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3 Things To Consider Before Buying A Plot Of Land To Build On

If you’re looking to buy a house in the near future, you might find that securing a property has become very hard in the last year. With so much more demand than there is supply, purchasing a home that’s already been built can take much longer than it has in the past due to being able to find the right home and getting your offer accepted among all the competition.

Because of this, many people are looking into the option of purchasing a piece of land that they can build their own home on. However, this route comes with some potential hurdles of its own. So to help you in figuring all of this out for yourself, here are three things to consider before buying a plot of land to build on.

What Will It Take To Develop The Land?

One of the first things you should consider about the land, apart from the fact of whether or not you’d like to live in that location, is what it will take for you to develop that piece of land into something liveable.

According to HGTV.com, developing land can include things like establishing access to utilities like water and power. You will also need to consider things like paving a driveway and creating some kind of yard. All of these things can be costly if they’re complicated, so it’s wise to try to pick a piece of property that’s going to make this process a little easier on you.

Get The Right Reports And Surveys Done

After you’ve found the spot that you think is right to build your home, you should then dig a little deeper into the property by getting some reports and surveys done. In some instances, this may have already been done for the property. But if it’s been a few years, you may want to get new information so you can make the most informed decisions.

In these reports and surveys, Devon Thorsby, a contributor to the U.S. News and World Report, shares that you should get environmental testing done on the soil, check the condition of the soil for building a foundation on, survey the exact property lines, and more.

You’ll Likely Pay Cash For The Land

As you prepare for financing the purchase of land and the building of your home, Elizabeth Weintraub, a contributor to The Balance, shares that you shouldn’t expect to get a loan for purchasing the actual land. Usually, this will have to be paid for in cash by you.

For the building of your home, it’s much easier to get a construction loan so that you’re not footing the entire bill yourself at the outset of everything.

If building a home is starting to make more sense to you than buying, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you get going on this adventure.

5 New Parent Must-Haves To Include In Your Baby Registry

Most people have heard that when you’re expecting a baby, you get to create a baby registry. Generous friends and family will choose what to purchase from the list, taking off some of the financial pressure associated with having a newborn.

However, if you’ve never had a baby before, it can be overwhelming to know what to include on the list.

After all, how can you know what you need if you’ve never done it before? Fear not; we’re here to help take some of the pressure out of this seemingly big job. Take a look at some of the most important must-have items that you should make sure to include on your baby registry list.

A Baby Monitor

At the beginning of your baby’s life, it can be difficult to step away. You might be worried about their sleep positioning or whether they are in danger somehow if you leave the room. A baby monitor makes it possible to help you keep an eye on your baby even if you’re not there. Some monitors have special smartphone apps that allow you to look at your baby anywhere, anytime. Others even have movement detectors that alert you should your baby even flinch a muscle.

A Stroller

A stroller is a definite must-have since your baby won’t be walking anytime soon. Ideally, you should choose one based on your particular family’s needs. If you’re having twins, you should consider a double stroller. Whereas, if you’re a jogger, you might want to look at options specifically targeted towards running. Above all, make sure that it’s collapsible since you’ll want to take it in the back of your car.

Car Seat

From the minute you leave the hospital, you’re going to need a car seat. Make sure that you choose a car seat that means all safety standards and is fairly simple to install. Remember, car seats aren’t something you want to buy second hand. Always purchase them brand new to ensure that your baby is as safe as possible.

Crib

Even though you may choose to co-sleep with your baby or use a bassinet in the beginning, a crib is necessary for the day you choose to move them to their bed at night time. Make sure that you choose a crib that is sturdy and brand new, following all safety measures.

Diapers and Supplies

When it comes to babies, you can never have too many diapers. In the beginning babies can need up to twelve changes a day. Make sure to add diapers to your baby registry so that your friends know that you’ll take all that you can get.

In addition to the actual diapers, you should also include wipes and a diaper bag to carry it all around in. While you’re at it, consider an odor-proof diaper garbage can. They seal off the poopy diaper smell so that your home doesn’t smell like the last thing your baby ate.

How to Safely Establish a Casual Relationship in the Age of Online Dating

Keeping yourself afloat in the world of dating has never been easy. Since the beginning of time, men and women have found themselves meeting members of the opposite sex they share a great connection with. Other times? Well, let’s just say that connection isn’t always there. With the growing appeal of online dating, establishing and maintaining a casual relationship has become even more difficult thanks to the challenges single people now face. But don’t give up hope! There are still ways to establish a casual relationship in the age of online dating. Here are a few tricks to help you put your social media accounts, dating sites, and in some cases, your webcam to good use for the betterment of your sexual health.

Taking the plunge is the first step.

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With the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, using a social media profile to meet people is becoming more popular than ever. For those who’ve never tried online dating, dating sites, or connecting with others using video chat, getting started may be a bit overwhelming. With the list of possible sites to use, choosing the right one is important. The last thing you want when it comes to a casual relationship is to toss yourself into a pool of singles who may not be what they seem.

 

Have you ever heard the term being catfished or the name Nev Shulman? Yes, it’s a real thing. People are out there, on dating sites, simply waiting to scam you. This is why choosing an official website where others have had success in dating is so important. Do your research before jumping in. Safety will make you feel like you’re truly experiencing online dating instead of drowning in an onslaught of fake profiles and scam artists.

Are people really who they say they are?

 

This is a question we simply can’t escape when it comes to online dating. Every conversation you have will leave you asking yourself whether the person on the other end of the chat is being honest. It’s important to know if you are being catfished before establishing your first meeting.

 

Scheduling a facetime or video chat ahead of a first date is a great way to avoid scam artists. If a person is willing to show their face, the likelihood that they’re lying reduces. It’s also great to keep friends involved. Yes, a casual relationship may go beyond dating, but before things get sexual, let your friends know who you’re talking with and where you’ll be when you go out. This is a great strategy for staying safe in the online dating world.

Meeting for the first time doesn’t have to be so scary.

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By the time you’re ready to meet your online friend face to face, your sex drive may be through the roof, but keep a lid on it. No one said sex on a first date is a crime, but the smart money is on taking it easy when you meet someone from the online world for the first time.

 

Sure, you’ve spent hours talking to this person on the phone, through texts, and video chat, but seeing how they act in a real-world setting can be quite an eye-opener. Meet in a public place on your first date. Pay attention to how they interact with people, whether they show signs of hostility, and of course, check for that infamous wedding band. If no alarms go off in your head, then plan your next get together.

Sex and online dating really do go hand in hand.

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When a good relationship is established between online friends, and you’ve ensured the person you’re speaking with isn’t a catfish, then the next stage can be considered. If sexual activity is on the table, get yourself ready for it. Who knows how long it’s been since you had a release. Your mind and body may be screaming for a great night in the sack. Most likely, your partner’s mind is yelling the same thing. The last thing you want to do is step into a new sexual encounter without dusting off the goods a bit first.

 

For both men and women in the dating world, it’s important to look your best. When sex is the end game, you need that look to be from top to bottom. A sexy pair of womens thongs, a bra that shows the perfect amount of cleavage, and a cute dress can leave any woman feeling great about her sexual health. Choosing the right fabric and cut for these types of garments makes wearing them out and about even more fun.

 

Men can get their testosterone going by finding the right attire, eliminating any unwanted weed odors, if they’re smokers, by using a bit of spray from smellveil.com, and splashing on that sexy cologne people love so much. This will get men raring to go for whatever the night may hold. If things go well, by the end of the evening, both members of the party have found the release they need and a casual relationship they can continue forward with.

Sometimes things don’t always go as planned.

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No matter how much preparation you put into planning a date with someone you met online, things can go wrong. More than once, the perfect date has ended with a lady stuffing her panties in her purse so she can rush home after a disappointing night or a man finding out his stamina wasn’t what he thought it was. Issues like this don’t have to be the end of the world. It’s all part of the dating game. You can pick yourself up, brush it off, seek help with your sexual function issues, and meet someone else online.

Help is always there when issues arise.

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Whether it’s a lady suffering from lack of a sexual drive or a man needing a little boost to his stamina, help is out there. Ladies can read up on ways to help their sex drive or speak with their doctor. Men can take a look at supplements and other helpful arousal treatments. Online videos also help both sexes find treatments for sexual issues. An Erectin review is a great starting place for guys to regain the confidence they need for their next online dating encounter.

 

If you’re in the market for a casual relationship online, today’s technology can make your life easier. Don’t be afraid to get out there, chat with singles, and make the most of the dating scene. People everywhere are meeting their soul mates online. Maybe it’s your turn.

3 Things To Take Care Of After The Death Of A Loved One

This year, more people than ever have been made aware of how fragile life is. And while no one wants to think about someone they love dying, the fact of the matter is that death is a part of life.

Especially if the person who has died is someone close to you, you will likely have some kind of responsibilities to and for them following their death. But amid your grief and shock, it can be hard to know how to navigate this unchartered water. So to help you with this, here are three things to take care of after the death of a loved one.

Plan For Laying Your Loved One To Rest

One of the first things that you’ll have to consider after a loved one dies is how you’ll go about laying them to rest. The options for this vary, so you’ll likely want to look back at what your loved one would have wanted for themselves or speak to other loved ones to get their opinion on the matter.

According to Consumer Reports, a burial or cremation should take place within a few days after the death has taken place. While it can be longer, getting things taken care of quicker is usually advised. Once you pick a mortuary, they can assist you in figuring out the details of everything. And because you can be given a lot of information and requested to make a lot of decisions, it can be helpful to have someone come along with you to help.

Figure Out The Will With Probate Court

After your loved one has been laid to rest in whatever way you decide, you’ll then have to deal with more of the administrative side of having a loved one pass away.

Depending on the type of assets your loved one left behind, the extent of handling their will will vary. According to Leanne Potts, a contributor to AARP, unless you’re the executor of the estate, you will likely be taking a back seat in this process. But if you are the executor, you’ll likely need to contact an attorney, a CPA, and deal with probate court.

Contact All Necessary People Or Entities

As you go about taking care of things for your loved one after they have passed away, you’ll find that you’ll need to make a lot of phone calls and contact a large number of people or entities to inform them of the passing. Some of the people you’ll need to call, according to Angela Morrow, a contributor to Very Well Health, include your loved one employer, the social security office, life insurance companies, creditors, any household utility providers, the IRS, and more. This can take a lot of time and energy, so try to delegate certain tasks if you can.

If you’re going to be handling things after the death of a loved one, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you take care of things.

 

How to Prioritize Health While Maintaining Focus on Work

When it comes to responsibilities at work, it is crucial to be as efficient and productive as possible – but such a thing is easier said than done. While it is entirely possible to put all of your focus on getting the job done, it can be all too easy to burn out from the effort. Maintaining a balance is crucial, and in a year where so many people are forced to work from home, it is harder than ever before to strike a balance between work, rest, and even play.

That said, if you are serious about prioritizing your health, it is all about maintaining the proper mindset. A lot of people think that maintaining a focus on work requires you to pull all-nighters or spend every waking moment considering responsibilities. However, such behavior can be counterproductive. Here are just a few ways to prioritize your health while simultaneously maintaining focus on work.

Managing your work efficiently

The advantage of prioritizing your health is the fact that everything else falls into place provided you take the necessary steps. For example, those who are working from home would do well to set a schedule similar to working in the office. Setting aside enough hours to work while strategically placing break times to make the most of your energy is a good start for anyone working from home.

It would also be a good idea to set aside any potential distractions by decluttering the room or workspace so you can focus fully on the task at hand.

On the topic of home responsibilities

Having responsibilities at home can be challenging, especially if you are already dealing with work. All the more reason to work on an efficient schedule that provides you enough time to get the job done while providing time and effort toward your responsibilities at home. Let the family know of your working hours so you can finish the job as soon as you can.

Focus on having as much fun as you can in your free time

Making the most out of your off-hours is not necessarily about physical well-being, but your emotional and mental state as well. If you allow too little time to do the things you want to do, it will only be a matter of time before you burn out.

A good tip would be to make use of products that help make it easier to work or rest. For example, a hot cup of tea at just the right time can make all the difference. You can even experiment and purchase edibles online, provided you do your research, and pace yourself, edibles are an excellent way to calm frayed nerves.

Aside from the tips above, it would also be a good idea to get a bit of exercise to help motivate you for the rest of the day. Something as simple as taking the time to do chores as a form of exercise will trigger a dopamine response and put you in a good mood throughout the day!

General Responsibilities: How to Maintain Razor-Sharp Focus

Now more than ever, it is crucial to maintain razor-sharp focus and deal with life’s many responsibilities with a positive mindset. While it might seem like a simple goal, there are few things more complicated than building the focus necessary to deal with responsibilities at work and home – let alone the two concurrently. As a matter of fact, for some people, it is a process of continuous trial and error, which can take its toll on your health if you are not careful.

When it comes to building focus and willpower, it is all about prioritizing your health most of all. It might seem like you have to spend every waking moment dealing with responsibilities to get the job done, but it can be quite counterproductive if it is not paired with sufficient rest.

Here are some stress-free ways to maintain razor-sharp focus.

Work in bite-sized chunks throughout the day instead of all at once

One of the reasons why the typical schedule in the office includes the break times between lunch and heading home is the fact that people are not meant to maintain such a high level of focus for so long. It is crucial to take breaks to ensure that you can maintain your focus – and, in doing so, maintain the efficiency needed to finish as early as possible.

A good idea would be to divide your work into ninety-minute chunks to make the most out of your finite willpower throughout the day. Take the time to relax in-between work sessions and you will find yourself getting more done than if you had pushed yourself to do everything at once.

Take advantage of Downtime!

Your off-hours are undoubtedly the most important part of staying focused, as gaining satisfaction from your breaks ensures that you are prepared to get the job done when it starts up again.

For some, work can be so mentally and physically exhausting that taking full advantage of those precious hours off is much more difficult than they might expect. The best solution to this problem is to structure your downtime in the same way you structure your working hours – but, instead of focussing on productivity and efficiency, focus on taking care of yourself and your home.

From creating a menu for the week to ensure you get the right nutrition, to investing in high quality skincare products like a CBD day cream in order to create a beneficial and enjoyable self-care routine, there are plenty of small steps you can take toward making your downtime as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible.

Even if fifteen minutes is all you have, it’s more than enough time to enjoy yourself while having your favorite snack paired with a cup of tea.

The best way to multitask? One step at a time

The idea of multitasking can be rather deceptive, as you might think you have to deal with multiple things at once, but at the end of the day, you are still tackling things one at a time.

Do your best to get one task finished before jumping to the other, and you will find yourself finished before the day’s end. Multitasking is not about dealing with responsibilities simultaneously, but quickly enough, one at a time, so that it feels like you have managed to do everything at once.

By taking the time to relax, you will find that it is much easier to focus in general. Allow yourself to disassociate from work during your off-hours, and you can return to the task at hand feeling fresh and ready.

Tips for Designing a Professional Photo Book

Designing a good-looking photo book involves much more than taking good photos. It requires creativity, effort, and time. The following are some important tips for creating professional photo books.

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1. Embrace the White Space

White space is great for any design. You do not have to fill it all with photos. Avoid cluttering your photo book to give it a fresh and professional look. Consider using borders around your photos.

2. Less Is More

Simplicity is the key to designing a professional photo book. Do not attempt to crowd too many photos in one layout. There should be enough space for every photo. Think about the overall size of your photo book and the effect you wish to create. The number of photos you put in a spread should be relevant to the size of your book. They should not come off as too small or too big.

3. Pay Attention to Colors

Consider using contrasting colors or coordinating similar ones. Whatever option you choose, pay attention to colors and their effect on your photo book. If, for example, you have a few black and white photos, consider having them together on a page.

4. Double-Page Spreads

Your beautiful landscape photos will look great on a double-page spread. Printing photos across two pages is a great idea, especially if they are high-resolution photos. Consider using layflat pages for a better look.

5. Create a Focal Point

Use the photo you are most proud of to create a focal point. Make it bigger than other photos and place it on its own spread. There are many ways to highlight a photo and it all depends on your creativity. Do not use too many photos to create a focal point. If there are too many photos, it may be difficult to identify what you are trying to highlight.

6. Consider Adding Maps

Even though you should try not to go overboard with the extras, adding a few maps may be a great idea. It is especially important when designing a travel photo book. Maps make it possible to show the exact places you have been.

7. Use High-Quality Images

When creating a photo book, use your best photos. Every photo should have a professional look. One bad photo could throw off the look of your entire album. Analyze all your photos critically before using them. If you feel too attached to choose the photos without bias, consider asking someone else to help you.

8. Tell a Story

Consider using your photos to tell a story. Arranging your photos in a chronological order makes it easy to understand them. If, for example, you are designing a photo book for your family holiday, arrange the photos starting from your trip to the airport to your plane back home.

In conclusion, there are lots of simple things that you can do to give your photo book a professional look and feel. Some of the most important things to do include paying attention to your colors, using high-quality photos, and creating a focal point.

 

3 Tips For Changing Your Child’s Room From A Nursery To A Bedroom

When you first welcomed your baby into your home, you may have spent days and weeks putting the nursery together until it was just perfect. But if you’re like many parents, you didn’t spend too much time thinking about what you’d do in the room after your baby was no longer a baby and was well on their way to becoming a full-fledged kid.

If you currently find yourself in this situation, or if you’re wanting to get ahead of the game by planning for the future while your little one is still little, here are three tips for changing your child’s room from a nursery to a bedroom.

Get A Transitional Bed

As your baby grows, their bed is going to have to grow with them. While you can get a brand new bed for each stage in life, Parents.com recommends saving yourself some trouble here by simply buying a transitional bed.

With a transitional bed, your child will have a crib while they’re a baby, a toddler bed once they outgrow the need for a fully-enclosed crib, and, in some instances, a day bed for future use as well. With just a few little tweaks, most transitional beds can easily be changed from one form to the other, which means you can have your child’s new bed ready for them as soon as they need it. So if you’re still looking for the right crib for your baby’s nursery, consider getting a transitional bed to save you from any future purchases for a few years.

Think Ahead For Storage

While babies require a lot of stuff despite being so small, the amount of stuff your child has will just grow as they do. Knowing this, it’s wise to think ahead for storage even when setting up their nursery.

According to Amanda Blakley, a contributor to the Huffington Post, you should try to have a lot of different options for storage with the furniture you put in your child’s nursery. This could include things like bookshelves, floor baskets, dressers, closet organizers and more.

Drop The Nursery Theme

Many nurseries have a very present theme when it comes to their design and decor. But while this may be cute when your child is still a little baby, as soon as they get old enough to have their own interests, Kaitlin Stanford, a contributor to WhatToExpect.com, recommends that any strong theme should be dropped.

Regardless of how much your child may like something right now, with the speed at which kids change their minds about things, it’s going to be easier for you to use a much more generic theme for the bigger items in your child’s room rather than having everything fit with a very specific theme.

If you’re wanting to make things easier on yourself as your child grows from needing a nursery to being in their very own room, consider implementing some of the tips mentioned above.

Online Pharmacy Buying Guide for First Timers

Online pharmacies are nothing new. They’ve been around for some time and are gaining popularity. There are plenty of reasons to consider buying medicine online. First, it gives you added privacy and convenience. However, there are still some risks associated with buying prescription drugs online. If it’s your first time, here are some recommendations to guide you in transacting safely.

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What’s the trade-off if you want privacy?

Many people prefer buying from an online pharmacy to avoid getting assessed by a physician. Also, some think that alternative medication advertised online are worth trying – when it’s potentially harmful to their health. Unfortunately, there are online pharmacies with dubious practices – most of which are located overseas.

The first thing you need to ensure is to choose a pharmacy that engages in legal practices. For example, if you want to buy antibiotics online here, the seller should be locally based and comply with regulations. Also, the pharmacy should verify your prescription, or at least have a process of gathering information from their buyers before allowing them to buy any medicine. What are some of the risks you need to avoid when buying medicine from a pharmacy based overseas?

  • You could end up buying counterfeit drugs or one that contains a controlled substance.
  • The medicine isn’t approved by the FDA and may have harmful side effects.

A legitimate online pharmacy will always follow the standard practices of your regular brick and mortar pharmacy. You’ll know you’re dealing with a reputable store when it’s part of their protocol to ask for your doctor’s script.

Another alternative: buying medicine through mail order

Prescription drugs don’t come cheap, and that’s why some look for more affordable options online. Indeed, there may be better deals online, but if you aren’t entirely comfortable with the idea, another alternative would be buying your medication through mail order. Some health insurance companies partner with pharmacies that transact through mail order – which is another option for those taking medicines for chronic ailments.

Buying prescription drugs online safely

In conclusion, there are several ways to ensure that you’re buying prescription medication online safely:

Search for an online pharmacy verified by local health regulatory bodies. You may need to conduct more thorough research by calling these agencies to ensure that the company is listed.

  • Look for an online pharmacy with good reviews and feedback from customers. You may also check third-party customer review sites to verify if you’re dealing with a legitimate online store.
  • Don’t buy when a pharmacy doesn’t ask for your prescription before selling drugs. OTC medication is acceptable, but for controlled substances such as pain meds, the store must verify your doctor’s script first.
  • Never transact with a pharmacy based overseas. The lower prices may tempt you, but it’s never worth the risk when your health is on the line.

Buying medication can be a hassle-free experience if you know what to do and what to avoid. By taking some extra steps to ensure safety, you can enjoy the benefits of convenience and privacy of buying prescription drugs at the comfort of your home.

Transporting Your Dog Across Country Safely

Moving home is a stressful and chaotic time for everyone.  More so if you have a pet and let’s be honest here – pet relocation which you may face won’t be a walk in the park either.  Moving house can have a big impact on your dog. Our lives are based around routines and our animal friends too feed very much off our emotions.  Any disruption to you and your routine can also be a difficult time for your dog.

Special care has to be taken when transporting your furry family member to another home whether across country or across the border. Simple strategies can help make moving house with your dog easier and safer for the both of you.  The preparation period before moving is crucial for the success of the entire relocation. It is even more important to make the right decisions as far as arranging the proper pet transport.

The easiest way to ship a pet across country is  to have the pet with you in your car as you embark on a cross country journey to your new place.  Your presence next to you pet will have a calming effect on your pet’s nerves and this will lessen the stress, anxiety and fear  of the  sudden changes in their life. Your dog will know that you will protect it no matter what happens and that reassurance can contribute to a largely problem-free move for all of you.

However, if this option is not possible, there is no need to panic. You may need to contact specialized pet shipping services such as Shiply to connect you to reliable and reputable pet transportation companies that can transport your dog.

Below are the following questions you have to ask the transport service to help evaluate your options:

The number of stops the vehicle will make for other deliveries

It is unlikely the pet shipping company will provide a direct door-to-door service. If the truck make a number of stops during the journey, it can significantly add to travel time and this could cause a high level of stress for your dog.

Are there other animals travelling at the same time?

Having a variety of pets can be extremely stressful for your dog. It is best to to avoid options where there are a number of pets in a single transport.

Is your pet travelling in a climate-controlled environment?

All shipping companies are required to provide a climate-control shipping compartment when transporting animals but not all options are the same. Remember to ask how the temperature is maintained and the type of ventilation that is present.

The type of crate used?

Be sure to inspect ahead of time the type of crates that the shipper is providing.  Make sure that it is large enough and properly ventilated. If your dog is not used to being in a crate, you may want to consider other options or spend time to get him used to being in one prior to the trip.

Feeding schedule

Check and confirm how, when and what your dog will be fed.  Do ensure that your dog receives his regular diet.

Sleeping arrangements if it is an overnight trip

Ask if the driver will be sleeping in the van with your pet in case special attention is required.

Do weigh in all possible options for shipping your pet safely and choose the safest and easiest transportation method for your four-legged pal.