10 Terrifying Creatures That Still Exist Today

While the days of giant centipedes and raptors are long gone, you don’t need to go back in time to witness some truly frightening monsters. Whether it be in the darkest depths of the ocean, in the lush jungle or right under your bed, they lurk among us, and some of them are not very friendly.

These creatures are beyond your brain’s best attempts at a nightmare and they’ll make you think twice about stepping foot outside your door. But worry not, as most of them are far from your home. Unless you live in Australia of course. In that case, good luck.

Japanese Giant Hornet

Hailing from the land of the rising sun is one of the nastiest flying insects you can ever hope to never come across. A hornet the size of your hand is proof that mother nature simply doesn’t prioritize humans. It’s sting injects a venom that’s strong enough to dissolve human tissue as well.

Coconut Crab

It looks like a spider, lives up to 60 years, weighs 8 pounds, can be 39 inches in length and has pinchers strong enough to crush a human skull. There, now you’ll never want to lay your head down at the beach again. For more information on this abomination, check out Midday Daily’s article.

Goliath Birdeater Spider

It’s a spider big enough to eat birds. That should already give a good indication of how big it is. In case you’re still not sure, that’s bigger than a dinner plate. Its hairy as well. Imagine stepping on one...

Anglerfish

Unless you’re Aquaman, you won’t have to worry about this nightmarish fish tearing up your flesh anytime soon. It does look really, really ugly though.

Lamprey Eel

Now slippery eels are creepy enough, but how about one that clings onto your skin with its concentric teeth and feeds on you? This eel-crossed-leech hybrid has one of the nastiest mouths you’ll ever see.

Raspberry Crazy Ant

These little suckers live up to their name by not only eating raspberries, but also running towards electrical circuits, swarming them and essential committing suicide in the process. Their erratic movements are sure to give anyone a fright when they’re all swarmed together.

Botfly

When it comes to parasites, this should be the last one on your wish list. The fly deposits it’s eggs under your skin until they grow to about the size of your finger. Then, the larvae use the pores on your skin as breathing holes, waiting to be pulled out by a doctor. Wonderful.

Gliding Snake

Normal snakes inhibit more fear than most can handle. But how about one that can fling itself off the end of a branch and fly onto your head?

Shrike

While this feathered little fellow may look cute, he packs a punch like no other bird. They can take their prey, which ranges from anything as simple as a bug to a full-blown lizard and drops them onto barbed wire, spikes, thorns or anything that will impale them.

Mexican Redknee Tarantula

This gnarly looking arachnid takes the spider fear factor up a notch by being able to fling its hairs towards whatever it’s aiming at. That includes not only your skin, but your eyes as well. 

Common Plumbing Problems You Can Fix Yourself

For those used to calling a plumber every time there is even the minutest plumbing issue, the idea of fixing these common plumbing problems can seem somewhat foreign. Yet, if you are determined to get it right, you are likely to get it the first time you do it. As theplumbinginfo.com notes, complex plumbing jobs should be left to the professionals. All the same, there is nothing to stop you from doing those smaller easier plumbing jobs in your home. Some of those that you can fix on your own include:

Toilet Won’t Flush

If you find that your toilet is not flushing properly, don’t wait for a plumber. This DIY task requires little skill. Wait until the toilet tank is full to check whether the flushing mechanism is faulty. Open the lid of the tank and check whether there are visible obstructions interfering with the cistern’s filling process and remove whatever you find. It is likely that the chain is broken, in which case you will just need to reattach it. If your toilet has been serving you for more than five years, chances are that the problem will be beyond repair and you may need to replace it altogether. Here is a list of the best toilets. You could also find that you need to replace the whole cistern or the complete valve system.

Low Water Pressure

The sink faucet can sometimes frustrate you because of low water pressure. Before you embark on solving this problem, check whether the low pressure problem is affecting cold as well as hot water systems in your home. If that is the case, then the likely culprit is the aerator. Typically, calcium deposits will build up slowly around the faucet aerator and over time reduce the pressure of the water. Unblocking such an aerator is easy: carefully take out the aerator and remove all debris. Mount it on back and your low water pressure problem will be a thing of the past.

Tub Draining Slowly

A slow draining tub does not have to give you needless trouble. In a matter of minutes, you can solve this problem using readily available tools at home. Often times, the reason for the slow draining of your tub is an accumulation of hair, which over time becomes substantial enough to slow down your water on its way down the drain. To solve this problem, you will need to use needle nose pliers or the Zip-it tool. These two are excellent tools for reaching into and clearing out all debris in your drain. If your drain has a tub stopper, remove it first to get better access to all the hairs clogging your drain.

When to bring in the pros

It’s great if you can fix minor plumbing issues yourself. You can save time and money and maybe even learn some new skills with help from the internet. When it comes to the big jobs, however, then it’s usually best to call in plumbing specialists. Here are three signs that it’s time to bring in the pros. 

Your toilet keeps overflowing

Most toilet overflows are caused by a simple blockage and can be fixed by some quick work with a plunger. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then there’s something more serious going on. In that case, you need to get in a plumber quickly. If you keep trying to fix it yourself with a plunger, you could damage your toilet and maybe your piping. 

Your water heater won’t stop “weeping”

It’s wise to go and check on your water heater regularly, not just if the pilot light goes out. If you notice any signs of dampness around it (e.g., rust), then it may be weeping. This is often a sign of a slow leak. Never try to fix water heaters unless you really know what you’re doing. Call in a pro. 

There’s a strong smell of sewage

If your drains have a bit of an odor issue, you can probably solve this with regular clean. If, however, there’s a strong smell of sewage, then you probably have a major plumbing issue. Don’t even try tackling it yourself, you could make the problem a whole lot worse, just call a plumber.

Top 3 Concerns for Moms Going Back to College

In current times, college is not only for teenagers, but for motivated adults as well.  Students aged 25 and older are expected to increase in enrollment percentage by 14% according to statistics from the National Center for Education.  Mothers going back to school to gain or finish their college degrees are among this population. Here are three top considerations for moms going back to school to keep in mind while managing their busy lives.

Keeping a Flexible Schedule and Availability

It is good to evaluate how much your coursework can fit into the available time you have between work and other scheduling necessities.  It is considered normal for each credit hour to entail three hours of course study outside of classes.  This number can change depending on whether you enroll in standard 3-credit classes or harder ones of 5 credits.  With this in mind, make sure you do not take more classes than you can possibly maintain with your living needs.  Start with one course, perhaps, and then add on from there if you are lacking confidence in juggling these aspects.

Look Around You for a Helping Hand

Moms are very busy people before adding on the extra time and effort of getting an education!  Thus, it is important to look around for some help in trying to balance one’s responsibilities.  There are many options available for women wanting to go back to school and get a degree.  From finding help with reliable child care from a partner, group or someone else, or getting help with domestic duties such as cleaning up at home, laundry, and running errands, there are plenty of resources in your life as well as online to help.

One place that is convenient for finding an individual that suits your needs and budget is Care.com.  For help with watching kids to cleaning up around the home, there are plenty of people across many regions who are capable of assisting so that you can devote time toward your learning goals.

Be Wary of Financial Aid and Student Loan Scams

Today, there are many scholarships, grants, and financial aid options available for women, especially mothers, who are looking to complete their education.  The former two options are money that you would not have to pay back, which is even better!  However, it is important to find reputable sources for this information and for the scholarships themselves.  Some financial aid advisors and services can cost thousands of dollars and leave you owing more than the amount you received in scholarship “help”.  Do not find yourself paying for a service you could easily have done on your own or with the help of a campus advisor for free.

There are, unfortunately, unethical businesses as well out there that will attempt to steal your identity in the scheme of trying to help you find financial aid.  The majority of professional organizations will not ask for your personal financial information, such as a credit card or bank account number, and thus any institution asking for you to give this out should be a warning sign.  Some may, but these would be very clearly indicated as legitimate organizations that can be cross-checked before you provide that information.  For help in spotting potentially fraudulent organizations, check out our government’s Federal Student Aid site for more information.

If it has been a thought on your mind about going back to school and gaining an education to better your life and that of your family, visit Ohio University and check out Ohio University Online’s opportunities for women.  They have great resources for women of all backgrounds. 

How to Deal with Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back pain is one of the many issues affecting women during pregnancy. While these episodes of back pain can be caused by biological issues and hormonal changes, it can also be caused by bad habits that can contribute to poor back health. In this article, we’re going to give you a few tips on how to deal with back pain during pregnancy.

Work on Your Posture

You’d be surprised how many back pain issues could be prevented simply by having a better posture. And there is no time when this is more important than when you’re pregnant. Not only will a good posture help relieve back pain, it is also essential to ensure the wellbeing of your child as well.

Make sure that you always sit up straight and tall, and have the same upright posture when standing up as well. Make sure that you invest in a good supporting chair and put a small pillow behind your lower back for added comfort. Walk with your shoulders back and chest high, but make sure you aren’t too rigid and that you keep your shoulders relaxed as well. Also, be careful to not lock your knees.

If you’re standing, try to keep your posture comfortably wide, and if you have to stand in place for a long period of time, consider putting your foot on a small step stool and alternating from time to time. Using a stool has been shown as one of the best ways to reduce fatigue and relaxing back muscles. You can find more tips on how to prevent backache on a site like echiropractor.org.

Invest in the Right Gear

Choosing the right shoes can make a huge impact on back health, especially if you’re pregnant. Make sure that you invest in a good pair of low heeled shoes with great arch support. And make sure that you stay away from flat shoes at all costs, they will only make matters worse. You should also stay away from heels as well since they might affect your posture and increase the risk for falls.

If you feel you need some extra support, you could also invest in a maternity belt as well. While there hasn’t been a lot of research in this area, many women swear by them and have reported great results.

Change Your Lifting and Sleeping Habits

Improperly lifting and sleeping can have a huge impact on the amount of pain you experience. In any case, you should never use your back for lifting, but use your legs instead. Squat while keeping your back in a straight position and lift up using your legs, this alone will allow you to avoid back sprains caused by lifting.

And when sleeping, be careful to never sleep on your back, but on your side instead, and buy the best body pillow for pregnancy. Keep your knees slightly bent and place a pillow between them to promote proper spine alignment. 

While back ache is never easy, these few tips should help you alleviate some of the pain. If it becomes too much to bear, then it might be a sign you should consult a chiropractor. But if the pain subsides, make sure that you maintain good habits and keep them after your pregnancy as well.

Simple Ways To Achieve Better Health

Good health is something that should never be taken for granted, but maintaining it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. With a bit of planning and making sensible decisions, you can stay fit, strong and healthy without spending all day every day obsessing over it. Here are just a few of the ways you can achieve better health.

Write Down Your Goals

Writing down your goals is extremely helpful. Rather than just dieting or working out indefinitely, when you have a goal it gives you something to work towards. Reaching each goal is also highly motivating, and can help to keep you on track. Break down large goals into smaller steps, so you know what you need to do to get there. For example, if you’re aiming to lose two stone in 2017 you could break this down to ‘lose 2lb a week’ (this is a healthy weight loss amount). This means that give or take, you could reach your target by around April. From there, you can set further goals such as ‘maintain for six months.' No matter what it is, setting a goal and then breaking it down into manageable chunks is the best way to go about it. Keep your goals health orientated, so no crash diets or quick fixes. If they involve weight loss, work out your recommended weight and aim to stay within this.

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Take a Daily Supplement

A daily supplement is an easy thing you can do for your health. It takes a matter of seconds and could provide your body with any vitamins it might be missing. Supplements shouldn’t be a substitute for a healthy diet, but they can run alongside it. Get in the habit of taking one each day with a big glass of water and soon it will be so much a part of your routine you will do it without thinking about it. Even when you eat a healthy diet, there could be things your body is missing, so this gives you a fallback option. When your body is well nourished and has everything it needs, it performs at optimal levels. Check out this fabulous graphic on A Healthy Look Into the World of Vitamins!

Find an Exercise You Enjoy

Some people genuinely enjoy working out and going for the burn. For others, it’s much more of a struggle. If you fall into the second camp, to be able to keep up an exercise routine it has to be something you enjoy. Take a look at your local leisure center and see if there are any groups or exercise classes that appeal to you. Maybe you could take up a sport, and rope in a few friends to play it with you. If you know you’re one for falling off the wagon when it comes to exercise; you could look for fully certified personal trainers in your area. They will keep you motivated and make sure you’re doing everything you need to do.

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Drink Green Tea

Most of us enjoy a comforting hot beverage, but if your drink of choice is coffee or regular tea why not make the switch? Coffee especially is high in caffeine, and if you’re drinking your hot drinks with milk and sugar, then you’re adding unnecessary calories and fat to your diet. Green tea is soothing, free of calories and packed with antioxidants. These help to protect against dangerous free radicals which can cause all kind of damage to your body including things like cancers in some cases. You can buy a variety of flavored green teas, they add to your water intake for the day and are extremely good for you.

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Pros and Cons of Student Loan Consolidation

Consolidating the loan means refinancing it. As a student, you should be aware of your priorities and affordability. Loan consolidation may be very beneficial for some students, but at the same time, it may not be a good idea for many. Here are some pros and cons of consolidating student loans.

Pros:

Consolidation is useful because it allows the student to put all the payments in one single payment. The consolidation loan is used to pay off the other debts and then you have to pay only one lender. This simplifies the process of paying off the debt. The purpose of introducing the student loan consolidation system is to make the borrower take multiple loans from one servicer.

The loan consolidation also enables the person to extend the repayment period if he is not able to afford high monthly payments. This flexibility of the loan makes it extremely useful.

The loan consolidation that comes with variable interest rate also gives you interest breaks in specified periods. The variable interest rate starts with a very low-interest-rate due to which, the borrower can save a lot. The loan consolidation allows you to keep your credit score good. When you can pay on time and lower your credit card balances, you automatically get a good credit score. Having a good credit score enables you to avail low-interest rate features at your next loan consolidation.

Simple Ways to Save Money on Baby Gear

Having a baby doesn’t have to cost the earth.  Granted, there are some things you will need to buy before your little one is born, but you don’t need to buy every gadget out there, and you don’t need to buy everything in one go.  If you stick to the essentials and only buy what you need, you should be able to save money.  For more tips, keep reading.

Start Planning When You’re Three Months Pregnant

Once you have reached the three-month mark, you’re usually fine to start planning the items that you will need.  Essentials are newborn-sized clothes, wipes, and diapers, bottles and formula.  You will also need something for your baby to sleep in, and a car seat if you drive.  Before you head out to the closest baby superstore, do some research.  You won’t need to buy every gadget the shop sells, so think about the things that are going to be most important and start with them.  You can always buy the non-essentials once your baby is born.

Buy Used

Babies grow quickly, as I’m sure you know, and this means there is a huge second-hand market for baby items.  Everything from clothes and toys to cots and strollers can be found for as much as 50% less when you buy used.  Often, these items have a lot of wear still left in them too.  The only items we do recommend that you buy new are a cot mattress and a car seat – this is for safety reasons.

Hit the Sales

Parents who shop during the sales and who use coupons can save as much as 30% on the cost of new items, so it’s well worth doing your research into when these happen.  Sites like myfreedeals.com list a lot of freebies and coupons that can help you save money as well.  That said, it is still important to know when to splurge.  There are some baby items that are worth spending a little more money on, such as a breast pump and organic bedding.  Those who plan on walking a lot with their baby will also want to invest in a high-quality stroller.

Ditch the Name Brands

Babies don’t know the difference between Target and the designer brands, so don’t waste money on designer clothing that your baby will outgrow within three months.  In most cases, it’s not worth spending the extra to buy a name brand, when a department store brand is just as good.

Set Up a Baby Registry

Finally, why not set up a baby registry?  A lot of people may want to buy a gift for your little one but will be unsure of what to buy.  A baby registry enables you to create a list of the items that you need and ask people to buy them for you.  Amazon, Target, and Babies R Us all offer this feature on their websites, and all have a comprehensive selection.

Keep the above tips in mind and having a baby won’t be as expensive as you thought!

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist

People suffering from conditions like emphysema and asthma go to respiratory therapists who treat them by administering oxygen to their lungs using ventilation devices. Respiratory therapists can also assist someone who has just had a stroke or a heart attack regain his normal way of breathing. You will find these professionals in nursing homes and hospitals.

Other respiratory therapists travel to a patient’s home to install the respiratory equipment so that they can use it from home. Bestrespiratorytherapyprograms.com has helpful resources to get you started on the journey to becoming a respiratory therapist. The following are the steps you will need to take in that journey:

Step #1: Obtain an Undergraduate Degree

To become a sought-after respiratory therapist, the first step will involve obtaining an undergraduate degree in respiratory care at an accredited university. Typically, the undergraduate degree curriculum will include coursework in, among other things, clinical respiratory procedures and care, pathophysiology, advanced respiratory theory, pharmacology, and mechanical ventilation.

Almost all the programs you can enroll in will require you to pass a competency assessment test. The test is designed to measure your skill level and whether you have the necessary characteristics for success in this challenging field. Practical experience is also extremely crucial. To get this, you will have to record a set number of clinical hours. After attaining your degree, you can work as a patient educator and advocate, a bedside clinician, a pediatric/neonatal/critical care professional as well as a pulmonary rehabilitation expert.

Step #2: Attain Niche-Specific Credentials

To attain these credentials, you will have to sit for and pass an exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This is a multiple-choice test that measures the general knowledge you have in this field. It is only after passing this exam that you can apply to do other exams that further demonstrate your competency as a respiratory therapist, including the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice Exam and the Clinical Simulation Exam.

Step #3: Obtain a License

You cannot legally practice as a respiratory therapist without a state license. This is true for all states in the United States except Alaska. The minimum requirement to apply for a license is an associate degree. In addition, background checks are necessary in the majority of the 49 states.

While it can take just two years to become a respiratory therapist, most health institutions require at least an undergraduate degree for a chance to work. Therefore, the average time it takes to become a fully credited and industry-competent respiratory therapist is four years. By then, you will have, among other things, completed most of the education requirements for respiratory therapists, including simulation, laboratory and considerable clinical experience in a healthcare institution.

Indeed, respiratory therapy is truly rewarding, especially for people who have the passion for taking care of people most in medical need. While it is a fast-paced career requiring physical and mental endurance, it is also well paying and consistently records impressive future prospects every time surveys and research reports are released.

Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel HONEST Review #BusyBeauty

Check out this super old post about my hairy legs when I was huge and pregnant. I sure wish I had Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel back then. I could have shaved my legs while sitting on the couch nursing a baby to sleep. Talk about being a Rock Star Mom.

Okay, so I got this product in the mail and waited for my leg hair to grow. It was August, so I needed shaved legs for the shorts and bathing suits that were constantly on my person. I grabbed a razor and the bottle and went down to our family room to watch some TV and shave my legs.

It was the easiest thing I have probably ever done. Pump out some of the gel, rub it on your legs like lotion, and shave. Then rub in the gel because it's moisturizing. A couple of things.

1. Something I hate about shaving in the tub or shower is that, afterward, I have to sit around putting lotion on my legs. It's just one. more. step. I don't have a ton of time for that. This shaves you and moisturizes you LIKE IT RESPECTS YOUR TIME. Yes. Finally.

2. My razor got backed up with hair, so I recommend having a cup of water nearby just to dip it in. Also, put a towel under your legs. If you are on an airplane, for instance, and want to shave your legs with just this product and a razor, you can, but if you are at home I'm telling you to have two extra things on hand ... the towel and the water.

Bottom line: I dig this time saver. It's mind-blowing to think you can do this ANYWHERE. I sure could have used this when the kids were little and I had to keep an eye on them EVERY SECOND ... I could have chased around after them WHILE shaving my legs, no joke. Shave and sit. Shave and sit. Very cool to have this option.

PS This product is also TSA-approved for travel and environmentally conscious. Great for those with sensitive skin and those with mobility issues.

*I received this product for free to post an honest review. Also, if you order through my Amazon affiliate link, I might get a few cents. Just letting you know :-)

Education And Care: Take Your Teaching Career In A New Direction

If you’re well and truly in the swing of January and are ready to take all the new adventures and challenges that 2018 has
in store, then this is the right post for you. Often, a new year encourages you to access the past twelve months so that you
can better understand your successes and the areas of your life that you want to push forward, improve, and develop. A
common thread for many is their career, and getting as much job satisfaction and reward as possible when they get to the
weekend with their family. If you’re happy and enthusiastic about your line of work; your motivation will filter through into
each aspect of your life, which is great if you’re a working mom and have a busy household to maintain.

If you’ve worked in education for a while; you’ll already have developed a variety of skills that could lead you to all sorts of
different avenues. If you’ve been considering taking your job and career in a bit of a new direction and heading for your
ambitions this year; there’s no time like the present to begin planning your actions and discovering all the potential options
that await you. As a mom and a teacher; you’re already pretty prepared for an array of challenges, and you can make this
the year that you take on some new ones and ensure that you’re happy with your work/life balance. The following are some
ideas for those who want to take their qualifications and experience in education and do something different, for a fulfilling
and exciting year ahead.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/homework-paper-pen-person-267491/

Counseling And Health Care

If you love working with kids and young adults, and your experience have developed your understanding of their behavior
and how to help them through life; heading towards becoming a counselor could be a great option for you. If you’re
concerned about taking up studying on top of your working and family hours; check out accredited online counseling degrees
so that you’ll have more flexibility regarding your time. The work you’re doing within a school or college can often complement
studying counseling, so talk to your colleagues and senior members of staff about your goals so that you can work out the
best plan of action for your future career. Extra qualifications can lead to opportunities to work with young people in a variety
of different environments, so it’s worth thinking about where you can best utilize your skills and the sort of challenges you’re
ready to take on.

Private Tutoring And Flexible Hours

If your resolution this year was to work independently and remotely so that you could focus more on caring for your family
and have a better work/life balance; you could consider becoming a private tutor. You’ll need a space in your home that will
provide an effective learning environment or the means to travel to various homes, places of education, and public spaces
where you can meet your students regularly. You’ll get all the rewards of helping to educate young minds and could assist
students in getting the grades they need to fulfil their potential or gain entry into the college they desire. There are all sorts of
ways to have a positive impact on a young person, so use this time to explore your many options, and you’ll have a year to
look forward to ahead.

Is Your Child's Playroom Ready for a Makeover? - How to Make it Happen on a Limited Budget

Your child’s first playroom or play space is an important part of their development. It gives them a place to explore, create, and learn to be independent. As your child grows from baby, toddler, to school-aged it’s often necessary to give the playroom a makeover as their tastes, toys, and needs will differ as they grow older.

If your child is of school-age and their playroom still looks like something meant for a toddler, then it’s well overdue a makeover. The good news is that you can make some pretty transformative changes that are relatively easy on the budget, giving your child a much more age-appropriate place to play in.

Start with Paint

The very easiest and cheapest place to start is usually with paint. When you first decorated a playroom for your child as a baby or toddler, you probably picked something bright and cheerful. This time around, why not let your child be involved in picking the color. By now they have their own likes and dislikes, as well as unique personality. Their playroom can be a reflection of them, which helps to make them feel more comfortable and happy with the space.

If you want to take the involvement one step further, they can even help with the painting if they are old enough. They may choose to do an accent wall too, complete with their own creations. Remember, it’s just paint and it can always be painted over at a later date.

Work on a Theme Together

As discussed on mashoid.co, your child may also want to pick a theme for their playroom. This can be helpful for you when it comes to décor, as it will give you a basic idea to work with. Popular themes include space, science, superheroes, dinosaurs, animals, under the sea, Lego, and nature.

If your child is stuck on finding a theme, it can be helpful to take a look at Pinterest and show them various ideas.

Get Creative with Storage

One of the most important parts of a playroom is the storage. You want to be sure you have plenty of it and that it is easily accessible to your child. This is where you can get a bit creative in order to save money. Sure, you can purchase those pre-made shelving systems with cubby boxes, but they don't tend to be very cheap.

Instead, look for ways you can repurpose furniture already in the room, or in other areas of the house that you aren’t using, and look for inexpensive items you can purchase that can be turned into a storage solution. Things such as milk crates, buckets, hanging shoe organizers, old tins and jars all make for great ideas. You can add personality to the storage solution with paint, fabric, and other details.

An Age Appropriate and Fun Space

These tips will help you to transform your child’s playroom into a space that is fun, creative, imaginative, and age-appropriate all on a budget.

How to Take Excellent Photos for Your Blog or Website

We all want to take awesome photos. Whether it’s for a blog or website, or for social media, we want our photos to be the best and to have the most impact on viewers. Unfortunately, not many of us have the tools or skills required to take those world-class photos.  However, with a bit of know-how, you can be taking great photos in no time. Today, we’ll be having a look at how you can take awesome photos for your blog or website.

Upgrade Your Camera

Today, most photos are taken on a phone. While a DSLR or mirrorless camera would be ideal, many will have to make do with a phone. If you own a cheaper phone, consider upgrading to the latest Android or iPhone since the more you spend, the better the photo quality will be. If you want to get serious with your photography, consider buying a cheaper DSLR or digital camera. Lenses are important too and Sigma makes a wide variety of great lenses. Sigma Rumors is a great website which will keep you informed about Sigma lenses. Bang-for-buck, getting a dedicated camera will be better than simply upgrading your phone, but who doesn’t like getting a new phone and camera in one?

Consider the Purpose and Focus of Your Photo

If you’re taking a photo for your blog, what’s the story behind the photo? What do you want to emphasize? If you’re trying to show your awesome holiday, give your photos variety and focus on the story. Don’t get too focused on things that might look good but don’t add to your story - the main reason for a photo should be to complement the writing and to strengthen the story. If you want to emphasize something in the foreground or background, you can use a shallow depth of field on your camera to blur out the rest of the photo. If you’re on a mobile phone, it might have to be done manually, but on most cameras, simply opening the aperture and focusing on the object will blur everything else out.

Learn How to Use the Camera

Great, so you know what you should be taking a photo of and you have a great camera. If you simply switch to auto mode, you might come away with some great shots, but for an amazing photo every time, you’ll want to learn how to use your camera in its entirety. Learning how to use manual modes will enable you to take photos in conditions outside the normal operating range of auto mode, so you’ll be able to get awesome shots, even in extremely low or high light situations.

This concludes the list of how to take excellent photos for your blog or website. With these tips, you should be able to take awesome photos day in day out. Whether it’s for your traveling blog or your website portfolio, these tips should ensure that you take great looking photos. 

Final photo in the old basement at 9028 Grant Street ... my readers love pictures of my husband because he's cute and also because they see plenty of the kids :-)

How Are Business Credit Cards Different From The Consumer Credit Cards?

A consumer credit card is a credit card that pretty much anybody can get. You can buy Visa and MasterCard credit cards from different financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, community banks, large banks, insurance banks, and finance companies. But business credit cards are very different in the sense that they are supposed to be specifically for small businesses.

So, in other words, they are for people who own a store, who have retailer outlets and for small business owners. Business credit cards and consumer credit cards look very similar to each other. Both have a credit card number, magnetic strip, and the same type of overall layout.

Liability and Credit Reporting

The primary difference between the two types of credit cards is liability and credit reporting. With a consumer credit card, whether you use it online or go to a branch, you are signing to be liable for that card yourself. It means that if you make charges on the card, then you are liable for the debt and if you do not make payments on that card it will be reported on your credit report.

Personal Guarantee

A small business card application is filled out on not only your name but also on your company’s name. So, a company that is essentially applying for the card and is, therefore, liable for the payments of that card. There are many scenarios, however, where the small business owner or the principal is being asked to sign, which is referred to as a personal guarantee.

In this case where you sign for a personal guarantee, not only does this make your business liable for the debt incurred on the card, but the owner or the principal of the company is also personally liable for the debt incurred on the card as well. It means that if a debt is incurred on the small business credit card and it is not paid then the bank not only goes after the company for the payment but they can also go after the business owner or the principal because they have signed to be personally liable for the debt.

Credit Score

When this happens, the bank can employ the same type of activities or tactics that any normal consumer credit card company could employ. This will include: negative credit reporting, outsourcing of the collection of debt to a third-party debt collector, and they can even sue you, not the company but the individual who signed the guarantee for the debt on the credit card. That’s bad news.

However, the good news is also there. It is when the card is being paid on time, and then the credit card activity will not be reported to the principal of the company’s consumer credit report. It is done because in many cases the small business owners use their best business credit cards to fund operations of the business. What happens in this scenario is that the debt that is incurred on behalf of the company ends up showing on the credit report of the owner of the company, and it can cause harm to his/her credit score.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many credit cards have rewards associated with them that have tangible benefits. If you have a small business credit card which has a reward program, the company realizes the benefit of the reward program and the company has to report it as some income or benefit.

Small Business Credit Card – A Win-Win Option

A good business survives only when you have an adequate level of liquid cash resources. You must always be ready for some unforeseen expenses so you should always have some cash resources to be utilized on time. Cash is something you can’t always keep in your pocket. The alternate way is to keep a couple of credit cards. If you own business, then you must apply for a business credit card. Don’t worry if your business is not big enough; you can always apply for small business credit cards even if your company is not big enough or even when you are only a sole proprietor.

Having one or more small business credit cards gives you multiple advantages to you and your business. Some of the advantages are mentioned below which can help you gain the dual win.

Track Your Expenses

Whether you are running a business or not, you must always keep an eye on your expenses. Keeping track of your expenses is the key to financial success. Your habit of tracking expenses can give you several advantages in your personal and business life. The easiest way to track your expenses is to spend every penny using a credit card. The first benefit is no doubt the bonus points and miles that you can cash in later. The main benefit of spending through a credit card is that you will have free expense tracking. You can see in every credit card bill what you spent on what and when.

Free Points and Bonuses

If you have a small business credit card, then you will have an extra advantage in the form of points. With every purchase you make using your credit card, you are given some points. These points can buy you some amazing prizes, bonuses and even some free travel. Make all business payments using the credit card and earn points and utilize these points for the dual benefit of your business.

Improved Credit

Credit cards are credit boosters. If you have credit cards and you spend a lot and pay bills on time, then your credit rating will improve swiftly. An improved credit rating will open new doors of financial success for your business. If you have bad credit, you can still get some credit cards. Once you get one, start paying your credit card bills on time, and you will have better credit soon.

Extra Cash Resource

This benefit should have been mentioned at the top, as it is the major benefit of having a credit card. In business, there come the days when you urgently need some cash to make payments. Sometimes you find some resource, but sometimes it becomes hard to arrange some ready cash to meet the expense. In such situations, small business credit cards become the blessing in the pocket. If can be used as an extra cash resource in case of need. You should have more than one credit card so you can always have one spare card which can be used only in case of urgent need.

Having read the advantages mentioned above of small business credit cards, you must apply for at least one credit card today so that you may have the win-win situation for your business.

Exploring 401(k) Loan and Utilizing It for Debt Consolidation

When you are desperate to get rid of your debt, you can borrow from your retirement money to consolidate your debt. This retirement amount is known as 401(k) plan. It is also called a pension plan. The best thing about borrowing from this plan is that you can get the money at a low interest rate.

 Understanding the Concept of a 401(k) Loan

Employers follow one simple rule, and that is they permit employees to loan up to half of their superannuation account for about five years. The limit is usually about $50,000. If you are thinking along the lines of making use of your 401(k), then first it is important that you decipher the concept and know the rules. For example, if you decide to leave your employment, then you will need to pay back the balance of your 401(k) loan in about 60 days. If by chance you are unable to pay back this loan,  then the IRS will view this loan as a dissemination, and you will get taxed in that particular tax year.

Perks of 401(k) Loan for Debt Consolidation

When you opt for a 401(k) loan for debt consolidation, then it has loads of perks. These loans cost less than the credit cards. What most people worry the most about is their credit score when they opt for a loan. However, you will not have to face this issue when you opt for a 401(k) loan because it does not affect your credit score in any way. The best part is that you pay the interest on your account only. 

When you want to take the best advantage of the 401(k) loan, then the smart approach is that you should pair up this loan with a good financial plan. Ideally, you should utilize your 401(k) for debt consolidation if you feel that you will not end up in the debt pile again soon. You should not borrow freely. You should only borrow an amount that you can confidently pay back to the company. For example, you should get hold of a loan that you can easily pay back in 12 months. 

Do not get tempted to use your credit cards when you use your 401(k) loan for debt consolidation. The most important thing is that when you have decided to get the 401(k) loan, then you need to have a clear strategy in mind. Some people borrow this money without a strategy in mind, and this is why they get into deeper trouble. Discuss the feasibility of a good debt consolidation company. Most companies do offer a free consultation.

This way you will be sure if you are getting the right help or not. You can also raise your questions and concerns to the company to overcome this trouble. Once you find a good debt consolidation firm, they will guide you on how you should avoid financial trouble coming your way in the future also. 

4 Tips on Transitioning to a Vegan Lifestyle #Veganuary

Whether going vegan has been a resolution idea for you for some time or you’ve recently decided to sign up to the Veganuary challenge, this is a lifestyle and diet change that many individuals benefit from. Not only does veganism inspire many people to eat healthier and get more nutrients in their diet, it is also kinder for the environment and the only way of ensuring that your diet is completely cruelty-free. Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can seem really daunting at first, but the good news is that today it’s easier than ever to become vegan with more and more people making the switch. Here are some top tips and ideas to help you kick-start your new vegan way of living.

Tip #1. Add to Your Diet First:

One of the main things that put some people off from going vegan is the amount of food that they won’t be able to eat as a vegan. However, don’t think about this too much, as it’s not all that bad. In fact, one of the best things about going vegan is the number of new foods and meal ideas that you will discover. With veganism booming in popularity, there are so many different recipes to try, whether you’re looking for food that’s healthy and nutritious or you want an indulgent treat. For example, this kale kimchi is a vegan take on the traditional Korean dish that’s full of healthy nutrients.

Tip #2. Get Social:

Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle on your own can be even more daunting, so it’s a good idea to find other people who are willing to do it with you, or team up with people who have been vegan for a while and will be able to provide you with advice on where to find the best vegan foods or their favorite vegan restaurants, for example. Social media is a great place to look if you’re hoping to find supportive vegans, with pages, events, and social media groups dedicated to this lifestyle. Don’t forget that there are also many avid vegan bloggers who can’t wait to share their latest news and tips with their followers.

Tip #3. Start Small:

If you’re used to cooking with meat and animal products, then going vegan can be an intimidating prospect. Thankfully, there are several ideas for quick, simple, and easy vegan recipes that anybody can make in no time at all. When you first start on your new vegan lifestyle, it’s a good idea to have a handful of quick and easy recipes that you can turn to when you’re stuck for ideas. Don’t forget that staples such as bread, dried pasta or noodles, rice, and vegetables are all vegan-friendly!

Tip #4. Don’t Stop Learning:

The more you know about veganism, the easier it will be for you to stick to your new lifestyle choice. Spend some time seeking out websites, blogs, documentaries, books, magazines and more that you can use to learn as much as you can about going vegan!

If you enjoyed these tips, we’d love to hear from you in the comments. 

12 Ways Adults Can Have More Fun

The fun doesn’t have to stop now you’re an adult. There are plenty of ways you can add a little laughter, creativity, and spontaneity into your life. Simply read the following twelve ways adults can add a little more fun to their lives.

Break Free from an Escape Room

An escape room isn’t your average game. It will put your intelligence and instinct to the test, as you will solve puzzles and crack codes to escape the room within 60 minutes. You will feel a buzz of adrenaline in your body each time you crack a code – and a great sense of achievement if you break free from a Pittsburgh Escape Room.

Host a Games Night

Board games are for kids, right? Wrong. There is nothing better than gathering your friends together to host a games night. Stock up on plenty of food and drinks, as well as a variety of games to test their knowledge and ingenuity, such as Monopoly or charades. There will be much laughter throughout the night, as you each enjoy a little healthy competition to become the winner.

Join a Sports Team

If you have a passion for a sport, consider joining a sports team to embrace your love for a game and have a little fun. Find an adult sports team that will help you to connect with others, and it will even provide you with an opportunity to enjoy more exercise. It’s a win-win.

Buy Adult Coloring Books

Most kids experienced hours of fun with coloring books. You might be happy to learn this is one activity that doesn’t have to stop once you reach adulthood. There are now a variety of adult coloring books on the market, which can be a relaxing activity following a busy personal or professional life. So, whenever you feel a little stressed, pull out your pencils and coloring book to create a work of art.

Enjoy a Movie Night with Friends

Many adults have busy lives, as they are juggling cooking, cleaning, and decorating with a hectic career. It’s therefore easy to feel a little stressed once the working week is over. For this reason, you should try to enjoy a little downtime – and there’s no better way to do so than with a movie night with friends. Chill with those closest to you to simply unwind as you watch a gripping drama or hilarious comedy, which will make all the tension melt away from your body.

Invite Family to a Summer BBQ

Food and drink is the ultimate way to bring people together to talk, laugh and make memories. For this reason, you should consider hosting a BBQ on a sunny day in your yard. You will love the smell of a delicious burger sizzling on the grill, while your parents, siblings and cousins laugh while enjoying a variety of good food, drinks, and music. You know that sounds good.

Visit a Museum

Adults love to learn as they get older. That’s why you should boost your knowledge by visiting a local museum. Go along to a museum alone or with your partner, friends, or children to explore different artifacts and learn more about a topic. You never know, it could help you to develop a passion that turns into a fun career or full-time hobby.

Plan a Karaoke Night

Whether you rank yourself with Beyoncé or you can’t hold a note to save your life, you should plan a karaoke night so you can sing until your heart is content. Show off your vocals by belting out your best songs, or have fun as you prove you’re more than a little tone deaf. You don’t need to be talented to enjoy karaoke, and it’s a great way to come together with friends. Just make sure there’s plenty of food and drink flowing to make those off-key romantic ballads bearable.

Hold a Dinner Party

Make time for your loved ones by holding a dinner party, which will fill your home with both love and laughter. It’s an ideal way to talk about anything and everything with your nearest and dearest, as you will laugh until you cry. You can even provide your guests with sharing dishes, which will bring you all closer together over the dinner table. It’s one of the best ways to make fun memories with those you love the most.

Try Something New

Staying within your comfort zone can be more than a little bit boring. Add variety to your life by trying something new. Even if you don’t particularly enjoy the experience, you will have fun trying new things and performing different activities. It can help to keep boredom at bay and could open your world to a whole new experience, activity, or flavor. So, jump out a plane, experience a new cuisine or do something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. You’ll be glad you did.

Do Something Spontaneous

Adults can often become restricted to the same routine each day, so are less willing to be a little spontaneous. As a result, they can easily feel stuck in a rut and bored with the same schedule. Shake things up a little by doing something a little spontaneous, which will add a touch of excitement to your lifestyle. For example, you could say yes to going for a drink with a colleague after work, or you could pack a suitcase and buy flight tickets at an airport.

Find a New Hobby

Hobbies can help prevent daily boredom. If life is becoming a little dull, you should consider finding a new pastime. For instance, you could develop a passion for exercise, can start drawing or painting, or you can write short stories or plays. You can even attend a local cooking class to develop a new skill or passion for a cuisine or could embark on a college course to broaden your knowledge and skillset.

Have you got any top tips for having a little more fun inside or outside the home? Simply share your advice by posting a comment below.