4 Smart Habits to Take Care of Your Eyes

Your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body. They are the predominant way in which you experience the world and take in information. You use them for pretty much everything you do in life, including reading, observing body language, and keeping yourself safe from your environment.

But as you get older, it’s common for your eyesight to decline. Your vision can deteriorate with age, perhaps requiring you to wear glasses or contact lenses. This is perfectly normal, but it is crucial that you take care of your eyes as best you can while you are young. They are incredibly delicate organs, and it is easy to neglect them. There are so many things in your environment that can harm your vision, such as excessive screen time, exposure to the sun, or even the chemicals present in our toiletries.

To help you maintain your good vision well into later life, it is prudent to be careful about how you treat your eyes. Here are four great habits you should stick to.

Limit screen time

In this day and age, limiting your screen time is easier said than done. We all know we spend far too much time on our computers and phones, but the truth is, they are essential for huge parts of our lives. If you work in an office-based job, you will probably find yourself staring at a screen all day, and this can have hugely negative impacts on your vision over time. It can cause you to blink less, leading to dry eyes and faster eyesight deterioration. Mitigate these effects by taking regular breaks from the screen to stand up and look out of the window. Avoid sitting too close to your computer and try to spend less time on your phone when you are not working.

Eat a healthy diet

The food you eat plays a huge part in your overall eye health. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acid, found in oily fish, can ward off degenerative sight problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. A well-balanced diet also reduces your risk of obesity and diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. 

Reduce exposure to the sun

UV rays from the sun are one of the biggest contributors to sight problems in adults. Although hot weather is lovely, it can take a toll on your vision if you’re not careful. When spending time outdoors in summer, always make sure you are wearing a quality pair of UV-blocking sunglasses. And if you already wear spectacles, you can order prescription glasses online that will protect you from the sun without compromising your vision.

Get regular checkups

The only way to really keep track of your eye health is to visit an optician once a year. They will be able to inspect your eyes and let you know of any potential issues. Your eye doctor will not only be able to identify vision degeneration, but also signs of other diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and more.

4 Simple Tips For Developing Healthy Eating Habits

Eating right is a lifestyle. It's not something you do to lose weight, but it helps you live healthier and happier. There are no shortcuts to eating healthy, but a few simple habits can change how your body functions and looks over time. Here are four of my favorite tips for developing healthy eating habits:

Eat breakfast every day.

Breakfast is important for weight management. You'll feel fuller for longer if you eat breakfast, making it easier to stick with your weight loss plan. If you're trying to lose weight, breakfast should be your day's largest meal.

Breakfast is also a great time to eat healthy foods high in fiber and protein, like whole grains or eggs. The nutrients from these foods help you think more clearly during the day and stay energized, reducing the likelihood that you’ll reach for sugary snacks later on.

Stay hydrated.

In order to stay healthy and fit, it is important to keep yourself hydrated. Your body needs water in order for your organs to function properly and for you to burn calories efficiently. Not only does drinking enough water help your overall health, but it also helps with weight loss by keeping your appetite under control.

The recommended daily water intake is about 2 liters (8 cups), which is about half of what most Americans drink daily. So, try drinking some cold water instead of reaching for another soda or juice when thirst arises. The flavor of plain ol' H2O may not be as exciting as those sweetened drinks that come in bright colors and flashy packaging, but with a few drops of lemon or lime juice added into the mix, maybe plain old tap can be just as tasty as its sugary counterparts — at least when it comes down to boosting brainpower levels too. So, if you’re looking to add more water to your daily diet, using a filter similar to The Reservoir can help you to meet your daily water goal. 

Snack smart.

Don’t reach for the nearest snack when you're feeling hungry. Be mindful of what you eat and how much of it is appropriate to eat in one sitting. If you find yourself snacking on junk food or mindlessly eating while doing other things, this is a sign that something in your routine needs to change. Junk food contains unhealthy ingredients like sugar and fat, leading to weight gain. Moderation is key!

Cut down on sugar, salt, and refined carbohydrates.

To develop healthy eating habits, it’s important to cut down on sugar, salt, and refined carbohydrates. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a diet high in these foods can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Instead of consuming lots of soft drinks, candy bars, and pastries with white flour (refined carbs), try eating more vegetables, fruits, fish, and nuts.

Conclusion

We want to help you get on track with healthy eating habits. You don't have to be perfect, but we recommend that you make an effort to eat better and change some things that may be contributing to your weight gain.

Top 7 Factors to Consider When Selecting Life Insurance Plans

Everyone should have a life insurance plan. But despite this, recent reports have suggested that almost 25% of people don't have one.

Are you one of them? If so, you should look around at your different options for insurance plans. You should then go through the process of selecting life insurance plans that would be a good fit for you and your family.

Prior to selecting one of the many life insurance plans, though, you should make sure that you have the right one picked out. It'll guarantee that you're able to get a plan that will provide you with all the coverage you'll need. For example, a guide for buying life insurance after age 70 provides examples of what would be suitable for those getting insurance later on in life.

Here are seven important factors people should always consider when selecting life insurance plans.

1. Type

When you're working your way through the process of selecting life insurance plans, the very first thing you'll want to consider is which type of life insurance you want. There are a few options you can choose from.

The types of life insurance include:

• Term life insurance

• Whole life insurance

• Universal life insurance

• Variable life insurance

The type of life insurance plan that you pick out is going to depend on everything from your age and your health to your financial situation and your long-term life insurance needs. It's why you should read up on each of these life insurance options to see what they can offer to you.

2. Provider

Once you know which type of life insurance plan you would like, the next thing you'll need to do is find a provider you can trust. It shouldn't be too difficult to find some options. There are thousands of them throughout North America.

Your goal should be to find a life insurance provider that you know you can trust. They should have a wealth of experience within the industry and lots of life insurance options for you to choose from.

After you're done reading online reviews for a life insurance provider, you should also find that they have a wonderful reputation. You want to have a company like Shelter Bay Financial on your side.

3. Coverage

There are some life insurance plans that are going to set you up with very basic coverage. They'll provide the bare necessities for your beneficiaries in the event of your death.

However, when you're sifting through the life insurance quotes by age, you'll see other life insurance plans that will go above and beyond when it comes to providing you with coverage. They'll ensure that your beneficiaries will be well taken care of if anything ever happens to you.

As you might expect, the more coverage that you get from a life insurance plan, the more expensive it's going to be. But there are some life insurance plans that will help you strike a happy medium between good coverages and affordable prices.

4. Terms

There will be a set of life insurance terms and conditions that will be attached to every single life insurance plan you consider. In a perfect world, you should try to find the time to read through all of these terms and conditions accordingly.

Certain life insurance companies will put restrictions on you as far as what you'll be able to do to keep your life insurance plan intact. You should try to avoid signing up for policies with them since it could lead to you inadvertently voiding your life insurance plan.

You'll be better off looking high and low for life insurance plans that come with limited terms and conditions. It'll enable you to get the coverage you need without putting too many limitations on your lifestyle.

5. Cost

A life insurance plan can cost anywhere from around $25 per month on the lower end of the spectrum to well over $500 per month (if not more!). For this reason, cost is always a big concern for those selecting life insurance plans.

You should get a general idea of how much you can afford to pay for life insurance just before you start shopping around for it. From there, you should then be able to shop for a life insurance plan while comparing insurance costs through different providers.

6. Beneficiary

You probably won't be the one who will benefit from having a life insurance plan. Although you might be eligible to collect some benefits from it, it's going to be your beneficiaries who will potentially benefit the most from your life insurance plan.

With this in mind, you should make sure that you pick the right beneficiaries for your life insurance policy. Your beneficiaries should be your spouse and kids, your kids, your siblings, or some other family members who are important to you.

7. Timing

Do you want to sign up for a life insurance plan right now and begin using it right away? Or would you prefer to wait a few months or maybe even a few years before obtaining life insurance coverage?

You're more than welcome to get a life insurance plan whenever you would like. But you should think about the timing of getting one before you actually start trying to select one.

You might find that the prices for life insurance will change based on when you decide to invest in a plan.

Remember These Things When Selecting Life Insurance Plans

Selecting life insurance plans isn't something that people should ever do on a whim. You're going to want to do your homework on the different life insurance policies that will be available to you before picking one out.

Consider each of the factors that we've listed here prior to picking life insurance plans. It'll make it so much easier than it would be otherwise to navigate your way through your different options for insurance plans.

Read more informative insurance-related content by browsing through our other blog articles.

10 Guaranteed Ways to Add a Rustic Design Aesthetic to Your Home in 2022

Many homeowners are going for a classic, rustic aesthetic to make their home’s interior pop in 2022. To ensure your home is comfortable, classy, and down-to-Earth, few other design aesthetics are as tailor-fit to your needs. However, without a solid starting point, knowing what to do to achieve this rustic look can become difficult. If you need a bit of help, here are ten guaranteed ways to add a rustic design aesthetic to your home in 2022: 

1. Neutral Color Palettes 

When looking for color palette choices for your rustic-inspired design choices, neutrals are a must. Finding neutral color palettes that will not make your home look overly modern or chic is essential. Blacks, whites, browns, and light greens are some of the best neutral color palettes you can use when trying to unlock a solid, great-looking rustic-inspired interior design for your home. 

2. Antler-Crafted Chandeliers 

One of the most popular, intriguing, and rustic-inspired decorations you can buy for your home is a finely-crafted antler chandelier. These not only provide an interesting lighting setup for your home, but the antlers beckon to the rustic, naturalist lifestyle that you want your home’s interior to invoke. Finding one that will fit your home’s living room or kitchen, and then making the investment, may even prove to be a highlight of your year. 

3. Nature-Inspired Colors 

Nature-inspired colors will add to your home’s rustic look incredibly fast. Woodland-inspired greens, sky-like blues, and white shades that remind you of a beautiful oak tree are all great choices. Green shades have become particularly popular for bathrooms in 2022, so if you want to make your bathroom appear more rustic, this is the way to go. 

4. Plenty of Live Plants 

Live plants enliven a home’s atmosphere, make your breathing air purer, and give a rustic look to your home’s interior that you will love. Make sure to get season-appropriate plants to keep the rustic look authentic, however. Doing so will also make it much easier to keep your plants alive so that you gain the full value out of them. The number of extra relaxation plants can add to your home space is one of the best reasons to go for this choice. 

5. Nailhead Trim 

Nailhead trim is one of the best ways to add a true sense of authenticity to your home’s rustic look. It’s also one of the cheapest, as long as you’re willing to take on a DIY project to add nailhead trim around your home. Finding the rooms that will benefit from this upgrade the most is a solid way to go if you do not want to add this decoration flair throughout your entire home, however. 

6. Camp-Inspired Outdoor Spaces 

When it comes to making your home have a rustic look, there are plenty of outdoor projects you can take on as well. Making your outdoor spaces have a camp-centric look or one that screams “ranch house” is especially recommended. The sheer rustic value a simple campfire or fire pit can add to a home’s exterior is hard to overstate, after all. 

7. Natural Lighting 

Using natural lighting in your home as much as humanly possible is perfect for adding a rustic aesthetic. After all, people pre-1900s relied a lot more on natural light than we do today. Using windows that are designed to let in more natural light, adding a screened-in porch to your home, and using other light-boosting, ambient design choices will help you nail this rustic design element successfully. 

8. Repurposed Wood 

Fantastic wood is essential in rustic-inspired homes. Using repurposed wood can add an extra layer of authenticity to your home’s rustic inspirations while saving you money during the designing process as well. Using oak wood is particularly recommended unless you have access to repurposed barn wood (which is perhaps the best option). 

9. Vintage Textiles 

Rustic, vintage textiles are a key element of a farmstead and French home designs. Adding vintage textiles to your walls, your furniture, and other similar areas of your home is especially recommended. The search for the perfect vintage textiles will be incredibly fun, so this is one of the most attractive ways to add a rustic design aesthetic to your home. 

10. Staying Seasonal 

If you want to keep the rustic look of your home up-to-date, adding occasional seasonal updates to your home is essential. Whether you’re adding winter colors, adding some summer-specific plants to your home, or using other decorations to improve your home’s rustic look, the updates will be sure to thrill you and your future guests.  

Rustic Looks Can Define a Home’s Interior in Style 

With a solid rustic look, your home’s interior can become more stylish than it’s ever been. There are many amazing design choices to consider, both on and off this list. If you’re been looking for the perfect creative project to spruce up your home in 2022, embracing a rustic look is a great potential way to achieve your dream. 

8 High-End Apartment Amenities Young Buyers Will Love

As a seller, you know that the best way to attract high-paying buyers is to have an apartment with high-end amenities. So, don't hesitate to renovate the apartment and make it as luxurious as possible. That is, make it as full of useful and luxurious amenities as possible. But, in a sea of various high-end amenities, how does one decide what is worth installing and what is not? You just have to be creative, resourceful, and ready not to cut corners. And, you just have to read this article for some inspiration. We prepared a list of 8 high-end apartment amenities young buyers will love. So, keep on reading! 

1. Being Pet-Friendly 

Trust us - people looking for a pet-friendly apartment are willing to pay more! So, if you want to attract those kinds of buyers, you know what to do. But, don't just allow you, renters, to bring their furry friends, no. To make this amenity actually high-end, you have to make some changes. For instance, you can create a private dog park if you are the building owner. Or, if you want something really luxurious, you can create a pet spa.

But, if you are an owner of just one apartment, you can try to make that apartment as pet-friendly as possible - make the space open, remove the rug, and try to add some nice details such as feeding bowls and treats somewhere in the apartment. 

Pet-friendly apartments are one of the top high-end apartment amenities young buyers will love

2. Outdoor Space 

As previously mentioned, if you are the building owner, make the most out of your outdoor space. Besides creating a fun place for pets, you should also make an effort to make it a fun and inviting place for residents. For instance, you can build a pool or install a jacuzzi. Or, you can create a big lounging area for barbecuing and get-togethers. 

But, if you want an apartment that has those high-end apartment amenities that young buyers will love, consider a big, private balcony. You can transform one of your rooms into a balcony (if you can get a permit), or you can take the balcony you already have and remodel it. Upgrade its tiles, bring the most high-end outdoor furniture, add a lot of lights and plants, etc. 

3. Energy-Efficient Everything

Just because you will be renting your apartment to some people with deep pockets, don't think they don't want to save money! They do! But, they want to save it where it counts. Be sure that most of them will appreciate an apartment equipped with energy-efficient amenities that will help them save money on their bills while also saving the planet!

Those amenities can be energy-efficient doors and windows, insulation, solar panels (on a balcony, for example), water boilers, 'green' appliances in the kitchen, etc. If you have these high-end and energy-efficient amenities, be sure that you will attract the best renters possible! 

4. Lots and Lots of Storage 

In big cities, that is, in cities where most of the high-end apartments are located, storage is considered a luxury!
People moving to Hyderabad like to find Tolichowki flats for sale with a spacious layout, ensuring they never struggle with storing away their belongings. So, if you have an apartment that has plenty of storage, or if you have an apartment that has an extra space that can be turned into storage, you are one lucky man (or woman). Buyers who are willing to pay more will require these amenities. They will want storage in kitchens and bathrooms. They will want walk-in closets and pantries. And, they will want big living rooms and bedrooms so that they can add their own stuff. 

If you decide to renovate your apartment so that it can have more storage, be sure to know what you are doing. Hire an interior designer first. Then, hire a good contractor. And finally, hire movers to take all the existing high-end furniture to a storage unit to stay damage-free. If you don't know where to find a good storage unit nearby, seek advice from Roadway Moving experts, as they will be able to both advise you and give you a hand when moving. 

5. Smart Features 

Young and high-end renters will never want to move into an old and outdated home. They want a modern and smart home! They want something that will scream technology! That can be anything from lights that turn on and off when clapping, security systems, remote access to all the appliances in the apartment, advanced home network, etc. We assure you that these are some of the most high-end apartment amenities young buyers will love!

So, install them - all of them! But, don't make the home too 'modern.' If you are not careful, you may transform your apartment into a commercial building. Instead, try to keep some homey features in the modern home - big, comfy sofas, colorful rugs, etc.

6. Open-Floor Concept 

The need for open-floor concepts just goes without saying! This is not a luxury; it's a necessity for most people. So, if you have an apartment with separated living areas, try to tear down those walls (just make sure they are non-load bearing walls first). Make kitchen, dining, and living room one big open-floor space. Doing this will not make the whole apartment visually bigger, more functional, and more aesthetically pleasing. Still, it will also make it more modern and expensive. 

7. Moving Help 

Offering some kind of moving-in help to renters has become a trend recently. It has become a trend, especially among young, high-end renters. So, if you want to attract those, you know what to do. Of course, you don't have to be the one carrying all the boxes during your residential move; you can count on experts for that! Trust us, if you offer this kind of amenity, renters will fight for your apartment. 

Moreover, to make your apartment and the experience of living in your apartment high-end and luxurious, you can offer various sorts of help to your renters. For instance, besides offering moving help, you can also help with cleaning, finding storage, renovating, and remodeling. 

8.  Neutral Space 

And one of the last but certainly not the least high-end apartment amenities young buyers will love is a neutral apartment. This is not an amenity, per se, but it is something that will attract even the pickiest buyers. A neutral space means a space that everybody can love - a space that is clean, decluttered, organized, renovated, etc. And a space equipped with natural colors such as beige, white, gray, or something pastel-like. When an apartment is big, modern (which is crucial as modern apartments are chosen by modern renters), and neutral, it will help all the potential renters envision themselves living in it. And that is what will help you rent it fast and for the highest price possible. 

Final words on high-end apartment amenities young buyers will love

As you have seen, there are many high-end apartment amenities young buyers will love. We mentioned just some of the most important and wanted ones, but it would be a good idea to do your research too. Adjust high-end amenities to the needs of your apartment and to the needs of buyers you want to attract, and be sure that you will have no problems renting it out. 

Top 6 Places to Live in Boise, Idaho

Boise is a fantastic city with beautiful views of the nearby mountains and a great location. It's a nature lover's dream, and it is also full of beautiful houses that are just waiting for you to explore. If you are considering moving to Boise, look at this list of neighborhoods to see the top 6 places to live in Boise. 

Area: Northwest Boise

Residents love living in the Northwest Boise neighborhood due to the fantastic views and excellent proximity to fun features. Northwest Boise is considered to be the area that starts at 36th and State street and runs from east to West along the State Street corridor and underneath the border to Eagle, Idaho. The area is located near the Quail Hollow Golf Course, which is one of the best courses in the state, plus it is near one of the largest planned communities in the city, Hidden Springs. 

Homes in Northwest Boise have a median sale price in the upper 600k range, and they are on the market for an average of 6 days. Homes in this neighborhood are typically on the market for about six days, and the homes vary quite a bit in architectural styles. Popular neighborhoods in Northwest Boise include:

1. Hidden Springs: This is the oldest planned community in the state, and it is very proud of its extraordinary commitment to conserving nature. It is surrounded by about 900 acres of open and undeveloped land and boasts 2,300 residents in this close-knit community. 

2. Plantation: The Plantation Country club is the center of this gorgeous area that is located just minutes from downtown Boise. There are quite a few great schools in the Plantation Neighborhood that are highly rated, which is excellent if you are looking to move with your school-aged children. 

Area: East Boise

One of the best areas in the city is the beautiful area of East Boise, which has many of the town's luxury homes. It's located close to some of Boise's best parks, and the houses are some of the oldest in the city, which means they have fantastic architecture. 

The area extends from East End to Harris Ranch, and locals consider it to be one of the most sought-after neighborhoods. Homes in East Boise sell for an average of 800k, and they are often on the market for about six days. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in East Boise are: 

3. Harris Ranch: This planned community has some of the most impressive homes in the city, and residents love being so close to some of Boise's best natural features. Homes in Harris Ranch vary in style, and the community has a very extensive plan that includes swimming pools, clubhouses, and a fitness center for the residents to enjoy. 

4. Boulder Point: If you want to be in an area with one of the best views in the city, then Boulder Point is the best place to be. These gorgeous estate-style homes offer buyers a chance to have some of the most incredible views above the city as the neighborhood is perched on top of Table Rock. This fantastic community has many different amenities for its residents, including a clubhouse and swimming pool.

Area: Southwest Boise

This neighborhood is heavily favored by those who are looking for a family-oriented community. It's located near golf courses, excellent schools, and plenty of parks, and the neighborhood has an excellent reputation for its beautiful homes. Southwest Boise is one of the most populated areas in the city, and homes vary in price from about 400-800k. 

Homes in this neighborhood are usually on the market for about five days. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Southwest Boise include: 

5. Rockhampton: One of the best subdivisions in the city is Rockhampton, with its amazing homes and proximity to some of the city's best schools. The development started in 1999 and finished in 2009 with 600 houses completed in the community. 

6. Sonata Hills: If you are looking for a quiet area close to some of the best nearby amenities, check out the homes in Sonata Hills. This community is surrounded by nature and parks, so you can experience the outstanding beauty of Boise while living in a great residential area. 

Boise is full of so many fantastic neighborhoods and communities that have tons of homes on the market. Residents love the small-town feeling, and they enjoy the ever-growing economy. It's a great location with plenty of employment opportunities, so why not consider moving to Boise, Idaho, today?