drop you, no matter what medical issues you may begin to suffer from.

    Supplemental insurance won’t always cover everything Medicare doesn’t.  Supplemental insurance is not going to cover all expenses. Things like vision, dental, prescriptions, long term care and private nursing are also not typically covered. Finally,  supplemental insurance must be acquired within the first sixth months of you turning 65 and you must already be on Medicare to qualify.

    United Healthcare Insurance Company

    The United Healthcare Insurance Company is endorsed by the AARP, and for good reason. This company offers a great deal of benefits for those on Medicare. They have a 94 percent user satisfaction, which is stellar. They also offer coverage that can be combined with a Medicare Part D plan. Those with this policy can visit any doctor that accepts Medicare! United Healthcare allows you to choose from a wide variety of plans, coverage, deductibles and benefits so you have coverage to fit your health needs and your financial situation.

    State Farm

    State Farm is another option for supplemental insurance. State Farm Medicare Supplement Insurance is designed to cover the gaps in Medicare, helping to pay deductibles, coinsurance and copayment amounts not covered by Medicare. State Farm also provides you the flexibility to choose between different plans to meet your individual needs and budget. They are a well-respected agency and are renowned for their high customer satisfaction ratings “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There” tagline is very true. State Farm insurance might be able to cover hospital or medical services your Medicare won’t pay for as well.

    Humana

    Humana offers Medicare supplemental insurance that covers Medicare Part A and B. Humana’s policy covers coinsurance for medical expenses, co pays, hospice care and hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, and blood work. Additionally, the Humana plan also covers copayments for outpatient services. Remember, this is in addition to your Medicare coverage, so getting this extra coverage could save you a lot of money when you have expensive outpatient services. Particularly if you have frequent doctor’s visits, you may find yourself saving a ton with this supplementary policy.


  • Best Ways to Check Credit Score

    Best Ways to Check Credit Score

    If you’re looking to make a big purchase, like a car or a house, odds are you’re going to need a loan. The way lenders check to see if you’re eligible for that loan, of course, is your credit score. If you often pay bills on time and are financially secure, your score should be high but you should regularly check your score.

    Grab hold of your financial potential with free information about your credit score. Knowing your credit score is important because it helps you decide what your buying power is and what areas to focus on to improve this important score.

    There are many factors that go into determining a credit score, including employment status, credit history, and financial consistency. There are also several different types of credit scores rather than a standard way to measure creditworthiness. Although banks and lenders may have their own method to determine a credit score, there are ways that general consumers can monitor their credit activity and keep on top of the score as it changes over the years.

    If you’re looking to check your credit score you’ll want to do it for free. That’s where these free credit check sites come in!

    Best Free Credit Reports

    Credit.com

    Credit.com allows you to see your Experian and VantageScore results for free. VantageScore is a newer model of credit scoring that is usually more up-to-date than the traditional FICO score. You have to sign up for an account with Credit.com, but it’s a free process. The site is known for its credit report card, a quick glance at which things go into your credit. This way, you can see what factors you may need to address to get your score higher!

    Credit Karma

    Credit Karma has become the most popular of the free credit monitoring sites for many reasons. You’ve likely heard of this one. Credit Karma offers scores from TransUnion and Equifax, and both are shown as VantageScore. Credit Karma is a free site as well, and they don’t share customer information. If you’re looking for a no-frills credit check, you’re looking for Credit Karma. They offer a great mobile app, too.

    Quizzle

    Since 2008, Quizzle has been helping its customers understand their credit history and providing free access to their full credit report and credit score. Quizzle offers free Equifax and VantageScore reports. Once every three months you can see a free report of your score. Quizzle technically has a premium account too, though you’re better off just using the free functions. The free functionality doesn’t require a credit card, too.

    WalletHub

    WalletHub offers personal financial tools to users online. Their main product is offering a free daily credit score and report associated with it. WalletHub requires you to take a pre-screening questionnaire before you get your free score. Once you answer a few basic questions, such as your income and the last four digits of your Social, you get a TransUnion credit score. The report is similar to Credit.com’s credit report card, showing you what factors influence your score the most.


  • Top Dog Food Brands

    Top Dog Food Brands

    Dogs rely on their owners for lots of things. They need love, they need shelter, they need to be cared for. But most importantly, they need to be fed! Most experts recommend feeding your dog twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening.

    What they don’t say is what to feed them. That’s where choosing the right dog food comes in. It’s important to take your time deciding on the best dog food for your pup because it is not recommended to change dog foods like humans do. Dogs need consistency and switching them to new foods can be a tricky business.

    There are a ton of dog food brands and they range from pennies to big bucks for high quality top shelf dog food. Does your pup know the difference between the high end premium dog foods and the regular? Is there a difference? There are many features to consider here. Taste, texture, and nutritional value should all be coming to mind. Dogs need the types of pet food that they’ll want to eat, of course, but they also need sustenance that will help give them energy and strength.

    Many dog foods today are manufactured with generic ingredients that aren’t the healthiest for your pup. That’s why doing your research really matters when it comes to making the right choice. So let’s take a look at the top 3 dog food brands for that special friend in your life.

    1. I and Love and You

    The best dog foods contain real foods, like vegetables and meats with Veggies like sweet potato, peas, and tomatoes provide vast nutrients for pets. Even protein such as salmon, white meat chicken, and lamb can be found in some of the best dog food today, I and Love and You. Not to mention the clever use of an Avett Bros song title, it is the highest quality, affordable, and most enjoyed by your dog. It’s great and your pup deserves it.

    2. Rachel Rays Just 6

    With lots of variety, tons of high quality ingredients and grain free, Rachel Rays just 6 is great mid priced option. If your four legged friends suffers from food allergies, this is the best dog food to easily and efficiently manage your dogs diet. With just 6 ingredients in each bag you can easily identify and eliminate the allergens. This is also my consigliere and questionable sushi tester Sam’s absolute favorite.

    3. Nature’s Recipe Dog Food

    Nature’s Recipe has a wide range of products featuring chicken, salmon, turkey, beef, venison, and lamb. They also have vegetarian and grain-free dog foods. They produce foods for puppies, seniors, adult dogs, large breed puppies, and for many dogs with special needs such as skin conditions, digestion problems, small breeds, and weight control. Their food comes in both canned and dry kibble forms. Again we are seeing a trend, grain free. No one does grain free better than Nature’s Recipe Dog Food.

    Bonus: Newman’s Own

    Paul Newman, the man, the myth, the legend, and the fantastic dog food. Much like everything coming from Newman’s Own brand it is a terrific dog food that your little guy will love. Oh Paul, to be like you and walk the path, to lend a hand, and make some wonderful dog food.

    The Final Thought

    Some of the best dog foods contain real foods, like vegetables and meats we would eat ourselves in order to have a balanced meal. Veggies like sweet potato, peas, and tomatoes provide vast nutrients for pets. Even protein such as salmon, white meat chicken, and lamb can be found in some of the best dog foods today. These days, pet food makers are making a conscious effort to shift toward organics, grain-free foods, and unique formulas packed with healthy proteins and fiber. Dog food comes in many different shapes and sizes. There’s dry food, dehydrated raw food and canned food. Do your research and find the best option for your dog!


  • Cool Ideas for Bathroom Remodeling

    Cool Ideas for Bathroom Remodeling

    Bathroom remodeling can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a fantastic investment that is worth the time and effort. Not only will your home value go up, you will also have the satisfaction of enjoying a modern beautifully renovated bathroom.

    There are many options when it comes to updating bathrooms, including flooring, lighting, vanities, sinks, mirrors, bathtubs, showers, mirrors, and accessories. If you’ve been holding out to find good ideas for bathroom remodeling, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re looking at some cool ideas you can remodel your bathroom on a budget!

    Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

    Floors and Tiles

    Redoing the floors of an older bathroom can make a huge difference and make your bathroom look brand new. There are many different kinds of tiles on the market, and homeowners can customize tile patterns to fit their styles.

    Similarly, if you’ve got counter or shower tiles that need replacing, doing the project as a whole can help keep costs down. Bath and shower tiles that are now on the market are made to prevent mold and can be easily cleaned. Light-colored tiles can help smaller bathrooms appear larger, and floor tiles that are placed diagonally provide a more elegant look. Decorative tiles can be placed as accents or backsplashes on the vanity, which can help to tie the whole room together.

    Something as simple as  new tiles in the bathroom can go a long way to making it look like a different room! This simple, relatively affordable step can help increase home value significantly, too.

    Heated Floors

    Have you ever gotten out of a warm shower in the Winter and found yourself shivering? If you have, consider getting heated floors installed when you remodel!  Installing heated floors are one of the most luxurious and innovative bathroom remodeling ideas.

    The installation of heated floors is simpler than you think. Radiant floor heating comes the form of mats that are placed under bathroom floor tile. A template of a bathroom floor is sent to a radiant floor heating provider, who then makes the mat to specific size. An electrician needs to install the mat, which can then be covered by marble or tile.

    The heated floor is then controlled by a thermostat, and you can usually set timers to control how long it stays on! This is a great way to keep your feet warm in the winter, especially if your home has hardwood floors. This project can coincide with redoing your floors and tiles!

    High-Efficiency Toilets and New Faucets

    While not typically considered “beautiful,” replacing toilets and faucets can add a lot of beauty and value to a home. Definitely consider remodeling your bathroom with new, high-efficiency toilet.  New high-efficiency dual-flush toilets use less water than traditional toilets, allowing homeowners to conserve precious water. Made using a one-piece design and skirted around the base, newer models of toilets are also much easier to install and clean. Many of these toilets come with rebates because they are higher in efficiency.

    Faucets also add style with minimal cost. Made of new materials like bamboo and stainless steel, these sleek and updated faucets can make a big difference in a bathroom remodel, adding beauty and style to a room badly in need of updating. Homeowners can add a stylish new faucet to a vanity and a granite countertop, automatically upgrading the appearance and value of a bathroom.

    Final Thoughts

    Before getting started, an essential consideration for consumers includes setting budgetary limits on bathroom remodeling projects. If homeowners rush into remodeling bathrooms without setting realistic budgets, they can end up running out of money and left with partially completed projects or disappointing results. Homeowners need to take some time to prioritize the most important aspects of their bathroom remodel, whether these include new flooring, lighting, vanities, or toilets. It is important for homeowners to carefully plan their bathroom remodels to make the most of their money and increase the overall value of their homes.