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  • Last Minute Winter Vacation Ideas…

    Last Minute Winter Vacation Ideas…

    It is never too late for a fun winter getaway. Since many of us are working from home these days, why not take your remote work someplace fun this winter? Our team got together and researched a few great ideas for people looking for a fun getaway while staying safe and healthy. Check them out below!

    Last Minute Golf: Whether you are an experienced golfer or picking up clubs for the first time, golfing is a terrific idea for those looking to get outdoors without going too far from home. Sites like golfnow.com, Teeoff.com, and rockbottomgolf.com all provide great search directories and links to courses near you. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to find a tee-time.

    A Weekend at the Beach: Nothing says relaxation and fun like a gentle sea breeze, sand between your toes, and a refreshing dip in the water.  There are very few things to do that are as relaxing and fun as a day at the beach. Roughly 200 million people in the US live within 100 miles of the coast. If that includes you, get out to the beach! Websites including vrbo.com, hometogo.com, and airbnb.com have curated great selections of vacation rentals at or near the beach.

    Hiking in a beautiful National Park: Need to get away from the city? Do you love fresh air and being in nature? In the Fall and Winter, you will find many parks are empty! There are 419 national parks in the US which span more than 84 million acres in each state. Needless to say, there is plenty of space to spread out and soak in the natural beauty. Make sure to check out us-parks.com, nationalparkguides.com or nps.gov to learn more!

    Poolside in the Desert: Most people think of Palm Springs, Scottsdale and other desert cities as places to go to bake in the Summertime. However, there are great savings and deals to be had in the Fall and Winter in the desert. Just make sure that where ever you stay, a pool is close-by! visitpalmsprings.com or experiencescottsdale.com are a must!

    The Holidays are here… get out there and enjoy them safely before they are gone-


  • ❤️Dating Website & App Review❤️

    ❤️Dating Website & App Review❤️

    If you are young at heart, but finding that the leading dating apps don’t have the right matches for you, you may have concluded that there aren’t too many great options. It seems like the leading apps are mostly geared towards young adults trying to just hook up. Where are the apps for adults who are actually trying to date? Well, we have good news. We’ve got a roundup of the best dating apps for people who are serious about dating!

    Stitch

    Do you like to meet people based on what you have in common? Are you a fan of dates that involve activities like going to a coffee shop or going to a concert? You might like to try Stitch. The best part is, Stitch is a great place to find anything from a new friend to a new relationship!

    Stitch is an app that focuses on connecting users over 50 based on their shared interests. Travel is a big one, and the app even helps find discounted rates on rooms! You can connect with people over any interest, though, including music, movies, and taste in food. There is a free version of the app, but you can also opt for a premium paid membership. The paid version costs $80 per month, but gives you access to calling other members, direct messaging and community features. If you’re looking to connect with someone over mutual interests and shared activities, try Stitch!

    OurTime.com

    Our Time is a great site for those over 50 looking for a relationship. The site actually boasts a higher ratio of women than men, which is a welcome change from most dating sites. The site also has an iPhone and Android app that offer Tinder-like swiping! 

    You can get a paid subscription, but the free version allows for viewing profiles and matches. You also can see who views your profile for free! The paid subscription allows for seeing when your messages are read and highlighting your profile in searches. You can even see who’s interested in you! Our Time is worth checking out if you’re looking for a relationship.

    Plenty of Fish

    Popular dating app Plenty of Fish gets a nod for just how many people use it. The name of the site is actually quite accurate! If you don’t mind filtering through a large number of people to try to find good matches, Plenty of Fish can be great. The best part is, the wide user base means you’re bound to find someone you connect with!

    The site does a good job matching you with people you’re looking for thanks to its algorithms. If you tell it you want to meet people your own age, it can filter for that! That way you’re sure to meet people who are at the same place in life as you, leading to more genuine connections.

    Senior People Meet<

    This popular app has a very large user base and intuitive interface. If you’ve used Tinder, you know what to expect! You swipe left or right on profiles based on whether or not you’re attracted to the person based on their profile. The focus, however, is on senior people, as the name suggests. With this app, you can be certain that your matches will be people your own age, not kids! This makes it an excellent alternative dating app to Tinder for older users. 

    That said, it does hide a number of features behind a paywall. Seeing who is interested in you, who has read your messages, and being able to send and receive email is all behind a monthly subscription. That said, messaging and viewing profiles is free, as is seeing who likes your profile. If you’re in for a Tinder-like experience with mature adults, check out this app!

    Our Favorite Dating App: OK Cupid

    You’ve likely heard of OK Cupid. It has millions of users and an in-depth question and answer section. The questions help to filter your matches to people who have compatible personalities and values, which is great! The site also has some great features for paid subscribers, like seeing who likes your profile, disabling ads and using advanced search functions. 

    OK Cupid is great because it focuses on who you are, not just how you look. Other dating apps can be quite superficial, but OK Cupid is not that way at all! It’s an excellent choice for older people looking for a more thoughtful dating app. The iPhone and Android apps both have great ratings for their usefulness and design. OK Cupid comes highly recommended!


  • Review: Restaurants are Closed Again in Many Cities. Consider a Meal Delivery Service Now

    Review: Restaurants are Closed Again in Many Cities. Consider a Meal Delivery Service Now

    Thinking about ditching trips to the supermarket to increase your social distancing and limit your exposure? Over the last few months many Americans have considered signing up for a Meal Delivery Service.

    With the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic surging across the US, many cities and counties are imposing new restrictions on restaurants and dining, even when it’s outside! If you haven’t yet considered signing up for a meal delivery service, check out our recommendations below:

    When thinking about which service to sign up for, ask yourself a few basic questions…

    • Do I like to cook, or do I really just want a pre-made meal?
    • Am I an expert cook or a novice… How much time do I want to spend in the kitchen?
    • What types of meals do I like… comfort food, ethnic dishes, the basics?
    • What types of dietary restrictions do I have?
    • Am I cooking for one, or cooking for the family?
    • What do the kids like to eat?
    • Am I a picky eater? How much flexibility will I have with ingredients?
    • How much am I looking to spend each week on meals?

    There are many options to choose from in the marketplace. Here are some additional questions to ask before you make your choice:

    • Does the menu have enough variety?
    • Who creates the menu, can I send in input?
    • Do they offer different pricing models?
    • What serving size options do they offer?
    • What are the delivery options?

    Make sure the meal delivery service you choose delivers to your area before you sign up!!

    The meal delivery services field is growing, with specialty purveyors focusing on vegan foods, seasonal ingredients, soups and smoothies. These meals can be healthy, tasty, easy to make and maybe best of all, you don’t have to wait for inspiration to strike and then battle the crowds at the grocery store. With home meal kits, you just go online and browse the latest recipe ideas, and they come straight to your door ready for you to put together. So this leads to the question, which one? We have reviewed the Top 5 Meal Delivery Services.

    Purple Carrot

    Purple Carrot runs on plant power. If you don’t eat animal products or are lactose intolerant, you’re in luck. Every single dish from Purple Carrot is not only vegetarian, but vegan, too. But don’t worry, we’re not talking boring grilled veggies here. This box features seasonal produce, herbs and creative sauces that keep things interesting. Each week, Purple Carrot chefs create a new selection of plant-based dishes like cauliflower l’orange and coffee teriyaki skewers. In addition to being healthy and tasty, Purple Carrot encourages users to appreciate that eating plant-based meals (instead of ones containing meat) is environmentally friendly, cutting down on water use and emissions. There are individual plans serving one to two people, a family plan returning that makes two meals for three to four people, and a “performance” plan that ups the protein content of each meal, and is gluten-free.

    Blue Apron

    They’re the OG of meal delivery services.  Most of Blue Apron’s recipes are pretty easy, making the company a good choice for beginner cooks.  Instead of spending all night at the grocery store or in the kitchen, Blue Apron delivers pre-measured ingredients for simple recipes straight to your door. Meals start at just $9.99 per serving and you can choose the two-person plan, this comes with two or three meals per week or the family plan which comes with up to four meals per week. Also for those of you that like a nice glass of wine to compliment this 5 star gourmet meal you just prepared, check out the company’s wine delivery options.

    Another perk is that they love condiments as much as I do. Many of the recipes require you to whip up different sauces or au jus for dipping.

    Though there are generally a few choices for your three weekly meals, this isn’t the best option for those with dietary restrictions, as they really only offer a meat and vegetarian option. And even though the meals won’t take forever to cook, you’ll still spend a decent amount of time in the kitchen—somewhere in the neighborhood of 45 minutes. If you use cooking as a way to decompress and chill out after a long day, you are in luck. Blue Apron never fails to take you out of your comfort zone. The most impressive thing was that out of the dozens of meals I made, there were only one or two dinners that I would not make again.

    Plated

    Plated has easy to follow recipes and is very flexible with customers, but it’s the food that is simply divine. The recipes are crafted by the company’s culinary team and use high quality ingredients that are free of hormones and antibiotics. And while the recipes can be exotic and seductive, you can also just whip up some more standard fare like waldorf chicken salad and spicy crunchy shrimp bowls. You can also add dessert if you really feel like getting carried away.

    Plated is also flexible – the company will allow you to skip weeks, switch recipes and cancel anytime. There is a great range of recipes—from an elevated grilled cheese to stuffed roasted squash to pumpkin rigatoni—that reflect the current season. It’s also great they have a two meal a week option. One drawback though – the company doesn’t offer specifically vegan options

     Hello Fresh

    What makes Hello Fresh unique is that it offers a vegetarian meal plan for folks who don’t eat meat. The company is also committed to using responsibly-sourced ingredients. To use, first choose from the veggie, classic, or family plans, which all come with two or three recipes per week and start at $7.99 per serving. Still skeptical? Purchase a Hello Fresh Meal Delivery Service in select grocery stores for your first go-around. All the recipes are straight-forward and rarely include unnecessary steps. Plus, the portions are bigger, so we always had leftovers for the next day.

    Sun Basket

    If you’re trying hard to stick to a certain food regimen like Whole 30 or the Paleo Diet, Sun Basket’s meals can help. They even list out if the meal is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, paleo, carb-conscious, vegetarian, vegan, etc.  They only send the cleanest ingredients to their customers. Choose from either a classic plan, which serves two people, or a family plan which feeds four people and starts at $10.99 per serving. If you’re busy multitasking between online meetings and helping your kids with school and don’t have much time to cook but want to provide healthy homemade meals for your family, Sunbasket has come out with some new options that will help.  They have “Fresh & Ready” meals which are chef-crafted meals that go straight from their kitchen to your oven.  You can just heat up and be ready for dinner in under 10 minutes.  If you want to be a little more involved in the cooking process, they have “Speedy” options which can be ready in 20 minutes.

    Bottom line, there are a ton of meal delivery service options out there.  If you just do a little research, you can find the best one for you.  And don’t be afraid to try all of them to decide which you like best. You can also sign up for a few different services and just rotate which meal delivery service you use each week.  Many of the services offer easy to use apps so you can plan your meals weeks in advance.  Happy Cooking!


  • Have You Gained Weight over the Holidays? Simple Diet Changes That Lead to Weight Loss

    Have You Gained Weight over the Holidays? Simple Diet Changes That Lead to Weight Loss

    Are you looking to lose weight? Have you gained the ‘stay-at-home’ 15? Losing weight isn’t easy, but if you pay attention to what you eat, you may be surprised at the weight you can lose. Simple choices like replacing ultra-processed foods that come out of bags, boxes or cans can make a big improvement to your diet.

    More specifically, you can shed weight by reducing 500 calories a day, or about a pound’s worth of calories each week, all while eating the same foods you love.
    Most Americans get nearly 60 percent of their daily calories from eating processed foods. We took a look at a study conducted by National Institute of Health which studied the differences when people eat processed foods versus unprocessed options

    Results Are In:
    Participants spent two weeks indulging in ultra-processed foods, resulting in gaining about a pound of weight each week. They then spent another two weeks eating the same exact foods, but this time they were unprocessed. The results showed a loss in weight of about a pound each week when unprocessed foods replaced processed foods.

    To do this for yourself- try avoiding foods in the ‘middle’ aisles of most grocery stores. Many of these foods may be your favorites- but this is exactly where extra calories lurk.

    Undeniable Health Benefits:
    While the meal prep time increased by an average of 15-20 minutes, the health benefits far outweighed the processed options. Not only did they lose up to a pound each week, but their overall health improved greatly. Lower cholesterol levels, lower sodium levels, increased energy, and overall mood were some of the benefits reported.

    The best part? The participants all noted that they found both diets to be equally delicious! They also reported they preferred to continue with the healthier options rather than the ultra-processed options.

    Misleading Nutrition Labels:
    While it may be easy to fall victim to misleading nutrition labels claiming to offer “fat-free” options, this is far usually far from the truth. Next time you hit the grocery store, skip the frozen dinners and chips- opt for a healthier, do it yourself version from the produce section. Your health and waistline will thank you!


  • Need Extra Cash for the Holidays? How About Starting A ‘Side Hustle’

    Need Extra Cash for the Holidays? How About Starting A ‘Side Hustle’

    These days everyone could use a bit more money. Like many Americans, if you find yourself at home and looking for new ways to earn income, you might consider starting up a Side Hustle. If you are employed, underemployed or unemployed, many people find that their salary is not enough to afford the ideal lifestyle they seek.

    If you fall under the category where you are left with little or no money to save, you should try a side hustle. You might have thought of it but the question you could have been asking yourself is what kind of a side hustle is most suitable? Below, we discuss various work from home opportunities. If you are there and you have never heard about a side hustle, we do not want to leave you behind. Let’s start by answering the question of what is a side hustle so that we can move on together.

    A side hustle or part-time job is a way of making money outside your normal job. This kind of job gives you an opportunity to earn extra cash, with which you can freely buy items you want, follow your passion, and reduce your financial concerns. Generally, you begin a side hustle with an aim of earning a couple of extra thousand or hundred dollars per month. With such money, you will be able to do a lot and even make some savings that you can use to make investments. Without taking much time, let’s dive into some of the great ideas that can make you earn more money by working in the comfort of your home.

    Money-Saving Browser Plug-ins

    Although this is not direct work from home opportunity, you can use it to earn some money, which you can save or use to do other things. What you need to do is to install a money-saving browser plug-in of your choice. This kind of browser will help you to find reduced prices on the items you purchase online daily. This will add some breathing space to your budget. Right? It is related to earning some extra money.

    Bank Account Promotions

    These kinds of promotions are available in all sizes and shapes. What does this mean? You can find different bank promotions that offer bonus money for instance when you open an account. All you need to do is to get online and search a list of the most amazing bank account promotions for individuals with new accounts. You can find yourself earning some cash just by opening a bank account and completing all the activities that require you to qualify.

    Selling Your Insights through Blogging

    Could you be among the people that view blogs as venues where bored individuals share what they think about anything? Ok maybe you don’t view it this way but all the same, you may have never have thought that you can make extra money through blogging. But how? This is it. Your journey as a blogger starts with an idea. You need to have a unique idea. What if your idea is not unique? Let this one not worry you because you can take an existing idea. However, ensure that the idea is more compelling and sharper than those of your competitors.

    After getting an idea, get to know it from formal training or personal experience such that you will not experience any difficulties as you write about it. You may find it quite challenging when starting but you just need to give it time and you will find that you have tightened your writing process and you are able to produce wonderful content within a very short time.

    The next stage is selecting and purchasing a web domain, you then have to host and design your site after which you can plan your content. This seems to be a lot of work and you may think of taking shortcuts. As the saying goes short cuts are always the wrong ways, avoid them at all cost. By following this work to the letter, you will be laying a solid foundation that you will look and smile about in days to come. After creating a quality site and building a following, you will earn money in different ways and you will come to enjoy it.

    Sell your opinions through focus groups and online surveys

    Have you ever imagined that your opinions may earn you money? They are of more value than you might have ever imagined. Several companies pay a good amount of money to get to know more about the preferences and motivations of their target audience.

    Online Surveys

    You can undertake online surveys at your home any time you feel like be it over dinner or lunch hours, working hours, during your free time, or the wee hours of sleepless nights.

    Although you are expected to give honest and sensible answers, you need not devote all your attention to these surveys. It is up to you. Just devote the time you are comfortable with the survey. An individual survey can take between a few minutes to twenty or thirty minutes to complete. You can handle the number of questions that you are comfortable with.

    The amount of money you earn is based on the kind of surveys you complete. Note that you can earn like $10 per hour if you sign up with several survey companies and complete the tasks allotted to you diligently. Even with less than ten dollars per hour, the amount is better than none.

    Online Focus Groups

    These types of groups are almost similar to online surveys and in some instances, they are administered by the same firms. Note that online focus groups need more time and concentration as compared to other online surveys. Configurations also differ but you have to join a panel and engage on particular issues per month or week. Online focus groups are also more selective as compared to online surveys. You may not qualify if you fail to meet certain income or demographic criteria. If you make efforts you can earn more than 500 hundred dollars per month in-kind awards or cash.

    Sell your expertise through Virtual tutoring

    This is a more personalized manner of earning extra cash. All you need to do is to share whatever you have expertise in. Dissimilar to online classes or courses, which can be accessed by a large number of people who are paying for it a time, a tutoring session is normally a one-on-one affair. Nevertheless, you have the freedom to tutor as many students as can be allowed by your schedule.

    Note that success in online tutoring does not just come. You have to earn it by doing the following things:

    • Sticking to the subjects that you are very much familiar with and avoiding those you do not know much about.
    • Using a highly visible and reputable venue.
    • Structuring your sessions sensibly.
    • Pricing your services in accordance with the market price.
    • Following scheduling most appropriate practices
    • Finally, you need to be enthusiastic when promoting yourself. You could not be good in promoting yourself because enthusiastic promotions are not for all people. You need not worry because you can select a platform that can do the promotion on your behalf. You can search for such a platform by searching for the best tutoring platforms online.

    Online tutoring platforms pay tutors depending on the kind of subjects you have selected. For example, if you are a computer science tutor you can earn more money than the amount of money earned by an English tutor. Most platforms also pay tutors on an hourly basis. Are you a teacher? Don’t remain at home doing nothing, especially during the weekends or holidays. With tutoring, you can earn a good amount of extra cash.

    However, prior to signing up, you need to ensure that your computer also has the requirements of your preferred platform. You will require a realistically fast processor as well as video-chatting capabilities that are real-time. Most platforms also require their employees to have a TEFL certification to be hired to work with them.

    Sell Your Unwanted items

    Have you ever thought that you can earn some extra cash by selling the items that you no longer want? This comes with more benefits because you will not only be getting some cash but you will also be clearing your space. Look at it this way; when you sell unwanted items you will not only be earning some cash but also downsizing and decluttering your life. Although this will not help you earn money throughout, you can use it when you want to clear out your space at least once in a while. Could be you have looked around and wondered what to sell. Here is a list of things that you can earn money from:

    • Old kids’ outfit
    • Sporting goods that you are not using anymore
    • Toys
    • Electronics
    • Wardrobe accessories that are out of fashion
    • Valuable but non-sentimental keepsakes like jewelry, watches, outdoor equipment, dusty tools and even a motorcycle or used vehicle.

    You have looked and said yes I have some items that I can sell but where? There are several methods and places to sell your unwanted items.

    Let’s start with digital options.

    Here are some of the digital platforms you can consider depending on the sales model of your choice and the amount of effort you’re willing to give.

    • Amazon: Note that you can become a professional seller in Amazon if you are planning to be selling at least forty items per month here. All you need to do is to pay a referral fee and a subscription fee and you will sell your items at the comfort of your home.
    • EBay : this is among the most popular sites worldwide. This means that when you post the items you are selling here, most people will view them. All you need to do to beat your way through the other items is to list high quality images and clear description. You will pay a commission on the items you sell.
    • Resale (Trade-in) Marketplaces: there are various places where you can sell your items, particularly, electronics online. Some sites include Gazelle, SellCell, MaxBack, Verizon, AT&T and BestBuy among other online market places.
      Craigslist: you can also try this. It is cheap but it has several disadvantages like high chances of non-payment and potential safety risks.

    Sell Your Words through Freelance Writing

    This is another way of earning by working from home. Most college students have embraced this as a part-time job. Freelance writing is a side hustle with which you can predict the amount of money to earn daily, weekly, or monthly. The amount of money you earn depends on the number of articles you write and their rating. There are various websites that offer Freelance writing jobs including Fiverr, Upwork, Craigslist, ProBlogger, and TextBroker among others.

    Affiliate Marketing

    This is also a kind of side hustle. However, you need to be a little bit careful with it since you can earn a lot of cash or nothing at all. Note that it is more than finding the appropriate item to sell. You also need to select the appropriate brand to partner with. The amount of money you earn through affiliate marketing depends on the product you are selling and the kind of network you are using.

    Above are just a number of side hustles that you can try at the comfort of your home and earn some extra cash? The list of side hustles is just endless. Here are other side hustles that you can embrace:

    • Starting a drop-shipping business
    • Selling your grammatical skills through freelance editing
    • Offering pet sitting services
    • Remote Accounting
    • Selling of E-books and Audiobooks
    • Retail Arbitrage
    • Selling your passion for issues through political advocacy
    • Selling your search queries
    • Selling your fashion skills
    • Selling your cooking skills and becoming an Instagram influencer among others

    With a side hustle, living the life you have always dream can be attainable. There is no time like the present, and it is never too late to start a new career path towards financial freedom. Good Luck! The opportunities are yours to take!


  • 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.


  • 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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  • Best Migraine Treatment

    Best Migraine Treatment

    Are migraines taking over your life?

    If you suffer from migraines, it is important to identify the triggers that cause the migraine. Here are some of the most common triggers and treatments for chronic migraines.

    Triggers:

    1. Specific Foods: 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 understanding of potential patterns between your diet and migraines.
    2. Stress: There are many different approaches to reducing stress.  Remedies including meditation, essential oils and listening to calming music are worth exploring.
    3. 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.

    Remedies:

    1. Stay Hydrated: Many headaches are caused by dehydration.  Keep a reusable bottle for water with you during the day. This will allow you to drink water when you’re thirsty and help to keep you hydrated throughout the day. 
    2. Triptans: Triptans are medications that combat extreme migraine symptoms. Triptans work primarily by constricting blood vessels and blocking the brain’s pain receptors. Those at risk for heart attacks and strokes are urged to not take triptans.
    3. Botox:  Botox has proven successful for relief for migraines in many cases.  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
    4. Reduce your Stress: Sources of stress vary for each person. A bit of introspection on what causes stress in your life may be useful to help with your migraines.

  • Searching for the Best Hearing Aids?

    Searching for the Best Hearing Aids?

    When you can’t hear, it’s miserable.

    Don’t let that loss dictate your life and lifestyle! Try out some of the top hearing aids and see how new technology can help you get back into the conversation!

    The 3 Best Brands
    Accolades Best Overall Best Design Best Connectivity
    Bluetooth Yes Yes Yes
    Phone Compatibility Yes Yes Yes
    Low Profile Yes Yes Yes

     

    An Overview of Hearing Loss

    Hearing loss due to aging is a common condition that impacts many older adults. Almost 1 in 2 adults over age 65 experience some degree of hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss is also known as presbycusis. Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age and the statistics according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders are astonishing. On top of that, the average delay between the time someone is affected by hearing loss and when they finally seek treatment is a long 7 years. Lucky for you, you have come to the right place to learn about hearing loss. Let’s look at the 7 Signs of Hearing Loss.

    Two Types of Hearing Loss
    1. Sensorineural
    Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It is permanent and caused either by damage to tiny hair-like cells in the inner ear or to the auditory nerve. The auditory nerve carries important information about the loudness, pitch, and meaning of sounds to the brain.
    2. Conductive
    Conductive hearing loss is caused by a mechanical problem in the outer or middle ear or an obstruction in the ear canal such as ear wax that blocks sound from getting to the eardrum. It can be permanent but more often, it is temporary and can be medically treated. Mixed hearing loss results when there are components of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss present.

    7 Signs of Hearing Loss

    1. Words Begin to Drop from Conversations
    Increasing difficulty with understanding other people, especially in noisy environments such as crowded shopping malls or loud parties, may reveal a declining ability to distinguish speech from noise. It’s common for people to respond to this problem by asking for speakers to repeat themselves, to speak more loudly, or to slow down. Television and radio speech may also seem to fade into unintelligible gibberish. Conversations in general seem to lose their color and vibrancy.

    2. Becomes Increasingly Difficult to Have ‘Normal’ Social Situations
    Without quite realizing why, a person suffering from creeping hearing loss may increasingly retreat from social situations. They somehow seem too difficult, often leading to awkward moments when a critical point is missed, or a joke is misheard. It begins to seem as if plunging into even a crowd of longtime friends or close business associates results in nothing but inexplicable, growing social isolation.

    3. People Sound Like They Are Mumbling
    Other people may seem to slowly acquire a bad habit of failing to clearly enunciate their words. Consonants disappear into the mist as vowels rudely strut to the fore. This perception often indicates a loss of the ability to clearly hear higher-frequency or softer sounds such as sibilants. Similarly, snakes lose their hisses, clock alarms ditch their high-pitched beeps, and machine clicks such as those from automobile turn signals seemingly disappear.

    4.Tinnitus (Random Non-Existant Noises)
    Unexplained sounds such as buzzing, ringing, or clicking in one or both of your ears could very well indicate a significant medical problem that requires professional attention. Long-term exposure to loud sounds such as unmuffled gunshots, blaring rock-music concerts, and clanging industrial machinery can produce persistent, sometimes permanent tinnitus. Sinus and ear infections, hormonal changes in women, and common reactions to many medications can result in temporary or persistent tinnitus.

    5. It Becomes Increasingly More Difficult To Hear Children and Womens’ Voices
    Females and children generally have higher, softer voices than adult males, which means communication with children and grandchildren may be one of the first victims of encroaching hearing loss. For a devoted parent or grandparent, this can be devastating. A spouse may begin to drift away from a significant other because ordinary conversations have become oddly difficult. A similar problem may arise with failing to understand strongly accented voices as their tonal edges seem to gradually disappear.

    6. Turning Up The Volume On All Devices
    Routine annoyance with strangely soft audio levels from televisions, smartphones, and other audio devices may instead constitute a barely noticed symptom of gradual hearing loss. A growing habit of cranking up the sound to unusually high levels often signifies that it’s time to seek professional testing for hearing problems.

    7. Loss of Richness in Sounds
    Regardless of their volume or nature, sounds from all sources seem to grow muffled and flat. Birdsong becomes simpler and less nuanced, and human voices seem to abandon their ordinary tonal ranges. Long-loved musical performances and songs grow dull and uninteresting. Even ordinary noises like hammering from construction projects and the roar of motor vehicles seem to devolve into dull cartoon versions of their former selves. Such an evolution from complexity into lifeless simplicity is oddly easy to overlook if it happens slowly enough.

    The Final Thought
    While hearing loss before 55 is rare, the ratio is 1:2 in those older then 55. Hearing aids can be rather expensive, but may be covered by your part B Medicare plan. Original Medicare and most Medicare Supplement (or Medigap) Plans don’t cover hearing aids, routine hearing exams, or fittings for hearing aids. This means that without other insurance, you could pay 100% of the cost for routine hearing exams, fittings, and hearing aids.

    Medicare Part B does, however, cover diagnostic hearing tests that your doctor orders for a medical need like a recent hearing loss due to illness or injury. If your doctor orders a diagnostic hearing test. You would pay 20% of the amount approved by Medicare, plus the Medicare Part B deductible.

    Visiting an audiologist is usually the first response to possible hearing loss. If necessary, an otolaryngologist — an ear, nose, and throat specialist — can conduct a thorough examination to uncover underlying medical issues. Treatment might include simple removal of excessive earwax, antibiotics for a sinus infection, or even small, unobtrusive hearing aids that can reclaim much of your lost sound. Only your medical professional can provide comprehensive information on possible causes and treatments.

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    Have You Gained Weight over the Holidays? Simple Diet Changes That Lead to Weight Loss

    Posted: December 23, 2020

    Are you looking to lose weight? Have you gained the ‘stay-at-home’ 15? Losing weight isn’t easy, but if you pay attention to what you eat, you may be surprised at the weight you can lose. Simple choices like replacing ultra-processed foods that come out of bags, boxes or cans can make a big improvement to […]

    Best Online Doctor Apps

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    Tips on How to Quit Smoking

    Posted: September 9, 2020

    It’s neither controversial nor shocking to say that cigarettes are bad for you. It’s now no secret that smoking can cause heart problems, lung disease, a stroke and cancer. Nearly everyone who smokes is fully aware of the nature of just how bad cigarettes are for your body. Your risk of cancer, lung and heart problems and […]

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  • Federal Tax Credits are Available if You Install Solar

    Federal Tax Credits are Available if You Install Solar

    Nowadays, many consumers have turned to solar energy for the sake of the environment and for their wallet.  This renewable energy source has globally proven to be cheaper than power from the grid, saving customers hundreds or thousands of dollars per year on their energy bill.

    Solar energy is known to require little maintenance and according to research, solar energy has the least negative impact on the environment compared to the other sources of energy.  Solar energy also has proven to be more reliable as well, since it can be deployed anywhere.

    Solar panels and solar contracts have an average lifespan of 20 years. To help you make the smartest, long-term decision, we’ve compiled top solar power companies and highlighted their respective benefits. Below, you can compare unique cost savings, equipment monitoring, tax breaks, and contracts that require little to no money down. Whichever company you choose, you’ll experience greater energy savings and the perks of environmentally-friendly living. Read on to learn about the best solar power companies that can help you!

    Best Solar Power Companies

    Sunrun

    Sunrun has been helping homeowners save on energy bills since 2007. This solar provider has often been named as both the best and largest solar company in the United States. Sunrun covers over 17 states in the US including South Carolina, Nevada, California and Colorado. You can also choose from flexible payment options that allow you to put as little as zero down. Sunrun provides for four payment plans; Brightsave monthly (which is a 20-year lease with monthly payments), BrightBuy (where you purchase the solar power in full), BrightAdvantage (which is a solar loan with zero down and is a great way to finance your solar panels) and Brightsave prepaid (where you pay for the entire solar lease in full right from the start).

    The great thing about Sunrun is that, regardless of the plan you choose, you are guaranteed backup storage, workmanship warranty as well as a 10-year roof warranty. With Sunrun you are also able to monitor your solar home’s productivity through a innovative app. If your solar panels generate more power than you use, Sunrun will return credits to you.

    When you decide to use Sunrun, it sends a representative to your home to evaluate your solar eligibility. Within three weeks, the company creates a design for you to approve, and after you give your consent, Sunrun begins applying for permits. Permit wait times depend on your local government. Once permits are approved, installation can begin.

    SolarCity

    Solarcity is a solar power company that is known for having the most affordable solar panel plans while still backing its work with guarantees and strong warranties. This solar company benefits greatly from the research and technology that is provided by Tesla – its sister company. Solarcity has services that are available for government planners, homeowners and businesses in about 21 states all across the United States.

    A lot of solar companies just offer solar panel installation but Solarcity additionally offers clients the ability to go off the grid through its back up power supply which ensures that your premise will always have power regardless of any blackouts. Powerwall – a backup power supply that allows you to always have power regardless of city blackouts. Unlike a portable generator Powerwall allows you to access clean power in emergencies. In addition to its Powerwall, Solarcity also offers a 10-year warranty that covers 10 years of necessary maintenance.

    Tesla recently revealed the new solar roof – a surprisingly affordable set of roof tiles with solar cells. To anyone looking at them from the street they will seem like a normal set of roofing tiles. The solar cells are only visible from above so they can use the sun to power your home. They even come in four different, chic-looking styles to help you match the look of your home. SolarCity is the only solar company that can install the solar roof. If you’re wondering about the dependability of these tiles, rest assured knowing that they are stronger than average roofing tiles.

    Vivint Solar

    Vivint Solar is also one of the best solar power companies. Vivint made its debut as a home security and home automation company in 1999 and has transitioned into a top solar company. Vivint Solar offers four payment plans in addition to warranties and solar panel performance monitoring. This solar contractor can help you save money on your utility bill while decreasing your impact on the environment. With operations in 16 states, it has the third largest coverage in the United States.

    In addition to solar panel installations, Vivint Solar does offer backup battery storage. This company’s solar power warranties include a 25-year performance warranty. The inverter is also covered by a 20-year workmanship warranty. Vivint will fix or pay for any damage it might cause to your property or belongings. This company offers four different payment plans: Solar Purchase, Solar Loan, Solar PPA, and Solar Lease. Regardless of which plan you choose, Vivint Solar will maintain and monitor your solar panels. These plans are also transferrable, should you decide to sell your home. Some of these plans also include product and power output warranties. Should the system fail to function or if it functions inefficiently Vivint Solar will take care of it.

    After you have set up a consultation with Vivint Solar, they will set up a time to meet with you. At this meeting Vivint will go over how solar works where you live and explain the benefits of using solar panels. After that comes an on-site survey, where they will look around your home for about an hour to evaluate your home’s solar eligibility. Designs will be drawn that best accommodate your house.