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How Smoking Impacts Mental Acuity and Depression

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) conducted in-depth research into smoking, cardiovascular disease, and the impact on cognitive functionality. The senior author of the study, Dr Matt Huentelman, a Professor of Neurogenomics, found that the results indicate, ‘Smoking and cardiovascular disease impact learning and memory throughout adulthood, starting as early as age 18.’ The in-depth study found that smoking has an effect on mental acuity over time. The study published in the Scientific Reports Journal indicated that quitting smoking can improve brain function, among others.

Mixed Signals: Smoking and Mental Illness?

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High levels of smoking are common among individuals with mental illness. This is particularly true of those suffering from ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression. These psychiatric disorders are often paired with poor cognitive function, including response inhibition functions, working memory, and attention deficit. Nicotine tends to assist in this regard, however, increased consumption of nicotine results in all manner of physical and mental health concerns over time.

The jury is out on nicotine’s cognitive effects, with a substantial body of evidence through human and animal studies indicating that there are cognitive enhancing effects of nicotine. People with psychiatric disorders tend to be twice as likely to smoke. These people are known to have severe nicotine dependence and are unlikely to stop smoking. A detailed paper on what happens when you stop smoking points to the real challenges faced by nicotine addicts. Smoking prevalence and mental health conditions are strongly correlated, according to the following statistics:

  • Schizophrenia – 44% – 88%
  • Major depression – 40% – 60%
  • Bipolar disorder – 55% – 70%
  • PTSD – 40% – 50%

Feelings of Relaxation While Smoking

For their part, smokers enjoy the feeling of calm and relaxation that nicotine intake provides. This bolsters self-administration of tobacco, and the attendant ‘cognitive-enhancing’ effects demonstrated with initial tobacco use. From a smoker’s perspective, nicotine has a strong effect on episodic memory function, working memory, attention, and fine motor skills. This flies in the face of clinical research which indicates that over a prolonged period of time, smoking is detrimental to cognitive function.

Nicotine has a serious chemical impact on brain function. Since this chemical substance presents as a neurotransmitter (similar to ACh), it activates dopamine signals, creating pleasurable feelings. Unfortunately, the brain will respond to the nicotine intake by reducing the ACh receptors. This in turn creates increased tolerance for nicotine. As more is consumed, more is required.

Smokers Are at Risk of Dementia and Loss of Brain Volume

The withdrawal effects are notable. This dependence cycle becomes an addiction and the heart and lungs are the first organs to bear the effects. However, over time cognitive decline takes place. A 2012 study by PubMed Central found that smoking is a ‘possible risk factor for dementia although that impact may have been underestimated in elderly populations due to the shorter lifespan of smokers’.

In the middle-aged male population, the 10-year cognitive decline was much faster among smokers compared to those who had never smoked before. Therefore, the deduction was made: Middle-aged male smokers experienced faster cognitive decline in global cognition and executive function. Some 7,000 men and women were included in the study over a period of 12 years.

A Research Review study from 2015 titled, ‘Smoking Is Associated with An Increased Risk Of Dementia: A Meta-Analysis Of Prospective Cohort Studies With Investigation Of Potential Effect Modifiers,’ compared smokers and non-smokers from over three dozen studies. They found that the smoking contingent were 30% more likely to develop dementia than the non-smokers.

However, cessation of smoking activity rapidly decreases the risks of dementia to the same levels of non-smokers. The duration of smoking activity is directly correlated to the levels of risk for age-related brain volume loss. This was published in a 2017 study titled, ‘Cigarette smoking is associated with amplified age-related volume lost in some cortical brain regions’.

What You Should Know About Forex Brokers

Best Forex Brokers is a term that has been frequently used over the last few years as a measure of the quality of forex brokers available to investors. Investors have come to appreciate the many benefits that they can obtain through the use of a forex broker, and these investors typically want to receive the same services at a better price.

There is no single forex broker that provides investors with all of the services that they need. In forex brokers ratings, different criteria have been taken into consideration, from spreads and minimum transaction costs to trading platforms, forex trading options, and more.

The forex broker that is chosen for an investor depends largely on his or her goals and the reasons for seeking advice. Best Forex Brokers offers advice on a variety of different currency pairs depending on what the investor is looking to trade. The information that is provided will include the trading platform, information on the pair being traded, various tools that provide indicators and signals, and predictions on future movements in those currency pairs.

Most platforms available today include tools for technical analysis, candlestick charts, points, and moving averages. The information that is provided will give the investor a general idea of how the currency pairs are likely to change over time.

While many forex brokers offer traders the ability to begin trading forex without a large deposit, some require a minimum deposit to open an account. Minimum deposits can vary, so it is important to shop around before making a final decision on which broker to go with. For any forex broker that requires a minimum deposit, it is recommended that a user receive a trial account before opening a real money account.

By opening a demo account, an investor can learn how does forex trading work, how to make trades, and learn about strategies that can be utilized while trading without risking any real money.

In addition to requiring a minimum deposit, most forex brokers have a set trade size that a trader must maintain. The trade size is the maximum amount of money that a trader will invest on any single trade and is usually between one and four hundred dollars.

Most new traders do not want to invest more than this amount, as they do not want to end up losing all of their money while still learning how to trade forex. To prevent any potentially large losses, a trader should stick to the trade size that his or her broker has set and try to increase that amount over time.

Finally, forex brokers will all offer a variety of payment methods that are ideal for new traders. Unless a trader has a good relationship with their broker or has taken out a top-of-the-line software program, most traders will be able to trade with a credit card.

Some forex brokers also offer a debit card that can be used for electronic payments. If you prefer to pay through the computer, you should make sure that your payment method is accepting at all times, as even those accepting credit cards sometimes experience delays when processing payments.

Forex brokers can be an excellent way to start trading the forex market. They offer safe investment opportunities with great profit potential, but there is no guarantee that you will make money. Before making any decisions regarding trading with forex brokers, it is important to take the time to look at each broker’s services, track records, and fees. By doing so, you can ensure that you will be making the best decision for yourself and your trading experience.

Best Forex Brokers For Beginners

The best forex brokers for new traders provide three key services. First, they are a fully regulated and secure brand that provides a user-friendly online platform with clear instructions and a comprehensive learning portal. Second, they also provide a solid range of educational tools. Last, but not least, the forex brokers provide effective use of their trading tools and services to clients.

New traders should focus on the uses and benefits offered by the platform when deciding which broker to use. For instance, a broker must have a trading platform that is designed for easy navigation and ease of understanding. Learning materials and tutorials should be accessible and easy to use and provided by the company.

New forex trading platforms for beginners should allow easy navigation of options, menus, and screens. These should also be supported by clear, legible written material and informative videos.

The broker should also offer tutorials and manuals which explain how the platform works and how to use its tools and features. The brokers listed in this article are both government-regulated and fully accredited. They meet all the regulatory guidelines necessary to ensure full compliance by their clients.

The two primary brokers that offer affordable trading platforms for beginners are Forex Yard and Forex Spot. These brokers provide trading platforms for five popular currency pairs, including EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, NZD/USD/JPY.

Forex Yard is available for new clients at no cost and provides a demo account that allows a free account facility. It also offers several tips and tutorial videos. Spot offers the standard Forex trading platform and has recently upgraded its software, which offers better reporting and analysis tools and makes it easier to follow the daily market activity.

To find the best forex brokers, beginners should review the reviews and qualifications of each one. You can usually find these on the company’s website along with performance figures and customer service awards. You must consider each broker according to your personal needs and experience level.

Some brokers also offer “no risk” and “no contract” trades. While these are not usually covered in the initial registration, most offer traders the ability to open and close new accounts on a “limited time basis” using an initial minimum deposit of only $100.

The “no risk” trades are usually the forex trading platforms offered by brokerages with lower commission rates as a means of attracting new clients. A “no contract” trade will only result in a profit if the trader has reached his or her initial investment cap.

 

Are You Aware of Amazon Exam-Labs  AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification Perks?

The world of every AWS Cloud aspirant changed in 2017 when the vendor announced the release of the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification from Amazon. Without asking for any formal prerequisites, this certificate makes embarking on the career journey effortless. Nevertheless, these are not the only perks to enjoy with the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification after passing the Exam-Labs – Amazon AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Certification PDF exam, and basically, there are many more others. Thus, here is a compiled look at all of them:

  • Enough of exposure to a wide range of expertise

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is famous and has earned great significance at the global level because of the wide range of expertise that it infuses in the holders. Key AWS cloud concepts, functional technologies, security & compliance aspects, and the pricing structure are discussed in detail in its affiliated CLF-C01 test. The great thing is that its focus is on practical subject matter knowledge, which is highly useful in the real world.

  • Easy way to aim higher

Though this certificate is at the lowest certification ladder, it paves the path for higher-level validations and provides substantial foundational expertise to move ahead in the career. After completing the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner journey successfully, one can gain confidence and expertise for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate, and other upper-level designations. Because of this, moving ahead in the career becomes easier than ever.

  • No undesired expenses

Unlike other entry-level certifications, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner doesn’t charge you heavily. For one attempt, $100 is what one has to pay to take up the CLF-C01 exam. Considering this, it is a wise move.

  • Explore assorted job opportunities

The path that the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner paves leads to multiple roads. The expertise that one earns all through the certification journey can be used to become a Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, or Cloud Developer just to mention a few. All these are pivotal job roles and have huge market demand. If the words of ZipRecruiter are to be believed, the entry-level AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner designation can easily make $89,643 at the beginning of their careers. For a starter, it is a good figure. What is more, in superior job roles like an AWS Solutions Architect, minting around $120k annually is possible as PayScale says. In a nutshell, the future seems bright and shiny after the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner validation.

  • Global exposure

Such an AWS designation targets global audiences and is obtainable from every nook and corner of the world. Presently, AWS holds 32% of the global cloud market share, which is highly impressive and means that companies of all sorts and types are banking on AWS Cloud services as well as tools for their infrastructure. So, once you have PrepAway – Amazon AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Certification PDF to support your expertise, the whole sky is yours.

Final Say

The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is what one needs to lay a strong foundation for exploring the AWS platform. Whether you belong to a technical domain or a non-technical one, making big into the world of AWS Cloud is easier than ever with the help of such a designation. By validating the right set of cloud computing skills, giving enough exposure to the cloud as a whole, and opening ways to endless opportunities, this certification has proved to be a real game-changer for IT beginners. So, don’t waste a single moment and start pursuing it as soon as possible.

6 Tips for an Effective Band Rehearsal

Anyone in a band will know that band rehearsals can sometimes be the biggest waste of time. They get derailed easily, no one is on the same page, and it can be a total mess. If you and your band struggle to make the most out of your time in rehearsals, read on for some tried and tested tips.

The Space Itself

Firstly, the space you are rehearsing needs to be maximized for productivity. Ideally, you should be using a space that is solely for the rehearsals; anything else can lead to distractions. Rehearsing in a band member’s house can lead to issues such as noise complaints. Renting a rehearsal space can be a wise choice for bands, but it can be hard to know where to look, especially for bigger cities. Imagine looking for rehearsal space in New York; however, there are companies that can help. For example, Pirate has a number of studio and rehearsal spaces across various cities in several countries. They also offer discounted day rates, so renting space may not be as expensive as you once thought.

Structure

Having a decisive plan of what you want to do in the rehearsal is essential. Band rehearsal is usually for one of three reasons: building a setlist, refining a setlist, or songwriting. Depending on your purpose, your structure will need to be different. When building a setlist, try to focus on four or five songs; doing any more than that is too much if you want to get them perfect. Refining a setlist is when you should go through the setlist in order and make any notes about where you think something is or isn’t working and come back to them at the end. Songwriting is notoriously tricky and deserves its own standalone session. When trying to create, the distractions need to be at a minimum, and sometimes your existing material can be distracting to the process. Finally, schedule breaks into your practice as not only are they vital for the process; it also puts a stop to any unnecessary halts to the practice when there are designated break times.

Prioritise

You may find that this is a part of your structuring process, but deciding what areas need work is key. Decide on what needs work as opposed to what you want to work on. Usually, bands should endeavour to have any existing material totally polished before they introduce any new things. As a band, you should all be communicating and making sure each member is happy with something before it’s signed off on. For example, if you find yourself constantly struggling with one song or one aspect, then dedicate more time to it at the next rehearsal. Some bands may find prioritising easier if they appoint a point person. Although the best bands are a democracy, sometimes it can be helpful to have someone in charge to lead the others through the process.

Pre-Rehearsal Prep

Another way to ensure that a rehearsal runs smoothly is to make sure each member is prepared for it. Everyone should know their parts and prepare individually before coming together for the rehearsal. It is a waste of the band’s time and resources to work on something that could be done at home. Try to allocate any ‘homework’ to each band member; for example, after a songwriting section, decide on one member whose job is to circulate tabs/chords/lyrics and any relevant references.

Record & Review

You should record your rehearsals as a standard practice. You don’t need a professional setup to do this; any smartphone will do. Visuals are ideal, but audio recordings will do in a pinch. Seeing your rehearsals back can help to identify areas of concern and allow you to see if the execution matches the vision that you had. You may think that you have got something down, but when you watch it back, it needs more work. Recording your practices can give you a rough idea of what the audience will experience.

Post-Rehearsal

Try to leave a little bit of time at the end of the practice for the band to discuss how it went. Getting these ideas out in the open quickly is vital to the process as otherwise, they could be forgotten or derail the next rehearsal. Take notes and use these notes to help you decide what should be prioritised next time. Keeping the lines of communication open between band members is crucial to the creative process.

In Conclusion

These tips provide a good foundation for you to work from but remember that every band is different and may have different needs or creative processes. The pre and post-rehearsal processes are just as important as the time spent rehearsing. A solid few hours a week rehearsing is usually enough for most bands to keep themselves fresh. Remember, any band that wants to progress in their career needs to make sure that they are getting the most out of their rehearsals.

Loving a Substance Use Disorder Survivor: 5 Mistakes You Should Stop Making

When your loved one struggles with substance addiction, it’s easy to feel powerless or unsure of how to cope with their substance abuse. Adult children of alcoholics, in particular, are known to feel the sting of emotional wounds inflicted by years of exposure to alcoholic behaviors. 

Whether your parents have coerced you into enabling their drinking disorder or your caretakers neglected you, it’s natural to feel angry and hurt by their addiction. You might not be sure how to continue to support your loved ones as they battle their addictions. 

If you’re wondering how you can continue maintaining a healthy relationship with your parent, here are five tips for helping the substance abuse survivor in your family while also taking care of yourself.

Don’t blame yourself

Alcoholics often deny responsibility for their drinking by blaming their behavior on their circumstances and the people around them. If your parents ever accused you of being the reason they drink, you mustn’t give their accusations any weight. 

Remember, if your loved one exhibits alcoholic behaviors, talking your way out of their addiction will prove unsuccessful time and time again. Regardless of what you say or do, your parents will likely still succumb to their cravings. Though assigning blame and stew in guilt may come as second nature, your loved one’s substance dependency is not your fault.

Stop trying to control them

It’s natural to want to control your loved one’s substance abuse. You might think there’s undoubtedly something you could do to prevent your parents from drinking or using drugs, but this way of thinking will only leave you feeling frustrated and helpless. 

Your parents will only heal if they willingly reach out, so rushing to their rescue may only delay their decision to ask for help. It can be excruciating to watch your loved one fall deeper and deeper into a crisis, but the best method of helping your parents is to allow the situation to play out fully. 

To cope in the face of crisis, learn detachment to let go of your need for control—for the sake of your mental health and their healing process.

Don’t brush off unacceptable behavior

Inevitably, your family member will have an incident when drinking, whether it’s a small verbal argument or a significant physical altercation. Brushing off their behavior by blaming it on their drunken state will allow you to continue to accept their behavior, even as incidents begin to escalate. 

The longer you tolerate their behavior, the more likely it is that you’ll find yourself in a full-blown abusive relationship. Regardless of your loved one’s addiction, you should never have to suffer abuse. Instead of simply accepting unacceptable behavior, set boundaries for yourself with your parents, and don’t be afraid to protect yourself.

Stop your enabling behaviors in their tracks 

While it may seem right to make excuses for your loved one’s behavior and protect them from the consequences of their actions, these instincts enable your family member’s addiction. It’s vital to be aware of your behaviors surrounding your loved one’s substance abuse. If you’re paying bills and doing chores for your parents that they could otherwise do when they’re sober, you’re allowing them to escape the consequences of their addiction. 

That said, don’t loan your family member money. Avoid reacting to their misbehavior, and don’t drink with them. Instead, set boundaries, and allow them to face the ramifications of their actions on their own.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help

Though your loved one may be struggling with addiction, the pain you feel at seeing your family member succumb to their disease is genuine. It’s easy to push aside your own needs to focus on your parents, but neglecting yourself will only make it more difficult to cope. Reach out for help from a support group like Al-Anon Family Groups or pursue therapy if you feel you need support. Your loved one’s addiction affects everyone around them, and there’s no shame in seeking help.

The bottom line

While it may be challenging to accept that your parent’s willingness to heal isn’t within your control, detaching from your loved one’s addiction can help you nurse the wounds of wrongdoings past. Prioritizing your healing and health will allow you to better cope with the challenges that come with loving someone who struggles with substance abuse. Ultimately, you should never be afraid to seek out support for yourself and make choices that keep you healthy, both in mind and body.

ProAir HFA (Albuterol): What You Need To Know

ProAir HFA is used to treat and prevent shortness of breath and wheezing caused by breathing problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. It can also be used to avoid asthma brought about due to exercising. Furthermore, this medication is considered a quick-relief drug that patients can automatically use in case of emergencies.

Albuterol or also known as salbutamol, the generic name of ProAir HFA, is a type of bronchodilator. It works by relaxing and relieving your muscles around the airways that usually tighten up during an asthma attack. By giving your airways time to relax through ProAir HFA intake, they will start to open up, making you breathe more easily.

Warnings for Taking ProAir HFA

It would be best to follow all of the instructions indicated on your medicine label. Before you take ProAir HFA, it will help if you communicate with your healthcare provider concerning any other medical conditions, allergies, or the medicines you use to prevent further health problems. It will help if you take note of the following:

  • If you are allergic to albuterol, it will make sense not to use ProAir HFA;
  • Be honest with your doctor if you ever had seizures, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, low potassium levels in the blood, thyroid disorder;
  • Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to get pregnant to be safe. This is because it is still unknown if albuterol can cause any harm to an unborn baby.
  • If you are pregnant and taking ProAir HFA, it will help if you don’t breastfeed while using the said medicine. Also, you can opt to ask your doctor about any risks present.

How To Use ProAir HFA

It will help if you follow all of the prescription labels’ directions and read all of the medication guides. It is vital to use the medication as directed. Also, it is essential not to allow children to use this medication without any adult help or supervision.

If you plan to prevent any exercise-induced bronchospasm from happening, you can use this medication fifteen to thirty minutes before exercising. The effects of taking the mediation can last around four to six hours. Moreover, if you think your breathing problems are getting worse after taking the drug or if you think the asthma medication is not working so well, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.

It is vital to note that your dosage might change when it comes to taking ProAir HFA due to some factors. This includes illness, stress, surgery, or even a recent asthma attack. Moreover, it is essential not to change the dosage without first consulting your doctor.

What If I Miss a Dose?

There are times when you run out of medicine, especially if you lack the money to purchase it and don’t have discounted coupons for your prescriptions from sites like BuzzRx. Hence, this can cause you to miss a dose.

If you ever miss a dose, it is best to take the said medicine as soon as possible. However, if it is already time for you to take the next dose, it would be great not to take the missed dose. Moreover, it is vital to note not to use two doses simultaneously.

What If I Overdose?

An overdose of albuterol can be hazardous. If this happens, it is vital to seek medical help at once. Furthermore, overdose symptoms might include chest pain, dry mouth, fast heartbeats, seizure, tremors, fainting, general ill feeling, nausea, or feeling light-headed.

Side Effects of ProAir HFA

If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of lips, face, throat, or tongue, it will help to seek medical help immediately.

It would be best to call your doctor as soon as possible if you have the following side effects:

  • Choking, wheezing, or other breathing problems after using ProAir HFA;
  • Pounding in your ears or neck, severe headache;
  • High blood sugar-increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
  • Pounding heartbeats, fast heart rate, fluttering in your chest, or chest pain;
  • Burning sensation or pain when urinating;
  • Low-potassium leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, constipation, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, increased urination or thirst, or limp feeling.

Common side effects might include the following:

  • Dizziness;
  • Vomiting, upset stomach;
  • Feeling nervous or shaky;
  • Pounding heartbeats, chest pain;
  • Headache, body aches, back pain;
  • Painful urination;
  • Sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain.

Tips to Lower The Costs of ProAir HFA

To help you reduce your medication cost, it would be best to look for ProAir HFA coupons online. By doing so, you can save some money and receive a discount on your medication. It would also help if you shop around to compare prices. That way, you will know where to buy the most affordable ProAir HFA near you.

Doctors tend to receive a bunch of samples from drug manufacturers. It will make sense if you ask your doctor if there are any you can try for free. This will not only save you cash, but it also helps the drug manufacturer market their products to patients. 

To Wrap It Up

ProAir HFA has a generic equivalent called albuterol or also known as salbutamol. It can help people who need quick relief after experiencing breathing problems caused by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Furthermore, this medication works by relaxing your muscles, giving your airways a chance to open up and make your breath even easier.

NFL Betting Strategies Every Bettor Should Use Today

Do you want to be a successful NFL better? Well, the journey can be exciting. At the same time, it can be thorny. With a lot of hurdles on the way, making real money from NFL betting can be challenging. This means that beating the bookmarker requires strategy. You need to be smart. You require a good strategy. Here are some of the finest strategies that can deliver results.

Trust Your Guts

Trust your guts. Do it with your heart. Don’t follow others. If you feel that it’s your day, place your bets. Don’t wait., If you feel that things aren’t going on well, stay away from betting on NFL. Be objective when placing your bets. Also, stay away from betting on your favorite team. Your emotions may mislead you. Instead, bet objectively.

Game Location/Venue

In betting, there is something known as a home-team advantage. Team playing at home tends to be stronger and can register impressive results. So, the home-and-away betting strategy shouldn’t be ignored when going around your NFL betting.  Thus, conduct your research first. Consider the home versus away record of each team.

Understand Individual Matchups

In football, fans understand the power of the phrase ultimate team-based sport.  However, one matchup can dramatically change how the results come. For instance, you cannot expect a weak offensive-based team to win against a well-organized premier edge rusher.  In most cases, coaches matter so much when it comes to head-to-head matchups. For instance, most coaches tend to use and reuse certain tactics that work well against certain opponents. Thus, consider the skills of each player. Consider the approach of each coach. You can rely on Doc’s NFL predictions for nuanced information about all of these factors.

It’s not All about Trends

Of course, you can follow trends. It’s not a bad idea. However, go beyond trends when doing NFL betting. Besides, observe the patterns, look at the context of the patterns. Why did the pattern appear in that manner? Is there a factor that influenced these patterns? Check how the results were obtained. For instance, if a team scored more than 49 points doesn’t necessarily mean that its offensive strategy is excellent. There are several factors that may have contributed to that result.

Analyze the Injury Reports

Injuries can affect a game, especially when it involves influential players. Thus, look at these reports. If a team relies on a certain player who has been injured, it may struggle to register good results. Look at the team news. Get NFL picks and parlays from Kyle Covers today and make real money from betting.

Consider Diversifying Your Bets

It’s important to diversify your bets. Thus, don’t construct yourself. Thus, bet on the money line, spread, as well as game totals. Also, take your game to alternative bets. Choose payouts with modest payouts. Conduct your research on each bet type. Choose a bet that suits your needs.

The Bottom-Line

Of course, betting isn’t an easy venture. It comes with a lot of challenges. However, that doesn’t mean you give up on betting. With the above strategies, you can easily beat the betting bookies ad inflate your bank account.

The Secrets of Painting with Watercolors

Watercolor painting is a challenging medium. It’s difficult to find the right paint and paper, it can be hard to get the colors just right, and it takes time to learn all of the tricks that make watercolor painting so exciting! You may be an expert watercolor painter with years of experience, or you may have never picked up a brush and dipped it in paint.

Either way, there are some secrets to painting that you should know about before starting your next masterpiece. This blog post will give you some tips on how to use watercolors as well as some other resources for learning more about this art form. 

  • Choose a color palette of your choice: If you are painting with watercolors for the first time, it’s best to choose a color palette of your choice. You have many choices available in paints and paper so there should be no problem finding what you want! If you’re not sure about which colors to use, try using complementary colors such as red and green or purple and yellow.
  • Use more paint than paper: It may seem counterintuitive, but when it comes to watercolor painting, less is actually more! When applied correctly, each brushstroke can look like a thin layer of beautiful color without having too much paint on the page. That means that if you put down one stroke over top of another, then they’ll blend together instead of creating two strokes where only one was supposed to be.
  • When painting, stay in the lines: When you’re using watercolors to paint with, it’s a good idea to adhere to your boundaries! Watercolor paints are not opaque, and if you go outside of the lines that have been drawn for you, then they’ll mix together or create blotches where only one color was supposed to be visible. Go slowly when painting so that this doesn’t happen, and use a small brush instead of something like an eraser because it will cause less damage if accidents do occur.
  • Get rid of mistakes as soon as possible: Mistakes can really mess up your project quickly! Unfortunately, there isn’t much time before things get messy and hard-to-fix, but fortunately, there is still some hope for those mistakes. Fixing mistakes is a lot easier if you just wipe the area with water or blot it gently and then use a dry brush to paint over the mistake, creating another layer of color!
  • Experiment: Watercolor painting can be difficult but don’t let that get in your way from having fun on your next project. Experiment with different things like adding layers of colors next to each other instead of mixing them together, trying out backgrounds using acrylics as opposed to watercolors, or even experimenting by taking away all your tricks for an almost abstract piece! When it comes to this medium, you get endless possibilities, so have some patience while learning new skills, and remember there’s always something more you can do before starting over.
  • Start with natural elements: Painting nature has always been the first instinct for most watercolor painters. Starting with a collection of leaves, flowers, or other types of natural elements can be an enjoyable and productive way to practice your skills while trying out new techniques. You can check out different color combinations of green, blue, indigo, purple, and several others that make up natural elements.
  • Explore the watercolor pallet: there are so many colors available in a typical watercolor collection that it can be hard to narrow down your favorite. One way to do this is by combining them with other paint or mediums such as markers, ink pens, and more! Try experimenting with different techniques like using a fuzzy brush for soft lines and hard edges or an old toothbrush for less control over the blend of color.
  • Use resist technique: A strong point of watercolors is their ability to show through layers when you want it to. This technique can be used on both paper and fabric, which allows room for mistakes without wasting any supplies. Simply lay some wet paint onto one layer before adding new ones on top – or use a watercolor pen for more control.
  • Fix mistakes: If you make a mistake while painting with watercolors, don’t worry! It’s easy to fix wet paint by using your fingers or the brush (wet) with some white pigment and adding it to where there is too much color. After that dries, go back in and erase any marks left on the paper from fixing your previous error.
  • Learn about mixing colors: For watercolor paintings, you’ll need to mix your own pigments. A good way to do this is by using a palette knife and rubbing it across the pigment until all of its colors have been transferred onto the surface below. You can then add more paint into that area or an additional layer over the top for even more depth in your painting.
  • Protect yourself from paints: When working with watercolors, always make sure there’s enough ventilation in the room – as well as dry materials nearby (paper towels) if things start getting too wet!
  • Work in small sections, don’t paint too much at once, or it will dry out: Painting in sections is the best way to avoid having a fully dried painting. You’ll be able to work more slowly and apply water or fix mistakes before finishing up too much at once!
  • Don’t mix your paints: Different pigments have different properties, so mixing them can often lead to strange colors that you won’t want for your masterpiece. Instead, try sticking with one pigment until it’s time to add another color when necessary (such as yellow over blue).
  • Don’t be afraid of colorless dyes: If there are two pigments next to one another that always mix, you can use a dye that is colorless to keep them separate. This is an excellent way to keep your colors bright and alive as well!
  • Try painting with water: There are several ways you can do this, but the most common technique is to paint with diluted turpentine or mineral spirits. This will give your paintings more transparency and wetness without allowing them to be overly sloppy-looking. You can also utilize a spray bottle of water on top of an area that has been painted; this helps blend colors together so they don’t look too stark against one another.

Conclusion:

Watercolors are a unique medium that takes time to master, but they’re also full of fun secrets. So don’t be afraid – give it a try and see what you can create!

What Does Your Jewelry Say About Your Personality? 

Women and men often get up in the morning and carefully choose an outfit. They may obsess over which shirt to wear or whether the brown shoes look better than the black. Once their outfit has been selected, they grab their favorite jewelry and put it on. When doing so, they never stop to think about what their jewelry says to others about their personality. However, they should.

A person’s jewelry choices provide information about who they are and what they value. Look around you and see what other people wear when it comes to their jewelry. Stop and think about their personality and how their jewelry choices reflect one or more aspects of who they are. Once you have done this, you’ll have a better understanding of what your own choices say about you. This information will be of great help the next time you are over at Adina’s Jewels picking out new items for your wardrobe. What are some common jewelry types? 

Costume Jewelry

People who wear costume jewelry tend to be fun loving. They gravitate toward statement necklaces, big hoops earrings, or oversized cocktail rings with vibrant gems created in a lab. They are social and bubbly and attract a crowd wherever they go. Men and women know they are going to have a good time when they are with this person.

However, take care when wearing this type of jewelry. Don’t mix it with bold or busy prints because the effect could be overwhelming. People could avoid you as their eyes cannot handle the flash.  People could avoid you as their eyes cannot handle the flash. When choosing elegant jewelry that complements your style, browse the refined selection available at Jewlr to ensure you strike the perfect balance of sophistication and flair.

Color-Coordinated Pieces

Highly organized individuals often choose to invest in jewelry combos or color-coordinated pieces. They tend to be very responsible and find matched sets appeal to their tastes. Professionals frequently opt for this jewelry style. In addition, a person who wears a coordinated set of pearl jewelry or combines a gold necklace, bracelet, and earrings tends to value the opinion of others.

Men and women find these individuals to be excellent conversationalists and often turn to them when they need advice. Furthermore, these individuals are known for being gracious hosts. People tend to see someone wearing coordinated pieces and assume they are sensible and polished. They look at these men and women as people who command authority and respect. 

Recycled Pieces

Individuals concerned about their carbon footprint often gravitate toward jewelry made from recycled materials or those consisting of natural, earthy materials. These individuals love nature and it shows in their jewelry choices. They prefer items made using driftwood, seashells, sea glass, plastic, wood, and more. Bright colors attract these individuals but they also love earth tones including forest green and ocean blue. 

Men and women who prefer recycled pieces tend to be warm and overflowing with life. They enjoy the feeling of the earth and this is seen in the accessories they wear. People love being around them as they make everyone happy and chirpy just by their presence and love of the world around them. 

Antique Jewelry

A person might wear jewelry for something other than aesthetic reasons. For instance, a woman might choose a piece because they are enthralled by its history and unique story, one that no other piece can replicate. This person might set trends or simply be nostalgic, but they love vintage or antique jewelry that differentiates them from the crowd and don’t care about brand names. 

These individuals tend to have a strong sense of personality and are very interesting. They can talk about any subject while being individualistic. In addition, they have remarkable taste and it shows in all that they wear. 

Classic Jewelry

Some women want to invest in jewelry that will not only last them a lifetime but can be passed down through the generations. These classic pieces embody elegance and go with everything a person wear. Bring to mind tennis bracelets, diamond studs, and solitaire engagement rings and you’ll know exactly what the term classic jewelry references. 

Individuals who prefer this type of jewelry tend to have traditional values and love all classic things, including furniture and clothing. They have an understated personality that is interesting to others, and their jewelry choices allow them to look poised everywhere they go. Others view these individuals as calm and focused. They appear confident and comfortable in their own skin. Furthermore, they recognize the beauty lies in simplicity. 

Luxury Items

Some men and women prefer luxury, brand-name items, and these individuals tend to pay great attention to detail when it comes to every aspect of their lives. They refuse to settle for less than the best and work hard to achieve their established goals. When they do so, they reward themselves. Men and women in this category have high self-esteem and appreciate the finer things in life. They serve as excellent hosts and hostesses and make a statement everywhere they go. 

Minimalist

Certain individuals believe less is more and opt for minimalist jewelry. Those love sleek, modern pieces that are stylish and versatile. In many cases, they choose to mix metals and may add some sparkle. However, they avoid lots of bling, as this simply doesn’t fit their personality. Polished metal and unusual silhouettes attract these individuals, and they appreciate things that are in balance. They usually like the best things in life, and they are known for their thoughtful personality. These men and women tend to be orderly and have a worldly charm that isn’t exhibited in their wardrobes. 

Sophisticated and Simple

People who lead a relaxed lifestyle and enjoy spending time outdoors with those they love often go for sophisticated yet simple jewelry pieces. Their chain necklaces, with or without a pendant or gemstone, and simple earrings that pair with any outfit show they don’t take life too seriously. Men and women see them as approachable. While they know what is considered fashionable and want to look their best, they don’t follow trends. They prefer to wear what they love regardless of the opinion of others. 

Look over your current jewelry pieces. What do they say about you? The next time you shop for jewelry, keep this in mind and choose pieces that blend with what you already have. Before you know it, you’ll have a collection of items you love and wear regularly. 

21 Signs He Is Making Love to You

making love

Love has happened to you after a long long time.

That tingling sensation deprives you of your sleep, it overflows you with a sense of joyous fulfillment.

It’s new, it’s passionate, it’s invigorating.

His honeyed words feel like ecstasy.

Things have been going really well lately and now you are wondering about his feelings towards you.

Is it just some wild sex making powered by a thirsty sex drive or is it passionate, caring, Cloud 9, sense altering love making? (1)

What are the signs he is making love to you?

Chill Karen, it’s just the beginning, who cares? We’ll see how it goes – you think to yourself, yet those making love vs. sex thoughts are somehow stronger. They shut every other rational thinking.

You can’t help it. You want to know, meanwhile those thoughts are lingering inside your brain and you are constantly torn between the two extremes:

Is it just some animalistic sex making because your energies seemed to have overlapped or is it that sensual, burning, slow type of making love that exceeds both chemistry and physical attraction? (2)

Everyone knows making love and having sex is not the same thing.

Duuh, right?

Yet, we all somehow struggle with making a clear distinction between the two.

Ever wondered why?

It’s because when love is happening to us, all our discerning powers vanish into thin air!

That’s fine. It happens to all of us.

Sex is…well, just sex. A natural hormone-influenced occurrence that functions like drug to the brain. But that just sex, when mingled with feelings, intimacy and a real connection, can turn into an emotional involvement that goes beyond having sex for the sake of having it.

But men are just about having sex! – you may think to yourself.

Stop right there.

We’ve all been there where love making hasn’t been our priority, but things change when you meet the right person.

We change, our thoughts change, our actions… EVERYTHING changes.

So, what are the signs he is making love to you, and it’s not just about sex?

All matters of the heart pose pondering dilemmas, which is why we’re here to help you identify the signs he’s making love to you, not just having sex:

1. He makes eye-contact with you

When a man wants to make love meaning he loves you, you will know it because he’ll be making eye-contact. Long, intense, scanner-like eye-contact. He’ll love making love to you – and his eyes will show you that more than his words ever will.

Eye-contact, especially when longer, is so deep and personal, so intimate; it is the internal dialogue of the eyes, that silent click of the senses.

If he is not afraid to dive into your eyes and see you, really see you, it means he is not just having sex. Making love is in question! As Tony Montana puts it, the eyes, chico, they never lie. A true case in point!

2. He goes heavy on the foreplay

We all know that making love is not just about that physical tiredness of the body, those time intervals of pleasure. It’s about the full immersion in a sensual experience.

You’ll know best that he is not just having sex when he takes time to kiss, he touches your body, and notices what particular gesture, touch, or kiss made your heart skip a beat, so he makes sure to repeat it.

You’ll know he is making love to you because he won’t rush the sex act, and he’ll take his time to explore every millimeter of your skin. He’ll simply love making love to you – there’s no other way to put it!

3. He takes your body’s hints

Because satisfying himself is not his priority, he’ll be much more observant. He’ll notice and take hints based on your reactions.

He’ll respond to your movements and gestures, to the hints your body is giving out, and most importantly he’ll be nervous throughout your making love. You can notice this because whenever he’ll recognize you don’t quite enjoy or respond well to something, he’ll either back down or ask you what’s wrong.

4. He is gentle in the bedroom as well

When having sex, he won’t suddenly become Mr. Beast that can’t be tamed. Rather, he’ll maintain the perfect balance between the rough and the tender.

He’ll be considerate of your wants and needs when making love to you, and you won’t feel like you are there just to satisfy a basic need. He’ll be loving, caring and receptive of the queues your body is sending him.

5. He cares about pleasing YOU

 

You’ll know that his making love won, like really won your heart because he puts you first.

Sex won’t be about finishing in a bit and then moving on to the next best thing – he’ll care about fulfilling every caprice, every wild, crazy fantasy of yours even if it takes being all covered up in sweat and literally fighting for breath! He’ll make that extra effort because he cares.

6. He will ask questions about it

He wants to make sure the sex gave you pleasure and satisfaction, and he will ask questions. Whether you enjoyed the act, whether you had an orgasm, or whether it lasted long enough for you to reach that finish line.

He is eager to listen to you, soak in the impressions, and emphasize that you should always communicate with him – he welcomes constructive criticism and is willing to implement it.

Why? Because he is making love to you, of course! He’s caught some feelings and the fact that he cares about your pleasure before his is a CLEAR sign of that.

7. He’ll initiate pillow talk

Does he like talking after just having sex? That’s another sign he’s making love to you! And if the pillow talk is fun, easy, effortless, and endless that you are late for stuff, guess what? You are in it for the real deal.

The sex glow is real, and it just makes you want to cuddle afterwards and talk for hours on end. You talk about silly things, you rewind the sex experience, or you try to find life’s purpose after making love, and this is not only deep, but it’s the perfect proof that you both love making love to each other. 

Otherwise, neither of you would’ve bothered staying in bed, bonding, and cuddling. That’s pure investment, right there.

8. He stops when you tell him to

Making Love

This is a great sign that he is making love to you – he respects your boundaries. He wants you to enjoy the sex act because a man who wants more than just sex will treat you right outside of the bedroom and in it.

Whatever your reservations may be when it comes to physical intimacy, he will respect them. If you feel uncomfortable in a certain position or if you are uncomfortable doing something, he’ll understand. He won’t force you into anything and will never stretch your limits because the sex will be about MUTUAL satisfaction. Period.

9. He likes to cuddle after sex

He wants to be intimate long after the sex is over. Making love doesn’t stop when one of you collapses on top of the other in sweat. Instead, you feel happy and fulfilled.

It feels right and there are no cringing moments after the sex because you are both comfortable with your naked bodies, you cuddle and hug for hours, he lies on your chest in attempt to listen to your heartbeat, or he plays with your hair. He wraps his arms around you, soaking every inch of your skin – his hands are practically glued to your body.

It’s how you know making love won! You both have accepted your bodies, so that physical closeness, that comfort, and long-hour cuddling, when coming from the heart, cannot be faked nor mistaken for anything other than love, sweet love!

10. He chooses intimate positions

Face-to-face positions hint that the person you are with is into you. If he only chooses some fancy, twisted sex positions or doggy-style, odds are, you aren’t making love.

Bummer, we know.

But if the positions he uses instigate eye contact, intensity, and intimacy, we have some great news for you – he is making love!

Of course, sex is about experimenting and pleasure, and no one is denying that you should try new things, but if among that sexual rollercoaster intimate positions like missionary or cowgirl aren’t included at all, you may be wasting your time.

11. He goes down on you

A guy would go down on you even if he’s just sexually attracted to you. But when a man does this alongside all these other things, he is in for the long run. He loves your taste. He reciprocates. He pays attention. He hunts your reactions, your breathing, your sweet little moans.

He is romantic AND a giver. At the same time! Ever wondered why?

Well, because nothing matters more to him than pleasing you and satisfying you in bed – even if it means being a bit submissive and following your pace.

12. His personal hygiene will be spotless

You can see he put in some effort to look nice and to smell nice for you. He’ll be shaved, his beard will be in perfect line, and you’ll feel his perfume across 4 rooms.

When you are making love with someone you genuinely care about, you’ll pay attention to the smallest of details.

13. He is not rushing anything

After you finish making love, you don’t have the urge to get up, get your things, and vanish within 5 minutes. You feel good in his arms and you want it to last, but you are afraid he doesn’t feel the same. You are afraid he’ll get up and start to talk about how late he is for a meeting, or that he promised to meet his friends.

But no sir! He offers you lunch or coffee, a cigarette, even a glass of wine. He continues to lie in bed and just soak in your smell. BAM! That’s another sign that he is falling or has fallen for you already.

When he has no plans after the sex act and he is ready to enjoy a couple of peaceful hours with you, know that he is making love to you.

14. He lets himself be vulnerable in front of you

That means all selfishness and egotism aside. He’ll ask questions, he’ll seek affirmations that the sex is going well, and he’ll communicate with you. He won’t be afraid to start up bedroom conversations and ask whether you are enjoying the sexual innuendo and most importantly, he won’t be afraid to communicate his insecurities and imperfections with you.

He’ll be honest about his endurance or preferences, he’ll want to know how synchronized your bodies are, and that’s yet another sign he is making love to you. None of that macho man playing or anything.

15. He holds hands

This is really important. Is he holding your hands when making love or is he holding your neck in a firm grasp? If he is he grasping your neck or hair abort mission, we repeat, ABORT MISSION! Unless you want to get your heart stumbled upon.

To be sure that he is making love and not just satisfying a need in a whim of passion, don’t be the first to touch his hand – wait to see if he is the one initiating the hand holding or those gentle touches that feel warm and fuzzy.

Crude touches feel that way because they are not emotion-inspired; they just help you get a firmer grasp of your partner’s body, and when going for something serious, those are the things you want to avoid.

16. There is some dirty talk, but the sex is not based on it

He compliments you. He wants you to know how you make him feel. He won’t be afraid to whisper something romantic because he wants to be with you. He won’t feel less of a man for being cheesy or romantic or too honest or too loud in front of you.

There will be some dirty talk because hey, you are passionate about each other and you can be your kinky self, but you will also talk about feelings and emotions and when you are together, you’ll know he is making love because you won’t feel like a piece of meat. You’ll feel valued, loved, respected, and appreciated.

17. He waits for you

If he’s not making love but just having sex, he’d end all tired and panting, probably wanting to hit the shower right away – or just put his clothes on. But when a man is making love, he will try to cling closer to you and put his arms tighter around you. He won’t be selfish and self-oriented.

He will ask you if you are close, and he’ll go above and beyond to follow your timing. In case he is faster, he’ll want to continue right away so you can finish as well. After all, there’s two of you, right?  He knows that, and he acts accordingly.

18. He has a favorite night gown or lingerie of yours

Out of all the pieces of erotic clothing you own, he already has picked out his favorite one. He has told you what color he likes most on you or has even bought you some silky nightgown or seductive lingerie in that color.

He wants to spice things up, but always in a way that will make you feel loved and important – always in a way that will make you feel special.

19. You don’t feel lonely as soon as it’s over

He is not making love to you if you get this innate feeling of frustration, sadness, or loneliness. Things might be great during the physical act, he feels present, but as soon as it’s over you get hit by the somber reality: you are not a couple. 

He makes it physical. He makes it only about himself and it shows – that’s why you feel that way.

When a man is serious about you, after the sex is over, he stays in bed to cuddle and talk. That feeling of ecstatic happiness is so mighty that it uplifts your senses and brings joy to every atom inside of you. It feels different because it is different.

20. He wants to do it at home

On a cozy, spacious bed. With clean sheets and candles or dimmed lights. He takes time and plans the act. Sex with you for him is not happening out on a whim, it’s an experience. A journey. He wants you to be comfortable and to feel respected, which is why he is willing to let you enter his private sphere and wear his t-shirts after sex.

If he always initiates doing it in his car or somewhere out in the open for the sake of adrenaline, know that he isn’t quite making love to you. Carnal desire tends to be spontaneous, unplanned, less comfortable.

Making love, on the other hand, touches the private zone of our everyday lives, smashing our boundaries of both privacy and intimacy.

21. He doesn’t expect sex every time

Last but not least – not everything leads to sex! This is perhaps the most important indicator. Your cuddles don’t always end up with sex. That’s the biggest indicator that he is making love to you.

It means he plans a future with you – a bond that’s beyond the physical one; a bond that’s spiritual above all else and transcends the carnal, the animalistic, the hot-blooded… the lustful.

Conclusion

Making love is not cut and dry as it seems. It will never be. It varies for each person, because we all have different ways of connecting and expressing emotions.

The above-mentioned signs will inevitably help you differentiate between making love and having sex, but they are not mutually exclusive and vary from person to person.

One thing is certain though: when he is making love to you, you will be able to feel it. You’ll know it deep down in yourself because everything will feel more intense, cringe-free, and beyond comfortable.

You can mimic passion, but feelings? They are hard to fake, and that’s the beauty of love.