4 Effective Ways to Block Blue Light Emission

Nowadays, it is rare that you’ll find someone not having an electronic device within hand’s reach. Technology is dominating our world, and everyone now has access to more than one device that emits blue light. Of course, this can have a detrimental effect on our eyesight. In fact, eye exposure to electronic devices will have a long-term effect on our eyes.

Although research hasn’t been particularly clear on what that entails, we must always be cautious when it comes to our eyesight. This guide will help you combat one of the most dangerous light emissions: blue light emitted by our screens.

1.   Use a Screen Filter

If blue screen light is bothering you to a great extent, you’ll have to shop for screen filters. Luckily, screen filters are now becoming more popular as the demand for them increases. If you shop online for these filters, you’ll find models that can fit your laptop, phone, or tablet screen. Make sure to pick the right model, though, or else it might damage your screen. Screen filters should fit easily on to the screen without damaging it or affecting the touch screen. In short, your screen filter must operate without interfering with the functions of your device. These devices are particularly helpful, especially for kids who use computers or laptops for gaming. They’re also useful for teenagers and college students who need to use their laptops to do schoolwork.

2.   Blue Light Blocking Glasses

There are glasses that have been specially made to absorb blue light and reduce eye strain. If you want your glasses to protect your eyesight while working, the glasses manufacturers at Block Blue Light recommend that you use new glasses with blue light blocking features that can absorb between 90 to 99% of blue light. Their prices, which can start from $10, are moderate and budget-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about being about to afford them. Glasses with the blue light blocking feature will improve your speed, and help you focus on the tasks at hand. They are also known to reduce the risks of developing cataracts or macular degeneration conditions. You’ll be able to use your devices for hours on end without having to worry about your eyesight. These glasses are an important investment, especially if you do most of your work while staring at a screen.

3.   Reduce Screen Time

If your work doesn’t necessitate staring at the screen of your computer for hours, you can instead limit your exposure. It is true that avoiding electronic devices is impossible in our world, now that almost every piece of technology governs how we communicate and do our work. However, you can reduce your time of exposure. 

For example, you can avoid electronics when you’re not working. Substitute that time with other activities, such as exercising, or yoga. Digital devices are a form of escapism for a lot of people, so if you’re really adamant about taking that step, you must find another activity that can provide that same amount of entertainment. You might try drawing, for example, or writing. You may also want to spend more time with your friends. This can, to some extent, reduce eye fatigue and muscle strain.

4.   Get Regular Eye Exams

If there is one thing that can ensure your eyesight is in great condition, it is regular eye exams. Make sure to get your eyes examined every once in a while by a licensed optometrist. Even when you’re taking all the precautions to protect your eyes from blue light or other invisible emissions, you must talk to a specialist and have them examine your eyes. While this step might sound unnecessary at some points, it will give you peace of mind. It will also ensure that your vision is always clear and healthy. If your vision is indeed deteriorating due to blue light, make sure to follow your optometrist’s instructions to the letter. You must couple these efforts with following the precautions we’ve mentioned in the previous steps.

Our eyesight is irrefutably one of the most important senses we have. There is no substitute for our eyesight once it is damaged. It is, therefore, of the essence that we do all we can to protect our eyes from any harm. Protecting your eyes can start with the simple act of blinking, as that action helps to keep them moist and refreshed. However, if you want a more effective method of protecting your eyes, you can ask your ophthalmologist to prescribe protective lenses with blue light filters.

Hair Care and Styling Tips From the Experts

Taking care of your gorgeous locks is a good way to help boost your confidence, look great for a date, or treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering. Whatever the reasons are that you have for wanting to style and care for your hair, you need quality advice.

Luckily, hair care is one of the biggest components of the beauty industry so there is never a lack of information on new products and techniques. Finding the right care and styling tips can be a short click away, but to save you time, here are some quick and easy tips from the experts.

1. Limit How Much You Wash Your Hair

Your hair has a natural amount of oils that accumulate to protect the sheen of it and prevent drying out, which leads to breakage. While the look of oily or greasy hair is natural, it might not be the most appealing. The problem is that overwashing can be very bad for the hair. Some experts suggest limiting it to 3 washes a week for hair protection. Curly hair can go longer between washes because it is thicker and stronger, but even if you do need to wash more often, avoid harsh chemicals, and use softer water.

2. Find the Right Straightener

Not every haircare tool is built the same. It is also important to know that your hair is not the same as the next person who uses a straightener. A naturally straight-haired person could require a brush, whereas curly hair will need a straightener that does not do excessive damage through heat. Good straighteners have a wide range of settings to finely tune your comfort level for hair styling.

3. Add a Dry Shampoo to Your Routine

Shampoo can be good or bad, but it is important to have it in your hair care arsenal. Using it too often could damage the natural oils and proteins, but the right dry shampoo might actually improve your hair health. It can be used in-between those days without washing to help keep some luster without the feeling of a greasy head. Just remember that dry shampoo should not be used all the time as it can clog hair follicles on the scalp.

4. Good Conditioners Will Improve Hair Strength

Protein is one of the most important factors in healthy hair and conditioner is one of the best products to maintain strong and vibrant looking hair. Conditioner, like shampoo, should not be used every single day because of its chemical makeup, even the natural shampoos can dry out hair. Good conditioners can help improve hair strength by improving the proteins in the hair. Conditioning the mid-length of your hair and not the scalp/roots, deep conditioning the hair, towel-drying the shampoo out before adding conditioner and applying heat to help the conditioner set into the hair are all tips that will improve your hair care.

5. Improve Your Brushing

Just like improving your conditioning game, you need to improve how you brush as well. Course brushing techniques can damage the hair and scalp if you are too rough or use the wrong methods. To get healthy hair with your technique, you can use two short, minute-long brushes a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Similarly, you need to brush from just above the bottom of your hair and work down, instead of the usual method of working all the way down from the roots. This helps remove tangles easier and prevents aggressive and damaging brush strokes.

6. Add More Hair Health Products

While it may sound like you should ditch the products and go "au naturel" as much as possible, good products are still worth their weight in gold for proper styling and hair maintenance. Heat protection spray to protect hair from UV damage and excessive hair straightening is important. There are plenty of at-home products like baby oil that can be massaged into your hair and scalp to prevent dandruff and help retain moisture. Other good products include wet brushes, argan oil, and pre-shampoo treatments like oils and creams for coarse hair. 

Haircare is a fussy subject because there are so many opinions on what does and does not work. It is best to remember that no two people are alike when it comes to their hair so many treatments are subjective. However, there are plenty of tips that can be useful for nearly any hair type and they often work well too. These hair care and styling tips should help you no matter what condition or quality your hair is in and help you get that luster you want.

Top 4 Destinations Every Surfer Needs to See

We believe the top surf destinations should not only be for a surfer who is looking forward to showcasing their skills in more challenging waves, but they should also be quite an experience for those starting as well. They should offer exciting activities and lots of dun for those wanting to have a surf holiday. 

To give you a nudge in the right direction, we have provided 4 of the best surf destinations in the world below. As it turns out, these destinations have waves, and they are among the best in the world. So, read them, and add them to your bucket list and start ticking them off.

Puerto Escondido, México

It is located in Southern Mexico in the state of Oaxaca. 

How to get there: The flight to Mexico City can be grueling for many of us. For those that would prefer to travel admiring the scenic after the flight, there is a 15hour+ bus ride to the destination. Alternatively, you can get a connecting flight from Mexico City that will take you a few miles from the town at Puerto Escondido Airport. 

Why: Besides being one of the world’s best beaches, Puerto Escondido is enriched in colorful architecture, delicious food, some of the most vibrant markets, and a great cultural history. It is often referred to as “The Mexican Pipeline. There are many corners in the nearby Oaxaca to explore and grab one of the finest coffees you’ve ever had. The town is rich in art and history, a traveler's dream. 

The best time to go: For families, the best time to be in Puerto Escondido is between April and June, while all surfers of all skill levels should be here between April and September. 

Leadbetter Point, Santa Barbara

It is situated just below Leadbetter Hill in Santa Barbara, California. 

How to get there: It is accessible from Santa Barbara City College or the marina. 

Why: It is one of the most scenic and beautiful beaches in the US. The stretch of the coastline is majestic, and it’s to no surprise it is the most visited beach in California. Santa Barbara is a vibrant city and home to one of the best surf breaks anywhere in the world. The waves are especially great for paddling. Next time you’re down here, make sure to rent a Stand Up Paddle Board in Santa Barbara and experience the magic of Leadbetter to its full extent. When you are not having the time of your life in the water, you can get out in the city to experience some friendly bars and delicious restaurants. 

While California’s surfing has changed considerably since the ’70s, Leadbetter retains its charm.

The best time to go: The perfect time to surf, especially for beginners, is during winter when the waves are quite great. But the good news is if you know where to go, good waves can be had at any time. So, brush up your surf skills and get going to experience the incredible experience of Santa Barbara. 

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

It is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

How to get there: All major airlines do fly to Cape Town. From there, you can hop into a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth in an hour or a 6-hour scenic road journey by bus or rental car. 

Why: Jeffreys Bay is perhaps one of the most exciting destinations for a surf break. Also known as J-Bay, it is considered a holidaymaker’s paradise due to the beach break setups suitable for surfers of all skill levels, its wildlife, abundant sunshine, and vibrant culture. The thriving craft industry to explore and plenty of bars and restaurants makes it a surfer’s perfect destination. 

Best time to go: All levels of surfers will love the great waves between March and October. 

Raglan, New Zealand

It is located in the Waikato Region, North Island.

How to get there: Fly to Auckland International Airport from where a connecting bus or train will get you to Raglan. 

Why: Raglan is known as foodie heaven, which makes it the perfect holiday destination to sample organic seafood and meat as you enjoy live music. This small town has two world-class beach breaks and three hand point breaks. Reglan is also home to some of the world’s most extreme adrenaline rush activities, from skydiving to rafting. 

Best time to go: For surfers of all skill levels, find your way here between December and April.

Many people planning for exciting surf holidays are looking for a surf town offering not only great waves, but also sightseeing, great cuisines, historical architecture, energetic life, and the list is endless. Start ticking off the bucket list!

How To Style Your Home Office Unlike Anyone Else’s

Don't you hate going into other people's houses and basically seeing that they have just brought IKEA home with them. There's no imagination; it looks like a catalogue and everyone's looks the same. Right now as more people are working from home, everyone's home office is looking the same too. But it doesn't have to. Isn't that the beauty of a home office? It doesn't have to look like your office at work, it doesn't need to be dull and clinical or industrial looking, it can be whatever you want it to be and an environment where you can do your best work, somewhere you can concentrate or somewhere that inspires you and helps you to get creative. So, how can you make your home office look unique and somewhere you want to be?

Think Outside The Storage Box

First of all, if you're creating a space in your home or turning a room into an office, then it's likely that you've had to move things around a bit and you're going to need some storage. This doesn't need to be your traditional storage box or shelves with boxes in, you can get a storage stool or an ottoman to put your files in. Or get creative with things like shoe holders, for example, hang one on the back of the door and use it as somewhere to organise your letters and documents. Remember, this is your office, and no one can tell you how it should or shouldn't be, Who says your home office needs shelves and drawers? 

Inject Some Personality

Your office doesn't have to look professional and plain. It can if you want it to and if you work better that way, but if you want to go wild with your walls then you can do. Find estate sales to get some quirky and unique furniture pieces and fill your space with photos of your family (even though you're at home) or whatever inspires you and keeps you going.  

Do You Really Need A Desk?

Okay, you probably need something to put your laptop on, but does it have to be a desk? Could it be an old dresser that you have upcycled to make it a stylish dresser which you can sit and work at?  Perhaps you could go for a stand-up desk or just a shelf? You have the freedom to do what you want and build a place that really suits your needs and desires.

Think outside 'the home'

Does your home office actually need to be inside your home? If you have a garden shed or a big enough space to build one, then why not create yourself a little working space outside? If working from home is going to be a more permanent thing in your future working life, then it's well worth investing in something you're happy with, and that will last you a long time. In a way, you get the best of both worlds as you get the comfort of being at home without the noise and the distractions.

You may also enjoy

• The Business of Partying and Bringing the Heat to Miami

• 4 Reasons Your Home Needs a Decor Update

• 4 Fixture Additions that Can Increase Your Home’s Value

New York Solar Programs

With the world’s supply of fossil fuels dwindling and the fossil fuel plants spewing pollution into the air that contributes to climate change and global warming, it is no surprise that most people are looking into clean, renewable energy alternatives. There are many promising ideas and one of them is solar energy. After all, the Sun is an unlimited resource and if we can harvest its energy, then that is a benefit to the planet and the people who live there—which is everyone.

That is one of the reasons why many cities and states across America offer incentives for businesses and homes to use solar energy. It is easier than ever to install solar panels on homes or businesses as there are several companies that offer that service. New York has several companies that can install solar panels onto all kinds of buildings, so check out some New York solar companies if you are interested in doing your small part to save the planet.

The Benefits of Solar Energy

There are quite a few benefits and very few disadvantages to using solar power. The benefits of solar energy are the following:

Reduce Pollution - Solar energy does not emit any greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, meaning that it is a cleaner form of energy than fossil fuels. Pollutants are not only bad for the air quality, they are also bad for the climate in general since they can cause long-lasting detrimental effects that contribute to global warming.

Lowers Dependence on Fossil Fuels - Weaning the country off of fossil fuels is better for everyone in the long run. Not only does doing so lower pollution, it also helps to preserve the world’s water supply since coal and gas plants use tremendous amounts of water. Furthermore, abandoning fossil fuels lowers our dependence on foreign countries that may not have our best interests in mind.

Reduces Energy Bills - Solar energy has a huge benefit to anyone who uses it because it can drastically lower—or even completely eliminate—the energy bills of a home or business. This is more apparent in the summer months than the winter months of course, but in general solar energy reduces a home’s energy bills because it pulls a reduced amount of energy—or even no energy at all—from the grid. In some cases, it even puts energy back into the power grid!

These are all clearly great benefits, but to be fair there are some disadvantages to solar energy since no power source is perfect. It can be very expensive to install solar panels and they tend to take up a lot of space. And while they are getting more efficient, solar panels do not convert all of the solar energy they absorb into energy for the home. There is also of course, the fact that solar panels are weather-dependent since they are most effective in sunny conditions. Nonetheless, the advantages of solar energy far outweigh the demerits.

Solar Programs in New York

New York has a solar program called New York Sun that offers incentives for going solar. The program works with contractors who have been certified by the NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority). The New York Sun program is actually an umbrella program that covers other New York solar incentive programs. Those programs include the Megawatt Block Incentive which provides a dollars per watt rebate for commercial and residential solar systems. There is also net metering, which reimburses solar energy users for any excess energy that they send into the state’s power grid. And of course there are state and tax credits that offset the cost of the solar system. 

Solar Power is a Smart Investment

Solar power is great for the environment but it is also great for anyone who uses it as well. The lower energy bills and multiple incentive programs can make it hard to resist. And of course there is the positive effect it has on the environment as well. Ultimately New York solar is a smart choice for anyone who wants to save money in the long-term, help the environment, and help the country attain true energy independence. All that from the installation of a few solar panels. So contact a certified solar panel contractor to find out if solar is right for you.

How to Select the Right Real Estate Agent When Listing Your Aspen Property

Aspen is a beautiful mountain town situated in Colorado, US. Being a popular tourist spot, with four ski areas and proximity to White River National Forest, you will find some of the most luxurious and expensive real estate properties of the US in Aspen. 

Suppose you own a property in Aspen and plan to put it up for listing. In that case, you need guidance from the best real estate agent in the town, like Heidi Houston, who has years of experience in helping people to sell and purchase properties in this mountainous paradise.

Here are a few tips that can help you choose the best real estate company while listing your Aspen property.

Give Importance to the Personality and Attitude of the Agent

It is better to work with a real estate agent who can work with you. Although it would be better if the agent has experience in the field, you should not base your selection solely on that parameter. 

Since you would be spending time and interacting a lot with the agent, make sure that the agent you are working with is real and relatable. Also, make sure that they have good communication and negotiation skills.

Follow Your Intuition

You make a decision based on your emotion as well as logic. If you feel that a particular agent can help you get the best deal and everything seems right with them, go with your intuition and do business with them.

Check Their Technical Knowhow

The use of the latest technology can ensure that your property is seen by most of the buyers. Who knows which buyer can bring you the best deal? So, make sure that the agent you are selecting has access to and knowledge of the latest technological tools and devices to give full access to your listed property.

Support System

Make sure that the real estate company you are choosing is supported by a robust team of experts. Only then will they be able to work together to grab the best deal for your property and provide you the highest level of customer service. Selling a property is a complex task, and it is easy to miss out on a minor detail without a proper support system.

Risk Mitigation

There are risks involved in selling a property. So, the agent that you choose should be realistic and take steps to mitigate any risks involved. They should use real data and analysis in their statements during the interview itself without any fluff and flattery.

Comfortable Rapport

You won't be able to trust an agent with whom you are not comfortable talking. If they have an attitude and are not considerate about your opinions and doubts, you may automatically feel awkward communicating with them. Ensure that you can build a comfortable rapport with the agent from the first meeting itself.

So, these are a few tips that can help you find the best real estate company while listing your Aspen property. 

The key is to make sure that they are knowledgeable, technologically advanced, and are able to build a rapport with you from the beginning itself. Only then will you be able to get the best deal for your property in Aspen.