11.30.2017

Heres why you always feel sicker during the night

Whenever you fall ill with the flu, cold, or any other common illness, do you notice that you always feel slightly worse during the night? Don’t worry if you do feel a whole lot worse in the evening and when you go to bed - this is actually really common and happens to most people when they are sick. There are a couple of different reasons why that is; read on to find out more!


The Position Of Your Body

The main reason why you could feel slightly more ill at night is that you’ll be lying down. When your body is upright, it can cope much better with congestion and so you shouldn’t find it so hard to breathe. However, lying down causes a change in the pressure on your body and it makes your congestion feel much worse. It’s worth sleeping with an extra pillow when you are ill as you can then prop yourself upright while you sleep, and this will prevent mucus from clogging up your airways.

Hormonal Changes

Your hormones are also partly to blame for feeling worse as well. Our hormone levels fluctuate naturally throughout the day and night. Once night hits, the levels of cortisol in our body dips, which causes your body to produce more white blood cells. While these white blood cells are busy attacking your illness, you will feel slightly worse for wear.

No Distractions

During the day, you will have plenty to do to distract yourself. You might be well enough to continue going to work. If not, you’ll be able to busy yourself by reading or watching the TV. All of these things are great distractions that will take your mind off your illness. However, once you go to bed, your illness will be on your mind once again and you might worry so much that you consider finding a 24 hour doctor in your area. Thankfully, though, there is normally no need to go to such bother. You should try and think about something else until you drift off to sleep. How about trying to count some sheep?

Stay Well Hydrated

It’s important that you stay well hydrated when you are ill as your body will need as much fluid as possible to help it overcome the illness. This is especially the case at night as our bodies lose a lot of fluid when we are asleep in bed. So, you should have a good drink of water before you head upstairs and get into bed. It’s also a good idea to put a glass of water on your bedside table so that you can take sips from it throughout the night whenever you feel thirsty.

As you can see, there is really no need to worry whenever your illness starts to feel worse in the evening and through the night. The above pointers are the reasons why that is. Just follow some of the tips I’ve mentioned and you should be able to get a good night’s sleep.

Making the most of your personal appearance



Beauty is often deemed to be in the eye of the beholder, but there are certain things we can do that add to our perception of beauty and there are other things we can do to detract from this.  At the most basic level, this comes down to personal hygiene but the style and fashion choices we make play a large part in how we are perceived.  This article covers three of the most fundamental aspects of making the most out of your personal appearance in terms of your most prominent asset - your face.



YOUR SKIN
One of the most important aspects of aesthetic beauty, in most people’s opinion, is to have young, radiant, firm and glowing skin.  Unfortunately, it is a scientific fact that you will age - and no matter what creams you use or cosmetic surgical operations you endure, there is no getting away from aging skin.  

At the most extreme end you could consider cosmetic surgery and a variety of non-surgical facial enhancing procedures, or, perhaps a better way is to nurture your skin with natural products such as aloe vera, aromatherapy oils, and nutrient rich moisturising oils such as jojoba and coconut.  

One of the most overlooked aspects of keeping healthy skin, however, is to consider the naturopathic view that your skin is an external reflection of your internal biosphere; a good example to highlight this is to consider the skin condition ‘psoriasis’ which is often a stress response to an emotional trigger or event.  You need to keep an eye on your nutrition.  There are plenty of foods that feed your skin; many of which are tasty and inexpensive.



YOUR EYES
Eyes are often referred to as the ‘windows to your soul’ - this is the place people go to “connect” with you on an emotional level.  Radiant and refreshed sparkling eyes would subconsciously infer a happy, radiant and bright personality resides behind the mask that is your face… whereas tired, aggravated red eyes, with dark circles around them could make someone subconsciously associate this with a more lethargic, depleted, and down in the dumps type of personality.

There are many natural ways to keep your eyes looking refreshed, one of the most simple is to ensure you give your eyes the chance to relax throughout the day, simply by averting your gaze from a screen (of any description), closing your eyes, and placing your hands over your eyes in order to fully block out the light for a few minutes.

Another popular technique is to place chilled cucumber or cold tea bags over your eyes in order to reduce puffiness.  The best approach is to place two chamomile or green tea bags in hot water for one minute (just enough time to release the antioxidants and tannins) then refrigerate the tea bags for ten minutes - putting them on your eyes for around fifteen minutes.  A less well known alternative to cucumber and tea bags is to use potato slices, though many would argue that potatoes don’t contain the rich antioxidant properties of green tea or cucumber, if you’re in a hurry and don’t happen to have any cucumber to hand, chilled potato will do a good job at reducing puffiness and redness.



YOUR SMILE
Dental hygiene is an absolute priority in terms of making the most out of your appearance.  The entirely preventable issue of losing teeth or having several fillings is something we often don’t start taking full care of until it’s too late, however, keeping a healthy and attractive smile is easy to maintain.  

If you would like straighter whiter teeth then you might wish to visit a specialist dentist such as The Smile Gallery that can professionally whiten and straighten your teeth using specialist orthodontic procedures, however, there are many ways you can naturally whiten your teeth and enhance the brightness of your smile at home.

Several factors cause teeth to lose their whiteness; in particular, foods such as red wine stain the enamel and plaque naturally builds up on your teeth, which causes them to look yellow.  The most important advice is to regularly visit a dental hygienist who will remove the plaque that builds up on and around your teeth in a much deeper way than you can do yourself.  There are, however, a number of preventative natural remedies you can use to whiten your teeth, such as oil pulling, apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

Oil pulling with coconut oil is a fashionable new trend, yet oil pulling itself, is a traditional Indian remedy that’s been around for hundreds of years.  The process is to keep the oil in your mouth for around 15-20 minutes, pulling it through your teeth, as this is known to remove bacteria, which is what turns your teeth yellow.

Apple cider vinegar is a natural disinfectant that effectively kills bacterial.  The antibacterial properties make it very useful in terms of keeping a healthy mouth and whitening your teeth. It’s best used as a mouthwash - diluted with water; but It’s important to rinse your mouth out with water afterwards in order to remove any residue of acetic acid left by the apple cider vinegar; as this has the potential to soften your teeth.

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that people have used for centuries to disinfect wounds.  The name may sound a little off-putting but the majority of commercial toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide as it can be very effective in whitening your teeth; again, this remedy is best used as a mouthwash before you brush your teeth.

Baking soda is a natural whitener that is used in many commercial toothpastes due to its ability to whiten teeth.  It’s a mild abrasive that creates an alkaline environment in your mouth - preventing bacteria from growing.  The best way to use baking soda is to make a homemade toothpaste with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of water, to be used a few times a week in addition to your regular teeth cleaning regime.


When trying to make the most of your personal appearance, there are of course, other aspects to consider than your skin, teeth and eyes.... such as hair and makeup… and the more body focused aspects such as shrinking your stomach, but the beauty of the fundamentals above are that they apply to everyone regardless of age, gender or culture.







11.29.2017

3 Reasons To Start Planning For Spring Right Now

It might seem odd to start thinking about Spring when Winter itself is not even fully underway, there are still leaves on the trees, Thanksgiving memories have only just been made-- and, while the weather is cooling, we’re yet to feel the true bite of winter’s cold. So it is probably safe to say that Spring is far from your mind. One of the key questions to ask yourself, though, is “Should it be?”.

Below are three reasons why thinking about Spring before Winter has even begun is a useful strategy-- maybe there’s something here that will convince you to give the idea a try!

#1. Garden Planting for A Spring Bloom Begins Earlier Than You Think


We all appreciate the first flowers of spring, the daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops heralding the end of the coldest part of the year. However, if you want to see a spring bloom you need to start planning for it before the New Year commences.

If you want to enjoy a garden that’s bustling with the bright colors of spring, then now is the time to start planting. Whether you want to just add a few floral displays, or bring in the professionals like ProActive Landscaping to help create an entirely new look for your garden, now is a great time to do it. You can plant tulips and crocuses into the earth now, and ensure that you remove all debris from fall leaves, giving up a fresh palette to work with when the spring arrives.

#2. Now Is The Time For Spring and Summer Deals

As stores try to clear their stockrooms to make space for the Christmas season, there are huge deals and savings to be made on spring and summer items. These deals range across everything, from clothing to outdoor activity items; you should even be able to find discounted garden furniture if you don’t mind a hunt.

If you wait until the spring to buy these items, you’re going to be one of many shoppers looking for the same thing-- and prices are going to rise. By shopping now, when everyone else is consumed by Christmas fever, you can save yourself a fortune and be confident that you’re ready for spring.


#3. You Need Something To Look Forward To


Winter has many lovely moments; the delight of Christmas, the fun of New Year, being reunited with friends and family-- it’s all wonderful. However, outside of these moments, winter can also be tough.

The short days can take a toll on your mood, making it tough to get through your daily routine as you keenly feel the lack of daylight. If you focus a little of your time on planning for spring, on sunshine and long days you can fill with exciting activities, you have given yourself something potent to look forward to. If you’re feeling low with the lack of sunlight and cold weather, you can turn your attention forward, and remind yourself of the joys you have to come in the warmer months.

So do you think you have been convinced-- are you tempted to start planning for spring now, or will you leave it until the New Year?

17 Bright Ideas to Get Your Floors Cleaner Than Ever

Everyone has floors in their home that they have to keep clean, although what they're made of can vary. Whether you have floors made of hardwood, stone, bamboo or something else, getting them clean can be a struggle. As soon as they seem clean, they're almost immediately dirty again. If you want to get your floors cleaner than ever, try some of these tips.


1. Use the right vacuum cleaner


Make sure you have a powerful vacuum cleaner that can reach wherever you need it to go, with an air filter.


2. Try using a steam mop


A steam mop can be excellent for getting floors super clean. But check you can use it on your floors first.


3. Have your carpets cleaned professionally


A company like Electrodry Carpet Cleaning can do a professional job on your carpets, which can be difficult to get clean.


board, bricks, brickwork


4. Automate your vacuuming with a robot


Get a robot vacuum cleaner, like a Roomba, if you need to have your floors constantly vacuumed. It can clean all day.


5. Don't forget about sweeping


You might have a vacuum cleaner, but don't forget about the power of sweeping with a broom or brush.


6. Give it a proper scrub


Getting on your hands and knees might not be dignified, but it is often a good way of putting some elbow grease into floor cleaning.


7. Wash rugs regularly


If you have any rugs, don't just vacuum them. Try to beat them too and wash them if you can.


8. Prevention is better than cure


Try to prevent dirty floors by setting some house rules. For example, no shoes inside will help to keep floors cleaner.


9. Do your daily diligence


If you have a busy house, it doesn't hurt to do a bit of cleaning each day. Pick and wipe up after yourself.


apartment, architecture, ceiling


10. Pay attention to pets


If you have furry pets, get a vacuum cleaner designed for picking up fur. Make sure they're clean when they come inside too.


11. Have a variety of tools on hand


Keep an arsenal of floor cleaning tools so that you always have something useful on hand to tackle any job.


12. Keep water away from laminate


Laminate floors should ideally be swept or vacuumed, not mopped. You can spot clean with a mop if necessary.


13. Know your type of hardwood floors


Make sure you know if your hardwood floor is sealed or not. You can use a damp mop on a sealed floor, but keep water away from waxed floors.


14. Use vinegar, soap and water for vinyl floors


Mix vinegar and soap with water and spray on vinyl floors. Wipe the moisture away with a cloth as you go.


15. Be careful cleaning stone


Use a pH-neutral cleaner to clean stone. If your stone floors are unsealed, just use water and a microfibre mop.


16. Clean porcelain tiles gently


Spray and gently mop your tiles for regular cleaning. If you want a deep clean, a steam mop is a good idea.


17. Don't use too much water

Avoid using too much water when you clean your floors. You should make sure your mop is only damp, not drenched.

Helping your kids to exercise safely

Every parent knows that their child sleeps better and performs better at school when their diet is right. It is actually quite difficult to ensure that your kids get enough of the good stuff though. In fact, it can become a running battle at mealtimes. But if your kids love playing outside and being active, they need to be eating more healthy choices, not necessarily more food. Of course, being active isn’t always the same as adequately exercising.

When it comes to kids exercising, there are a lot of physical concerns you need to be aware of. For a start, the bones aren’t fully developed until later in life. In boys, full physical maturity of the skeleton might not happen until they’re 25! Make sure your child’s skull is always protected when they’re climbing, cycling, or riding a scooter. The top of the head is very vulnerable until the skull is fully fused after the age of 8.

Yoga has become a very popular activity for health-conscious adults. It is also finding its way into schools to help children focus and improve their physical health. It’s important to remember that many of the poses we enjoy are not always safe for little ones. For a start, balance is not great for tiny tots. And wrists are not usually strong enough for heavy weight bearing until the teenage years.

It’s worth spending quality time with your children as they exercise or enjoy fun activities. It’s a good way to spot any problems with their development. You might notice your child only sleeps on one side. Perhaps they have pain in their pelvis when they run? These might be signs of hip problems, according to Dr. Daniel C. Allison, a pediatric musculoskeletal expert. If your child isn’t quite reaching the same milestones as his peers, it’s worth chatting with your doctor.


Another way to spend quality time with your kids is to enjoy activities and exercises together. You can usually find fun dancercise sessions to do together on YouTube. You might even go out cycling together. Why not play soccer against a neighbor family on a Sunday afternoon? There are plenty of ways you can enjoy time together that will benefit the health of all the family. This can help instil healthy lifestyle habits for life in your children.

Lead by example when you are exercising or enjoying activities. Always wear the appropriate attire and safety gear. It’s always good to introduce new sports and activities but remember that children aren’t as tough as us. They might need additional safety equipment and a variation of the game that is easier and safer for them to enjoy.

All of this activity will make your kids hungry, and it will probably help them sleep better at night. This is where you can help them to make even more healthy choices. A full night of quality sleep rests the body and mind to reduce mistakes made when exercising the next day. And healthy food feeds the body with the energy it needs to keep the fun going. 

Taking your walls to a whole other level

The walls in your home, almost quite literally, are its foundations. Without them your home would, quite literally, collapse. And you can make your walls more than just an important feature of your home, you can make them a defining and appealing feature of it, too. You can take your walls to a whole other level. To see just how, make sure to read on.


Have them painted professionally, by yourself

Yes, it’s true, you can paint like a pro even though you may not be a pro in the painting and decorating industry. And, when you do, you can take your walls to a whole other painted level, without having to shell out loads to do so.

To do this, you’re going to have to do more than just heading to your local hardware store, picking the colour of paint that most takes your fancy and then slapping it on your walls like there is no tomorrow. No, if you truly want to get that professional looking finish, then you’re going to have to tackle your painting task like a professional. This means inspecting the areas of the walls you are paining thoroughly before you even think about painting, specifically looking out for walls that are peeling, flaking or cracking. This means waiting for the perfect opportunity to paint, such as when the weather is dry in order to not allow your paint to dry slowly or drip, and not just painting when you have the time to do so. This means only using paint brushes that come with a stamp of professional quality approval. This means knowing all about the nap. And this means getting all the information you possibly can from professionals in the painting industry by heading to this blog. When you do these things, and you take your time when doing them, the end result will be your walls looking professionally painted, and thus taken to a whole other level.


Create and design your own wallpaper

You can take your professional quality DIYing and your walls to a whole other level now by taking to creating and designing your own wallpaper. Yes, your very own wallpaper! Gone are the days when you absolutely must plaster your walls in the designs and style of the paper made available in store. Gone are the days when you must tweak and change your dream interior design to match that of the wallpaper on offer.

When it comes to creating and designing your own wallpaper, you will have to first get yourself a roll of white wallpaper that is completely plain and devoid of any sort of style. You should then make sure you have fine liner pens of professional quality to draw the outline of your styles. You should then get to work in filling these outlines in with colour, whether this be with paint or any other type of colouring utensil. See, that’s not so hard, is it?



Your walls are waiting for you to take them to a whole other level. In fact, your home is waiting for you to give it a long-awaited spruce up! It would be rude to keep them waiting any longer, wouldn’t it?

11.28.2017

Easy Ways To Get On The Property Ladder

When people talk about buying houses these days it’s all doom and gloom. Prices are going up, we aren’t building houses quick enough and first time buyers are struggling more than ever. The bad news is, that’s all true. But the good news is, people are still getting onto the property ladder for the first time. Even though there are more obstacles in the way, it’s still possible to get the deposit for a house together. It’s just going to take a bit of hard work and creative thinking. These are some of the best ways you can afford a house.


Save Small

Obviously, you should be putting some of your paycheck into a savings account every month. If you haven’t worked that out yet then you’re going to struggle to get a deposit together. Let's assume that you’re already saving every month, but you can boost those savings by quite a bit by making small savings. Collecting coins in a jar is a pretty old fashioned way of saving and most people don’t think it can help you get a deposit together, but you’d be surprised. If you both saved a dollar every day you’d have an extra $730 each year. You usually finish up the day with more than a dollar in your pocket so start putting it in a jar.

You can also cut out loads of the small purchases like coffee and sandwiches when you’re out and about. Trying to save money on your grocery bill by switching out to cheaper alternatives. All of those small changes won’t give you much on their own, but added together you could save a few thousand dollars extra every year.

Buy A Fixer Upper

It’d be nice if you could afford a new build and start from scratch, decorating it and making it yours without anybody else’s input. When prices are going up, new builds are going to be out of your price range. Buying a fixer-upper home and putting some work into it is a much cheaper option. It’ll take you a while to do all of the repairs and decorate the place but it’s worth it in the end. When you’re looking for a home that needs a bit of love, be realistic about your ability to fix the place. If there is any major structural damage, it’ll cost you a lot of money to repair and you’ll lose out on those savings. Only go for a place that needs cosmetic repairs that you can mostly do yourselves on a budget.

Look For Help

While there is a lot of argument about whether the government is doing enough to sort out the housing problem, they have recognised that there is a problem and they are offering some help to first time buyers. Most local authorities run schemes for first time home buyers that offer tax incentives, interest free loans for some or all of the deposit and good advice on how to save. It’s worth looking into it and seeing what you’re entitled to, it can be a huge help.

Even though it might seem like you’ll never be able to afford your first house, there are ways you can do it if you put your mind to it.

Common kitchen design mistakes to avoid


Are you planning on giving your kitchen a makeover? We all get a bit bored and uninspired with our surroundings from time-to-time. However, rather than diving right in, you need to carefully consider the upgrades you are going to make. With that in mind, read on to discover some of the most common kitchen renovation mistakes you need to avoid.
  • Too much open shelving – There is nothing wrong with open shelving. In fact, it’s rather stylish! However, you need to be mindful regarding how much open shelving you have. After all, do you want your bottles of ketchup and mayonnaise on display, as well as the novelty mugs you have accumulated at Christmas over the years?
  • Cutting corners on countertops – There are a number of elements in your kitchen that are important, and countertops most certainly fall into this category. If you opt for cheap, poor quality countertops, you will live to regret it. Instead, take a look at the high quality options that are available at https://worldstonegroup.com/. You want countertops that look stylish yet are made from strong and durable material too.
  • Not sweating the small stuff – One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when it comes to their kitchen is passing on seemingly small storage features and add-ons. Examples include cabinet storage solutions and additional drawer dividers. While these features may seem insignificant, they can actually enhance the functionality of your kitchen by a considerable degree. If you decide you need them at a later date, it can be a lot more costly to add them on.
  • Not paying attention to kitchen doors- one often overlooked aspect is the kitchen doors them selves.  Choosing the right kitchen door styles for your home can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space.  From shaker-style doors for a classic feel to sleek, handless options for a modern look, the right door style helps bring cohesion to your kitchen design. 
  • Things that open into other things – This is one of the most frustrating things to happen when designing a kitchen, and you can feel a little bit stupid when two drawers open into one and other. Nevertheless, this can easily happen if you have not planned everything thoroughly. So, what’s the solution? Measure, and then measure again! You can find some great advice here: https://www.smartdraw.com/floor-plan/measure-draw-floor-plan-scale.htm/ Plus, when designing your kitchen, imagine that every single door is going to be open at the same time. By doing this, you can ensure nothing comes into contact.
  • Not having enough types of lighting – Relying on one harsh overhead is not the way to go when designing your kitchen. This can be frustrating, and it can lead to a headache or two as well! Instead, make sure you have an overhead for general illumination, as well as accent lighting for drawing attention to the best design elements in the kitchen, and spot lighting for specific tasks. This will boost the beauty and functionality of your kitchen considerably.
  • A lack of ventilation Proper ventilation is so important when it comes to your kitchen. Do you really want to smell the sausages you cooked two days ago? Make sure you have a ceiling fan or hood in your new kitchen.
From overlooking the importance of your countertop choice to having too much open shelving, make sure you avoid the design mistakes mentioned above. If you do this, you can be sure that you will be halfway there to a stunning and perfectly functional kitchen. 

The 5 Factor Model and Terri's Wisdom

After reading Terri’s post about “10 Ways to Make Sure your Marriage Stays Strong” I realized I might have some extra insight that might prove useful to Terri’s readers.
 Psychologists have for decades tried to decipher the inner workings of the mind. Although they don’t yet understand everything. They do have discovered a thing or two about us. One of those things is the 5 Factor model. The 5-factor model of personality is a set of broad traits that every human being possesses. Colloquially they are called the “The Big 5”. The 5 are: Extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism and openness to experience.
 I’d recommend anyone who hasn’t already taken the test, to take it and reflect back on your life. Take time and try to answer the questions as honestly as you can. I would recommend the one at “https://understandmyself.com” which you can complete just once for a small fee. I recommend it because it is more comprehensive than the other versions available. The less comprehensive tests are free however.
 Now how does it connect back to Terri? Well.
If you’ve read the original article you’ll remember that Terri mentions how women are generally more “thoughtful”. This is what psychologist within the Big 5 model call agreeableness and they too noticed that statistically women are more agreeable. Which means on average they generally care more for others than they do for themselves. Now this is a great character trait to have in a society and in a relationship but just like Terri and psychologists have noticed it’s also not without dangers. You can be too agreeable. Depending on the situation you may need to compromise or pull in the other direction.
 Another important trait is conscientiousness. According to the 5-factor model people low in conscientiousness might have problems maintaining relationships while people high in conscientiousness are much more likely to maintain them. Why? Well it turns out that people who are more conscientious are also less prone to cause conflict. Conflict as we know from definitely does not help maintain our relationships. This is another reason to take the test. You might realize you have some flaws. Knowing more about yourself, might help you lead a happier life.
 Now you could go through life learning from your mistakes, maybe go through a few relationships until you finally understand what is required to make a relationship work or you could read blogs on the topic. Learn from the wisdom of people like Terri or take the test and reflect back on your life and make adjustments in your life. People don’t set out to have failed relationships but sometimes we might need some extra help to see the unknown.
One way to make sure that happens is to take time to learn more from the experience of others or to learn from history and science. I’m of the persuasion of learning from others and from science. This is why on my visual arts blog Artfixed (https://artfixed.com/learn-to-draw-in-less-time/.), I’ve written about the wisdom and science of creativity. Just like Terri, artists and craftsmen have noticed some fundamental truths about human nature.
 In conclusion, I’d like to say that there are other aspects worth considering and knowing about in the 5-factor model. It’s best that you discover them for yourself. Each individual is different and goes through life in their own unique way. I’d recommend you find out what your own unique way is and try to better it.



11.27.2017

Want to move but no where to move to.

When you finally make the decision to move home, you know you’re in for a rough ride. You know you’re going to have to deal with all of the stress and disruption that moving tends to entail, but you also know it’s going to be worth it.

So you begin the process of transferring your life from one home to the next. You spruce up your existing house and list it for sale. Then, you switch from seller to buyer, dipping your toe into the market and seeing what properties are out there.

In the perfect scenario, everything from this point will proceed as smoothly as possible. You find the right house for you; your existing home sells quickly; you move and then settle into your new home… that’s how it should go, anyway.

What if it doesn’t quite work out like that, though? What if you find yourself stuck at a certain point in the process; what if you can’t find a property you want to move into? Are you doomed to live in your existing home forever?

If you find yourself in the above scenario, then consider the following options to help break the stalemate:

#1 - Design Your Own


While it may seem extreme, designing and building your own home is a surprisingly viable option.

When you opt for a custom-built home, you can ensure everything in the property is built to your exact specifications and requirements. You don’t have to compromise; you can plan the entire building to suit the needs of your family. Professional companies such as Parker Built Homes can turn your ideas into a reality; you do the dreaming, and the pros can do the building.

If you’re struggling to find a house to your taste on the market, then creating your own is often the easiest solution, and the one you will be happiest with.

#2 - Look For Potential

When most of us view properties, we tend to have a list of requirements.  Some websites allow us to filter these requirements and also speak to experts about the best options available. We think about the number of bedrooms we want or how big the yard should be, and we will walk away from any property that does not meet our requirements.

It is always worth looking at properties with the potential for what they could be, rather than just taking them as they are now. Maybe you could buy a smaller house than you planned, and use the money you save on the purchase price to extend it. Try and view houses with what they could be in mind, rather than focusing on how they appear at the point you view them.

#3 - Explore Conversion Options


There are a number of old buildings that, when converted, can become glorious homes. Barns, stores, outbuildings, and even churches have all been successfully converted by creative buyers, so why not see if there are any properties in your chosen area that are ripe for the same treatment?

You will need to ensure that there is zoning permission for the building to be transformed into a residential dwelling, but this is relatively easy to obtain. Of course, conversions are a lot of work, but they can produce unique, interesting homes if you’re willing to put the work in.

Do you think you might be tempted to explore any of the options above when you’re looking for your next home?

2 Safe Ways to Shrink Your Stomach Fast

Image Credit: Pixabay

When you have been overweight for a while and trying to diet on and off, it feels like a continuous uphill battle with your body. Every time you try, it works for a little while but it hardly takes anything at all and suddenly you’re back to where you started.

With so many high fat and sugar foods around, even when you are being health conscious, it can be easy to slip into eating all the wrong foods. So how on earth can you lose weight fast and keep it off?

More than anything, your weight is a part of your lifestyle. It makes no sense to diet for 1 month only to go back to your old ways again. If you want to commit to a healthy weight, you have to be all in. After all bad health can cost you.

That being said, there are a few ways you can kick start your diet to get the best results a bit faster.

Get a Lap Band

Getting surgery might not sound like a safe option, but with a top notch doctor, you will be in good hands. The most popular weight loss surgery in Los Angeles is the lap band and is a popular choice with those people who have been overweight for a long time and are now putting themselves in real danger if they don’t act soon. If you have a BMI over 30 and you are struggling with your health as a result, this procedure could be an idea for you to consider.
The concept of the lap band is very simple. The band is fitted around the stomach, constricting it into an hourglass shape. This means that you won’t feel so hungry and therefore can’t eat as much in one go. It only takes one minor incision to place the lap band and your stomach will remain whole despite feeling much smaller.

Fasting Diet

If surgery isn’t your thing and you want to try one last diet, then the 5:2 diet, or a similar fasting diet could be for you. The premise is very simple: you eat normally for 5 days and then restrict your calorie intake to 500 calories on 2 days. But, however simple it may sound, it does require determination to power through the hunger. To speed things up even more, you could also do alternate day fasting, eating normally one day and restricting your diet to 500 calories the next.

The idea behind the fasting diet is that while you never actually starve yourself or put your health at risk, your stomach will gradually shrink as you learn to eat less. You might think that the days where you don’t fast would cause problems but actually, most people don’t overcompensate too much.

The fasting diet is a good way to lose weight, but it is also a lifestyle choice. Once you have reached your target, you might want to loosen up on the rules and go for 1000 calories on your fast days, but otherwise, you should really think of this as a forever decision. Just make sure you plan your social life accordingly!
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