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Free Time

How to Simplify Your Day to Have More Free Time

It’s been said that everyone has the same number of hours in the day, even Oprah. Why does it seem like some people have more time and get a lot more done? It’s not all due to having a full staff of chefs, personal trainers, housecleaners and drivers. There are some real strategies you can employ, many of which are used in professional wellness coaching, to simplify your day. A simpler life means having more free time. However, equally important is making sure you don’t go on to pack that new free time with activities. Taking time to rest, relax, and reflect is a necessary recharge that you’re going to need for a happier and healthier life. Getting more free time is just part of the process. It’s what you do with it that can really take your life to another level. Let’s start with simplification first. Here are a few ways you can take the complex out of your life on a daily basis: 1. Triage, don’t multi-task: Humans aren’t really made to multi-task, and in fact a very small percentage actually can. Instead, what we do is quickly switch back and forth between tasks. It might seem quick, but there is wasted and frustrated time during those switches. The more switching we do, like trying to feed a toddler while simultaneously holding a conversation with an adult, the worse we are at it. This means none of the people or tasks in our life get anywhere near our full attention. Instead of trying to multi-task, which is a doomed project, give one task your complete attention. Triage to gauge what’s most important or pressing. Finish that task, then move on to the next. 2. Ask yourself“Do I really need to be doing this?" with every task: There are going to be a lot of things you really should be doing, like flossing daily. However, there are also a lot of tasks that you do out of habit or guilt. A followup question might be, “Do I really need to be doing this right now?” This can be dangerous territory for procrastinators, so you have to know yourself before adopting this question. Getting rid of unnecessary tasks, or those that might even be harmful (like maintaining a relationship with a toxic friend) can free up an incredible amount of time. Asking yourself is step one. Actually taking steps to remove those tasks from your life can be very difficult and may require some professional mediation (such as talking with a therapist). 3. Get quality sleep: How can you get more free time by earmarking more time for sleep? It’s pretty simple. If you don’t get enough quality sleep, you’re only functioning at partial capacity. This means tasks will take longer and won’t be as enjoyable. Sleep requirements vary by person, and eight is just the average. However, remember that’s it’s also quality along with quantity. Good sleep hygiene includes avoiding a screen two hours before bed, establishing a good sleep ritual that cues your body and brain that it’s time to sleep, and getting rid of all technology in the bedroom. Treat yourself to an old-fashioned alarm clock and keep the phone in another room. 4. Stop distracting yourself with technology: Are you able to prepare lunch for yourself without having some form of technology for entertainment? Can you be in a space that’s quiet? When is the last time you picked up a real, tangible book without the white noise of a television or podcast in the background? Less is more can be scary at first, but it also retrains your brain and body to enjoy simplification. 5. Quiet your inner critic: In western countries, our cognitive conditioning is terrible. We talk horribly to ourselves, and our inner voice says things that we would never say to a friend or even a stranger. If you practice being kind to yourself, whether through audible affirmations or simply re-working your inner voice to be supportive, you can get rid of a lot of the dangerous white noise made by negative self-talk. Simplification isn’t the same for every person, and these are just a few ideas. Only you can unveil how you distract yourself and why. Getting rid of distractions, tasks, and even some relationships in your life can ease anxiety. It can also reduce depression. It can teach you to enjoy the present and your own company. However, this lifestyle isn’t a destination. It’s a lifelong practice where there will be good days and bad days. Don’t beat yourself up if you have a rough, complicated day. Instead, look forward to tomorrow when you can try again. Read Also: Five Benefits Of Meditation That Will Change Your Life 7 Tricks To Make Kayaking More Enjoyable

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Confident Man

Dress for Success: 4 Tips to Look (and Feel) Like a Confident Man

You've always wanted to be the confident guy that commands the attention of everyone in the board meeting, and that gets numbers thrown at him in the local bar. However, you've sometimes wondered if it's your slovenly style, as opposed to your personality, that's getting you passed over for dates and promotions. In this post, we'll tell you how you can dress like a confident man -- even when you don't actually feel like one. Read on to learn how the right clothes can communicate an air of experience, control, and even approachability. We bet that, once you follow these tips, you'll walk with a little more swagger in your step. 1. Have Your Clothing Tailored: A tailor can make even an affordable suit from the discount bin look like it was created especially for you. Plus, especially with sizing as inconsistent as it is these days, taking your clothing to a tailor ensures that your sleeves are the right length, and that your slacks aren't covering half of your feet. Plus, well-fitting clothing means that you can show off the body you've been working so hard for in the gym! We guarantee that you'll feel like a totally confident man when you're wearing clothing that works with your height and your body shape. Plus, taking one of your best-loved (put perhaps a little well-worn) suits or shirts to the tailor can give it a completely new and modern look. Everyone will assume you were able to get a bespoke made especially for you. 2. Invest in the Right Accessories: No, we don't mean that you have to start piling on the man jewelry -- though if that's your thing, you should totally go for it. Instead, getting the right accessories to turn you into a confident guy who can command the attention of any room is all about knowing how to make the right investments. There are a few accessories that every man needs in his wardrobe. First, invest in a leather briefcase or a messenger bag. This will make you feel like you have somewhere important to go (even if all you're really doing is heading to your local grocery store.) We love the idea of a messenger bag that's been stamped with your initials, to give it a more personalized touch. You also need to ensure that you have a few essential shoes that all confident men have in their own closets. If you don't have a pair of Chelsea boots, some black and brown dress shoes, and one "wild card" shoe (like a fun pair of velvet slippers or some designer sneakers?) Invest in some now. Not only can a nice pair of shoes pull a whole outfit together. You'll likely actually end up saving on shoes because you're not buying a $100 pair that will fall apart after every season. Shop for the long game. Finally, make sure you've explored all your options when it comes to watches for men. Whether you're on the hunt for a bold, look-at-me statement watch, a dive watch, or even if you'd prefer to go digital? The right watch can make you feel like the confident man you've always wanted to be. 3. Good Grooming is Key: A confident man is also one that takes good grooming and skincare seriously. Even the most expensive and fabulous designer suit can end up looking cheap if it's worn with unwashed hair, an unkempt beard, and a unibrow. Especially as more and more men feel comfortable getting more into grooming rituals, we encourage you to explore which ones you're the most interested in trying out for yourself. You don't have to go out to the most cutting-edge salon in town and drop hundreds of dollars on the most fashionable haircut of the moment. Instead, it's about regular maintenance of the classic cuts you love. It's also about making sure your nails look healthy, taking care of unwanted body hair, or just doing any kind of grooming ritual that makes you feel good. Plus, many companies are making beauty products geared specifically towards men. This means you won't have to raid your girlfriend's bathroom cabinet anymore. 4. Don't Let Trends Turn You into a Fashion Victim: Dad sneakers, skinny ties, and street style may be the latest thing in men's fashion. But if you truly want to know how to be a confident man, you need to get real with yourself about whether or not an overly-trendy outfit is making you look like a try-hard. If a "trend" isn't something that you'd normally wear in real life? Perhaps it's better left on the runways as opposed to in your closet. Instead, focus on timeless pieces. Instead of spending $400 on a fanny pack (yes, it happens) put that money towards an elegant Italian leather wallet or a well-tailored white dress shirt. If you love dressing en vogue, we suggest to wearing one trend at a time. After all, you don't want to end up looking like a fashion magazine thew up on you. Become a Confident Man with These Tips: You've heard the saying, "Dress for the job you want, not the one you have." The same can be said of "dressing like the man you want to become." Eventually, you won't feel like you're pretending to be a confident man anymore. You'll realize that you've always been one all along, but that you just needed a few style updates to remind you of that. So, what else can you do to upgrade your looks, your lifestyle, and your wardrobe? No matter your job, your income level, or the kinds of things you like, we'll help you to learn more about how to express yourself the right way. Read Also: The Style Bible: How To Dress Up Like Millennial Top 3 Factors While Selecting Mismatched Dresses For Your Bridesmaids

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Path in Life

Finding Your Path in Life: 5 Ways to Determine What You Want to Do in Life

Too many people plan their lives out according to someone else’s dream. They make decisions based on what they ‘should’ do instead of what they ‘want to do’, and end up chasing money, convenience, and easy options. But trying to determine what you want to do in life is far from simple. These are five ways to solve the puzzle and determine what you want to do, and once you know, give yourself a competitive edge and download free of charge resumes from LiveCareer. Put Yourself First: One of the biggest reasons why we overlook what we actually want to do is because we feel like we have to do something for other people. Put yourself first for a change. Ignore what your parents want you to do, or your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife wants you to do and think about what you would be doing if none of them were in the equation. Think About Where You Want to Be in Five Years: It sounds like a cliché interview question, but spending some time thinking about your medium and long-term goals will help shed light on what you want to do with your life. It doesn’t matter if you actually end up there in five-years-time (you probably won’t), but as a thought exercise, thinking about where you want to be can help you discover what is important to you. Find the Common Thread in Your Experiences: Looking backwards can help you moving forwards. Look back through your previous work and personal experiences. What skills have been a common thread? Are there any recurring themes? Job titles, salaries, and companies can all change, but ultimately your career will be defined by your skills. Realizing what those skills are and how to apply them to your career to provide meaning is most of the battle. Establish What You Don’t Want to Do: Sometimes you may not know what you want, but you have a strong idea of what you don’t want. This is a good starting point and can help you work out how to avoid paths that definitely don’t appeal to you. Establish what you don’t want and be specific. Don’t simply assert that you don’t like working in an office. Be more specific. Working in the Google office is not the same as working in an accountancy office, for example. What aspect of office life doesn’t appeal to you? The inflexible hours? Micromanagers? Pointless job titles? All of these can be part of the office life but don’t have to be. Run with Side Projects: Do you have a side project that you have wanted to embark on for a while but have never found the time? Then make time! Side projects are an exceptional method of exploring new possibilities and hobbies. All it takes is the right side project and a huge injection of passion, and before you know it, you could have just discovered your next career. Finding what you want to do in life is as much about sparking your curiosity, igniting your passion, and discovering your interests as it is about choosing a job. There will be obstacles, both internal and external, but finding things you want to pursue, skills you want to learn, and places you want to be in the medium to long-term future are all important steps on the path of finding what it is you want to do in life. Read Also: How To Start Your Career As A Financial Advisor? Top Things To Know Before Entering A Medical Career

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Move House

A List of Last-Minute Things You Should Check before You Move House

When we are moving house, it’s relatively easy for us to remember a good number of things, such as packing our belongings for our move and making sure all the items are properly packed and secured, and making sure that we inform our utility providers, both present and future as well. But there are indeed some other aspects which we may end up forgetting or neglecting simply because we are too focused on the major things we have to do. So what are these last-minute things you should check before you move house? Here’s a list. Things from repair shops, dry cleaning shops, tailors, and more: Yes, you probably have a lot of clothes to pack. But before you close and seal your boxes, make sure you have collected all your clothing from the dry cleaning shop and tailor, and you have taken all your items from repair shops as well. If you neglect to take things from the dry cleaners or the tailor or the repair shop, you may be faced with regret, especially if you are moving hundreds of kilometres away. Your personal paperwork, records, and documents: It may be surprising, but many individuals actually neglect to take care of their personal paperwork, records, and documents before it's too late. In essence, you should be taking care of your paperwork, records, and documents about two months prior to your move, as some files and documents may take time to process and retrieve, such as health records for your family from your local GP and records from the veterinarian if you have pets. If you have a local pharmacist, you may also want to take your list or a copy of your prescriptions from them. Some medical centres and pharmacies can transfer your records to your new general practitioner; it's still best to make sure of this before you move. Valuables and spare keys: You shouldn’t forget your valuables and spare keys, either, especially if you have a spare key with, for example, a neighbour, or hidden somewhere in your garden or property. Make sure you give your extra keys to the new occupants of your home; this is good protocol, even if the new occupants choose to change the locks in the end. Before you move to your new home, make a thorough sweep of your old home to see if there are any valuables you may have forgotten about, such as wads of cash hidden in a tin box, or jewellery which you have stashed away in a cupboard or shelf. You never know if you have forgotten a particularly valuable item, especially if you have lived in your old home for a long time, this is a common occurrence according to Advanced Removals & Storage, who offer a man with van in Cheltenham moving service. Gym memberships and library books: Aside from the things mentioned above, don't forget your gym memberships and library books too. Return whatever library books you may still have in your possession, and remember to inform the library about your move as well (this way, they can cancel your library card). If you have a membership for the local gym, make sure to cancel your membership – better yet, if they have a branch in your new location, you can simply ask them to transfer your gym membership to the other branch. Good luck, and happy moving! Read Also: 8 Home Gym Systems You’ll Want To Try Out Moving House? Here’s The Ultimate Checklist How To Sell Your House Fast?! Five Must-Know Tips To Move Your Property!

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Lose Weight

Shocking Expert Tips on How to Lose Weight Without Exercise

It's that time of year again when you know with every delicious morsel you put in your mouth, you're going to regret it come January 1. Different ways you can lose weight can help you to achieve your objectives. That's what New Year's resolutions are for, right? As soon as you're done celebrating the New Year with the champagne and hors-d'oeuvres, you'll be ready for the gym! At least, that's what you're telling yourself. You and 45% other adults in America. The truth is, 80% of those gym memberships everyone signs up for on January 2nd don't get much use past May. Going to the gym takes a lot of work. You have to find a time when you're not at your actual job or running your kids around town. It's just not possible for some people. So, how do you lose weight without buying expensive elliptical machines or showing up to the gym at midnight? If you're already stressing about how to lose weight without exercise, we've got some tips below that will help. How to Lose Weight Without Exercise: Losing weight without exercising sounds impossible. After all, that's what your doctor always says: "Get more exercise!" While we all know that's how you lose weight, there are alternatives that don't involve starving yourself. In fact, if you're lean already and just have some pesky belly fat to get rid of, starving yourself can actually lead to weight gain. Plus, it's really unhealthy to do that. Here are some healthy ways to lose weight without exercise. Eat More Fiber Fad diets also aren't the best idea. But, a change in your overall eating habits with help you lose weight. The easiest change is to add more fiber to your daily diet. Even Harvard agrees and you definitely trust those super-smart folks, don't you? Adding soluble fiber like oatmeal, beans, peas, fruits, and vegetables will help you lose belly fat. But, you'll also have a healthier digestive tract and gut bacteria. Your blood sugar levels will also be better regulated and you'll have great skin. Eat Slower Some experts believe that chewing slowly will help you lose weight. The school of thought is two-fold. First, they allege you take in fewer calories by chewing your food until there are no more lumps. Second, it will help you eat less. There's actually a third benefit. Eat slower means you'll enjoy your meal more. Especially those yummy fruits and veggies! Plastic Surgery This may be a little more extreme than you were looking for. But, there are procedures that are minimally-invasive like body contouring. This is great if you have specific areas you want to target. It's also safe with little side effects. If this option interests you, make sure you read more about it so you understand everything involved. Get More Sleep This is going to sound like music to your ears (or, in this case, eyes) but sleeping more can help you lose weight. The way it works is pure science. Having a regular sleep schedule -- which means being in bed at the same time every night and up at the same time every morning -- keeps your circadian rhythm in check. Your circadian rhythm is one of the most important factors when it comes to the health of your hormones. This affects your body's metabolic rate and its ability to lose weight and keep it off. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults sleep between seven and nine hours every night. There's a magic number for everyone and you know when you're at your best. The key is consistency. If eight hours is your ideal sleep time, stick to it -- even on the weekends. Too much sleep can make you feel groggy and too little will make you feel like an extra from The Walking Dead. Say Bye-Bye to Belly Fat: You now have some tips on how to lose weight without exercise. Some of these may be a little more extreme than others, but you won't need a gym membership or two extra hours in your busy day. You just need to improve your eating habits, which includes avoiding certain foods. Whatever you do, don't stress over it. That can lead to weight gain, too. For more tips on health and fitness, check out our other posts on our lifestyle blog. Read Also: Lose Weight: What Is The Best Way To Lose Weight? If You’ve Reached A Weight Loss Plateau, Fix Your Sleep

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Boat Party

I’m On a Boat!: How to Throw a Boat Party the Lonely Island

Get your towels ready, it's about to go down! A top-notch party can be the highlight of anyone's year. And while it's totally possible to have a killer party on land, you'll be sure to wow your guests when you take this party offshore. But it's not as simple as changing the location of your shindig. In fact, there's a lot of planning you should do if you're considering throwing a boat party for the ages. Grab your swim trunks and your flippie-floppies and dive in to find out what you have to do to throw a truly amazing party on a boat. Pick a Theme: Sure, you could go with a tried and true nautical theme when you've chosen a boat party, but why keep it simple? You should use this occasion to really spice up your party style and invite your friends to do the same. If this is a party where a fun theme is acceptable, consider doing an 80's prom night party. If your friends are fans of mysteries, give a Clue-themed party a shot. Invite your friends to dress in their best party clothes and let loose, have a good time. Once you've selected a theme, follow the trends of all hipster weddings of today and chose a hashtag! This is a great way to build some buzz up around your party and to give your guests a collective way to share their photos of the event with each other. Choose Your Colors: You'll really be able to wow your guests if you manage to color coordinate your party. Think about all of the little elements that add up on the boat you'll be partying on and find a way to incorporate them into your theme. Some great, hip color schemes are navy blue and gold, ultra-violet and white, peach and mint, and purple and green. Once you've picked your colors, you can start to collect things that will go with them. Don't forget things like napkins, pillows, and blankets! Plan a Menu: Planning a menu for a boat party can be tricky. You've already got so much on your plate, you'll probably want to think about some kind of catering. When you're planning your boat party menu, keep it simple. You don't want an overcomplicated dish to give you or your caterer a headache. Besides, sometimes simple finger foods are the most fun when you've got other fun things to do at a boat party! Get Your Drink On: Now that you've got your menu planned and your theme picked it, it's time for the most fun part of the night: the drinks! There's nothing wrong with setting up a BYOB rule, especially if you're already dishing out a fair chunk of change for your menu and other aspects of this boat party. But if you're inclined to serve a little booze as well, here are a few ideas for you to choose from: Jelly shots shaped like fish bowls Blueberry-limoncello punch Watermelon Daiquiri Dark and Stormy Paloma Mojito No matter what you decide to serve for your party, remind your guests to drink responsibly. You aren't trying to be a buzzkill, you're trying to keep everyone safe! Decorate: You might think that a beautiful sea backdrop is enough to make your boat party a beautiful success, but there's a lot more you can do to make your setting pop! Keep your color scheme in mind while you're picking out your decorations. Put up colorful flags, layout pillows and blankets, and don't forget the minor details! They're what make the get together special and stand out in your guest's minds. If you're feeling extra adventurous, try making some of your own decorations by hand! A beautifully hand-lettered sign and handmade pennants that reflect the theme and color scheme of your party will be sure to wow your guests. Plan Your Guest List: Here's the fun part: deciding who you want to invite to your party. It's not just as simple as putting a few names on a list and hoping for the best. If you want your boat party to go off without a hitch, you're going to want to take a few precautions before you decide who's invited. First of all, is this a work thing or a friends thing? Because if you have a few rowdy friends, you might not want to introduce them to your boss unless you're absolutely sure your boss is comfortable with seeing the shenanigans that happen after a few too many mojitos. It's also a good idea to take a good look at your friends' list and see what the relationships between the others are. The last thing you want is a dramatic showdown starring spurned lovers or jealous ex-friends in the middle of your boat party. It's supposed to be a laid-back and relaxed day! Whether the Weather is Fine: It's also a solid idea to have a plan in case the weather turns nasty. Consider getting in touch with a local restaurant or coffee shop to be your backup just in case the weather turns foul. It's also important to remember that not everyone on your boat will be comfortable being on the water. Have a quiet area where nervous guests can go if the waves get choppy! Be Safe: It might not seem to be very representative of The Lonely Island to have a whole section here about safety, but it's important nonetheless! It should go without saying that you need to obey all safety laws and make sure common sense prevails over everything else. Sure, boats offer a sense of fun and a relaxed atmosphere, but there's a very real danger of drowning or injury if something were to go wrong. Make sure your guests know where the life vests are and have a brief chat before the festivities really kick off about some of the safety measures they should follow if need be. You can view here some tips for new boat owners if you're not sure what to look out for. The Boat Party of the Century: Do you have your nautical themed pashmina afghan ready? Because it's time to get out there and host your own boat party that The Lonely Island would want an invite to. All you've got to do is do a little pre-planning in order to get sailing today. Are you looking for more fun party plannings tips? Check out this post about making birthday parties pop! Read Also: 10 Beach Vacation Packages That Will Let You Unwind Without Breaking The Bank 30 Quick Facts About Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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Hammock

Why You Should Include A Tent In Your Hammock Backpacking

Choosing to either sleep in a hammock or a tent is an important factor to consider when prepping for camping. This range of choices has generated heated debates among outdoor enthusiasts. Traditional campers prefer to stick with tents, and the others usually opt for hammocks. Sleeping in a hammock is definitely a different experience than sleeping in a tent. This is mainly because while a tent is sited on the ground, a hammock is suspended in air between two trees. Moreover, there are pros and cons of sleeping either in a hammock or a tent. This leads to us to an important subject that’s fast becoming popular among campers – hammock camping. What is hammock camping? There are different ways of camping. Hammock camping is a type of camping wherein a camper sleeps in a hammock rather than in a regular tent. Sleeping in a hammock or a tent comes with respective advantages and disadvantages. No doubt, the biggest advantage of sleeping in a hammock is comfortable and better sleep it provides. However, sleeping in hammock still presents some drawbacks such as exposure to the elements. Sleeping in a tent is more common among campers, and the reason for this isn’t far-fetched. The advantages that a tent offers, such as more space and protection, make it a great choice among campers. Top reasons why you should include a tent in your hammock backpack: The following are some of the reasons why you should always include a tent in your hammock backpack. For protection: This is one of the many upsides of sleeping in a tent. Unlike sleeping in a hammock where you are exposed, sleeping in a tent gets you covered and protected from the weather. So, if you plan on hammock camping, ensure that you include a tent in anticipation for the worst. For better sleep experience: While sleeping in a hammock seems more comfortable than in a tent, you might find it difficult to turn or sleep on your side when using a hammock. As a result, most campers choose to go the traditional way of using a tent, even during hammock camping. No need for trees: While it may be unlikely to not find trees in camping sites, you need to be prepared for such an inopportune situation. Including a tent in your hammock backpack is a proactive way of preparing for the unlikely. Options: Including a tent in your backpack offers you options to alternate between sleeping in a hammock and a tent. During the day, you might prefer resting in the hammock, while at night (when it is usually cold), you can benefit from the shelter of a tent. Little or no need for paraphernalia: If you must use a hammock in the cold, then you need to also include extra materials such as a bug net. However, with a tent, there is little or no need for such provisions, besides your sleeping bag. Conclusion: Although hammock camping is becoming increasingly popular among campers, tent camping is still very predominant. The limitations of sleeping in hammocks are the reasons why tents will continue to remain popular. Read Also: Renting A Villa In Malta With Private Pool Should You Send Your Child With Autism To A Regular Summer Camp?

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Indian Sarees

Sarees – The Identity Of Indian Women

Sarees are an integral part of the culture of the Indian subcontinent. The beauty of sarees is nonpareil, and the way they beautify the Indian women is why all of us admire sarees.  If we formally define a saree, it can be referred to as a female garment worn by the women of the Indian subcontinent, that has a drape that is wrapped over the waist and one of its ends draped around the shoulder. Saree is the identity of the Indian women. It is something which defines them, sets them apart, and gives them their own recognition inside the crowd. Most foreigners upon seeing a woman wearing a saree would instantly recognize that the woman belongs to the Indian subcontinent. History of Sarees The origin of the sarees can be found in the Indus Valley Civilization, or the Harappan Culture, which flourished in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent during 2800 BC – 1800 BC. A statue of a priest from Indus Valley was found in the remains of the Indus Valley Civilization, which was, interestingly, shown wearing a drape, looking much similar to a saree. This can be called as one of the earliest depictions of sarees. Then, sarees evolved so much that their description can be found in the religious works of various religions like Hinduism and Jainism. Description of sarees, or garments closely resembling sarees can be found in various works of Sanskrit too. Then, sarees commenced becoming popular.  The most renowned occasion where women started wearing sarees was weddings. Red started to become the most preferred color for sarees worn by women, especially the bride at her weddings. Nowadays, sarees are worn at parties, weddings, official meetings, funerals, etc., and there are different saree designs for different occasions. Sarees and Religion                                              The types and the importance of sarees on different occasions vary with the religion of the woman wearing it. For instance, in Hinduism, women wear sarees, which are usually in red, during weddings and celebrations. They wear it when there is a puja, or some offering is being made to the God. Also, it is very common in Hindu women to wear sarees even at home. Similarly, women who belong to the Muslim faith wear sarees too. These sarees are mostly influenced by the color of Hijab worn by them. For example, the colors and patterns of the saree are matched or contrasted with that of the Hijab so that the overall clothing gives an elegant impression to the eye. Most of the Muslim women in rural as well as urban areas prefer saree over any other garment. Many a times in their culture, it is also considered obscene if a married woman is seen not wearing a saree. Even though most Muslim women are seen wearing Burqas, but they do wear sarees beneath them. But, Kashmiri Muslim women do not wear sarees. They have their own attire which is very elegant too. Similarly, sarees are also very popular in Christianity. Many nuns in the Indian Catholic Churches can be seen wearing sarees. Also, many times, a Christian bride can be seen wearing a while colored saree (or a similar garment) too during her wedding. Significance of Sarees – Then and Now Sarees, obviously, are big pieces of cloth. So, wearing them is not an easy task. It shows the management skills of a woman, as if she can manage to wear such a big piece of cloth, then she can definitely manage her family and take good care of her spouse and children. Women look the most beautiful and refined when they are wearing sarees. But nowadays, sarees are more skin revealing than skin covering. Earlier, sarees were worn to hide the waist but now they are designed in such a way that they reveal the waist. A woman is considered more gorgeous and beautiful if she wears such sarees. Hence, sarees have evolved keeping in mind the current fashion trends and the changing mindsets/perspectives of the women wearing it. Sarees and Seasons Sarees also vary with changing seasons. For example, cotton sarees are the most comfortable and worn by most of the women during the scorching heat of the summers. Similarly, sarees made of silk or usually, some warm fabric is worn during winters to keep warm. Style Caret has a very good collection of sarees for different seasons. Social and Cultural Aspects of Sarees When it comes to choosing the right clothes for weddings and celebrations, something which no one can deny getting attracted to is sarees. Sarees are culturally important because they are the identity of Indian women and represent the Indian culture and traditions and the rich Indian heritage. Sarees are worn differently in different parts of India. For instance, Gujaratis wear them differently, Punjabis wear them differently, Maharashtrians wear them differently, and so on. So, there are different types of sarees which are peculiar to different states. For instance, Kota Sarees are peculiar to Rajasthan, as they originated in Kota city. Likewise, Bomkai sarees are famous in Bomkai, Odisha; Talent and Kaantha sarees originated in Bengal; Dhokra, Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees are famous in Madhya Pradesh and so on. Many such sarees are available on Stylecaret which you can check out. Sarees and the West Nowadays, countries in the west are getting influenced by eastern clothing traditions due to the bliss of sarees.  Bollywood actresses like Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai are these days making a lot of tours to the west and are establishing very good relations with the Americans, like Priyanka Chopra recently made her debut in the Ellen Show. This also exposes the western audience to Indian actresses representing the Indian culture and the sarees become the cynosure of all eyes. Hence, the whole article can be summarized by saying that there is no garment, but sarees which have given the people of Indian subcontinent such a worldwide recognition and developed them socially and culturally. Sarees have indeed exalted the standard of the Indian women to a higher level.

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Mobile Phone

Reduce Your Exposure to Radiation When Using Your Mobile Phone

You need to use your phone all the time. You are aware that it is not healthy to use it for several hours, but you can’t help it. Smartphones allow you to do almost anything using your phone. Before, phones were only for calling and texting. Now, you can use your phone for banking, shopping, social media posting, advertising, networking, and many other things. There is also a growing number of apps that may be useful to you. The problem with the use of your phone, continually, is that you run the risk of exposure to radiation. Since you can't stop yourself from using your phone, there are ways to use it without increased radiation exposure. Use a headset If you are calling someone, you can use a headset or a speakerphone, so you don't put your device directly on your ear. You might notice that phones get hot when used continuously for hours. It shows that the phone is giving off high levels of radiation. However, if your phone is far away from you as you are using a headset, it limits the impact of radiation. Keep your phone in your bag It is not a good idea to put your phone in your pocket as it is directly in contact with your body. You can use your bag or purse to keep your phone when not in use. Your body tissues might easily absorb phone radiation if the phone is too close. Think about texting instead of talking Instead of having a long conversation over the phone, you could chat with another person. You will still get the same information anyway. When texting, your phone is at least a few inches away from your head. Besides, when you call someone, you tend to talk about things that are unnecessary. Texting allows you to limit the conversation as it can be tiring to keep answering. Avoid calling when the signal is weak Don't force yourself to contact someone when your signal is inadequate unless the call is for emergency reasons. When the signal is weak, the phone will keep emitting radiation as it tries to make a connection. You are increasing exposure to radiation if you keep doing it. Also, when the phone on the other end is still ringing, you don't need to put your phone to your ear. Wait until the other party answers before you start talking. Talk less If you can, you need to find a way to reduce the use of your phone. It might seem impossible, but you can do it. When you don't use your phone often, you won't have to deal with these radiation issues. You can also set a rule regarding screen time to force yourself to unplug once in a while. Use EMF protection You can use protective devices like EMF protection jewellery to block the radiation from entering your body. Even if your phone is around, or any other electronic devices for that matter, you stay protected. You need to do something about radiation exposure now before it is too late.

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Gold Jewellery

Gold: Choose your Jewellery Carefully

Gold is not just a metal that is extracted from the ores. It is more than a metal. Gold is something that everyone longs for, and it is something that everyone needs to sustain their lives in the present era. Talking about females, in particular, gold, for them, has never been a source of money. They have always viewed gold as jewelry material. When discussing jewelry, we have to understand that it is more than an accessory. It is important that the person wearing the jewelry takes pride in that jewelry and also feels comfortable while carrying it. If you're feeling uncomfortable even with the latest gold jewelry designs, you're probably not wearing the right thing. The jewelry which you carry should be such that it fits the occasion. This would prevent you from getting unnecessary attention and weird looks from the people, which are major sources of discomfort in public. When you are wearing jewelry, you're actually trying to express yourself in front of the public. Therefore, it becomes extremely important to know what to wear and when to wear. You must possess the knowledge of how your jewelry and accessories would mark an impression on the minds of the people present around. Whenever there is a presence of gold, attention comes in naturally. Therefore, it is very important that you wear the kind of jewelry with elegant features which match with the occasion. After all, you won't want to be noticed in a nugget ring at an engagement or a wedding function. While you would always want to possess an enormous amount of jewelry with great designs, you should also keep in mind the quality of the jewelry. Not every type of gold is worth keeping and not every design is great. If you feel that it is important to update yourself with the latest gold jewelry designs, then it is equally important to keep yourself updated with the knowledge of gold that is being used to make your jewelry. You should know what is 18K gold, what is 20K gold and what is 22K gold. The material is the basic part of jewelry, and you cannot afford to neglect its quality. Quality and price of the latest gold jewelry designs is something that you will always worry about. This happens because good quality never comes at a low price. In that fashion, low quality should come at a lower price, like 10 gram gold bangles designs. but then cheating is always possible due to the presence of bad apples everywhere. Therefore, while looking for the latest gold jewelry designs, you must always take care that you only pay what is fair. Never pay too much only because you can afford to do so. Gold jewelry looks the best and attractive with the correct combination of dresses. The choice of dresses should be such that you get to choose the gold jewelry according to your dresses. If you select your dress according to your jewelry, you're definitely going to fail yourself. Jewelry is an important part of many occasions, and hence it shouldn't be neglected. However, it is equally important to value yourself because, at the end of the day, it is you who will define yourself, not your jewelry. Read Also: Cut Risks And Guarantee Gains: Why Real Gold Is Attractive Save Money Buying Engagement Rings And Wedding Bands Using These Ingenious Tips

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Pest Infestation

9 Signs You Have a Pest Infestation in Your House (And What to Do About It)

The average American home has dozens or even hundreds of different kinds of insects living inside it. However, the vast majority of those tiny, unseen roommates aren't pests. Many insects and other small creatures can live peacefully near humans without causing problems. But others are pests that can infest your home, breeding in huge numbers and turning up everywhere you don't want them. From mice to cockroaches, these pests can leave all sorts of different signs. Humans have been doing pest control for thousands of years. But if you don't know what to look for, you won't know how to take the steps you need to control a pest infestation. In this guide, we'll show you exactly which signs of a pest infestation to look for. Once you recognize the problem, you can start taking the steps to fix it. Keep reading for what you need to know! 1. Damaged Wires or Furniture Big pests, like mice, often chew on furniture or through cords. If you see damaged wires or bite marks on your furniture, you probably have a pest problem that's not just insects. Rodents need to chew on things because their teeth constantly grow and need to be worn down. You'll see the marks of this activity down low, near the floor. You might also find signs that mice have been eating the food in your pantry. This damage will probably leave you asking, "What is the best way to get rid of mice?" However, the answer to this is the same as the answer to getting rid of any pests: you should always call a professional. DIY solutions are rarely completely effective. 2. Signs of Nesting Rodents also like to build nests, and you might see the signs during a thorough check of your home. They'll use any available materials to build their nests. You'll need to check all the small, hidden areas of your home where they might have started nesting. Common signs include shredded paper and cardboard. 3. Droppings Droppings are definitely one of the most unpleasant signs of a pest infestation you can come across. You can often figure out the type of pest you're working with by looking closely at the droppings. If it's a rodent, you'll find long, solid droppings that are sometimes shaped like cones. These droppings tend to be small, and won't have a strong scent. While that's a good thing, it also makes them difficult to spot. Insects droppings are different. You might find exoskeletons that have been shed, or wings, legs, and other parts of the insect body. A different sign of insect pests can be spider webs. Although spiders themselves aren't usually pests, their webs signal that they might be trying to catch the insects that have infested your home. 4. History of Pest Infestation Not sure if you're seeing sure signs of a pest infestation? Your house or apartment's history might hold some clues. Try to contact previous owners or tenants and see if they've experienced infestations before. You can also ask your neighbors if they've had any infestation issues. Where pests have been, they'll often come back, especially if measures to prevent their return aren't taken. 5. Dirt and Grime This is one of the more subtle signs of an infestation. Sometimes, what looks like a simple buildup of dirt can actually show that you're dealing with an infestation. One reason everyone hates pests is that they make a mess wherever they go. In places where insects, rodents, and other pests hang out, you might find crumbs, dirt smudges, and other bad signs. Rodents often take the same routes back and forth, so they'll leave streaks of dirt or grease along the paths they've taken. If there's dust on the floor, you may also see a trail where pests have walked. These signs may start out small, but they'll build as time goes on. The sooner you can catch them, the better. 6. Plant Damage Many insects feed on plants. If your house plants show signs of gnawing around the edges, and you don't have a pet that might have done it, it's likely due to a pest in the house. 7. Unpleasant Smells Sometimes, you'll smell a pest infestation before you see it. If you're dealing with insects that carry food, like ants, the smell could be that of rotting food they've dropped or stashed somewhere. You might also smell the pests that have died somewhere in your home, where you can't see them. They often hide in the walls or under floorboards. If you start to notice an unusual, unpleasant scent in one part of your house, make sure to carefully check it out. You might find an infestation you weren't expecting. 8. Live Pests The most obvious sign of an infestation is visually seeing live pests. However, sometimes it's easy to dismiss the problem if you see just one. Keep in mind that if one pest made itself visible, there are probably many more where it came from. These creatures tend to be great at hiding. If you catch them, you probably already have a problem -- it's not just a single creature in your home. 9. Strange Noises Almost all of your senses are useful when it comes to detecting a pest problem. Sometimes, they make unusual sounds that can be quiet and hard to catch. Pay close attention to the sounds in your home late at night, when everything's quiet. You can also put your ear up to the wall, floor, or anywhere the pests might be hiding. The sounds you hear can confirm the other signs you've found. What to Do About a Pest Infestation Now that you've spotted the signs of a pest infestation, what should you do about it? As mentioned above, your first step should always be to call professional help. If you try to fix the problem yourself, it can grow much bigger before you can stop it. Need to protect the outside of your home too? Check out our guide to keeping pests away from your garden here. Read Also: 10 Pest Control Tips To Keep Pests Away This Summer What You Should Expect From A Pest Control Visit

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Hair Damage

Possible Causes of Hair Damage When Visiting a Salon

You see your hairdresser regularly because you want to style your hair. You want to be fabulous for a special event, or you want to make it easy to fix your hair before you leave the house. You might also want to try out new trends that might look good on you. In most cases, you leave the salon feeling good about the results. You even brag about your transformation to your friends. Sadly, it is not always the case. There could be instances where you end up with damaged hair. Here are the most common problems experienced by people visiting a salon and why there is a rise in the number of hair damage claims. Bleaching You need to bleach your hair to prepare it for new hair color. There needs to be an appropriate mixture of all ingredients before bleaching; otherwise, it could severely damage your hair and scalp. During the process, your cuticles open to remove the pigments of the hair. As a result, split ends could happen as moisture is absent. If not done the right way, your hair could have severe damage. Hair color You dye your hair because you want to achieve a new look. Unfortunately, hair dyes contain chemicals that could be damaging to your hair. Quality hairdressers know what to do to come up with the right mixture to avoid hair damage. If not done right, it could be painful during and after the process. Perm Perming alters the structure of the hair to curl or straighten it. The involvement of harsh chemicals could lead to severe damage. These chemicals break the bond in the hair and rejoin them differently to achieve the desired look. In the process, your hair shaft weakens and makes the hair porous. Hairdressers know how to achieve a good look without severely damaging the hair. Too much shampoo Using shampoo now and then helps in cleaning your hair. It also helps achieve a beautiful glow. The problem is some hairdressers overuse shampoo at the salon. As a result, the natural oils in your hair start disappearing from your scalp, leaving it vulnerable, and the hair brittle and dry. Use of wrong products Not everyone will have the same reaction to chemicals used on their hair. Some people will end up with dry and brittle hair because of these products. Hairdressers study the products carefully before trying them on customers. They also ask customers if they have allergic reactions to certain brands or chemicals. Anything is possible when you enter the salon to seek hair care services. If things did not go as expected, you could find help from a lawyer. You need to make hair damage claims because you might have to undergo serious medication because of what happened. You might also lose your confidence, and it could even affect your job. The same thing applies for a laser hair burn where the help of a laser burn solicitor would be necessary. Don’t let these professionals off the hook for what they did. Read Also: Fue Hair Transplant. All You Need To Know How To Use Heat To Straighten Curly Human Hair Extensions How To Pick The Right Hair Brush For Different Hair Types

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