It’s Never Too Late for a Little Self-Improvement!

March 5, 2018 by Leave a Comment

When we reach a certain stage in our lives, it can be easy to slip into a routine. We get so used to our jobs, social circles and general lifestyle that we repeat the same things over and over again. Day in and day out. Week by week, month by month, year by year. It’s not surprising that things can quickly get dull. One of the main things that people tend to miss as they age is self-improvement. But it’s never too late to participate in this! Here are a couple of areas to consider that might suit you surprisingly well!

Higher Education

 

Higher education is a venture that people generally associate with individuals aged eighteen to twenty-five. We assume that anyone on a university campus over the age of thirty must be a lecturer, professor, or another member of staff. But you should always bear in mind that higher education is open to anyone. In fact, mature students tend to contribute significantly to the overall student population of any given institution. Now, individuals who are considering pursuing higher education at a later point in their life generally fall into one of two categories. There are those who simply want a qualification to add to their resume, and then there are those who want to continue their studies for the love of the subject. Either way, they are likely to immerse themselves in an experience that significantly expands their knowledge or understanding of their given area of study. So why not join their ranks? Not only will you leave with a certificate, but you will have a vast amount of knowledge that can be put to good use both in your day to day life and your chosen career. If you have concerns about fitting it around your lifestyle, don’t worry. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. There are plenty of online courses available, such as an online mba in accounting, which allow you to study around your job or other commitments. Alternatively, you could participate in a part-time course. Sure, it will take longer to graduate, but this is a less intense approach that you might like to consider!

Picking Up a Second Language

 

English is such a widely spoken language that many of us will think that there’s little use in picking up any other language. But there are so many benefits that come hand in hand with speaking languages besides your mother tongue. If you have an affinity with another culture or take trips to another non-English speaking country regularly, you really could immerse yourself in the experience by being able to communicate with others in their native language. There are plenty of options out there that can help you to achieve this. While face-to-face lessons may be the most effective, not all of us have the time to participate in them. Why not consider language learning apps and programmes such as Duolingo or Rosetta Stone?

These are just two areas of self-improvement that you could consider. The options available to you out there are limitless! So find something that you’re interested in and dive in head first!

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5 Best Brands of Cottage Cheese

March 2, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

Cottage cheese is one of the healthiest and most delicious ways to get lots of calcium. It can be added to recipes for extra texture and flavor or it can be eaten on its own. There are lots of cottage cheese brands to choose from, which can make it a bit difficult sometimes to know which one to purchase. We have five great cottage cheese brands you should consider buying. 

Lactaid 1% Milkfat Low Fat Cottage Cheese

For people who want a low-fat option that retains all of the flavor and texture of regular cottage cheese, this one is the one to purchase. It is lactose-free, so it is also the perfect choice for people who are lactose-intolerant. It is considered to be one of the best cottage cheese options for people watching their weight, as well, since it provides all of the nutritional value of regular cottage cheese with half the calories. It is the perfect choice for lasagna and for eating with fruits, and its light tangy taste works very well with sweet options like jam or honey. Some people even eat it alone, like yogurt! You should not have to worry about your waistline when eating cottage cheese, and this brand allows you to truly enjoy the taste without guilt.

Breakstone’s

Breakstone’s is one of the most delicious brands of cottage cheese and one that you can easily find in most supermarkets. It is made with whole milk, giving it a rich, creamy texture and with a good balance of sweet and sour. Cottage cheese can provide all manner of nutritional benefits, and one that is made with whole milk, like this one, can be a good choice for added healthy fat and calcium. This brand also has uniform curds, so the texture is even and great for adding it to baked goods.

Horizon Organic Cottage Cheese

One of the best things about this brand of cottage cheese is the size of its curds. They are large, pebble-like, but soft and entirely delicious. It may look different than other options, but it has a wonderfully rich taste, with a perfect salt balance. It has a bit of a tangy edge that pairs well with fruits or honey. Do not be intimidated by the large curds: this is a cottage cheese that is soft and delicious. It can add great texture to any dish without overwhelming your taste-buds.

Friendship 2% Low Fat Large Curd Cottage Cheese

Another low-fat option that can be an excellent choice, especially if you like large curds, is this one. With only 2% fat, it can help you stay in shape without giving up a rich flavor. It has an excellent salt balance, though you should keep in mind that it is a bit drier than the other options we have mentioned. The first flavorful spoon will make you forget it is low fat. Add it to pasta dishes or eat it with crackers for a great snack.

 

Mountain House Cottage Cheese

This is another low-fat option that is made from skim milk. It lacks nothing in flavor, while staying low in calories. It has a perfectly balanced level of salt and tangy qualities, so that you can add it to a wide variety of foods. This one does require that you add water to prepare it, so keep that in mind if you prefer an option that is ready to serve. Because of this, however, this brand of cottage cheese tends to last a bit longer than other brands, which can be helpful. It is a bit more expensive than the other options, but it is well worth it.

Conclusion

These five brands above are the best options when purchasing cottage cheese. Just because you choose low fat does not mean that it has to be low in flavor, and many of the above options bring all of that great taste without the worry of high fat or high caloric content. Whether you want to add it to dishes like lasagna, or just eat it with fruit and crackers, cottage cheese can be a highly beneficial food to add to your diet.

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Which Website Should You Buy Gifts From?

February 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Buying a gift for someone who is very important in your life can sometimes be a difficult challenge. You want to impress this person by buying them something they will not expect. On the other hand, you need to avoid going overboard by buying a gift that is too extravagant for the occasion in question. The large number of websites that sell gifts for various occasions can make the process of shopping for a gift very confusing. However, the amount of options that you have available to you should ensure that you are able to find the ideal gift for the person you are shopping for. Here is some advice you can use to locate the best website to do your gift shopping for that special someone.

 

  1. The inventory of the website should be the first thing you take a look at.

 

There are many people who paint themselves into a corner by waiting too long to buy a gift. They are then faced with the unpleasant task of shopping on websites that have a lackluster selection. They end up buying a gift that is something less than what they set out to find. You should never allow yourself to get into a situation like this. Do not settle for a website that does not provide you with a huge inventory and many items to choose from. Keep looking until you find a website that has an inventory that is up to your standards. This will give you a better chance of finding Easter baskets in the exact style you are looking for.

 

  1. Compare the prices of many different websites so you will be able to find the best deals.

 

You should never assume that the prices on most websites that sell gifts are basically the same. On the contrary, you can find some outstanding deals if you only take the time to look around. There are also websites that will have frequent sales that begin without warning. This is why it is always a good idea to search online regularly. You never know what types of sales are going to pop up. Spending some time looking for deals on gifts can save you a lot of money in the long run.

 

  1. Always find out the specific return policy of the site you are doing business with.

 

Return policies can vary greatly when it comes to websites. Therefore, you really need to be careful not to assume anything. The details of the return policy should always be clearly stated in the site. Call the site’s customer service number if you are not able to find any info about the return policy. Have all your questions answered before you make a purchase.

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Why Traveling the World Should Be on Your Bucket List

February 27, 2018 by Leave a Comment

When someone starts talking about their bucket list, it’s usually referring to the list of things they want to do before they die, the proverbial “kick the bucket.” While this list is generally created towards the end of one’s life, we’d like to present the option of spreading it out a bit. Setting smaller goals that allow you to accomplish things on a day to day basis, or experience new things each week or each month are going to make for a much more fulfilling life than cramming it all in at the end. Also, consider that many of the things you want to do may not be possible later on, so it’s best to take advantage of the opportunity that now holds.

Some of the most common bucket list items are influenced by speaking to those nearing their end, and what they see as regrets. These regrets are often over things they didn’t do. This doesn’t mean they wish they had thought to invest in a better quality mattress, noticed the signs of gastroenterology issues sooner, or they wish they had known the risk factors of gingivitis. These can be regrettable, but they aren’t what make up what should have been done on the bucket list. The regrets that often end up on the bucket list are more large-scale regrets, like not having pursued an education, or not having explored more of the earth.

Sometimes it’s hard to pin down these regrets and things to do on the bucket list because most people don’t have any idea of what they actually want to do yet. However, a goal that isn’t written down is just a wish. If you reverse this, think on all the things you’re wishing for, and that’ll provide an excellent starting point for your list.

One thing that’s easy to put on that list, and dare we say one that ought to be near the top, and a recurring activity, is to travel the world. Whether that’s touring the city of Kuala Lumpur or getting new backpacking gear to hike the trails of the Andes mountains in South America , traveling is a truly rewarding experience. There are numerous reasons besides the fact that it’s cool and everyone has it on their bucket list. This is one time when it’s definitely okay to share the popular opinion.

 

 

  • Learning. The natural curiosity and drive to learn that we are born with is inevitably stamped out, or at the very least molded for specific paths as we grow up. However, the need to learn is something that should be encouraged and celebrated. Telling ourselves to be content with what we know now is so boring and quickly dulls life. Learn to engage again with your natural curiosity by booking a trip.
  • Challenge yourself. Perhaps you don’t travel because leaving a familiar area scares you half to death. But that’s the alluring thrill of it! Challenge yourself to move past that fear and go experience new things. You’ll see that it really wasn’t that scary, and you’ll really enjoy discovering what else the world has to offer beyond your circle of safety.
  • Rejuvenate. You may not realize just how much pressure you’re under by being constantly attached to the rest of the world via phone or email. There’s a lot of stress in our daily lives that we adjust to because there isn’t a choice, but taking some time away from all of that is surprisingly refreshing, if a bit terrifying.
  • Grow your appreciation. All too often our everyday luxuries are taken for granted, and we stop appreciating them. We aren’t saying to take a trip to a devastated country with no amenities, but a trip that’s either along those lines or a trip for historic purposes really gives insight into how far we’ve come, and gives you a healthier appreciation for the things you so easily expect each day.
  • Build new relationships. We’re social creatures. We aren’t meant to be isolated, but often, we insist on doing just that with the drive to succeed. What is the purpose of succeeding without anyone to share it with? Try branching out through travel and watch how immediately it positively affects you. No two people think just alike, and listening to or seeing different perspectives on everyday or extraordinary things causes a wonderful curiosity to discover more. If you build relationships that you really don’t want to lose, then you can also build a website, preferably using a web host with low monthly costs, as a platform to keep in touch with your new friends or to keep track of all the places you’ve travelled. If it goes well, you could even expand this into a site for world travelers and increase your readership through strategic SEO solutions.
  • Escape. Whether it’s a breakup, a change in jobs, or another major life event, traveling will provide an escape route. Take a breather outside of your normal life. It’ll help ease the transition and perhaps let you see opportunities that may not have been visible while you were stuck at home.
  • Celebrate. On a more positive note, celebrating is how we express our joy. An accomplishment, big or small, deserves recognition. Go a step further than just celebrating at home and take a trip. In fact, go one even better than that and take a trip with friends. This creates shared memories that will last you a lifetime.

 

Traveling the world is something that everyone should do at least once, but preferably many times. It is such an invaluable experience, that it is safe to say no one can go without doing it, and yet lead a truly fulfilling life. That is why it ought to be on your bucket list.  

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Ways to involve your family in your exercise routine

February 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

As parents, we all intrinsically know how important daily exercise is. After all, for many of us, we’ve been hearing about exercise’s importance for nearly all of our lives. Despite knowing how important it is, many parents will admit that their daily exercise routine is the first thing to fall to the wayside when life gets busy, tough, and challenging, and as parents, we can all relate that life is rarely not tough.

Isn’t that wild? We all know how important exercise is to our health, but at the end of the day, we’d rather do things for our families and homes than do something positive for our health and livelihood. It often isn’t until we have a major health scare or emergency that we get our acts together and try to reverse years, if not decades, of neglected health.

Probably the singular reason that more parents cite than any other, regarding why they don’t regularly participate in an exercise routine more days than not, is time. We all have the same number of hours available to us in any given day — 24 — yet many of us can’t seem to manage to “find the time” to exercise, even when we know it can make a huge difference for our health.

What’s a parent to do, then?

My solution, I think, is the best one I’ve encountered and one that will benefit everyone in your family, not just you.

What is it, you may be wondering? It’s simple, really: exercise with your family. Involve your partner and children in your exercise routine more often than not. Doing so will not only confer health benefits for you, but it’ll also do the same for the rest of your family, and exercise — in whatever manifestation it takes — can be an excellent way to secure some quality time with your family.

Below, I’ll describe in more detail some additional guidelines that can help you involve your family in your exercise routine. Really, it’s a win-win solution, if you think about it: not only will you finally be able to actually take care of yourself and your own health, but you’ll still be spending quality time with your family and, in the process, model for them positive and healthy behaviors that they can later emulate.

Some tips to involve your family in your exercise routine include the following:

Keep it simple. When you’re exercising with your family, don’t overthink it. In fact, don’t even think of it as exercise, per se. Instead, think of it as “play.” Think back to your own childhood and all the games you used to play with your friends or on the playground at school. Easy, pick-up games like basketball, soccer, tag, or simply playing on the monkey bars or climbing on the playground equipment can be a great workout. Your kids will love that you’re actually playing with them and aren’t simply scrolling mindlessly on your phone, and as an added bonus, you’ll be doing something positive for your health.

Teach your kids something new. Depending on the ages of your children, you may be able to teach them a new game or sport and involve them more in your exercise routine. For example, if your children are old enough to ride bikes, with or without training wheels, you may find that you have a companion for some leisurely bike rides! Similarly, if your children like to go on walks, consider taking them to an area forest preserve or park to go on a nature hike. Again, you don’t have to worry about going fast or traveling far, particularly if your children are little, but if they are old enough and sufficiently mature to handle a challenge, you may want to consider teaching them something new — like learning how to ride a bike or go roller-skating, for example — that can be a great catalyst for parent-family “playtime.”

Train for an event together. There are plenty of kids’ triathlons and running races out there, and it can be a lot of fun to train alongside your child for the same event: the child for the youth event and yourself for the adult version. While there are differing opinions on the appropriate age that children should be before completing such arduous events like 10ks or half marathons, most physicians would agree that children can benefit tremendously — physically, emotionally, and psychologically — from participating in a youth-focused event. Come race day, you will be each other’s loudest and most ardent cheerleaders, just as you were in the weeks and days leading up to the event. It can be an amazing way to bond with your child.

Do something accessible at home, like yoga. Finally, depending on the age of your children, many parents enjoy doing at-home yoga routines with their kids. There are tons of yoga options available for free online, and many of them are catered to families, children, or even pregnant women. The nice thing, of course, with doing something at home is that it will take very little time or energy to prepare in advance, and provided you have a reliable internet connection, you and your family can do it whenever you want — even if it’s late at night and everyone’s in their underwear.

What’s most important to remember when it comes to involving your family in your exercise routine is being patient and being flexible. Things can change in an instant, and sometimes, as parents, we have to go with the flow and adapt. It’s certainly important for your health to develop an exercise routine that you can complete more days than not, but sometimes, even with your best-laid plans and best of intentions, life will intervene and preclude you from hitting your workout goal for the day. That’s ok. Don’t get down on yourself if you can’t do everything that you’d like to in any given day, and hope for the best for the next day. Ultimately, do what’s best for your family and for you, and in time, I’m confident that you’ll be able to develop a routine — and put systems in place — that will allow you to better address your health needs.

AUTHOR’S BIO: JANE GRATES

Hiker and a sports enthusiast. Performing at the sweet spot between beauty and intellectual purity to craft delightful brand experiences. I sometimes make random things with friends.

Filed Under: fitness, health Tagged With: , , ,

10 Amazing Apps For Digital Nomads

February 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

travel with kids

In this digital age it’s easier than ever before to work remotely while you travel – and even make a living out of doing so. There are countless benefits to working freelance and setting up temporary offices around the world while you explore it, but it can be tricky to navigate and plan your next move when you’re on-the-go.

We have rounded up the 10 best apps for digital nomads that will help with organization, planning meetings, finding places off the tourist trail, converting currencies and time zones, and even transferring money. Happy travelling!

 

  • Workfrom

 

For digital nomads who work on-the-go, Workfrom is a genius app that tells you where’s best to set up your office for the day, taking into consideration cafe opening hours, power outlets, WIFI, outdoor seating, co-working spaces, libraries and more. This is perfect for when you arrive in a new city, as you can simply enter in your location and a few keywords into the app and be answering your emails in a nice coffee shop in no time.

 

  • Trello

 

The project management app Trello is very popular in the digital nomad community because of its efficiency and ease-of-use. With Trello you can clearly map out your to-do list and categorize your tasks using labels to color-code. You can also allow other people to see your organization boards and assign work to them.

 

  • Hostelworld

 

With Hostelworld you can find, compare, review and book hostels last minute as you travel, saving you hassle and lots of internet research.

 

  • Pangea Money Transfer

 

When you’re travelling the world, you may need to transfer money to people in different countries with your new local bank account. The quickest way to do this is through the Pangea Money Transfer app, which saves you time, hassle and money.

 

  • Time Buddy

 

If you’re doing a lot of travelling across time zones, it can be hard to keep track of time differences – especially if you’re communicating and scheduling meetings with people all over the world. Time Buddy is a useful app that helps you convert times and dates across multiple time zones, so you can effectively manage your workload and deadlines.

 

  • XE Currency

 

XE Currency is useful because it lets you compare up to 10 currencies at once – you can’t afford not to travel with it.

 

  • Uber

 

Uber is a real lifesaver in your own country, let alone in a foreign one! To be safe, make sure you have Uber set up on your phone, so you can get a ride if you’re stranded. (Check whether Uber operates in the country you’re in). Note: Be discreet when travelling with Uber, as there are some countries where Uber is in conflict with the local taxi drivers.

 

  • Spotted By Locals

 

A great way to veer off the tourist trail and discover local-favorite restaurants and events is the app Spotted By Locals. It features many locally-recommended hot-spots in European cities like Paris, Madrid, Warsaw, Vienna, etc., as well as North American cities like Montreal, LA, Toronto and Boston.

 

  • Google Translate

 

Google Translate is an essential tool for when you’re travelling, as it can get you out of some tricky situations when you encounter a language barrier.

With Google Translate you can take a photo of words (e.g. a road sign or menu) and it’ll translate it for you. Or, using the two-way conversation mode you can tell it what you want to say, and it’ll say it back to you in the language of your choice. Plus, you don’t need to be connected to the internet – lifesaver!

 

  • Headspace

 

If you’re feeling stressed or tense on your travels, practicing meditation is a good way of finding positivity and calm. Headspace is an app that takes you through your meditation practice for a few minutes each day, and you can do it on-the-go!

 

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Make Sure Your Home Is Healthy for Your Dog

February 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Having a dog at home is an incredible way to ensure companionship and make great memories. However, it can also be challenging. After all, your furry friend will probably be curious and adventurous, and you want to ensure that your dog is not in any danger when he is simply roaming or exploring around.

If you have a pet dog, check out the following tips for ensuring that your house is safe. By taking some steps to make sure your home is good for your dog, you can create a space where you, your family and your dog can have great experiences for years to come.

Make Sure Cabinets Are Latched or Locked

When you have a dog at home, it’s important to make sure reachable cabinets latch or lock. That way, a dog cannot get into the cabinet and eat or tear up whatever is in it. (This includes food, medicine, chemicals and more.) By keeping your dog out of the cabinets, you can ensure that he doesn’t ingest something that will hurt or kill him.

Only Have Non-Toxic Plants

Do you have house plants around your home? If so, make sure they are non-toxic. That way, if your dog takes a bite, he won’t be poisoned. If you’re not sure if your plant is poisonous and you think that your pup may have eaten some of it, call your vet. You may have to bring your dog and the plant into the vet but he or she will be able to tell you if your dog is safe, and if not, treat him for any potential health effects.

Give Your Dog a Comfortable Space

Your dog should have a comfortable space to retreat to especially if he gets stressed or anxious. This means that your dog may want a crate of his own, or he may want a bed in a spot where he can hide away if something scary happens. If your dog’s special place is upstairs and he has aches and pains, a medication like Carprofen may help for inflammation in dogs. It takes away pain from arthritis and hip dysplasia (as well as other joint diseases) and can help make it easier for an older dog to do things like climb stairs or ease into small nooks and crannies.

Keep the Toilet Lid Closed

Your dog may love to drink from the toilet. In reality, though, that’s a bad idea. If you use cleaning products in the toilet, your dog can be poisoned. Or, if your dog is small enough, it’s possible he can crawl into the toilet and drown. Make sure that your toilet lid is closed, and that way you can use the bathroom when you need to and ensure that your dog doesn’t encounter anything hazardous there.

Be Careful With Wires

So many things in your house have wires: your television, your computer and your alarm clocks (etc., etc.). Make sure that you tie up loose or dangling wires and keep them out of the way of the dog. That way, your dog won’t be tempted to chew on them (which can cause shock and damage your electronics) or he won’t trip on them when he is running around.

Having a furry friend at home is a great way to warm up a space and make it feel loving. However, you can’t just bring a dog into your space without first ensuring that you’ve done the proper prep work. If you do the work to make sure that your space is safe and healthy for your dog, your family and your pets can enjoy a fun, stress-free life together.

 

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Qualities to Look for in the Best electrician

February 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

There is a lot to think about when you need to hire an electrician. You need to think about your budget, the work that needs done, whether you need to the work done now or whether you want to wait, and so on. Added to this is the extra burden that not everybody who labels themselves as an electrician is qualified to do so, which can leave you in a worse position than you started out from. These people take the money and word-of-mouth recommendations which should by rights go to an actual electrician.

Certification

A qualified electrician will be able to show his certification if you ask for it. Aside from being able to ask him or her to specifically show you certificates which say that they are proficient in the skills you need, they are usually legally required to show such certification on their websites or promotional material. The certificates show that governing bodies have seen fit to say that the person you have engaged for your electricity work is actually capable of the job.

Price

The old adage that you get what you pay for is still very true when it comes to industries that involve electricians. If someone is asking an amount of money in payment for their work which seems too good to be true, assume that it is. Prices vary within the electricians – this is why you should get quotes from at least three different people before making a decision on what to do – but in general the prices should be reasonable for the work you actually need done. This can mean that it is a bit higher than you might otherwise have thought.

Recommendations

This can mean word-of-mouth recommendations, but this is also how fake electricians get their work, so tread carefully. Reviews and recommendations are now available in various places online – so long as the electrician has an online presence, you should be able to find some reviews about them online. These reviews can lead you towards or away from certain electricians, depending on how good the service was.

Another way to use recommendations is to ask the electrician themselves to give you letters of recommendation from previous customers.

It can be difficult to see how anybody could tell the difference between an actual electrician and one who is just running a scam, especially since anybody can set up an online presence these days. But there are ways to ensure that you get a properly qualified electrician, and while this article is only the start of how to go about that, it is definitely a good place to start, and a good place to get some ideas for how to proceed in finding more information. Finding a good electrician can take a lot of work, but it is something that is entirely worth the effort, as good electrical work can last a lifetime, while bad work can be something which leads to your entire house being put in danger.

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