Smart Tips for Opening a Salon or Spa

Posted on March 12, 2021March 12, 2021 by Rosie Bennett

Always dreamed of opening up a salon or spa but don’t know where to start? A nail salon, hair salon, or spa can be a profitable business venture with the right planning and team to assist you. You can instantly make it a successful salon with a strong social media presence that caters to the clientele you want to attract. The salon industry is saturated, so it is also important to market yourself uniquely to set yourself apart from the competition.

To avoid some unnecessary headaches in this process, here are some smart tips to keep in mind when opening your new salon or spa.

Create a business proposal.

When opening your own salon, the first step is to create a proposal that outlines all the information pertinent to staff, investors, and contractors. This can include the location, the salon’s name and logo, the salon space, and the budget. Your business plan is the vision for your salon that you want to convey to the public, so you must clarify how it will look and what services you want to offer.

It is also vital in the early stages to decide how much money you want to allot to construct the space, renovation, decoration, amenities, utilities, and staff salary. If you are a new business owner, it is important to research everything that should be included in your business plan to ensure you have covered all the bases before proceeding with the project. Finding the right location that is a perfect fit for your new salon should be the top priority. Your best option is in a retail area that is easily accessible to the public.

Optimize your space with a design plan.

The next step to opening up your salon or spa is to invest in the right equipment and tools. Your clients will expect the best treatment and why it is important to find the highest quality materials that will keep them coming back. If you are opening up a hair salon, your clients will be spending all their time in a salon chair so focus your budget on comfortable furniture. It is also vital to decide on your salon’s layout and ensure that you don’t make the space too crowded. If you are opening up a nail salon and spa, invest in the best manicure table on the market.

Choose from dark or light wood-stained manicure tables to match your spa’s aesthetic. Your nail station furniture will get a lot of use, and why you should invest in something durable that will last years. It is also critical to saving some of your budget for decorations; the addition of some throw pillows or funky lamps or artwork can add a pop of color and instantly upgrade your space. Your floor plan should also include an extra closet for storage space to keep clutter away from customers’ view. Remember that accommodating as many clients as possible at a time is not always a good idea. People go to a salon for a relaxing experience, and your customs can feel uncomfortable and rushed if the space is too crowded.

Hire a marketing expert.

Your new business’s presence on social media can determine whether your new salon will be successful or not. Investing in the right advertising and marketing tools can help you expand and grow your business. Consider hiring an expert who can assist you in coming up with an advertising strategy and goals. A professional can provide you with expertise that will put your salon above the competition.

For example, if you are opening a new nail salon, post content on your social media sites that show off your skilled nail technicians and the designs they can create. If you offer your own exclusive product line of beauty products like gel nail stickers or nail polish, send them to influencers on social media who can promote them for you and drive traffic to your pages.

Do You Have the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

Posted on March 9, 2021March 9, 2021 by Thomas Bennett

The sex hormone testosterone is typically considered a male hormone, but females do produce small amounts. Men produce a higher level of the hormone during puberty then production begins to decrease after 30 years of age. It’s natural for men to experience a decrease in testosterone level as they age, however, some men experience testosterone deficiency.

This hormone is essential for several bodily functions such as sex drive, sperm production, muscle mass, fat distribution, bone density, and red blood cell production. A low level of testosterone can result in erectile dysfunction, reduced bone mass, reduced libido, and fertility issues.

What are the physical symptoms of low testosterone?

There are several physical symptoms of low testosterone that men commonly experience. Sexual function is usually the first sign, such as difficulty getting and maintaining an erection. Low T levels may cause a reduction in the size of the testicles and cause a reduction in the production of healthy sperm. A low testosterone level results in a loss of muscle mass and an increase in body fat. As men age, it’s common to experience hair loss, however, deficiency of the sex hormone can result in early hair loss.

Other factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including high cholesterol, alcohol use, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. Depending on the severity of your asthma symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe an inhaler. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces the swelling and inflammation of the airways. Taking a regular inhalation dosage can help prevent the shortness of breath and wheezing caused by asthma, as well as reduce the chance of an asthma attack. Common side effects of an inhaled corticosteroid include hoarseness, patches of thrush, nausea, and osteoporosis after a certain length of time.

Whether you know Fluticasone as Flovent, Flovent Diskus, Flovent HFA, or Flovent Rotadisk, you can save money on your prescription Flovent inhaler with TripleCComm. The online retailer provides prescription drugs from licensed international pharmacy markets at cheaper prices than your local drug store.

What are the psychological symptoms of low testosterone?

Several psychological symptoms indicate low T. Many men have difficulty sleeping and experience sleep apnea. A lowered sex drive or decrease in libido, loss of energy, and fatigue are signs that you aren’t producing as much testosterone as you should. Men with low levels of testosterone may experience mood swings, irritability, depression, and lack of focus.

When you have symptoms of a health condition, you can rely on the professional medical advice provided by an online symptom checker. Simply input your symptoms, demographic information, age, and basic health information, and you’ll receive medical advice about the most likely diagnoses.

You can use MediFind’s symptom checker diagnosis to do further research on the suggested medical problem and seek a doctor to provide medical care. The sooner you check on your symptoms, the sooner you can get medical help for an underlying condition.

Is there a treatment for low testosterone?

There are a few ways that men can improve their level of testosterone production. Testosterone therapy includes injections, patches or gels, and subdermal pellets. Regular exercise and weight loss can help slow down the decrease of testosterone levels. There are medications you can take to help with erectile dysfunction, and sleeping aids can help with insomnia and sleep loss.

At Medica explains all the things to know about testosterone, including testosterone treatment options. If an underlying condition such as sleep apnea, obesity, or alcoholism is the cause of your low-levels, seeking medical treatment may decrease symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone supplements can improve hormone production when the deficiency is a side effect of prescription medications. There are also natural OTC supplements that can treat low sex drive and improve blood flow and sperm production.

Talk to your health care provider if you believe there is an issue with your T levels. Your doctor will perform a physical exam, blood test, or bone density test to determine your condition and recommend the hormone treatment for you.

5 Benefits of Living in the Mountains

Posted on March 8, 2021February 22, 2022 by Thomas Bennett

Whether you’re moving to get away from life in the big city for work or simply to play in the mountains, there are many benefits to mountain living that you might not have ever heard about. From many areas of the mountains being prime real estate to being able to drink a beer out on the front porch on a starry summer evening without the blaring of horns and the headlights from traffic on the street below, there’s much to be appreciated when it comes to mountain living.

From Western North Carolina to Asheville, you’re not going to find more gorgeous scenery than you will from the front porch of the North Carolina mountain homes for sale in the area. Whether you’re purchasing a log cabin in Asheville or purchasing land to build a cabin in West Jefferson, North Carolina, you should know the many benefits of living in the mountains. In this article, you’ll find a few benefits to help you make up your mind about whether mountain living is indeed for you and your family.

1. Privacy

If you’ve never been a big fan of crowds, car horns blaring on every corner, and nosy neighbors counting the number of american light lager beers you drink while sitting on your front porch in the evenings, then this benefit of living in the mountains will attract you to this style of living like nothing else. When you live in the mountains, you don’t have to worry about car horns, someone asking what flavor of beer you’re drinking, or even anyone talking to you at all if you don’t want to see them.

The mountains in NC are a quiet place, full of the sounds of nature, and the birds and mountain lions don’t care what type of aroma is coming from your beer or how much you paid for it at the local brewery either. While there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from in the mountains, if you’re a social person that wants to be around people, there’s also plenty of mountain land that you can purchase, so you can be isolated as well.

The choice is completely yours to make. Also, since there aren’t as many people, if you have moved to the North Carolina mountains with your family, it’ll be easier to find a Catholic high school that you can trust to educate your children and not have to worry as much about their safety.

2. Views

One of the biggest benefits of living in the mountains has to be the gorgeous views. From waterfalls to creek beds and from the starry night sky to the beaches, there’s a lot that can be seen in the mountains of North Carolina. In fact, you might want to grab your camera, head out on a hiking trail, and take some shots to send to your family and friends. Make sure that you invest in the best cloud for photos, such as My Cloud Home.

In this way, you’ll have unlimited storage space for your photographs in Dropbox and cloud storage on your mobile device or your computer. It’s much easier to share your photographs with family and friends when you can put them in a folder in cloud storage, transfer them to your Dropbox, then share them across the social media sites your family uses. It’s also easier to use your Dropbox with your account in Google Drive and to transfer your Google photos for everyone to see the gorgeous views of the mountains you’ve decided to live in.

3. Clean Air/Water

Anyone who lives in the mountains can tell you that the air smells fresher, and the water tastes better. This is because you’re living at a higher elevation than the rest of the town, and with a high altitude comes fresher cleaner air, and fresher, cleaner tasting water. Fresh air is important to everyone’s continued good health, so why wouldn’t you want to move your family to the mountains where the air and the water are cleaner and much better for you?

4. Outdoor Opportunities

When you live in the mountains, it becomes hard to stay inside, glued to the TV all day. On the weekends, when you’re off work, you’ll find yourself hiking the trails through the mountains to commune with nature or mountain biking with friends and then going into town for an early dinner. Once you’re home for the night, you’ll find yourself sitting out on the front porch watching the stars above‚Äîsomething you can’t see if you live in the big city for sure.

There are so many things to do in the mountains, or even in the town at the bottom of your mountain, that you may find yourself looking for some time to just be by yourself if you aren’t careful, and there’s plenty of opportunities for that as well when you live in the mountains.

5. Improved Health

Studies have shown that living in the mountains can be great for your health. From fighting obesity to helping prevent heart disease, the benefits to your health of mountain living are endless. Even the fresh air in the mountains and the relaxed way of living can help fight stress, headaches, and mental issues.

Not only do the mountains encourage you to get out and get more active, the fresh air and altitude also promote sleep. If you have insomnia, there’s a good chance it’ll be a thing of the past when you move to the mountains. However, if you do have physical issues that the high altitude in the mountains could harm, it’s best to talk to your primary health care provider before making a move. It’s best to know that the mountain air will be the best for your condition before you make the move.

These are just a few of the benefits you’ll experience when you decide to give mountain living a try. From improved health to cleaner air and the ability to see the stars, there’s nothing like mountain living to make you happy.

4 Benefits of CBD

Posted on March 5, 2021March 9, 2021 by Clara Kelley

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many cannabinoids (chemical properties) found in the marijuana plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is another popular cannabinoid best known for its psychoactive properties. Knowing this, the fact that CBD has no psychoactive effects makes it an appealing option for those seeking relief from pain and other health conditions. Available in oil, edible, topical, and vape form, CBD is quickly gaining popularity in the wellness industry. Keep reading as we explore four reasons for this below.

Always consult with a health professional before using any CBD products.

1. Skin Care

The antioxidant properties of CBD oil make it one of today’s go-to beauty products. This is because the powerful antioxidants present in CBD works by alleviating the appearance of fine lines, and other visible signs of aging.

CBD-infused skincare products assist with free radicals which are weak atoms that damage cells and are consequently responsible for aging and other illnesses. By helping with free-radical damage, CBD anti-aging creams and serums may help to alleviate skin issues related to deep lines, wrinkles, acne, crow’s feet, dry skin, eczema, and other skin conditions.

2. Mental Health Wellness

Baking, yoga, and gardening (consider these local options for plant deliveries) are small self-care practices we incorporate as we begin to care for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. But CBD also shows some promising signs in mental health wellness as researchers suggest that CBD may be able to help you manage occasional anxiousness. A recent study found that CBD alters how your brain’s receptors (protein messengers that attach to your cells and aid your cells in response to stimuli) react to serotonin.

Serotonin is a natural mood stabilizer that aids with your body’s eating and sleeping functions. Given that serotonin helps your body to regulate its moods naturally, its presence in the brain can also arise feelings of happiness, an overactive mind, and a change in mood levels. Low levels of serotonin have even been linked to depression.

Other benefits of CBD for mental wellness can include stress relief, decreased physiological effects of anxiousness, such as an increased heart rate, and inducing sleep.

3. Insomnia

Lack of proper sleep has consequences on our health. For starters, it can weaken our immunity, while putting us at risk of various health conditions. Knowing this, many people are now turning to CBD for help with insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Insomnia can arise from a number of reasons‚Äîstress, physical pain, and poor sleep hygiene. Given that CBD shows promise in relaxing an overly active mind, it’s no wonder more people are seeking it out to help them get a good night’s sleep.

4. Chronic Pain Management

Most individuals living with a chronic disease are also likely to experience chronic pain as a symptom of their illness. To remedy this, research shows that CBD oil is fast gaining popularity as a natural remedy for chronic pain relief. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties have been found to offer relief to arthritic, migraine, and neuropathic pain‚Äîto mention a few.

Although prescription and over-the-counter medications are often recommended in the treatment of chronic pain, most people also explore alternative homeopathic therapies like acupuncture, nutritional supplements, and CBD oil. The most common reason for this is that most patients wish to bypass some of the common side effects associated with standard pain medication, such as kidney damage.

Just as you would be aware of things to consider while planning for pregnancy which can include reducing alcohol intake, taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements, and scheduling a preconception appointment with your obstetrician, you may also want to be on top of all the ways to manage your chronic pain.

How To Find the Right Therapist for Your Needs

Posted on March 5, 2021March 5, 2021 by Jessica Bailey

If you’re struggling with your mental health, you’re not alone. Whether you experience depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition that makes life feel more difficult, help is always available. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to contact a therapist who can help you manage your specific needs. Everyone has a different journey toward betterment and a trained therapist can help you determine the right path for what you want to achieve. Numerous resources are available to help you find the right therapist, so it’s important to know exactly what you need before you begin your search.

Determine What You Need

The first step toward finding the right treatment for your mental health is to determine exactly what you need. Do you want to engage in talk therapy or are you looking for a treatment group where you’re healing alongside others? Would you benefit from speaking with a psychiatrist or a psychologist? There’s a big difference between these two types of medical professionals, so it’s good to know in advance what each does and what they offer you as a patient. A psychiatrist prescribes medication and typically centers their assessment and treatment plan around the use and distribution of the medication to treat your symptoms. A psychologist treats both emotional and mental distress through various methods, including psychotherapy.

If you’re unsure of which option is right for you, start by utilizing an online resource such as With Therapy to determine what type of therapist is best suited to what you’re experiencing. With Therapy is an online database that helps match you with the best therapist available. To start the process, you’ll use the interactive With Therapy website to discuss your concerns, your health background, and any preferences you have for the type of care you want to receive. From there, the site provides you with a list of therapists who are suitable for your concerns and background. You have the ability to see which professional you feel most comfortable with by contacting them directly and trying an initial session.

Always Ask Questions

When you’re vetting a potential therapist, it’s important to ask specific questions to ensure you’re finding the right fit. Start by asking the therapist how much experience they have working with the issue you’re seeking help for and how they commonly approach a treatment plan for this type of concern. Will you undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy or does the therapist believe a prescription drug will help you manage your symptoms more effectively? Oftentimes, a combination of talk therapy and prescription medication is recommended to help you live a more fulfilling and manageable life.

Another question to ask is what type of insurance plan each therapist accepts, as this often differs from one professional to the next. Speak with your health insurance provider directly if you’d like an initial list of mental health professionals to contact who accept your current plan, or simply ask With Therapy what type of insurance is accepted before you begin your first session. This is especially important if you receive prescription medication, as the cost of these drugs is much higher if you’re paying out of pocket.

Get Started

Once you vet potential therapists and determine what type of treatment plan works best for you, it’s time to get started. This can be the hardest step as it’s difficult to admit when you need help. After you take the first step by setting up an appointment with your new therapist, everything becomes easier from there. You’ll work directly with your chosen therapist to discuss your concerns and you’ll continually make adjustments along the way to ensure you’re receiving the proper level of care.

If you need prescriptions to help manage symptoms, work with your health insurance provider to see if there are any prescription discount options available to stay within your target budget. Generic prescriptions typically cost less, but your insurance plan may allow you to receive the lowest price for the exact medication you need.

From there, you’ll find a nearby pharmacy like CVS pharmacy where you can easily fill and retrieve your prescriptions whenever you need them. Combined with therapy and other treatments, you’ll start to feel better.

3 Ways to Maintain Your Reputation as a Merchant

Posted on March 4, 2021March 4, 2021 by Thomas Bennett

Selling goods and services can be very rewarding. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Without a customer base, you have no active market. Therefore it’s imperative to build and maintain a good customer experience as a merchant.

Most companies feel like building a robust business model, hiring a good sales force, selling fewer products for more money, or creating fake discounts on their products is what they need to maximize profit. This is not entirely true.

Gaining your customers’ trust would build a stronger foundation and long-term growth for your business. To ensure that you maintain a good reputation for your target market, achieving good customer satisfaction should be one of your main goals. On that note, here are three ways to maintain your reputation as a merchant.

1. Get a good customer service team or individual.

Owning a business requires lots of commitment. It’s also tough to run one on your own, especially if you have a high-risk or large-scale business. That’s why it’s best to hire a team to manage your customer needs, concerns, inquiries, etc. Your team could be responsible for the customer service side of things. This includes customer data management and taking handling phone calls. Having a good customer service team cannot be overemphasized. It would help you maintain your reputation and that of your brand with less effort on your part.

However, you’d need a team who can address your customers politely and professionally. Negative experiences stick to people’s memories much more than positive ones. Worse yet, customers aren’t afraid to share these experiences. Using salesforce contact center integration would make this interaction with customers much easier.

2. Be accessible to everyone in your community.

There’s no need to market your goods if it’s not accessible to people. Being accessible to your customers in all capacities would also help give your business a good reputation. When concerning accessibility, we’re not just referring to the business’s location but also the payment methods and product variety offered.

For example, you have to consider that not everyone likes to carry cash around for security reasons. So, it’s crucial to have various payment options that also include POS payments and online debit/credit card payments (especially if you have an online shop). Currently, there are no federal laws in the US that address online payment services in particular. This means that there’s a high risk of credit card fraud with no legal consequences. Because of this, Mastercard came up with the MATCH list.

This makes it easy to detect high-risk merchants by monitoring their charge-back ratios and other data. Banks can also screen out potential fraudulent merchant accounts thanks to the MATCH database. As a merchant, you need to stay off this list to ensure you maintain a good reputation. If you’re on the MATCH list, banks will flag your account as a high-risk, and you’ll lose credibility.

3. Give back to the community.

The fact that your community has chosen to patronize your business should encourage you to give something back. In addition to this, companies who give back earn customers’ trust and loyalty. So, you can help by offering resources lacking in that community or even sponsor education and vocational skill-training. That being said, it’s essential not to limit your idea of what a community is. It may not only mean the neighborhood you live in also your social media followers.

All in all, learn and improve your communication skills, be inclusive, respect everyone’s opinions and beliefs and try to be benevolent. This will help you understand what is lacking and how you can lend a helping hand. There’s nothing more attractive than a business that truly cares for its customers’ wellness and livelihood.

Do You Need a New HVAC System Before Summer Hits?

Posted on February 25, 2021March 9, 2021 by Siera Brown

Your HVAC system is great when it’s working fine, so many homeowners don’t pay the unit a whole lot of attention until it stops working fine. As a homeowner, you want your home to be in tip-top shape at all times. It can’t be if your HVAC unit is on the fritz.

While many homeowners know what to expect from a new air system, they don’t know how to tell if that air system has breathed its last and needs to be replaced instead of repaired. Many homeowners don’t look for the signs that their HVAC system is not working properly and are completely surprised when they wake up on the hottest day of the summer to find the HVAC system isn’t working at all. To keep that from happening to you this upcoming summer, look for the signs below that you need to schedule an air conditioner system replacement as soon as possible.

Your HVAC unit always needs to be repaired.

If you’re looking for home improvements you can make on a budget and your air conditioner always needs to be repaired, then that’s what you should work into your budget before summer begins. Whether it’s your heat systems or your new system that seems to always needs to be repaired, you need to get in touch with a contractor that can tell you if it’s worth repairing yet again. A new air conditioner can go a long way towards lowering your electricity bills and making sure you and your family are cool and comfortable when the temperature outside starts to rise.

Your air conditioner is over ten years old.

Every appliance eventually outlives its usefulness, and your air conditioner is no exception. If your central air unit is over ten years old, it’s probably having a hard time keeping up with the heat outside. Central air units from ten years ago weren’t near as energy-efficient as they are today, and if your unit is that old, it’s struggling to cool your home, which will result in higher cooling bills also.

The temperature is wrong.

If you find yourself having to up your order from your bottled water delivery service to more 5-gallon bottles because you’re dehydrated and always hot, though your air conditioner is running full-blast, you might have a problem. If your thermostat is reading the right temperature, but it’s still sweltering in your home, then it could be time to replace your central air unit. However, you should first check to make sure it’s not the thermostat that’s faulty, then call in a contractor or HVAC technician to upgrade your central air unit for you.

Air Quality Issues

When a central air unit is not working properly, it often affects the home’s air quality. If you’ve recently seen an increase in dust or you’re sneezing more than normal, then your air conditioner unit might not be filtering and circulating the air the way that it should. An improperly-working AC unit will also cause a higher humidity level in your home, so if you’re experiencing any or all of these signs, it’s time to call in a repairer before summer begins in earnest.

High Cooling Bills

If you’ve noticed recently that your electric bills during the summer are higher than usual, it could be because your AC unit isn’t working properly. The more your unit has to struggle, the higher the bills are going to be. Once you have the unit replaced, your bills should come back down to a more affordable level.

These are a few of the top signs out there that you might need to replace your AC unit before the summer even begins. The last thing you want is to be stuck at home in a heatwave with no AC unit at all and no repairman insight.

4 Luxury Purchases You Shouldn’t Pass Up

Posted on February 18, 2021March 9, 2021 by Thomas Bennett

Life is short. After a long year and a global pandemic, the ability to treat ourselves here and there can make a big difference to our overall mental wellbeing. If you’ve been feeling down, lonely, isolated, or bored, here are some products that may lift your pandemic fatigue and have you feeling pampered in no time. For four luxury items, you deserve, read on.

1. Beauty and Self-care Products

Self-care is critical to maintaining a healthy spirit and overall mental well-being. One great way to treat yourself is with beauty products. Fortunately, the global pandemic has made the global market easier to access than ever. If you’re looking for ways to improve your look or to get back into the swing of old beauty routines, there are many options out there that you can order safely.

From magnetic lashes with liner, magnetic eyeliners, magnetic eyelashes, and falsies that will have you flirting confidently, you can be flirting with confidence for the first time in months if a beauty makeover is something you’d enjoy. If you’re someone who prefers natural lashes and a natural look, there are new toners, skin cleansers, and makeup removers on the market that could keep your skin feeling refreshed and be the perfect addition to your beauty collection, too.

2. Luxury Jewelry

After learning how to apply those gorgeous false eyelashes, why not splurge on a luxury watch? A testament to the time you’ve spent surviving unconventional times, you could even use it as a reminder to make great use of your time after the pandemic. Rolex Datejust Watches are huge this year and could be exactly what you need to feel ready to return to work or the classroom. Whether your days after the pandemic will be in at school for your career in academia or at the clinic for your work as a clinician, a new watch made of solid gold or other precious metals could be exactly the perfect gift to pick your spirits up and motivate you again.

3. Adventure and Freedom Options

Many people have struggled with isolation during the pandemic. Even those who’ve worked as essential workers in fulfilling careers in pharmaceuticals or patient care haven’t had much chance to travel. Between travel restrictions and the risks involved with Covid-19, now might be the time to consider a luxury RV purchase.

No one can predict for sure when the pandemic will end. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t begin to fill your wanderlust needs and head out for a road trip safely. If you’re tired of being stuck at home, an RV, converted van, or camper could be in order.

4. Subscription Boxes

If you’re someone who enjoys surprises or has a special interest, a subscription box could be the perfect gift to yourself. Based on themes and interests, subscription boxes can be great for people who love receiving mail. With boxes in nearly every niche, a book lover might be surprised with a new read monthly, while a movie buff could expand on their favorite collection. If you’ve never heard of them, it’s time to start some subscription box research. With boxes curated for people of all ages, you’re sure to find a perfect fit for you.

At the end of the day, whether you splurge on an 18-karat gold ring or a Class B RV for travel, buying yourself a luxury item can be a great way to get through difficult times. Even if you’ve been feeling great and don’t need extras, these luxury items could make great gifts, too. Whatever you decide, in taking some time to do a little online research, you’ll be sure to find a luxury item right for you or someone you care about.

Common Household Mistakes and How To Fix Them

Posted on February 15, 2021February 15, 2021 by Clara Kelley

Since COVID-19 hit, people in the United States and around the world have spent a lot more time indoors. This prolonged stay in out homes has given everyone a chance to reconsider the things they do around the house. From your routine checkups to how you clean, the coronavirus pandemic has given everyone time to reflect and change their habits. However, just because you’ve had more time doesn’t mean you’re doing it right. Here are some common mistakes you’re making around your house, along with some ideas for correcting them.

Ignoring Water Damage

It might be surprising to hear, but drains are some of the most important components in any type of building. This includes your home. That’s because leaks, particularly in your plumbing, can be small enough to seem insignificant, but if left unchecked, will cause a serious amount of damage. Small cracks in your drainage system can trap moisture in random areas around your house, and these wet conditions will lead to mold and mildew growth. Not only can they cause serious health problems, but they can damage the structural integrity of your home.

Clogs can also cause serious issues. They prevent water flow and can cause septic tank materials to back up into your sinks and toilets. Due to these issues, you should pay close attention to your plumbing system. Additionally, you should have your septic system professionally cleaned on a routine basis. It will help prevent most drainage issues and identify problem areas before they become major.

Checking Alert Systems

Another area that most homeowners tend to neglect is the regular maintenance of their alert system. These could be things like smoke or carbon monoxide detectors or security systems. Just like you need to get routine checkups for kids, you need to make sure your home systems are functioning properly. Depending on the types of systems you have in your home will determine how often you need to perform maintenance on them. A simple fix to this problem is to schedule reminders for yourself. Find the best time to check all the batteries in your smoke alarms. Make regular checkups with your security contractor. These little steps can prevent extreme accidents from happening.

Replacing Items

Many people don’t understand the shelf life of common household items. Some of the worst are things that come in contact with liquid. Sponges, for instance, are often used for weeks longer than they should be. No one at the CDC will come looking for you if you do this, but bacteria will start to build on your sponge and you’ll continue to leave soil particles on your dishes. Loofahs are also notorious for this problem. They can contain thousands of microorganisms on them. Changing them on a schedule will help improve the basic hygiene and cleanliness of your bathroom. If you don’t want to replace these items for fear of the cost, at least clean them. Many people often forget the levels of dirt and sludge that pass over these products.

Cleaning with “Elbow Grease”

Finally, a big mistake that most people make is cleaning with force. Most people are taught as adolescents that using extra effort will get the desired result. It’s time to work smarter, not harder. Areas like your garbage disposal, microwave, and coffee pot can be easily cleaned with the right procedure. Try using vinegar to clean these areas. In the microwave, warm up a bowl of water and vinegar for two minutes on high. Most particles will scrub clean with ease. If you’re cleaning your disposal, simply pour the water/vinegar mixture down the drain and let sit before rising clean. You can also run this through your coffee pot. It helps to eliminate stains and buildups from areas that are hard to reach.

Common Misconceptions About Eating Disorders

Posted on February 5, 2021February 5, 2021 by Patrick Ryan

According to recent studies, nearly 30 million Americans will have an eating disorder at some point in their life. Because of this high number of affected individuals, it’s important to fully understand the complexity of eating disorders and the anxiety disorders that commonly pair with them. If you or a loved one falls into this category and struggles with an eating disorder, it’s time to get the relief that you deserve. Here are a few things that everyone should know about eating disorders and some guidance on how to seek treatment.

Understand the various treatment plans.

There are plenty of interventions to take that help someone if they’re struggling with an eating disorder. One of the best options to pursue as an eating disorder treatment is therapy. When in doubt, turn to therapy to receive one-on-one assistance from a knowledgeable and understanding mental health professional. This incredible team of treatment specialists works with patients who have anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive dieting and exercise behaviors, and body dysmorphia.

What’s great is that they offer online therapy so that you get the help you need from the comfort of your own home. When seeking eating disorder treatment, you’ll work with a therapist and psychiatrists who have the skills to provide you with the first step towards a life that is more balanced and healthy. This way, no matter the type of therapy that you choose, you’ll have the best support system to create a successful road to recovery.

Eating isn’t the only behavior involved.

One of the most common misconceptions is that all eating disorders involve the action of eating. Though these eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder all involve food in some way, many disorders don’t. Many are rooted in an obsessive-compulsive manner, which is linked to OCD, a common anxiety disorder. When someone has OCD, they obsess over a particular sensation, unwanted thoughts, or ideas. This process is actually quite similar for those who struggle with eating disorders that revolve around your body image or body weight. To be specific, one of these disorders is body dysmorphia. Those who are diagnosed with body dysmorphia can’t stop thinking about a particular part of their body image. These overwhelming thoughts make it difficult for you to continue throughout your day without reassurance or constant obsession with the perceived flaw.

The goal is for you to feel comfortable in your skin and free from this overwhelming mental health issue. Once you’re into your treatment, buy clothing that you feel confident in. Add one of these full coverage bras, comfortable clothes that you love, and a new outfit that reminds you of how incredible you are, even as you navigate this process.

Eating disorders only affect females.

It’s an ignorant stereotype to think that females are the only demographic that struggle with eating disorders. It’s actually reported that males make up 10 million of the recorded population that suffers from an eating disorder. With this fact in mind, it’s critical to recognize that everyone deserves effective treatment and professional help, regardless of gender. This area is particularly challenging to navigate for younger males because there are many stigmas when a male cares about body image.

However, this should never deter you from pursuing the levels of care that you or your loved one deserves. If you’re looking out for your child or sibling, remember these disorder symptoms so that you can make proper intervention when necessary. For adolescents, remember to reach out for mental health assistance and even possibly nutritional counseling. This way, you’re able to form a treatment plan that works for you.