Category: How To

  • Roof Damage? 3 Easy Tricks to Get Insurance to Pay for Your Roof Replacement

    Roof Damage? 3 Easy Tricks to Get Insurance to Pay for Your Roof Replacement

    1 broken shingle = 1 new roof! Here’s how: When one or just a few tiles or shingles are damaged, file an insurance claim. Depending on where you live, most state laws mandate that your insurer must replace the materials in the surrounding areas, however if it is not possible to fix the damage to match the undamaged area, you get a new roof. Win-win!

    Understand the damage

    Do you live in an area that has its fair share of weather? If you think you may be eligible for a free roof replacement, take a moment and evaluate the damage. It doesn’t have to be anything major, just look for things like missing shingles in gutters.

    If your roof is over 10 years old and showing some signs of damage you should take notes and pictures of what you discover. A better idea would be to get some estimates from a consultation with a roofing professional. This will get you a more accurate idea of what you’re facing, and it is usually free!

    Understand your insurance policy

    To understand the appropriate steps you need to take to get your insurance to pay for your roof replacement, contact your agent or look over your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you have major damage that needs to be replaced immediately, contact them right away and submit a claim.

    If there is some damage, but nothing urgent, go ahead and call a roofing professional to give you an estimate and help you with your insurance claim. You’d be surprised by the tips and tricks they know to get your insurance to pay for your roof replacement. The know all the insider information.

    Choose a roofing professional that has experience in insurance roof repair

    It is always a good idea to shop around and explore your options. Always look for a roofer that is licensed and insured. While completing your due diligence on finding a great roofing contractor, make sure that they have the experience it takes to get your insurance to pay for you roof.

    This is something you’ll want to seriously consider, as not all contractors will have the experience or offer guidance when it comes to dealing with your insurance claim. You’ll want to choose a contractor who will be there to help you through every single step along the way. Keep in mind that some may even have insurance adjusters on staff to help streamline the process!


  • He Cut His Motorcycle Insurance IN HALF starting in 2021

    He Cut His Motorcycle Insurance IN HALF starting in 2021

    When it comes to riding on the open road, motorcycle enthusiasts take things seriously. However, a lot of insurance companies don’t treat bikes with that same seriousness, and it seems like they treat their motorcycle insurance as a spin-off of their auto insurance. However, choppers in cars don’t have a lot in common, so why should their insurance policies?

    Your bike is your baby. We get that. No one wants to think about their bike getting banged up, but on the chance it happens, you want to have only the best insurance on your side. You also don’t want to be spending an arm and a leg insuring the thing. To help you make a good call on who you go with for your motorcycle insurance, we’ve broken down a few of the best options on the market today.

    Markel

    When you need your motorcycle insured, it makes you feel a lot better if you’re going to people who specialize in just that. Markel’s been specializing in motorcycle insurance for over 40 years now, and they cover every type of bike, from dirt bikes and scooters to cruisers and touring bikes. Got a big old trike you need insured? They’ve got you. Maybe you’ve got a sport bike or a big twin you need insured? Markel insures it.

    Markel also offers a bunch of ways to get discounts on your policy by taking care of your bike. Since you already take care of your bike, this means you’re likely to get most, if not all, of these discounts. They include things like anti-lock brakes, anti-theft alarms, renewal, safe driver and the like. Essentially, if you’re treating you bike right and taking care of it, you’re going to see a lot of discounts. If you’re looking for the best overall insurance policy to protect you and your bike, Markel’s got what you need.

    Safeco

    If you’re looking to keep the costs down while still getting the best insurance for your bike, you’re looking for Safeco. If you think you haven’t heard of them, that’s probably not the case: they’re in the Liberty Mutual group, so you can trust their reputation. They cover bikes of nearly all varieties, much like Markel, from cruising bikes all the way to moped. Notably, they don’t cover racing bikes or bikes used in competitions.

    The best thing about Safeco, for the discerning customer, is that they offer very inexpensive coverage that helps you keep your peace of mind. You’re not sacrificing good coverage for a low price: they just have good prices. If you’re a Harley Davidson owner, they even offer new bike replacement in the event that your bike gets totaled. That’s a hard deal to pass up!

    Allstate

    If you’re a younger driver, or you’re insuring a younger driver in your house, Allstate is a great insurance company for motorcycles. They offer a few unique programs that make them ideal for younger riders. They have their Allstate Rider Protection Project, a safety training program that helps teach young riders about the safest ways to operate their bikes. This is a huge benefit, as a number of younger riders might not have access to the unique educational resources available through this course.

    Allstate also offers a First-Accident Waiver for motorcycle policies. This means that after your first accident on a motorcycle, they won’t raise your premiums. They also offer a wide variety of discounts for a number of behaviors. There’s discounts for safe driving, multi-policy discounts, discounts for belonging to approved motorcycle associations, and even discounts for completing motorcycle safety courses.


  • World’s BEST Travel Reward Card Luxury Perks

    World’s BEST Travel Reward Card Luxury Perks

    It’s October, a time for frights and things that go bump in the night. But there’s nothing scarier than missing out on great travel rewards because you don’t have the right travel credit card. We’ll review all the details, including bonus offers and travel perks, to bring you a list of the very best travel cards.

    While there are lots of great credit cards for travel out there, the reality is that the best one for you is the one that suits your specific travel needs.

    The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best total value

    The Platinum Card from American Express has some of the best membership benefits of any card, including:
    • Up to $200 in statement credits annually on incidental fees charged by one airline you select
    • Uber VIP status and up to $200 Uber credit split into monthly $15 credits for US rides plus a bonus $20 in December
    • $100 fee credit for Global Entry every five years or an $85 fee credit for TSA PreCheck every four years
    • $100 Saks credit split into two $50 statement credits for the two halves of the year
    • Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, Airspace and Escapes lounges, along with Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta Air Lines
    • Complimentary Gold status at the Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs
    • Complimentary memberships in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis Preferred and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive

    • Access to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts

    Annual fee: $550

    With a hefty $550 annual fee, most people assume that that the Amex Platinum can only benefit first-class flyers, but that isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, the standard welcome bonus offer for the Amex Platinum is 60,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first three months. Amex Membership Rewards points are worth 2 cents each, which makes this 60,000-point bonus worth $1,200. That is more than twice the $550 annual fee!

    Yes, the card offers quite a few luxury benefits, but those perks can also make the travel experience easier for families, backpackers and budget travelers. Families can easily take advantage of the $200 airline-fee credit to cover the cost of additional luggage and inflight food, and entertainment to keep kids happy while in the air. Lounge access with hot food and a clean shower can make all the difference after a backpacking trip.

    Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for beginner travelers

    • Earn 2 points per dollar on travel
    • Earn 2 points per dollar on dining
    • Transfer points to 12 travel partners
    • Redeem points for 1.25 cents apiece through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Annual fee: $95

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred is designed to work for those who travel a lot, and for those who don’t travel as often. Win-win! It can benefit both the points and miles expert and the one just starting out. With a $95 annual fee, it’s not an expensive card, which makes it a good choice for a beginner. But since the card earns Ultimate Rewards points, you’ll also find this card goes a long way if you’re an experienced loyalty program whiz looking to get maximum value.

    If you want flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards, this is the best travel credit card around! You will pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card for purchases made outside the United States. For example, if you spend $5,000 internationally, you would avoid $150 in foreign transaction fees.

    Chase Sapphire Reserve: Best for travel purchases and perks

    • Earn 3 points per dollar on travel (excluding $300 travel credit) and dining at restaurants and 1 point per dollar on everything else
    • Redeem points directly through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a rate of 1.5 cents apiece
    • $300 annual travel credit
    • Priority Pass Select lounge access (valued by TPG at $99 annually)
    • Up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Trip cancellation coverage
    • Primary car rental insurance

    Annual fee: $450

    Many people will balk at the Reserve’s $450 annual fee, and while that’s a valid concern, the $300 annual travel credit drops your real out-of-pocket cost to $150 a year. With the card, you’ll earn 3x points on all travel (excluding the $300 travel credit) and dining purchases worldwide and 1x points on everything else. What’s often not known is just how extensive the bonus categories are — ride-sharing services, food delivery, etc.

    The Sapphire Reserve also includes access to more than 1,200 airport lounges across the world. In addition, you can pay $75 to add each authorized user to your Reserve account, they’ll be able to take advantage of one of the card’s nicest perks!


  • Follow These Tips and Save Big on Your Next Vehicle Purchase

    Follow These Tips and Save Big on Your Next Vehicle Purchase

    Many people list car buying right under “dentist visits” on their list of things they would “rather not” do. But buying a car isn’t the same experience as it was 20, or even 10, years ago. We’re here to share the best tips for getting a great deal on your next vehicle purchase.

    What Kind of Deal?

    The most common types of deals you’ll see for holiday sales are “loyalty cash” and “conquest cash” types of deals. “Loyalty” cash refers to the discount you’ll receive if you already own a vehicle of the same maker as the dealership you’re shopping at. These are fantastic if you’re happy with your vehicle and are looking to upgrade.

    “Conquest cash” is the opposite: when a dealership offers this type of deal, it’s offering extra trade-in value for someone who trades in a vehicle of a different brand. Typically, the idea there is that, once you’re in their kind of car, you’re unlikely to want to switch brands in the future. As such, it’s a conquest.

    Find the Best Deal

    Make sure to do your research on specialty membership and career discounts. For instance, military veterans or personnel often get a discount at car dealerships, and that discount may be even greater around the holidays.

    Similarly, there could be increased discounts for teachers. Dealerships know that teachers don’t make the most money, so any extra discount you can squeeze out of them can go a long way! Another potential discount you should ask about is one for recent college grads. Often, dealerships will want to get recent grads into their ecosystem sooner rather than later, to get them used to the dealership experience.

    Make sure to check the website for the automobile manufacturer you’re looking to make a purchase or lease from. The websites will often list specific discounts they are offering on their vehicles. Measure those benefits against the deals your local dealership is offering. When you take a special dealership promotion, the fine print often notes that by taking their deal you’re forfeiting any and all manufacturer promotions.

    Coming in Armed with Knowledge

    Make sure you know your credit score and get a few quotes on financing before you come in. If you go to credit unions and ask them about what type of financing deals you could get, you’ll have a lot more cards to play when negotiating. Once you know what kind of financing you have on option, it’s much easier to get the dealership to work with you on price.

    The most important thing is putting the ball in the dealership’s court. When you know what the going rate of the car is, what kind of financing you can get and how much discount you can get. It’s on the dealership to offer you a better deal.

    Most importantly, don’t be afraid to walk away if the salesperson isn’t working with you. Don’t settle for a deal you don’t like. Take your money elsewhere!

    Buy or Lease?

    Lastly, you need to really consider whether or not you want to buy or lease your vehicle. There are a few reasons why you might go with either. Buying a vehicle ensures that you’ll have an actual piece of property when you’re done paying for it, meaning you can resell it later to recoup some of the value. Remember, however, that cars aren’t investments, and they only ever lose value over time. Not opting for a bevy of luxury interior options is one easy way to lower the sticker price of your vehicle purchase.

    If you’re just wanting to drive a new car and don’t want very high monthly payments, you can opt for a car lease. A lease allows you to pay less than a new car payment, on average, and still drive around a brand-new vehicle. However, you have to deal with mileage caps (and fees if you go over) and you won’t own the car at the end of the lease.


  • Trouble Sleeping? Try These Life-Changing Natural Sleep Aids!

    Trouble Sleeping? Try These Life-Changing Natural Sleep Aids!

    You’re finding it tough to get to sleep at a reasonable hour. Even when you do manage to get to sleep, you’re finding it difficult staying asleep for the full six to eight hours you need to get good rest. You’re sick of waking up groggy and tired and you’re looking for something to help you get some decent sleep. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of the best natural sleep aids to help you sleep soundly.

    Natural Sleep Aids

    Almost half of us are sleep deprived – but not because we don’t want to sleep. Sometimes we simply can’t fall asleep or stay asleep due to a range of biological forces and lifestyle choices. You know how it goes: You put your head on the pillow and it appears as though the mind suddenly goes into overdrive.

    Regularly sleeping fewer than seven hours per night increases the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, unhealthy eating habits that can lead to other chronic illnesses. Increased and better sleep, on the other hand, can lower levels of stress, and improve mental clarity and memory. Improved sleep also affects our immune systems, encourages better eating habits and weight management.

    Meditation for Sleep

    Healthy sleep has more to do with quality of rest than quantity of hours.Sleep meditations help create the inner conditions needed for a truly restful night. Because when we settle the mind, we rest the body—and that restfulness is what makes it easier to wind down and drift off. The mind’s tendency to get caught up in thoughts is perhaps strongest at bedtime, when we suddenly stop and be still. Meditation trains us to be less in our head and more aware of the present moment.

    Most Americans don’t sleep enough, and this can lead to fairly serious mental and physical health problems. Meditation for sleep is a specific, guided experience that offers a natural sleep aid all on its own, allowing us to let go of the day—everything that’s happened and everything that’s been said — so that we can rest the mind while simultaneously resting the body. That’s why using guided meditation apps, such as Headspace as a tool for better, deeper, longer sleep can be a game changer, especially if you’re someone who has insomnia. Try it, it can change your life!

    Exercise

    Our first natural sleep aid is really quite straightforward: get plenty of exercise throughout the day. Nothing can keep you awake quite like being full of restless energy and having no way to burn it off. When you’re feeling restless, anxious and full off too much energy, it’s time to hit the gym and burn those emotions along with some calories.

    Not only will this help you to feel better and burn off some anxiety, it’ll also help you sleep better. Your mental state is likely to improve just from a routine of exercise, along with your physique. When you’re constantly hitting the gym and getting into great shape, you’ll find it much easier to get to sleep and sleep through the night.

    Good Diet

    This one goes hand-in-hand with the exercise step. Get a better diet going! Try to eat bigger meals earlier in the day, and then taper down to a smaller dinner. If you can, try to not eat within four hours of when you’re trying to get to sleep. This keeps you from getting too stimulated before laying down for bed.

    Another thing to look out for is your caffeine intake. Make sure you’re not having caffeine within six hours of when you’re trying to sleep. If you drink energy drinks, stop! Those are terrible for you. Likewise, don’t drink sugary, caffeine-filled sodas all day, either. If you need a pick-me-up in the mornings, black coffee is a fine way to do it, but switch to tea later in the day to taper down your caffeine intake.

    Melatonin Supplement

    Alright, we’re certain you didn’t come to this article for us to tell you “eat better and work out,” so here’s something you might not have tried yet. Melatonin is a hormone your body creates when it’s later in the day and it’s time to get ready for bed. Often, insomnia is caused by a lack of this hormone in the body, so supplements can help regulate healthy sleep.

    Melatonin is also great for those who have to sleep during the daytime for work. While we don’t recommend shift work like this, it’s often hard to choose one’s own schedule. If you have to sleep during the day and work at night, melatonin supplements are a great way to pull that off.


  • The Ultimate Software Essentials For Every New Business

    The Ultimate Software Essentials For Every New Business

    Starting a new business can be tough. As a startup business owner, it’s crucial to discover the software solutions tools that can save you time and make your job easier. We’ve outlined the most essential new business software solutions of 2019.

    HR Software

    Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or a start-up looking to make your first hire, modern-day HR solutions have never been more vital to businesses. Due to the ever-growing complexities of running a business in the last decade HR software has practically reinvented itself.

    While it can be tempting to outsource all aspects of your business with HR Software, it may not always be necessary. You should especially take this into consideration when pricing comes into play. Not all HR Software companies offer a complete package at one price. For example, Bamboo HR ups their prices for companies that run payroll with them by $4 per employee and $25 per month.

    Essential Accounting Software

    Keeping a close eye on your books is especially important when you first open your business. Having the right software solution in place can make this difficult task more straight forward and organized.

    The streamlined, seamless and easy-to-use Freshbooks software is one of the top picks for accounting software. Whether you’re running a large business or a small one, Freshbooks as an accounting suite is a strong choice. You can easily set up recurring invoices to pay out to various contractors, record your expenses easily and import to other software in a flash. The dashboard makes it easy to find what you’re looking for, while the easy-to-navigate menus and options make it impossible to get lost. Accounting can be quite difficult, but Freshbooks takes a lot of the difficulty out of the equation! Pricing for this software starts at $15 per month.

    Capeable Cloud Security and Storage

    There are a ton of great options when it comes to cloud storage! Many of them are free, but some offer some interesting paid features. If you have a lot of storage needs, whether it be for business or personal use, consider these great options for cloud storage!

    Microsoft’s answer to cloud storage is a great platform. Windows users have access to it as just another computer directory! It’s simple to access and offers 5GB of storage free to anyone. Just like Google Drive works closely with Google Office Suite, OneDrive works with Microsoft Office. If you commonly use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and the like, OneDrive is a great option for you.

    If you decide to sign up for an Office 365 subscription Microsoft will reward you with an extra terabyte of storage on your OneDrive account. OneDrive for Business grants access to both storage and Microsoft Office. It’s just under $9 per person per month, which is actually a pretty good rate! If you already use a lot of Microsoft’s Office Suite, OneDrive is for you!

    Inventory Management Software

    Is your new startup going to require a large amount of inventory? If so, a comprehensive inventory management solution may be an essential piece of software for your business. Whatever solution you choose, it’s important that it’s capable of expanding with your business.
    Boxstorm, part of the Fishbowl inventory management system, allows you to track the cost of each item from the time it’s purchased to the time it’s sold. It allows you to have a real-time value of your existing assets. Ensuring your product gets from point A to point B is a core function of any business.
    Boxstorm can interface with multiple shipping solutions. It allows you the freedom to choose the solution that fits you best. They accommodate a wide variety of e-commerce solutions like WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento and Salesforce.


  • Try These 5 Simple Habits and Start Building Your Best Life This New Year

    Try These 5 Simple Habits and Start Building Your Best Life This New Year

    Taking the easy road in life can be tempting. But that will almost guarantee that your results don’t last. Building better habits can be the easiest and most effective way to improve your life. We’ve assembled a list of the most helpful habits to help you build your best life.

    Smile More Often

    It’s scientifically proven that when you smile it can improve your mood. One of the most common reasons people don’t smile isn’t because they’re in a bad mood, but instead, because they’re not confident with the look of their smile. There are plenty of highly effective over the counter teeth whitening solutions that rival the results of the dentist office.

    One of the easiest home solutions to improve the whiteness of your teeth is by brushing with a mixture of baking soda and drops of lemon juice. After you’ve brushed, let the mixture sit for one minute and then rinse. It’s also important to avoid foods that can stain your newly whitened teeth. If you are drinking something dark, using a straw is a good way to reduce the chances of your teeth being stained.

    Make Saving Easy

    Getting into the habit of saving money can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Apps like Robinhood or Acorns make it easier than ever. Both allow you to automatically invest an amount that is comfortable for you. Small investments can really add up over the long run!

    Improve Your Posture

    Having good posture is one of the best ways to avoid future back pain issues. To break old habits can be difficult and reminding yourself to “sit up straight” isn’t always effective. That’s why it’s important to strengthen the muscles that help support a healthy posture. There are some simple exercises that will put your posture in place without having to think about it. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart and bring your arms behind you and interlace your fingers with your palms pressing together. Then take a deep breath while raising your hands as high as comfortably possible. Hold this position for 5 seconds and then lower your hands as you exhale. The next exercise is called the “child’s pose.” Sit on your shinbones with your knees together and Fold forward at your hips and walk your hands out in front of you. Breath in deep and on each exhale walk your hands out a little further until you’re at your comfortable limit. Remain in that position for 30 seconds, taking deep breaths feeling the stretch throughout your back.

    Maintain a Healthy Weight

    Losing any amount of weight can be a daunting task. It can be even more difficult to keep the weight off. That’s why it’s important to build healthy habits into your daily routine. By building these habits you ensure that your losses, (and gains), will be around for years to come.
    Cut back on sugar and starches. By making this small change you’re allowing your body to use fat as a fuel source instead of sugars. Another benefit is that it lowers insulin levels, allowing your body to shed excess sodium and reduce daily bloating.

    Don’t eat after the sun goes down. Your body metabolizes food for energy in accordance with your circadian rhythm. By cutting down the amount of food you eat after the sun goes down, you’re reducing the number of calories your body will store while you sleep. By eating late in the evening you’re giving your body fuel, but not giving it the opportunity to convert that to fuel.


  • Got the Flu? Fight Back With These Proven Tricks

    Got the Flu? Fight Back With These Proven Tricks

    Are you starting to get a sore throat? Is your loved one looking a little more pale than usual? Cold and flu season is right around the corner. The best way to stop a cold is by stopping it before it starts. That’s why we’ve broken down the best way to combat the flu before it puts you out of commission.

    Sleep is Your Best Friend

    There’s a reason why when you’re sick all you want to do is sleep. Sleep is the ultimate rejuvenator of your body’s immune system. A recent scientific study found that people who slept 6 hours or less a night were 4 times more likely to catch a cold when exposed to the virus. The study also found that people who got at least 7 hours of sleep were able to fight off the symptoms of a cold quicker. If you have issues sleeping, there are numerous natural supplements that can help you get a better night’s sleep. Melatonin, Valerian Root and Magnesium are all-natural supplements that have been shown to work well.

    Clear Your Nasal Congestion

    Having clogged sinuses is a Flu symptom that can impact every part of your day. One of the easiest ways to clear out your sinuses is with a warm steam shower. If that doesn’t do the trick, you could also try a saline spray. Saline sprays are isotonic and contain the same saline solution that’s in your body. People also use all-natural remedies like eucalyptus oil to help clear out your sinuses. If neither of these tricks works for you, eucalyptus oil is an all-natural solution that helps fight sinus congestion.

    – Place 7-10 drops into a pot of boiling water

    – Lean over the bow, at a safe distance, and then begin to breathe in the eucalyptus oil-infused water

    – It’s not recommended to do this for more than a minute at a time

    Keep your areas clean

    Hands, more than any other part, are major culprits for spreading the flu. That’s why it’s important to keep your hands, and everywhere they touch, clean of germs. Cleaning your work and common areas with Lysol wipes is a good way to kill the dormant germs waiting to make your day worse. Also, doctors recommend scrubbing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. A good way to teach this to your kids is by having them sing the happy birthday song two times while washing.

    Be prepared

    Nobody likes to be sick. Having to go to the grocery store, cook and go about your daily routine only makes things worse. That’s why when you feel a cold coming on it’s a good idea to stock your pantry with easy to make meals. During the initial stages of a cold make sure to avoid dairy and sugar. Both have been shown to exacerbate the symptoms of a cold. Chicken soup is a commonly recommended food for a reason.

    Switch to Paper Goods

    If your whole family is sick, it’s a good idea to switch to paper towels in the bathroom. It may also pay to switch to paper cups and plates in the kitchen. That way you’re less likely to spread germs.


  • Extraordinary Biohacking Breakthrough: Take Control of How You Age

    Extraordinary Biohacking Breakthrough: Take Control of How You Age

    Goodbye, wrinkles. Hello, youthful skin. We’ve got the breakthrough secrets to biohacking so you can begin to combat the effects of aging and move through life more gracefully. If you are wishing to noticeably improve the effects of aging and turn back the hands of time should turn to these secrets:

    INJECTABLES

    We haven’t found the fountain of youth, but we’ve gotten close. Research reveals that injectables may be one of the most powerful ways to fight the aging process and keep you looking younger for years to come. Cosmetic injections are becoming more and more popular when it comes to the fight against aging. Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, and Restylane are just a few common examples of injectables we use to turn back the hands of time. A skilled injector can assess your skin and use a combination of neurotoxins and dermal fillers to restore a natural, more youthful appearance.

    ANTI-AGING CREAMS

    Not into injectables? If you’re like most of us, you’ve been on a life-long search to discover a soothing moisturizer that is best suited to your skin’s potential. We’re here to help you narrow down that search. After much trial and error, we’ve discovered these 5 thirst-quenching moisturizers that are proven to smooth away your fine lines:

    Clinique

    Clinique avoids using allergens, irritants, and ingredients that can age or harm skin, while never sacrificing one bit of the effectiveness you need. It is formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Clinique’s Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is allergy tested, non-acnegenic, and free of fragrance, alcohol, SLS, talc, mineral oil, and oil.

    Their Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a refreshing gel-cream that provides an instant moisture boost—and is now enhanced to deliver almost twice as much hydration at the end of the day than it did before. It offers solutions for dryness, fine lines and dullness or uneven skin texture. This multitasking formula can be used anytime skin needs a moisture boost, under or over makeup, or as a five-minute mask.

    Estee Lauder

    Estée Lauder offers an unparalleled collection of skincare, makeup, and fragrance products, including bestsellers and proven solutions. As one of the world’s most beloved and respected brands, the Estée Lauder name is recognized in over 100 countries as a symbol of quality, luxury, and promises kept. Apply as a last step in your skincare regimen, avoiding the eye area.

    Their DayWear Matte Oil-Control Anti-Oxidant Moisture Gel Crème is an ultra-light gel cream moisturizer that helps control oil and minimize shine, reducing the look of pores and leaving skin fresh, soft, and hydrated. It offers solutions for oiliness, dryness, and reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. This fresh, ultra-light Gel Crème, with powerful MoistureMatte Technology, controls oil and helps skin minimize visible shine, giving skin a healthy-looking, matte finish. It reduces the look of pores and helps resist the first signs of aging. This product is dermatologist-tested and non-acnegenic.

    La Mer

    Miracle Broth is at the heart of La Mer and is infused into every treatment in the collection. This elixir is formulated with hand-harvested sea kelp and other nutrients and minerals unlocked via a natural fermentation process. Surging with vital energies, it supports the five facets of natural healing: moisture, regeneration, soothing, smoothing, and radiance—which help to bring skin back to its healthiest state. The iconic opal jar is hand-filled within eight hours of the Crème’s creation.

    There’s a La Mer moisturizer for every complexion. Infused with cell-supporting Miracle Broth, these celebrated moisturizers visibly soothe, plump, and smooth away fine lines as a natural new radiance is revealed. Their Moisturizing Soft Cream is an ultra-soft moisturizer that nourishes skin for an instant luminous finish. It offers solutions for dryness, dullness, uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles. Pat a small amount between fingertips to release the Miracle Broth and press gently into cleansed skin, morning and night.


  • Do These Things and Stop Your Migraine Before it Starts!

    Do These Things and Stop Your Migraine Before it Starts!

    Are migraines taking the joy out of your day? Are you not able to concentrate on conversations or enjoy time outside? When you suffer from intense migraines it can change you into a different person. That’s why it’s so important to identify your triggers and the best solution to provide you with relief. Here are some of the most common triggers and treatments for chronic migraines.

    Common Triggers

    The first step to ridding your life of migraines is to prevent them from starting in the first place. This advice may seem like common sense, but with there being such a wide variety of causes it’s important that you determine the cause for yourself.

    Many people who get migraines notice certain foods can be the trigger.

    Heavily Processed foods, Alcohol, Refined sugar and caffeine (or the lack of) are some common dietary culprits. Keeping a food and drink diary for a week can help you to understand if there’s a pattern between your diet and your migraines.

    Stress can be another common trigger. There are many different approaches to reducing stress. It’s worth your time to try remedies like meditation, essential oils and listening to calming music.

    Light sensitivity is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of migraine sufferers. Extended exposure to harsh lighting can further exacerbate mild headache symptoms. If you feel a migraine coming on it’s a good idea to take a break from staring at computer or phone screens. These sources emit blue-green light wavelengths that have been shown to affect the chemistry of the brain.

    Stay Hydrated

    Many headaches are caused by dehydration. If this is true of yours, a great preventative action could be to try to stay well-hydrated. Keep a reusable bottle for water with you during your job or during class. This will allow you to drink water when you’re thirsty and help to keep you hydrated throughout the day. Make sure to refill it between classes or on breaks from the job.

    Find Relief With Triptans

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

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

    Migraines and Botox

    We’ve all heard of Botox. It is most commonly known as the secret weapon that has been keeping generations of smooth foreheads in Hollywood. What you may not know, however, is that Botox has been successfully bringing great relief to those who suffer from chronic migraines for years. Since Botox was approved to treat chronic migraines in 2010, an excruciating number of patients are reporting great success. The FDA has only approved Botox for those suffering from chronic migraines. What does this mean? You must have 15 or more days of headaches each month. You must also be 18 years or older. Does this sound like you?

    Reduce Stress Like a Pro

    Another option is to listen to calming music throughout the day if your school or work is conducive to this. Consider adopting a mantra, a personal saying, that you can repeat throughout the day to help calm yourself. Other calming techniques include deep-breathing exercises, short jogs while between classes or during breaks, and doing yoga or tai chi before or after school or work.

    Essential oils can also be used to naturally reduce stress. Lavender is an essential oil that the scientific community is currently experimenting with for the relief of stress, anxiety and migraines.