10 hacks for the best Cyber Monday experience

10 hacks for the best Cyber Monday experience

Cyber Monday is one of the biggest online shopping days in the country, and you must make the most of it. So, you need to plan ahead and make a list of things you need and things that can wait. This will help you stick to a budget and also save money on products you will use throughout the year. So here are a few hacks to have a smooth and successful Cyber Monday experience: Compare prices If you find the perfect discount for a product, you might be tempted to buy it instantly on a Cyber Monday sale. However, you should compare the price of the same or similar products on the website of different online sellers to get the best deal. You can get free browser extensions to help with price comparison. This can get you the best discounts on your favorite items. Buy more than one item Retailers can offer discounts on almost all their products on Cyber Monday. So, you might want to stock up on essentials that you need throughout the year, such as skincare or makeup products, aftershave, and bath products. If you are getting a good discount on these items, you must buy two or more of them rather than opting for a single piece, as sellers can offer bigger discounts on purchasing multiple products. Compile a list If you wish to fill your cart with all that you need, you must first make a list of all that you need. You can do that by bookmarking your favorite websites and adding items to your online wish list. This will help you save time during the sale, and you will not have to search and browse for products. Use apps Retailers often offer bigger discounts to customers who use shopping or rewards apps.
4 mistakes to avoid when buying an EV

4 mistakes to avoid when buying an EV

Buying an Electric Vehicle (EV) may be the right choice for someone looking for a sustainable and affordable vehicle option. Over the years, there have been many technological developments and improvements in the manufacturing of electric vehicles. This means there is the option of buying efficient cars that are better for the environment. However, there are some things to know and mistakes to avoid before purchasing an electric car. These are as follows: 1. Not claiming tax benefit Individuals who buy a new electric vehicle can qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. Apart from this, some state and local rebates give more money. Some of these rebates, in some cases, are even provided by the power companies. 2. Not regularly charging the vehicle EVs run on charge, which is the whole basis of this vehicle. A planned charging schedule is paramount to ensuring that the vehicle is readily available whenever needed, especially during emergencies. One of the perks of using an EV is that one can easily charge it at home. It may be slow, but it’ll do the job, and in a couple of hours, one will have a full battery. Many people usually charge their EVs in the evening after work, and by the morning, the cars are 100% charged and can be used for travel in the city or otherwise. Some people also charge their cars at charging cables or stations along the route to work in case of any emergencies. 3. Not buying an EV with enough range Individuals should always choose EVs with a long driving range, even if they only need to use the car for a shorter commute. The idea of having transport is to be able to move without hassle, so in case of an emergency or even an impromptu leisurely drive, one should not be hindered because one chose the wrong EV that cannot travel the distance.
Healthy snack ideas for diabetics

Healthy snack ideas for diabetics

Diabetes is an illness in which the sugar levels in the blood are either too high or too low. This condition can be managed with a strict meal plan that ensures the body’s insulin levels do not exceed the normal amount. However, the urge to snack can be random and unplanned. For such an occasion, here are some safe snacking options for those with diabetes who need healthy choices to satiate their food cravings. Guacamole All you need to make this yummy dip is fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, some cilantro, lime, and salt to taste. One of the best ways to prep this is to use a mortar and pestle and grind these ingredients gently together. Avocados are known for their polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help keep insulin levels balanced. It also has vitamins and antioxidants, good for the body and skin. Guacamole makes for a great dip or even a spread on a slice of multigrain bread. Apple and peanut butter This is a nutritious and tasty snack that does not spike insulin levels in the body. It can simply be made at home! Just cut some slices of an apple and use homemade peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) as a dip. Both the ingredients have only natural sugars, which can be digested easily by the body. Edamame This is one of the easiest snack recipes. All you need are a handful or two of edamame. Boil, steam or stir fry them in just a bit of olive oil; a tablespoon or two would do. You can add some garlic or season it with salt and pepper. These can be munched on as a side snack while you’re working. The bioactive compounds in edamame are known to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Greek yogurt A healthy probiotic food, Greek yogurt can either be had as is or can also be added with some of your favorite fruits.
5 cities with most asthma related emergencies

5 cities with most asthma related emergencies

If you are an asthma patient, exposure to environmental triggers can lead to severe breathing problems. Being inadvertently exposed to these triggers for long periods can result in aggravated symptoms compromising your quality of life. Statistics suggest more than 26 million people in the country live with asthma. And if you are one of these people, you know how much the environment of the city you live in contributes to your daily life and health. Louisville, Kentucky Louisville is one of the cities in the country with the biggest red flag for people with asthma. It is also ranked high on the list of cities in the use of treatment for long-term asthma control and management. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia is ranked 11th on the list of cities prevalent in asthma. It also ranks high on the list of places with a substantial number of asthma-related deaths. Philadelphia also is home to a greater amount of the population that is struggling to make ends meet. This directly or indirectly impacts the patient’s ability to seek treatment for their asthma and is a cause of poor lifestyle. Dayton, Ohio Dayton, Ohio, is ranked one of the worst cities for asthma patients. It is largely believed that the entire midwestern belt of the country is unhealthy for people with asthma to live in. Studies suggest that Dayton is the fourth city in the nation to record the most number of emergency room visits owing to asthma. Richmond, Virginia Richmond, Virginia, is ranked at the top of the list of cities that record asthma-related deaths. It is also sixth on the list of cities with the most emergency room visits because of asthma. The environment of Richmond is filled with pollen which is one of the biggest triggers for the worsening of asthma symptoms.
5 problems to watch out for while buying an RV

5 problems to watch out for while buying an RV

Recreational vehicles (RVs) have a lot of amenities, but they are expensive to buy and maintain. So, you must check it thoroughly before driving it home from the dealership, especially if considering a used or pre-owned model. Several issues, both mechanical and safety-related, make an RV unfit for purchase. If you spot any of these problems in an RV, avoid buying it and look for an alternative to ensure you get your money’s worth. Clogged AC filters While inspecting an RV before purchase, turn on its air conditioner and climate control system to evaluate the HVAC performance. If the cooling is below par, there is a chance that the vehicle’s AC filter has issues or damage. If the filter is clogged, the previous owner has likely not put in enough money or effort to maintain the vehicle. Although you can continue inspecting, such a vehicle is not worth buying as you may need to spend extra on AC maintenance. Damaged windshield Several states across the country prohibit driving RVs with a cracked or even mildly damaged windshield as it puts passengers at risk of injury. RV windshields are huge and, therefore, expensive to replace. So, carefully check the windshield before investing your hard-earned money into the vehicle. Pet odors within the RV Pet odors indicate the previous owner let their pet roam freely within the RV’s interiors. Since the distinct body smell of pets can be hard to get rid of, it is advisable to avoid purchasing the vehicle and look for other options. Mold growth Mold growth is another clear sign that an RV has not been maintained up to scratch by its previous owner. A lack of ventilation and climate control within the vehicle causes moisture to accumulate in corners, gradually leading to mold growth. Mold destroys wooden panels and furniture inside, rendering them unusable.
7 commons signs of lung congestion

7 commons signs of lung congestion

Chest or lung congestion often occurs due to a common cold. Sometimes, an underlying medical condition like bronchitis, COPD, and so on can also cause persistent lung congestion. Additionally, excess fluids, such as mucus, can accumulate in the lungs, adding to the congestion. This also causes swelling of the lungs along with constriction of the airflow, which makes breathing difficult. Therefore, it is imperative to look at the signs and manage them through treatment options. Signs of congestion in lungs An affected person may experience: A hacking cough with clear, green, or dark yellow mucus A feeling of tightness in the chest A sore throat Constant body aches and frequent chills A persistent headache High fever that may last for a few days Shortness of breath or wheezing Most of the symptoms of chest congestion usually subside within a few days. However, the cough may persist for a couple of weeks as the bronchial tubes complete their healing process. If the cough lasts for more than 14 days, it is advisable to consult a doctor at the earliest. This sign might be an indicator of other serious health conditions, such as pneumonia. Tips for managing the signs of lung congestion In most cases, lung congestion can be effectively treated by rest and waiting for the virus to clear. Additionally, certain home remedies and management options can provide relief from symptoms. Drinking enough water and clear fluids is essential to keep the body hydrated. It also helps thin out the mucus in the lungs and throat. Placing a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in the room can provide relief from lung irritation. For those experiencing difficulty breathing, one should sleep with their head elevated on several pillows. This helps improve breathing and prevent mucus from accumulating in the chest overnight. Taking a hot shower while breathing in the steam also alleviates some of the discomfort caused by chest congestion.
4 mistakes parents should avoid when choosing daycare

4 mistakes parents should avoid when choosing daycare

Picking a daycare for children is an important and tricky decision. After all, the child is going to spend time away from home for the first time. So, they need to be in a place where they will be happy, well taken care of, and learn new things. To ensure this, parents should pick a trustworthy daycare. This can be done by avoiding these common mistakes that people often make when choosing a daycare center. Not doing enough research While searching for daycare centers, make sure to do enough research on all the options that are available nearby. While looking online is a good first step, it should not be the only source of information. It should be followed by asking friends, family, and coworkers for more suggestions and recommendations. Getting as many references as possible is a good way to start the search. Deciding not to tour the center A common mistake many parents make when choosing a daycare is not visiting the place before enrolling their kids. It is important to spend some time looking around the center. Check the cleanliness, hygiene, and upkeep of the place. Also, look at the various classrooms to know whether it will appeal to one’s child. Besides, the tour is also a good way to see if the place is completely kid-friendly. Not interacting with the staff A tour is also a good opportunity to interact with the daycare staff. Passing up this chance would be a serious mistake. Talk to the staff to understand the various pick-up and drop-off times. It is also a good chance to get to know whether there are any meal and snack provisions. Moreover, having conversations with the staff can give a fair idea of their teaching philosophies. Parents can also judge whether the staff is capable of fostering play, social, and emotional development of the kids under their care.
4 things to consider when buying an electric SUV

4 things to consider when buying an electric SUV

As the world gets accustomed to the idea of electric vehicles, more and more people are choosing to buy electric SUVs for their transport needs. This growing demand also helps the manufacturers stay on top of these demands and work on making the product more efficient for the road. It is essential to do one’s due diligence and research what’s available on the market, and here are some of the things to consider while buying an electric SUV. 1. Check its range In electric vehicles, range plays a huge role. But the kind of vehicle ad range to look out for depends on factors like whether one will use the car for long-distance travel or shorter commutes. According to some studies, most people living in cities commute around 32 miles on average. Those living outside in suburban or rural areas may have to travel longer distances to get things or for work, but otherwise, the average is low. So one should choose a vehicle with a range that suits their needs. 2. Consider incentives Most of the electric cars sold in the country are eligible for a one-time rebate of $7,500 in federal tax credit. Apart from that, there could be some state and local incentives that can provide further rebates. However, the only catch is that individuals must wait until they file taxes to get that money back. 3. Have a charging schedule This is very important because the vehicle will not run if it is not charged. While the car can easily get charged from a power outlet installed at one’s home, it might take some time. To help speed up the process, one can install a 240-volt line, which helps charge faster and reduces the wait time. Also, one should make note of public charging stations, especially on regular routes, so one knows where to go in case the car is close to getting discharged.
Top 10 Black Friday 2023 Mattress Deals to Expect

Top 10 Black Friday 2023 Mattress Deals to Expect

Black Friday 2023 is around the corner, and it’s time for the shopping extravaganza to begin. Massive deals are expected on furnishings like mattresses, bedding, and mattress protectors. This is a great time to shop for those looking to redo their home or spruce up their beds. Whether one is looking for all-foam, cooling, or eco-friendly mattresses, here are the top Black Friday deals to expect on mattresses. These are based on last year’s sale. Innerspring mattresses These mattresses are made using steel coils. This makes them firmer. Spring mattresses suit back and stomach sleepers, as the firm mattress helps keep their spine aligned. When shopping for spring mattresses, it is important to consider their coil gauge and count. These are important indicators for judging the quality of the mattresses, as the gauge tells how thick the steel is, and the count tells users about the number of coils in the mattress. Some of the most popular Black Friday sales on innerspring mattresses last year included the following: 1. Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Bedding offered 25% across sitewide holiday season sales in 2022. These offers also extended to sleep accessories such as bedding, pillows, sheets, and blankets. 2. Saatva Customers got up to 15% off on orders of about $1000 at Saatva. The Saatva Classic, a luxurious queen-sized handmade innerspring hybrid mattress with customizable firmness levels, was a crowd-favorite, retailing for approximately $1700. Memory foam mattresses Memory foam mattresses are popular for offering unmatchable pressure relief for one’s joints by taking the stress off of one’s shoulders and hips, encouraging better sleep. They are ideal for side-sleepers and people with back pain, as they promote proper spine alignment. They may also help with motion isolation, which may be suitable for those who share a bed with a partner. These mattresses are made with multiple layers of foam, like soft foam on top for comfort and firm foam on the bottom for durability.
10 Black Friday Coffee Maker Deals to Expect in 2023

10 Black Friday Coffee Maker Deals to Expect in 2023

With the Black Friday shopping season approaching, getting a caffeine fix became more affordable. Several brands are gearing up to offer hefty discounts on their coffee machines, making this a great time to shop for a coffee maker for oneself or give it as a gift to loved ones. Based on last year’s offerings, here are the top 10 coffee maker deals to look forward to during Black Friday this year: Drip coffee makers Drip coffee makers are the most popular coffee machines found in most households. Their popularity can be attributed to their user-friendliness, affordability, durability, and performance speed. Some of the best deals on drip coffee makers on Black Friday last year included: 1. Buyers could get 17% off the Nespresso Essenza Mini by Breville (typically $179.) This sleek, compact coffee maker comes with two programmable cup sizes, a high-pressure pump, a fast-heat up system, eco-mode, and more, so users can get perfectly brewed coffee each time. 2. The CuisinArt coffee machine with a 12-cup carafe and 3-single size brewers (originally $229.95) was also discounted by 40%. This stunning brewing machine has a 40-ounce removable reservoir for fuss-free morning coffee. Other notable features include an energy-saving mode, remaining automatic, and a ready alert. Espresso machines Home espresso machines are ideal for those willing to pay for cafe-like coffee at home. While these machines typically cost more and can be labor-intensive, they are brilliant at extracting a delicious brew shot, making them a coffee lover’s delight. Last year, top deals on espresso machines included: 3. Mr. Coffee’s Espresso and Cappuccino Machine was discounted by 20% (typically $249.99). This stunning semi-automatic coffee maker boasts an automatic milk frother, intuitive panel control, and step-by-step instructions so users can extract the perfect shot of espresso each time. 4. The espresso machine by Galanz was also discounted by 29% (originally $169.99).
15 Hidden Apple Watch Hacks Users Don’t Know About

15 Hidden Apple Watch Hacks Users Don’t Know About

Smartwatch technology has transformed dramatically in the last few years. Users can now carry out most smartphone functions without having to touch their phones. The Apple Watch has been instrumental in leading this revolution, and the latest Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 are a testament to this. This article enlists 15 hidden Apple Watch features and hacks many people still do not know about so they can make the most of their purchase. 1. Turn on Focus mode The Apple Watch is equipped with a special Focus mode that silences all notifications or distractions that may hamper one’s productivity or sleep. This can be activated from the Settings menu on the watch. Scroll down to open the ‘Focus’ app and set up ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Sleep’ profiles. These can also be mirrored on one’s iPhone. 2. Cover to Mute This feature may be extremely helpful for users who have enabled voice/sound notifications on their watch. One can cover the display with their palm to mute or silence notifications. This can be set up via the Apple Watch app on one’s iPhone. Go to My Watch, and look for Sounds & Haptics. Then, select Cover to Mute. 3. Hide watch apps Users can also hide third-party apps from their watch. To do so: Go to My Watch section on the Apple Watch app on the iPhone. There, scroll to the section “Installed on Apple Watch.” Toggle the buttons to the off position for apps that need to be deleted/hidden on the watch. Please note that these applications will continue to be visible on one’s phone. 4. Find the connected iPhone using the watch The Apple watch can also be used to find one’s phone. Simply go to the Control Center and click on “Ping iPhone’. Here, tapping on the option in blue will make the iPhone make a loud noise, so one may find it easily.
A 3-step guide to selling a timeshare

A 3-step guide to selling a timeshare

A timeshare is shared ownership of a property, wherein multiple individuals own a “share” of a particular home or property in return for its access for a stipulated period, typically once a year. Investors may sometimes wish to sell their timeshare for various reasons, like the inability to pay for travel or illness. If you want a release from your timeshare ownership, you must consider a few things to sell it fast and safe. 1. Determine the value Owning a timeshare means you have essentially paid for a set number of vacation days upfront. A timeshare’s value decreases over time, unlike real estate, so it should not be purchased as an investment. Additionally, you need to have realistic expectations while reselling it. It is quite likely that the resale value will be lower than the price you paid while originally buying the timeshare. Some owners simply return their timeshares to the property managers without asking for any money, but if you wish to get back at least something, you can determine the value of a timeshare by researching the resort it is located in and checking the prices of similar timeshares currently up for sale. The valuation depends on the location, maintenance, and how long you have owned it. 2. Pay the maintenance Ensure that you pay the maintenance fees before listing your timeshare for resale. This is important if you’re wondering how to sell a timeshare fast, as it prevents repossession and gives your timeshare value. 3. Choose a selling option One of the most reliable ways to sell a timeshare is to contact the property manager and ask for their help. Another option is to run advertisements in the real estate or travel section of a local newspaper. You can also list your timeshare on websites like Craigslist, RedWeek, Timeshare Users Group, or eBay.