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  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

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

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

    7. Change in Behavior

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

    6. Change in Friends

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

    5. Job/Career Issues

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

    4. Legal Issues

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

    3. Family Strain

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

    2. Physical Changes

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

    1. Personality Changes

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


  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

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

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

    7. Change in Behavior

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

    6. Change in Friends

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

    5. Job/Career Issues

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

    4. Legal Issues

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

    3. Family Strain

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

    2. Physical Changes

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

    1. Personality Changes

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


  • Best High Yield Online Savings Account

    Best High Yield Online Savings Account

    After years of low interest rates, there is a pricing war happening for online savings accounts. Long gone are the days of 0.01% APY. If you are willing to open an online savings account (which is FDIC insured), you can now easily get a 1.85% APY or higher.

    Interest rates are only increasing online: traditional brick and mortar banks continue to pay very low rates. A typical savings account at a big bank only pays 0.01% APY. The best online banks offer perks like no minimum balance, ATM access and much higher interest rates than the average savings account. Here are the best online savings accounts (and this post is updated regularly).

    1. High Rate: Goldman Sachs Bank USA – 1.85% APY, no minimum balance (but no ATM access)
    Our advertiser Marcus by Goldman Sachs, the consumer bank of Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs, offers a 1.85% APY on deposits. There is no minimum balance and there are no transaction fees. Upon opening the account, you can deposit funds via electronic transfer, wire transfer, or deposit by check. You can get access to your funds via electronic transfer or wire transfer. Goldman has been investing heavily in Marcus, its online consumer bank. Marcus is already offering some of the best savings accounts and personal loans in the market, and further expansion is expected. The savings account has consistently been paying one of the highest rates in the market. With a 1.85% APY, you can get one of the highest rates in the market from a well-known brand. The maximum deposit is $1,000,000 and deposits are FDIC insured up to the $250,000 limit.

    2. High Rate: Synchrony Bank – 1.85% APY, no minimum balance (and ATM access)
    Synchrony Bank pays a healthy 1.85% APY. There is no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fee. In addition to the great rate, you can get an ATM card. Most internet-only banks require you to transfer funds electronically, which can take a few days. If you ever need quick access to your funds, the ATM card makes access easy. You might not recognize the Synchrony brand, but it is a large, well-capitalized business. Synchrony used to be a part of General Electric (GE), and was spun out as a separate company. Unfortunately, the digital experience is not the best and there is no app.

    3. High Rate: Barclays Bank – 1.85% APY, no minimum balance
    Online Savings Account from BarclaysBarclays is a large, old British bank, based in London and with more than 325 years of history. Although Barclays is huge in the United Kingdom, it is a challenger brand in the US. Barclays offers savings products with highly competitive rates. These deposits are used to fund their rapidly growing American credit card business. The online savings account has a 1.85% APY with no minimum balance to open and no monthly fees. Your deposits are FDIC insured up to the legal limit. The Barclays website has a good look and feel. And you can have the confidence of keeping your money with one of the world’s largest and oldest universal banks.

    4. Top Choice: Ally Bank – 1.85% APY, no minimum balance and you can get a free checking account
    Online Savings Account from Ally BankAlly is a bank without branches that has consistently been paying high interest rates on savings accounts. Ally has no minimum balance requirement and will pay 1.85% APY. Even better, you can open a free checking account (also with no minimum balance requirement). This makes access to your savings account incredibly easy – because you can transfer funds online (or via the app) and have immediate access via checks, debit cards and ATMs. With an Ally account, you will have access to their full suite of expanding (and market-leading) products.

    5. High Rate: American Express National Bank – 1.80% APY, no minimum balance (and no fees)
    High Yield Savings Account from American Express National BankOur sponsored advertiser, American Express National Bank, offers a Personal Savings account, which earns a 1.80% variable APY. The account charges no monthly fees and requires no minimum deposit, making it an affordable account to open. You must fund your account within 60 days of applying for the account, and the FDIC insures your deposits up to $250,000. Overall, the account is a great option for anyone who wants the flexibility of earning a high interest rate on a sum of money you’ve stashed away, minus the withdrawal restrictions of a certificate deposit.

    6. Highest Overall Rate: Northfield Bank – 2.25% APY, $0.01 minimum to open
    Northfield Bank is headquartered in Woodbridge, NJ and is mainly a brick-and-mortar bank with locations in Staten Island and Brooklyn, NY and New Jersey. However, they are currently offering an online savings account, which they have named the Platinum Savings Account, with an incredible 2.25% APY. The APY applies to balances below $100,000. If your balance exceeds $100,000 the APY will drop to 0.90%. While you’ll only need a penny to open the account, you’ll need to maintain an average daily balance of $2,500 per statement cycle. If the average daily balance falls below $2,500, you’ll be charged with an $8 fee. If you currently have an account with Northfield Bank, you won’t be able to open this account as they require new money only. This bank does have a mobile app, so you can conveniently manage this account on the go.

    Note: Northfield Bank is primarily a brick-and-mortar institution that is trying to offer online options to consumers nationwide. A little patience may be required when filling out the online application and funding the account. If you’re not comfortable with depositing funds with an institution that is learning its way through online banking, we recommend choosing a more established online bank found within this list. We would be remiss, however, if we didn’t include this incredibly high-rate online savings account to this list.

    7. High Rate: Vio Bank – 2.10% APY, $100 to open
    Vio Bank is the online division of MidFirst Bank, a national private financial institution. MidFirst Bank has over $15 billion in assets. Vio Bank was recently created and launched strong with a High Yield Online Savings account offering 2.10% APY on all balances. You only need $100 to open the account. You can fund the account via ACH. There are a few limitations to keep in mind: incoming ACHs take anywhere between two to five business days to post and the online bank may place a hold your ACH for two or three business days. When you’re ready to transfer funds out of the account, you’ll be limited to $2,000 per outgoing ACH. You’ll also be limited to transferring an aggregate monthly total of $6,000 via outgoing ACHs. As is with every other savings account, you’ll also be limited to making six withdrawals per monthly statement cycle. The good news (aside from the high APY) is that Vio Bank doesn’t charge a monthly maintenance fee. You’ll have to do all of your banking online for the time being as this online bank doesn’t currently have a mobile banking app, but according to the website, it’s coming soon. Fortunately, Vio Bank’s website is mobile friendly so it should be fairly easy to do your online bank from a smart phone.

    8. High Rate: Salem Five Direct – 2.05% APY, $100 to open
    Salem Five Direct is the online bank division of Salem Five Cents Savings Bank, a community bank based in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem has been around for more than 150 years and all deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the legal limit. You only need $100 to open this account, and there are no monthly maintenance fees. However, they do have a few limitations to be aware of. First, according to their online banking agreement, Salem Five Direct limits the dollar amount of their External Transfers to $5,000 per transaction, $5,000 in aggregate per day, and $20,000 in aggregate per month. So, if you decide to have more than one account with them, like their money market account, they’ll look at the aggregate amount of External Transfers conducted from both the savings account and money market account. Second, account holders are limited to six withdrawals per statement cycle due to Federal Regulations. If you exceed the six withdrawal limit, they’ll charge you $10 per additional transaction. Finally, the web and mobile experiences are not great. But, if you give them a call (which we have done), you will get friendly service from a community bank. While this bank does offer one of the best rates for an online savings account, we want you to be aware of their limitations.

    9. High Rate: Citizens Access – 2.00% APY, $5,000 minimum balance amount
    Citizens Access is the online division of Citizens Bank. This division was recently created to provide the best savings rates to consumers. While the online division is brand new, the bank its backed by isn’t. Citizens Bank has been around for a while and has grown to have over $122 billion in assets. While you need to deposit and maintain a minimum balance of $5,000 to earn the 2.00% APY, you’ll be funding an account that comes with no fees. If your balance happens to fall below $5,000, the APY will drop to 0.25%. One downside to this online-only bank is that they don’t currently have a mobile banking app. This means that you’ll have to do all of your banking through their website. Luckily, their website is mobile-friendly.

    10. High Rate: Utah First Federal Credit Union – 2.25% APY, $50 minimum balance amount
    Utah First Federal Credit Union was established in 1935 during the Great Depression by German immigrants in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were trying to bring their families to America but were having trouble acquiring the funds they so desperately needed. So, with just $115, this resilient group built a credit union so that they could say ‘yes’ to those in need within their community. While this credit union had a humble beginning, they currently hold over $377 million in assets, have multiple locations in the state of Utah, and serve many more through a co-op network. Anyone can become a member by donating $5 annually to the Community of Volunteers of Utah. Once you become a member, you can open a Dedicated Savings Account with a $50 deposit to start earning the 2.25% APY.

    11. High Rate From A Credit Union: Alliant – 1.80% APY, $5 to open and ATM access.
    People love credit unions. Because credit unions are owned by their members, you can get a higher interest rate on your savings (and lower interest rates when you borrow). Alliant is one of the best credit unions in the country, offering some of the best rates on your savings. In addition, Alliant has a great website and digital experience. Anyone can join the credit union and you only need $5 to open the account. Be aware, however, that when you go to apply for this account, Alliant will pull a soft credit inquiry for all applicants. Alliant also mentions that if you have a credit freeze, you won’t be able to apply unless you temporarily release the freeze.

    Runner-Up: For Small Balance Savers – Digital Federal Credit Union – 5.12% APY up to $1k
    Primary Savings from Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU)Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) currently offers a nice account for people who are just starting to save. You can earn an APY of 5.12% with their Primary Savings Account. You will only earn that rate on deposits up to $1,000. Once you have more than $1k, you should consider other accounts on this list. It is a credit union – and your deposits are insured by the NCUA up to the legal limit. Anyone can join the credit union by donating to one of their participating organizations such as Reach Out for Schools, which has a membership fee of $10. You’ll be able to join one their participating organizations when you go to open your account with DCU. DCU is also part of a nationwide CO-OP network that allows their members to have access to shared branches and surcharge-free ATMs throughout the U.S.

    How to Find the Right Account For You
    Take a moment to calculate how much you could earn using our free saving account comparison tool. Enter your zip code and how much you have to save and you’ll see the best savings accounts for you and save more this year. If you have a large balance, the tool might find better options than the no minimum balance options we’ve listed here.

    If you are willing to lock your money into a longer term, consider a certificate of deposit. You can find the best CD rates here.

    Your money deserves more than 0.01%. At that rate you’re basically giving a free loan to the bank, not a favor they’d return to you!


  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

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

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

    7. Change in Behavior

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

    6. Change in Friends

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

    5. Job/Career Issues

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

    4. Legal Issues

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

    3. Family Strain

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

    2. Physical Changes

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

    1. Personality Changes

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


  • TOP TIRE BRANDS OUT THERE

    TOP TIRE BRANDS OUT THERE

    Do you have the highest rated tires on your car? Did you know that a new set of tires can improve your cars MPG, performance and safety? Don’t you deserve the safest, highest rated tires for your car?

    If you are shopping for new tires for your car, it’s worth it to look around a bit to get the best prices for the best quality tires you can afford. New tires on your car can even help you get better mileage, and will perform better in inclement weather, like thunderstorms with intense rain or snow. Here are five of the highest rated tires you can buy for your car, sedan or SUV.

    These tires are all considered to be “all season” tires that can be used year-round.

    Goodyear

    Goodyear leads the industry with their “Goodyear Eagle LS-2 ROF” which sell for about $230 per tire. They are especially quiet on the road and have a tread that will stand up to rain and snowy conditions. You don’t have to worry about hydroplaning with these tires, because they are specifically made to combat these wet, slick conditions. They even have special “run on flat” technology that will allow you to coast on your flat tire for a short distance, even going as fast as 50 mph.

    The Continental

    The Continental tire company makes a “True Contact” ($130) tire for all weather driving that is rated highly by consumer testing companies. These tires have a special “multi-directional” grip that help it to be quiet on the road. They also promise that lower rolling resistance will improve the gas mileage your car gets on the road. Plus, when you buy a full set of Continental tires they will give you free towing for up to three years if you get a flat tire anywhere around the country. That’s a nice incentive to buy their tires.

    Michelin

    Michelin is another highly rated tire company that makes many different models of tires depending on what you need. Their “Energy Saver LX4” ($193) tire is one that would be a top choice. This is one of their original model tires and is still one of their best sellers today. You have to trust the Michelin Man right?

    Hankook

    Hankook”Optimo H727″ ($220) is the brand’s highest rated tire. These tires are made with special grooves, and hundreds of “sipes” that grip the road for an especially safe ride. You can count on these in severe weather to get you to your destination without incident. Plus, their “converging lateral slots” help to make the ride quiet, tamping down road noises. Keep in mind as well, that the price given for each tire model is the price of just one tire, and you will need four of them. It is a worthwhile investment because it truly makes your car safer in severe weather to have quality, highly rated tires on your vehicle. Now is the perfect time to get a new set of tires for your automobile, before something goes wrong with your old worn ones.

    hankook%20dynapro%20tires%20for%20sale


  • Best Facial Cleansers For Each Skin Type

    Best Facial Cleansers For Each Skin Type

    There is no universal “perfect cleanser,” because different types require different formulas. We cover dry skin, oily skin, and everything in between. 

    The folks at Goodfind Guru have put together a comprehensive list of some of the most beloved and effective cleansers on the market for every skin type.

    Every single step of your skin care regimen should be reflected by your skin type and skin care concerns. If you’re going to use rich and emollient moisturizers on oily skin and lightweight lotions on dry skin then you’re going to run into problems. Cleansing is no exception and whilst we all want that squeaky clean feeling, not every cleanser suits all.

    Cleansers are there to rid your skin of any impurities, including makeup, dead skin cells, grime, pollution, product build-up, and excess oils. Due to the cleaning effect on skin, some cleansers can be drying and it’s important you choose a cleanser to match your skin type, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. Cleansers can also add extra nourishment to your skin, so some ultra-rich cleansers for dry skin may be too heavy for oilier complexions.

    We’ve got the rundown on all the best cleansers, so no matter your skin type, you can make sure that you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs whilst maintaining a cleansed complexion.

    Oily Skin
    Indicators: Large, visible pores and a greasy sheen that develops quickly after you’ve cleansed.

    What to Look for: An oil-control face wash that digs deep to purify pores (ones with charcoal are highly effective), and helps regulate oil production without leaving your face feeling dry. A formula that balances pH will also slow the growth of bacteria and help prevent breakouts.

     

    Dry Skin
    Indicators: Your skin is often itchy, flaky, or generally tight.

    What to Look for: A cleanser that clears away grime and impurities without stripping skin of its natural oils. A hydrating face wash (especially those made with glycerin or essential oils) should do the trick, and look for soap-free formulas wherever possible.

     

    Sensitive Skin
    Indicators: Your skin is often red—especially after shaving or cleansing—and prone to irritation.

    What to Look for: Cleansers with dense, creamy foams and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, willow bark, and witch hazel. Balancing pH is also important, as skin can get dry or irritated when its pH is out of whack. If possible, avoid heavily sudsy products (less creamy, more bubbly).

    Normal Skin
    Indicators: An even skin tone with no flaking, redness, or sheen, and only the occasional breakout.

    What to Look for: Honestly, just about anything—your skin isn’t picky. We recommend potent (yet non-drying) cleansers with a range of bonus perks: antiaging, toning, and hydrating ingredients are all a major plus.

     

    Combination Skin
    Indicators: An oily T-Zone (your forehead, nose, and chin) alongside drier skin on your cheeks.

    What to Look for: A formula that balances a thorough clean with a healthy dose of hydration. Like a cleanser for dry skin, it should clear away oil and grime without stripping skin of moisture. The ideal is a face wash that protects skin’s lipid barrier, locking in natural moisture while cleansing surface oil.

     

    Best cleanser for dry skin: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

    Due to the nature of their purpose, cleansers can be incredibly drying to skin and remove a little too much, leaving skin feeling dehydrated and tight. Those with dry skin need to make sure they’re using a cleanser which is rich and nourishing, without removing any essential oils. The Fresh Soy Face Cleanser gently removes impurities from the skin without stripping it back or leaving it feeling uncomfortable. Rich in amino acids, borage seed oil, and rosewater to calm, balance, and strengthen the skin, this is the perfect choice for dry skin types.

    Best cleanser for oily skin: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil

    If you have oily skin, you may think to avoid cleansing oils is the best way to go but actually, these lightweight cleansers are the perfect choice for oily complexions as they can dissolve excess oils like no other. In fact, anything too drying may cause your skin to produce even more oils. The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil is one of the most effective available,, removing every scrap of makeup and every impurity to enjoy a fresher complexion in no time.

    Best cleanser for sensitive skin: REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk

    If you have a sensitive complexion, you need to be particularly careful with cleansers as the abrasive formulas can cause irritation. The REN Evercalm range has been developed with sensitive skin in mind as it helps to soothe irritation and calm redness. The range has expanded over the years and now features this stunning Gentle Cleansing Milk, a cleanser soft enough for sensitive skin types. Containing fennel seed extract to neutralize pollution and de-stress skin, omega 3 and 7 to boost hydration and calendula oil to heal skin, the Gentle Cleansing Milk has all the ingredients you need for cleansing sensitive skin.

    Best cleanser for aging skin: Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel

    Don’t just stop at night serums and eye creams when it comes to building your anti-aging routine, the Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel has extra anti-aging benefits for when you cleanse your skin. Enriched with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, fruit extracts, and white oak bark, the powerful cleanser helps to resurface skin and accelerate skin cell turnover for a brighter, smoother, and more youthful looking complexion with every cleanse.


  • Online Razor Cartridge Refill Programs

    Online Razor Cartridge Refill Programs

    Save money by ordering razors and cartridges online! As drugstore brand razors continue to go up in price, many consumers have turned to online refill programs to satisfy their shaving needs. In addition to Gillette’s online subscription program, startups like Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club have also carved out niches for themselves in this market.

    Before joining one of these programs, it is always a great idea to find out the pros and cons of each. If you are looking for great deals and a more cost-effective shave experience, look at Harry’s, Dollar Shave Club, and Gillette Shave Club. Their deals are much better than those at your local drug store but make sure you know what you’re getting before you sign up!

    Harry’s

    Harry’s is a pioneer in the online razor industry, offering a free trial period prior to any ordering. They have a variety of different packages available, with great deals on starter sets for $15 or around $25 for additional shave cream. The razors are available in both a sleek, brightly colored plastic model, or in shiny metals depending on your taste. They also offer a variety of different accessories such as pre and post-shaving lotions and toners. This website allows members to order on an as-needed basis or sign up for a subscription that ships out product on a regular schedule. If you opt for the as-needed ordering, they will send you reminder emails around the time that you are likely running low on blades. This is a great option for shavers who are curious about the online refill program but aren’t quite ready to commit.

    Dollar Shave Club

    Dollar Shave Club is a boutique company that was recently sold to consumer goods behemoth, Unilever, for $1 billion dollars! Consumers can choose between monthly delivery or they can receive their razors every other month which is a nice bit of flexibility. For a low price of $6 a month, you can receive a pack of four quad-blade razors. The razors themselves don’t last for a significantly long time, making the four-pack a great choice for guys who shave every other day or less often. There are other programs with a larger number of blades available at higher price points. DSC prides itself on responsive customer service and is known to just “make things right” when there is an issue with delivery or damaged products in a way that many companies don’t do. This is a great program for anyone looking for a good range of products and delivery options.

    Gillette

    Gillette saw the writing on the wall and has entered the subscription razor refill game. While their razors are offered at a much higher price point than their other online program competitors, starting at around $25, it is still a better deal than what you will find at your local drugstore. There are three different plans that are available, giving joiners a choice in razors, and in the frequency of delivery. Subscribers can also order a one-time shipment if they want to check everything out before committing to a subscription.


  • Best 5 Laptops Under $500 in 2018

    Best 5 Laptops Under $500 in 2018

    Laptops are very essential these days- for school, work, or just personal use. The price of a premium new laptop can cost up to $1,000, which is pricey for anyone. Numerous companies have made laptops more affordable while keeping the quality and capabilities of more expensive laptops.

    You don’t have to feel like you’re settling when shopping for a laptop under $500. There are value-priced notebooks that include full-HD displays, solid performance and long battery life, plus all the ports you need. We picked all the best all-purpose laptops in $500 price range which we think are best laptops to suit the wide range of requirements of people. Here is a list of the best five laptops under $500!

    1. Dell Inspiron i3567 Laptop

    The latest version of this Dell laptop has a powerful system in place with 8GB of memory and a 128GB hard drive and a Intel Core i3-7100U 2.4GHz processor. It has a professional feel in it’s all black look with a 15.6-inch laptop with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768. The operating system runs smoothly with Windows 10 and is backed with a 12 month warranty, with 12 months of tech support.

    • A new, powerful hardware system
    • Has many ports and slots to use your external devices
    • 8 GB Ram
    • 7th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
    • It is not backlit enabled
    • Battery life up to 5 hours

    2. Acer Aspire A515-51-50RR Laptop

    The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best budget full-size laptops you can find in stores today. It checks most of the right boxes: well built, slim and fairly light, gets a decent keyboard, an IPS screen and modern hardware, performs well, runs cool and quiet and lasts for a long while on a charge. This slim and sleek laptop is a great all round performing laptop, especially for the price. The visuals are spot on with vivid, bright colors.

    • LCD display and is backlit
    • 2.50 GHz Intel Core i5-7200U processor
    • Storage: 1TB hard disk
    • Intel HD 620 graphics
    • Battery life up to 7 hours
    • All-plastic chassis

    3. HP 15-ay191ms Laptop

    The HP 15-ay191ms, a signature edition laptops that comes with a seventh-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB DDR4 system memory, 1TB of storage and a touchscreen, but still remains insanely affordable. It’s one of those laptops you’d buy without a second thought if you find inexpensive chromebook attractive, but really, really need Windows. If you love touchscreen, this one’s for you! This laptop contains the Kaby Lake processor which makes this laptop consume little power. Apps are not an issue here, they all run very smoothly.

    • Touchscreen
    • Intel Core i3-7100U processor
    • 8GB RAM
    • 1TB hard drive
    • Lag-free performance
    • Battery life up to 6 hours

    4. Dell Inspiron i3567-5185BLK Laptop

    Yet another Inspiron made this list! This version comes in different color options and a textured finish.  Packed with a large 15.6 Inches display and a decent 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U up to 3.1GHz CPU processor. This Dell laptop model would work well for portability with its 4.85 Pounds lightweight design and sleek black look. Great for school work or the family computer. A huge bonus with this laptop is it doesn’t heat up much!

    • 2.4 GHz Intel Core i3-7100U processor
    • 8GB RAM
    • TB hard drive
    • LED display with a built-in webcam and mic
    • Battery life is up to 6 hours

    5. ASUS Chromebook Flip

    This is one of the best convertible laptops on the current market. The Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is worthy of its premium stature with a gorgeous screen, tactile keyboard and a classy design that’s equally as comfortable to use in tablet mode or as a traditional laptop. The screen is a full HD touchscreen and can be converted from a laptop to a tablet by turning the screen. A top pick for a college student!

    • Intel Core m3 processor
    • 4GB RAM
    • 64GB of SSD storage
    • Battery life of up to 10 hours

  • Online Razor Cartridge Refill Programs

    Online Razor Cartridge Refill Programs

    Save money by ordering razors and cartridges online! As drugstore brand razors continue to go up in price, many consumers have turned to online refill programs to satisfy their shaving needs. In addition to Gillette’s online subscription program, startups like Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club have also carved out niches for themselves in this market.

    Before joining one of these programs, it is always a great idea to find out the pros and cons of each. If you are looking for great deals and a more cost-effective shave experience, look at Harry’s, Dollar Shave Club, and Gillette Shave Club. Their deals are much better than those at your local drug store but make sure you know what you’re getting before you sign up!

    Harry’s

    Harry’s is a pioneer in the online razor industry, offering a free trial period prior to any ordering. They have a variety of different packages available, with great deals on starter sets for $15 or around $25 for additional shave cream. The razors are available in both a sleek, brightly colored plastic model, or in shiny metals depending on your taste. They also offer a variety of different accessories such as pre and post-shaving lotions and toners. This website allows members to order on an as-needed basis or sign up for a subscription that ships out product on a regular schedule. If you opt for the as-needed ordering, they will send you reminder emails around the time that you are likely running low on blades. This is a great option for shavers who are curious about the online refill program but aren’t quite ready to commit.

    Dollar Shave Club

    Dollar Shave Club is a boutique company that was recently sold to consumer goods behemoth, Unilever, for $1 billion dollars! Consumers can choose between monthly delivery or they can receive their razors every other month which is a nice bit of flexibility. For a low price of $6 a month, you can receive a pack of four quad-blade razors. The razors themselves don’t last for a significantly long time, making the four-pack a great choice for guys who shave every other day or less often. There are other programs with a larger number of blades available at higher price points. DSC prides itself on responsive customer service and is known to just “make things right” when there is an issue with delivery or damaged products in a way that many companies don’t do. This is a great program for anyone looking for a good range of products and delivery options.

    Gillette

    Gillette saw the writing on the wall and has entered the subscription razor refill game. While their razors are offered at a much higher price point than their other online program competitors, starting at around $25, it is still a better deal than what you will find at your local drugstore. There are three different plans that are available, giving joiners a choice in razors, and in the frequency of delivery. Subscribers can also order a one-time shipment if they want to check everything out before committing to a subscription.


  • Do You Have Low Testosterone?

    Do You Have Low Testosterone?

    As men age, losing testosterone on some level is almost certain. Low testosterone levels can impact your life in many ways, and you might not expect most of them. Losing testosterone will also greatly affect daily life, especially if you don’t know how to properly deal with the issue.

    Low T can even be dangerous, as some of the symptoms can be insidious, especially because they can be blamed on other disorders and not treated appropriately for some time. Although diagnosing low testosterone is a matter of detective work, some physicians never uncover the cause of the decline in the essential hormone.

    The normal range for testosterone is between 300-1,000 nanograms per deciliter, which is an extremely wide gap for people to fall into, and some men may experience low T symptoms even while falling into this range.

    Still, many physicians are willing to try to raise testosterone levels if symptoms occur and other causes are ruled out. Here are some causes, tips, and solutions to help combat testosterone loss and get you back to being you.

    Causes of Testosterone Loss

    Low testosterone can be frustrating to experience for men and women alike. It doesn’t only affect you physically but emotionally and mentally as well. After age 30, most men begin to experience a gradual decline in testosterone,” says David Samadi, MD, chairman of the urology department at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Although testosterone levels never reach zero (as estrogen levels do in women during menopause), low testosterone levels for men can cause symptoms such as depression, low sex drive, and impotence.

    Other symptoms are harder to notice and may be caused by low testosterone, including trouble sleeping, weakness (both muscular and skeletal), and fatigue. Sparse facial or body hair is also a symptom. Symptoms can vary depending on if the low testosterone is caused by aging or another medical issue. While low testosterone is more common in older men, it can occur in younger men as well. Fortunately, all of the causes of low testosterone in men are treatable, so if you experience symptoms at any age, there’s no reason to ignore it. There are other causes that reduce testosterone, most notable is obesity in which fat cells enhance conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Lifestyles including smoking and drug abuse also contribute to low-T.

    What can be done about it

    Treatment for low testosterone is abundant and varied. The appropriate treatment for you will depend on the severity and the option your doctor feels will fit you and your symptoms.  If your doctor detects low testosterone they may perform additional tests to determine the cause. Below is an overview of the different testosterone treatments available.

    • Skin patch. A patch is applied once every 24 hours, in the evening, and releases small amounts of the hormone into the skin.
    • Gels. Topical gels are spread daily onto the skin over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. It is important to wash your hands after applying and to cover the treated area with clothing to prevent exposing others to testosterone.
    • Mouth tablet. Tablets are attached to your gum or inner cheek twice a day. Testosterone is then absorbed into the bloodstream.
    • Pellets. These are implanted under the skin, usually around the hips or buttocks, and slowly release testosterone. They are replaced every three to six months.
    • Injections. Various formulations are injected every seven to 14 days. Testosterone levels can rise to high levels for a few days after the injection and then slowly come down, which can cause a roller-coaster effect, where mood and energy levels spike before trailing off.

    Alternative Treatments

    • Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight men are more likely to have low testosterone levels. Losing weight can bring testosterone back up.
    • Exercise regularly. Sedentary men tend to have reduced levels of testosterone, as the body doesn’t need as much. Weightlifting can stimulate testosterone production. The key is regularly moving your body and using your muscles.
    • Sleep 7 to 8 hours every night. Lack of sleep affects the hormones in your body.
    • Try vitamin D supplements. A 2011 study of 165 men suggested that supplementing with about 3,300 IUs of vitamin D per day increased testosterone levels.
    • Enjoy your morning coffee. There is some 2008 evidence that caffeine may increase testosterone levels.

    Summary

    Low Testosterone will happen on some level to almost every men. It can greatly affect your life if you don’t pay attention to it and don’t take care of yourself while you are young. The good news is low testosterone is highly treatable and usually temporary. Treatment is available. Consult your primary care physician if you are experiencing some of the early signs of low testosterone like low energy, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and chronic fatigue. Help is out there!