Megan's Blog

Summer is a great time for kids to try new things and for families to connect. There are countless activities you can try out, from sampling new foods to learning a skill like fishing or knitting. Whatever your kids are interested in, summer is a great time to relax in a low-stress environment.

As we get older, it’s not uncommon to start needing more help with everyday tasks. As our bodies become more vulnerable to illness and injury. Moving to a retirement home is something that a lot of older people require doing in order to, and sure they’re well looked after. In order to ensure that the needs of older loved ones are met, assisted living may be necessary.

Before making the decision to put your older loved one in an assisted living facility, you should determine that they are showing signs that it’s necessary. Take a look at some of the biggest red flags tight your older parent may need to move into an assisted living facility.

Declining Health

If your older parent suddenly starts to become noticeably unhealthy, then it’s an indication that they may not be able to look after themselves very well. As older people age, their bodies become more vulnerable.

Many of them require medication, which can be difficult for them to remember to take in their older age. An assisted living environment ensures that someone will always be there to ensure that they’re taking their medications.

Forgetting Important Details

As you get older, your memory starts to decline. It’s not uncommon to forget where you left your phone or even your house keys. However, in some cases, you may start forgetting important details like birthdays or even paying bills.

It’s helpful to have someone there to ensure that you don’t forget important details. A lack of memory could indicate a more serious problem like dementia. An assisted living facility ensures that you always have someone there to help you remember.

Poor Hygiene

As seniors age, it gets more difficult to do things that once were quite simple. Something aking a shower can become a monumental task. Older people may find it difficult to be able to look after themselves, and therefore avoid it altogether.

If your older parent starts looking disheveled or even dirty, it could be a sign of a bigger problem period at some point. It’s essential to ask someone to help with hygiene. That way, you don’t have to worry about your loved one looking and feeling their best.

Home In Disarray

If your loved ones’ home starts looking like it hasn’t been cleaned in a while, or if there are piles of papers that seemed to have no rhyme or reason, it may be time to start looking at retirement homes. A messy living space is often a reflection of a messy mind.

Sometimes details get too challenging for older people to deal with. As a result, they usually start to neglect their home. An assisted living facility will take care of all of the cleaning so that they don’t have to.

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Shipping products can be demanding, but shipping fragile items can be even more stressful. Extra care is required because if anything gets broken or damaged, you may have to bear the loss and if you are shipping it to a customer, you may be faced with an unhappy one.

Fragile items are things that that can be easily broken, such as glassware, antiques or more.  These delicate items can be made of any material such as crystal and ceramic, and they need extra attention before shipping.

So, if you plan to ship fragile items in your eCommerce business, be prepared to pack and ship them properly.  Do read on to find some tips on the best packing materials to use, how to protect them for shipping and what is the best shipping method for fragile items.

Best Packing Material for Fragile Items

Choosing the best packing material is of ultimate importance when it comes to shipping fragile items.  Some of the top materials to use are:-

• Packing tape for securing boxes.
• It is important to have a properly-sized box. The item should be packed snugly in a box but leaving enough room for packaging materials to help safely transport the product.
• Be sure to use multiple layers of bubble wrap to wrap the delicate item for extra protection.
• Airbags are great for filling the empty space left in the box as well as for items with sharp edges.
• Packing peanuts can also be used for filling in any voids in the box. The best is to layer the box with some packing peanuts on the bottom, place the item in and fill the rest of the box in with the remaining packing peanuts.
• Another simple but effective material for filling in gaps in your shipping box is crumpled craft paper.  Place about two inches of crumpled paper between the fragile item and the wall of the box.
• You can also use corrugated inserts to strengthen the package and increase its durability.
• Close the box and tape it securely. Tape the box multiple times to ensure it stays safe during transport.

How Do You Ship Fragile Items Without The Fear of Breaking It?

It is a question we hear every day. To begin shipping fragile items, be sure to do the following:

• Carefully pack the object in a shipping box with sufficient amount of packing materials.
• Research couriers and choose the best one based on factors like cost, delivery time and best value.
• Obtain shipping insurance to minimize risks during transport.
• Schedule a pickup for your package or drop it off at the courier location.

Before selecting the best shipper for your fragile items, you need to know where you want to ship it and who offers the best value shipping solutions at the most affordable rates. Searching for the right shipping service to move fragile goods can be time-consuming.  This where Shiply, an online shipping marketplace can help.  Simply fill up a few simple details about your fragile goods and the rated shipping companies from their platform will send you personalized quotes that is often 75% cheaper than normal rate.

• Shipping fragile items either locally or internationally requires special care. Remember to always protect your items with proper packaging materials and take extra care when packing them up.

Do you have any questions about this article? Click here to contact us today.

There are a considerable amount of misconceptions out there surrounding plastic surgery. All it takes is a few page flips through a magazine to read the latest rumors about which celebrities are suspected of what procedures. Often plastic surgery is associated with being shallow and unnecessary.

However, you might be surprised to find that a lot of these stereotypes surrounding plastic surgery aren’t as true as you might think. The benefits of plastic surgery can extend far beyond just the way that you look in the mirror. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about plastic surgery and some alternate perspectives for you to explore.

#1 Plastic Surgery Is Only For Improving Your Ego

While there’s no denying that many plastic surgery procedures are done to improve the way that you feel about yourself, there are plenty that are done to help the way that your body functions. For example, some people may have been born with birth defects, which leave them requiring a procedure at some point.

Not every surgeon offers the same surgical procedures, however. It’s important that you find the right surgeon for what it is that you’re looking to do. As a result of plastic surgery, many people are able to live a normal life whereas they weren’t able to prior to their surgery.

#2 Only Women Get Plastic Surgery

Most of the time, when you look in gossip magazines you only see speculations about women getting plastic surgery. However, you’d be surprised to find how many men also go under the knife.

Men can also benefit from plastic surgery. Some of the most common procedures are calf augmentation, pictorial implants, and even hair transplants. Some men even go as far as getting cellulite treatment. There is no discrimination when it comes to who is eligible for most plastic surgeries.

#3 Plastic Surgery Procedures Don’t Require Touch-Ups

Many people might like to think that the procedure that they pay for will last forever. However, the truth is that many procedures will require further surgeries down the road. For example, a breast augmentation will require a touch up at some point. Expecting a plastic surgery procedure to last forever isn’t realistic. Since your body can often change over time, it will require a touch-up.

Before getting plastic surgery done, you should talk to your plastic surgeon about whether you will require further surgeries down the road. If so, you may want to ask yourself whether it realistically fits into your budget.

Once you start your first procedure, you’ll be committed to following through with the rest of the procedures, which will be necessary. Make sure that you know what you’re in for before you dive in.

Diamonds are among many women’s favorites because of their brilliance. Imagine wearing diamond jewelry and stealing the spotlight because of how your jewelry sparkles. There’s no surprise why the demand for the stone continues to rise.

But, how do diamonds get their sparkle? Which one is the most brilliant of them all?

A Diamond’s Brilliance

Diamonds sparkle when they reflect light.

Every cut can reflect light and sparkle in different light conditions. However, specific cuts tend to make the diamond more brilliant–and it could significantly affect its value. The more a diamond can reflect white light, the sparklier it gets.

The key to making your diamond sparkle more is to cut it into a specific shape with more facets. The more facets, the more surface white light can bounce from. That means it tends to be more brilliant than other cuts.

What Cut Provides the Best Brilliance?

The best way to cut a diamond is the classic, round brilliant cut. This type of cut is done to achieve 58 facets. And it’s not surprising that it’s the most brilliant diamond of all cuts since it was apparently engineered to have the strongest sparkle possible.

The brilliant cut was achieved in1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky. Now, it’s the most popular cut because of how sparkly a diamond becomes.

However, round diamond cuts also tend to be more expensive. You might want to consider that when you are looking for a diamond ring, and you’re on a budget.

But, you can always check out diamond engagement rings Vancouver BC has to offer. They have alternative cuts and settings that can bring out the beauty of diamonds despite your budget constraints.

Alternative Cuts

If you really can’t find a round cut diamond ring that works with your budget, you can try other cuts that provide almost the same level of brilliance but are cheaper. Some of these are the princess, radiant, and cushion cuts.

The princess cut provides a beautiful sparkle combined with a shape that is perfect for symbolizing elegance. It’s also a modern-looking cut, so it’s great for a modern bride-to-be.

Meanwhile, the radiant cut is a lot similar to the emerald cut but offers more shine like that of a round cut diamond.

Lastly, cushion cuts offer almost the same brilliance as round cuts, but at a lower price per carat, which is perfect if you’re entirely on a tight budget.

Conclusion

Diamond engagement rings are incredibly popular, and it’s no surprise that you’ll want nothing but the most brilliant stone for the love of your life. Remember, the cut can significantly affect the brilliance of a diamond. If you have more questions, you can always get the help of local jewelers in Vancouver.

One of the things that you are going to have to think about when it comes to planning your wedding is the interior decorations that you are going to have. You don’t have to go for something simple, but instead you can opt for whatever you want and there are numerous options when you go with a known brand like FNP Gardens. Here are just some of the best interior decorations that you can enjoy for your wedding no matter where you book.

Attractive Interior Decorations

The decorations that you are going to use for your wedding are important and something that you are going to want to think about when it comes to how you want the space to look. You should think about how much space is going to be available to you for the area that you have booked and then start to make your plans. Some of the top options for decorating inside includes:

• Flowers – You are going to want to make sure that you are picking the right flowers that would suit the inside of the hotel like Udman Hotel. Think about what the colours are going to be for the other décor so you can get the right coloured flowers and you can pick from a huge array of blooms.
• Seating – There are also going to be numerous options that you would be able to pick for seating, including for the bride and groom. You should also think about the seating arrangements for the guests and how you are going to decorate the tables and even the chairs.
• Lighting – There will also be plenty of options that you can pick for lighting and you can opt for fairy lights that go around pillars or lights that would highlight the seating area for the bride and groom based on what you want the space to look and feel like.
• Stage – There is also going to be a stage that you can decorate and you should think about this when it comes to the venue, including the Opulent Hotel from FNP Gardens. Think about what this would be used for and what would need to be set up near it, especially if you are going to hire a band or if you want to use it for something else.

Go ahead and ensure that you are using these ideas to ensure that you are getting the right décor for your wedding space no matter where it might be held.

Ensure that you are dreaming about what you want your wedding and reception space to look like and that you are creating that in real life. Think about what flowers you are going to use and what colours you want to have showcased in the area. You are also going to want to think about what type of seating you are going to use as well as the lighting that would be placed around the entire space. The stage is also something to consider, especially if you want to use it for your reception or for another reason altogether.

The Christmas sales season is coming upon us, and it is time to get ready for Christmas shopping 21^st century style. Unlike our parents and grandparents that had to wait in line at local stores or malls to find that absolutely perfect gift for their loved one, we have technology at our fingertips. No more stressing if the store has run out of that ideal kid’s toy or if that ugly Christmas sweater comes in the right size. Now we pop online, armed with a few handy apps.

Online Christmas Shopping Lists

Out of the perfect Christmas gift ideas? No worries. You can quickly zoom online and find handy lists and photos of the best gifts for mom, dad, or your kids. These usually link to online stores that sell these holiday products and may provide helpful videos. Not only that, with a few clicks of the button you can find the same item in different sizes or at a better price. Don’t underestimate the power of Top 10 Christmas Gift lists.

Coupons Coupons Everywhere!

Love shopping? Love saving money? Then install a coupon app on your phone or computer. These handy apps will send you a helpful alert when the holiday gift you are buying is a little less expensive on another site.

Sign up for coupon sites to receive helpful customized coupons in your inbox. Even social media sites will include great store codes to save ten, twenty, or even fifty percent off on certain items! If you are worried about spam, just be sure to unsubscribe after the holiday season. Some favorite sites include PricePal, Honey, Smartsaver, and SwagBucks. And don’t forget the power of the rebate – getting cash back for buying great products!

The Power of a Good Review

Before you click on that gadget or book, check out the customer reviews. Not sure what home appliance or tool to buy your loved one? Then take a moment to check out the ratings and customer reviews online. While some of these reviews can be fake reviews, the vast majority of them will be legitimate comments, ratings, and complaints from genuine customers. Check to see if there is way to verify the review on the site. Then look over the reviews. It can be helpful to group the reviews from Best to Worst ratings, or vice a versa.

If an item has seventy-five great reviews, four stars or more, and ten bad reviews, it might be the item for you. However, always read a few of the bad reviews. Sometimes an item, like a child’s toy, may be a great toy for a toddler or boring for a twelve-year-old. Or maybe there is a problem with the product that doesn’t affect most customers, but might affect your loved one. For example, a product is best for those that are very active, but might not be ideal for someone with physical limitations or limited eyesight. Be well-informed before purchasing the gift.

As Easy as 1-2-3

The best part about Christmas shopping online is that it saves you time! No more wasting gas and money driving around town looking for that perfect gift. Instead you can search for it quickly. And if you want to find unique handmade presents for Christmas, you can search any number of sites of artists, writers, and artisans who create beautiful handcrafted items like scarfs, handbags, poetry books, portraits, and more. Enjoy the ease of modern shopping this holiday season.

We all know that Barbados is a beautiful part of the world, and its beauty is just one of the reasons why millions of people flock to the island every year. Throw in the tropical weather, absolutely stunning beaches and some gorgeous barbados homes for rent and you have the perfect recipe for a vacation of a lifetime.

However, there a few things you should know about Barbados before you fly there. Can these little bits of information help to make your vacation that much better? We think they can, so read on for more information:

Public Transport

Public transport in Barbados is very good, in fact, you will find many different bus stops dotted all over the island. This makes travelling from one part of the island very easy, and the even better news is that bus fares tend to be quite low. This means you don’t have to hire a taxi (Unless you really want to), and you can get from A to B with relative ease.

Bus timetables are available from the bus terminals, but you should be aware that the buses do not always run on time. This is because the island runs on Barbados time, which is a more relaxed time. So don’t worry if your bus is late, just relax in the knowledge that it will be with you soon. If you really must get somewhere in a hurry you may want to consider hiring a taxi. The good news is there are plenty of taxis around, so you can jump in one as and when you please.

You Cannot Wear Camouflage

While many people are happy to sport a camouflage t-shirt, some camouflage trousers and even a camouflage hat, in Barbados only the defence force is permitted to wear it. This may well mean that you’re unable to take your favourite pair of trousers with you, but leaving them behind can stop you getting into trouble.

Bajan Dialect

While those who are native to Barbados do speak English, they can be a little hard to understand at first. This is because the locals use the Bajan dialect which is simply a broken form of English. Do not worry if you cannot understand the person speaking to you, most Barbadians are very friendly and will not mind repeating themselves. Don’t worry though, after a few days you should be able to understand the local language fairly well.

Don’t Disturb the Turtles

It’s imperative that you do not disturb any turtles that you come across. While they may be very cute, especially the little ones who have just hatched, they are a protected species. Both the leatherback and hawksbill turtles are frequently monitored. So keep your distance from the turtles so that they can lay their eggs, or make their way back to the shore with relative ease.

The Climate

Barbados’ climate is an idyllic one, especially for those of us who love nothing more than feeling the sun beat down on us. With more than 8 hours of bright sunshine every day, the temperature is approximately 21 Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) at its lowest, and 32 Celsius (89 Fahrenheit) at its highest.

Barbados does have a hurricane season, but you’re unlikely to experience one as they tend to be quite rare. Hurricanes are more likely to hit the island in October, but you’ll probably experience a few storms rather than a nasty hurricane.

Shopping

Not a lot of people know that you can buy a lot of designer clothes and perfume for a lot less than you can in other countries. This is because you don’t have to pay the taxes on them. If you love nothing than a designer outfit, you should head to Broad Street in Bridgetown as you’ll find a wealth of clothes, jewellery and more for a lot less. Get shopping!

Dining Out

If you would like to dine out in style when you’re on vacation in Barbados, you should be prepared to pay approximately $130 BBD (Barbadian dollars) per person, in a very posh restaurant which is quite reasonable. Having said that, if you would like to dine somewhere a little cheaper and a little more informal then you should expect to pay approximately $15 BBD per person.

Rum, Rum, & More Rum!

The island of Barbados produces a lot of rum every year, and this has been the case for the last 350+ years. Needless to say, with huge amounts being produced on the island it tends to be quite cheap. This means that all of you rum-lovers out there should expect to enjoy a good shot or two of rum at quite a good price. However, shots of rum in this part of the world do tend to be quite big, and you may find that your delicious glass of rum and coke is more rum than anything else!

Now you know a little more about Barbados and what to expect, you can pack your suitcase accordingly. Be prepared to sun yourself and don’t forget to dine out somewhere special. Enjoy a few glasses of rum (You won’t need any more than a few!), and remember to let the turtles lay their eggs undisturbed. Have a wonderful vacation on this incredibly beautiful island, sit back, relax, and remember the island runs on its own time, so let your cares drift away, and enjoy yourself.