Month: October 2020

6 Surprising Benefits of Online Grocery Shopping You Need to Know

Going shopping can be challenging and it gets worse when you always have a busy schedule with limited time. And although various supermarkets provide a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience. Your weekly visits for your groceries still consume much of your time. But it can be done comfortably from wherever you are and you get your groceries delivered at your doorsteps. Here are 6 surprising benefits of online grocery shopping you need to know:

 

1. Provides In-Store Prices

Most online grocery stores provide items at the usual prices in the supermarkets which gives you an affordable experience. They go to an extent of offering discounts on various items and you end up buying your groceries at relatively lower prices. This allows you to save more as you spend less while getting value.

 

2. Allows You to Buy in Bulk with Ease

Buying in bulk is a great strategy for saving on your grocery costs. But this is impossible for many buyers as it takes up extra cart space. And the bulky packages tend to be so heavy to carry home. The good news is that with online grocery shopping, bulk buying is made easier. Wondering how? You only have to add all the bulk products you need to the virtual shopping cart and all are delivered at your doorstep.

 

3. Cuts on Your Gas and Parking Expenses

Shopping online with grocery delivery Melbourne saves you from spending on car fuel. And parking charges met in the course of doing weekly grocery shopping. Because with online grocery shopping, you just sit at your home or office and order for anything you need to be delivered to you. You don’t need to go pick the items.

 

4. It’s Flexible

Online grocery shopping allows you to shop from anywhere at any time without wondering about opening and closing hours. You shop during your convenient hours, whether at 5:00 am or at 3:00 pm, any time you feel like shopping. Best of all you can also choose a convenient delivery time frame when you want the items to be delivered to your home or office.

 

5. It’s Convenient

You don’t have to go and navigate through the crowds at the supermarket with online grocery shopping. Because all you need is a gadget and you put all your needed items in your virtual cart and they are delivered to where you want them. You can even shop in the comfort of your bed as you relax and make payments which save you from the lengthy cashier lines at the supermarkets.

 

6. Saves You from Multiple Trips

Did you forget to buy an item during your online shopping? No worries, you can order for it in your virtual cart and it gets delivered at your doorstep. Unlike with supermarkets where you have to drive back and get the item.

 

Boost your Shopping Experience

Join the move of online grocery shopping with grocery delivery Melbourne and enjoy unmatched shopping experience. You just order for groceries in the comfort of your home and get them delivered at your doorsteps. 

How to Choose Your Medical Career Path and Work on It during the Pandemic

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

 

Whether you’re a medical student looking for the best specialization option, or simply someone contemplating a future profession in healthcare, finding a suitable career path in medicine is quite a difficult and demanding task that could take some trial and error. And with the current coronavirus pandemic, most of us were left unable to apply for any in-person training or schooling options that might have helped us make a smarter career decision. Thankfully, there are still some ways you could choose your medical career path and work on it, even during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Consider the ideal position you’d like to assume

Medical professionals can do their job in quite diverse fields. In order to find the most suitable career path for you, you must first consider the motivations behind your healthcare career, as well as the type of profession that would suit your personality the most.

For instance, if your goal is to help people directly, hospitals or medical practices might be the best options for you, where you can focus on a pediatric clinic if you love children, or even work in an assisted living facility if you want to help the elderly. If you don’t want to work with patients, on the other hand, then an administrative job or laboratory work might be a more suitable choice.

Think about the roles you’d want to take on

Similarly to the type of specialization you opt for, deciding on the workplace environment you’d like to be a part of also depends on your personality type, as well as your personal drive. To that end, consider the type of workplace dynamic that will suit you the most.

For example, if you’re a tough and active person who works well under pressure, you would be the perfect candidate for a paramedic, a surgeon, an ER nurse, or even a doctor at a military base. If you enjoy a slower-paced environment, however, and are a caring person who’s a great team player, then the career path of a physician or a medical assistant would be a better option for you.

Work to further your education and training

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

Regardless of which profession and working environment you find suits you the most, chances are you will need some additional training in that specific field in order to advance your career. However, gaining the necessary experience through shadowing, volunteering or working as an assistant might not be possible during a dangerous pandemic, when the number of staff is often limited in hospitals.

For that reason, it might be a good idea to further your education and get the necessary qualifications from home, whenever possible. For instance, you could follow an ACLS course online and acquire the beneficial Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification that’s vital for a number of medical careers, from paramedics and registered nurses to doctors and surgeons.

Improve on the necessary skills and abilities

Much like the educational and training aspect of your preferred healthcare career, there are many additional skills and personal abilities you could practice and improve at home. Consider all aspects that might be beneficial for your ideal position and aim to perfect them during the pandemic, in order to have better qualifications for your dream job.

If your goal is to work in administration, for example, you can easily improve your writing and math skills at home, or even practice working in administrative computer programs that are necessary for the job. Another aspect you could also advance are your communicational and interpersonal skills, as they are quite important for most medical careers.

Seek advice from other industry professionals

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

If you still aren’t quite sure which career in the healthcare industry would suit you the most, you could also reach out to experienced professionals in the specific fields that interest you. They will be able to give you more insight into the industry, the working environment, as well as the job benefits and drawbacks, allowing you to make a more informed decision.

Alternatively, you could also utilize the ‘stay at home’ period to your advantage by networking with industry professionals online and expanding your professional circle, ultimately making meaningful connections that might turn into wonderful job opportunities once the pandemic is over.

Finding the right career path in medicine is always a challenging task, especially during a global pandemic. That is precisely why education, introspection, networking, and determination during this period are all essential aspects for understanding your ideal position.

When to Exchange Numbers When Online Dating

Dating online has become pretty popular, and more and more people are warming up to it positively. But, like regular dating, there is a lot to keep in mind, one being knowing when to exchange phone numbers. If you just joined a platform as recommended by Perfect DM and are facing the dilemma on whether to share your number or not, this article can help you determine if it is time.

Meeting someone in person comes with plenty of plans, all to ensure you enjoy the date and hopefully keep up the conversation after. The location needs to be determined, a date needs to be set, and the time must be agreed upon.

Because there is so much to plan, no one wants their phone beeping every second with notifications when you are late. At this point, it is best if you share your numbers for easy communications on the d-day.

 

Have You Talked About Having a Date?

On the dating app, you have shared that you love chicken, and your match has mentioned a fantastic spot where you both can enjoy chicken. Your match has also shown that he is interested in making reservations at that joint and doesn’t need a few days to plan for that. If you are already sharing where and when you guys can meet, then it is time to offer up your number.

The reason to share your number could be as simple as indicating you need a quicker way of communicating before you meet, purely for convenience. It is expected that you and your match are ready to talk more and potentially meet more. But, it is best to share your number once a date, venue, and time have been set.

 

Are You Slowing Down to Reply to Messages?

As people talk more and more on dating apps, they slow down on replying to messages. It is easy to forget to check back and respond to that cute match you were chatting with a few days ago. If you still feel interested in talking to this person, but the whole dynamic of using the app is slowing you down, then it is time to offer up your number.

However, if you give your number too soon, you might end up rescheduling dates that never actualize. It is best to wait until both of you are talking about a date and looking for venues, setting up time, etc.

 

Has Your Match Asked for your Number?

If your match has asked for your number after chatting for a while, it feels obvious to share it. At this point, you do what you feel comfortable to. You do not have to worry about your match turning to a text buddy as long as you regularly talk to them.

Sharing your number is a significant step when dating online, but sadly, there is no rule on when you should or should not share it. The bottom line is you are an adult and should do what feels comfortable with you. But, if you are in a dilemma, these three pointers can help you determine whether it is time to share your number.

Can Dogs Eat Maple Syrup

Once maple syrup was just considered as a substitute for sugar, but research has shown that pure maple syrup has many nutritional properties. 

This is great news not only for people with a sweet tooth but also for their canine friends. Indeed, both humans and their dogs can benefit from this sweet enjoyment, which is made from the sap that is found in sugar maple trees. 

 Sugar maple trees grow up to an average height of 45 meters. They require very special conditions to make sweet sap—cold and frosty nights, followed by warm and sunny days. 

The maple sap flows gradually and softly, drop by drop. It takes more than 10 liters of sap to produce one bottle of maple syrup. The liquid that results from this is rich in beneficial compounds that promote overall health, gives immunity boost, and can also aid in cancer treatment.

 

Benefits Of Maple Syrup

Maple syrup has many vital nutrients in it for dogs, such as:

Manganese

This helps the body to utilize proteins and carbohydrates. Boosts the reproductive system health. It also assists certain enzymes in the production of fatty acids and energy.

Zinc

It works with manganese to support the immune system and helps in reducing inflammation.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin helps in the production of red blood cells, which transport the oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It is also responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats into energy. 

 

Quality Of The Maple Syrup

Not only does maple syrup have these nutritional perks, but it also contains much lesser calories than other common sweeteners, like honey. However, the important thing to remember is that you should use quality maple syrup. Avoid the imitation, which has xylitol: an additive that is extremely toxic for dogs, and can lead to hypoglycemia and liver failure. You should also avoid the flavored maple syrup, which is made of corn syrup and artificial flavoring and can lead to diabetes in your pet.

 

How Much Is Too Much

Dogs can eat maple syrup in moderation. If consumption is excessive, it can lead to diabetes and obesity. Pure maple syrup is not toxic for dogs, but it is high in sugars, so it should be given in moderation. A few mini pancakes with maple syrup topping once in a while is ok, but do not overdo it. 

Dogs that are given excessive sugar can get obese or even develop diabetes. If you notice any one or more of these following symptoms in your dog, then you must consult your vet immediately:

●     Excessive thirst

●     Increase in urination

●     Dehydration

●     Lethargy 

●     Weight loss

 

Conclusion

We just love to treat our canine pals to human food, although we know that it is not the best thing for them. Giving your dog real maple syrup swirled in plain Greek yogurt or as a topping on pancakes, is fine, only if it is given in moderation. Just remember that foods that are labeled sugar free often contain alternatives that are toxic for your dog. Also if your dog wants eggs, here is how to cook them.

Why do Bengal Cats Bite?

Bengal cats are majestic and beautiful. One thing a lot of people tend to talk about however, is their aggressive streak.  One of the causes of their aggressive streak can be their ancestry. Bengal cats were created by crossing small leopard cats with domestic cats. Their part wild ancestor is one of the reasons they tend to act out. However, their ancestry may not always be the case. Bengal cats are very affectionate, so one of the reasons why your Bengal cat seems to lash out at you may because you don’t pay them enough attention. If you notice your cat always seems to be aggressive towards you, continue reading this article to know how you can make them happier, alternatively visit the PetStruggles homepage:

 

Take them on walks

One of the reasons why your Bengal cat occasionally bites and seems to be aggressive could be because you don’t take them out on walks. Taking your Bengal cat out on walks will make them happier and is a good way for them to let out pent up energy. Bengal cats love being active and will enjoy every walk you take them on. Make sure you use a harness when you’re taking your Bengal cat on a walk so that they won’t get lost. Taking your Bengal cat on walks will significantly improve their mood.

 

Give them toys to play with

Nothing will make your cat lash out and angry like being bored. One reason why your Bengal cat bites may be because they have nothing to play with. Having nothing to play with can put your bengal cat in a bad mood. Get toys that your cat can play with. Go to a pet store and buy toys that can keep your Bengal cat occupied while you are away. Get toys that will be easy for your Bengal cat to move around. The toys you get for your Bengal cat should also be the kind that doesn’t get lost easily.

 

Provide attention

As a Bengal cat owner, you need to shower your cat with loads of attention. You should make sure that you never make your cat feel neglected, or else it will make them cranky. Bengal cats are naturally affectionate animals and always need to feel loved. Even if you’re very busy, you should try and dedicate time to playing with your cat. Giving your cat attention can be you rubbing their fur; it doesn’t have to be something stressful or time-consuming. Give your cat constant attention and watch their mood change for the better.

Bengal cats are cats with a very proud ancestry that shouldn’t deter you from getting one. While it is true that Bengal cats’ wild ancestry makes them a bit aggressive, all they need are positive channels. Provide your Bengal cats with positive ways to channel all their pent up energy, and their mood is sure to change. The positive channels you can provide your Bengal with are mentioned in this article; frequent walks, toys, and attention. Bestowing your Bengal cat with enough and positive attention will make them gentle are more pleasant to be around.

Reverse Mortgages Simplified: Easing Up Retirement

Only one thing beats the thought of retirement, and that is retirement with enough money to live life your way! If the conundrum of how to get some extra cash into your possession during this time is a current thing for you, keep reading for more about help in the form of a reverse mortgage! Also known by its other name, a retirement home loan, it is a great financial solution for the retirement years. For once, something that sounds too good to be true, is realistically true!

 

Let’s talk about the basic concepts

To be clear: a reverse home loan is still a loan, and every loan still comes with its own set of terms and conditions. It also means that standard legal conditions will be valid, and that interest on the money you borrow is an inescapable factor. Although this particular kind of loan lets you forego monthly payments, you will be obligated to pay back the full amount at the end of the loan period. If you find that you are unable to do so when the time comes, the house will be sold to make up the costs to the lender. This is standard, and you should be clear that you understand this upfront.

This is where the value of the reverse mortgage calculator comes in. This handy tool is used by lenders to determine the value of your house when you apply for a reverse home loan. Factors like the age, condition and location of the house all come into play during this evaluation process. Bear in mind that there are laws in place that cap the amount you are legally allowed to borrow, so the reverse mortgage calculator is also useful in calculating what percentage of your home’s value you may borrow, based on your current financial standings.

 

Show me the money!

Once the reverse mortgage calculator has done its thing and your lender has approved your application, you will have to choose in what form you would like to receive your money. You do have options! The first is to have it all paid over in one lump sum, with no further claims to payouts. How you manage the large amount will then be your responsibility. You could also access smaller amounts you need, as the need for them comes up, in a line of credit, or you could arrange for regular monthly payments, which is the most popular choice. The latter allows for budgeting and predictability, which is what people like about it.

 

Payment terms

The one major thing that sets reverse home loans apart from regular loans, is the fact that you do not have to make regular monthly paybacks. The very design of the loan is intended to help you supplement your finances during retirement, and you will not need to pay any money back, as long as you live in the house full-time. People love a reverse home loan for its flexibility, as they often feel that they have more control over the loan period and their liquid cash.

How to Make a Punching Bag Out of a Pillowcase

A punching bag can be a handy item, especially on those days you come home frustrated. Taking out your feelings and emotions on a punching bag can release the tension and probably make you feel better. But, punching bags are not the most affordable, and if you do not have a budget for one, then making one at home could be your best bet.

With a few household items, including a pillowcase, you can come up with a standard punching bag. Here is a list of the things you will need to build your punching bag.

• Pillowcases
• Duct tape
• Pillows
• Duffel bag
• Stand or hanging hook
• Sand
• Rope

Step by Step Guide On How to Make a Punching Bag Out of a Pillowcase

Step 1: Set Out Your Items

Set aside four pillowcases in which you will use to hold the sand. Measure about 5 pounds of sand in four portions and set aside. Cut a few inches of duct tape and set aside to use for fastening.

Step 2: Filling The Pillowcases

After pre-measuring the sand, put 5 pounds in each pillowcase. Make sure the amount of sand in each bag is not more than the others. Use the pre-cut duct tape to secure the top of the pillowcases.

When fastening, tie as close as possible to the level of the sand. This will ensure the sand is compact in the pillowcase. You might need to use more duct tape to ensure the seal is tight and secure.

Step 3: Placing The Pillowcases in A Duffel Bag

Arrange the four pillowcases, one on top of the other in a duffel bag. If your duffel bag is large, you might need to add one or more pillowcases with sand. Equally, if you have a small duffel bag, you might only need two or three pillowcases. Whichever the size, make sure the pillowcases are compact in the duffel bag.

Step 4: Filling Up

It is expected that there will be spaces left after filling the duffel bag with pillowcases. It is essential to ensure you fill up these spaces to ensure a stable and sturdy punching bag. Use only pillows to pack and fill up the spaces. You can rip the pillows apart for easy compacting.

Step 5: Securing The Duffel Bag

After filling the duffel bag, it is vital to secure the bag using duct tape. Remember, the best punching bag needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the punches. On this note, run duct tape around the duffel bag paying attention to the top, middle and bottom. At this stage, you can use as much duct tape as you need; again depending on the size of the duffel bag.

Step 6: Hanging The Punch Bag

Use the rope to loop through the handle of the bag. You can use duct tape to secure the rope in place and fortify the knot. Hang the punching bag on your stand or hanging hook.

 

Conclusion

That is a simple step-by-step guide on how to make a punching bag out of a pillowcase. All the materials are readily available, and the process is pretty straightforward.

Best Tactical Pants for Hot Weather

Being in the outdoors calls for clothes that are both comfortable and functional. While sweatpants can be the go-to option, when it gets warmer, they can get uncomfortable. This is why you need the best tactical pants for hot weather. In this article, you will learn how to choose the best tactical pants for an easy and seamless shopping experience.

 

What are Tactical Pants?

It is essential to understand the difference between tactical pants and regular pants, so you know what you are looking for. Tactical pants are common among military personnel and adventures and look more like cargo pants. But, they have strategic pockets unlike most other pants, and this is one feature that stands out.

 

How to Choose the Best Tactical Pants for Hot Weather

Before you can choose any pants, it is essential to keep a few features in mind.

 

The Different Types Available

Common types of tactical pants are overt, covert, EMS/EMT, and jeans. Overt pants are highly functional and have features like military uniforms. The pockets are deep-set and provide adequate space for plenty of tools. The unique design, plenty of pockets and versatility make these pants the best for outdoor excursions.

The covert type is similar to the overt in style but different in color. These were developed, so wearers could not be recognized as people carrying a weapon. Tactical jeans, on the other hand, are similar to regular jeans but provide additional strategic pockets. These might not be ideal for a hot sunny day but work great indoors.

Lastly, EMS or EMT pants have special compartments to carry medical tools and other essential gear. They are not necessarily ideal for regular outdoor use but can hold up pretty well in hot weather.

 

The Pockets

This is the most important feature on any pair of tactical pants. Different tactical pants have pockets placed on different parts of the pants, and each caters to a specific need. For example, tactical pants with knife pockets provide a safe and secure place for pocket knives. Some even have hidden pockets where you could hide sensitive items.

 

The Fit

On a hot summer day, the last thing you want is ill-fitting pants, leave alone the discomfort of having to pull them up each minute. The best tactical pants should fit well around the waist and everywhere else. It would be best if you took the time to determine your correct size to find a pair you can walk in comfortably.

 

The Material

Finding tactical pants for hot weather calls for a comfortable and breathable material. Check the type of fabric and go for cotton and polyester blends. These fabrics are breathable and comfortable in equal measure. Also, the cotton material brings the breathability aspect, while polyester contributes to the durability of the pants.

 

The Bottom Line

With the right pair of tactical pants, you can go about your business on a hot summer day without worrying about discomfort and chafing. Consider the factors above to find a pair that not only fits right but ensures lasting comfort.

Gym Workouts to Complement Keto

Carbs are essential for high-intensity workouts, be it running, skipping, or sprinting. These activities may not be the best when following a ketogenic diet because the diet insists on as minimal as possible carbs for desirable results. But, that does not mean you should not work out.

Incorporating low-intensity workouts into your routine can help you improve your energy, stay active and remain productive. If you are looking for gym workouts that complement keto, these discussed below can be viable options.

 

Cardio Workouts

If your primary exercise is cardio, it is easy to follow the keto diet alongside gym workouts without straining or lowering performance. Remember, you do not have to exercise at high intensities that require your body to be loaded with sugar. All you need to do is get your heart rate up and keep it consistent during cardio.

With cardio, you will benefit in many ways other than burning fat. Your mind will be clearer, and your performance will improve and, ultimately, your productivity. You might notice an increase in endurance doing cardio while on a keto diet.

It is important to keep the intensity at low to moderate, so you do not burn out. On this note, you should aim for a heart rate between 50 to 70 % and be careful not to go past that. If you are starting on keto, aim to stay within a lower range and gradually increase as you adapt.

Here are some cardio exercises that you do at the gym while on keto;

• Treadmill running
• Circuit training
• Interval training classes
• Aerobic training classes

 

Weight Lifting

You can increase your strength, power and muscle mass while on a ketogenic diet. The best part is that you can improve all three with the same workout, hence more desirable results. However, weightlifting while on keto is a little different than on a regular diet.

You need to do very short sets since the body can sustain activities less than 10 seconds without glucose. And, since the body has little to no glucose as fuel, sets less than 10 seconds are recommended. Aim for a program that prescribes five or more sets of five or fewer reps per exercise.

Lower sets can maximize hypertrophy, which in layman’s terms is muscle gain. That means that your muscles do not need more than ten reps to grow. The most important thing is for your muscles to grow and increase every week.

Therefore, when weightlifting, it is advisable to go slow. You would rather do more short reps than go all out and burn out. If you wish to go strong and adopt traditional bodybuilding, you would need to supplement your diet with a few carbs. You might need some pre-workouts and other supplements if your ultimate goal is to add muscle mass.

Exercise is important whether or not you are on a specific diet. With keto, you can engage in low to moderate exercises to keep your productivity booming and energy thriving. The suitability of these exercises varies from one individual to another, so it would be best to try light and build up as you go.

Best Fishing Line to Keep Birds Away

The excitement of a flourishing garden is probably the best part of gardening. But, it has its fair share of challenges like any other activity. The most common one is having to deal with birds once your fruits and vegetables bloom. This can be frustrating and if putting up a scarecrow is not in your books, then there is a different approach to that.

You can use a fishing line to keep the birds away, but it is not just any fishing line. On this note, aim to find the best monofilament line for this purpose. But how do you go about it? The process is simple, and you can set up without needed help from anyone.  

 

How to Use a Fishing Line to Keep Birds Away

Step 1

Get poles that are a few inches higher than the projected height of the plants in the garden. This will help move the fishing line up the pole, and you will not have to replace the pole as the plants grow. For this step, you can use regular stakes or any other types of poles you find.

Step 2

Push a pole on either end of the rows of vegetables and fruits. Do this as soon as the seedlings emerge. It would be best to push in the poles when the soil is softened for an easy process.

Step 3

Space the poles not less than 12 inches apart all around the garden. The distance is an essential factor to keep in mind since the more apart the poles are, the less likely they will scare the birds.

Step 4

Tie an end of a fishing line to a pole just a few inches above the seedling. Tie to the pole on the other end and unroll the fishing line as you go. Do this to all the poles and ensure the line is securely tied. You could use a staple for extra security.

Step 5

If you have some plants in containers, push a single pole into the soil, taking care not to damage the roots. Then create a teepee kind of structure using the line to protect the plant all around.

 

How to Choose the Best Monofilament Fishing Line to Keep Birds Away

In this case, any monofilament fishing line can work. But, it helps to understand what you need to look for to ensure long-lasting quality and functionality. The most crucial factor to keep in mind, in this case, is the thickness.

The idea is to get a line that is strong enough to hold the weight of bids without deteriorating in quality. There are many varieties of lines in the market, and you can most definitely find a suitable one. And, since your main aim is to keep birds away rather than fish, you can choose any you like.

 

Summary

You can find affordable monofilament lines to keep birds away from your garden. That said, you do not have to spend a whole ton of money to protect your garden from birds. With a proper installation plan, you can keep birds away and help your garden thrive.