Cruise vacations are becoming increasingly popular, with several cruise lines entering the business. Established names in this industry, like Silversea Cruises, offer exciting European packages to exotic destinations in the continent, which are excellent for unwinding with friends and family. But unfortunately, many travelers make mistakes that prevent them from enjoying their time aboard. Here are a few mistakes to avoid, whether you’re a first-timer on a cruise or someone who enjoys voyages often. Staying inside the cabin all day Vacation cruises host plenty of entertainment and adventurous activities throughout the day. For instance, you may find fitness centers, spas, game areas, and cooking demonstrations by experienced chefs. Some ships organize sports like table tennis, shuffleboard, and water volleyball. There may also be a play or a movie screening in the ship’s theaters for evening fun. Participating in these onboard activities will make your holiday more memorable than staying in the cabin. So, read the daily event schedule on the cruise line’s app and plan your time accordingly. Some popular activities may require a prior reservation as they get booked quickly. Not exploring other food options A common mistake most passengers make is not exploring the different eateries on the ship. Cruises are not limited to the traditional buffet. A bit of research will help you find other casual dining alternatives. For instance, you may find a café, burger joint, burrito shop, or pool grill for a peaceful dining experience. Most ships have dining rooms where you can go dressed up in smart casuals and enjoy the food, which is much better than the buffet. Some also host special dining events like a meal with the chef or specialty food tasting. While such activities usually cost extra, they’re worth every penny. So, skip the buffet, especially on the embarkation day, when you’ll find yourself waiting in long lines and searching for an empty table.

Households rely on running water to carry out all kinds of tasks, from drinking and bathing to watering plants. This supply can stay uninterrupted as long as the water is safely contained in pipes. The problem arises when water finds gaps and leaks, potentially damaging the home’s structure. One way to prevent such damage is to check for leaks around the home. So, here are a few ways to find hidden water leaks: 1. Monitoring the water bill Over time, one tends to have a clear idea about the average water bill they can expect each month. Sometimes, one may use excess water, which could drive up water usage. However, sometimes, one can get a high water bill even without excessive usage. Such unexpected charges should be monitored as they could be signs of leakage in the house. Even tiny leaks, such as a faucet with a steady drip, may waste as much as 10,000 gallons of water per year. So, tracking the bill each month is the best way to identify and fix a water leakage at the earliest to prevent spikes in bills. 2. Checking meter readings Monitoring the water meter is another method of tracking a leak before it worsens. The meter runs up based on the usage, and if there is a tap running, one could expect the numbers to change accordingly. The meter is usually located beneath a manhole-type cover near the street or on the side or back of the house, close the where the water supply line enters the home. Here is how to check for a leak: – First, one must turn off all water faucets in the home and ensure appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher are not running. Then, they must check the water meter and make a note of the numbers on it.

You can always expect plenty of bargains before Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In recent years, it has become common for retailers to offer discounts well in advance of these dates. With Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon really starting their “official” holiday sales in early to mid-November in 2021. So, get ready to do some major shopping and also keep an eye out for the numerous exciting deals that will come up. Walmart One of the most eagerly anticipated online sales on Cyber Monday is at Walmart. You can get significant savings on vacuums, small kitchen appliances, and other items. As soon as the Cyber Monday sales go live, we advise you to visit the Walmart website. The best deals are accessible at the start of the sale, with less advantageous offers being available throughout Cyber Week. On thousands of items, Walmart offers free 2-day delivery and free shipping on purchases of $35 or more. All purchases made by Walmart+ members receive free shipping. Seeing previous trends, the Braun Series 7 Men’s Flex Electric Razor is expected to be on sale for up to $40 off, and the Lego Classic Bricks and Animals Building Set will be available for up to $29 off, and the Samsung Chromebook 4 11.6-inch for only $99. Kohl’s The Kohl’s Cyber Monday sale in 2021 lasted 5 days, from the Saturday following Black Friday through the Wednesday of Cyber Week. Kohl’s Cash is consistently the strongest aspect of the retailer’s Cyber Monday deal. For every $50 you purchase, you’ll receive $15 in Kohl’s Cash. During this year’s sale, keep an eye out for the biggest Kohl’s discounts on jewelry, bedding, clothing, and small kitchen equipment. At Kohl’s, delivery is free with orders worth $35 or more. Monthly opportunities for free delivery are available to “Most Valuable Customers” who have Kohl’s credit cards.

The popularity of electric vehicles (EV) has been steadily rising over the past few years. Due to high consumer demand, many leading automakers have launched new lineups of electric cars. As a result, there are options available for consumers to choose from in their preferred segment. While this has made purchasing an EV easier, it has also increased the likelihood of making buying mistakes that may lead to financial loss. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a satisfying purchase experience. Forgetting to learn about the incentives Buying an electric car is a smart and responsible decision for both the environment and the wallet. The federal government offers incentives to electric car buyers, with clean vehicle tax credits of up to $7,500 available for eligible vehicles. However, this is only applicable to the first few thousand electric vehicles each carmaker sells in the market. So, it’s important to research which car manufacturers are eligible and whether they have exceeded the sales threshold before making a purchase decision. Additionally, check with the state to see if they offer any incentive programs. Taking advantage of this incentive can make owning an electric car more beneficial. Ignoring driving habits and requirements This is another common mistake that can be easily avoided when buying an electric vehicle. Many EV buyers forget to take into consideration their driving habits and the specific purpose for which they plan to buy a car. Some people opt for an EV for occasional short trips, while others may require it for daily commutes or longer trips. It’s essential to ascertain the purpose because electric cars have certain limitations in terms of charging time and range. Thus, for those planning to buy an EV for longer commutes or road trips, a plug-in hybrid or hybrid vehicle with both gasoline and electric features may be a better choice than a fully electric vehicle.

Cruising the high seas is a sought-after attraction for many travelers, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. While cruise ships are known for their luxurious amenities and all-inclusive packages, passengers must abide by certain rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. These restrictions extend to carrying certain items on the ship. While some might seem obvious, there are several items that one may not know are forbidden on ships. 1. Irons and steamers Wrinkled clothes might be a pet peeve for many, but cruise ships don’t allow irons or steamers in cabins. This is mainly to avoid any items that can lead to fire hazards. One can instead carry wrinkle-release products for a quick fix. Many ships also offer laundry services to keep one’s attire wrinkle-free, but it’s best to check beforehand with the cruise ship about this particular service. 2. Household appliances Like clothing irons and steamers, coffee makers, kettles, toasters, hot plates, and other household appliances that generate heat are considered to pose a fire risk and are not allowed aboard. That said, a hair dryer, curling iron, straightener, or portable electric fan are some things that are allowed. 3. Electric blankets Electric blankets may be confiscated during embarkation since they could compromise safety protocols, and cruise lines maintain strict fire prevention measures to protect passengers and crew. 4. Power strips or surge-protected power bars Surge-protected power bars are electric devices that safeguard one’s electronics from voltage spikes and surges. These power bars feature built-in surge protection technology that controls potential electrical damage. However, these devices are not allowed on cruise ships because they may overload the ship’s electrical circuits or interfere with power distribution, posing a fire risk. The ones carried to the ship are usually either approved by the authorities or are non-surge-protected power bars.

According to a study, about 80 percent of adults aged between 18 to 49 want to have whiter teeth. As we age, our teeth naturally start to turn yellow. However, it could be concerning when it happens before time. Several teeth-whitening products are available, but most contain harmful chemical substances. Thankfully, several homemade remedies are available to restore the natural color of your teeth. But before that, you must ascertain the cause of discoloration. What causes teeth to turn yellow? There are primarily two reasons why your teeth may turn yellow: Thinning of enamel The white color/outer layer protecting the teeth contains enamel, which is also responsible for preserving the deeper tooth structures. Beneath the enamel exists a layer of yellow-brown tissue called dentin. When the enamel of your teeth begins to wear away, the underneath yellow-brown tissue layers are exposed, making your teeth look darker. Some principal reasons for thinning enamel are gum disease, acidic foods, and increasing age. Some individuals have naturally thinner enamel. Stains Specific edibles and beverages like coffee may leave stains on your teeth. These stains can also cause enamel to wear, increasing the yellowish hue. Some other sources of stains include tobacco products and specific medications. Teeth whitening remedies After having ascertained the reason for yellow teeth, the following remedies can be used to restore the natural white hue of your teeth.  Brush with baking soda Few people know that baking soda constitutes one of the principal components of commercial toothpaste. This is because baking soda has some natural whitening properties. It is mildly abrasive and, therefore, capable of scrubbing away the stains on your teeth. Since it is basic, an alkaline environment is created inside your mouth, keeping bacteria at bay. To get better results, brush your teeth with a paste made of one teaspoon of baking powder with two teaspoons of water.

Keeping your surroundings clean and free of dust and germs is essential. Most people undertake cleaning rituals as a part of their daily chores. However, without realizing it, they may be doing more harm than good while going about the cleaning tasks. These common cleaning mistakes we often make leave behind a trail of dirt, allergens, and grime. Here’s a list of eight things to avoid doing when cleaning your home: Reusing sponges without disinfecting Most of us reach out for the sponge without even thinking twice, especially when wiping kitchen countertops and bathroom sink tops. Sponges are good absorbers of grime, but they are also perfect for facilitating the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms. When you repeatedly use the same sponge, it is easy for the bacterial growth to get transferred to your kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Such a mistake is common but one that can prove to be enormously costly. The solution is to use microfiber clothes to wipe these commonly exposed surfaces instead of a sponge. But if you love the sponge, make sure that you disinfect it from time to time. Also, ensure that you change the sponge or the microfiber cloth every month. Ignoring common touchpoints Every house has common touchpoints, like the door knobs or the taps. While dusting, cleaning, and mopping, we usually forget these points, leaving them open for breeding germs. The ideal solution is to use a disinfectant spray and a clean cloth to wipe and dry them. This way, you keep them away from germs. Putting chopping boards in dishwashers The dishwasher has made our lives easy and comfortable. But certain items should not be placed in the machine because they will not be cleaned properly. One such item is the cutting and chopping board. This board should not be ideally cleaned using a bar of dish soap and water.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people with certain disabilities and people over 65. Original Medicare has two main parts: Part A, which covers the cost of inpatient services, and Part B, which covers the cost of outpatient services and certain medical equipment. Although the program is meant to ease the financial burden of medical costs on people, it can be quite complex to navigate. This article explores 11 things that are excluded from Medicare coverage. 1. Medically unreasonable services and supplies Any services and supplies deemed unnecessary or unreasonable for diagnosis or treatment are not covered by Medicare. These may include: Services that could have been furnished at a lower-cost setting (such as at a nursing home) Services that exceed Medicare length of stay limitations Excessive therapy or diagnostic procedures Unrelated screenings, tests, examinations, or therapies (that the patient has no symptoms for) Unnecessary services based on patient diagnosis, such as transcendental meditation Exceptions to this rule include Medicare preventive services, transitional care management, chronic care management, and advance care planning. 2. Opticians and eye exams While Medicare covers ophthalmologic expenses (such as cataract surgery), it does not cover the cost of most vision services, including eyeglasses and contact lenses or routine examinations for prescription and fitting. Additionally, Medicare does not cover the cost of eye refractions provided by practitioners. Those looking for vision coverage must consider signing up for Medicare Advantage plans. 3. Dental work Original Medicare and Medigap policies do not cover routine dental services such as the care, treatment, filling, or removal of teeth or the structures supporting the teeth (that is, the periodontium, which includes the gingivae, dentogingival junction, periodontal membrane, cementum, and alveolar bone). However, there are certain exceptions for the same. Medicare may cover some dental services, such as an X-ray required for treatment of a jaw or bone fracture, tooth extraction for radiation treatment, oral or dental examination performed prior to a renal transplant or heart valve replacement, or a dental service performed as an integral part of a treatment.

While most people today are constantly on the move to declutter and organize, it may be worthwhile to hold on to some precious items from the past. Apart from their sentimental value, these items could be worth a lot of money today! So, get ready to sift through cupboards and other storage spaces to find these hidden gems. Here are 19 things around the house that could be worth a lot of money: Old magazines Several people have trouble throwing away old magazines. Over time, some magazines may become lucrative collector’s items, valued at over a hundred dollars today. Their rarity, condition, and number of printed issues determine their valuation. Vintage furniture Vintage and antique furniture are always in demand, with some pieces fetching thousands of dollars on sale. With the growing popularity of retro, mid-century, and vintage styles, now may be the perfect time to sell any vintage or antique furniture pieces one may have lying around the house. Old cameras Since the advent of smartphones with picture and video-taking capabilities, cameras seem obsolete to many. As a result, old devices have just been collecting dust. If one has any old cameras at home, consider getting them valued. Rare, vintage cameras are a big hit in the photography community and could fetch a handsome sum. Old currency Old coins and banknotes are a popular collector’s item, and rare currency can be worth a lot of money today. According to certain sources, quarters, dimes, half-dollars, and silver dollars minted before 1964 were 90% silver. Depending on their year of circulation and denomination, these coins could be worth $0.93-$82.20 in melted silver. Other rare coins may hold value beyond their material, with some being valued at as much as $3000. Books Old books could be worth a lot of money too.

The big Black Friday sale is here again! This is an exciting time of the year, especially for people who want to make big-ticket tech product purchases and have been waiting for the whole year to get their hands on them. If you are thinking about how to buy the best of the lot during the Black Friday sale this year, all you need to do is read this article. Home cleaning products Roomba s9+ : This cleaner comes with 3D sensors and PerfectEdge Technology; you could save close to $300. iRobot Braava jet m6 : One of the best cleaners for navigating large spaces, you could save around $200 in the Black Friday sale. iRobot Roomba j7+ : You might save close to $100 on this advanced vacuum cleaner. It comes with Genius Home Intelligence with PrecisionVision Navigation. Laptop and computer deals HP Pavilion x360 14-inch touchscreen laptop : This laptop has a display that rotates 360 degrees and 8GB of memory. You can get it at almost $300 off this Black Friday. Lenovo IdeaCentre 5i Desktop : This desktop comes with 12GB memory, a DVD/CD burner, and a Windows 11 operating system. You might be able to buy this at $60 less. Gaming Microsoft Controller for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One : You could save around 14% on this special edition Xbox wireless controller. It has 40 hours of battery life and is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. Arcade 1Up Marvel vs. Capcom Gaming Table : This beautiful retro-style Marvel theme gaming table has lit-up control panels and a split screen. This 29-inch console comes pre-loaded with eight games. Speakers and headphones Apple AirPods : Get clear, immersive sound wherever you are with these noise cancellation headphones. They will give you 24 hours of listening time and come with a charging case.

If you are upgrading your laundry area, the Black Friday sale period is the best time to get hold of new electrical appliances. This is because there is a variety of deals offered by retailers during this period on everything from washers to dryers to a combination of both. Here are some of the best deals you can avail yourself of to boost your laundry room and make this unbearable chore a breeze. Samsung WF45R6100AP 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washing Machine This highly-efficient washing machine provides deep cleaning as it releases steam for efficiently cleaning garments. Its features include quiet washing, 10 preset washing cycles, 5 temperature controls, and more. It is expected to be offered at a discount of more than $300 during the Black Friday sale. GE GFQ14ESSNWW 2.4 cu. ft. Ventless Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo This washer and dryer combo has 14 wash cycles and comes with a stainless steel washing basket. The machine has an internal water heater to increase the wash temperature and sanitize all kinds of clothing. It also doesn’t need a vent to dry the clothes. The product is expected to be available at a discount of more than $300. Equator Laundry Center This stackable front-load machine has a contemporary and compact design and has a silent operation. It features a simple control panel for easy operation. The product is expected to be available at a discount of more than 10% during the Black Friday sale. Samsung Washer and Dryer bundle The product features a simple control system with a dial so that users can easily operate it as per their requirements. The washer has temperature control, an app to troubleshoot errors, and vibration control features. This machine is expected to be available at a 350$ discount when bought together during this holiday season sale.

There are significant discounts on refrigerators on Cyber Monday, so take advantage of its deals to get the latest model. If you want a glass-door refrigerator that is see-through with just a knock, you might also want to get a smart refrigerator which is operated by phone. With multiple discounts, it can be hard to decide. So, here’s a list of the top Cyber Monday refrigerator bargains expected this year based on last year’s offers. Frigidaire FFHT1425VV Top-freezers aren’t usually as cheap as their French-door and side-by-side counterparts, but this stainless-steel Frigidaire appears to be an exception. It is expected to be 25% off like last year. This 28-inch model has particularly impressive energy efficiency so you get what you pay for. Samsung 4-Door French Door Refrigerator This Samsung refrigerator has adjustable shelves that can be set to conventional, slide-in, or flip-up. The refrigerator’s Flex Zone drawer allows you to program up to four different temperatures which can be connected via phone. This stainless-steel variant is anticipated to be $700 less expensive on Cyber Monday. LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator We adore how modern the LG refrigerators with InstaView appear. On one side, you essentially get a glass door that, upon two knocks, illuminates inside. This means when you wish to see the insides of your fridge, you don’t need to open the door. Additionally, it has app connectivity, so you can manage and keep an eye on it using your phone. Whirlpool 4-Door French Door Counter-Depth Refrigerator This Cyber Monday, you can save an amazing $320 on this Whirlpool refrigerator. It has a capacity of 19.4 cu. ft. which is more than enough for a family, and you can arrange the layout of the space as you like. Even a Vacation Mode is available to conserve electricity while you are away.