Gina A. Herrera

Having acne won’t just affect your skin – it’ll also affect your self-confidence and how you socialize. It can even trigger anxiety and frustration. No matter how mild or severe your breakout may be, you may still feel overwhelmed when it comes to acne.

Getting rid of acne can be challenging, especially if you don’t know which products suit your skin. Moreover, trying a skincare product without professional help may aggravate and worsen your breakout; that’s why you have to be careful when choosing one.

Here’s some good news. After years of studies, probiotic skincare appears promising, and may just be worth the hype. But how can probiotics help the skin?

The Benefits Of Probiotics In Skincare

Probiotics are good bacteria, the perfect example of which are the naturally occurring bacteria in your gut. They help fight disease-causing microorganisms. Some probiotics boost the production of ceramides in the skin, which make them helpful in cases of eczema too. With probiotic skincare products like the ones from Glowbiotics Probiotic Skincare, acne outbreaks may be reduced, and dry skin from eczema is managed better.

• Decreases Skin Sensitivity

Probiotics work more effectively when combined with prebiotics, which serve as its fuel. The live probiotic extracts listed below can have multiple skin health benefits:

• Lactobacillus: A probiotic that reduces redness and acne, which improves the skin’s barrier.
• Bifidobacterium: This belongs to a class of bacteria that decreases skin sensitivity and can help boost ceramides.
• Vitreoscilla: This is another bacterium that aids in mitigating eczema symptoms and reducing water loss.

• Removes Dry Skin And Eczema

Some probiotics are less likely to be shown on skincare labels but are backed by science, such as Streptococcus thermophilus, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus coagulants. These probiotics work against skin aging and may help suppress the growth of the bacteria that drive symptoms of dry skin and eczema.

The Difference Between Prebiotics And Postbiotics

Prebiotics feed good bacteria. They are found in green vegetables, bananas, whole grains, soybeans, garlic, and onion. However, prebiotics cannot be digested. They go directly to your intestines, where probiotics feast on them through fermentation. The byproduct of this process is known as postbiotics. Some examples of postbiotics are:

• Organic Acids: Helps improve signs of aging

• Peptides: Make up specific proteins for the skin

• Polysaccharides: Hydrate the skin by producing and retaining water

• Enzymes:

There are many camera settings that you can adjust to create the perfect images. For example, aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Shutter speed is a setting that can significantly improve the quality of your pictures because it controls brightness.

Moreover, this setting is responsible for creating motion in pictures or freezing action. Depending on how you adjust your shutter speed, you will get varying effects that will create unique pictures for your photo books.

What Is A Camera Shutter?

There is a curtain that opens and closes to control the entry of light onto your camera sensor. This curtain is known as a camera shutter. Using a button on your camera, you can open the shutter and allow light coming from the lens to enter the sensor. After the sensor collects enough light, you can stop exposure by closing the shutter.

What Is Shutter Speed?

The amount of time your sensor is exposed to light is shutter speed. Therefore, the longer you open your shutter, the slower the shutter speed, and the faster you close your shutter, the quicker the shutter speed. Shutter speed is a measure of how fast your camera captures photos.

What Are The Different Types Of Shutter Speeds?

Exposing your camera sensor to varying lengths of light will determine the overall effect you obtain. There are different types of shutter speeds offering varying impacts in photography. For example:

·         Long Shutter Speed

This setting is slow exposure of a camera sensor to light. As a result, your pictures will obtain a motion blur. If an object is moving faster than the shutter speed, a blur will occur in the direction of motion, indicating that the object is moving.

Although most people do not appreciate motion blur in pictures, especially when it occurs unintentionally, specific advertising companies have realized the importance of the motion blur effect in boosting sales. For example, if you are a car company, using pictures of moving cars in your logo and advertisements will attract customers more than stationary pictures.

Another use of long shutter speed is in landscape photography, where an artist tries to capture motion in rivers or trees. This defining effect allows the observer to focus on the motion because the other surrounding objects remain sharp.

·         Fast Shutter Speed

This quick effect allows freezing action to occur. If your shutter speed is fast enough, you can freeze the … Read the rest

Some people are susceptible to a flushed face when they consume alcohol. Luckily, there are some ways to prevent this reaction. For starters, it is important to understand the various types of alcohol.

Different types of alcohol contain different amounts of different ingredients that affect the facial skin differently. In order to avoid a facial flush caused by alcohol, you should make sure that you drink water in between drinks.

Then, try to avoid foods that affect your blood flow, such as spicy foods and chocolate.

Drink Light Coloured

While alcohol may cause a flush, it can also increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and nausea. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable. To help reduce the chances of getting an alcohol flush, try to drink light coloured, chilled drinks.

However, you should not go to the extent of taking antacids if you are sensitive to alcohol. Antihistamines are a popular choice for people with a history of facial flushing. They are commonly prescribed at lower doses than those required to kill bacteria. Spend time to check at Get Sunset now to learn more.

Reduce the Amount of Alcohol

The problem is not caused by excess alcohol. Some people may take over-the-counter antihistamines, but they only alleviate the symptoms.

These medications do not prevent the buildup of acetaldehyde in the body, which is linked to a red flushing face after alcohol consumption.

Experts recommend that people with the condition limit the amount of alcohol they consume. While there are no permanent ways to avoid the red face after drinking, reducing the amount of alcohol in the body is a great first step.

Take Your Meal

The best way to prevent the face from being flushed after alcohol consumption is to eat a meal. A meal before consuming alcohol can slow the metabolism of alcohol and reduce the buildup of acetaldehyde in the body.

In addition, eating a full meal before alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of an alcohol flush. This will help your body process the acetaldehyde more quickly and effectively.

Drink Water Before and After Alcohol

A study in 2013 found that alcohol is the most common cause of a flushed face. However, there are several factors that can cause this reaction. Some people suffer from allergies or intolerances to certain food ingredients, while others are more sensitive to certain types of alcohol.

The most common … Read the rest

Neutral has been the trend of the decade. From celebrities like the Kardashians to pop stars like Selena Gomez, everyone has owned a neutral look. From their outfits to their accessories, they make some of the finest, unconventional looks that are just breathtaking to look at.

However, the most standout piece remains the beautiful necklaces that defy any jewelry rule and stand their own ground. These non-traditional necklaces are a stunning mix of glamour and uniqueness, making them the most solid statement pieces. The exponential rise in these necklaces is a validation of its ever-increasing popularity. These necklaces are a refreshing spin on classic aesthetics, from a sleek diamond to a crystal drop necklace.

Having said that, nothing comes easy when you don’t play by rules. So to save you from hassle, below are a few such necklaces that we have handpicked for a non-traditional look. Have a read.

1. Pendant Necklace

Can we all just accept that there is no better staple jewelry than a pendant necklace? From all the zoom meeting’s waist-up dressing to the biggest of fashion shows and Met Gala’s – you would find them everywhere. They come in different shapes and sizes and have the versatility to be adorned for any occasion – big or small.

The design trends that we see nowadays are a beautiful spin on traditional aesthetics. For example, a Shungite necklace is a piece that is full of purpose while looking quite astonishing. The pendant itself has healing properties which will protect you from any negative energy. If you have a knack for experimenting with your accessories, you are going to like this one.

2. Crystal Drop Necklace

Experimental jewelry isn’t just limited to the avant-garde movement. Instead, it is these slight modifications, settings, and nuances that appeal to modern fashionistas. Crystal drop necklace is one such example where the change is minimal, but its impact is maximum. Tanzanite pendants, for instance, have a charming presence and energy.

With its deep green rich texture, the gemstone sits on an innovative crystal drop shape to make a stunning piece of necklace. Recently concluded fashion shows are its most prominent display, where the biggest of design houses are seen to be inclining towards this popular shape. With its well-thought-out design and even more stunning presence, a crystal drop necklace deserves to be in your jewelry collection.

3. Charm Lariat Necklace

Personalized necklaces… Read the rest

First dates are always a little nerve-wracking, but picking the perfect restaurant can help calm some of that anxiety. There are many types of restaurants to choose from, so it’s essential to pick one right for you and your date. You want to find a place where conversation flows naturally, and the ambiance sets the mood for an enjoyable evening out with someone new. Here are ten of my favorite restaurant types for first dates.

The Cheesecake Factory

If you are looking for a place with large portions, The Cheesecake Factory is where to go. This restaurant has every type of food imaginable, and they have dozens of mouthwatering desserts that will make you want to come back for more. The atmosphere here is warm and casual, making it an ideal choice for a first date because it’s not overly fancy or stuffy. You’ll feel like you’re getting to know your date over dinner at a friend’s house rather than in a crowded restaurant.

Outback Steakhouse

A delicious steak is a perfect way to set the tone for a romantic first date, and that’s why I recommend Outback Steakhouse. The restaurant has an upscale vibe, but it’s not intimidating, making it seem like you’re still in control of your surroundings. This will allow you to relax, and enjoy dinner with your new crush. If you’re feeling adventurous, the restaurant offers live music on select nights so your date can serenade you as you savor every bite of beef Wellington.

Benihana

Benihana is the perfect place if you want to try something different for your first date. You can share a table with other diners and be entertained by your very own Benihana chef, who will prepare food right in front of your eyes. They make everything into an experience at this restaurant. The Japanese atmosphere provides plenty of conversation starters, and it’s the perfect place to laugh, and make fun memories with someone new.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden is a good choice for a casual first date with someone you’ve recently met. Their food is very traditional, and their atmosphere reflects an old-fashioned charm that makes it seem like everyone at the restaurant has been friends forever. Your meal will be served in individual courses, and everything comes in generous portions, making this place perfect for swallowing any awkwardness that might occur on your first date. Plus, you’ll both get … Read the rest

Over the past ten years, there has been a rise in popularity for Bitcoin and other altcoins. However, there are still only a handful of major retailers that accept cryptocurrency as a payment method. Luckily, there are several ways to spend your Bitcoin that enable you to make everyday purchases and enjoy your hard-earned crypto.

Hype, Myth, Or A Reality

For years, the cryptocurrency market was the only place one could really buy cryptocurrencies. Many shunned their real-world use. However, this is already starting to change. Cryptocurrencies have a few positives, which businesses can leverage to improve operations and gain more profits.

Benefits Of Crypto Transactions

Buying cryptocurrency or spending has become more popular nowadays. But let’s see why many entrepreneurs and customers are looking forward to seeing more of the crypto world in real life.

Fast Transactions

Cryptocurrency transactions are more efficient than bank transfers, especially when dealing with large sums of money. Digital currencies can be transferred quickly and without the need for authorization.

Cheaper Fees

Payment processing has become a problematic and costly task for SMBs, and payment processors have made it more difficult for smaller companies to accept credit card payments. Aside from exorbitant fees, many companies find that they’re still unable to get various costs, depending on the processor. If you buy something small, let’s say for $5, on average, you will pay ~ $0.30 + a percentage of the fee. You start with 6% of the value of the item and can get to about 10%. The situation gets worse with high-value items where 3% commission fee might be a problem. If you buy a new laptop for $1000, you’ll pay $30 extra.

But if you buy XRP, you can avoid such a scenario. Ripple charges a marginal fee for transactions (0.0001 XRP).

Secure Transactions

Blockchain technology makes it easier than ever to protect data in e-commerce transactions. Business owners can choose to use verifiable authentication, where they receive only the information needed to complete a transaction. Consumers enjoy greater privacy throughout the shopping process.

Cryptocurrency Applications

With the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, they are being accepted by more retailers. However, many merchants were still hesitant to adopt them, so many alternatives were created to “fill the void.”

Crypto Debit Cards

Cryptocurrency debit cards allow cryptocurrency holders to spend their tokens at any location that accepts Visa or Mastercard. This can be quite … Read the rest

You and your family are close. You spend every moment you can together. You all go on family trips frequently, eat dinner together and even do simple things like enjoy a movie at each others’ homes. When it comes to Christmas gifts, you aren’t too sure what you’re going to do for them.

You love them so much, but you really don’t know how you can show them that. Your family deserves gifts that show them how much you love them. Here’s a gift guide that’s perfect for a close-knit family like yours!

For the Adventurers

Some families are all about the adventure. Whether you go with a glass ornament to commemorate all their journeys, or you find them something they can use on their travels, here are some great family gift ideas for the ones who like to adventure!

• A backpack: But not just any backpack. Your family needs one they can use to really carry all their necessary items and even a few extra. A good backpack has lots of compartments, a place for water bottles and even a secure place for sensitive items, such as wallets and keys. A good backpack is perfect for the family who likes to adventure because they can take it with them on all their travels!
• A fire starter: There’s a pretty good chance the family enjoys a night or two under the stars. And, depending on where they’re located, that family might just need to start a fire — or two! A fire starter can go a long way in ensuring that a good fire is set up and good to go for when the family needs it. Consider getting them a fire starter to take with them on all their adventures. They’ll get good use out of it for sure!
• A roof rack or bicycle rack: Taking bikes and luggage on the next adventure can feel like a difficult task, especially if the SUV is already packed full of people. Help the family clear up some travel space in their vehicle by getting them a roof rack or bicycle rack! Whether they choose to use it for bicycles or their luggage, these items can help their next adventure be a breeze.

For the Readers

The families who read often are ones who probably spend a lot of time together. There’s something to be said for sitting quietly … Read the rest

As the holiday season fast approaches, you might have started to think about what gifts you’ll get for all your family members this year. Whether you’ve seamlessly come up with your holiday gift list or you’ve had some trouble brainstorming gift ideas, here is a list of special Christmas gift ideas for all the members of your family!

For the Whole Family

• T-shirts: Is your family getting together to celebrate the holiday for the first time in a few years? Get a set of family Christmas shirts for everyone! They’re perfect for your family’s first Christmas together after a long pause. You can either get everyone matching t-shirts, or go for something a little different by getting everyone their own individual shirt. Focus on finding apparel that really matches your family members’ personalities.
• A family ornament: Give your family a funny ornament this year! Sometimes the best gifts are the most simple, and there are tons of ornaments out there that can make for a beautiful Christmas gift. From unique glass ornaments to wooden ones you can place a photo in, an ornament is fun for the whole family.
• A gift card to a local restaurant: Who doesn’t love not having to cook for the family? A gift card to a local restaurant might seem like the easy way out, but in reality, it just might be the best gift ever. No dishes to clean up afterwards and no chance to accidentally set the smoke alarm off because mom got distracted by the kids running around. It’s a win-win for everyone!

• A DNA testing kit: Finding out the genetic gene pool your family hails from is all the rage these days. A DNA testing kit is something the whole family can do! Sit around and read through the various genes and ancestral cultures — and maybe even extend your family tree to include some new family members!

For Your Mom

Moms hold a special place in our heart. They birth us, nurture us and teach us all the things we need to know in life. Mom deserves a special gift, too! Here are some of the best special Christmas gift ideas for Mom.

• An illustrated portrait: A beautiful watercolor or illustrated portrait of the whole family will make Mom smile. Who knows? It might even make her shed a couple of tears! Make sure to

The healthcare industry has changed because of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine has become the new go-to approach for managing patients remotely when physical examinations are not needed. The new approach could improve the healthcare industry and give better access to healthcare for a whole new population of patients.

1. The Use of Telemedicine Carts

The telemedicine carts provide a computer with an internet connection. Doctors and nurses that use these carts have access to data systems that allow them to update patient files and keep all data accurate.

There is a web camera and microphone connected to the computer to allow them to conduct appointments with patients remotely. The updated Medical Carts have improved healthcare and allow many patients to get treatment even with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Better Access for Patients in Rural Areas

Patients that live in rural areas do not have access to healthcare services as effectively as patients that live in larger cities. Healthcare in these areas is often limited, and the patients won’t have access to specialized care such as cardiology, neurology, or oncology.

Telemedicine gives the patients a chance to connect to a specialist even though the patient lives in a remote area that doesn’t have immediate physical access to these services. When referred to a specialist, the rural patients do not have to drive great distances for consultations or to discuss their symptoms with the doctors.

3. More Convenient Healthcare Services

Telemedicine gives all patients the convenience of visiting with their doctors from their homes. The doctor and patient connect to the system and conduct the visit via the internet. For many patients, it helps them discuss issues with their doctors and give their doctors updates about their progress when recovering from illnesses and surgeries.

4. Better Protection Against COVID-19 and Other Viruses

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare has changed dramatically. It is imperative to keep all patients away from those who have been exposed to the virus or who have active symptoms. This new approach cuts down on the growing number of patients who are developing the virus and facing a dire health crisis. The same approach can offer further protection from not only COVID-19 but also other viruses, bacteria, and illnesses in a doctor’s office.

5. Improve Access to Mental Health Services

The country has been facing a mental health crisis for … Read the rest

Halloween is almost upon us, and we all know what that means: Pumpkins, costumes, and lots of candy. And who can forget the most anticipated Halloween activity for every kid – trick or treat.

Sometimes, however, you have to stay indoors and miss the outdoor Halloween fun. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a spook-tactular time at home without the worry of wandering out on the streets.

You can host your own trunk or treat party at home and give your kids the Halloween experience without having to leave your own parking lot. If you’re wondering how to set up for the perfect party, follow these creeptastic tips for some fabulous Halloween inspiration.

1. Set Up A Spooky Theme

The first thing you need to do is set up your party area. For your party to be great, you have to make it look great. And a fun way to do that is to work with a unique, spooky theme.

Come up with an engaging theme for your party and have your party guests follow it. Consider going for a theme that excites the kids and encourages them to dress up in fun costumes. Some fun ideas are a Marvel heroes theme, a Disney villains theme, or a Willy Wonka theme.

Decorate your venue to jazz up your party space. If you’re hosting a trunk or treat party, the best area would be your front or back yard or your parking lot. Hang up a string of pumpkin themed fairy lights around the area. Set up some cardboard ghosts and jack o’lanterns in different corners. You can even hang up some toilet paper on tree branches to give off that mummy vibe.

2. Deck Out Your Car Trunk

The most important part of a trunk or treat party is, of course, a decked out car trunk. Many neighbourhoods and communities have left behind the traditional trick-or-treat scenario for a much more convenient and unique alternative. So gather up your family and friends, ask them to bring their cars, and spend some quality time sprucing up your car trunks.

A fun way to decorate your car trunks is to base them on the theme of your party. For instance, if you’re hosting a Marvel themed party, set up each car trunk to represent a Marvel hero. Put up a cardboard cutout of your favorite hero on each trunk and set up some … Read the rest

In this life, we all have to provide energy for our bodies to function. This energy comes from what we eat and we all make food choices every day. If you are a vegetarian, then your choices keep you away from animal protein, but there is still a bounty of food to nourish your body.

You are eating a vegetarian diet because you want good, wholesome food for your family to enjoy. It shouldn’t empty your wallet to eat this way. There are many strategies to make your veggie bucks go further. It is the best way to take care of your family and your budget.

Even though you are buying lots of vegetarian options, it doesn’t have to break the bank. You can have your carrot cake and eat it too! Here are some great ways to eat vegetarian on a budget that you can implement into your daily routine:

Make a Meal Plan

Start with a meal plan. This is one of the most effective ways of saving money on your groceries. If you aren’t planning out what your meals will be, you may not have the ingredients you need when it’s time to cook. Then you will probably end up going out for take-out or delivery.

Make a list of veggie meals your family likes and shop for everything you need once a week. You will save serious cash here because those drive-throughs beyond meat burgers add up fast.

Cook All Your Own Meals

Now that you have a plan, you can start making meals every night. This keeps you from eating out all the time and will save you a boatload of money. You can plan a special dinner at a restaurant once or twice a month if you can afford it but make the rest of mealtime at home.

This not only brings the family together, but you can also get them involved in cooking too. It’s a vital life skill so share the load. Younger kids can do prep, while older ones can have their own weeknight to make the meal. Cooking is really a labour of love and a way to keep that tight budget intact.

Use a Meal Delivery Service

Sometimes it’s hard to come up with a variety of healthy vegetarian recipes for every meal, every day. It is also hard to keep up with meals when you are busy shuffling … Read the rest

With Halloween fast approaching, everyone is itching to get out and reconnect. After almost two years of virtual interaction, most likely, Halloween parties will be the venue to gather once again and reconvene on a physical level. The vaccines played an important part, and the best way to celebrate is to throw a memorable bash to celebrate life and second chances.

This article will be a one-stop shop on throwing an unforgettable celebration for the books that will resonate until the following year. If you do not know where to start, never fret. Party ideas are broken down into categories for your convenience and ease of execution.

Make First Impressions Last With Spooky Invitations

Make a great first impression with the invites. Invites must be straightforward, detailed, and centers around a theme. Make electronic invites to make it interactive.

The Haunting The Theme, The Better

Identify a theme and center everything on it. Typically, party ideas are general, and attendees usually go as their character of choice. Popular ones include Harry Potter, Marvel, or Hollywood.

Infuse Magic Into The Menu

The heart of every party is the menu. The food, from appetizers to entrees down to drinks and desserts, must be rich and filling. Halloween appetizers can be an amuse-bouche with whipped cream cheese, pistachios, smoked salmon, and nutmeg.

Viand may be a roasted turkey with baby potatoes and a saucy rosemary rack of lamb. Finish it off with a dessert of apple, pumpkin pie, and eggnog. Drink flavors that capture Halloween are vodka, pumpkin ice, pumpkin pie, and cream soda for garnish is a staple.

Play With Quirky Drinks

A party is not a party without booze and mocktails. Set up a bar cart made from metal material that can be wheeled around the venue. Repurpose and decorate mobile metal carts from recycling facilities. With this, there is no excuse to let any cup dry. Check out a scrap metal Kansas City facility if you are in the area. They might have items that you can convert to a mobile bar to liven up any occasion. Brass candlesticks may also be available to give it a more spooky feel. Complete the look with various liquors, liqueurs, syrups, and bar tools.

Let Creative Juices Flow With Silly Decor.

Design and decorations must revolve around the theme and cover the salient places of the venue, such as the entrance, main hall, … Read the rest

A fashion faux pas is an intentional or unintentional item or idea on an outfit that robs it of its glow, cheapens it, or embarrasses the wearer. Ever felt bad for a lady or gent confidently strutting their stuff oblivious to a glaring food stain on their backside? Or that partygoer trying too hard to be cool in heels they can barely stand-in? You were glad it wasn’t you, and rightly so.

Fashion faux pas can have far-reaching implications. That unironed blouse can ruin what could have otherwise been a perfect job interview, or cost your company that sought-after deal. It could give the impression that you care less about an occasion than you do. You, therefore, want to do everything in your power to avoid falling foul of the unwritten rules of fashion.

Popular Fashion Faux Pas

You might want to know that not all fashion faux have a bad ending. Some of them have blossomed into trendy fashion statements paraded on the biggest catwalks across the globe. Have you ever bleached out your jeans by mistake? Those ugly white spots and streaks have now been turned into a denim trend that even celebrities want in on.

There has been a recent surge in fashion icons and celebrities spotted in that socks-and-slippers combo that traditionally never made it past the front porch. The tie-dye print shirts that were considered dead and buried after the 70s are coming back into fashion. But not all faux pas find reincarnation as fashion trends. Therefore, it is wise not to base your look on some of these quirky fads, which often prove to be fleeting.

Avoiding The Biggest Fashion Faux Pas

Here is a run-down of fashion faux pas that can be hit or miss:

• Sandal-Socks Combo– The jury is still out on this one. While some still consider it an absolute no-no, some big-time artists are still rocking the look in their music videos.
• Low-Rise Trousers Exposing Underwear– There are catwalks where you will still see this look, but only the most daring souls still want to revive it. R&B icon Aaliyah and other stars popularized it in the 90s.
• Over-Accessorizing– Big, glittering chains have always been a big thing in hip hop, but you will be hard-pressed to find a situation on a regular workday where this look won’t feel out of place.
• Fanny Packs– These were a thing in

Did you know that it’s often recommended that Americans save as much as between $1 and $2 million for retirement? These days, it seems like fewer and fewer people are hitting their retirement savings goals by the time they are ready to leave their career lives behind them. And with the cost of living increasing across the country, this is becoming a bigger problem for many Americans.

No matter where you are in your career, it’s important to start thinking about your retirement savings today. If you’re not sure where to start, you can begin by considering these five handy tips. Read through and find out what you can do to jumpstart your savings.

The Earlier You Start, The Better

Maybe you’re 24, you just landed your first full-time job, and the thought of retiring in 40 to 45 years seems distant and impossible. However, even if you’re still young and just starting your career journey, it’s still a good idea to start saving as soon as you can. Because of the power of compound interest, starting early means that you’ll wind up with a much bigger sum once you’re actually ready to take the leap and retire.

Know Your Options

Did you know that there are multiple different kinds of retirement accounts available to savers? A few of the options include:

• 401k
• Roth 401k
• IRA
• Roth IRA

Typically, 401ks are offered through your employer. They’re included in your benefits package or offered as a perk after working for your company for a while. IRAs are individual retirement accounts. You can set them up whenever you like with the investment broker or bank of your choice.

Need more help? Check out an online investing resource center for educational content.

Estimate Your Costs

Retirement costs likely won’t be the same as the day-to-day costs you encounter during young and middle-age adulthood. Maybe the kids are out of the house and earning their own income, but you might also have more medical or at-home care expenses. It’s important to start building your retirement savings with your likely expenses in mind.

As you approach retirement, it’s a good idea to estimate the costs you’re likely to encounter. And, once you have your costs tallied up, it’s a good idea to think about how to reduce them. That brings us to the next item.

Consider Downsizing

Unless you’re a superstar gold-medalist saver, … Read the rest

Halloween is creeping up on us, and if you’ve decided to take on the task of throwing the Halloween party this year, there’s a lot you have to think about. First, you have to think of who you’re going to invite. Are you going to have a smaller party limited to close friends?

Or are you planning on throwing a bigger event? What about decor? Food? Drinks? And let’s not forget about a costume, of course. The party host’s costume has to be iconic. So even if Halloween might feel like a long time away, it’s never too early to start planning.

But whether or not you’re keeping things low-key this year, or want to go all out with your decorations, you can never go wrong with DIY decor. DIY halloween decorations will not only save you money, but they are also fun to make. So break out your glue and glitter and check out these 5 DIY Halloween party ideas:

1.  Carve Pumpkins

No Halloween party is complete without pumpkins. Carving pumpkins is fun to do with friends and family and it makes for great DIY Halloween decor. All you need is a pumpkin and some carving tools and let your imagination take over. And if you really want to get creative, you can use a pumpkin carving pattern book to create more intricate designs.

2.  DIY Your Costume

If you’re feeling extra creative this year, it is always a fun idea to make your own Halloween costume. It’s definitely more time consuming than buying something from a store, but you get the freedom to create your costume exactly how you imagine.

A DIY Halloween costume is something we should all attempt at some point. And if making your own costume doesn’t interest you, you can buy an outfit and make the accessories yourself to add your own personal touch. There are tons of costumes to choose from, from matching couples costumes to individual ones.

3.  Paint Plastic Glasses

Every Halloween party needs a good cocktail, so why not paint your own cocktail glasses to add a spooky touch? Rather than handing out plain, boring plastic glasses for your guests to put their drinks in, take some time to paint them. You can paint spider webs, ghosts, pumpkins- the options are endless! All you need is plastic glasses, paint, and you will be good to go.  … Read the rest

As a new parent, you likely have numerous questions, concerns, and worries, especially considering the fact that childhood trauma can lead to issues down the road. While we may not be able to relive all of the above, we can definitely take the time to share a few things that you need to know.

Starting your new family is a joyous occasion and though we could probably turn this into a book with hundreds of tips, we want to make sure to try and make it as easy of a transition as possible.

1. The Dangers of Talc

Johnson & Johnson was recently in the news for settling a lawsuit due to their knowledge of the dangers of talcum powder and studies have linked regular use to mesothelioma, ovarian, and other cancers. Stick with talc-free and hypoallergenic powder for the health sake of your baby

2. Sponge Baths

Give your newborn sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off and completely heals. Keep the umbilical cord dry and it will fall off sooner. If it does get wet, use a clean towel to dab it dry. You should also take the time to learn how to give your infant a sponge bath.

3. Finding the Right Diaper

The wrong diaper is not only going to be uncomfortable for your newborn, gaps and openings can leave a real mess. Use a diaper sizing guide to help you find the right one throughout their diaper-wearing lives.

4. Dry Skin is Normal

Dry skin, small pink bumps, diaper rashes, and even baby acne are all normal and nothing to worry about. Use some fragrance-free, hypoallergenic baby lotion to help alleviate these issues.

5. Using a Swaddle

Some babies sleep more soundly when they’re swaddled but of course, you should use a hypoallergenic blanket. Check out this handy guide from Pampers to learn how to properly swaddle.

6. Remember – Back to Sleep

Your newborn should sleep on their back and you should place their head in alternating directions in the crib every night. In order to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and suffocation, the newborn should be placed on a mattress that is covered by a fitted sheet and no other bedding or soft objects in the bed. They should never be left to sleep in chairs, sofas, or armchairs.

7. Car Seat

Just as you have your … Read the rest