Month: February 2021

5 Things to Look for in a New Apartment

Moving is hard. It is not fun. And it is always expensive. Despite these facts, people move, on average, a double-digit number of times throughout their life. Some occasions are understandable such as moving from home into a university campus dorm. If things don’t work out as expected, they will move back home. There is the first home of a couple. Later in life, one might sell the first home and move into something smaller after the kids leave for good. That is already a lot of moves. But it doesn’t even account for a third of what actually happens in real life.

Demand for apartments is soaring among millennials. That contributes to the amount of moving house we do. There was a time when home-ownership was inextricably linked to the American dream. Now, many Americans are giving that dream a hard pass in favor of lower rent and less commitment to a single location.

The onset of the coronavirus has caused a lot of us to consider relocating. If you are among that group looking for greener pastures, here are a few things to have on the list:

  1. A Landlord with Whom You Can Reason

On-site management is almost always a plus. However, that is pretty rare in many parts of the country. You want a sense that there is a human you can work with as opposed to an answering service or email address.

Can you negotiate apartment rent in the place you are considering? If it is a human-centric company, you can. An apartment rental is a real estate deal like any other. The terms are not nearly as fixed as you have been led to believe. Better deals are often available with longer leases. You just have to be dealing with real people and not merely corporate drones.

If you can’t have a reasonable conversation about the apartment with management before you move in, how likely do you think it will be for you to have a conversation about issues after you move in? Be careful when renting an apartment entirely online. If you can’t reach someone in the rental process, forget about good service once you have paid the deposit.

  1. Outdoor Spaces

One of the main features of an apartment is what is on the outside. An apartment near a park is more valuable than one without access to safe, outdoor spaces. We all have to find ways to get outdoors more often. Where you live can help. While evaluating the outside, check for sidewalks and nearby shopping in safe and easy walking distance.

  1. Check out the Weekend NightLife

Most apartments are nice and quiet during the day. People are at work and the poorly behaved are under the scrutiny of the on-site management. So before signing on the dotted line, drive through the community at night and on the weekends when more people are home. Often, that is when the loud music starts and the bickering neighbors start shouting, and the true character of the community is revealed. If it passes the weekend night test, it might be a keeper.

  1. Bugs

When you tour the apartment, there should be no bugs in sight. Open the cabinets. Look for droppings. If the complex has a bug problem, they can’t really hide it very well. Sometimes, it is not really about how well you clean. It is about where you live. They might be in the walls and the pipes. If you see signs of insects when they are doing their best to hide the problem, you don’t want to live there.

  1. Security

Where are the packages dropped off? There should be a protected space for all those Amazon deliveries. Is the parking lot well lit? Even if you don’t have kids, would you feel safe having a child playing outside or walking home from school in that neighborhood? If not, then it is not secure enough for you, either.

When it comes to your next address, don’t settle. Only rent an apartment with real people as managers, that have usable outdoor spaces, that are also peaceful at night and on the weekends, that is free of bugs, and is secure enough for children, even if you don’t have any.

Five Ways to Get Rid of Rodents

When you have a rodent infestation, it can’t be difficult to get rid of them. This is because they are small, crafty, and often invisible. If you have seen one rodent in your house, there are probably others. While there are a variety of methods to get rodents out of your home, you should use them all together to tackle the problem. If you don’t utilize everything at your disposal, you will have a difficult time getting rid of the mice and rats in your home. Read below to find five methods that will help you get rodents out of the house.

Buy Traps

It may sound cruel, but you have to buy traps if you want to get rid of the rodents in your home. It’s absolutely necessary to buy quite a few traps to put around the house. You should place them facing the walls so that when the rodents get trapped when they are climbing the walls. Unfortunately, you need to get rid of the rodents that are already in your house and the only way to do that is to trap and kill them.

Clean Your Home

Another very important thing to do when you are dealing with a rodent problem is to keep your home clean. While cleaning up your place won’t get rid of mice and rats, it won’t attract them. If you are getting rid of the rodents with traps, it is vital to keep your home clean. This means that you should wipe down your counters and don’t leave food out. Make sure to clean up crumbs and keep your garbage covered. When there is nothing for them to eat, rats and mice won’t be attracted to dwelling in your home.

Mind the Areas You Don’t Always Mind

In addition to paying attention to your kitchen, you should also remember to declutter and clean the places of your home that you don’t always pay attention to. For example, you should get rid of any leaves and branches outside. These can be used as a method for the rodents to make a home or burrow to hide. You should also look into rodent proofing. This method is when professionals go up into your attic and clean it up in a specific way. They can essentially make your attic rodent-proof by creating an environment that isn’t suited to rodents.

Get a Cat

It might sound silly, but buying a cat is a great way to keep rodents out of the house. Cats are natural rodent hunters. They have the killer instinct to hunt rats and mice. They do it more for sport than anything. Getting a house cat is a great way to get rid of a rodent problem and keep them out because you’ll have a natural mouse trap. When it comes to rodents, you can find a great way to kill the ones living in your home with a cat.

Use Bait Stations

Bait packages, otherwise known as bait stations should be used to get rats to come to your traps. These are sealed packets containing pellets or meals. While they come in plastic or cellophane, allowing the mice to gnaw through them. But these bait stations have chemicals that kill the rodent. These stations are best handled by professionals who can help keep you and your family safe because they are toxic.

While each of these methods to control your rodent infestation are important, if you are already struggling with the problem you will need to use them in tandem. When you have rats or mice in the house, you will need to work hard to get rid of them.

It’s not easy, but if you buy traps and bait stations while cleaning the inside and outside of your home you will be able to overcome this issue. You can also buy a cat, which will help kill rodents. However, you look at it, utilizing these tools to get rid of rodents will help you be done with this for good. If you have already seen a rat or mouse in your house, it is time to get started because you probably have more than one.

6 Money Management Tips for Single Moms to Consider

Being a single mother can be tough, especially when making money and taking care of your children with only one income. It’s not always easy to ask for help, as most single moms are literal superheroes that can multitask better than anybody else on the planet. You can do everything, but you may want to keep a keen eye focused on managing your money to secure your financial future. While accomplishing so many tasks in a day, it can be easy to let your finances slip to the back of your mind. Here are six tips that will help single moms to manage their money better.

 

Increase Your Earned Income

It should go without saying that making more money is the first thing most single moms consider when having financial difficulties. They should consider the possibility of working from home as many opportunities will allow them to make money while being with their kids. A single mom would want to work from home because they must offset the cost of daycare or a babysitter. The main tip here is simple. Make more money.

 

Explore Debt Relief Options

Every month there are bills and household expenses that must be paid. Many times people will fall into debt. As most people are trying to get out of debt, one option is to consolidate their debt. Before you decide to consolidate credit card debt, there are several options that you must take into consideration. How can you consolidate your debt? What company are you consolidating your debt with? Will you be paying higher interest if you consolidate your debt?

 

Think Long-term

It can be difficult when you need money right now this month to think long-term about your finances. You need to consider the long-term options available to you. You want to be saving money, even if it’s a little bit per month. If you are putting money away in the bank, then that can be used for emergencies.

 

Seek Financial Assistance

There are many options available at the local, state, and federal level that offer assistance to single moms. They understand that you need help, and if you reach out to these institutions they can assist with daycare. Specifically, they will assist in maintaining nutritional sustenance for your children. Some people may think this is a bad thing, but they are there to help.

 

Protect Your Children Financially

It may seem morbid at first, but one crucial thing to consider is to get life insurance for yourself. If something were to happen to you, then you want your child or children protected. There are incredibly reasonable options available for single moms.

 

Net Worth is Crucial

Reaching out to professionals who understand debt relief and financial planning is a significant step in securing your financial well being. It’s important to consider paying down debt, and some people specialize in this type of service. They are very knowledgeable. These people can also help with your overall financial health. You need money to secure your livelihood because bills need to be paid. Take advantage of these services as they are there to help.

Top 6 Least-Known Facts about Bike Tour Companies

Are you planning to go on a bike tour? You need a bike that is well-suited for bike touring to travel almost anywhere. Choosing the best bicycle tour company for your needs is essential. You would want a tour guide company that will cater to your needs while giving you the experience of your lifetime. However, with many companies out there, it can be quite hard. Here are the points that will help you pick the right bike tour company.

 

1. Flexibility

You should be able to discuss the various tour offerings with the company. The initial step to consider is whether the given tour guides organization is compatible with your schedule, travel style, and family or individual needs. You can enquire about personalizing your bicycle handlebars and pedals and about the various route options depending on your personal fitness goals. The best tour operators are always interested in knowing what you aim to get from your experience.

 

2. Conduct Your Research

Find out what kind of bikes an operator uses and how they maintain them. Look for an organization that invests in quality equipment. Read the supported bike tour reviews before you commit to booking any cycling holiday. It is also worth checking Google reviews to ensure that other cyclists recommend the tour and are satisfied. At the end of your research, you should be convinced and identify a given bike tour operator’s competency. With a good tour company, you get to rock a sweet ride and have the experience of your lifetime.

 

3. The Tour Period

This guided bike tour ranges from weekend trips to two or more weeks’ tour. The area of coverage is also different depending on individual tours. Know the number of days for actual biking and whether there will be a rest day in the middle.

 

4. Enthusiasm

The best tour company have a personal passion for their trips. The guides are always willing to share fantastic places and memorable experiences with you, and no question is a waste of time. Companies like Tour de Vines are usually eager to share details about stunning views, great foods, and unique cultures you are likely to experience.

 

5. Knowledge Of The Region

Choose a bike tour organization that has a thorough knowledge of the region you will be visiting. The best operator will know the tour destination inside and out. You can, therefore ask about restaurants, local attractions, and terrain. Besides, having guides with in-depth knowledge of the region creates a sense of security and trust.

 

6. First-Line Respond Team

The tour company should be easy to reach by email or phone and have materials on hand with enough information about tours that interests you. Also, expect a tour operator to respond to your questions quickly and thoroughly. Personalized, positive contact with a tour operator before a trip suggests that they will be organized and responsive when the need arises, like when you realize you forgot to carry a raincoat.

Search no further for the best bike tour operator since Tour de Vines offers the best walking tours,  bike tours, and adventure travel vacation. Anytime you want to go on a vacation, make sure you get the very best.

Tactics for Handling Work Stress During Your Pregnancy

Work stress can be quite overwhelming for women who are expecting, and finding effective ways to manage it is crucial for ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Stress is a normal part of our daily lives, and each one of us has some sort of coping mechanism that helps them deal with stressful situations. The problem arises when the stress becomes overwhelming, which can take a serious toll on a person’s mental health if not managed effectively.

As a working mom-to-be, you may find yourself feeling stressed out at work, and while there’s no way of escaping stress, there are ways to cope with it effectively so it doesn’t interfere with your and your baby’s health. Below, a couple of effective tactics for handling work stress during your pregnancy.

Avoid overcommitting

When you overburden your schedule with more tasks than you can handle, it can quickly become a major source of stress. Not only does saying yes to everything you’re asked to do leave little room for self-care, but it’s also not worth it. Surely, as an expectant mom, you could probably use some extra cash, but committing to working overtime or late nights is definitely not worth the stress you’re going to put yourself through.

If your workload is something you don’t have a say in, look for some other obligations you can eliminate from your to-do list. Oftentimes, we will accept invitations to events, dinners, and birthdays to make other people happy. However, there are times when we simply can’t make it, and we shouldn’t feel bad about it. If the person who invited you is a true friend, they’ll understand, and you can always send them a gift. If they don’t get it, or worse, get mad about it, you’re probably better off without them anyway.

Create a routine to follow

Routines are there to make our lives easier. They practically put us on autopilot, meaning we’re able to do things without thinking because we’ve repeated them so many times they’ve become a habit. To create an effective routine to follow, make sure to set aside a time for work. Also, think about how much time you’ll need to tackle every task. When given a task, start right away, even if it’s due next week.

As a mom-to-be, it’s important for you to be prepared for unexpected events, so rather than procrastinating and putting off your tasks, tackle them as soon as possible. Not only will this take some of the stress out of the equation, but it’ll also make you more productive and help you stay on top of your work.

Read all about it

Speaking of being prepared, make an effort to get as much useful information about pregnancy as possible. It’s important for working moms to understand the complex process that pregnancy is and take time to learn all of its symptoms. In doing so, they’ll know how to cope with stressful situations effectively while working full-time.

Moms should also explore different methods and practices when it comes to childbirth, especially practices such as cord blood banking that have a wide treatment potential and that could possibly save a life. What you do in your pregnancy will have an influence on your and your baby’s health in the future, so make sure that you do everything you can to protect your little one.

Talk about it

Communicating your emotions, worries, and concerns is key, especially if you happen to be a first-time mom and not exactly sure what to expect from pregnancy. Even just talking to your loved ones about it can help you feel better and take the stress off your shoulders, even if you don’t necessarily come up with a solution.

On the other hand, if your pregnancy is affecting your work performance and makes it difficult for you to manage your workload, try to talk to your boss. Long physical shifts can be strenuous for pregnant women, so consider asking your boss about working shorter hours. Talk to your physician as well and have them write a note listing their requirements in case you need to modify your work. Being upfront with your boss about your situation from the start can spare you the stress later on.

Wrapping up

Finding work-life balance can be challenging, even more so when you’re a mom-to-be. But women are tough, and although pregnancy puts them in a vulnerable position, they are strong enough to overcome all the mental, emotional, and physical changes it brings and stay on top of their daily tasks.

With a couple of tricks and tactics up your sleeve, you can manage to conquer workplace stress and emerge as a winner and the superwoman you are.

A Healthy and Happy Mom Is a Better Mom

Staying happy and healthy as a mom is easier said than done, but doing so is essential, not just for your husband and children, but for yourself, too.

Motherhood is one of the most exciting phases in most women’s lives, but the thing is – it can be quite exhausting. Between caring for your children, maintaining relationships, and running a household, the role of a mom can be quite a demanding one, to say the least.

Yet, we all know at least one mom who somehow manages to stay on top of her tasks while still being a great mom. And no, she’s not a Supermom nor does she have any special powers. Her “superpower” lies in her ability to prioritize herself, her happiness, and her well-being, which helps her be a better mom for her little ones. With these couple of tips in mind, you can do it too.

Ask for help

To some moms, asking for help is like admitting “I can’t do it on my own”. To them, it may feel like they’re letting their little ones down. Because of that, they’d rather skip the fun stuff with their husbands or their gal pals, often making sacrifices due to the pressure they feel.

A happy mom, however, understands the importance of delegating tasks. To her, asking for help doesn’t equal being a bad mom. It simply means she’s making time for other aspects of her life. Therefore, cut yourself some slack, and instead of letting that FOMO get the best of you, simply say that one little magic word: “Please”.

Snack smart

It’s understandable that, as a mom that’s constantly on the go, you don’t always have the time or energy to make smart snack choices. This is when meal prepping comes in handy.

 A happy mom knows that planning her meals in advance is key to sticking to a healthy eating plan. This is why she’ll always have her veggies and fruits peeled and cut in advance and stored in a Ziploc bag. That way, she can just grab the snacks and go without thinking.

Focus on a healthy diet

As a busy mom, eating healthy isn’t always easy, but it’s doable. For starters, buy fresh, wholesome foods, and go for organic whenever possible. Focus on incorporating superfoods into your diet – go for salmon, walnuts, soy, and oats.

They boost health protection and, much like certain types of oils, contain heart-healthy fats. There’s a reason why unsaturated oils made from nuts, seeds, and especially olives are a staple in Mediterranean diet, and the benefits of oils such as olive oil for heart health are well-documented. The best part? You can take these oils in a form of a supplement, so adding them to your diet should be a piece of cake!

Get your sweat on

Healthy diet and regular exercise go hand in hand, and the best results come when you put in the same amount of effort into your training as you do into your nutrition. The thing is, our workouts often get pushed off because of our jam-packed schedules.

The good news is, you can train your mind to get down to business and start exercising even when you don’t feel like it. Just schedule it like any other important task (e.g. attending a parent-teacher conference). As for exercising, it can be everything from working out in the gym with your gal pals to exercising solo on your living room floor. If it’s getting you sweaty, anything goes!

Put on some real clothes

As a mom, it can be far too tempting to stay in your pajamas or other comfy clothes all day long. You don’t have to leave the house for the day, so you might as well feel comfortable, right?

As great as it sounds, rocking comfy clothes all the time may affect your mood and confidence negatively. Think about it this way: we dress ourselves to match our mood. Therefore, it makes sense that, in order to feel good, we would pick clothes that are fashionable and flattering. That’s not to say you have to get dolled up every single day. But putting on some real clothes, like a nice shirt or even a skirt, can go a long way in making you feel good, and making extra effort in the morning is sure worth it.

Schedule “me time”

Feeling drained and worn out? Many moms can relate to this, mostly because they put all their time and energy into taking care of others. While prioritizing your family is essential, taking some time for yourself is just as important.

As busy as your schedule may be, try to make room for “me time”. Whether that’s a 30-minute bubble bath, a quick walk around the block, or a short meditation, making time for yourself is a must, and it’s not selfish – it’s self-care.

Wrapping up

The role of a mom can be demanding at times, and prioritizing your happiness and health can sometimes seem downright impossible. However, if you take the time to develop healthy habits, you can make your daily life much less stressful and far more enjoyable while at the same time setting a great example for your kids.

7 Maintenance Tips To Keep Your House in Top Shape This Spring

Spring is just around the corner, and we all know what that means. Spring brings spring cleaning.

Now is the right time to get ready to do all the necessary home maintenance to keep your house in top shape. While such an endeavor can be overwhelming, have no fear. All you have to do is follow this handy guide, and your home will be in top shape with minimal effort.

So, let’s see what you should do to get your place to look its best this spring!

 

Inspect your sidewalks and walkways

Concrete sidewalks can take a beating during the freeze-thaw cycles of winter. The first step to concrete spring maintenance is a good cleaning. Sweep away, or power wash any debris so you can get a good look at the current condition. Next, carefully inspect the concrete, checking for cracked or crumbling areas.

If possible, fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete. If your concrete sidewalk or driveway requires more serious repairs, or perhaps parts of the concrete are no longer level, look for a professional concrete leveling in St Louis service, or similar services where you are. This type of job is best left to the experts! Also, be on the lookout for deposits of a white substance; this is called efflorescence, and it’s a sign that your walkway is absorbing water.

In case your concrete is beyond repair, consider replacing it with natural stone. It is a long-lasting, eco-friendly alternative and a wise investment overall.

 

Check your lawn equipment

After a season of hibernation, chances are your lawn equipment won’t start right away. The lawnmower, in particular, is a usual culprit of sluggishness starting after prolonged periods without use.

In most cases, this is caused by high humidity, and winter brings plenty of it. High humidity causes water vapor to condense inside the carburetor and the fuel tank. When this happens, water droplets mix with the gas. This mixture isn’t ideal for spark formation; hence, the mower won’t start.

To fix this problem, change the gas in your mower. If this doesn’t work, try cleaning or changing the spark plug. To avoid such complications in the future, empty your mower’s gas tank before storing it for a long time.

 

Examine your windows and doors

During winter, the harsh weather conditions can break down some of the caulk and other weather stripping to prevent air loss. Take some time to carefully examine all of your doors and windows and be ready to repair any issues.

The bonus is proper sealant helps during the summer and winter because it prevents your inside air from going outside. Properly sealing your windows and doors will make your home more comfortable, so take some time to review your house during the spring before it gets too hot this summer.

Spring is also an excellent time to replace window screens that were damaged during winter. Do not throw away the nets you have taken down. Instead, save and use them to patch any holes you find the next spring.

 

Clean gutters and downspouts

After the last frost has passed, it’s essential to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause the wood trim at the eaves to rot, and that can invite all kinds of critters into your attic space.

Having your gutters and downspouts cleaned early in the season can also help prevent damage from spring rains.

Additionally, clogged gutters might eventually crack or break, leaving openings in your roof that can result in severe water damage. As soon as it’s warm enough to do so, it’s essential to clean your gutters. Break out a ladder to clean any drains that you can find yourself. Any channels you can’t get to will require help from a professional.

 

Don’t forget the roof

Winter often damages roof shingles, so you might want to inspect them to determine if repairs are necessary. Look out for loose, cracked, and buckled shingles.

Also, examine the flashing around skylights, plumbing vents, and chimneys. If repairs are necessary, hire a qualified contractor to do it.

You might also want to wash debris off your roof. When doing this, avoid using power washing because it damages roofing materials. Damages resulting from this kind of washing can void your roof warranty, although this depends on the terms and conditions of your manufacturer’s quality guarantee.

The best way to wash your roof is to use bathroom cleaners. These will safely remove any molds, excess dirt, and any other debris that can weaken your roof.

Extra tip: if you have asphalt shingles on your roof and keep finding piles of black grit in your gutters, it’s probably from your shingles decomposing. Sun damage causes asphalt shingles to break apart, and when this happens, it’s time to replace your roof. Doing so in the spring can help prevent the hot summer sun from causing even more damage.

 

HVAC maintenance

Spring is the ideal time of the year to have your cooling system serviced before temperatures start to rise. This is one thing you don’t want to procrastinate on — otherwise, you could end up with an unexpected cooling system emergency on the hottest day in July.

If you do the maintenance work yourself, be careful not to damage any wires or components.

Spring and fall are the perfect times of the year to change out your system’s air filters. Doing so will improve the air quality in your home and allow your system to run more efficiently. Changing the air filters also helps minimize mold and pollen build up.

If you use a window unit for your AC, you should clean out the air filters and clean the coils in your unit’s front and back, so airflow is not hindered.

 

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

As the seasons change, it is essential to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries and replace units as needed to ensure your family’s safety from fire or gases inside of your home.

It’s a good idea to test your safety alarms regularly, and doing so during spring maintenance is an excellent way to remember to do it. If need be, keep a supply of batteries on hand that you’ll only use for your alarms, and replace any alarms that are out of date.

What is Vegan Cheese? Best Vegan Cheeses and More!”

Savory, gooey, creamy, melty, and tangy. There’s an entire myriad of reasons why people just can’t get enough of cheese. But if you’re one of the many eaters out there who has adopted the plant-based lifestyle or given up on dairy for good then you might be daydreaming about that one last bite.

Lucky for you, there are more dairy-free cheese substitutes than ever before!

As vegans have become more experimental with their ingredients, and a broad number of dairy-free cheese alternatives have appeared on the market as well as recipes you can make at home. If you’re someone who is not familiar with the undeniable flavor of vegan cheese then let’s go on a little journey.

 

What is vegan cheese made from?

Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative to traditional cheese and can be made from a number of different ingredients such as nuts and seeds to tofu and soy protein in order to replicate the variety of flavors and textures of dairy cheese.

There is no one singular vegan cheese anymore! As the growth of the plant-based cheese market grew 51% over the past two years, so did the options for finding the best slice to melt on your sandwich. 

Chefs have taken on the task of recreating favorites like feta, parmesan, nacho cheese, and even mozzarella in order to meet the dietary needs of plant-based eaters everywhere. Here’s a short list of some common ingredients found in vegan cheese:

Nutritional Yeast: Often found as one of the main ingredients in a vegan mac n’ cheese, nutritional yeast brings a surprisingly cheesy umami flavor to dishes and is sometimes used as a parmesan substitute.

Nuts and Seeds: Nut bases for non-dairy cheese are fairly common, and ingredients like cashews, almonds, macadamia nuts, and pine nuts can create substitutes for cream cheese, and mozzarella.

Tapioca Starch: Tapioca starch gives non-dairy cheese its stretchy texture when melted and is often used as a binding agent.

Tofu and Soy: The crumbly texture of tofu already resembles some dairy cheeses, and can be used to recreate cream cheese, feta, and sometimes non-dairy nacho cheese!

 

Does vegan cheese melt?

Much like with dairy, some vegan cheese melts while others do not. If you’re looking to find a vegan cheese that gets melty, just look at the ingredients list and look for coconut oil or tapioca starch. While coconut oil means you’re likely to get a melty dairy-free cheese, tapioca starch will give you that picturesque stretchy texture that compliments a yummy grilled cheese.

 

Does vegan cheese taste good?

With such a wide number of vegan cheese available on the market today, in all types of forms, there will always be a delicious dairy-free alternative out there to suit any palate! Plus, even if you can’t find a market near you to accommodate your search for non-dairy cheese you can always find a recipe online and cook it at home.

Here are some of our favorites:

 

Siete Foods

 

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Siete Foods Spicy Blanco Cashew Queso is a dream to dip into with tortilla chips, and if you’re also grain-free Siete Foods offers plenty to choose from. Creamy with just a touch of jalapeno spice makes this a yes from me!

 

Kite Hill

 

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Kite Hill’s amazing cream cheese is made from almonds and welcome addition to my morning bagel. Tangy, creamy, and easy to spread, you can sub Kite Hill cream cheese alternative into other recipes like a lunch wrap or artichoke dip.

 

Field Roast

 

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Field Roast’s Vegan Chao comes in tons of delicious flavors and also available in both slices and shreds to meet whatever non-dairy cheese needs the night calls for. But who could say no to melty garlic and herb cheese on ciabatta?

 

Is vegan cheese healthy?

Just like with any part of a healthy diet, everything is about moderation! You should always take into account the nutrients, healthy fats, and fiber found in your vegan cheese. Diets found containing more plant-based protein, nuts, and fiber has been found to improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol in a recent 2018 study published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases Journal. Some non-dairy cheeses made using coconut oil do contain higher amounts of saturated fat but so long as you’re not consuming them in large quantities, vegan cheese can be enjoyed as a part of a balanced diet and healthier than dairy cheese. 

7 Coffee Alternatives to Consider in 2021

Many people enjoy starting their day with a large cup of coffee. This heavily caffeinated beverage provides an energy-packed boost many people need to start their workday. Unfortunately, coffee can increase anxiety, irritate the stomach, and even increase stress hormones.

Due to the various side effects caused by coffee, many people do what they can to avoid the morning drink. This, however, can be difficult when trying to find that morning boost so desperately needed to start the day. Fortunately, these seven coffee alternatives can give the required boost without the harmful effects of drinking coffee.

CBD

A great way to forgo the coffee is to try a morning CBD shot for lasting energy. These little shots pack a punch that can get anyone the energy they need to get through their mornings. CBD on its own can provide some people with wakefulness and provide benefits to boost energy. These shots are also combined with other natural ingredients that can also offer energy throughout the day without the coffee.

Golden Milk

Golden milk is an excellent alternative to coffee. It offers that tasty warm goodness many people enjoy from coffee without the harmful caffeine. Golden milk is a traditional Indian drink made with hot milk and turmeric. Turmeric can provide anti-inflammatory properties that can ease sore muscles and achy joints to help get through the day. Other ingredients or sweeteners can be added to boost the flavor of this decadent drink.

Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is another great alternative to coffee. Although it does contain some caffeine, it also offers other health benefits that can offset the discomforts caused by coffee overconsumption. Matcha tea provides a less jittery energy boost without the crash that many get with coffee. Its high concentration of L-Theanine can also improve focus and concentration. Its antioxidants can even provide benefits in fighting disease and signs of aging.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate may be the best alternative for those unwilling to give up their caffeine but want something other than coffee. Although it still packs the punch of coffee, yerba mate is also packed with nutrients. Created from the rainforest holly tree’s caffeinated leaves, yerba mate can offer the boost of coffee without its crash.

Kombucha

Kombucha is a type of tea made with either black or green tea. It is a fermented, sweetened tea with a light effervescence. This unique tea is famous for its ability to improve gut health and digestion. It is commonly used for those seeking weight loss options due to its ability to provide natural energy. This makes it a very healthy and fun alternative to that morning cup of joe.

Bone Broth

Although the name may not be as appealing as coffee, bone broth is a wonderfully tasty drink that can offer the energy needed to get through even the toughest days. This warm drink offers collagen and glutamine to heal the body. It also provides long-lasting and steady energy. This can eliminate that midmorning drowsiness at work.

Lemon Water

Although it may not seem like an option for replacing coffee, lemon water is a great choice when eliminating caffeine but still desiring a “pick-me-up” beverage. One-half lemon added to eight ounces of hot water can provide a warm and refreshing drink in the morning. The boost of vitamin C can provide a natural energy boost while kicking the digestive system into gear.

Whether wanting to cut out coffee altogether or just find something new, these options can provide a great place to start. For some, a combination of two or more of these choices may even prove to be better than coffee ever could be.

Understanding Moissanite and What Makes it Valuable

Moissanites are one gemstone that can leave heads turning wherever you do. In actuality, their brilliance exceeds that of diamonds. Charles & Colvard, a notable jewel manufacturer, has the exclusive rights to produce moissanite crystals for jewel making. Another company, Cree Inc., manufactures various products using this material, including LED light bulbs. In its naturally occurring state, moissanite, also known as silicon carbide (SiC), forms in several rock formations in the world, including the Green River Formation in Wyoming.

 

Are Moissanites Knock-Offs of Diamonds?

Charles & Colvard manufactures moissanite solely for jewel making and distributes the gemstones to several retailers in the United States. Unfortunately, some shady companies have introduced moissanite knock-offs into the market scene through various websites.

Does that mean that moissanite gemstones are fake diamonds or knock-offs as some individuals claim? Definitely, no. Kindly understand that moissanite is a jewel in its right. It does not share any relationship with its counterpart (diamond), even though both gemstones look similar to each other.

Moissanites are great diamond replacements, as they have more brilliance, matching toughness, and lower price options. They beat other jewels hands down, including emeralds, rubies, and CZ’s. Your moissanite engagement ring will last you a lifetime without you having to worry about scratches, chips, or scratches.

 

Mesmerizing Optical Qualities You Can’t Ignore

When you pick up a colourless diamond engagement ring, you will notice that it is free from hues, appearing ice white. Contrastingly, a moissanite gemstone may have traces of other colours, like green, yellow or brown. You can easily spot this condition in larger crystals. However, Charles & Colvard has taken care of this factor by introducing the Forever Brilliant Colour and Forever Brilliant Colourless.

Moving on to optical properties, both moissanite and diamonds engagement ring have different faceting patterns. Consequently, this implies that they can reflect light differently. When light rays enter a moissanite gemstone, it bends and splits them into halves, giving more spectral colours, known as the rainbow effect. As such, its double-refraction qualities make it sparkle more than diamonds with single-refractive properties. You may prefer the fiery optical quality of a moissanite gemstone, while someone else may go with a diamond’s classic radiance.

Moissanites reflect light rays up to 2.4 times more than diamonds. Hence, when placed exposed in the open or a well-lit environment, it is easy for anyone to spot the jewel.

 

Moissanite’s Affordability

With $300 to $400, you could purchase a moissanite gemstone. Anything less than that price may scream Fake! One thing you don’t have to worry about when shopping for this precious stone is its ethical background. Unlike diamonds, they don’t have environmental challenges.

Still on cost, kindly note that the price of a moissanite gemstone depends on its size and quality. However, you’ll get value for your money. A 1-carat diamond worth $4,000 may only cost you $400 to get its moissanite alternative. In the same vein, a 3-carat oval GIA certified diamond that will set you back by $30,000 may only cost you $3,000. As such, you don’t have to break the bank to get that amazing piece of jewellery for your loved one.