Luxury Travel: Choosing The Best Vacation Rental

Luxury Travel: Choosing The Best Vacation Rental

Traveling can be a fulfilling experience that enables you to learn about other locations, people and experience new things. By being prepared before you travel and considering details that range from travel arrangements to packing light, you will be paving the way for an enjoyable experience with family and friends.

Budget

Preparing for your next trip involves different factors, including setting a budget. Make an effort to estimate the cost of your trip. Consider all the expenses involved such as plane tickets, rentals, transportation within your travel destination and meals. Ensure that you have some extra cash that you can spend on shopping as well as some emergency funds.

Research the activities that you are interested in and how much they will cost. Accurate costs or estimates will make it easier for you to plan your vacation. Being flexible with your accommodation plans will ensure that you find a place that is within your budget.

Travel Arrangements

There are several websites that are available for you to find great travel deals. Form affordable flights to reasonably priced luxurious rentals, there is something for everyone. If you need help with deciding how to reach your destination, use online tools that can help you estimate the travel times and costs of different transportation options.

Accommodation

From hotels to luxury cabins near Turner Falls, there are different types of accommodation when you want to determine where you will be stating during your vacation. How you use your accommodation and specific needs will form the basis of your decision regarding the best place to stay. It is always a good idea to make reservations in advance. Even if you would prefer to be spontaneous, it can be disappointing to arrive at the location and find all rentals booked.

Packing

Create your packing list and consider weather conditions and activities when deciding what to pack. Packing light is a good choice because it eases the traveling process. Focus on some of your basic items that you can easily coordinate as well as your essential requirements such as medication and toiletries.

Rentals Available

Rentals give travelers the opportunity to stay in rented properties that give them privacy and more space as they enjoy their vacation. Many people opt to rent houses and cabins when they are away to make them feel like they are at home.

Vacation Rentals- Factors to Consider
  • Various destinations have rental properties that are offered at different sizes, price ranges and proximity to mountains, rivers and beaches. Choose a rental for your vacation according to your priorities, budget and after reviewing the rental options that are available.
  • Before choosing a rental you need to know the destination that you will visit. Find rentals that are available through reputable sites such as the cabins around Turner Falls.
  • List the things that you need during your stay, including child-friendly accommodation, extra rooms, pools, playgrounds and secluded areas.
  • While researching online, look for vacation rentals along with reviews, rates and photographs of the area. Pictures enable you to see both the exterior and interior of the property.

Lucy Walker is a freelance writer and has been a regular contributor to a number of well-established online publications. She believes that the combination of hard work and talent is a recipe for success. To learn more about cabins near Turner Falls, please visit the site.

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Say Hi To Multipurpose Moisturizing Cleansers And Radiant Skin

Say Hi To Multipurpose Moisturizing Cleansers And Radiant Skin

Soap based makeup removers are so dated! It is now time for moisturizing skin cleanser cum makeup removers that use no trace of soap. They are mostly composed of petroleum jelly and paraffin that remove heavy, waterproof makeup effectively without removing moisture from your skin. This is quite an amazing innovation for everyone who lives in dry, cold climates that are not very friendly towards soapy cleansers.

What’s so great about multi-purpose moisturizer and cleansers?

We know the old cardinal rule for good skin: cleansing, moisturizing and toning. But then toning went out of fashion when people realized the alcohol in the toners is causing their skin to become dehydrated. With the advent of these multi-purpose moisturizer and cleanser people realized that the entire pre-bed routine can be completed in one step without really missing out any benefits.

Why are these moisturizers cum cleansers better than your regular cleansers?

The new-age moisturizers cum cleansers are mostly petroleum based. This makes them ideal for sensitive skin. Many understanding manufacturers abstain from using any kind of fragrances in these products. This makes it ideal for all ages and skin types. Even dermatologists recommend many of these petroleum-based cleansing and moisturizing products. You can check out the Albolene cream review for an idea about how these products work.

What is the word in the market about these multi-purpose moisturizer and cleansers?

Most of the reviews about these multi-purpose moisturizer and cleansers are great. But there are quite a few negative reviews as well that we have been hearing about petroleum jelly based products for the last hundred years or so.

The pros of using these products –
  • These products are very easy on the pockets
  • Most of these multi-purpose moisturizer and cleansers are approved by dermatologists
  • They contain only natural ingredients like petroleum, paraffin, beta-carotene, mineral oils and ceresin.
  • They do not have any fragrance and that’s ideal for people with sensitive skin.
  • The heavy petroleum jelly is ideal for removing the waterproof, smudge-proof makeup most companies are advocating these days.

The cons of using multi-purpose moisturizer and cleansers –

  • The biggest problem is getting it off your face the next day. Some people even complain that these products are difficult to wash off with soap.
  • In very few cases, if you cannot remove the cream properly from the skin it can clog your pores can cause your skin to break out.

Most people we know love the gentle petroleum-based multi-purpose moisturizer and cleansers due to their low-fuss, easy to follow directions. They are a huge shortcut in the daily skincare routine that does not compromise the health of your skin. Besides the usual advantages, this one has no age specifications or age limits. Anyone from 18 to 80 years old can use this cream with satisfaction.

Rene Smith is an author and blogger who has her own take on beauty. She is one of the few experts who has revolutionized the way people perceive products and cosmetics. Check out her Albolene cream review so you get an exclusive view of what this multi-purpose moisturizer and cleanser can be used for.

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6 Expenses That May Be Destroying Your Budget

6 Expenses That May Be Destroying Your Budget

Having a budget is very important if you want to properly plan your finance. However, when preparing the budget, there are some items or things that feature in it that you can do without. In line with this,

Here are some of the things in your budget you can do without. If you get rid of these items, you will be able to save more.

Cable television subscription

The homes you visit in Nigeria, you will find pay TV because it is now quite affordable. However, if you are cash strapped or you want to save some money, you should strike out pay TV subscriptions. In fact, you may discover that, except you own a generator, your subscription may run out without you enjoying it due to power shortage.

Eating out

If you reside in Lagos, you are most likely to eat out because you don’t have too much time on your hands. You may also consider the time you spend in traffic. So, eating out is one of the attractive options. But do you know that when you frequent one of the best hotels in Lagos to eat you will soon be cash strapped? Hence, try as much as possible to cook sometimes.

Gym memberships

You may not need to be a registered member of a gym if you planning to shed some weight. Not because you don’t have time, it is because there are other important things to do with cash. As an alternative, you may join your friends to jog every weekend.

Lavish Vacations

It is great to go on vacation to Obudu Cattle Ranch and stay in one of the best hotels in Calabar. Of course, you know that you cannot afford this expensive getaway but you still went anyway. You can plan a simple vacation to Olumo Rock in Abeokuta or a picnic at Elegushi beach in Lagos.

Shopping expenses

With nearly everything on the high side both online and offline, you have to cut down your shopping expenses. From groceries to clothes and electronics, you should consider reducing the money expended on these items.

Gifts

You have a party to attend this weekend but you cannot afford huge gifts but you still budgeted for it. Remember that life continues after the wedding. You should buy a simple gift and move on.

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5 Ways Nigeria’s Power Shortage Is Affecting Businesses

5 Ways Nigeria’s Power Shortage Is Affecting Businesses

The World Bank data on ease of doing business released this year ranked Nigeria 169 out of 190 countries. Ten sub-indices were used for this ranking such as starting a business, dealing with construction permits, access to power, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency.

One sub-indices that many Nigerians can relate with is access to power which boils down to electricity. Although all Nigerians are feeling the effects, businesses are feeling it more.

Here are 5 ways power shortage is affecting Nigerian businesses.

Huge amounts are budgeted for diesel and generator

There is no way any business can run smoothly without having a generator notwithstanding if it is a startup or an established business. The budget for generators, diesel as well as servicing these generators is humongous. These monies, if there is no power interruption, can be deployed to other aspects of the businesses.

Startups are likely to fail

Many young Nigerians have ventured into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship despite the recession. They have satisfied all the constitutional requirements for setting up a business but they have to still a factor in how to provide electricity. Over time, you will observe that some of these great startups are likely to fail due to power shortage. They can only do as much.

Businesses cannot employ

If electricity can be tackled in Nigeria, the monies companies spend on providing power can be used to employ more Nigerians. This is a part reason why some companies prefer to use contract staff.

 No room for growth or expansion

Growth and expansion are essential to any business. The more businesses spend on electricity, the more they cut back on growth. Combining power shortage with the economic recession, some companies have no choice than to lay off some of their workers.

Businesses are moving out

Nigeria is the biggest market in Africa. At the same time, it has the biggest challenges. Some of them have decided to continue running their businesses in the country, others have made the decision to move their operations to other countries while maintaining a little presence in the Nigeria.

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How To Become More Involved With Politics As A Student

How To Become More Involved With Politics As A Student

After eight years, President Obama has finally left office and has made way for the 45th President of the United States. The Presidential Election held last year has left many young people in the U.S. feeling more disconnected from the election process than ever before. Many young people view American politics as a system that is controlled by and serves the interest of big money, rather than the American people.

In 2012, voting rates for 18-24 year olds declined by over 50%, supporting the fact that many millennials feel they are disconnected from politics. With a new president in office, it’s never been more important for young people to get involved with politics.

Political Groups at College

As a student, whether you’re majoring in politics, studying for a politics-related degree or even taking your online master of music in music education degree, college is one of the best places to start if you’re hoping to become more involved. Many colleges offer political societies, groups, and clubs that you can join to meet like-minded people and work together to make the political changes that you need. Going to college is one of the best ways for young people to make connections and discover organizations that you wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.

Volunteer Work

Not only will volunteer work contribute to your online MMME program at Rutgers Online and look great on your resume, it can also help you to get more involved with politics as a student and young person. Every four years, volunteers are needed to help with the run-up to the presidential election, whilst every two years your state will also hold a smaller election where volunteers will be required. Choosing these positions for all or some of your work experience at college can be a great first step into a political career.

Networking Key In Politics

At college, networking is key to meeting the right people who can help you to become more involved in politics as a student, and perhaps even pursue a future career in politics should you wish to. Building your networking skills whilst you are studying at college is important, not only for your involvement in politics, but for success in various careers that you may choose for the future. Building good networking skills can be easier than you think!

Get Fundraising Experience

If you can see yourself running for office in the future and your ultimate life goal is to run and win a political campaign of your own, getting fundraising experience whilst at college can be very beneficial for you. As a student, there will be plenty of resources available to you for raising money for charities, college groups, and more. Getting involved in fundraising at college not only looks great on your resume, it can be great practice for your future political career and an awesome way to network with great people.

Are you a young person or student who is interested in politics? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

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5 Warning Signs Business Owners Have To Watch Out For

5 Warning Signs Business Owners Have To Watch Out For

It is never easy to run a business because you have to give up a lot of things to ensure its smooth running. There will be times when it may seem everything is going fine but unknown to you are not achieving your business’s mission and objectives. Therefore, it is important for you to looking for warning signs that your business is going off tangent or is failing.

Here are some of them.

You have not interacted with any customer

After your amazing effort ensuring the smooth management of your business for over a month and you have not spoken to any customer or a customer have not patronized you, there must be something wrong. Perhaps, you should rethink your marketing strategy. For this, you can use social media. You don’t need to break the bank.

You always repeat the same mistakes

Mistakes are acceptable in any enterprise. You may have spent money on employing more people or purchased more machines against the advice of your business consultant. You should learn from these mistakes. But if you repeat this same mistake again and again, you will soon run the business aground.

You recruit new employees weekly or monthly

Your employees cannot work with you for more than two or three months before they leave. This means there is something fundamentally wrong. It may be your relationship or your management skills that may be prompting them to leave.

Your business is indebted

This sign is very obvious. If your firm is heavily indebted, it is a warning sign you will soon be unable to service your debts and you have no choice than to liquidate. Before it gets to that level, you should do something about the debts.

Significant drop in turnover

The economic outlook of Nigeria is not encouraging. The naira is fluctuating and it has just recently stable at N497 at the parallel market and even the government is not helping matters with its unclear monetary and economic policies. Notwithstanding, it doesn’t spell doom for your business. Your enterprise should still run normally even with the recession. If this is the case, it may be time to overhaul your business strategy.

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5 Reasons You Should Always Shorten A URL

5 Reasons You Should Always Shorten A URL

Uniform Resource Locator, URL, makes surfing the internet less difficult. It is what your social media followers click to visit your website. You should never underestimate the influence of URL in attracting traffic. This is why URL shorteners like bit.ly and TinyURL came on board. However, some people don’t use because they are probably not aware of it or they think it is a waste of time. If you are one of those who is yet to join URL shortening bandwagon.

Here are five reasons you should.

It is good for SEO

Search Engine Optimization has a key role to play in the ranking of a website by Google. The more you creatively optimize your website and content, the better your ranking. One way to achieve this is by shortening URLs. When you shorten URL, it makes it easier for Googlebot to detect it. But remember that shortening website link alone is not enough to significantly improve your rankings. It is a combination of different efforts including shortening URL that enhances the Google search results of either your website or shared content.

It makes links more manageable

Wordy or lengthy contents are not easy to distribute via Facebook, twitter, and WhatsApp. Besides, a long URL may not get you the clicks you want because it is unattractive and easily put off your readers. To better manage your content, shorten URLs.

You can get data

When you use a URL shortening service like Bit.ly, you can receive basic all-inclusive data like the number of clicks, the location of the website visitors and also which social media platform the content was clicked. This data can aid in content development.

It encourages sharing

Your content may not get the desired attention if you don’t share it on social media. You can share any content no matter how long the URL is.

It is user-friendly

Shortening a URL is not rocket science. You can just visit bit.ly enter the link you want to shorten and within seconds you get your shortened URL. It is absolutely free. In addition, you are more likely to remember a shortened wesite link that features only your domain name and keywords then the original lengthy and bogus URL.

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5 REAL (And Absolutely Shocking) Reasons Men Hire Prostitutes

5 REAL (And Absolutely Shocking) Reasons Men Hire Prostitutes

Why do men hire prostitutes? It’s a lot simpler than you think.

If you asked all your male friends if they’ve ever hired a prostitute, you might be surprised by their honest answer. A recent survey discovered that 15 percent of American men had paid for sex at some point in their life, and 10 percent of British men have.

The stats surprised me — they were higher than I had expected. But then I realized that I personally know a few men who have frequented the services of ladies of the night. A few indulged on a bachelor’s trip to Prague, another hired a prostitute every night on his way home from the pub, and yet another hired services online a few times a month.

So I thought I’d ask them outright: why do you pay for sex? The answers are way simpler than you’d imagine:

1. They want to sleep with MUCH hotter women. 

“If I’m being brutally honest, the hottest women I’ve ever f*cked have been sex workers. I would never be able to f*ck women who are ridiculously hot unless they were prostitutes.”

This was the top reason they all gave. I was surprised, since the guys I asked are all good-looking, successful in their chosen fields, and have no problem getting dates. But they all agreed that to sleep with stunning women, the easiest way was simply to pay.

2. They want to be in control.

“I still want to make sure that the woman is having a good time. But truthfully, I’m more concerned that I’m getting what I want, since I paid for it. And because I paid for it, I’m not afraid to ask.”

Most of them said there’s something very hot in being able to ask for what you want in bed and get it, no questions asked. (Although one guy did admit he paid a prostitute once so that SHE could be in charge.) But generally, they all admitted to being more open about what they wanted and more physically satisfied when they paid for sex. Emotionally, of course, remains to be seen.

3. They want to indulge in a fantasy.

“I like to try things — I’m not going to say what — that a girlfriend once told me was kinky. When I pay a hooker, I’m not worried about what I ask for. Nothing shocks them.”

Although most of the guys I spoke to were all single, the old cliché of men asking prostitutes for certain “services” that would offend their wives still seems to exist. One man said that he’d never had better oral sex in his life than with a prostitute.

4. They want to find the quickest route to having sex.

“Getting a prostitute is so easy: no strings attached, you can choose the woman you want before you purchase, then they arrive at your door. Couldn’t be easier.”

All the guys I spoke to had used different methods of visiting prostitutes. Two used websites, another visited a brothel, and another took a prostitute’s number from a London phone box. But they all agreed: it was the quickest way to get sex when they felt the urge.

5. They want to avoid complications.

“We want to have sex without all the bullsh*t of pretending to be really interested in a girl. When you pay for sex, you don’t have to swap numbers at the end when you know you won’t call. You pay, have sex, she leaves. Everyone’s happy.”

Several of the men had previously had one-night stands with girls who wouldn’t leave them alone after the fact. They said that taking home a girl and sleeping with her seems like a great idea … until the girl suggests meeting again or wants to start dating or having a relationship. As embarrassed as they were to admit it, many of them said the sure-fire way to have no-strings-attached sex is to pay for it.

This post originally appeared on Your Tango: 5 REAL (And Absolutely Shocking) Reasons Men Hire Call Girls 

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The 24 Emotional Stages Of Faking An Orgasm

The 24 Emotional Stages Of Faking An Orgasm

Look. We don’t fake our orgasms often, and we definitely don’t encourage anyone else to do it.

But sometimes it just has to be done.

They’ve been trying to get you off for what feels like hours. They’re the type of lovely person that won’t finish until you do. But for whatever reason, it’s just not happening.

And you’d quite like to hurry things along a bit so you can have a cup of tea and get back to your book. Is that so wrong?

It’s time. It’s time to bring out your acting skills and perform. You’ll make them believe this. You are iconic. And these are the stages you will go through.

1. Hmm. I don’t think this is going to happen

My brain is not connecting with my vagina. This is a bit rubbish.

2. But he’s trying SO. HARD.

And he’s so nice. And usually this is GREAT.

3. I don’t want to make him feel bad

Because I just know that even if I explain that the female body is complicated, that orgasms are not a guaranteed happens-every-time thing, and that my lack of orgasm is not a failing on his part, he’ll still feel a bit rubbish.

4. Okay. I’m done now. It’s not happening.

Done. Bored. Let’s get this finished.

5. Time to perform

Just going to ramp myself up a bit. I am a queen. I am in charge. I am the world’s greatest orgasm faker and I am about to blow. his. mind.

6. Wait. How do I usually sound when I do this for real?

Crap. I should have focused on all previous sex sessions. Taken some notes, or something.

7. Yep. Weirdly nervous right now.

He’s SO going to know I’m faking. This has too much potential for awkwardness.

8. Do I just swap from ‘regular sex-having sounds’ to ‘OH GOD, YES’ sounds now?

Won’t that seem a bit weird? You know, given that he’s not doing anything different?

9. Okay. I’m going to wait until he changes it up a bit and then strike.

I am so wise. Such a sex genius.

10. HE HAS SLIGHTLY CHANGED THE ANGLE OF ENTRY. GO, GO, GO.

It is time. We must begin.

11. I will now slightly increase my sexy noises

In terms of frequency and intensity.

12. Sloooowly, slowwwwwly

Can’t be too sudden. Must not attract too much attention. Yes. This is working.

13. Is this actually believable?

This sounds fake to me. Is it sounding fake to you?

14. Oh god. What noises do people make when they’re enjoying sex?

THIS IS A SERIOUS CONCERN.

15. I think I’ve done enough buildup now. It’s probably time for the finale

Next time this happens I’m timing this. Just so I’m prepared, you know.

16. WHY AM I SO NERVOUS?

It’s like stepping out on stage, and the play I’m about to perform is called’sexy times and nakedness: can we watch TV now?’

17. I’m doing it

I have committed to these ‘OH, GOD’ noises. This is really happening.

18. IT IS WORKING

I am Meryl Streep. I am Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant.

19. Now drag it out. Keep it subtle. Stay strong.

I am still so turned on. Yep. Still just riding the waves of this very real orgasm.

20. Breathe. Sexy breathing.

True performance is not in what you say, but what you do not say.

21. YES. HE BELIEVES IT. HE IS ABOUT TO GET OFF.

I AM A SEX GODDESS/OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS. HAHAHA. I’M LIKE A SPY OF SEX. SO SNEAKY.

22. It is done.

I feel a bit bad about this, because I have lied. But really I’ve made someone feel good about themselves. This counts as my random act of kindness.

23. What have I done?

One day, the orgasm will not come. One day, he will look at me and say: ‘but this worked so well for you last time’.

One day, my actions will catch up with me and he will truly believe that I am a magical orgasm machine.

This is bad. I have betrayed only myself. Joy is fleeting. Life… so limited.

24. But hey, now I get a cup of tea

And everything is right in the world. Good job, me.

DISCLAIMER: All my orgasms are totally real. Honestly. Promise.

Read More

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Do These 5 Things To Transform Your Sex Life Into A Damn ART [EXPLICIT]

Do These 5 Things To Transform Your Sex Life Into A Damn ART [EXPLICIT]

Does your sex life fulfill all of your fantasies? Are you enjoying the best sex of your life? Or is there something more you dream of and wish for?

No matter how awesome the sex you are currently having is, there is the possibility for more. … But more what?

Many people imagine that a new pill, potion or position is the key to an exciting sex life. It seems everyone wants a quick fix, something that will magically transform boredom and routine into a thrilling joy ride of coital bliss. And sometimes those pills, potions and positions can accomplish just that — for the short term.

But eventually, even new thrills can become empty and boring. And predictably, the search usually resumes for something new and exciting to fulfill our fantasies of what sex should be like. Does this mean that we are doomed to a life of uninspired sexual routine or, conversely, the endless pursuit of one momentary sexual high after another?

No — it all depends upon the erotic path you choose.

If you are willing to invest as much time and effort in your sex life as you do in your favorite sport or hobby, sex can be catapulted into a high art form which has the potential to exceed your wildest dreams.

Sex, like much of the rest of life, is shaped by our intentions as well as our technique. If your approach toward sex is oriented to simply having fun, then your sexual experiences will tend to be more superficial than heart centered. But if you combine your sexuality with your spirituality, you can open erotic doors which transcend the mundane and literally launch you into a world defined by other dimensions.

Although an erotic journey of this nature can involve a variety of teachings and practices, here are five of the most basic elements designed to take your sex to the next level:

1. Perfect Your Touch

You can touch something or you can touch your own desire. When you allow your hands and your finger tips to find their pleasure, your touch will naturally create pleasure in the person you are touching. Shift your focus from how you are touching and how you imagine your lover feels and instead allow the pure joy of touching to excite your senses.

The energy in your body radiates past the confines of your skin. Learn to sense this energy by holding the palms of your hands about a half inch to an inch apart and gently push at the space in between your hands. Notice how it feels when your hands come close to each other and how it feels as they move away.

Can you feel the energy generated by the palms of your hands? This is what you want to touch your lover with. You want to learn to direct that energy so that your touch extends past your fingertips.

2. Master Your Breath

Everyone breathes deeper and more frequently when they are sexually aroused. But unfortunately, many of us have learned to hold our breath when we orgasm. For some, holding our breath seemed like a wise way to avoid making noise and getting “caught” masturbating or having sex when we were younger.

It can take some practice to unlearn this habit, but it is important that you allow yourself to breathe while you orgasm if you want to take your sexual pleasure to the next level. If you learn to breathe during your arousal and through your orgasms, you may be surprised how receptive your body is to continued arousal and multiple orgasms. Conscious breathing exercises including some yoga practices and meditation techniques are an excellent way to master the art of breathing yourself to an ecstatic state of being.

When you know how to raise your sexual excitement with your breath, your ability to experience pleasure is enlarged. Plus another benefit is an increased ability to connect with another person intimately. The breath unleashes emotions and when we breathe deeply, we feel our emotions more intensely. Allowing these emotions to surface during sex creates a more intense sexual and emotional sharing.

3. Expand Your Consciousness

Not only do meditation and yoga provide conscious breathing techniques which can enhance the enjoyment of sex, meditation and yoga can also expand your ability to sustain your awareness and focus. The ability to stay present with yourself, your lover and your pleasure is a crucial feature of heightened states of sexual arousal. Sex which is deprived of these deeper abilities is not nearly as satisfying as sex which occurs in a state of expanded awareness.

It may seem counter intuitive, but more awareness and more pleasure can be very confronting and even frightening until you become familiar with the emotional terrain. A torrent of buried emotions can surface, creating confusion and fear. Which is why you need to…

4. … Delve Deeper

The best sex is connected to our hearts and therefore our emotions. As you become more aware and emotionally connected to yourself and your lover, you will no doubt become more attuned to irritations, frustrations and fears as well.

This is the part which can be frightening to many people. This is where many will turn away from this immensely satisfying erotic journey in preference of something “safer” and more superficial.

But there is nothing to fear. The truth is that you were carrying these emotions inside of yourself before you became aware of them. Now that you sense your true feelings, you simply need to learn healthy ways to deal with them.

There are many resources you can draw from to learn to navigate newly discovered emotions. The tools which can help you express yourself honestly and compassionately with another human being include non-violent communication techniques and active listening skills. These are best learned with the help of a trained professional such as a therapist or relationship coach. Investing in your communication and intimacy is one of the most powerful ways to take your sex life to the next level.

5. Create Sacred Space

Taking sex to the next level requires the space for that sex to occur. A special place and setting can be achieved in a variety of ways which appeal to the five senses. Experiment with incense, sensual music, candlelight and perhaps an altar.

But don’t stop there. Create a sacred space for your erotic journey by allowing ample time. Most people allow about 30 minutes for sex and that includes foreplay. The average length of intercourse is just three to seven minutes. How sad! Sex shouldn’t be a race or a fast food drive-through. Sex needs time to develop into the mind-blowing experience we all crave.

Begin by setting aside a minimum of one hour for lovemaking. As you increase your capacities for intimacy and pleasure, you may find your sexual encounters lasting for hours!

Rest assured, I have personal experience with all five of these steps, and I know it is common to have some resistance to change, even when that change can usher in the fulfillment of our hopes and dreams.

There is only love and love is all that is.

This post originally appeared on Your Tango: Do These 5 Things To Transform Your Sex Life Into A Damn ART

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Guys, 3 Powerful Techniques To Last Longer In Bed

Guys, 3 Powerful Techniques To Last Longer In Bed

Could Viagra help you last longer in bed? The latest research published in theJournal of Sexual Medication seems to think so.

Researchers reviewed 14 studies that monitored the effects phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors—drugs for erectile dysfunction like Viagra and Levitra—had on men who experience premature ejaculation (PE). Eleven of the studies showed medication helped extend the length of the time they could go before reaching orgasm.

So does this mean that science has found the magic pill for helping you go all night? Not exactly.

The researchers stress that although this correlation was found, it’s hard to determine whether or not the ED medication was actually responsible for the delay in orgasm since a majority of the studies did not compare the results against a placebo.

If you’re looking to buy some time before reaching climax, rather than hitting up your doctor for meds, check out the following tips:

Stop-Start Technique You need to get used to building your arousal to where you’re almost at that point of no return, says Debby Herbenick, Ph.D., sex researcher at Indiana University and author of Great in Bed. Start stimulation, but as soon as you feel you’re getting too aroused, simply pause for a brief moment—Herbenick recommends 5 to 10 seconds—and let your arousal subside. After repeating this technique a few times, feel free to release.

Squeeze Technique As soon as you feel you’re getting close, stop stimulation and squeeze right below the head of your penis, says Herbenick. It’s best to focus the pressure on the urethra—the tube running along the underside of the penis—because this will temporarily represses your ejaculatory response. Once your arousal has died down, repeat a few more times before reaching climax, says Herbenick.

Rely On Rubbers Another useful technique for pushing back your ejaculatory response is to wear a desensitizing condom, says Herbenick. These products contain the desensitizing lubricant benzocaine, so it will buy you a few more minutes in the sack. But something to keep in mind: Make sure you’re not putting the condom on inside out, otherwise the Benzocaine will end up inside her vagina, says Herbenick. (And if you’re still searching for other alternatives to battle this buzz kill,check out our feature on additional ways to treat PE.)

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10 Reasons Why Some People Will Never Be Rich

10 Reasons Why Some People Will Never Be Rich

There’s an interesting maxim about how long wealth actually stays with a person and their descendants. The saying is three generations, tops: one to make it, one to spend it, and the third to blow it. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but have you ever sat down and seriously thought about wealth and what it means to you? Or do you figure, “What the heck, I’ve always been broke, my forefathers were broke; it’s generational” – it’s just a rite of passage of sorts. If you feel that wealth is out of your reach, you aren’t alone.

According to some experts, there are millions of ‘clueless potential millionaires’ who could be at the top of the wealth ladder if they only reined in a few bad habits. However, you may be a skeptic, and rightly so. Being wealthy means different things to different people. But according to the experts, there are financial mistakes many people make that keep them away from their possible wealth.

Being wealthy

What is Wealth Anyway?

Most people do not equate wealth with a mansion or a big yacht. In fact, a scanty 7% of people surveyed associate wealth with material possessions like cars, houses and boats. Rather, to many, being rich means having just enough to not worry about the next payday – that’s according to 33% of those questioned. An additional 26% define being wealthy, or rich, as having more than enough money to quit their jobs. Still, few people place an actual dollar amount on what it means to be wealthy. Only 17% felt that being rich means having at least $1 million or more, and 11% stated a six-figure yearly income would make them feel rich. Yet most people who are rich don’t even consider themselves rich.

Maybe it’s because being ‘rich’ or ‘wealthy’ has very little to do with material possessions, and more to do with how people feel about themselves. Nonetheless, according to financial experts you will never be rich if you are bogged down by anything on the following list:

 1. Overspending

If you have a ferocious appetite for spending beyond your means, you’re not alone. According to a survey, of the 52% of people who habitually overspend, many balance the shortfall by taking from their savings, and 22% rely on credit cards. Blowing all your money each month is not a realistic pathway to wealth. Start tracking where your money goes each month, check where you can cut back, and create a ‘realistic’ budget that allows you to pay your bills and invest in a retirement account or an emergency fund.

2. Not Saving Enough

Welcome to the club! The personal savings percentage in the US is a measly 4.9% of disposable income. Saving should become a priority if you want to accumulate wealth. Start with an emergency fund. Once your emergency fund is substantial, you can redirect small amounts toward other goals like purchasing a home or paying for college.

3. You Have Too Much Debt

Certain debts are a precursor to financial success, like purchasing real estate or starting a business; however, a high-interest credit card balance is not. Pay off credit cards with the highest rates first.

4. You Don’t Have a Plan

Without a definite, clearly defined plan, becoming rich will seem like an unbelievable dream. This alone will solidify your excuses for overspending and not saving. As the saying goes, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” Putting together a financial plan may seem tedious, but it doesn’t have to be, and you can get used to it.

5. You Don’t Have an Emergency Fund

Experts say you need at least six months of income saved in case of an emergency. Life is tricky, and not having some type of safety net can turn a comfortable situation into a disaster.

6. You Started Late

Time is slipping by. Just like starting an exercise routine, the most difficult part about saving is getting started. Even if you have debt, a small income, or many expenses, you can save something, even if it’s only a small amount.

7. You Complain Rather Than Commit

“I don’t earn enough money”; “Life is too expensive”; “It’s hopeless, I’ll never get out of debt.” Have you uttered any of these statements before, or perhaps all of them? Old habits die hard; however, as long as you do nothing to change, nothing will change. Stop complaining and making excuses. Instead, take responsibility for your non-productive habits and concentrate on how to change them – and then do it!

8. You Live for Today, and Forget About Tomorrow

It’s no fun getting serious and thinking about retirement and all that stuff. Nonetheless, eventually it has to be done. The problem is that impulsive and unregulated spending leads to debt… period! Do yourself a big favor: Get rid of the ‘buy now, worry later’ attitude, and switch to a ‘save now, get rich later’ way of thinking.

9. Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket

You might get lucky by wagering all your money on one type of investment. Just like you might get lucky winning the lottery. But that’s not a strategy to live by, or for getting rich. Putting all your money in one place is not advised because it puts you at too much risk. Your investment portfolio should include multiple investments with varied levels of risk and ROI potential and liquidity.

10. You Just Don’t Get It!

You may be one of those people who believe that somehow something will come along and save you, so why bother with saving or trying to get out of debt? Maybe you will get lucky and land a fantastic job, receive a big pay raise, inherit money, hit the lottery, or whatever! But ‘whatever’ won’t cut it if you really want to become rich. Yes, life is uncertain. No one knows what will, or will not, actually happen; therefore, why not focus on what you can control today? Get it together now and save yourself, in case someone or something else won’t.

One thing you can be sure of: You are already rich. Think about it. If someone came to you and offered you a million dollars for your arm, would you give it up? Why not, you have two; you can surely spare one of them! Of course the answer would be no! Being rich is more than physical ownership; it’s a state of happiness and well-being, while wishing the same for others. So while you are working on getting rich materially, remember to be happy along the way!

(via Lifespan)

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21 Healthy Fats That Actually Reduce Belly Fat

21 Healthy Fats That Actually Reduce Belly Fat

Many folks think that they have to cut out fat entirely when they’re trying to lose weight and belly fat. Believe it or not, though, certain dietary fats can actually help to burn belly fat. In fact, research has shown that diets rich in healthy fats promote increased fat loss, especially from the midsection.

The main fat fighters are monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Here’s how they work:

  1. They help to fight off inflammation. Inflammation can be damaging to your overall health and trigger your body to store more belly fat. By decreasing chronic inflammation in your body, these fats can help decrease internal stressors that pack on the pounds.
  2. They take longer to digest. This extended digestion helps you feel full longer, preventing cravings and overeating. Do you remember the fat-free diet fad from the’90s? It didn’t work because when you eat meals with little fat (and mostly carbohydrates), you have a limited feeling of satiety. As a result, you consume more food, and therefore more calories, throughout the day.
  3. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce stress hormones in your body. Having increased belly fat can be a telltale sign of having too much stress in your life. This increased level of stress causes an increase in the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This increase in stress hormone production promotes an increase in the storage of belly fat. However, having more omega-3s in your meal plan helps cut stress hormones, and therefore, cut down on the amount of belly fat they can store.

Some dietary fats can be quite negative to your health and can increase belly fat. These are the fats you want to limit:

  • Saturated fats: These fats are mainly found in animal proteins, so a diet rich in high-fat dairy, red meat, and processed meat is high in saturated fat. These fats have been linked with an increased risk for heart disease, elevated cholesterol levels, and inflammation in the body. A small amount of saturated fat each day is alright, but you want to make sure that less than 10 percent of your total daily calories comes from saturated fat. So on the Belly Fat Diet plan, you’re allotted 14–18 grams of saturated fat per day.
  • Trans fats: These fats are found mostly in processed foods, such as fried foods, pastries and other baked goods, biscuits, muffins, crackers, and even some brands of microwave popcorn. These fats can lower your good cholesterol, raise your bad cholesterol, and trigger inflammation. In fact, research has shown that even just 2 grams of trans fats per day can have a negative impact on your health. Because these fats can pack inches onto your waistline, you need to eliminate them from your diet to successfully reach your flat-belly goals.

Although healthy fats can be essential for getting rid of belly fat, balance is key. Too much of a good thing can be bad, especially when it comes to fats. Healthy fats have powerful health and weight loss benefits, but they’re also high in calories. So it’s important that you consume just enough of these healthy fats to reap their belly-flattening benefits without consuming so much that you cancel out their effects.

Great sources of monounsaturated fats include:

  1. Almonds
  2. Avocado
  3. Cashews
  4. Natural peanut or almond butter
  5. Olives
  6. Olive oil
  7. Peanuts
  8. Peanut oil
  9. Sesame oil

Terrific sources of omega-3 fatty acids include

  1. Chia seeds
  2. Cod
  3. Flaxseed
  4. Halibut
  5. Omega-3 eggs
  6. Salmon
  7. Sardines
  8. Scallops
  9. Seaweed
  10. Soybeans
  11. Tofu
  12. Walnuts

(via Dummies)

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‘Oral Sex With More Than 6 Lovers Puts You At Higher Risk Of Throat Cancer’

‘Oral Sex With More Than 6 Lovers Puts You At Higher Risk Of Throat Cancer’

WebMD wants you to know about the dirty bacteria and germs that can accumulate when you have oral sex ie when your mouth is put on another person’s genitals or they put their mouths on your.

According to WebMD, 90% of adults between the ages of 25 and 44 have had an oral sex with a lover at some point in their lives.  Also, half of all teens have done the same thing. This is a big shift from the 1970s and before, when this kind of activity was considered to be edgy.

One thing you should know, however, is that oral sex can be linked to throat cancer. American Cancer Society Chief Medical Officer Otis Brawley, MD says that the cancer can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).  This infection can be passed to another person through oral contact.

There are other cancers of the oropharynx (the middle of the throat) and tonsils that can be caused by HPV.  They say that HPV is common, but doesn’t always lead to cancer.  Researchers noticed the cancer’s prevalence among patients who didn’t smoke or drink, which led to a further investigation.

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2007  found that there was a link between the cancer’s prevalence and those who’d had oral interaction with more than six oral sex partners in their lifetimes. Both men and women can get these infections in their throats.

It most likely affects heterosexual men between the ages of 40 and 50.

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7 Small Things That Can Ruin Your Whole Day

7 Small Things That Can Ruin Your Whole Day

Our day consists of various moments, events, meetings, emotions and all these things have direct influence on our both emotional and physical well-being. Some people try to prevent such failures while others treat it as a “Murphy’s Law.”

There are a few things that can ruin the whole day, but remember that almost everything depends on your positive vision of the world.

Don’t let anything and anyone take control of your day and your life because you’re the only person who is in charge of your own life and you’re the one who decides whether to be happy today or let others put you down.

1. Annoying remarks

As we know, negative remarks often have harsh impact on a personal frame of mind. One negative remark has the power of ten compliments. But everything depends on the way you perceive critics. Human subconscience is a strong thing, so the only way out is to ignore negative remarks and take delight in positive moments around us.

2. Forgetting info

When you are as busy as a bee, it’s easy to forget some info, tasks and to break all deadlines. Such things can destabilize even well-organized and responsible personalities. In a discouraging situation like this it is important to stay persistent and follow your day schedule.

3. Being late

Being late is a very worrying and unpleasant start of your day. There’s a great variety of reasons to be late, but in most cases nothing depends on you. Millions of people suffer from traffic jams, bad weather, so make sure you don’t stress over things you can’t control. Just smile and think about the people you love or other wonderful things in your life.

4. Rude strangers

Sometimes strangers or people we are cooperating with treat us badly and it can certainly ruin the whole day. Sure, it all depends on your type of character and on the way you treat extraordinary situations. For instance, how many times did you get into a quarrel with strangers or leave a store in a terrible mood because someone didn’t have good manners?

5. Bad hairdo

Your hairdo plays an important role in defining your look. Some people even believe that the fortune during the whole day depends on your hair condition. A good hair day guarantees you wonderful mood and absolute self-confidence. A bad hair day provides you a bit depressing vision of everything. Smart hat or hair done in a knot can help you succeed at hiding the mess. By following this advice, you can relief your uncertainty and feel more self-confident.

6. Long lines

People usually spend a lot of time standing on long lines, especially in big cities. As for public transportation, it’s quite overloaded and we often find it challenging to get to the place of destination we need. You can stand hours on long lines, waiting for a bus. While waiting for a bus, time flies very slowly and you might even end up being late to work.

7. Small problems and failures

Difficulties in various spheres of our life can have a negative impact on our emotional state. Getting a bad grade at school or messing up at work can be a depressing experience. But mistakes are not actually so bad, we need them to improve ourselves. So, whether your experience is positive or negative, be grateful for it. Don’t let those small failures ruin your day!

We should be aware that we are given trials to get better, to form ourselves as full-fledged individualities and to receive priceless experience. Don’t give way to negative thoughts and your day will never be nasty. How do you keep emotional well-being on a positive level?

(via Amerikanki)

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10 Facts About Masturbation They Don’t Want You To Know

10 Facts About Masturbation They Don’t Want You To Know

by Yomi Adegboye

I do not expect that this article will change anyone’s mind about anything. I do feel that someone ought to speak out about this thorny subject and present clear facts and info about it for the benefit of those who have been harassed and made to feel less than human because they masturbate.

What Is Masturbation?

Masturbation is the sexual stimulation of one’s own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm. The stimulation can be performed using the hands, fingers, everyday objects, or dedicated sex toys. I lifted that definition right off Wikipedia, as it is an accurate description and I do not feel compelled to reinvent the wheel.

Masturbation Is Not A Sin

As I am a Christian (while this article is not religious in nature), I feel a need to speak out for the Bible. There is not one verse of the Bible that condemns self-stimulation. There is not one that insinuates such a condemnation. Yet, day after day, we hear preachers condemn masturbation as a sin. Their arguments?

There is the argument that sex was created for mutual pleasure: Yes; I agree. Sex was. But masturbation is not sex. It is sexual, and many other things are sexual, but it is not sexual intercourse in itself. Sex is for mutual benefits; masturbation is for personal benefits. Two different things. Yet, as I shall show later, masturbation can be helpful in enhancing sexual intercourse. Not only is it not a sin, it is a good thing.

There is also the argument that Jesus said if you lust after the opposite sex in your mind, you are sinning. Yes; that is correct too, but then what part of physically stimulating yourself with the hands, fingers or any other object is lusting after someone in your mind? If a Christian lusts after someone in their heart while masturbating, then such a one has crossed the line that Jesus drew. That does not make masturbation in itself a sin. That person has merely corrupted a clean act and needs to deal with his or her thoughts.

Someone asked me yesterday how I want to prove that “those activities are censored and powered by the Holy Spirit”. Let me ask a question in response: Have you ever given any thought to what happens during actual sexual intercourse? A man and a woman panting, sweating and heaving like two idiots. All those cool looking dudes in suits (yes; that includes me) don’t look so cool when banging their women and look like grotesque demons when having an orgasm. What seems Holy Ghost approved and powered about a hormone-raging man ramming a stiff rod into a woman again and again and having her moan like an animal? And as for the women, all those prim and proper women we see in public often look like demon-possessed pagan priestesses during intercourse.

Seriously, apart from the “Jesus!! Jesus!!” that some of the women cry out when in the throes of a good romp or an orgasm, there cannot be anything about sex that looks like the Holy Ghost gives approval to the activity. Yet, He does. Case closed. The issue of Holy Ghost approval and all that is in the mind. The Bible that Christians claim to uphold does not make an issue of these things or of masturbation.

I am tired of Christians being so close-minded that they manufacture rules to help God. First, God doesn’t need your help. Second, take a look around you and ask yourself if this close-mindedness has helped your homes. Sexually dissatisfied husbands and wives everywhere, many of whom will not speak out though their marriages are in shambles. And many of them stubbornly refusing to look at facts when presented to them. Their call still.

Masturbation Is Addictive

Yes; it is. But then, so are mobile phones, food, chocolate, wine, Coke, Twitter, Facebook and football. Yet, no-one is screaming “Sin!!!” for all those. Oh, even sexual intercourse itself is addictive. Let’s just lay aside all those things because they are addictive; shall we? No; how to deal with anything that has the potential for being addictive is not to stay away from it, but to exercise moderation.

Masturbation Is Not A Dirty habit

Some people call masturbation a dirty habit. In what sense? It produces mostly the same results as sexual intercourse – the man ejaculates. The woman has an orgasm and in some cases squirts. What else? Masturbation is just as dirty as sexual intercourse is, as far as I can tell.

Masturbation Is Healthy

In general, the medical community considers masturbation to be a natural and harmless expression of sexuality for both men and women. It does not cause any physical injury or harm to the body, and can be performed in moderation throughout a person’s lifetime as a part of normal sexual behavior. Source

If you use other objects apart from your hands, be careful though so you don’t hurt yourself. Perhaps you should visit a sex shop for some toys instead.

Why You Should Masturbate

Now that I have cleared the objections to masturbation, let me tell you why you should masturbate.

One: masturbation helps you get comfortable with your sexuality. You get to know your body and what triggers you. That means you can generally be a better sexual mate to your spouse. How do you expect your spouse to pleasure you sexually when you are so clueless about yourself to start with? Do your partner a favour and play with yourself!

In counselling couples with sexual issues over the years, especially where one partner is sexually naive, I have recommended that he/she masturbates to become more comfortable with their own sexuality. A woman who is cold and passive during sex can be a big problem to her husband. Masturbation helps deal with that. She learns what she likes and what triggers her off. She learns what makes her climax. She becomes better at sex with her husband. Same thing the other way round.

Two: With many couples, one person usually has a higher sexual drive than the other. This can put pressure on the relationship. Masturbation is an outlet for such individuals. Women keep complaining about their husbands masturbating, yet forget that they are the ones who come up with excuses of having had a tired day or having a headache when the poor man wants sex with them. Such women are evil and insensitive. Totally selfish. This applies to the men too. If your wife has a higher sex drive than you do, masturbation is a good let off of sexual pressure. In the alternative, you could let her roam….

Three: For single folks, masturbation is a good way of relieving the sexual tension that can build up over time. It is safer than casual sex and doesn’t cost you buying anybody lunch or dinner. Or breaking anybody’s heart just because you are horny. For example, every month whether a woman likes it or not, she gets horny (that’s every 60 seconds for a man, by the way). This is a biological function. For some, it is more intense than others. Masturbation is a good way out. No; in itself, masturbation will not hamper your sexual intercourse later. Don’t believe the hype.

Four: Masturbation produces almost all the other benefits of sex without actual sex. It is a good anti-depressant, relieves tension (not just sexual tension), helps you sleep, and keeps the mind sharp.

Who Masturbates?

Almost everybody masturbates, including many of those people who tell you that it is sinful, dirty, and a bad habit (yes; the hypocrisy is filthy). Most people start masturbating from their teens. Remember wet dreams when you first hit your teens? Usually that’s where it starts. A wet dream is a natural procedure by the body. No; it has nothing to do with witches and wizards or spiritual husbands and wives. God knows how many spiritual wives I must have by now if I count all the times I have had a wet dream. Thankfully, I had an educated and enlightened father who explained to me that it was nothing to worry about when he saw my bed stains many years ago as a teenager.

Masturbation is a normal part of the growing child’s exploration of his or her body and continues for the rest of the lives of most people. If you masturbate, you are not an oddity. Actually, its those who claim not to masturbate that are the oddities. Don’t let anyone crush your spirit ever again about this. There is nothing wrong with you. There is nothing to be ashamed of about it. As long as you don’t let it become an addiction or a problem to normal sexual activity with your partner (and usually it becomes a problem when fantasy gets involved), you are all fine and dandy.

Did I leave anything out?

Yomi Adegboye aka Mister Mobility is a Content Creator, Speaker, Maverick, Mobile Connoisseur, Music Lover, and Managing Editor of Mobility.ng. Follow him on Twitter @moverick, on LinkedIn at YomiAdegboye, and circle him on Google+. This article was originally published on Mobility.ng.

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3 Ways Singles Can Spice Up This Valentine Season

3 Ways Singles Can Spice Up This Valentine Season

The Valentine season, more often than not, leaves singles feeling out of place. Well, it doesn’t have to be so.

Here are 3 tips on how singles can spice up this Valentine season and join in on the merriment, maybe even making a number of people wide-eyed in admiration in the process.

Remember Friends and Relatives

Instead of sitting, thinking about how hard life is without a romantic partner, remember your friends and relatives. Visit them, plan an outing with them and have fun together celebrating the bond of love, family and friendship you have with one another. You might say, “What if my relatives and friends have partners?” That might be true, but not all will have partners. Of all your relatives and friends, there surely will be a couple without a partner. And even if by some stroke of luck, they all are in relationships; the truth is not all will have something planned with their partners for that day. So, don’t rest on your oars or make excuses about it, get up, get out, meet with these people and have a memorable time. The fact that you don’t have a partner for this occasion doesn’t mean you should stay on your own, and it definitely doesn’t mean you are alone.

Do Something You Love

Indulge in a hobby you love. We can get so carried away with day to day life that we forget the things we love to do. Take time to do these things. Do you love to lay cozy in bed, with a book in hand? Do you love to write? Or is it video games you love to play? Shopping or window shopping perhaps? Whatever it is, do it this season. You’ll thank yourself later when that feeling of satisfaction settles within you.

Spend Time with Yourself

Who says being on your own this season has to be boring and depressing? Please take the time to have some needed me time. Chill with yourself, spend time with yourself, take advantage of the period to renew your love for yourself, to appreciate yourself more and open your eyes to your strengths and weakness. Do some soul searching and come out refreshed, a new person and a better and stronger version of yourself. Even those in relationships will tell you the importance of self-appreciation; that you don’t have a partner doesn’t mean you are incapable of or not entitled to self-appreciation. Treat yourself, order mouth-watering dishes and have them delivered to your door-step, and make the best of this season.

Damilola Ojo is PR Associate with Jumia Travels

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10 Qualities Of A Great Community Leader [INFOGRAPHIC]

10 Qualities Of A Great Community Leader [INFOGRAPHIC]

We’ve seen a massive growth this past year; behind that growth are communities driving the nation forward. To maintain the steady level of growth and expand further as a nation, more community leaders are needed. Schools are actively seeking qualified counselors to help students achieve more. Organizations and communities in different parts of the country are also in need for great community leaders. If you want to serve as a community leader, then it is time to improve several qualities and skills.

Aside from self-awareness, empathy and the willingness to learn, a great community leader must also have good interpersonal skills and the ability think forward. These qualities and skills can be mastered and learned with the help of counseling courses online and programs from top names such as Wake Forest University in the United States.

Find out more about the qualities of a great community leader and how you can master them from the 10 Qualities of Great Community Leaders infographic by Wake Forest University.

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Dr. Boyce Watkins: How To Create A Business Plan In 10 Minutes (CLICK)

Dr. Boyce Watkins: How To Create A Business Plan In 10 Minutes (CLICK)

In the 23 years I’ve been teaching Finance at the collegiate level, I’ve often seen the same questions from aspiring business owners.  One of the most popular questions is, “How do I create a business plan?”

This is certainly an important question to ask, for a business plan is one of the critical aspects of formulating your long-term economic strategy.  But rather than getting caught up in the complex technicalities of putting a plan together, it probably makes the most sense to ask, “What exactly does a business plan help me to do?”

A business plan does a few things, and this list is not exhaustive.  But this can give you some idea of what a good plan does for you:

1) Create a vision for your business that others can easily understand
2) Remind you of your core mission, focus, customer base, and product offerings
3) Force you to analyze your operating environment to ensure that you’re well-aware of any competitors, threats and opportunities.
4) Allow investors, clients, suppliers and employees to understand your reason for existing.

There are more items one could put on such a list, but this is the gist of it all.  One thing that is certainly true is that the plan DOES NOT have to be complicated.  In fact, long business plans often bore potential investors and cause more problems than they solve.

So, in order to help you quickly and efficiently define the scope of your business, I’ve created “The Dr Boyce Watkins 10 minute platform.” This is something I created just for you so you can quickly and easily assess your business idea, your objectives and operating strategy to allow you to focus and move forward toward your goals.

The 10 Minute Business Plan is free and easy to use, and you can try it out at this link.

Until we meet again, please stay strong, be blessed and be educated.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a professor at Syracuse University and author of the book, “Financial Lovemaking 101:  Merging Assets with Your Partner in Ways that Feel Good.”  To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. This article is culled from Financial Juneteenth.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

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How To Use Color Psychology To Make Better First Impressions

How To Use Color Psychology To Make Better First Impressions

Color plays a crucial role in the way we interact with the world around us. Color can subtlety influence thoughts, change impressions, and control the way you feel about something. and cause reactions.

As a result, artists, designers and people in creative fields have long taken advantage of color as a means to reinforce their message. The applications of color psychology range from graphic design to marketing to film to even dating!

Organizations around the world take color psychology into account when designing their logos and working out their branding strategies. Brands use color to highlight or take attention away from negative aspects, so why can’t you do the same?

Color presents an easy way of taking control of the message you portray. Think of the clothes you wear, and the way you carry yourself as all part of your own personal brand. You can control whether a potential employer subconsciously thinks you’re responsible, a date thinks you’re fun, or co-workers think you’re honest all with the change of a shirt.

Fortunately for you, you don’t have to be a color expert to be able to take advantage of its mind-bending properties, we’ve done the hard work for you, so take notes, here’s your guide to nailing your first impression with the help of a little color. And finally, don’t assume that these reminders should be ignored when it comes to wearing personalized products like custom dress shirts, suits, rare footwear, etc.

Blue

Classically masculine, dark and navy blues exudes confidence. Wear this color when you want to portray a sense of calm authority such as at a job interview.

Lighter blues are a less imposing more approachable alternative to dark blues. Baby blues soothe the eyes and suggest peace and serenity.

Green

The color green is commonly associated with life and vitality, while also suggesting rationality and balance, making it a good idea to wear when meeting your significant other’s parents.

Yellow and Orange

Bright, sunny and eye-catching. There’s a reason so many brands like McDonald’s, and The Scribesmith, use yellow, it stands out! Wear yellow or orange when you want you want to be seen as the life of the party!

Black

The quintessential power color, wear black when you want to come off as suave, mysterious and powerful.

Grey

Maturity, professionalism, intelligence and traditionalism. A grey suit would be perfect for corporate presentations or for when you want to impress the boss.

White

Purity, innocence, and honesty. While you’re unlikely to be walking the aisle in a white dress anytime soon, don’t underestimate the importance of white in your wardrobe. A crisp white shirt testifies to both your honesty and your ability to stay clean!

Red

Strength, power, and passion. Wear red when you need a little bit of a testosterone boost. Red is said to boost aggression so be careful with this one!

Pink

They say it takes a real man to wear pink. Take a stand and defy gender norms, and find a pink that works for your wardrobe. Pinks invoke optimism and tranquillity.

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How Is Social Media Marketing Reaching Out To A Global Audience?

How Is Social Media Marketing Reaching Out To A Global Audience?

How Is Social Media Marketing Reaching Out to a Global Audience from Minneapolis?

During the early days of SEO and social media marketing, any SEO consultancy firm would advise you to think local, think focused. A strong emphasis was laid upon the holistic content sharing process and link building process that was believed to contribute to a wider reach.

The truth today is a lot different. Google’s new algorithms prefer a wider view that takes into account a lot more than old-school link building and keyword optimization. The process is much more holistic where more importance is given to organic traffic and organic social media.

What’s the significance of organic social media?

Social media is the perfect exemplification of Darwinian evolution. Marketing strategies on social media have changed beyond recognition since the first days of their conception. Organic social media is at the other end of paid social media. This can also be referred to as the earned media where returns are always larger than the investment. The reach of organic or earned media is significantly more than paid media.

What sells itself on social media?

The only thing that can be expected to sell organically on social media is good quality content. You can see your Minnesota Company content as a credibility test for your local website/company. Website content is the equivalent of a first handshake your visitors are going to judge you by. If you want your website to get noticed, the best way to ensure it is to create genuine, interesting and optimized content and share it on as many social platforms as possible.

Social media migration

Creating social media relationships is as important as spreading your relationships across several social media platforms. When you create outstanding content for your website you should immediately share it on one social media platform from your company profile. Make sure all your followers and customers see the new content and updates on that platform. Now share the links baring the same keywords and user name on other platforms. This will help you carry your relationships forward and keep your connection with your consumers steady.

When to make the jump to paid social media?

Paid social should only be explored once you have had your encounter with organic social. Tons of social platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest have effective targeting options that allow perfect micromanagement of all marketing campaigns.

So, if you have already compiled a list of 10,000 consumers thanks to your organic traffic and sales, then you can definitely use paid social to help you with email campaigns. There are tons of paid tools on each of the popular social media your consumers use today; the only catch is finding the time to target your social media campaigns properly. You may get incredible returns on investing as little as $0.30 per action (PPC, share, likes etc).

Conclusion

Social media plays the pivotal role in the success of marketing campaigns and strategies devised by existing companies. Aside from reliable SEO consultancy, your company needs to revamp its social media game to get noticed in the chaos we call the internet.

Derek Iwasiuk has pushed his Minnesota Company among the top SEO companies of the state. You can find his mention in the top 3 search results once you search for SEO services in the state of Minnesota. Now you can follow him too. Find him on Twitter @Diwasiuk.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

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How To Stay Healthy As A Student Nurse

How To Stay Healthy As A Student Nurse

Nursing students may work in the healthcare system, but when it comes to juggling study, work experience and everything else, it can be very difficult to remain healthy yourself when earning your Master’s in nursing online. With so much to do, it’s no surprise that many nursing students find themselves living on a diet of convenience foods, take-outs, energy drinks and coffee with, little exercise other than being on their feet all day on the ward during a work placement. If you’re currently studying to become a nurse and want to be able to set a good example to your patients, here are some simple healthy habits that you can start today.

Drinking Water

Water is the main liquid that your body needs, especially if you’re living in or visiting a hot country such as Nigeria whilst studying to become a nurse. Although it can be very tempting to turn to drinks that will give you a temporary boost, such as energy drinks or a cup of coffee, these beverages are often laden with sugar and caffeine itself can be addictive and lead to a range of health problems. If you hate plain water, you can always add a slice of lemon, mint, ginger and cucumber to your water for a burst of flavor.

Walk Often

Whether there is a school bus that takes you to your campus, you own a car, or you’re studying for an online master of science in nursing and your classes are done from home, it can be tempting to skip going for a walk. However, in order to reach our optimal health levels it’s recommended that we exercise for at least half an hour per day, five days of the week. Taking a walk is one of the best ways to do this, and when you walk to the places that you need to be, you can increase your physical activity without having to give up too much time.

Sleep Early

It can be very tempting to stay up into the late hours conducting revision and working on your university assignments. However, this will leave you feeling more tired than ever the next morning, and in the long term, could lead to insomnia and other health conditions that you can do without. Instead, getting an early night as much as possible means that you will be able to arise early in the morning and get started sooner.

Eat Healthily

Healthy eating doesn’t always have to be about seriously watching what you eat and buying only fresh and organic ingredients. In fact, you can make small changes to your diet, such as cutting out take-out and microwave meals, drinking fruit juices and water instead of soda, and snacking on fruit and vegetables rather than candy or chips. These changes are all easy to make, but yield great results!

As a student nurse, you spend a lot of time looking after others but have little time to look after yourself. Thankfully, these methods of improving your health don’t require a lot of time.

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5 Tips On How To Impress Potential Employers

5 Tips On How To Impress Potential Employers

If you’re in the process of looking for a new job, you probably understand how important it is to impress potential employers in whatever way you can. However, when it comes to the job seeking process, many jobseekers don’t prepare properly for interviews and find it difficult to land their ideal job. This needn’t be the case and you can impress employers in the following ways.

Obtain the Relevant Qualifications for the Position You Will Be Applying For

When you’re applying for most jobs, you usually need to have some kind of relevant qualification. The more advanced your qualifications are, the more positions you will be eligible for. For example, if you want to enter the business world, there are many more career advancements with an MBA qualification than there are with qualifications that are not as advanced. Even if you are still studying for an MBA, or you intend to start this type of course, you have many more opportunities to be hired for careers with an MBA.

Get the Proper Work Experience

Having the appropriate qualification for a job is a great starting point. However, you need to back up these qualifications by having some relevant work experience, too. Some business courses include work placements, which can be a great way to add some work experience to your resume. As well as this, you could offer to volunteer or work for less money in a business environment, until you get some experience.

Show Enthusiasm for the Job

Many job seekers have the right qualifications and work experience. However, employers also want employees who have the right attitude, work ethic and enthusiasm for the job they will be doing. By preparing properly for the interview process, you can show an employer just how interested you are in the position they have advertised. A professional looking resume is the first way you can show your interest.

Then, if you get called for an interview, it’s vital to carry out extensive research on the company that’s offering the job and the job itself. The more you know about the company and the job, the more impressed your interviewers will be when they are interviewing you.

Explain How You Can Help Your Future Employers If You’re Hired

When an employer is looking for a new employee, they want that employee to hit the ground running and start making an important contribution as quickly as possible. During the interview stage, make sure you explain to your potential employers how you can help them if you are hired.

Provide Proof of Previous Achievements

Talking about what you can do is all good and well, but you may be asked to provide some proof. Make sure you provide reliable references, excellent testimonials, a portfolio of previous work, and the main facts and figures about previous employment achievements.

When you’re looking for a new job, you get one chance to impress the person or people who are interviewing you. If you follow the tips above, you greatly increase the likelihood of being hired based on this great first impression you make.

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5 Reasons Your Smartphone Battery Is Always Low

5 Reasons Your Smartphone Battery Is Always Low

Smartphone batteries have been reinforced over the years to last longer with lithium batteries. Notwithstanding, there are some smartphones whose batteries drain within a few minutes. There may be nothing wrong with the battery. But the question is why is the battery not lasting longer than usual?

Here are five reasons why.

The screen is too bright

One way that your battery runs out of battery is when your screen is too bright. The brightness will affect not only the battery but also your eyes. It’s better to set your phone to automatically adjust to the lighting of the ambiance. You can also reduce the time it takes for your phone to go off whenever you stop using it.

You forget to switch off your WiFi

You are using your phone WiFi where it’s actually functioning. After leaving the place, you forget to switch it off. If it keeps searching and alerting you whenever WiFi is available, your battery will run out pretty fast.

You receive notifications every second

Why won’t your phone battery drain when your phone keeps alerting you of Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and other notifications? Then you don’t need to complain. You check your browser for notifications rather than using the apps. You can also turn off notifications.

Background apps are running

You should check the background apps draining your battery so that you can ‘kill’ them. Your phone may alert about the apps consuming the most battery. But sometimes you have to disable these apps yourself by refreshing or cleaning your phone.

Your battery is bad or damaged

If you have tried all of the aforementioned reasons and your battery still runs out very fast, you should consider replacing the battery because it may be bad or damaged.

Adeniyi Ogunfowoke is a PR associate with Jumia Travels.

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