10 hacks to have the best Black Friday ever

10 hacks to have the best Black Friday ever

Most of us wait for the Black Friday sale to get our hands on everything that we have planned to buy during the year. Whether it’s a new smartphone, TV, dishwasher, or laptop, this is the best time to score the best deals. But with so many deals and offers, things get tricky at times. Here are some expert tips to help you sail through the Black Friday furor. Plan your shopping While Black Friday is a great time to shop, no one wants to put a dent in their wallet. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and purchase things that you don’t need. To avoid overspending, you need to plan your purchase. This means knowing exactly what you want to shop and allocating a fixed amount of money to it. Research the offers early on Almost every retailer and brand start advertising their Black Friday offers at least a few months in advance. To get to know these, prioritize your purchase and subscribe to the newsletters of your favorite brands. You don’t have to go on every retailer’s page. Using websites and applications such as Google Shopping, Shopkick, and Shopzilla will help you compare prices and know the discounts early on. Use social media Not just websites but retailers use social media platforms to promote sales, deals, and offers. Retailers also often reward people who follow and share information. Subscribe to their pages for quick alerts for incentives and promotions. The plus is that texts, social media posts, and tweets are a great way to share the offers with your friends as well. Check store policies Retailers don’t advertise all the offers on social media. For instance, they may have some specific deals like price-match and return policies that get you better discounts. So, it’s a good idea to keep yourself updated on this finer print on their websites.
10 bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid

10 bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid

Bathroom remodeling can be complex and require more time, effort, and resources than people usually estimate. There are many ways and designs to renovate the space so it fits one’s needs perfectly, but it’s important to consider all aspects of the project before starting it. These include plumbing, electrical work, structural changes, etc. Making mistakes during the estimation or execution process can cost one dearly. Therefore, here are some common bathroom remodeling mistakes one must avoid. Not planning ahead Bathroom renovation projects require thorough planning and consideration due to their complexity. Plumbing, electrical work, flooring, surface materials, ventilation, and layout all need careful attention to ensure success. Before taking up the project, one should shortlist the layout, the final look and feel of the space, one’s usage and storage solutions, the budget, and the timeline for completion. Not only this, but in the case of residential or personal projects, one should also consider alternative bathroom arrangements while the current bathroom is being remodeled. Not consulting professionals Before starting a project, one should consult professionals to create a well-thought-out layout. Professionals are often more experienced and understand the intricacies of the project that DIYers may not be aware of. This may include functionality, aesthetics, and compliance with building codes. Even in tasks that seem as simple as bathroom wall painting, one needs to be aware of the plumbing, flooring, and surface materials. This is because some paints may block and cause ventilation problems. Taking the time to plan and iterate different layouts can prevent costly mistakes and ensure a satisfactory outcome for the bathroom remodel. Not visualizing the final outcome At times, one may love a certain paint color and tile design that do not necessarily go together in the bathroom. While the individual elements and styles may look amazing, it’s important to visualize the final outcome.
10 things to avoid when attending a funeral

10 things to avoid when attending a funeral

Funerals are a place to be quiet and respectful. While most people understand this, every funeral has different traditions and customs that one may not know. As a result, a guest may unintentionally offend someone else, including the host. Therefore, individuals must always keep a few points in mind when attending these occasions. The things one should not do at a funeral are straightforward for people to understand and remember. Arriving late Being on time or early is a golden rule when attending a funeral. One should arrive early to settle in before the service begins. Being late would mean interrupting the proceedings by having to look for a seat. If a person does turn up late, they should enter discreetly and quietly and look for a seat in the back to avoid disturbing the funeral setting. Dressing inappropriately Funerals are sad and serious occasions. Therefore, guests should not experiment with dress codes and styles. The most accepted attire at such an event is black. One should wear dark neutrals if they do not have black, but avoid dressing in business casual and steer clear of jeans and flip-flops. Wearing something suited for the event, such as formal attire, is advisable to ensure one does not offend anyone at the funeral home. Being rude to the family While this one might seem obvious, it is easy to forget when at a funeral. One should remember that a family is going through a challenging time during a funeral and may need the love and support of their family members and friends. So, people should be nice to the family and not say anything rude. One should offer their condolences to the bereaved, then move out and let them speak with the other guests at the venue. Taking photos or videos Many people take photos and videos of the funeral service.
6 mistakes to avoid while booking a hotel

6 mistakes to avoid while booking a hotel

Various online platforms have made booking accommodations a breeze. Whether you are traveling within the country or abroad, you need to make sure that you have chosen the right place to say and made the bookings correctly, so there’s no issue when checking in. However, certain common mistakes people tend to make when booking hotels can put a hitch in their trip. Here’s a list of six such booking mistakes that you should avoid: Not clarifying the different elements of the rate Many a time when making a booking, people just see the room rate. They forget to check out other additional components of the room rate. For example, many forget to find out about taxes. If you are booking online, there are resort fees that you may not see immediately and forget to check about. The resort fee is an amount charged for certain amenities at the property and is mostly not part of the basic room rate. You may realize the extra amount to be paid only when you arrive at the hotel, and at that time, it is too late to cancel your booking without paying a hefty fee. Therefore, it is best to gather all information before you make the booking. This way you will not end up being in a sorry state spending more than budgeted for the trip. Choosing non-refundable rates to book the room This could be another big blunder. Non-refundable rates usually are lower rates than the normal rates, that’s why these are so attractive. Sometimes, the non-refundable tag are prominently displayed but at times it can be mentioned in tiny fonts somewhere below that is easy to miss. Unfortunately, situations can change anytime and what was once a confirmed trip, you may need to cancel the booking eventually. There could be an emergency at the home, or office, or you may need to change the dates, etc.
12 common mistakes people make when using a foot massager

12 common mistakes people make when using a foot massager

The feet have many pressure points connected to different body parts. So, a foot massage benefits not only the feet but also the body and mind. But, getting a foot massage from a professional may not always be possible. Buying a foot massager can help one receive a relaxing foot massage at home without needing a professional. But one needs to avoid certain common mistakes while using a foot massager: Forgetting to adjust the speed Electric foot massagers come with multiple speed controls, which can be adjusted to tailor the intensity of the massage to one’s liking. However, many individuals overlook these settings and settle for a speed that is generally suitable for them. To fully reap the benefits of a foot massager, it is recommended to take the time to explore all of the speed controls and their varying intensities. Not setting up the massager beforehand One should remember to set up a foot massager properly before using it each time. A foot massager needs a steady, flat surface and a comfortable chair. One should then place their feet in a relaxed position before starting the massage. Directly starting with high-intensity It’s important to give the feet time to adjust to a massager. Starting at a high intensity can be a shock to the muscles. Therefore, it’s recommended to begin with low intensity and gradually increase the intensity as the feet become more accustomed to the massager. Extending the massage’s duration Electric massagers can feel highly relaxing, but extending the massage’s duration or using the massager excessively can cause injuries or muscle soreness. Initially, one should not use an electric massager beyond 10-15 minutes. This duration may be somewhat extended as one gets used to it. In general, shorter massage sessions are more effective. Massaging one part of the foot more During a foot massage session, it is common to experience muscle soreness or tension in one particular area of the foot more than others.
Top 8 mistakes to avoid when buying a pickup truck

Top 8 mistakes to avoid when buying a pickup truck

Investing in a new pickup truck is a huge and costly decision that requires thorough research and planning, right down from choosing the correct model, brand, and size to knowing about one’s financing options. It is very easy to make mistakes and overlook certain things, making one regret their purchase decision. Here are a few mistakes one needs to avoid when selecting and signing the ownership agreement for a new pickup truck. 1. Failing to consider cabin size Choosing a pickup truck with the wrong cabin size is a major mistake, as it does not serve the purpose. For instance, a small cabin might not be able to seat enough people, or a cabin with too much room can cause someone to tumble or skid sideways at a sharp turn. Multiple pickup truck options are available, including regular cabins, crew cabins, and extended cabin sizes. Depending on their needs, drivers can select if they want a proper, spacious seating option for two people or four people. The thumb rule is to consider the number of passengers frequently traveling in this pickup truck. Of course, selecting a pickup with a smaller cab can help save money, but saving some dollars is not the only goal, especially if it can lead to purchasing another pickup truck because of the wrong selection. 2. Selecting the wrong engine Nowadays, trucks have much more to offer than they did back in the day. The biggest choice in terms of the engine is to select between an eight and a four-cylinder. This is important because the wrong choice could compromise the budget or the towing capacity. Going with a truck engine with a higher capacity also means spending extra, not just for the purchase but also for fuel and maintenance. This is a strict no-no, especially if the driver does not require what the sticker price offers.
Top 10 Black Friday coffee maker deals to expect in 2022

Top 10 Black Friday coffee maker deals to expect in 2022

If you love your morning cuppa and need a good-quality coffee maker to get through the day, Black Friday 2022 is the best time to find incredible deals on coffee makers. Listed are some of the best offers on coffee makers that were available last year, with a brief on every unit’s performance and price to help you pick the best option for yourself. So, keep out for similar discounts on these products this year. Ninja DualBrew Pro Speciality System This high-performance coffee system from Ninja has a 12-cup thermal carafe that works with pods and coffee grounds. It has a 60-ounce reservoir and a built-in frother. With its independent hot water dispenser, you can also brew tea. This Black Friday, this coffee maker could be available for $199 instead of $249. Keurig K-Slim Single Serve K-Cup Pod One of the best options of coffee makers for smaller households, this Keurig unit has a sleek design which fits into the smallest of spaces. Depending on your needs, you can choose from 8-, 10-, or 12-ounce pours. You could pick this coffee maker on Black Friday at $99 instead of $119 – its original price. Nespresso Vertuo Next A Nespresso coffee lover will love this coffee maker. This stylish-looking unit in black and rose gold colors works with the Vertuo capsules, which means you can prepare 30 aromatic blends in your home. This one-touch brewing system could be available this holiday season at $179 instead of $199. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine This Breville coffee maker is for all luxury coffee lovers. It comes with 15 bars of pressure, an inbuilt grinder, and a milk frother. The machine lets you choose the grind amount and also changes the water temperature. You can buy this at $650 instead of $699. Braun Multi-Serve 10-Cup Coffee Maker We love this coffee maker for its looks and feature-packed performance.
7 mistakes to avoid for preventing and managing skin diseases

7 mistakes to avoid for preventing and managing skin diseases

Many people follow a great skincare routine by applying expensive creams and lotions but still encounter skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rashes. While it’s great to know the best practices for keeping your skin healthy, preventive skin care is equally important. Here are some unhealthy habits you need to stop immediately to keep skin conditions at bay and manage existing problems. These tips are easy to follow and don’t cost a lot. Having too much sugar and refined carbs Research shows that refined carbs and sugar increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. But did you know that foods rich in sugar and carbs also lead to skin disease? Excessive sugar leads to a spike in insulin levels. This, in turn, causes the pores to secrete excess oil, leading to clogged pores and pimples. On the other hand, carbs bind to collagen molecules, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that make the skin look aged. Skipping sunscreen Although we know how important sunscreen is for keeping the skin free of wrinkles, tanning, and pigmentation, we often skimp on it. Not using sunscreen can contribute to severe skin diseases, including skin cancer. To keep such ailments at bay, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will shield the skin against both UVA and UVB rays. For the best results, apply a generous amount 15 minutes before leaving home and reapply it every two hours. Not cleaning your cell phone How is this related to skin health? Our cell phones are exposed to harmful bacteria. And placing its screen against the cheek when answering calls may transfer the bacteria from the handset to your face, leading to skin diseases like acne. So, clean the surface of your device from time to time, and if possible, use earphones while calling. Exfoliating too much Exfoliation is a great way to make the skin squeaky clean and bright.
8 common mistakes to avoid while washing a car

8 common mistakes to avoid while washing a car

Cars are complex machines that include several components and panels. This is why, cleaning cars can be a deceptively complicated thing to do. Unsurprisingly, people make several common mistakes while washing their cars. These mistakes can somewhat spoil a vehicle’s appearance. Many individuals rely on automobile cleaning professionals to get the job done for them. Nevertheless, if one chooses to clean their cars by themselves, here are some of the common cleaning mistakes to avoid: Washing a car under direct sunlight A common misconception associated with cleaning cars is that doing it under direct sunlight is effective as the heat helps dry the surfaces quickly. However, doing so actually spoils a car’s appearance. When one cleans a car and leaves it under the blazing sun, the water evaporates faster than one can wipe the watermarks off. This leaves the watermarks on the car’s body and, after they dry, the watermarks tend to give the car’s body a flaky appearance. Instead, one can simply wait for the cooler times during the day to clean their vehicle. If possible, one should use the early morning or late evening period to do the job. Also, one should avoid keeping their vehicle out in the sun for too long. A car cover can help in the absence of a shaded parking lot. Washing parts in the wrong order One might wonder what the order of cleaning has to do with the overall washing process. The answer’s quite simple: the tires are the dirtiest components of a car, so washing them last can result in sand and mud getting stuck onto the body, which one may have cleaned first. To avoid double work, people can wash the tires first, followed by a quick rinsing of the overall body with water to get the dirt out.
Learning the symptoms and management of COPD

Learning the symptoms and management of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a term used by healthcare professionals to refer to a group of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over time, COPD can cause patients to experience breathing difficulties. While one cannot reverse the lung damage, patients can make certain lifestyle changes to manage the condition and its associated symptoms. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms and treatment alternatives of COPD. Symptoms of COPD Generally, the symptoms of COPD do not make an appearance until the condition has progressed significantly, leading to extensive lung damage. Furthermore, the continuation of certain poor habits can make the condition worse over time. Here are some of the signs of COPD mentioned below. Tightness in the chest One of the most common symptoms of COPD, chest tightness, can manifest in different ways across patients. While for some it can be noticed in the form of breathing difficulties, for others it can feel like a weight on the chest. This can increase the risk of pain while breathing. Some of the main causes of the issue are damage to lung’s air sacs, airway obstruction, respiratory infections, and bronchospasms. Wheezing This symptom of COPD is often accompanied by tightness in the chest. One of the best ways to differentiate wheezing from breathing difficulties is to look for a high-pitched whistling-like sound while inhaling or exhaling. Usually, this symptom is brought on by damage to the lungs and airways, where the body part swells and gets clogged by mucus. Some of the main reasons for this symptom are prolonged exposure to dust, polluted air, chemicals, and fumes. Chronic cough Another prevalent symptom associated with COPD is cough. Patients can experience a dry cough or cough accompanied by phlegm or sputum. In most cases of COPD, the cough is brought on by the inflammation and thickening of lung tissue.
7 common mistakes to avoid when opening a CD

7 common mistakes to avoid when opening a CD

Opening a Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a smart financial move for individuals who prioritize safety, predictability, and preserving their capital. They serve as an essential component of a well-diversified financial portfolio and can help one achieve short-term financial goals while providing peace of mind through their low-risk nature. However, one should consider the potential impact of inflation on personal savings and avoid these seven mistakes when opting for such an investment. Not looking for the best rates available One of the most common mistakes people make when opening a CD is not shopping around for the best interest rates. Many individuals simply walk into their local bank and open a CD without considering other options. This can be a costly mistake because interest rates on CDs can vary significantly from one financial institution to another. It is essential to research different financial institutions to find the best CD rates available. Online comparison tools and financial websites can help easily compare rates from various institutions. Conducting extensive research will ensure you get the best return on investment. Ignoring the fine print Another common mistake when opening a CD is ignoring the fine print of the agreement. Many individuals are so eager to lock in their funds and earn interest that they don’t take the time to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of the CD. It is crucial to read the fine print of the CD agreement to understand important details such as the term length, interest rate, any penalties for early withdrawal, and the automatic renewal policy. Ignoring these details can lead to unexpected fees or restrictions on accessing money when needed. Not considering the CD term length CDs come in various term lengths, typically ranging from a few months to several years. A common mistake is not carefully considering the length of the CD term.
9 Early Signs of Dementia Explained

9 Early Signs of Dementia Explained

Dementia is a neurological disorder that progressively impairs cognitive functions affecting one’s analytical, reasoning, and memory skills. There is no cure for the condition, and it is only possible to improve the quality of life with suggested treatments, changes in nutrition, and daily lifestyle. For this, one must be able to learn and identify early dementia signs for a thorough diagnosis. Here are 9 noticeable signs and symptoms of the neurological disorder to help promptly diagnose the condition. Trouble with memory Dementia primarily affects the brain’s ability to retain information, impacting short-term and long-term memory. Note that there is no consistent or recognizable pattern here. A person who develops dementia will struggle with memory loss and reduced cognitive, analytical, and reasoning skills, impacting daily routine. Memory lapses can start with isolated events where one struggles to recall important things or remember them later in the day. Confusion Lapses in retaining information will also create a lot of confusion. One might forget how to do a familiar task or swiftly adapt to a familiar situation. A person might even ask queries and repeat the question, forgetting it has already been answered. These are all early signs of cognitive decline, and the severity of these symptoms will vary from person to person. Increased disorientation Dementia progressively impacts a person’s ability to navigate, even if one is accustomed to the location. Disorientation can happen at home or outside with symptoms like forgetting the way home from the supermarket or losing a general sense of direction. As the condition worsens, one might struggle to follow or remember simple instructions for navigating. It is also possible to experience trouble adjusting and adapting to the surroundings in general as one loses general awareness. Even gauging distance can become difficult due to reduced awareness. Repetition Repetition is a common sign of developing cognitive problems.