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How to Make the Internet Safe for Your Child

The Internet can provide a wonderful experience for children. It allows them to communicate with friends, teachers and play interactive games from the safety of their home.

However, without appropriate risk management, your children could be subjected to inappropriate comments, illegal activity, and identity theft, or possibly become victims of a crime.

Speak to Your Child About Their Online Activity

A parent-child relationship that allows for open communication without the possibility of shaming is great for many reasons. For one, they are more likely to speak about uncomfortable topics, like safe sex, alcohol or drug use, and politics in a secure environment.

Secondly, they’ll disclose their Internet activity when you ask and are less likely to lie to avoid consequences.

Explain to your child you’re not looking to take their Internet privileges away. Instead, you just want to see if those websites are safe.

If you discuss with your child why you’re taking this precaution, they’re more likely to avoid unsafe websites or disclose personal info on safe sites.

Activate Parental Controls and Watch Their Online Activity

Very young children are more likely to stumble upon a website that’s unsafe rather than do so maliciously. Even when they are purposely visiting these sites, it’s typically for curiosity’s sake. 

After all, nothing is more tempting than something you can’t have! Many internet providers, like the ones found on the Australian iSelect Internet comparison page, offer easy-to-use parental controls.

When setting up parental controls, you can ban specific websites, types of websites, or websites that use certain keywords.

You can also prevent your child from deleting cookies or browser history, which allows you to watch their online activity in case a website slips through the cracks.

Keep Track of Total Online Time/Social Media Usage

When considering how long your children should spend online, consult the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. For children aged 5-17, it’s recommended that they have no more than 2 total hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day.

This doesn’t include screen time for schoolwork, although it might depend on their homework load.

Get your children to agree on a period of time, like 30 minutes per session, where they can use the television or Internet. Make sure they’re getting enough exercise to compensate for sitting.

Know Who Your Child’s Online Friend’s Are

Adults know that anyone can be anyone on the Internet, but your children are more likely to be naive of that fact. If your children are also on social media, predators or other criminals could use readily available information to trick them into revealing other personal info.

Online safety is done both on and off the computer, so you need to first know who belongs to their social circle.

While your children may feel this is a breach of their privacy, you need to make sure that the people who are speaking to your children are physically present in their lives.

Always ask who a person is, if you can meet them, or if you can speak to them yourself if you’re concerned.

Teach Your Children to Keep Certain Information Private

Being anonymous has its perks for children, as malicious people won’t be able to locate your child without information like their full name, where they go to school, or home address.

The best way to differentiate between information that can be public and what can’t is by asking them if they’d give that information to a stranger. If the answer is no, they shouldn’t post it.

This goes for sharing photos that may give others information on their neighborhood or school location.

Parents can change their child’s social media settings to ensure they’re not tagged in photos or posts. You can also turn off geotagging features that may show your address.

Discuss Aspects of Negative Social Media Usage

Besides telling your children to keep specific information private, they also need to know what to do when they’re being harassed by someone online. They should know how to tell the difference between teasing, cyberbullying, and criminal activity.

Explain to your children that if they are experiencing harassment that’s affecting their enjoyment of the Internet, they need to tell you.

However, most of the mean people they’ll interact with are just bored and looking for a reaction, so discuss how your children can block or report them. Ignoring them is another suitable option.

Steps for using a dry herb vaporizer for beginners

vaping

Dry herb vaporizers are growing in popularity but before you can invest in one, you will need to know how to use it. You will need to know how to load the vaporizer, how to adjust to the ideal temperature as well as what to expect overall when you consume this way. Everything you need to know to make an informed decision will be discussed in this article and you will be able to decide which vape is right for you.

There are many benefits of using a dry herb vaporizer to vape marijuana or tobacco including the fact that it is typically more potent compared to smoking. Choosing a dry herb vaporizer can be a daunting task. There are so many different types and models to choose from, as well as various features that will make the experience more enjoyable. One great example of a vaporizer with impressive performance is MagicVaporizers’ Crafty Plus found right here. This device is equally suitable for both beginners and expert vapers. If you fall into the first category, there are some things you need to consider before making a purchase such as taste preference, desired potency level as well as portability. Here are a few steps you need to be aware of as a vaping beginner.

Know the heating method

The first thing you need to know is the heating method. Unlike smoking, no fire is used to heat the herb, instead, vaporizers heat the herb using gentle heat. Dry herb vaporizers typically have two different oven styles: conduction and convection. With conduction, dry herbs need to be tightly packed into a heating chamber where the herb will come into direct contact with the heating coil. When you push the button, the set temperature will be reached in a matter of seconds which will deliver an immediate draw. This method of heating is faster than convection which works when you load your herb into the removable chamber and once the vape reaches your ideal temperature, you need to insert the herb chamber and allow the herb to heat up for approximately a minute before you start vaping. Both require a small amount of bud and convection is generally for desktop vaporizers.

Grind the marijuana properly

If you want to optimize your experience, you need to grind your marijuana properly which is the process of removing the flowers from the stem and finely crushing it using a device called a grinder. You will find many types of grinders including wooden, acrylic, metal, and plastic. You have to remove the lid of the grinder, break apart your weed and place it between the teeth of the grinder, close the grinder, and then rotate it in a twisting motion for about 45 seconds. The result will be finely crushed marijuana that is perfect for consumption. You will know that your marijuana is properly crushed if it is a very fine consistency, as close to dust as possible.

Choose a temperature

The next step is to choose the correct temperature. The temperature affects your high so you want to take precautions. Generally, low temperatures bring out more flavor, whereas higher temperatures result in stronger psychoactive effects. 315 degrees Fahrenheit is the boiling point of THC so if you choose a temperature lower than that, minimal psychoactive effects will be produced.

Clean it

Dry herb vaporizers require a degree of maintenance. If you want to keep your device working to its full potential, you will need to clean it regularly. Most of the small, removable parts of your vaporizer can be soaked in water. For better results, add a bit of dish soap or rubbing alcohol to the water and then use an earbud to loosen up and scrub and gunk that is visible. If you do not clean your dry herb vaporizer and allow gunk to build up, your device will have to work twice as hard as it was designed to work which will result in the heating element becoming damaged and your battery will have a shorter life span. Your vape also becomes clogged when not cleaned which will negatively affect the taste of the herb and in worst cases, harmful bacteria can begin to grow which you do not want to inhale for obvious health reasons.

Overall, a dry herb vaporizer is not a complicated device and is definitely worth the investment. This consumption method is one of the healthiest available and the effects are also more potent with more flavor.

How To Find A Unique Wedding Ring For Your Partner

If you are planning for your wedding this month, you will carry two things after your marriage: the love and the wedding ring. A wedding ring is a symbol of everlasting love and commitment. A wedding is indeed incomplete without wedding rings.

By wearing a wedding ring, you can let other people know that you are someone’s other half or soulmate. Nowadays, shopping for wedding rings is a daunting task, especially when you have never done wedding ring shopping. 

If you have no idea about shopping for weddings rings, then don’t fret- there are many jewelers and online jewelry stores that can help you figure out what you need to buy as per your preference. The online jewelry store has a variety of wedding rings with precious metals that will help you narrow down your wedding ring selection.

So, if you are wondering How To Find A Unique Wedding Ring For Your Partner, then take a look at the helpful wedding ring shopping tips that can make your shopping experience good or easier.

Take Your Own Time for Shopping

This is not a hard tip as it is essential to search about your requirement before your wedding. It simplifies that you must never shop for wedding rings at the last minute. However, if you want something unique and special for your partner, then start shopping four months before your wedding.

The couple is advised to must give enough time for wedding rings shopping.

Incorporate Personal Style

Before buying any wedding ring for your partner, think about their jewelry choices, preferences, style, and what catches her eye the most.

The second and most important tip is to define your personal style. Take a look at your jewelry collection first and use the specifications or information for a better experience. Are you like yellow gold or white gold? Which metal do you like the most for your wedding ring? Do you love wearing diamond rings? Is your style traditional or modern?

So, choose something that enhances your personality and represents you because a wedding ring will become a part of you after your marriage. 

Set Your Budget

It is the most significant factor that you need to consider while wedding ring shopping. After analyzing the personal style, set a budget in your mind. Setting in your budget will help in deciding a wedding ring that you can afford and help avoid disappointment at the time of shopping. 

Price range matters for all people, no doubt. So, you are advised to determine your budget and then go for wedding ring shopping.

Choose the Metal

You can choose multiple metals, like titanium, platinum, silver, white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, etc. But Gold and Platinum are the most popular choices among other metals. Discuss with your partner regarding metal choice. 

Check and analyze which metal will look best on your lady. 

Choose Your and Your Partner’s Style

Choosing an engagement ring and a wedding ring is indeed a confusing task. Before buying any jewelry, one can know about their ring styles, and you must consider your jewelry style before wedding ring shopping.

Before selecting any wedding ring, make sure it will suit your lady’s personality and can be worn for a lifetime means it will be durable. If your bride wears suits, then a formal ring can enhance her personality. 

If you visit any jewelry store, you wil find multiple ring styles for wedding rings like twisted rings, stack rings, pave bands, curved rings, diamond cut wedding rings, engraved rings, and many more. It will be difficult for you to choose the best ring style among these collections. So, it is better to remember your lady’s personality and choice. 

Consider Your Engagement Ring Style

If you are going wedding ring shopping and you have your engagement ring, you will find the best wedding ring. So, you are advised to keep your engagement ring while buying a wedding ring for your partner. 

Dont buy a ring that overshadows your lady’s engagement ring. Matching a wedding ring with an engagement ring is essential today. 

Trust Your Jeweller

Remember, jewelry are always available to help you in selecting any jewelry piece. You have to be open with your budget, and then only can they guide you regarding the best ring collection. 

Ask if they have a new upcoming wedding ring collection or unique gifts. Jewelers are experts in analyzing your ring style, metal choice, and best suitable jewelery pieces according to your personality.

So what are you waiting for? Just talk to your wedding ring specialist regarding your choice and requirement, and they will help you with the best shopping options. 

Some Popular & Trendy Wedding Ring Options

If you are going to buy a wedding ring for your partner, then take a look at some wedding ring options-

Yellow Gold ring with white Topaz, Criss- Cross platinum band with diamonds, Infinity Twist Eternity Ring, Rose Gold Ring with Pave pale diamonds, a Gold band with diamond engraving and many other wedding rings options there. 

And if you want to give her a royal look, you can also take a look at women’s diamond wedding rings.

A diamond ring is the most popular wedding ring choice and is a forever trend. 

8 Facts That Make You Date A Younger Man 

Each of us wants to be appreciated. You want someone who will be there for you, even in the most challenging moment. That should be someone mature, who are ready to treat you with respect. The problem is that you probably think that your man must be older and wiser than you. But it doesn’t have to be like that for everyone.

Sometimes, a man can be younger, but more mature than many of his other peers. Such a relationship can be great if you don’t focus on the age difference but admit the benefits.

1.Sexual Activity

Everyone knows that female sexuality reaches its peak much later than male. It turns out that the perfect match will be a kind of Stifler’s mom and a young student, who are not the same age. That is, the ideal combination is a 16-17-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman. In this way, people will become much happier in terms of sexual life. You can find your perfect match on Goldenbride, where you’ll see many profiles of pretty women of different ages.

Of course, you must remember that he won’t make you younger, but remind you of who you were before. Nobody can make you feel old except yourself. Forget about the generally accepted rules and prohibitions on relationships with young men. Once you do this, you start noticing many things that you have never seen before.

2. He Isn’t Biased

Unlike you, he doesn’t bother himself with some stupid insecurities due to the age difference. Few of the young people admit that at least once in their life they’ve had relationships with an experienced lady. You might think you can’t please him just because you’re older. The answer is a solid no. Moreover, he’s proud of you. After all, it’s you who make him feel like the man he wants to be.

3. It Isn’t Only About Sex

Saying that men want just sex, especially young people, isn’t fair. They’ve had sex for years and believe sealing the deal isn’t the easiest way to get it. Yes, they might be less interested in marriage right after a date. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean they don’t want a serious relationship at all.

4. He Is More Flexible

It’s not about being able to bend over without getting out of breath and grumbling because of back pain. Young people are more flexible psychologically and emotionally. It’s easier to convince them of something or to accept your point of view. After all, you can make little adjustments in his behavior and look to bring out the favorite features you see in him. 

5. He Is Up To Explore

It’s the fact the younger generation is always less conservative than the older-aged community. Therefore, he’s always ready to experiment and can encourage you to do the same. He’ll never condemn you for possible infantilism, frivolity, or other character traits that are triggers for older people to judge you.

6. He Is Ambitious

In general, what a guy lacks in his pocket, he makes up for in resourcefulness and ambition. If you meet a guy who has just sold his startup to an international company, then the money isn’t a problem. But usually, young people have some difficulties concerning their income. 

You must understand that probably he won’t be able to accompany you to expensive restaurants and provide trips to resorts. But he’ll gladly cook dinner and arrange a simple romantic boat trip for you.

Lack of high income is a problem of time, but not age. If he wants more and knows the value of money, he’s mature and promising enough to become wealthy.

7. He Appreciates Your Views And Values

Your inner world is important to him. Be sure that if he’s with you despite some age difference, he’s been mesmerized not only by your beauty but also by your personality. Besides, you can be sure that he isn’t affected by the community. That is, he doesn’t follow imposed clichés about the ideal age difference. Your boyfriend knows how to make up his own decisions and appreciates you as a charming person.

8. You Become Alive

With him, you seem to give the second breath to the best moments of your youth. You start remembering that there isn’t only work and home in the world. There are impromptu parties, clubs, movies, dances, and many other entertaining activities. Imagine that he surprises you with a CD with the songs of a cool band. Without him, you’d never hear about it because you have long ceased to follow the music releases.

To become happy you need to get rid of dubious accepted rules and controversial biases. These facts prove that you should give it a chance. Listen to your heart, but not other people’s opinions. 

Want To Start A Career In Mental Health? Here Are Some Useful Tips

Mental illness is a serious issue in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in five Australians will experience mental health issues in their lifetime and about three people per day die by suicide. Mental illnesses are also among the most prevalent causes of disability worldwide with an estimated 18% of global disability-adjusted life years due to mental disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared major depression as the leading cause of disease burden globally. This article aims to provide some useful tips on how you can do your part for this important area of work – from taking care of yourself first to understanding what the job of mental health specialist entails.

How to get into the field of mental health in Australia

To become a mental health specialist in Australia, there are a few qualifications that you need to have. You can get into this field by obtaining a Certificate III in Mental Health. By going down this path, you will be able to work as an aged care provider, a resource teacher, or a community worker. Not only is this certificate important for those who want to work in the mental health field, but it is also important for those who want to enter other occupations such as aged care and education.

In order to obtain the qualification, you will need to complete three courses from different streams of study. For example, you would have to take a unit on pharmacy law and ethics as well as clinical observation skills. The third course that would need to be taken is a unit on mental health.

Another option is obtaining a diploma in mental health nursing. Getting an Online Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing is now particularly easy since a lot of Universities have been switching to provide online classes due to the COVID pandemic. With a diploma, you’ll be able to work in emergency wards, psychiatry wards, and substance abuse centers.

Getting an undergraduate degree

However, if becoming a mental health specialist with an undergraduate degree is more appealing to you, then there are two different degree choices that you will have to choose from. If your passion lies within the field of mental disorders specifically, then getting a bachelor’s degree in mental health science is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if your passion lies within a more academic field, then getting an undergraduate degree in psychological studies would be the more suitable option for you.

Regardless of which path you choose, it is important to remember that working with this industry will require at least two years where you will shadow professionals and work hands-on with patients before entering into independent practice. It is also essential to remember that although you’ll be learning about patients who are experiencing emotional distress, teaching these individuals coping mechanisms and how to manage their conditions through medication does not mean that the role involves counseling them or fixing their problems. The role involves supporting them so they can learn how to live with their conditions.

Being aware of what kind of help people really need

An important thing that anyone in the field of mental health should remember is that many people need different types of help. For instance, an outsider may notice signs of depression or stress in a person but there could be other problems going on with them. In order to be able to provide the help necessary, you need to know all kinds of help one person really needs.

It’s not always easy for others to understand what people are going through. A person experiencing stress or depression might need to talk through their problems with someone, but another might need medication. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you know all of the different types of help available and how they can be used best.

The benefits of working in this industry 

In working in this industry, you have the opportunity to help people with their mental health. You will need to be compassionate and understanding as someone dealing with mental health issues could be going through a lot. In many cases, there’s little that they could do for themselves and they need someone who is impartial to provide them with the help they need to get better. It can take a lot of work but it could be very rewarding for those who are willing to dedicate time and energy to the job.

It’s a good profession for those who are altruistic by nature and want to make the world a better place. You can work in many different areas, from mental health clinics to prison life. 

Keep learning

Being up to date with the latest psychotherapy practices and following mental health news, conferences and workshops are highly recommended. This will give you a good idea of the state of mental health in Australia and what kind of services and techniques are used by professionals working within the field. Also, it will help you build connections with the people in the industry and potentially come up with ideas for your own research.

Keeping up further allows you to help your clients by giving them the best service possible. It is also good for your business, as you will (and should) be a specialist in your field and a true expert that has a complete understanding of what’s going on with modern mental health services.

Professional identity

Developing a personal brand or professional identity is essential in today’s day and age. To make yourself stand out from the crowd, it is recommended that you learn how to create an effective profile on social media channels such as LinkedIn, establish quality content through blogging and become part of communities that are closely related to your profession (such as the Mental Health First Aid community). This will help you build authority online and get you noticed by current employers.

When you first enter the industry, following these steps will help you to settle in comfortably and be ready for what it entails. Even without this, however, there are some things you can keep in mind to make your experience more beneficial. It’s vital you develop a solid understanding of what mental health actually is and why someone would need professional help. This way, you’ll be able to truly connect with your clients and they will feel like they can open up. 

With this knowledge at hand, there should not be any reason why you wouldn’t want to pursue your dream of becoming a mental health specialist!

Versatile Medium Length Hairstyles for Women

Cute Medium Length Hairstyles to Try

One advantage of medium length hairstyles is that there are many ways to style it. Whether you want to keep it straight and sleek or wavy and fun, it will all depend on your preference. Luckily, there are a myriad of styles to choose from.

Ready to rock a stunning style that will transform your looks? We have collected some of the hottest medium length hairstyles for you. Take a look.

1.Side Part

Whether your hair is slightly above or below your shoulders, doing a side part will never go wrong. Use a metallic or wooden comb to part your hair into two. According to LoveHairStyles, you can make the layers messy to draw some attention and show off the golden-brown parts.

2. Smooth Chic With Voluminous Ends

Most people go for straight hair because it looks neat. This style is easy to achieve, and you can wear it on your night out with the girls or when attending a corporate meeting.

3. Middle Part

Do not care much about the part being at the center. Make your off-center part glamorous by adding subtle color to your shoulder-length layers. This is one of the medium length hairstyles worth trying before the year ends.

4. Short, Low Pony

The short, low ponytail style is worn mainly by females who know they have a stunning face shape. It is also familiar with athletes and gym-goers because holding the hair back makes it less distracting.

Messy Ombre

The messy ombre is easy to achieve and suits shoulder-length hair well. An off-center cut with voluminous natural roots adds texture and gives you a flaunting look.

Curls

A shoulder-length hairstyle with curls is a go-to hairdo for many people. Don’t worry if you don’t have natural curls. Also, make the style pop by adding some highlights to it to create a modern look.

Black African Hair

Style your black African hair by combing it to one side into a flirty hairstyle. Add some waves to the layers to make the style pop.

Simple Up-Do

Do you need medium length hairstyles that are easy to style and manage? Well, you should opt for this updo. If you attend a formal event or have a date with the girls, a simple up-do hairstyle will suit you. This hairstyle is not picky with hair types. Hold some hair up and leave some part at the front down.

Collar Bone Waves

The collar bone waves pop well on shoulder-length hair. You can add ombre colors to break the silence of the waves.

Wedding Up-Do

Although every bride has a different taste, most of them go for this hairdo hence the name. The style is youthful and trendy, and the twists are perfect for hair with highlights. Make the waves at the front loose to create a lovely look.

Light Brown Hair

Adding the light brown hue to your shoulder-length hair flatters your face. This style is not picky with the hair type and face shape. The style also adds volume to the hair and makes it look healthy.

Light Blonde Cut

If you have black hair, you can play around with colors like blonde to see if you will like it. The dark roots add dimensions and give you beach vibes. If you like being next to the water, then this is your style.

Bob For Curly Hair

Curly hair is easy to maintain and style. It is even more beautiful with shoulder-length hair. Make sure you moisturize to add life to your hair.

Dark Espresso With Curls Style

This is a perfect hairdo for girls with naturally curly hair. The dark espresso style will flaunt your curls and volume, as it also lightens up the bulk.

Pastel Pink

How much do you like mermaids? Because if you do, then the pastel pink hairdo is for you to try before the end of 2021. The hair color is flattering on all medium length hairstyles and never goes unnoticed.

Lob For Elderly Women

Take advantage of the lightening of hair during your old age by trying the Lob hairdo. The style will suit you well if you have shoulder-length and wavy hair.

How Anxiety Can Affect Relationships

If you have an anxiety disorder, you likely know firsthand that it can affect many parts of your life in a negative way, and relationships are no exception. There are a few ways anxiety can affect your relationships, but the good news is there are ways of dealing with the issues. You can still have great connections with your loved ones and avoid creating any unhealthy attachments.

Dealing with Anxiety

Dealing with your feelings of anxiety can help you develop better, stronger relationships with those around you. One way of doing that is to use prescription beta-blockers on an as-needed basis, especially doing big moments. These can keep you from feeling nervous so you can focus on the task at hand. Beta-blockers are trusted by professionals to block symptoms of nerves, like racing heart and shaking hands. There are a few you might want to look into, and propranolol is an off-label prescription for anxiety, and is often recommended by doctors.

Being Too Dependent

When you have anxiety, it’s easy to become too dependent. That’s because you might want to become closer to your friends, family, or partner. You might need them to offer reassurance and support all the time since you might tend to overthink things. Someone with anxiety is often indecisive and needs constant communication, since they often fear rejection. They might feel angry toward those they are dependent on, and this can cause relationship destruction.

The good news is there are ways of combatting this, especially if you try to deal with the root problem, which is your anxiety. It’s important to try to rely on yourself to feel better because this can reduce the pressure on your loved ones. People who find themselves getting suspicious or angry should remind themselves that anxiety might be leading to these feelings. It’s a good idea to think about the facts instead of your feelings, since this will help you gain some perspective. Some who have anxiety, benefit from counseling or therapy. Getting therapy can help you learn better ways of reassuring yourself so you can begin to take action for yourself instead of relying on those around you.

Becoming Avoidant

If being too dependent sounds like the complete opposite of you, you could struggle with becoming too avoidant. You might find yourself trying to avoid negative feelings, such as frustrating, nervousness, or disappointment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of never revealing how you feel or being vulnerable with your loved ones. If you struggle with avoidance, people around you may feel you are cold or don’t have empathy. 

Some people with avoidance also come across as stand-offish or emotionally unstable. You might want to be close but struggle to do so. There are a couple of things you can do if you struggle with this issue. You might want to look into behavioral therapy combined with other kinds of therapy. You can speak with a mental health professional to help you look into how you relate to others, as well as what emotions you have around these connections.

The Dangers Of DIY: 7 Major Risks Of The Self-Move

Moving to a new home is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. While the excitement about the new life and experiences awaiting ahead will be challenging to contain, glimpses in your rearview mirror can welcome a rush of bittersweet nostalgia. On the side of the spectrum, squirm-inducing anxiety about incoming responsibilities ahead, like finding a house, can creep in at a moment’s notice, leaving you flustered. 

To avoid letting moving stress get the best of you, you may attempt to assume full control of the process, from packing up your belongings to transporting your vehicle. While opting for the DIY approach to moving can save you big bucks, this seemingly brave decision may cause more harm than good. 

Sure, moving alone saves you the money for hiring professionals and helps you evade the hassle of finding the right people. However, are the risks of self-move worth the benefits of saving on professional assistance?

For an inside look into the risks that you take by forfeiting professional help, read on to understand both the hidden and unhidden potential hiccups of doing away with professional assistance when moving. 

Higher expenses

The expenses involved in hiring professional help can persuade any penny-pinching homeowner to forgo moving services altogether. 

However, thinking that you’ll rack up significant savings during your DIY-friendly move is a common misconception that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The harsh reality is that you’re likely to spend more on a solo move, especially if moving to a far distance.

Because the costs of taking time off work to manage the process, packing materials, and renting a moving truck often escape the minds of relocating families, it’s easy to buy into the idea that DIY is a straight shot to savings. But don’t be fooled by these misleading advertisements. 

Between spending money on repairing or replacing items damaged or lost in the process and forking over gas money, these expenses can quickly accumulate and eventually surpass the costs of hiring professionals. 

Damaged items

Another common misconception is that a DIY approach to moving is the easiest way to avoid dented coffee tables, shattered mirrors, and scraped sofas. On the contrary, chances of damaged goods are higher if you move on your own.

First, since you are unfamiliar with the packing techniques for different items, you may fail to pack your belongings well. 

Additionally, you may be unfamiliar with packing your items in the moving truck, let alone driving without having the goods troop over, shift or bump into each other during the move.

Similarly, your lack of experience on the long, open roads may spell disaster for your vehicle’s exterior. Sure, a cross-country road trip may sound doable in the moment. However, one wrong turn and you’ll find yourself headed towards a costly collision or damage-inducing road debris. 

Fortunately, with professional auto shipping companies like Guardian Auto Transport (https://guardianautotransport.com/) there to take the responsibility of car shipping off your hands, you can evade these possible traveling risks and get to your destination without any mishaps.

Damaged property

If you’re moving alone, it’s more than likely that you don’t have the right moving equipment (i.e., a dolly, furniture sliders, and a moving blanket) on standby. In case you do, chances are you don’t know how to use it properly. As a result, you may leave behind damage in your old house or start off on the wrong foot by denting your new home’s door frames, walls, or baseboards.  In some cases, you might risk damaging the moving truck itself. 

For instance, if you lack furniture pads, you risk having scratched floors, broken tiles, and damaged hardwood floors. On the same note, if you don’t have thick protective blankets, you may create dents and chips on the walls and around the tight corners.

Physical injuries

Your primary focus when moving is the safety of your knick-knacks and can’t-live-withouts. Unfortunately, your laser focus on the well-being of your belongings makes it easy for safety precautions to slip your mind. Remember, the heavy lifting involved puts you and those helping you at risk of injuries.

You might strain your back, sprain an ankle or pull a muscle. Moreover, you could fall or drop a heavy object on yourself or somebody else, thus sustaining injuries. You can dodge these moving disasters by calling in professional help, as these moving experts have ready access to the right moving tools and know-how to use them.

Lost time

Self-moving is not only expensive but also time-consuming. You will spend time finding the right moving vehicle, packing your items, loading them into the truck, driving, and later unloading and unpacking.

Given your lack of experience in these tasks, you’ll likely spend more than double the hours a professional would spend on menial moving tasks.  

When you hire professionals, they handle all your tasks, start to finish, allowing you to focus on pertinent paperwork for your new house and saying goodbye to your old life and neighbors.

As a bonus, assembling a team of professionals means you’ll be able to wrap up the process in record time, eliminating select moving inconveniences.

Low security

Security is highly compromised during a move. You need to closely watch your old house, new house, and moving truck to ensure that everything you own is safe. Overseeing the safety of your personal belongings during a self-move is easier said than done. 

However, moving companies are always on the lookout to ensure security risks aren’t within eyeshot. Additionally, these professional moving services offer comprehensive insurance policies that will protect you in the case of losses.

You affect your relationship with friends

When opting for a DIY move, you may ask your friends or neighbors to help lift heavy or awkwardly shaped items in hopes of avoiding the costs of professional movers. While this is a good idea on paper, it may later cost you this relationship.

How? For starters, your friends may feel inconvenienced or even endangered when tasked with spending their free time carrying around bulky furniture. Because there’s always a risk of sustaining an injury mid-move, they may blame their injuries on your lack of foresight. If you’re leaving this group of friends behind, you won’t want your last memory with them to be sweat-stained with taxing physical labor. 

Additionally, some people you invite may throw their hands up in defeat at the first sight of your armoire or might fail to show up, leaving you to grapple with disappointment that could affect your relationship in the long term. 

Is it possible to have a 100% successful move?

Entrusting your hard-earned belongings with a total stranger is no small feat. Nevertheless, hiring professionals to help you make your relocation safer, cheaper, and faster. 

With a professionally-trained moving team in your corner,  you’ll have more time to deal with the emotions of leaving your old life and welcoming the new one. 

What Is the Best Way To Remove Calluses?

Are you a dedicated weightlifter, passionate ballerina, or devoted guitar player? If so, you might consider calluses a sign of all your hard work and are, therefore, something to be proud of. However, these hardened patches of skin are a very different story for the rest of the human race.

To many, calluses are more sources of annoyance and irritation than markings of pride and diligence. That is why we’d rather have them removed than let them take permanent residence on our skin.

Callused feet and hands may prove useful in a sport or hobby, but you won’t need them for much other than that. So, for soft and smooth feet and hands, consider some of these safe practices for removing calluses.

Tips for Safe Callus Removal

Many of us are prone to doing repeated rubbing actions that result in calluses. So, chances are, we may need to apply the following tips to remove these thickened sections in our skin.

1. Leave Them Be

If you’re not in a rush to get rid of your calluses, leave them alone. Just keep whatever you’re doing that’s causing them to a minimum, and they should be out of your hair in no time. Avoid wearing high heels when you can, and replace those too-tight running shoes with a pair that fits just right.

2. Keep New Calluses From Forming

Calluses get out of hand when new layers keep forming over the old ones. You can keep this from happening by avoiding activities that contribute to callus formation in the first place.

If you can’t, keep them at a minimum or wear paddings in areas where most of the friction happens. Add moleskin padding when wearing shoes or heels, and use gloves when doing household tasks that are wearing on the hands.

3. Soak Them

Soften up those existing calluses while giving yourself a relaxing spa-like experience by soaking them in soapy water. Mixing in any soap should do, but some experts recommend using Epsom salts for optimal results.

Not only do Epsom salts have anti-inflammatory qualities, but they also have a gritty surface that scrapes away at those hardened layers effectively. Use this tip to make the next one easier.

4. Sand Them

Once your skin has been softened by sudsy Epsom-infused water, submerge a foot file or a similar item in the water for a couple of seconds and rub over it with your raw layers.

Remember not to go too far, as you could end up removing the entire callus. You will still need to maintain a thick-enough hardened layer to protect that area of the skin from pressure. Fine-grain sandpaper, pumice stone, and an emery board are all good-enough substitutes for a foot file.

5. Moisturize

Lather specifically formulated moisturizer for thickened skin on your hands and feet to keep these areas soft and… well, moisturized! You have a ton of great options to choose from these days, but a good old-fashioned Vaseline should prove as effective as any of them.

To complete the process, pull a pair of socks on before bed so that the moisturizer can work its magic overnight. For the hardened layers on your palms and fingers, use a good hand cream before pulling on a pair of soft gloves and letting the application do its work while you rest.

6. Exfoliate

Urea has proven to be exceptional at exfoliating, so introduce some to your calloused skin and watch those hardened layers practically peel off on your next soaking session. Creams containing salicylic acid are effective, and they also gently discard these rough skin patches.

However, professional advice is necessary where exfoliation is concerned. The process involves harsher ingredients that your skin might not be able to tolerate. Some of the chemicals in these products might also exacerbate an existing skin condition. Thus, don’t buy if you don’t get the all-clear from your podiatrist or dermatologist.

7. Use a Medicated Patch

If it’s just a tiny callus in a specific spot, you can try getting rid of it by applying a medicated patch. Mediplast and Callus Removers by Dr. Scholl’s are excellent options for softening smaller sections of hardened skin. However, they may not be applicable for larger calloused areas on your foot.

If you aren’t sure if they would work in your case, check with your dermatologist. He or she can help you find a way around it or recommend other less-complicated home remedies.

Only Remove When They Get Out of Hand

Having a layer of calluses might serve you better than having none at all. These hardened patches form for a reason—they provide a protective covering for areas that frequently encounter friction. Plus, they do this without compromising your ability to feel the ground you’re walking on.

You might argue that cushioned shoes can offer the protection your feet need, but they will also reduce tactile sensitivity. Thus, it’s never a good idea to get rid of calluses completely. In fact, you can leave just enough for optimal foot and hand protection without compromising aesthetics.

What Are 3 Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship?

Unhealthy relationships can be as complicated and toxic to deal with, despite getting emotional support from friends and loved ones.

As such, many prefer professional counseling to preserve the relationship or determine the best course of action.

If you’re searching for one, you can get relationship advice on Mend the Bond to see how they can help.

Regardless if you’re handling it yourself or with a pro, it’s essential to be aware of the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship.

Let’s identify the three most prominent indications.

Lack of Communication

One of the most prevalent difficulties in relationships is a lack of communication, leading to break up or separation.

People are social creatures, meaning we have a strong need to belong and connect with others, especially loved ones.

Healthy interactions can be helpful during stressful days and overall well-being.

Just like with family, proper communication is absolute in a romantic relationship because it’s the most direct way of knowing what’s going on in their lives.

It might be difficult to express feelings at times, but it is necessary to preserve a healthy connection.

The lack of communication is devastating for many because it could mean a lot of negative things.

Indifference, infidelity, or hate are the usual causes.

Effects of Lack of Communication

Loneliness

When you’re not talking or interacting with anyone, the feeling of being alone becomes a strongly negative emotion.

After you’re treated this way for a long time, it could lead to low self-confidence and, in some scenarios, self-loathing and other negative feelings.

Lack of communication because of infidelity can cause loneliness, but it can also be the opposite.

Frequent Arguments

Constant bickering and nagging are the most immediate effect of lack of communication.

Since you’re not in sync anymore with your partner regarding most things, misunderstandings are a common theme.

Smoothing it out in a cordial manner is out of the window because communication or interaction is evidently lacking.

Disinterest

Once partners are not constantly updating each other, chances are one or both will lose interest over time.

It would be very challenging to maintain the excitement of being together if there is little to no sharing of what is happening.

Abuse

Movies and television shows usually portray relationship abuse when a person gets hit by their partner or forces sexual intercourse.

It may give you the impression that abuse is only physical, but other types of abuse are more subtle.

We will focus on non-physical abuse since it’s not getting too much attention, like the more visual ones.

Verbal Abuse

When it comes to abuse, this is the most common and, unfortunately, most ignored or even accepted by some in a relationship.

In general, verbal abuse happens when a partner uses berating or passive-aggressive words that cause the other emotional harm.

As a result, the receiving party will feel inadequate, loses self-confidence, or in severe cases, physical retaliation.

Usual forms of verbal abuse are name-calling, rude remarks, and making threats.

The popular subtle types of verbal abuse are callous and constant correcting, gaslighting, and silent treatment.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse in a relationship occurs when one partner is deliberately demeaning and scares the other to take complete control.

When this happens, the people who are being abused may have their perception of reality distorted because of how their partner manipulates their sense of understanding.

For example, the partner who cheats will blame the other because apparently, it’s their fault that the infidelity happened.

Abusers would use reasons such as the lack of qualities of the other, not getting enough attention, or blaming their circumstances.

Financial Abuse

As the name implies, it’s about the partner controlling the finances of the other.

This abuse is more prevalent in married couples, starting from making most of the buying decisions to not allowing the other to hold money.

Having credit cards or ATMs is also out of the question.

In some cases, financial abusers will not let their partners earn on their own to be entirely dependent on them for having a living.

That’s why those who managed to get out in such abusive relationship finds it challenging to get jobs due to lack of skills and job experience.

No Affection or Passion

When it comes to warning signs, this is arguably the most telling one.

One of the privileges of being in a relationship is having the freedom to be sweet, caring, and affectionate towards your partner.

The frequency and intensity might fade a bit over time, but they shouldn’t drastically drop or disappear completely.

In relationships, especially married couples, a sudden decrease in sexual gestures or desire could be more than just a lack of energy or time.

It could either be stress, unfaithfulness, or dissatisfaction.

Conclusion

There’s plenty of signs to look out for when it comes to unhealthy relationships.

Still, working through it might get messy in the long run if the signs are not disappearing.

It’s time to pop the question if it’s still worth salvaging when this happens.