7 REASON WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER WEAR MAXI PADS AGAIN

 

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Dealing with that special time of the month these days can be tricky, however, there are many reasons to never wear maxi pads again, because there are great alternatives when you have your special visitor. With all the options on the fully stacked shelves of pharmacies, it is no wonder most people are at a loss and confused as to where to go for the best solution that provides the most comfort and utility during this very delicate time. The reasons to forgo the bulky pad far exceed the number of names in phone books in New York, but here are just a few reasons to never wear maxi pads again that will keep you buying the latest alternatives each month.

1. That Awful Diaper Feeling

As many grown women are found diapering their own little ones, the last thing they want is to feel that heavy, wet and soggy feeling of a diaper. And the unfortunate effect of wearing a maxi pad is that awful diaper feeling. When I’ve worn maxi pads I’m very lucky if I don’t swish, slush and crunch around in a huge maxi pad at my desk at work or school. It's inevitable that these things swell up in my panties on my heavy flow days and for me it’s one of the main reasons to never wear maxi pads again, but unfortunately there are many more.

2. They Leak

When I’m on my period the last thing I want is for people to know about it. And when wearing a maxi pad, any sort of overflow or even the slightest movement sometimes can cause these baby diapers to leak and spread all over my spring white skirt!

3. They Smell

The best part about wearing a tampon or a soft cup is that they rest inside of you, so you barely feel them and there is relatively no odor. With a maxi pad that is certainly not the case. After maxi pads leak there is clearly an unavoidable odor, but even when there isn’t a heavy flow every time I go to the bathroom wearing a maxi pad, I almost gag at the odor that steams out from a maxi pad regularly, effortlessly and repulsively.

4. That Weighing down Feeling

When I’m on my period I try to go about my day and function normally, with a maxi pad there is a constant reminder that it’s that time of the month. When a maxi pad fills up it becomes extremely heavy, almost weighing down your entire body before it pops or leaks everywhere. It’s the worst reminder that you’re menstruating, not to mention the heaviest and most annoying.

5. Their Size and Portability (or Lack Thereof)

It’s an inevitable realization that maxi pads are much bigger in size than tampons or soft cups, especially those bulky diaper-like ones for days with a heavy flow. Try fitting that into a skinny clutch! And since you have to change them every few hours if not more frequently, you have to tote around a handful of these big girl diapers and most of the time they do not fit in anything but a backpack or huge satchel purse. Forget about squeezing it in an evening handbag! Most of the time, tampons can be carried around in a front jean pocket if you don’t feel like carrying a bag, and that’s very convenient and yet another reason to never wear maxi pads.

6. It’s Impossible to Play Sports Or Be Active

The last thing you want to do during your period is to keep your life at a standstill for a week or more. While wearing a maxi pad, you can’t go swimming or do any water sports for obvious reasons. And in fact you really can’t participate in any active sports because this will definitely exacerbate any sort of leaking not to mention smell. While wearing a tampon or soft cup you can utilize the advantage of having it inside your body so no one can really tell or know you’re on your period while you continue to go about your active lifestyle.

7. No Tight Clothing Allowed

Besides the fact that you are banned from thongs, cute cheekies and anything lacey or skimpy, wearing maxi pads limits your wardrobe choices in the sense that wearing anything tight or see-through might invite the general public in on a view they don’t need to see, like your maxi pad outline or leakage. Yet another reason to never wear maxi pads again.
Don’t be afraid to try tampons or softcups - maxi pads are not the only options and in fact they are the worst options for that time of the month. Everyone has their own personal preference and there are pros and cons to every option, but for me, these are legitimate reasons to never wear maxi pads again until menopause!

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7 WAY TO DEAL WITH NEGATIVE PEOPLE

 

By Melissa Diem

Are you looking for ways to deal with negative people? Having to face negative people on a daily basis can be downright exhausting. It’s like their lives are so horrible that they want to ruin the joy of everyone else around them. Fortunately you don’t have to fight fire with fire. Follow these 8 ways to deal with negative people to improve your interactions with these killjoys.

1. Disengage

Some people are just so caught up in the bad that they can’t see anything else. You don’t have to play into their suck fest. It’s okay to listen to their woes and offer support, but know when to draw the line. If time after to time you are listening to the same sad story of negativity, this might be your cue to back off and disengage from that person.Try changing the subject or offering simple replies that don’t give much to feed off of. Keep reading for more ways to deal with negative people.

2. Power in Numbers

You may be like me, and the Negative Nancy is a member of your family. It’s hard to get away from them or make a clean break. Luckily you can finagle your way out of any one-on-one time by planning group gatherings. This works in several ways. First, you will have more people around to absorb some of the negativity. It won’t all be deflected on to you. Second, maybe some good energy will rub off and lighten the mood considerably.

3. Don’t Take It Personal

Some people are just negative and critical. While their comments may come off as harsh and hurtful, it is likely that they don’t mean to cause anyone to feel badly. Some negative people may not realize how their sarcasm and harsh words affect others. Learn to objectify their comments and understand that in this case, it really isn’t you, it’s all them

 

4. Know the Triggers

If you are close to a negative person then you have probably learned what topics get them fired up and spitting out discontent. Avoid those topics as much as possible. If your friend never has anything good to say about her job, then don’t ask her how her day at work was, unless you are ready to hear all the crummy details.

5. Limit Your Time

If these negative people aren’t ready or willing to change their mood dampening ways, then maybe its time for you to find someone or else to spend your time with. The last thing you want is for their bitterness to rub off on you. You have probably already noticed how your mood is affected by their negativity. There really isn’t any reason to let their inability to see the good in life ruin your day.

6. Stay Positive

Sometimes negative people just need someone to remind them of all the great things in life. Remind your friend that she should be thankful that she has a job and makes good money even if the work can be crappy from time to time. Tell your sister how much you admire her for being such a great mother and the special moments she shares with her children. It is easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom. We all need someone to help us find the silver lining.

7. Know When to Run

Of course there are times when it is okay to just throw in the towel and walk away. It’s not your job to fix the world, you can’t allow someone else's negativity to take over your happiness. If your efforts haven’t made a difference and you are feeling drained by them, than no one can blame you for wanting drop that person from your life.

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7 Apps for Music Lovers

 

By Kelly Marcus

The perfect apps for music lovers give you so much more than all of your music at your fingertips. They let you discover new music and even create some of your own. Having these apps for music lovers on your phone will let you become even more of a music lover than before.

1. 8tracks

itunes.apple.com

This is one of the most perfect apps for music lovers because it gives you access to thousands of playlists created by music lovers just like you. Regardless of what kind of music you like, there is a playlist out there just for you. Having this app on my phone is pretty convenient because I can change the playlist as often as my music mood changes. If I go from wanting to listen to dubstep to wanting classical music, I can easily find playlists to suit my taste.

2. Shazam

itunes.apple.com

The worst thing in the world is when I hear a song I love and I have no idea who sings it or what it’s called. Shazam fixes that by identifying any song it listens to. Any commercial or song heard in a restaurant, it knows. Just use the app and it gives you the song name, artist, and tons of other information about the song.

3. Pandora

itunes.apple.com

As the original Internet radio station, of course Pandora is one of the great apps for music lovers. Pick your favorite artist and make a playlist for them. Pandora will find tons of other songs that are similar to that artist. You can create as many playlists as you want and it is a great way to find new music that is already similar to music you like.

4. TuneWiki

itunes.apple.com

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people are singing along to a song and they don’t know the words. That is where TuneWiki steps in. Now you can just look up lyrics to that song you are recently obsessed with. TuneWiki has over 6 million songs in its library. That means 6 millions more songs you can learn the words to and belt out at the top of your lungs.

5. Beatwave

itunes.apple.com

If you are more into creating music than listening to it, Beatwave is for you. You play the beats and the phone will pick up on them and create music. It is kind of complicated to explain without actually playing around with the app, but trust me, it will leave you feeling like a real DJ in no time.

6. SoundHound

itunes.apple.com

As much as I love Shazam, this one takes it a step forward. It can recognize songs that you are humming, even if they are not actually playing. So if you know how a song goes but don’t know the words, you can just hum it and SoundHound will tell you what it is. Even if you don’t have the most beautiful voice, it will still recognize it. I have no idea how this works but I don’t care because it is awesome.

7. Concert Vault

itunes.apple.com

If you prefer your music live, then Concert Vault is for you. It gives you access to hundreds of concert versions of songs. It even has the classics like Grateful Dead and the Rolling Stones. The only downside is that only the first 10 hours of streaming is free. After that membership is $48 a year and gives you unlimited access to hours of concert-recorded music.

Music is a huge part of my life and having these apps on my phone make listening to music that much more enjoyable. These apps for music lovers not only give me tons of music at my fingertips, but also let me create my own music and discover all kinds of new music. What apps for music lovers do you like? What makes a great app for a music lover?

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10 SIGNS YOUR CRUSH AND YOU ARE HEADED FOR A RELATIONSHIP

 

By CHARLEYANN

If only there was a degree in reading various signs that come with matters of the heart? How do you know that your little thing with your crush is heading in the direction of a relationship?

So you've been sort of "having a thing" with this guy for the past couple of weeks and your questioning whether or not it's actually gonna last... don't worry ladies we've all been there. Go ahead and read the following signs!

1. Constantly Hangs around You

Think about it this way: If you didn't like a guy or think he’s cool in SOME way you wouldn't waste your time hanging around him. So if he's constantly around you, constantly finding excuses to talk to you, chances are he wants to be more than just friends.

2. Compliments You

Is he constantly telling you you’re beautiful? Complimenting your clothes or body or style? Then get the hint… he likes you! But be careful because if he’s just calling you «hot» or «sexy» I would watch his actions closely because he could just be trying to get some.

3. Is Always Asking Questions about You

If he’s interested then he’ll want to know more about you, like where you come from, what your family is like, if you have pets, even seemingly mundane things like your favorite color.

4. Want to Know The Good Secrets

We all have bad secrets, the ones that we will never tell anyone except for maybe our pet and secret diary. And then of course we all have our good but still guilty secrets. I’m talking about the ones that make you seem sexy and mysterious but not completely insane because ones that make you appear too crazy fall under a whole different category: «We shall never speak of that again.»

5. Touchy-feely

Picture it: You’re standing in line wherever your little hear desires and suddenly he massages your shoulders, or laces your fingers together and rubs your back. Interested? I think yes! When you’re just jokingly bumping into each other or grazing fingertips I would take it as a sure fire sign that he’s into you.

6. Makes Friends with Your Friends

Trust me; any guy that is putting up with your chatty friends and seems happy to be doing so is definitely there for the long haul. Would you spend time with his all-sports-nothing-else friends if it wasn't for? Don’t kid yourself, he’s friends with them to impress you.

7. Asks You What You Look for in a Guy

Duh! Obviously he’s gonna wanna know what you think the perfect guy should act or look like; because he wants to be that guy! Be sure that when answering this question, you don’t overdo it, and stick to the basics... perfectly chiseled body and excellent sense of humor (;

8. Considers You a Priority

How will you know? He’ll be sure to drop subtle hints or if you’re dealing with a very blunt guy he may just come out and say it! But for those of you who are dealing with shy and reserved hotties then watch for the signs: skips night out with friends to have a night in with you, sits with you at lunch/gets lunch with you, etc.

9. Offers to Pay

This applies only to those who actually hang out with their crush. Okay so you’re at the movie theatre or bowling or ice/roller skating and he pays for you… even if you don’t let him it’s the offer that counts. This shows that he wants to be a gentleman and play it old-fashioned. But no worries ladies, if he doesn’t pay it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s not into you but that he just can’t afford it- we all go through our rough patches!

10. Looks at You… And ONLY You

The #1 or in this case… #10 way to know if he’s truly there for you is to watch how and if he looks at other girls. Does he have wandering eyes? Does he check out other women as they walk by or are his eyes always on you? If he wants to commit in more than just a «we have a thing» way then he’ll show you it too. Trust me girls, the eyes ARE the window to your soul!

So does your crush do these things? Are the signs uber clear or barely there? You decide! Good luck girlies and I wish you the best with your cuties!(

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7 NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF YOUR SMART PHONE ON YOUR HEALTH

 

By Melissa Diem

Have you noticed the negative effects of your smart phone on your health? Many believe our beloved cell phones and all their hyped-up technology are damaging our health in more ways than one. Learn more about the negative effects of your smart phone, and let me know what you think in the comments below.

1. Germs

I, for one, never really think about my phone being dirty. It’s not like I let it roll around in the mud or play in the trash. However, my phone touches many surfaces, all of which may not be clean. Obviously our hands are the number one things that touch our phones, and then we put the phones to our face. This easily spreads germs. Luckily, this is one of the negative effects of your smart phone on your health that you can make better. Try to wipe down your phone regularly with sanitizing wipes to cut back on the germs.

2. Creativity

Believe it or not, smart phones can dampen your creativity. In order to think creatively you need a little down time to let your mind wander. If you are like me, any free moment you have is spent checking up on various people via social media, reading news updates, or checking out the most recent posts on AWS. That doesn’t leave much for my own creative thoughts to flourish.

3. Disconnect

Some people find themselves so addicted to their smart phone that they feel disconnected from the people in their life. One friend of mine confessed that she missed her son's first steps because she was reading a text message and not savoring the special moment. Unfortunately, that is something she can never get back. Now she turns her phone off when she gets home so she can connect with her family instead.

4. Texting And Driving

We all know that texting while driving is a horrible idea. Yet, so many of us still do it. Taking your eyes off the road even for a second to read a text or respond can easily cost you your life or the life of someone else. Don’t let your smart phone be a distraction to you while driving, it’s not worth it.

5. Stress

While many of us love being able to stay connected through email, text, and calls with our smart phones, it’s that same constant availability that can lead to major stress. This is especially true for people with high stress jobs. Every time the phone rings or alerts a new message they feel a slight tinge of anxiety. No one needs that sort of stress in their lives.

6. Productivity

Is your cell phone keeping you from being as productive as you couldbe? I know I am very guilty of this. I may sit down for a moment in the morning to check my emails. My intention is to check my emails and then get started with my work or chores for the day. Unfortunately, more times than not I end up checking emails and then Facebook. While looking at Facebook I get an alert that it is my turn to create a word on Words With Friends. Stumped on what word to put I head back over to my Facebook App. Before I know it, it’s time for lunch and I’m hungry, but even then I don’t put my phone down. Instead I go to my Pinterest App to find a yummy recipe for lunch or dinner. Please tell me I am not alone.

7. Sleep Problems

Smart phone are also linked to many sleep problems. If you take your phone to bed you may find yourself plugged in while you should be winding down. Instead of relaxing your brain, you are feeding it with more thoughts. It’s hard to fall asleep when your brain is buzzing with new information. To avoid sleep problems, turn your phone off at bedtime instead of making it your nightly companion.
As you can see, smart phones easily affect several areas of our overall health. I am not saying we should all throw out our smart phones, but we should practice a little moderation for the sake of our health. Have you noticed any ways your cell phone negatively affects your health?

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6 Flat Belly Foods to Eat This Summer

 

By Heather Williams

Summer is almost here, ladies, and that means it will be swimsuit season, so stock up on these flat belly foods to keep you feeling your best and more confident than ever! Don't think of flat belly foods as diet foods necessarily, but more as the best natural remedies to get you to your goals of having a flat belly. Flat belly foods are simply foods that keep the bloat away and prevent indigestion, gas and all that other yucky stuff that can leave us feeling less than pretty, to say the least! Incorporate one or more of these flat belly foods at each meal you eat and you’ll not only feel better, but also look a little more svelte too! Even if you’re not rockin’ a bikini this year, you deserve to eat foods that serve you well, so stock up now and be ready when June arrives!

1. Low-Sugar Yogurt

Yogurt is full of good properties that make it one of the best flat belly foods out there. The key is to avoid yogurts with artificial sweeteners, or that are high in sugar. Both sugar and artificial sweeteners can bloat you up fast, and make you retain water. Sugar is also a major part of why we gain unnecessary weight, so when buying yogurt seek out plain varieties and sweeten with some berries, stevia, or even a tad bit of honey. The best dairy options are plain Greek yogurt or organic, plain varieties. Why is yogurt so great? First of all, because yogurt is cultured milk, which means it contains natural probiotics that aid digestion, yogurt helps to beat bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

The healthy forms of bacteria known as probiotics found in yogurt also keep your tummy toned and flat by aiding in digestion and beating abdominal fat. Yogurt is also full of protein, which spikes your metabolism, prevents blood sugar crashes, and sustains you for longer periods of time. The protein and calcium in yogurt also lower stress, which lowers your cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that causes fat to be stored in your stomach, or can create “nervous gas,” as I like to say, since it affects the nerves in your digestive system. Yogurt is also full of B vitamins as well, making it a great food for your metabolism and mood. If you’re vegan or dairy-sensitive, choose lower sugar coconut, soy, or almond milk varieties.

2. Cucumbers

I love cucumbers and they are one fantastic flat belly food. Cucumbers are full of nutrients, including Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and water! Water is great for flushing out impurities, and helps to aid in bloating. Cucumbers are known as a natural diuretic, meaning they help extra water find its way out of your belly, so you can maintain a slenderizing look. I like to juice with cucumbers, add them to salads, green smoothies, or just nosh on them with a little unsalted raw nut butter for a snack. However you like to enjoy them, they are one of the best foods for a flat belly and are available all year round.

3. Raw Almonds And Raw Almond Butter

Raw almonds are a great flat belly food. They are generally one of the most tolerated nuts to digest as well, since they are technically a seed. Raw almonds are better than roasted since they retain their nutrients better, and healthy fats stay intact. When plant fats are heated, many can turn to harmful fats, since the heat changes their structure. Plus, I love how light and sweet raw almonds taste compared to heavy roasted varieties, which are also usually roasted with oil or salt, neither of which you want to include when you’re trying to eat for a flat belly. Raw almonds and raw almond butter are a rich source of Vitamin E, monounsaturated fats known as MUFAs and also protein! Vitamin E keeps your skin glowing and is a great antioxidant, and the MUFAs help to fight abdominal fat, while also keeping you full.

These fats are also great for your heart. The fiber and protein in almonds help to keep cravings away, spike your metabolism, and keep your blood sugar stable. Almonds are a powerful food, but do be sure to keep portions at around 20 raw almonds or 2 tbsp. raw almond butter to keep from overeating. They are delicious any way you want to eat them, but I especially love them sprinkled with some cinnamon and eaten with a few raisins and raw pumpkin seeds.

4. Celery

I know that this veggie is typically thought of as a diet food, but celery is such a nutritional powerhouse! First of all, it is a great flat belly food because it acts the same way cucumber does in the body. It contains a great deal of water, so it helps flush out impurities, but it also aids in digestion. Celery is actually an ancient remedy to treat constipation and bloating. I love that it offers a crunchy, slightly salty taste to any dish it is added to. Celery is rich in Vitamin C, fiber and even natural sodium and potassium.

This balances your electrolytes to prevent bloating, low energy, and it helps to flush the body of excess water. I like dicing celery up in small little pieces in a food chopper and adding it to salads, soups or using the whole stalk to juice with it. I also like to eat raw celery with a little raw almond butter for a quick snack. You can add chopped celery to just about anything, so get creative and use this flat belly food to keep you feeling top notch this summer!

5. Dark Chocolate

I bet you didn’t know dark chocolate was a great flat belly food, did you? It’s true! Dark chocolate is excellent for fighting belly flab. First of all , the fats in dark chocolate with at least 80% cacao content or more promote a strong sense of satiety, which prevents cravings. Even better is that it contains a good bit of fiber for a small ounce serving. Dark chocolate is also a powerful antidepressant food, and stimulates the metabolism. It is a natural appetite suppressant and can help prevent sugar cravings when you avoid the sugary, milk chocolate varieties.

The nutrients in chocolate act as a natural sedative, and promote a sense of calm, which rids the body of excess cortisol. Remember, cortisol is that rotten stress hormone that leads to cravings. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants as well, making it an overall great food for your heart health. I love having one ounce in the afternoon when the day is winding down. It prevents me from overeating at dinner, and also keeps my mood stable if my day has been a little stressful. This keeps me away from the unhealthy foods, and the small amounts of caffeine in chocolate give me a lift, while also flushing away a little water weight. An even better choice is raw cacao, which is pure dark chocolate at its finest with no added sugar.

6. Asparagus

Many bodybuilders use asparagus the day before or day of a competition or show because asparagus is a powerful food to rid the body of excess water, while still providing tons of nutrients. You don't have to be a bodybuilder to use or love asparagus though. Asparagus is actually a great "mood food" since it is high in B vitamins, and a great flat belly food. Asparagus is a natural diuretic, as cucumber and celery are, and it helps to flush toxins from the kidneys, liver and intestines. Asparagus is low in calories, high in fiber and extremely high in folate, a B vitamin which aids in bone health, metabolism, and fights depression. I love having grilled asparagus with fish for lunch for a filling, satisfying and slimming meal, which is perfect for the beach and swimsuit season!

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7 BENEFITS OF ORDERING YOUR CREDIT REPORT ANNUALLY

 

By Valencia Higuera

I can’t underscore the benefits of ordering your credit report annually. Financial experts recommend this move, but sadly, many consumers never think about their personal credit. It’s not until they’re rejected for a credit card or loan that they understand the importance of regular monitoring. Even if you’ve never checked your report in the past, you can start anew. Here are seven benefits of ordering your credit report annually.

1. Check for Identity Theft

One of the main benefits of ordering your credit report annually is the ability to identify signs of identity theft early. This is a real problem, and it’s the fastest growing crime in the United States. Identity theft includes someone stealing your credit card or personal information for financial gain. This person can open bank accounts in your name and apply for loans in your name.

2. Check Your Credit Card Balances

The amount you owe your creditors can have an impact on your credit score. For this reason, it’s important to monitor your credit report and make sure that creditors report accurate information. You may pay off a credit card, yet your credit report reveals a higher balance. When applying for a loan or an additional credit card, this error can stop approvals.

3. Look for Other Mistakes

Likewise, a creditor may report another person’s information on your credit report. This can be equally damaging to your score, especially if the person maintains a horrible credit record. Don’t let another person’s mistakes ruin your credit. Order your report annually and thoroughly check the document for unfamiliar accounts. Bring mistakes to your creditor’s attention.

4. Confirm Personal Information

Checking your credit report once a year also confirms the accuracy of your personal information. If you moved recently or recently changed your name, your credit report may not reflect these changes. If information on your credit report doesn’t match the information on a credit application, you may be denied by a creditor.

5. Know Your Odds

When applying for any type of loan or credit card, it helps to know your odds before submitting your application. Because every credit application can reduce your credit score, knowing where you stand can help you determine whether now is the best time to apply for financing. If your credit report reveals issues, you can postpone applying for credit and make necessary improvements.

6. Check The Status of a Cosigned Loan

Maybe you cosigned a loan for your child, a sibling or a close friend. This is dangerous, but cosigning can help someone build their credit history. If you decide to cosign, closely monitor the primary account holder’s account activity. Since this account will also appear on your credit report, ordering your report annually is the best way to keep tabs on the account.

7. Because It’s Free

You can check your credit report as often as you like by visiting the official website of each credit bureau - but there’s a cost. For a free report every year, go to AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only agency authorized to give free credit reports to each consumer. It only takes a few minutes to order your reports, and reports are viewable from your computer.

Stop wondering about your credit and take action. The contents of your credit report have a significant impact on your personal finances. For this reason, you shouldn’t live in the dark. When was the last time you checked your credit report?

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7 Date Night Ideas for Teens

 

By Jenny O Hara

Date night ideas for teens can be hard to come up with. You want to spend time with your date, but most teens don’t have a job or even a license, so inventing some creative ways to get that alone time you’re looking for is important. Dinner and a movie can get boring after a while and it doesn’t give you much time to talk and get to know each other better because you have to be quiet in the theatre. If you need some help coming up with date night ideas for teens, try out a few of these.

1. Photo Fun!

Most cell phones have cameras and most teens have cell phones, which makes this one of the cheapest date night ideas for teens on the list! Go for a walk with your sweetheart and take turns being the model at various locations. Be goofy and have fun. Make sure to take a few of the two of you together or have a passerby snap a photo for you. Places like Walmart and Walgreens print photos for as little as 20 cents each. If you don’t happen to have a camera on your phone or a digital camera, disposables only cost $8 for two.

2. Zoo

If you are lucky enough to have a zoo near you, find out when they have special events going on. Most zoos have one day per week where they offer a discount on admission or even a free day. Walking around the zoo holding hands, looking at the animals and talking can be a wonderful time.

3. Private Movie Theatre

As I said, going to a movie theatre can be disappointing. You’re surrounded by strangers and you’re not supposed to talk. Watching a movie at home can mean interference from siblings or parents, and while I'm lucky enough to live in a town that has a drive-in theatre, most areas don't, and even if you do, if you don’t have your license yet, that’s a no go anyway.

The best solution to this is to pop a bag of popcorn in your microwave and sit in your driveway in your car (or your parent’s car) and play a movie on your laptop or portable DVD player. It’s like your own personal drive in movie. If you don’t have a car readily available, your backyard or the closest park will work just as well, if not better. Just make sure to bring a blanket to sit on and charge your laptop battery well before you leave.

4. Hike

Enjoying the beauty of the outdoors can be very romantic and memorable. Pack a couple of sandwiches, snacks and some bottles of water and go for a hike, even if it’s just on a trail in the public park. When you get to a scenic spot, sit down together and have a picnic. You will have privacy, you will be spending quality time together and you will be getting exercise all at the same time!

5. 50/50

If you just can’t decide on something you both want to do, have a 50/50 date. Divide the day in half: one of you plans out all of the activities for the first portion of the day and the other person chooses what to do for the second half. This is great if you don’t share many similar interests because you both get to do something you want to do, plus you get to experience and learn about the things your date likes without the fear of being bored or feeling left out all day.

6. Questions in a Coffee Shop

If you’re kind of awkward starting conversations and you’re never really sure what to say, going out for coffee can be one of the worst things to do on a date because you’re left with long periods of silence and nothing to distract you from it. A great way to turn this into a fun date is to either buy or make your own question cards. Treat it like a game and have one person ask a question such as “What is your favorite color,” “How old were you when you had your first crush,” etc… The next person asks their own question and you continue on, taking turns answering. It leads to funny answers, getting to know your date better and very little awkward silence. Please please please do not do this on a FIRST date. It’s a little strange to try to get to know someone so intimately the first time you go out.

7. Thrifty Creativity

I know this may not sound like the most fun to some people, but to the adventurous and creative, this sort of date can be a blast! On a Saturday or Sunday morning hit the garage sales, flea markets or thrift shops in your area. Choose an amount you each can spend and make your goal be to either find the best present you can for the other person or find the coolest treasure for yourself. You can make a whole day out of it, plus you have a little trinket to remember the date after it’s over.

Try to be creative and think outside the box when you’re coming up with unusual date ideas. I know it can be frustrating and boring to be stuck in a rut doing the same thing over and over again. Switch things up once in a while and do something totally different.

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7 Health Benifits of Flossing

 

By Jordin Keim

Knowing a few health benefits of flossing may encourage you to break out the dental floss every night before you go to bed, even if you hate to floss! Flossing can be tedious, but once you get into the habit, it’s not as much work as you might think. So bust up your dental routine and start the habit of daily flossing if you haven’t already! These health benefits of flossing are some good reasons to start flossing today.

1. Less Risk of Gum Disease And Tooth Decay

Perhaps one of the best health benefits of flossing is a lessened risk of gum disease and tooth decay! No one wants to deal with a cavity, and flossing is an easy way to reduce your risk of getting one. Gum disease is also preventable by flossing, so make sure you don’t skip this step in your dental hygiene routine!

2. Fresh Breath

Who knew that flossing could help you to have fresher breath? Little bits of food and plaque jammed between your teeth can be easily missed by your toothbrush, and over time this can really make your breath stink! Flossing your teeth once a day helps eliminate old pieces of food and gives you fresh breath.

3. Whiter Smile

Plaque buildup between your teeth is one of the big reasons for a yellow smile. Of course regular brushing keeps your teeth white as well, but flossing is like the deep cleaning process-it gets out all the gunk and helps you achieve a whiter smile! You should floss at least once daily to see an improvement in the whiteness level of your teeth.

4. Reduced Pressure

Sometimes, having a piece of food stuck in your teeth or lots of plaque buildup can put pressure on your gums and cause lots of discomfort. Flossing helps reduce this pressure and pain! If your gums bleed easily, it could be due to pressure buildup as well. Try flossing on a regular basis to see if you notice any changes in your gums bleeding.

5. Less Chance of over-eating

I know, this one sounds a little crazy! But give it a try before you knock it. If you ever feel like eating more out of boredom or emotions, then try this trick and see if it helps! Go floss your teeth and then see how you feel! It’s a mind trick: once your teeth feel clean and your breath is fresh, you won’t want to “spoil” it!

6. An Inviting Mouth

As ladies, we all know the importance of a soft, inviting mouth! Flossing regularly can help your mouth be a very enticing place! Combined with brushing, gargling, lip exfoliation, and regular use of lip-gloss or lip balm, your man won’t stand a chance! This tip applies to men too, because ladies enjoy fresh breath coming from their kissing partner as well!

7. Starting a Good Habit

My final health benefit for flossing is the fact that flossing creates a good habit! We all have more than enough bad habits in our lives, so why not start up a few good habits? Flossing is good for smokers to pick up, if they are trying to stop that is. Flossing will keep your hands and mouth busy so you won’t light up!

These are the main reasons that flossing is beneficial for your health, but some people floss their teeth because they just like the clean feeling in their mouths! Whether you floss for health benefits or just because you like to floss, you are doing great so keep up the good work! Experiment with different flavors and textures of floss to find one that you love

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8 Ways to Pay Off Debt Quickly

 

By Jordin Keim

The number one question that many people want to know the answer to is about ways to pay off debt quickly! It’s easy to jump into debt, and get deeper and deeper without realizing it, but there are ways to get out of debt if you stick with the tips below. Please read on to learn a few ways to pay off debt quickly and effectively!

1. Pay More than The Minimum Payment

One of the best ways to pay off debt in a hurry is to pay more than the minimum required payment. If you stick with the minimum required payment, you will end up paying interest rates and spending even more money. See below for the exception to this rule.

2. Snowball Your Payments

If you have more than one payment to make each month on credit cards or other loans, here is a good way to pay off debt quickly. Learn to snowball your payments! Choose either the lowest payment you have, or the payment with the highest interest rates. Pay the largest monthly amount you can afford on this bill while paying the minimum on your other payments. Continue this method until all your bills are paid off!

3. Put Any Extra Money towards Debt

It’s important to remember this tip if you want to pay off your debt quickly. Any time you have extra money, it should go towards paying off your bills. So tax returns, paycheck bonuses, gifts, or other extra money you come into should go into paying off debt. That way you get to your end goal of being debt-free sooner than expected!

4. Budget Effectively

Of course, this tip applies anytime, but especially when paying off debt. Look for ways to save money in your everyday life. If you can cut out unnecessary bills or expenses that aren’t vital, that’s more money towards paying off your debt! Try cutting your grocery and gas budget in half if possible. This tip can encourage healthier eating along the way!

5. Get Credit Cards Out of Sight

When trying to get out of debt, it never helps if you go into MORE debt. Leave your credit cards at home in a safe place so you won’t use them. Living within your means is never easy, but it’s one step closer to living debt-free!

6. Use The Cash Only Rule

Here’s a rule that helps you get out of debt, and have savings left over. When you receive your paycheck, withdraw only the amount of money you need to buy groceries and gas. The rest of the money from your paycheck should go towards bills and debt. Spend the cash sparingly, and once it’s gone, it’s gone! This tip keeps you from overspending, and gets you out of debt quickly.

7. Avoid Little Luxuries

Do you like to get your nails done often? Do you eat out for lunch daily? Are you in the habit of picking up drinks and candy every time you stop for gas? If you can cut out little luxuries like these, it’s money saved that can go towards your debt! Reward yourself once or twice a month, but cut back on splurging on a daily basis.

8. Look for Extra Income

My final tip for getting out of debt fast is to look for extra income on the side. Any extra money you can bring in will help get you closer to your goal! Babysitting, dog walking, selling crafts or baked goods, a second job, or a job that you can work from home will be good places to start if you already have a full time or part time job.

These ways to pay off debt quickly will work, but remember to have reasonable goals. If you are in very large amounts of debt, you may need to follow these guidelines for a few years to see your debt completely gone. Stick with it and you will see progress! 

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8 Ways to Love Your Dog

 

By Jordin Keim

If you own a furry friend, then here are a few ways to love your dog that you and your pooch will both benefit from! It’s been said that dogs are man's best friend; it’s true, and what better way to express your appreciation to your doggy than by showing him or her a little extra love this week? Read on to learn a few ways to love your dog that will be fun for you too!

1. Go on a Walk

Indoor dogs love to get outside and play as much as outdoor dogs, so taking your pup for a walk is one of the best ways to love your dog! Even if you have an outdoor dog, chances are good that he or she will love the change in scenery and the time spent with you. Bonus: you squeeze in a little exercise!

2. Play with Your Pooch

No matter how busy your schedule gets, try to carve out time to play with your dog, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Tossing a Frisbee in the backyard or roughing it up a little in the family room will help your dog release some energy, and it will be a good stress reliever for you! Dogs are a great way to de-stress and relax at the end of a long day, since they give love and adoration unconditionally!

3. Regular Vet Visits

Taking your pet for regular vet visits shows your love in a different kind of way. Your pup may not realize it at the time, especially during the car ride or if there are shots involved, but it’s for the best. Keep your pet up to date on shots and checkups, and decide if you want to neuter or spay when that time comes around.

4. Special Toys

I don’t keep toys around for my dog all the time because he is a chewer and usually destroys toys within 24 hours! But occasionally I will bring him home a special toy just to let him know I love him! I do give him bones and dental sticks to chew on everyday. Remember this tip if you have a chewer as well.

5. Treat Your Pup Often

Try to give your pup a treat or two daily. Dogs love to receive yummy treats as much as humans like to indulge in cake and pie! Buying treats in bulk is a good way to save money and keep a large supply on hand.

6. Spend Time Training

This may sound like an odd way to love your pet, but training your dog is a great way to show love. Not only does it require your attention and the time spent together, but it keeps you from being frustrated when you need your dog to sit and stay, or come to you. Train your dog to listen and obey, and he or she will respect you more!

7. Grooming Your Pet

Getting your doggy groomed is an easy but wonderful way to express your love. Matted and tangled fur can cause pain and discomfort to your pet! Regular baths can help with shedding and keep ticks and fleas at bay too. And keeping those nails trimmed will make things more comfortable for you if your pet likes to jump on you!

8. Your Time And Attention

Perhaps the easiest way to show some love to your pet is by giving your time and attention, two free things you have. Talk to your pet, pat and rub him or her, and just express your appreciation to see your pooch when you get home! Dogs can pick up on vibes, so give off good ones!
These ways to love your dog are simple and won’t take much time out of your schedule. When things get busy, family pets often get pushed to the side. If you have a sweet pup, don’t neglect him or her! Be sure you take a little time out of your week to let your dog know that you haven’t forgotten about him.

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