When you buy a pet it is important to understand the responsibilities that come with bringing an animal into your life. Don't forget when you get a pet you will have a furry friend that is completely dependent on you for love, care, and attention. You must make sure that you are addressing all their needs and requirements. With that in mind here are the key choices that will help keep your pet healthy in the long run.

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Choose the right food

First, you need to make sure you are choosing the right food for your animal. This is true regardless of whichever pet you decide to bring home. You could be tempted to buy cheaper pet food but similar to human food cheap products like this are often filled with substances that bulk it up and deliver no nutritional value at all. When the dog or animal eats it they feel full but they are not getting the benefits they need. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you are checking the reviews and the ingredients list before you buy. Don't forget it isn’t just the main food you need to think about. You need to think about the treats you are giving them as well. Healthy dog treats are available from top sellers and will ensure that you can praise your animal as much as you like without worrying about the unhealthy side effects.

Exercise options

Next, you need to remember to exercise your pet as much as they need. No pet can survive without some form of exercise, even a tortoise needs enough room to move about freely, some animals especially certain dog breeds require lots of exercises and this is something to keep in mind to ensure you have adequate amounts of space and time available.

Attention

Just like exercise, attention is a key requirement for any animal you bring into your home. A majority of animals will need you to be around a lot of the day and won't like to be left alone. While cats may seem independent they just like to socialize with their owners on their own terms so it is important to make sure that you are giving your pet enough attention.

Trips to the vet

Finally, you need to make sure that you are taking your pet for regular trips to the vets. Think of this as a check-up you receive at the doctor's or dentist so you can make sure everything is okay and in order. Owners are often apprehensive about taking their pets to the vets because they are nervous about expensive bills. However, a vet will never charge for something that your animal doesn’t need. If you are worried about this make sure that you check the review carefully to find a vet who people do trust and recommend. If you do this you will have no issues getting your pet the high level of care they deserve for the right price.

We hope this helps you understand everything you need to think about to ensure that your pet remains healthy in the future.

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Essential Oils | Benefits, How To Use, + How To Choose

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I'm sure you've seen the memes circulating by now making fun of essential oils being used in place of traditional medicine.  It's true but it's not.  First of all the big disclaimer with any kind of natural solution to anything is that you should always seek advice or treatment from a medical professional first.  So no you can't always solve your anxiety issues with lavender essential oil, but you can use it to help you relax and unwind.  See what I'm saying? 

So today's post is all about essential oils - their benefits, how to use them, and how to choose them. 

WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS? 
Essential oils are compounds from plants whether it's the root, flower, seeds, bark, or other area.  They are very highly concentrated and very potent.  The essential oils of a plant give it the aroma we know them to have and help the plant become pollinated and even protect it from harmful insects.  Essential oils are so strong that you can instantly smell the aroma when you open a bottle of one. Each essential oil has a different aroma or benefit so there are different oils that are used for different things, which I'll get to in a little bit. 

Ancient civilizations used plants for things like aromatherapy, health, religious ceremonies, food preparation, beauty treatments, and personal care all through history.  The method in how you distill an essential oil can greatly affect it's potency and purity.   Most often in modern times there is a process that uses special machinery to to separate the oil from the plant.  

Today, we use essential oils as perfume, a way to fill our homes with a lovely or therapeutic scent, a massage oil, and even bug repellent.  There are so many cool ways to use these oils. 


WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS? 
There are certainly physical benefits as there are oils that can be used to help with digestion, clear your airways, and soothe skin irritations.  Most people use them as a supplement to their current health care routine and everyone flocks to essential oils because it's a way of using something to your own specific benefit in your own specific way rather than settling for a generic solution.  

On an emotional and spiritual level, some essential oils hold soothing and grounding properties while others energize you.  Just like it can be helpful to spray your pillow with lavender mist to help you fall asleep, you can use essential oils while meditating, praying, or working on a project. Have you ever smelled something that brings you an immediate and super strong memory of something whether it's a person or a moment from childhood?  That's the power of scent and it goes to show how something like an essential oil being diffused in your home can create that reaction with your brain. 


HOW CAN I USE ESSENTIAL OILS? 
There are few ways to use essential oils and if you do them correctly, they are very safe. You can also combine methods of use for an oil. 
Aromatic | Again, the sense of smell is very powerful and the purity of essential oils can go directly to the part of your brain that can give you a physical or mental response to the odor.  

You can diffuse essential oils in certain rooms of your home like I do with this essential oil diffuser from Amazon. It's cheap but it's gorgeous and it has beautiful colored light that comes out at the top (or you can turn it off if you don't want the light on).  I just add water and then a few drops of the oil I want to diffuse.  

It's also important to talk to your vet if you have pets so you know what oils may be harmful to certain animals, especially those with health issues.  

You can also mix oils in a spray bottle with water and mist it onto furniture, carpet, or into an open room to give a pleasant and soothing or invigorating feel to it.  Some people use essential oils in their cleaning routine as well. 

Topical | If you've ever receive an aromatherapy massage, you've likely had essential oils rubbed into your skin.  Essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin so methods like a gentle massage can increase the blood flow to the area and help distribute the oil benefits throughout the body.  Some people use essential oils with a lotion to help dry or irritated skin.  If you're starting out using an essential oil topically you should start with a very low dose until you know what works best for you.  Most doses can last 4-6 hours!  And of course you can use essential oils on different parts of the body like your chest, face, neck, and even the bottoms of your feet.  

Some people enjoy a foot soak with essential oils in the water or even an aromatherapy bath.  You can add a few drops to a hot or cold compress as well to get some extra relief for sore muscles.  

Internal | Some people use essential oils as a dietary supplement just as you wood if you sprinkle basil over your pasta or sip peppermint tea.  They can also add great flavor to a dish.  Essential oils, when ingested, go straight to your blood through your digestive system and then make their way to all organs of the body including your brain. To ingest an essential oil internally you can add a tiny drop to teas or smoothies, take them in the form of a capsule, or simply just placing a dot on your tongue. 


HOW TO CHOOSE ESSENTIAL OILS
Anytime you are wondering what a specific essential oil can do for you just google the benefits of it.  And if you want to find which essential oils are good for something you're dealing with, google that as well.    I get most of my essential oils through Simply Earth! 

And honestly they started because they were sick and tired of overpaying for essential oils or having to attend parties to buy them so they decided to start their own line.  They even have an  Essential Oil Recipe Box!   It has easy and fun recipes to follow at honest prices for products that really do work! Like just last month I got everything I needed to create a stress ball, bubbles, essential oils to wear, and even stuff to add to the bath!  I've started playing around with some of them and using some of the recipes to make oil blends that I use in very special ways.  I feel so empowered being able to do this for myself. 

Each Essential Oil Recipe Box contains 4 essential oils, natural ingredients, and a few fun extras like Psyllium Husk Powder.  This box contained Sweet Dreams, Lavender, Fir Needle, and Tangerine.  There were a bunch of fun recipes whether I wanted to make something for in the bath, wear as a perfume, or just use in a diffuser.  The possibilities are endless and it feels SO GOOD to create your own products that you actually use in your own home.  

Also, 13% of Simply Earth profits are given to organizations that are currently fighting human trafficking.   You can use the code ASKAWAYFREE on your first Simply Earth subscription box  and you get a $40 gift card for your next box or a future purchase.

 hope I've given you a better understanding of the whole idea and concept behind essential oils for everyday life.  If you currently use essential oils please let me know below! 

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6 Times Warren Buffett Wowed Us With His Financial Advice

 

Warren Buffett has made more money than any other investor in the history of investing. He began with a small sum of money early in his teens and grew it into a fortune by the time he was in his thirties.

But how was he able to do it? He did it by following his own sound advice. And you can learn from it too. Here is some of his best wisdom.

Don’t Lose Money

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It sounds simple - even child-like - but there’s a lot of wisdom to the adage (don’t lose money).

Losing money is a disaster. Not only do you deprive yourself of funds today, but you also reduce your long-term wealth potential. You have less money in your account to generate compound interest for your retirement.

Buffett says that if you are working from a loss, it is much harder for you to find your way back to where you started. It is much better to invest in assets that you know are going to generate value over the long-term.

Invest In Yourself

What is the most valuable thing you own? If you ask Warren Buffett, it isn’t your house or your car: it’s your mind. Therefore, he suggests that everyone invests in themselves. You can dramatically increase your long-run wealth potential if you have skills, talents and abilities that other people value.

Learn About How Money Works

You also need to become financially literate and educate yourself on how money actually works. Money isn’t as mysterious as many people think. In fact, once you understand concepts, such as compounding, you quickly see how some people are able to get so wealthy.

View Money As A Long-Term Game

Warren Buffett spent his whole life building his fortune. It didn’t happen overnight. That’s why everyone should begin early, no matter how small their savings might be.

Many people get a small business retirement savings account from Accuplan. The idea is to allow their money to accrue over a lifetime so that they have funds to support themselves when they retire. Buffett refers to this as similar to getting the “shade of a tree planted a long time ago.”

Don’t Get Into Debt

Buffett is also a big advocate of staying out of debt if you possibly can. He says that he has seen more people fail because of leverage (borrowed money) than he has liquor.

But why is this? It’s because debt compounds as well. The more you have, the more burdensome it becomes, and the longer it takes to pay it off.

Buffett suggests that people avoid credit cards altogether. Many have interest rates of 20 percent which is more than even the most skilled investors can generate from their portfolios long term.

Buy Value

Lastly, Buffett says that you should buy any assets at a low price. If you pay a higher price than the underlying value of the asset, you will lose money guaranteed. If you buy at a lower price, you’ll eventually make money once the market moves towards fair value.

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Take Your Fitness Routine To The Next Level This Year

 

Are you keen to improve your workout or fitness routine? If so, then there are a few options that could be worth exploring. These are the suggestions that we recommend you keep in mind.

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Get Tracking Tech

First, you should think about using tracking tech as part of your exercise routine. Tracking tech will make it easier to set and keep measurable goals as part of your workout. This means that you won’t have to worry about issues with having unrealistic goals. If you set goals that aren’t realistic and then don’t see the results that you are hoping for, it can cause you to put less effort into your exercise routine. This is going to lead to even further diminished returns. There’s a range of different types of tracking tech available on the market. For instance, you could think about getting an Apple Watch. This will allow you to look at various aspects of your workout and figure out where you need to make improvements.

Buy The Right Clothing

Next, you should think about getting the right clothing and footwear for working out. For instance, if you are running, then you need to make sure that you are buying the right shoes. The wrong shoes will mean that you are more susceptible to aches and pains in your feet. This is going to reduce the distance that you can run on a regular basis. It could also mean that you are more likely to sustain an injury so a great pair or running shoes is definitely going to be worth the investment.

Try Supplements

You might also want to consider using supplements. As the same suggests, supplements should not be used as an alternative to a solid exercise routine. Nor should they be used instead of improving your diet. However, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t use them at the same time. The big benefit of supplements is that they can guarantee that you have the extra energy that you need for your daily exercise routine. You could also explore products from companies like CBDistillery. These products can be great because they will ensure that you are able to recover more rapidly after you complete a workout.

Hire A Personal Trainer

Finally, you could think about hiring a personal trainer. The benefit of a personal trainer is that they can make sure that you are exercising the right way and completing the perfect routine to accomplish your fitness goals. A lot of people assume that any exercise is good for you. While this might be true, it depends on the areas that you want to see improvements in. For instance, achieving a firm buttocks won’t require the same exercises as building up your biceps.

We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you can take to guarantee that you get your fitness routine back on the right track and up to the next level. If you explore this advice, then you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

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Saving Tips For Homeowners- How To Lower Spending On Repairs

 

Keeping your home in pristine condition can be an expensive business. Repair bills often come out of the blue, and they can throw a major spanner in the works when it comes to managing your finances. If you’re keen to lower spending on home repairs, here are some tips and tricks.

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Invest in maintenance

It is not always possible to avoid problems at home, which will end up costing you money to resolve, but investing in maintenance can help you save money and lower risks. Consider your heating and AC systems, for example. If you have your AC units inspected frequently and you schedule regular system services, this will help to prevent faults and errors, reducing the risk of needing costly repairs. You may still find yourself in a situation where you need help from a company that offers 24 hour AC repair, but you should find that regular maintenance lowers costs in the long term. Check appliances frequently, keep up to date with electric and gas safety tests and make use of free checks provided by manufacturers.

Seek advice if you encounter problems

If you experience problems at home, for example, plumbing issues, electrical faults, damage to the roof or appliances that stop working, seek advice promptly. It’s usually best to intervene early to prevent the situation from getting worse. If you leave problems untreated, or you ignore them and hope they magically go away, you could end up paying a lot more for repairs.

Look for experienced repair companies

One of the most critical steps to take when carrying out repairs at home is to find the best individuals or companies for the job. Always take your time to make a decision. Contact local firms, ask for written quotes, ask friends, neighbors, relatives or colleagues for recommendations, read reviews and make sure the company is insured. Don’t pay money before work has commenced and check the warranty terms and conditions. Hiring experienced professionals will reduce the risk of needing further repairs in the future. Once you have reputable repair companies on hand, you need to make sure you act quickly when you do need it. For example, if you need a roof repair, don’t delay, otherwise, you may end up paying more in the long run.

Look for value when comparing quotes

If you’re having work done on your home, it may be tempting to opt for the lowest price. Instead of focusing on fees, prioritize value for money. Often, you may be able to access superior services, better quality materials and more experienced professionals if you are willing to pay a bit more. It’s always better to spend more on a high-quality job than to end up paying for remedial repairs down the line. You should also check that everything is included in the quote provided and ask about payment options before you sign any agreements. This will help you to avoid unexpected charges and extras.

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Buying and maintaining a home is expensive. Many of us dread having to pay for repairs, especially when we haven’t budgeted for them. To lower costs and keep your home in good working order, it’s wise to schedule regular maintenance checks and services, seek advice if you have any concerns and search for the best businesses in your area. Look for value when comparing quotes and ask for recommendations.

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Purging Your Work Wardrobe for Telework

 

If  you are lucky enough to be transitioning to a full time or part time telework schedule from now on for your job, you can rejoice because you will likely save money and space when it comes to your wardrobe. But that also means you should do a closet purge so you can have a more organized and useful closet. 

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6 Reasons Your Generator Fails To Work

 

A generator is an electrical device used in various fields and homes to supply an additional energy output. Many are often gas-powered, kick-starting the parts to run. This alone does not generate electrical power. Most of this technology works because a system of parts works together to transform kinetic energy, a system of moving equipment, into electricity.

As a portable device, a generator works well as a backup energy supply, helping when the main system goes offline. What, though, happens if something goes wrong? Owners should be aware of common reasons for malfunction. This knowledge may help get it fixed and running properly. Be on the lookout for the following six problems.
 

1. Check the Oil and Gas

Before you call emergency generator repair, make sure that the oil and gas are at proper levels. Many of today's devices have sensors to determine if the proper amount is in the unit. They will not work if it's off. In addition, the oil level could be off if the generator is not completely flat. If placed on the slanted ground, the oil tilts. This state could result in undetected.
 

2. Examine for Clogs

If gas has been placed in the generator, but it's still not running, look over the valve system. The fuel valve allows for the gas to move to the carburetor. If this doesn't happen, the device cannot function. First, see that the valve is open. Then, assess for clogs that could prohibit the flow. You may need to clear the lines to get things operating.
 

3. Scrutinize the Spark Plug

The spark plug kick starts the reaction with the fuel. If it's worn or damaged, the fuel may not activate, and the generator remains off. Assess the part's condition. Signs of color change or erosion are concerning. Furthermore, if you notice cracks or the park no longer provides a spark, it's time to replace it.
 

4. Replace the Switch

The switch to turn on the unit could be the trouble. The generator likely has a start and safety switch. Test them both using a multimeter. If bad, have a professional replace the part.
 

5. Try the Carburetor

When generators aren't used regularly, they could experience oil buildup concerns, especially in the carburetor. It's important to clean it out before storing it away. If it wasn't cleaned out, a clog likely developed, preventing flow and function. Either have a specialist replace the part or try to clear it out for improved movement.
 

6. Unplug Everything

The generator should start before you plug things into it. If you have anything attached, take it out. Start the unit, and then plug everything back in.

The generator is a source of power, keeping things running when the mainline goes out. It requires proper care and storage to continue working well. If it stops, go through the various parts to see if there is a concern. While you may just need oil, it could mean it's time to clean or repair part of the technology.

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4 Ways to Reduce Your Monthly Expenses To Save Money

 

Do you find yourself wondering how to make your monthly expenses more manageable? There are many ways that you can reduce your monthly expenses. From lowering the amount of money spent on subscriptions to reducing food waste, many small changes will add up and save you some serious cash in the long run! Here is an overview of three methods for saving money every month:

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1 Cancel Subscriptions

Cutting out unnecessary subscriptions or services can save hundreds each year. For example, if you have three TV channels but only watch one, it could be worth cancelling the other two, so they aren't being paid for by accident. You could also cancel any magazine subscriptions or online newspapers which don't provide enough value to justify the cost. Some people find they have subscriptions costing them hundreds per year that they don't even know about! So whether you're saving for a new car or that item you saw on a Forevermark Review, the below aspects might be of help.

​A) Cancelling your Netflix subscription won't save you more than $30 a month, but cancelling your Spotify subscription can save you more than $80 each month.

B) If you don't have a TV, cancelling cable will save the average person over $90 per month.

C) Canceling magazine subscriptions or online newspapers that don't provide enough value to justify the cost could also help cut down your monthly expenses.

D) Keep an eye on your airline loyalty points and parking subscriptions which can be cancelled at any time.

2 Try To Reduce Commuting Costs

If you have a long commute to work, it can eat into your monthly budget. The best way to reduce this expense is simply by carpooling or taking public transport. If that isn't possible due to time constraints or location, try and find out if the company will allow teleworking one day per week (including setting up your own office in an unused space). This could save $250+ on gas every month for some people! The key here is trying different options until you find something that works well for you and the company. It may take some experimenting, but when everyone wins-it's worth it!

3 Reduce Money Spent on Entertainment

There are several ways to reduce the money spent on entertainment. For example, if you go out for dinner with friends every Friday night, then suggest that they all chip in and buy food instead. You could also invite people over once per week rather than each weekend or monthly so that socialising doesn't cost as much! If there is something specific which you don't enjoy about going out (such as drinks), then why not just make it tea? There are many different solutions for cutting down your expenses here - it's just about finding what works best for your schedule and needs!

4 Switch to an affordable residential electrical services company

You should keep in mind a few things when looking for an affordable residential electrical services company. First, make sure that the company is licensed and insured. This is important for your safety and the safety of the workers. You also want to check out reviews from previous customers. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from the company. Finally, compare prices between different companies. This will help you find the best deal possible. Once you've found a provider you like, make sure to sign a contract so that there are no fees later on.

Reducing your monthly expenses can be done in several ways choosing what works best for you and sticking to it! It's not always easy, but you can start saving money without even trying by following the three methods discussed above. These small changes will add up over time, so don't put them off any longer.

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