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Know the Best iMac Mockup for Your Digital Product

By
Elizabeth Williams

If you want clients to choose your digital product, you have to showcase your project as if it was already the real deal. One way to do that is through the iMac mockup. While the iPhone is like the Apple sweetheart, the iMac is really like the hardworking big papa in the Apple world.

The Apple iMac is an important device because it is what most offices—whether in the corporate world or the home office. The iMac screen is large and that is one of the great things about it. One thing about the large screen is that it is great for working—everything is clear and any mistakes can be spotted easily. The large screen also enriches content.

This year, the iMac also got an update with up to eight-core Intel processor. This means that graphics and computing performances are now in a whole new level. This is important because as mentioned, the iMac is usually used in offices, meaning, it is an important canvas for functional tasks.

The right iMac mockup

So the internet is like a haven for free mockups. There are so many designs available that it would seem that presenting a digital product would be so much easier. That is true. It is better to have so many options than only a few. However, if you really want to impress clients, it is best that you have the appropriate iMac Pro mockup to show off your output.

For web designs, you want to showcase the actual page and even the user interface. One of the better mockup PSD is the clay mockups from Ramotion. The digital store has iMac clay mockup in PSD file and Sketch file. There are also the iMac and MacBook clay mockups that are also in PSD and Sketch. This is a minimalist kind of mockup, which is why the web page that you design will really shine through. It is also very classy with its black background.

If you are designing music or art products, then you need a mockup that will showcase photorealistic iMac. When its art, you want to make sure that they look real. The point of the mockup is that it is close to the real output as possible. Complement this with a mockup that provides photorealism and you are sold. The same goes to music, particularly if you are selling music with accompanying images or videos. They should be as realistic as possible. The photorealism is needed when you are designing videos, short films or films for online, too.

If you are designing for educational courses, the flat design might work for you. The mockup template will be quite boring because as the name implies, it is going to be flat. There will be no effects to provide stylistic elements. But that is okay because your digital product is the most important part here. You don’t need the stylistic elements to clash with the design of your educational or online seminar courses. This way, the star will be the content and that will be the focus of the buyers.

The workplace

As earlier mentioned, the iMac is more popularly used in the office—whether that is in the corporate world or just one’s personal office at home. So if you are designing a product that will most likely be used in the office, then you are in luck because there are so many kinds of workspace mockup in line. Some of these mockups are minimalist in nature so that the web page will be the central focus. There are also those that provide a physical setup to show how your design will look in a real setup.

There are various websites that provide free mockup that will look great with workspace-designed digital products. One such website is freepik.com. One of its workspace mockup shows the iMac in between a closed MacBook and an iPad that says, “Work hard or go home.” The Apple devices are on a white desk paired with a white chair. The background is predominantly white. What this does is emphasize a colorful web page. So if your digital product is full of colors, then this kind of workspace mockup will definitely highlight your work.

The above workspace mockup is available in smart objects. This is important because you will have to drag and drop your design in the iMac on the middle of the desk. Smart objects mean that you will be working with smart layers. This is significant because you won’t want to lose the original identity of your product. Every editing you make will stay with the layer and the original content will remain with the original layer.

Another iMac mockup from freepik.com is simply an iMac with speakers, a lamp and a shadow of the natural elements outside the window. This obviously indicates that the setting is a home office. Setting is definitely important when you are trying to sell a product. If your digital design is meant for home-based workers then this is a great opportunity to show your product off. You just need to incorporate your actual design on the iMac screen.

Presentation is everything

Creativity should not be left al on the digital product. There should be some left for the presentation. You have to know that your creativity in designing a product is not a guarantee that it will get the attention of the client you are eyeing. The presentation, though, could do that. There is this saying: Presentation is everything. While you cannot put everything on the presentation, this quote just emphasizes why presentation is very important.

Your creativity will be important, but it is the presentation that could give you the dough. If you want to lock in a deal, you have to create a presentation that says: This is the product you need! Sometimes, you can seal the deal with your presentation even if your design is not the best from a bunch.

Here are some general presentation tips from the most successful people in the world.

Future of Education: What the Education Industry Will Look Like In the Future

By
Elizabeth Williams

Like other industries, the education sector is rapidly evolving. We expect more institutions to adopt technologies that can lecture students and administer tasks in the next few years to come. Notably, most colleges have already begun offering online courses to students.

It is no secret that technologies like virtual reality and computer-based learning are the future of education. According to a poll by the American University, 75 per cent of teachers argue that digital learning content will replace textbooks (printed) by 2026.

How the Education Industry Is Expected to Evolve

As years pass by, more teachers and lecturers continue to rely on technology to train their students. Technology will soon replace all the traditional teaching methods. Here are some of the things that will change in the education sector.

1.    Online Education

Today, online education is growing in popularity, and almost every institution offers online courses to students across the world. This method of training allows students to access digital learning content and resources at anytime from any place in the world.

What makes online education more interesting is that it’s convenient. Students can go through lessons anytime, anywhere. Moreover, there is no restriction when it comes to the time of the study. They can take lessons at a time that best suits their study plans.

2.    Personalized Education

In a few years to come, students will use modern study tools to take lessons and complete tasks based on their capabilities. In other words, top-performing students will get asked more difficult questions than low-performing students.

If a student finds it hard to understand a particular subject, the digital education system will give the student more time to practice until they accomplish the task. The personalized learning system will also improve confidence in students with poor academic capabilities.

3.    Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning is a trending method of education, and we expect many institutions to implement it soon. This learning technique is presumed to be more engaging, personalized, tech-ready, and collaborative.

Project-based education allows students to gain useful skills that can be helpful in various situations. It will advance the students’ core skills to solve problems in the future. They include creativity, leadership, initiative, entrepreneurial, and collaboration skills.

4.    Exam Administration

Evaluating the students’ competencies through a question and answer format might become less effective in the future. That’s because this method of examination doesn’t reflect the actual capabilities of a student. Most students cram answers and write them on paper.

Most institutions are worried about the unprecedented increase in the number of graduates with quality academic papers but no skill-sets for jobs. In the future, educators will focus on training students on how to apply their factual knowledge in the field.

5.    Tech-Based Learning

The incorporation of the latest technologies in e-learning is currently underway. Innovations like virtual reality and mobile technologies are already finding their way into classrooms as most educators have started implementing them.

Virtual reality is a vital training tool that puts learners in a virtual space to visualize things in 3-dimension. It is mainly used to train people working in potentially hazardous environments like construction sites. It familiarizes learners with what they learn in classrooms. In fact, there are companies and specialist agencies like “Arborxr” that provide highly professional VR training to teachers and faculty members for helping them deliver the best tuition and virtual classroom experiences to all aspiring students that want to learn in an engaging and effective way.

Final Words

As technology revolutionizes the education industry, the demand for skilled graduates is also increasing. That necessitates a personalized education system that can prepare students for emerging job opportunities.

Educators should adopt modern teaching techniques that can help students of these ages to interact actively with the real world. Considering that this type of learning will be costly, parents should start saving for their children’s future education as early as now. Heritage RESP Reviews can help parents understand how to do that.

What to Do in Vegas

By
Elizabeth Williams

Dubbed as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” Las Vegas is a haven for thrill-seekers and adventurers. It is one of the go-to party places where you can tick things off your bucket list because of the many activities to do and sites to visit.

Las Vegas is where people host lavish parties like bridal showers or bachelor parties. So, if you are planning on a visit to Las Vegas buckle up because here are the fun things you can do and the fantastic places you can visit.

Party through the night

Las vegas clubs provide the wildest and grandest parties in the USA. Famous DJ’s can be found playing around the Strip at different night clubs. Las Vegas clubs are perfect for every party fanatic because of its flashy LED lights, overflowing drinks, and a plethora of people who want to dance the night away. 

Play with your luck

A Las Vegas experience is never complete without going to any of the hundreds of casinos around the city. These big gambling houses with their beautiful golden structures are a sight for tourists to see. Dominant names such as the Ceasar’s Palace, Bellagio, MGM, and the Mandalay Bay, are the popular hotspots for those who like to play with their luck. 

Have a romantic evening at the Venetian

For couples and honeymooners, the Venetian is one of the most beautiful places to have a romantic dinner. The gondola ride is a perfect place to woo your lady and makes you feel like you are in the Grand Canals of Venice. Gondoliers can even take it up a notch and serenade you with romantic songs. 

Take a walk down the Strip

The Strip, or most commonly known as the Las Vegas Boulevard, is home to massive replicas of different iconic tourists’ spots across the world. It houses replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the Trevi Fountain, and Egyptian Pyramids. Visiting the Strip feels like having a quick tour around the world.

Visit the Red Rock Canyon

Aside from having parties in the city, Las Vegas also has one of the best canyons around the country. The Red Rock Canyon State Park offers tourists a chance to see beautiful red rock formations across a 13-mile scenic drive. For those who are in for an adventure, the Red Rock Canyon is also a popular hiking spot where you can also see a mix of plant and animal diversity.

Eat at Michelin-starred restaurants

Vegas is a haven for food lovers, and there are many restaurants owned by renowned chefs. From the iconic Gordon Ramsay to the legendary Wolfgang Puck, you can have a taste of Michelin-star food. Just make sure to have a reservation beforehand since these restaurants are usually fully packed. 

Catch iconic shows and plays

The city of Las Vegas is home to the legendary Cirque du’ Soleil, which presents their appearances at the Bellagio. Magic shows by Mat Franco, performances by Celine Dion, and the comedy show Absinthe can also be witnessed in the area. 

Las Vegas has become an icon of its own. The city houses some of the best shows, experiences, and food in the world. There are genuinely so many things to do in Las Vegas that it is impossible to run a day without experiencing the excitement and glamour the city brings. 

Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis of Wrist Pain-Get Specialized Care Now!

By
Elizabeth Williams

Did you know how your hands and wrists are structured? Thirty-plus muscles control the movement of your hand and wrist and 27 small bones (8 of those bones are in your wrist) that make up each hand and wrist. Muscles are attached to bones by tiny but tough pieces of connective tissue called tendons that pass in your wrist, through a bony passage known as the carpal tunnel.

Have you suffered hand and wrist injury?

Hand and wrist injuries are widespread and can take many forms, such as open fractures, a laceration, crushed fingers, or loss of fingers or the whole hand. Most cases of pain or injury will not be a sign of long-term or a severe problem and will settle in a few days or weeks- most probably with some simple self-care at home. However, if you have severe pain, numbness, deformity, or are unable to move your wrist, call a specialist for an immediate appointment–urgent care could save you from a major problem.

 What Causes Wrist Pain?

Pain, whether simple fatigue, may occur for many reasons. The most common causes include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

A Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and arm, and this happens when one of the major nerves to the hand is compressed or squeezed as it travels through the wrist. It is a condition that develops when a ligament puts pressure on a nerve, and here you need urgent care! Visit your nearest hand and wrist specialist as soon as possible.  

People who have diabetes or arthritis or who have obese are at an increased risk of developing CTS. Moreover, the condition is also linked with repetitive work like typing, lifting, or using a device that vibrates the hand.

Rheumatoid arthritis

It is a long-term and disabling autoimmune disease that can occur in any joint. RA occurs where tissues are broken down into pieces by the body’s immune system and can cause severe wrist pain, swelling, and inflammation if the joints in the area are affected.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage (smooth elastic tissue) that covers the bones wears away. It causes inflammation of the joints, including the wrist. Wrist Osteoarthritis tends to occur most often in middle age or older people, and those with a family history of this condition.

De Quervain’s disease

De Quervain’s is a painful condition in which tendons of your wrist become inflamed and swell. It is often associated with repetitive thumb movement, however; the exact cause is not known. Symptoms include swelling, and weakness along the forearm, thumb, and wrist, or a grating feeling inside the wrist.

Wrist sprain

As per the research conducted by an American Society for Surgery of the Hand (oldest and most prestigious medical society), a wrist sprain is usually caused by bending or twisting the wrist backward forcefully when the hand hits the ground.

Ganglion cyst

A ganglion cyst hurts a lot. It is a small sac of fluid that builds over a joint or tendon. Inside the cyst is a sticky, thick, transparent, colorless, jellylike material that causes wrist pain, sometimes quite hard, depending on the size of the cysts.

Symptoms of Wrist Pain

Swelling, Heat/warmth, Discoloration, Deformity, Pain, and Limited ability to move the joint are some of the common symptoms of wrist pain. Whereas, some people may develop;

  • Stiffness in the wrist and fingers.
  • A clicking sound while moving the wrist– can become more severe after periods of rest.
  • Trouble gripping objects– holding or grasping may be painful or uncomfortable.

Depending on the cause, symptoms of the wrist pain may be mild to start and become worse as time goes on.

When to Seek Medical Care?

At first, pain may not occur too frequently but during certain activities only.  Later, as the condition worsens, pain or numbness can also progress to the point where you cannot feel cold or heat and may unable to hold things, you should call your hand and wrist specialist for an immediate appointment, or go to an urgent care clinic/hospital emergency department.

If there is severe swelling or a visible deformity, there may be a broken bone, or there also can be a dislocation of bones, although they are not broken.

Diagnosis

The doctor may:

  • Check your wrist for swelling, tenderness, or deformity
  • Check for a decrease in range of motion by asking you to move your wrist in different directions.
  • Assess your forearm and grip strength

In some cases, your hand and wrist specialist may suggest imaging tests, nerve tests, or arthroscopy.

Imaging tests

  • X-rays.It is the most commonly used test for hand and wrist pain. This test can reveal signs of osteoarthritis or bone fractures.
  • For a more detailed view of the bones, your doctor may go for CT scans to spot fractures that didn’t show up on X-rays.
  • This simple noninvasive test can help visualize cysts, tendons, and ligaments.
  • This test uses radio waves to produce detailed images of your soft tissues and bones. For a wrist MRI, the patient may be asked to insert their arm into a smaller device and not in a whole-body MRI machine.

Nerve tests

If carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected, your doctor might order an electromyogram (EMG) to test the extent of tiny electrical discharges produced in muscles. The nerve test is performed by inserting a needle-thin electrode into the tissue to record its electrical activity when the muscle is contracted and at rest.

Arthroscopy/ arthroscopic surgery

Arthroscopy (aka keyhole surgery) is a procedure in which a pencil-sized instrument ‘arthroscope’ is inserted into the joint of your wrist through a small incision in your skin. The instrument contains a tiny camera, which projects the test images onto a television monitor. This treatment is known as the gold standard for evaluating wrist pain. And, in some cases, the doctor may repair your long-term wrist problems through the arthroscope.

 Last words

If you’re experiencing long-term hand or wrist pain, do not delay treatment. Although you may initially visit your family physician, who may refer you to a Chiropractors or even an orthopedic surgeon. Take it seriously!

Trouble Losing Weight? Try These Four At-Home Tricks

By
Elizabeth Williams

With over two-thirds of the American population weighing-in as overweight or obese, weight loss is a big industry. There are hundreds of programs and products that promise a quick fix, but most people know that these “miracle pills” won’t produce sustainable, healthy weight loss. So, if you’ve been dieting and exercising but are still struggling to lose weight, you have two reasonable options: (1) ask your doctor for help, or (2) adjust your at-home strategy. 

If you have been struggling to lose weight for a long time, it may be worthwhile to talk with your doctor. He or she can screen you for conditions that make weight loss harder (e.g. hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome), or prescribe medications to help you lose weight. Prescription weight loss medications, like Adipex (phentermine) or Belviq, are effective for some patients, but they also come with a long list of contraindications and potential side effects. If you think you may have a condition that makes weight loss harder, or could benefit from a pharmaceutical boost, make an appointment with your doctor.

Otherwise, try these four at-home tricks to lose more weight, faster!

1. Track Intake and Activity

Research repeatedly shows that dieters who track what they eat and drink, as well as their daily activity, lose more weight than those who don’t. Tracking is far from a perfect science, and even experts are prone to underestimate portions by up to 20% (especially when eating out), but it helps keeps you accountable. Commit to at least two weeks of consistent tracking to reap the benefits of this “trick”.

You can either write everything down in a notebook and then Google & record calories at the end of the day, or use a mobile tracking app (like MyFitnessPal, LoseIt or MyPlate). Apps are easier for most people since they automatically calculate calories and macros, plus set daily calorie goals, but some people still prefer pencil & paper for simplicity.

For this method to be effective, it’s important that you:

  • Track all seven days a week (not just weekdays)
  • Record all of your nibbles and snacks, as well as your main meals
  • Measure your portions of food, or find a reliable way to eyeball it
  • Accurately calculate calories burned by activity

2. Eat More Protein, Especially at Breakfast

Eating more protein helps increase satiety, which means you won’t be rummaging for snacks by 10am. In one study, researchers found that people who doubled their protein intake (from 15% to 30% of their daily calories) experienced a marked decrease in appetite, which means they naturally ate fewer calories throughout the day and lost more weight as a result.

More, another study reported that dieters who ate an egg breakfast lost 65% more weight in eight weeks than did a similar group who ate bagels for breakfast. This indicates that protein at breakfast is especially important for weight loss.

Looking for some high-protein breakfast ideas? Try an omelette, cottage cheese with berries, a protein shake, or whole-wheat toast with smoked salmon.

3. Drink Enough Water

Proper hydration is vital to successful weight loss. In fact, a 2016 study found a noteworthy correlation between hydration status and body mass index (BMI); US adults with inadequate hydration were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese.

Drinking enough water helps people lose weight faster for two reasons:

  • Decreased appetite (intake)
  • Increased lipolysis (breakdown of fat cells)

Hydration needs vary from person-to-person, but most adults need at least 64 ounces (8 glasses) of water per day. Needs are higher for men, athletes, individuals living in hot or cold climates and bigger people (whether taller or heavier).

If you’re not sure how much water you should be drinking, look at your pee. It should be light yellow – if it’s darker it means you need to drink more, while clear urine indicates you may be over-hydrating. Even among the medical community, urine color is considered the best indicator of hydration status.

4. Combine Cardio and Strength Training

Many dieters focus almost-exclusively on cardio, usually because cardio burns more calories in the moment. This tends to be especially important to people who are tracking intake & activity and love that big negative number in the daily calorie report. However, while the standard 30-60 minutes of daily cardio are important to promote both weight loss and aerobic fitness, strength training is also vitally important since it helps maintain & build lean muscle mass.

Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat, plus people with more muscle mass are less prone to injury and tend to stay more physically-active as they age. Using boxing resistance bands is also ideal for training exercises in upper body strength, it helps tone the arms and create lean muscle mass in these areas.

These are all important factors in weight loss given that we spend the majority of our time not exercising, injuries undoubtedly hinder weight loss efforts and becoming sedentary promotes weight gain.

Common strength training exercises include lifting weights, climbing stairs, yoga, Pilates, bodyweight exercises (lunges, squats, push-ups, crunches, etc.) and working with resistance bands. 

I’m An Independent And Modern Woman, But I’ll Always Appreciate These 10 Old-Fashioned Dating Habits

By
Riley Cooper
old fashioned

I’m a modern, independent, and confident woman that knows how to take care of herself. And when it comes to love, I know what qualities my partner needs to possess and how I deserve to be treated in a relationship.

I love men that openly and proudly show their emotions. But, most of all, I respect people that aren’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone and go the extra mile for the person they love.

And I know. We live in a modern-dating society of the 21st century in which to most people, chivalry is only an abstract term and romance is slowly dying.

But, I also know that this will never prevent me from respecting the real values.

Here are 10 old-fashioned dating habits I will always appreciate:

1. Asking her out on a date.

Guys, if you really want to go out on a date with the girl you like, ask her directly. Do not beat around the bush and wait for her to guess what you have on your mind. Being open about your feelings and intentions keeps you from ending up friendzoned.

2. Holding a door opened for her.

It may seem like a small and unimportant gesture, but it’s, in fact, one that every lady out there appreciates. Taking your time to open a door for her shows her that you are a real kind gentleman.

3. Surprising her with a small gift or flowers.

It is really not the bouquet or the gift that’s important, but the thought that you made an effort to do something meaningful for the one you love.

4. Being honest about your intentions.

Just because having an open conversation with your partner about where your relationship is headed can be a little weird, especially if you’re in the beginning stages, it doesn’t mean that you should avoid it.

Being clear about your intentions is essential. The woman you’re in a relationship with deserves to know whether you consider her as a temporary fling or you’re truly in love with her.

5. Dressing up nicely for a date.

It’s not like you’re supposed to wear a specific type of clothes for a date, but, please, make sure you put some effort into your looks. Make sure you look neat and elegant. Because clothing style speaks volumes about you.

6. Putting your phone away.

When on a date, scrolling through your Facebook newsfeed or counting how many likes your recently posted selfie on Instagram has got will certainly not show your date that you like her.

So, if you want her to know that you’re truly interested in her, put your phone away and be there with each other.

7. Walking her home.

When you walk her home, not only do you make sure she is safe on her way home, but you also show her that you genuinely care about her. You also show that you want to spend more time with her, even if that means that you have to rearrange your schedule or stay out late.

8. Always being on time.

It’s highly disrespectful and rude to be late on a date. It kind of sends the message that you’re not really interested in your date. So, to prevent this, make sure you arrive on your appointed place 5-10 minutes earlier.

9. Going dancing to loud music.

Perhaps you won’t agree with me, but there is something about these modern-day clubs that makes me sick. The thing DJs play doesn’t even deserve to be called MUSIC. It’s just noise.

Fortunately, you can still find some rare places where you can really have some fun. Places where you and your date can dance to real music like no one is watching you.

10. Not assuming that you and the girl you like will be physically intimate on the first date.

… or on the second date. When it comes to such expectations, the only thing I can say is that they sicken me. In fact, I believe that any self-respecting lady out there despises this as well.

7 Phrases That Matter More To Your Significant Other Than “I Love You”

By
Riley Cooper
more than i love you

While “I love you” is a wonderful way to show your genuine, deep affection for the person you are in a relationship with, this phrase is not enough to make a relationship deepen and last long. It is not enough to prove that the love you feel for your partner is real, selfless, and unconditional.

Here are 7 phrases that actually mean more to your significant other than “I love you:”

1. “I believe in you.”

When you say this to your significant other, you show them that you know they have the strength, skills, and talents necessary to fulfill their goals and dreams. You show them that you believe they can achieve anything they set their mind to. And most importantly, you make them be more aware of their worth.

2. “Thank you.”

When you say “thank you” to your partner, not only do you show them how grateful you are for their patience, kindness, compassion, and affection and for everything they do for you, but you also show them how important they are to you.

3. “Love yourself.”

When you say this to your significant other, you teach them about the importance of self-acceptance and self-care. You tell them that they need to appreciate their strengths and embrace their weaknesses as well. You tell them that they should never ignore their feelings, needs, desires, and problems. You tell them that they need to accept and love themselves the way they are.

4. “I understand.”

When your partner is sharing their problems with you or complaining about their jealous friend, sometimes understanding is all they’re seeking.

Letting your significant other know that you fully understand how they’re feeling or what they’re going through shows them that you are attentively listening to them. It shows them that their words have meaning for you.

5. “I appreciate you.”

Letting the person you are in a relationship with know that you appreciate them is essential since it shows how much you value them. It shows how much you respect them and how important to you they are. It shows that you recognize the happiness, joy, comfort, and peace they bring into your life.

6. “I forgive you.”

Forgiving someone who’s hurt you can be really hard, especially if that “someone” is the person you’re in a relationship with. But it is essential that you forgive the person you’re in love with for all the times they’ve hurt you so as to move forward and heal your emotional wounds as well as those of your partner.

7. “I am yours.”

It is important for the person you are in a relationship with to know that they’re the only one who occupies a special place in your heart. It’s important for them to know that you are entirely committed to them. It’s important for them to know that you couldn’t imagine living without them. Telling them, “I am yours” will make them be aware of this.

A Delicious Dessert: Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Sandwiches Dipped In Chocolate

By
Riley Cooper

If you have a sweet tooth and you can’t say no to chocolate and cookies, then you’re going to adore these chocolate-covered peanut butter banana sandwiches.

You just need bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate to make this tasty healthy dessert. These peanut butter banana sandwiches dipped in chocolate are not difficult to make at all and, trust me, no one can say no to them.

I’ve been making these little cutties for years and all of my friends love them. I mean, who wouldn’t?

Before I share the recipe with you, let me tell you first why I adore these frozen chocolate-covered peanut butter banana sandwiches.

Well, first of all, they’re truly delicious. Then, they are easy to make – you just need 3 ingredients to make them. Next, they’re perfect to eat when it gets hot outside as they are refreshing. And most importantly, they are healthy.

Peanut butter has many health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, like vitamin B3 and vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, and zinc. It’s also low in carbohydrates and a good source of protein.

In addition to being delicious, bananas are very healthy too. They are a great source of vitamin B6, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and different antioxidants. They’re also naturally low in sodium and there’s almost no fat in them.

Due to being an excellent source of potassium, bananas are beneficial to your cardiovascular health. Potassium helps your body flush out extra sodium in the urine and it also reduces tension in the walls of blood vessels.

Additionally, being rich in fiber, eating a banana helps you feel satiated longer, which causes you to eat less during the day. In this way, eating a banana helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Chocolate can be beneficial for you as well, of course, if you always keep in mind the valuable advice “everything in moderation.”

Quality-made dark chocolate – the one that doesn’t contain preservatives and that isn’t high in fat and calories, can benefit your cardiovascular health as the flavonoids which are naturally found in chocolate can lower systolic blood pressure and bad LDL cholesterol levels.

Quality-made dark chocolate can also stimulate your brain, which can make you more attentive and alert.

banana bites

And last but not least, I’m sure you’ve already heard that many people refer to chocolate as “mood food.” And this is for a good reason. Chocolate contains a high amount of polyphenols, which improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Now, let’s see how frozen chocolate-covered peanut butter banana sandwiches are made:

Ingredients:

– 2-3 sliced bananas

– 1/3 cup natural peanut butter

– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Slice the banana into 1/4 inches (0.7 cm) thick rounds and put half of the slices on a baking sheet. Set aside the other half of the slices.

2. Spread peanut butter on the slices of banana and then top with the other half of the slices.

3. Freeze the peanut butter banana sandwiches for an hour.

4. Melt dark chocolate with coconut oil in a small bowl.

5. Take the frozen sandwiches out of the freezer and dip them, one by one, in the melted chocolate. Then place them back on the baking sheet.

6. Freeze them for an additional hour.

7. Bon appétit!

frozen chocolate

4 Common Dental Issues And How To Fix Them

By
Elizabeth Williams

Dental health is extremely important. This is not breaking news. But whilst we all know that taking care of our teeth and mouths is crucial to our overall health and wellbeing, we don’t always listen to the warning signs until it’s too late. So if you’ve got a niggling feeling that something’s just not quite right with your teeth, check out these four very common dental issues so you can get things sorted! 

Cavities

Otherwise known as tooth decay, cavities are a very common dental problem. Cavities are caused when sugar and starches from the food we eat interacts with plaque that forms on our teeth. The result is the formation of acid which attacks our tooth enamel.

Many people mistakenly think that cavities only affect children but this is not the case. Cavities or tooth decay can occur at any age, especially if you have a poor diet full of sugary drinks and snacks.

Avoiding cavities is fairly simple. Keep sugary drinks to a minimum (or abandon completely if possible) and avoid a regular intake of sugary foods. But of course, diet alone won’t prevent tooth decay. In order to keep the enamel of your teeth intact you need to maintain a regular and rigorous cleaning routine. This involves brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day, flossing once a day and  visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the major causes of tooth loss for adults. It’s essentially an infection of the gums surrounding the teeth. It’s very common amongst adults and usually occurs after age 30. Smoking is considered a huge contributor to gum disease and diabetes and dry mouth have also been linked.

Symptoms of gum disease include tender, swollen, red or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, painful chewing and bad breath. Like most dental issues, brushing twice a day, flossing daily and visiting the dentist regularly are all key to preventing gum disease.

If it’s too late for prevention and you believe you have gum disease, then visit your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to give you advice and gum disease treatment to prevent complications such as tooth loss.

Bad Breath 

Bad breath is a lot more common than you think. A lot of people suffer from bad breath and it can be due to a variety of factors. Often, bad breath is the symptom of another issues as opposed to an issue in itself. Bad breath can be a symptom of a number of different dental issues such as bacteria on the tongue, gum disease, cavities and oral cancer.

Of course, brushing and flossing regularly will help you to maintain a healthy mouth but if the bad breath persists despite this routine, consult your dentist to rule out anything serious. 

Sensitive Teeth 

This is a very common issue that can cause discomfort when your teeth come into contact with sweets, drinks, ice cream or even cold air. Some people even find brushing and flossing to be painful with sensitive teeth.

Sensitive can sometimes be a sign of a cracked tooth or tooth abscess but more often than not it’s something simple that can easily be treated. If you suddenly start experiencing tooth sensitivity, make an appointment with your dentist to get to the root of the issue. 

Conclusion

Dental issues come and go, and as we get older some issues may occur more often. The key to good dental hygiene is of course to brush and floss regularly but remember that having regular appointments with your dentist is also extremely important.

If you’re worried about a particular dental issue or have recently experienced some new symptoms, consult your dentist. If caught early, most dental issues are fairly straight forward to treat but if they are left untreated, they can escalate to bigger issues and could ultimately result in tooth loss. So when it comes to dental issues, always play itself with regular check-ups at the dentist.

10 Tips How To Stay Sane While Planning Wedding

By
Elizabeth Williams

It is a popularly known fact that there exists a high level of excitement, anxiety and stress during the period of wedding planning. Being the major decision a marriage is; one that concerns and combines two families, tensions can be high during the weeks leading up to the wedding. This is why it is a great idea to have a plan or tips on how to stay sane when everything seems to be high up in the air.

From pre-wedding events, to guest lists, budgeting, travel and accommodation logistics, probable family meetings or clashes, there is much to experience when planning your wedding. While a wedding planning checklist is very helpful, you will also need to manage your stress levels while ticking off items on your list. So, before you turn into a bridezilla or succumb to the stress, check out our free wedding planning kit on how to deal with wedding planning stress.

  1. Employ the services of a planner

Whether you are having a simple and small wedding, or a big one, it helps a great deal to get someone to manage the wedding planning organization. Even if you don’t have a budget that covers a professional planner, you can get a close friend or family member who is great at event planning to assist.

  1. Have designated help

Having this type of assistance will enable you take some time for yourself whenever you begin to feel the pressure. You will need to decide on a planner right from the beginning of the process, so that you are assisted all the way. From the wedding printables, to hiring vendors, managing your budget, scouting venues and so on. Wedding planning can be a lot more fun and less stressful if you have designated help.

  1. Be flexible

Try to decidewhat is most important and what is not. The most important aspects of the wedding are the parts that would need your absolute attention. However, it is possible to get distracted and worry over certain aspects that wouldn’t make much of a difference to the success of your union. Realize that you may not be able to do it all, and that the picture would still be perfect.

  1. Focus on what’s important

So, decide early on, the absolutely vital stuff, and focus on those. This will enable you to be flexible about a number of other things. You can’t get the table linen in the desired texture? It’s not something to worry about. This kind of flexibility goes a long way in ensuring that you survive wedding planning.

  1. Schedule breaks

While planning a wedding is quite vital to the success of your wedding day, contrary to popular belief, it should not take up every waking moment you have before the wedding. Schedule break periods where you don’t have to worry, think or engage in any aspect of the wedding planning.

  1. Take time for yourself

From your work, to the lives of your friends and family, use these breaks to engage just as you would normally. Spend some time even with your partner, without bringing up wedding planning discussion.

  1. Enjoy the journey

Find ways to enjoy the journey and have some wedding planning fun. This is an opportunity to continuously be in close proximity with friends and family who you might not have with you otherwise. While wedding planning can be stressful, do not forget that this is a time for celebration.

  1. Bathe in the excitement

It is a most exciting time, and a time to make beautiful memories with the ones that you love. Decide to see the glass as half full instead of half empty, no matter the circumstance, and enjoy this blessing that has come your way.

  1. You are not alone

Even though it might seem that most decisions and planning depend on you, this event is not all about you. You have a partner in all this, and remembering to include him in most things will divide and ease the burden for sure.

  1. Let go a little

While you might be tempted to be in charge of everything, this is a great time to learn to let go, and let someone else take the reigns on decision making for a while. This is a partnership after all, so it would be great to start getting used to working together instead of alone.

Some people think about wedding planning, and they immediately begin to panic about all that needs to get done. Do not fret, among a sea of wedding planning articles, these tips can guide you on how to stay sane while planning your wedding.

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