Tips for Managing Your Finances After Losing Your Job

Whether you’re working in a position that simply pays the bills or you’re doing something you love, your job provides a sense of security. The income you make from your place of employment allows you to pay the bills and afford other needs and wants. When that security is suddenly taken away from you, things get quickly out of hand. 

Until you find another job you have to figure out how to survive with the funds available to you. At first glance, this may seem impossible. Especially if you were already struggling to get by on your employment income. So many people struggle emotionally with the loss of a job and end up getting sick both mentally and physically. 

For those who have children to support (like mothers), these stresses are even higher. You become so overwhelmed by your financial responsibilities that you stop taking care of yourself, stop enjoying life, and even take to unhealthy methods of coping like using drugs or alcohol (which only worsens your financial situation). They end up needing to go to a women’s recovery center for treatment which takes time away from being able to find new employment. 

Your chances of survival may seem bleak, however, it’s not impossible. By using tips like those to be discussed below, you can stay above water until you’re back on your feet financially. 

File for Unemployment

Depending on the reason for your unemployment you may qualify for government benefits. Though it won’t be as much as you were making while employed, it does give you something to afford the things you need. As it can take several weeks for the process to be completed, this is something you want to complete right away. Contact your state’s labor department to find out what is required to qualify. 

Review Your Savings

Hopefully, you have some sort of savings that you’ve been tucking away for a rainy day. If you have been setting money aside, now is the time to review how much you have as this is an ideal time to use those funds. IF you don’t have an emergency fund but have retirement savings you can pull funds from this account to tide you over. Just keep in mind that you need to repay the loan in full in order to avoid hefty tax fines. 

Create a Budget

Based on the qualifying amount for unemployment and your rainy day savings, create a budget to see if the income you have is enough to cover your expenses. 

Cut Spending

If the income you have is not enough to cover all of the necessary expenses you need to determine how you can save some extra cash. You might do things like reducing your data plan on your phone, cut cable services, stop eating out, and reduce your entertainment expenses. You can also look for ways to save on costs like using coupons, switching car insurance companies and look into ways to lower energy costs in the home. 

Contact Creditors

If you have loans, credit cards, or other debts that you were regularly paying, you need to reach out to the creditors or company responsible for managing those accounts. This is a lot better than ignoring the problem and having to deal with collection calls, further collection actions, and more stress. Make a call, write a letter, or send an email explaining your circumstances. They may be willing to put payments on hold for a moment or can negotiate an arrangement that is more affordable. 

Government Programs

There’s a lot more help out there for the unemployed than you may be aware of. Not only could you receive unemployment benefits but you could also qualify for free or affordable health insurance, food stamps, housing payment assistance, additional funds to support your children, as well as free assistance with finding another job. Be sure to check with your state or county to find out what programs are available to you.

Losing your job can be devastating. For many people, your job is your sole source of income. Without it, providing for yourself and your loved ones becomes increasingly challenging. Be that as it may, there is hope. Utilize the tips provided above to manage your finances until you find your next job. 

How To Repel Head Lice

It’s that time of the year again when the temperature drops, and the cold snaps begin. When thinking of lice, many think of this as just a school issue, but that is not the case. 

In case you haven’t had the joy of picking through hair for hours and doing laundry for days to rid your home of these nasty creatures, let me assure you it is like being in hell!

Lice is by far one of the worst things you can have to endure as a parent and any steps you can take to avoid it and prevent it is high on my list! 

While there is no specific season for headlice, the winter months can make this a more common problem as children and families are in close quarters. Kids go to school, then families come together for the holiday season and winter apparel is swapped and shared. 

Luckily, there are products out there that can prevent these little buggers from attacking and ruining the yuletide spirit. Take extra measures to protect your family and ensure that you prevent dealing with the infestation altogether by giving your hair a quick spritz of Shield Leave-In Spray before putting on your toque or hoodie.

If you would like to up the ante, try the 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner. The special formula is gentle enough for daily use, with extra conditioning for a tangle-free formula leaving a naturally fresh fragrance. Help your family stay safe, warm, and bug-free this winter season. 

Available for $10.99 at Shoppers Drug Mart, Lawtons and London Drugs.

DIY Perfume Scented Soap

As the holiday season approaches many people are looking for homemade, heartfelt and low-cost gifts to give to friends and family. For those in your life who enjoy smelling good, making soap can be a great gift.

Perfume is a popular gift around the holidays, so why not make your DIY soap smell like perfumes? FragranceX put together a handy list of different essential oil blends that combine to resemble the smell of famous perfumes.

From Chanel No. 5 to Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue, there’s a soap for everyone on your list. All you have to do is use the melt and pour method to make this soap — no lye is involved!

So, how do you make melt and pour soap? It’s actually quite easy. You simply break apart pre-made soap that you can buy at the craft’s store. From there, melt the soap pieces, mix them with your desired ingredients and pour the mixture into a mold. 

Once it’s had a chance to set for a few days you can cut the soap up and wrap them as you prefer! I like to wrap them in cellophane wraps tied with ribbons.

For more information and all the recipes, check out the visual below! 

3 Budget-Friendly Travel Tips For The Holidays

The holiday season is officially here and chances are you've already started planning how you'll be going home for the holidays. Unfortunately, travel can get expensive, especially at this time of year when you're also trying to budget for dozens of other expenses.
The less you spend on travel means the less you have to worry about things like potential credit card debt. So how can you make sure to keep your budget under control when it's already tight? Here are a few tips you can use for traveling on a shoestring-budget.

Have your gifts sent to your destination

Gifts can make your luggage that much heavier, which costs extra when you're flying. What's more, the gifts kept in your bags can end up getting damaged or broken when they're thrown, fall over, or collide with other bags.
If you're traveling to a relative's, send your gifts to their house to save on baggage costs. You can either have the gifts sent directly there and wrap them when you arrive or wrap them beforehand and send them in a flat-rate box.
Sending your gifts directly to your relatives can also prevent porch thieves from stealing them from your house; approximately 2 million burglaries are reported every year in the country.

Buy your flights early

It's all too easy to procrastinate when buying your flights for the holidays. After all, with up to 24,142,000 general aviation flight hours logged in 2015 alone, you want to make sure that you're getting the best possible deals. That requires many price comparisons and a lot of time spent reading reviews.
But to get the best deals, you want to purchase your flight several weeks or even months in advance. The Turks and Caicos islands might only be an 80 minute flight from Miami, but if you don't time your purchase right, you could be paying much more than you anticipated for those plane tickets. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are considered the best possible days to book your flight. Avoid booking on Fridays and Sundays.

Skip the airport rental car

Some families drive their own vehicles to visit family during the holiday season. In fact, the average family in the U.S. spends an average of 87 minutes a day in their cars.
But if your vehicle is on the older side, you might feel a little uneasy driving it across the state. It's not uncommon for cars to get stuck in the snow and more than 150 people fall victim to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning every year. Rental cars are in great shape to get you wherever you need to go, but whether you'll get a good deal on them depends on where you rent from.
It's a good idea to avoid renting a car from the airport even though it's more convenient, especially if you're flying into a different city. Airport surcharges mean you'll be paying additional fees on top of your rental rate.
Avoid these fees by pricing out rental locations in the city and comparing those prices to what you could get at the airport. Make sure to budget for additional transport to your rental location (such as the cost of an Uber, Lyft, or taxi).
Traveling during the holidays can get pricey. But by following the tips above, you can avoid additional fees and charges that would otherwise cut into your budget.

2019 Deck Your Stairs Photo Contest

Get ready to decorate your home’s staircase and win extra cash for the holidays! L.J. Smith^® Stair Systems, the industry innovator of stylish stairway rail systems, will hold the 2019 Deck Your Stairs Photo Contest from December 1 – 15, 2019. Four winners will each win $100 cash prizes.

The online Facebook contest* encourages people to submit images of ways they’ve decorated their indoor stair system for the holidays. Whether it’s garland and lights, or ribbons and bows, L.J. Smith is searching for festive holiday images that showcase how people decorate stairways in their own homes.

            “Over the years we’ve seen stockings, ornaments, candy canes and wrapped gift packages hung on stairways,” says Beth Galigher with L.J. Smith Stair Systems. “This year we want to showcase a new era of stairway decorations. We’re hoping people will share images of their 2019 decorated interior staircases with us.”

            Entering the 2019 Deck Your Stairs Photo Contest is an easy process. Visit www.ljsmith.com/deck-your-stairs-contest-2019 to fill out the entry form and submit images online in .jpeg or .tiff format. People may enter one time and include up to five photos of their own decorated stairway.

            “We’re looking forward to sharing entry pictures on both our Facebook page and website,” says Galigher. “For this contest, we’re seeking stand-out stairways that capture the holiday spirit. This way we can offer inspiring decorating ideas to others while recognizing those who are creating holiday masterpieces on their interior stair systems!”            

                L.J. Smith products --- including wooden and ornamental iron balusters, stainless steel cable and tube infills, metal panels, newel posts, hand rails and accessories --- are all defined by their unique designs, uncompromised durability and good looks. Owned by NOVO Building Products, the industry’s leading manufacturer and distributor of mouldings, stair parts, doors and specialty millwork, L.J. Smith is based in Bowerston, Ohio. For more information, visit www.ljsmith.comor call 740-269-2221.

Factors to Consider During Your Bathroom Renovations

Whether you are having the simple bathing room or a master end suite, functionality of the place should be correct and flawless in case ofBathroom Renovations. Below you will come across with some helpful tips and tricks to gain storages, improvise the drainage and lighting and more to ensure that your renovation project of bathroom stands the test of time always. 

 

Plumbing

The first thing to consider during your Bathroom Renovations is the plumbing which usually uses one and half inches of pipes for drains. But using it for drainage system of the bathroom is not recommended as it may easily get clogged due to gunk and hair that goes through the drain. So, ensure to keep the pipes larger for the drain. The cost may increase with the size of pipes used for drains in bathroom, but the benefits attached always outweigh the higher cost of the drainage pipes. 

If you live in area where temperature drops to freezing point in winter, then ensure to install pipes which never get clogged or get routed via exterior walls.

 

Lighting

The second important factor to consider is the lighting. You need to consider installation of the reassessed light fixtures across the ceilings of the bathroom which can brighten up the area. Moreover, including 1-2 fixtures in the shower area is also important and you must install dimmer switches so that you can easily adjust the light as per your mood during showers. 

You also need to determine the way you will be using the mirror in your bathing area, whether you desire to have aesthetically appealing look or functional lighting. If the mirror is used for shaving or make-up, ensure to install bright light fixtures which can go long way helping you to see your close ups. 

 

Wall Hung Toilets

Another important area to consider is the wall hung toilet which is in trend these days. This fixture has really grown in popularity in Bathroom Renovations projects and for many good reasons. They are not very expensive and hence it won’t break your bank. It will save lots of space in the bathing area because the tank will be concealed under the walls. However, there is a specialized consideration with such fixture in bathroom. 

Because of its unique drainage system, you may face difficulties in future, especially when you change your mind and go for floor mounted system you have to rework the supply again and this may add up to the cost.

 

Windows In Shower 

This could be the great addition to any bathroom, especially if properly done. You can choose frosted glass panel for complete privacy. Ensure to choose the frosted glass that opens for fresh air. You also need to install stone jambs along with its installation so that the complete area is watertight, and the sills must be sloped properly down and away for better drainage of the wastewater. 

It is always suggested that you install a tilt and turn window in shower as it has the screen situated on outside the window and to prevent rust install handles made out of plastic.           

 

Shower Or Tub

The last on the list of Bathroom Renovations is the shower area. Yu need to consider whether you need a bathtub or a shower area separately in your bathroom. This option completely depends on your preference and you need to make the selection carefully. Some people prefer having shower area in their bathroom, while some enjoy spending hours in bathtub filled with warm water and different essential oils and aroma.

So, based on your preferences you have to make the selection. If renovating your bathroom is something which is not your cup of tea, then ensure to entrust the job to specialists for professional Bathroom Renovations.

 

I am Anna Wrench, a knowledgeable and qualified blogger. Here you can see my skills which give you brief ideas on understanding all the concepts with different themes. I adore writing a blog on many topics, like Home Improvement, Automotive, Business, Health, Lifestyle, Entertainment, Pet, etc.

My Social Links:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100018528316894
https://twitter.com/annawrench1315
https://plus.google.com/u/1/105705281593967103052
https://www.pinterest.com.au/annawrench1315/

Which professions are having the most sex - survey by LELO

The holidays are coming so who will be kissing under the mistletoe and unwrapping naughty pleasures this season? 

• Farmers top the list of professions having the most sex in comparison to doctors, architects and hairdressers
• 40% of journalists claim that they would like to have more sex
• Almost one-third of lawyers admit that they fake an orgasm every time they have sex

Luxury sex toy company LELO has conducted new research to find out which professions across the UK are having the most sex. The results? Over 33% of farmers get jiggy at least once a day, closely followed by 21% of architects and 17% of hairdressers. And it seems that all the practice in the bedroom is paying off as farmers ranked their performance higher than any other profession, with 67% claiming to be ‘incredible' in comparison to 63% of doctors, 43% architects, and 40% of journalists.

However, despite not having the most sex out of the professions surveyed, quality over quantity was more important for the likes of doctors where 31% claim to enjoy a passionate embrace for over 45 minutes every other day, with 36% of architects and 25% of people in advertising also putting in over 45 minutes per romp.

Unfortunately for those working in journalism, one fifth (20%) claim that they only ever have sex once a month, which is perhaps not unsurprising when 60% rate their partner's performance in bed only “average”. Journalists also claim that they would like to up the ante in the bedroom with 40% wanting to have sex at least once a week and for up to 30 minutes each time.

What's more, lawyers are the hardest to please in the bedroom with 27% of those surveyed admitting to faking an orgasm every time they have sex, and 31% claiming to be able to identify when their partner is faking theirs. 31% also admitted that they are more likely to fake an orgasm on a one night stand. In comparison, 69% of labourers and 67% of farmers claim they never fake an orgasm.
Sexpert at Lelo UK Kate Moyle commented: “Even within groups such as professions where there is a lot of similarities, we have to consider that there is a huge amount of individual differences impacting people's sexuality and sex lives. However, what we may expect are some trends, for example, the level of physical activity in a career such as a farmer, rather than someone in an office setting may impact levels of fitness and energy. The lifestyle factors of our jobs such as flexibility of working hours and the environment are also likely to have an impact on all our lives not just our sex lives.

She continues: “We also know that people report having great sex when they are able to switch off and focus on what they are doing rather than being preoccupied and distracted so jobs that we can close the door on at the end of the day or ‘leave at work' may have less interference with our sex lives than one where we feel we are constantly one ear out for the phone, or where there are less boundaries between work and home.”

Interestingly, three-quarters of those who work as a judge (75%) or labourer (74%) are the least likely to speak to their partner about being unsatisfied in the bedroom in comparison to 81% of doctors who would be most likely to speak to their partner about issues with their sex life.

To help ensure both partners enjoy sex in the bedroom, Sexpert Kate adds: “Honesty when it comes to talking about sex with your partner, is an essential ingredient to a healthy relationship. If you are feeling unsatisfied with your sex life, whether you're not having enough or not enjoying it in a way that you want to, introducing something new can be a great way to bring the excitement back to your relationship. Adding a couples sex toy such as a cock ring (Lelo Tor) or trying a new lube are fun and easy additions to your sex life that both partners can enjoy. ”

Professions that have the most sex ranked in order:

• Farmers
• Architect
• Hairdresser
• Advertising
• Lawyer & teachers

Professions that rate themselves as ‘incredible' in the bedroom (ranked in order)

• Farmer
• Doctor
• Architect
• Labourer
• Advertising

For more information about Lelo please visit: lelo.com

Tis the Season to Ditch the Chip: 5 Healthy Snacks The Whole Family Will Love This Holiday Season

Welcome to the holiday season. A time of year known for larger meals, shorter days, colder weather, and, unfortunately, a little more stress on the buttons of your pants. Even the kids fall victim to the dreaded winter-time munchies, snacking on everything in sight.  

We all go through it. However, there are some ways to beat back the holiday bulge by choosing healthier snacks in between those cookie swaps, holiday parties, and grandma's apple tarts.

We'd love to propose a piece focused on healthy "snack hacks" that will help folks keep the pounds off during the holiday season without getting in the way of their merriment. Here are a few examples:

1. HUMMUS: THE ULTIMATE VEGGIE DIPPER

It seems like nearly everything has hummus on it these days and for good reason. The perfect blend of mashed chick peas, spices, and heart-healthy olive oil can turn some bland carrots and celery into a Mediterranean flavor-vacation. 

2. EDAMAME: SUSHI'S FAVORITE SIDE 

While we're using our tastebuds to travel the world, why not try some edamame. These teeny soybean(y) pods offer a delicious and nutritious alternative to handfuls of potato chips. PRO TIP: Steam 'em in the microwave and toss them in some sea salt. Trust us.3.  WHO YOU CALLIN' JERKY, TURKEY?

It's shriveled, it's salty, it's delicious. Turkey jerky is probably the most underrated snack on this list. Much maligned and overshadowed by its beefier cousin, turkey is a lean meat full of protein to keep you full without a ton of calories to slow you down. Plus, it lasts forever. 

4. PROTEIN BOOSTER: MICROWAVABLE EGGS 

I know what you're saying, microwaved eggs? Eggs are full of protein, eminently diverse, and available in Egg Bite form that just large enough to be a hearty snack or replace a small meal. Three Bridges Egg Bites will change your mind about microwaved eggs. 

5. BAKED SWEET POTATO OR KALE CHIPS

Kale is having a moment and sweet potatoes are a staple. So of course they make great chips. The key here is that they are baked and not fried, making them infinitely healthier than regular chips while retaining the salty crunchiness you need to get through that 4 p.m. budget meeting. 

There are literally dozens more healthy snacks that can help keep your diet in check as the holidays do their best to upset it... but this pitch can only be so long.

How to Choose the Best Designer Furniture Online?

When we talk about buying furniture, getting it online is not the first choice. There is no harm in admitting it that most of us do not feel that purchasing designer furniture online will be the right choice. We all are pretty apprehensive about he money being spen and quality received when online furniture shopping is concerned. However, time has changed, and the online marketplace has become much more trustworthy. In some cases, it is even more reliable than the offline store in your city. Also, you can find countless options online while in an offline store, the possibilities are minimal. To make the process of buying designer furniture online, here are some tips that you can remember while making the final decision.

Do Not Hurry in Making the Final Decision

The first thing you need to keep in mind that you are going to take ample time to choose the right furniture. There are a lot of aspects that you need to consider, such as the available space in the room, size of the furniture, design, pattern, color, material, and much more. Based on your budget and the style of the place, you can make the best possible choice only when you do the research properly.

Go for The Reputed Brands

There are countless furniture options available online. You can find some excellent designer furniture online on e-commerce websites, or you can go to dedicated websites of the stores. If you know about any good furniture store, search for their website and see if they have an online store or not. Alternatively, you can use a search engine to find the best possible options. Go to the websites and check the customer reviews, as well. Most of the Google Local reviews and Facebook reviews are authentic. Check ifthe store got any complaints in the past or not. By checking everything about the store, the chances of getting duped by some online scammer will be negligible.

Use the Right Keywords

When you are searching for designer furniture online, there are ways to reach the right place. There are two types of keywords that you can use to find the best options. The first set of keywords is broad keywords that offer generic results like sofa, nightstand, bed, or mirror. The second set of keywords is style and color keywords, which include options like a brown soft, colonial dresser, and much more. Based on what you are looking for, feed the search engine with the best possible set of keywords, and it will take you to the right options that you are looking for.

Branded Furniture is The Topmost Choice

Many brands make designer furniture and make them available online. Some of such brands are Pottery Barn, CB2, and many others. If you know the brands in your area, you can choose the one you like the most and check their website to buy designer furniture online.

Negotiate Before You Make the Final Decision

There is always this trend famous in the market where they overprice the furniture. The pattern is the same when you are buying designer furniture online. If there is an option to negotiate the price, go for it.

Check for The Delivery and Repair Options

Do not buy furniture without any warranty from the store; make sure that the store provides proper receipt and warranty card with the furniture so that in case of any damage or manufacturing defect, you do not have to spend a fortune on repairs or replacement. 

Also, try to get insurance at the time of the purchase or get additional insurance to be on the safe side. If you already have insurance on your household items, get new furniture added in the list as soon as it gets delivered. Buying designer furniture online can be fun, and it is very easy, as well. Relax at your home and let the store do all the work for you!