Deciding If An Employer Is Right For You

Looking for a new job can be pretty stressful. Whether you're currently unemployed or you're job searching while you work, it's time-consuming and tough to make the right decision. When you get an interview or even a job offer, you have to consider whether the employer is right for you. If you're being particularly thorough, you will want to research them even before submitting your job application. Deciding whether an employer is right for you or not can be a little tricky if you're not sure what you should prioritize or how to assess your options. Before you decide if an employer is right for you, take a look at these tips.

Make The Most Of The Interview

When you're invited for an interview, remember that the interview isn't just for the recruiters. It's also for your benefit, giving you an opportunity to suss out the company and make an assessment on whether the job is right for you. So be sure to use the interview to ask your own questions, instead of just answering the ones that are put to you. If the interview is in person, it's also an opportunity to look around and perhaps meet some potential colleagues.

Image by Luis Ricardo Rivera from Pixabay

Match Your Values

Matching your employer and job to your personal values is something you should consider when you're looking for the right place to work. It might not be at the top of everyone's priorities, especially when putting food on the table is what matters most, but it can be soul-destroying to do work that you don't really believe in. You should consider your personal values and find out what the potential employer stands for. Do their corporate values align with your personal values? Would you be comfortable working for them and would you be proud of the work you do?

Look At Reviews

Company reviews are now very accessible thanks to the internet. You can find reviews not just from customers but also from current and former employees. Company reviews can tell you everything from what the pay is like to how CEOs like Chris Ovitz are viewed by their employees. Larger companies often have more reviews, which can be more helpful, but smaller companies can still feature on review sites with useful information from employees. Use a site that provides you with lots of information and asks its reviewers a range of questions.

Align With Your Needs

Don't forget to ensure that the employer and job align with your needs. This can include the pay that you require and the benefits that you think you deserve. It might also include things like whether the hours are suitable for you and if you can choose flexible working. If you have a family, is the company family-friendly or will they make it difficult for you to take care of your other commitments? It can be tough to find an employer that meets all of your needs, but many can provide most of the things you're looking for.

Take some time to assess whether an employer is right for you before you decide to work for them.

Qualities That Hospital Labs Need To Adhere To

There are many different aspects that go into making a hospital run successfully. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, is the lab. The lab is responsible for performing tests on patients in order to diagnose and treat them accordingly. There are many qualities that a hospital lab should have to provide quality care to patients. This article will discuss five of those qualities. 

Photo by Chokniti Khongchum from Pexels

First and foremost, a hospital lab should be accredited.

This means that it has been deemed to meet certain standards an accrediting body sets. Accreditation ensures that the laboratory performs at a high level and provides quality results. Hospital labs must also be CLIA certified in order to bill for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CLIA certification shows that the lab meets specific federal guidelines and standards. Without these two certifications, a hospital lab cannot function properly.

Hospital labs must also be staffed with qualified personnel.

All employees must have the proper education and training in order to perform their jobs correctly. The laboratory director must be a licensed medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathy. Other staff members include medical technologists, phlebotomists, and lab technicians. These individuals must all be properly trained to provide quality patient care.

The laboratory must use quality control measures to ensure accuracy.

There are many steps to ensure that a test's results are accurate. First, the lab must use certified reference materials when calibrating its equipment. Second, they must participate in external quality assurance programs. These programs compare the results of a hospital lab with other labs to ensure accuracy. Third, the lab should have a quality control plan in place that is followed daily. This plan includes things such as checking for expired reagents and following proper procedures when performing tests. To maintain high standards in patient care and data management, many hospital labs are now integrating advanced technological solutions from providers like Cybernet, enhancing both efficiency and accuracy in their operations. And lastly, the lab should keep detailed records of all testing performed. These records can be used to identify any problems that may arise and correct them quickly.

They also need to be ISO certified in order to show that they produce in cleanrooms that meet the highest international standards.

Hospital labs are subject to many regulations to ensure patient safety. Some of these regulations govern the cleanliness of the lab itself. To maintain a clean and sterile environment, hospital labs must adhere to certain qualities set forth by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These standards show that the lab produces in cleanrooms that meet the highest international quality standards. Hospital labs use cleanroom suppliers to help create and maintain a cleanroom that meets their specific needs.

Lastly, a hospital lab should have a good working relationship with the hospitals they serve.

This ensures that the patients receive the best possible care. In addition, the hospital and laboratory should work together to ensure that all tests are performed promptly and that results are communicated as soon as they are available. This collaboration between the two parties is essential to providing quality patient care.

Hospital labs play a vital role in the healthcare system. They are responsible for performing tests that help diagnose and treat patients. In order to provide quality care, hospital labs must adhere to certain qualities. These qualities include accreditation, qualified personnel, quality control measures, ISO certification, and a good working relationship with the hospitals they serve. By adhering to these qualities, hospital labs can provide quality care to patients.

4 Reasons To Quit Using Drugs

While it's easy to see the negative effects of drugs, it's much more challenging to really take steps to break any habits that may have formed. However, the first step toward a healthy and effective recovery is understanding why it is necessary to quit. Take a look below to learn how getting drug addiction treatment can improve your life and why it benefits society as a whole.

Photo by tanya nova from Pexels

Better Health

Using drugs is bad for your health, no matter what kinds of drugs you choose to inject or ingest. Long-term drug use can be very bad for your heart, lungs, and even brain. If nothing is done, this can even make people live much shorter lives.

Quitting drugs will help you be mentally healthier as well as prevent any long-term physical effects. Drug use can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and paranoia, all of which can make it hard to work or function well in society. This has a negative effect on everything you do. Getting off drugs will help you get your life back on track and make you healthier.

More Money

Though health concerns may be at the forefront of your mind when considering the benefits of kicking your drug habit, it's also crucial to factor in the monetary benefits. Taking drugs is a costly habit that, if broken, would result in annual savings of several thousand dollars. If you weren't spending so much money on drugs, you might be able to pay down your debt and live more comfortably at home. Maybe you could even buy a house, or at the very least get a good car and take a vacation – something that you might otherwise have to miss out on.

If you're ready to make some life-altering adjustments and save money as well as your health, checking into Delphi Behavioral Health Group is a fantastic place to start.

Fixing Your Relationships

Those who use drugs know that they will do anything to get the high they want. This can mean that you have to break up with important people along the way. Relationships with other family members and friends can fall apart, marriages can end, and you might not be able to see your kids.

When you stop using drugs, you'll be able to see what happened more clearly and try to fix any broken relationships. This is very important if you want to live a happy, fulfilled life, and you will need to do it once you feel better after detoxing in a safe place.

Think Clearly

When you're under the influence of drugs, it's hard, if not impossible, to make rational decisions about your future. Because of this, if you can get off the drugs, you'll have a clearer head and a better chance of realizing your goals. You'll gain motivation from this, and it'll be easier to resist the allure of narcotics in the future. Once you finally decide to give up this harmful habit, you'll find that your life takes a dramatic turn for the better.

NEST New York Festive Collection Hearth Candle Review

Disclosure: I was sent a NEST New York Hearth Classic Scented Candle by Bold PR for review. All opinions in this blog post are 100% my own and honest. This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

PR Sample: I love candles. They're soothing, calming and relaxing. Candles are synonymous with Fall, Winter and the Holiday Season. I love this time of year. They evoke a sense of coziness, warmness and togetherness that appeals to us during this cherished time. I'm currently sitting on my couch, looking at holiday movies, and enjoying my Fall & Halloween decor. Another treasure I'm enjoying is this beautiful NEST New York Hearth Scented Candle (Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom). Do you know I have never tried a NEST New York candle? This is my first time. I was sent the Hearth scented candle from their Festive Collection and it is beautiful. The design in itself is gorgeous. The candle is housed in a wine colored glass vessel, etched with gold stripes. The glass has a very nice weight to it. This candle is rich, elegant and sophisticated. The key notes of the Hearth scent are rich oud wood, frankincense and smoky embers. I usually gravitate towards gourmand scented candles, but I AM LOVING Hearth! It smells soooo good! The scent is rich, smooth, sexy, hypnotic and alluring. It is!!! You are going to enjoy burning this candle. It fits perfectly in line with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's a grown-up candle! This is a single wick candle, but it is also offered in a 3-wick option (Saks Fifth Avenue, NEST New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales) and home fragrance diffuser option (Bloomingdales, NEST New York, Bergdorf Goodman). This candle is making my home smell lovely. It burns cleanly. There's no black smoke or soot. It also burns evenly for a single-wick candle. I am very impressed with the quality of this candle and enjoying it. This candle would make for the perfect holiday gift. I love it. I also want to mention, that NEST New York's Founder Laura Slatkin has a son that is Autistic. A portion of your purchase will be donated to NEXT for Autism, which is a very good cause to support.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 

NEST New York Hearth Candle (Festive Collection) is Supersweet

5 Tips To Improve Your Immune System

Photo by camilo jimenez on Unsplash

No one likes to get sick. When you're feeling under the weather, your immune system has been compromised and needs some TLC. Fortunately, there are several simple ways boost your immunity and ensure that you stay healthy for years to come. Here are five ways to improve your immune system:

Make sleep a priority.

The immune system operates best when it is given time to rest. When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies are more likely to become tired and stressed. As a result, they will have trouble functioning properly and fighting off infections or other health issues. Sleep is also important for regulating hormones and controlling appetite, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Reduce stress and incorporate meditation.

The immune system has a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infection. Stress can impair your immune system in several ways: by increasing your risk for illness, reducing the function of certain parts of the immune system, or making you less likely to recover from health problems.

Meditation effectively reduces stress levels and improves overall health because it helps calm the mind and body so you can relax more easily. In addition to its effects on physical well-being, meditation has been shown to improve psychological conditions like stress or anxiety by helping people better manage their emotions over time.

Eat more whole foods and fewer processed ones.

Eating more whole foods and fewer processed ones is an easy way to improve your immune system. Whole foods are typically nutritious and help promote good health, while processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, or fat. You probably already know that white bread is processed; however, other examples of processed foods include breakfast cereal (refined grains), hot dogs (fillers and preservatives), and soda. Drinking tea, such as kombucha scoby has also been known to help boost your immune system.

Exercise regularly.

Exercise helps the immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells and making repairing  infected tissues easier. In addition, exercise also helps to control weight and blood sugar levels, both of which can lower resistance to infections.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (such as jogging). This time should be spread out over at least three days each week. If you're not used to exercising, start slowly—even 20 minutes per day is better than nothing.

Drink less alcohol and quit smoking.

You should also avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and quit smoking if you’re a smoker. Alcohol is a common cause of immune system problems, as it suppresses the immune system by binding to T cells. In addition, chronic heavy drinking can lead to dehydration which can cause other health problems such as liver damage or heart failure. Similarly, tobacco smoke reduces the body's ability to fight off disease because it contains nicotine that affects the function of white blood cells (WBCs).

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you've been in public.

Washing your hands is the most important thing you can do daily to keep yourself healthy and prevent the spread of disease. A good rule of thumb: wash your hands with soap and water before, during, and after preparing food; eat; smoke; use the phone or computer; after using the bathroom; and whenever you feel dirty.

When you're done washing, dry your hands with a paper towel—don't use the same cloth repeatedly—and turn off faucets with paper towels instead of bare hands (or better yet, use an automatic faucet). Even if we think we "know" what's safe for us to touch, it doesn't hurt to be extra careful about germs when it comes to your immune system.

Maintain a healthy weight.

You can’t be too careful when maintaining a healthy weight and diet. If you are overweight, losing even 5% of your current body weight could improve the functioning of your immune system, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. In addition to keeping a healthy weight, be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables daily.

The best way to ensure you get enough vitamin D is by spending some time outside daily with no sunscreen (or at least minimal sunscreen). However, if getting enough sunlight isn't possible for whatever reason i.e., living somewhere that experiences long periods without sunshine, taking vitamin D supplements will help ensure that your body is adequately supplied with this key nutrient needed for proper immune function.

If your immune system is weak, it can be hard to stay healthy. But if you take the right steps to improve it, you’ll be able to avoid illness and feel better overall.

3 Fun Things To Do In New Jersey With Kids

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New Jersey is filled with kid-friendly attractions, activities, and events. There are so many fun things to do in New Jersey with kids that you might have difficulty fitting them all into one trip. New Jersey is so much more than just its infamous suburbs. The state is home to a variety of small towns and big cities, natural landscapes, and urban centers.

From old mills to modern art museums, New Jersey has something for everyone looking for fun things to do with their kids. If you're looking for great activities with family in New Jersey, you've come to the right place. Read on for details about some of the best places to bring your kids in New Jersey this fall.

Go To An Aquarium

There are many fantastic aquariums in New Jersey that are great for kids. One of the most popular aquariums among families in New Jersey is the SeaQuest Woodbridge aquarium. There are so many different things to see and do at this aquarium that you can spend hours with your children. There is a wide variety of wildlife and many things you would never be able to see out in the wild. If you plan on taking a trip to New Jersey sometime soon with children, then an aquarium in New Jersey is one of the best attractions for families.

See A Live Theater Performance

There are many excellent theater productions in New Jersey that are great for kids. New Jersey has several great theater venues where you can see Broadway-style productions and kid-friendly shows. The New Jersey State Theater is a great place where you can see a variety of plays and musicals, including family-friendly productions like Seussical and The Wizard of Oz. There are so many options for live theater performances in New Jersey, especially considering how close it is to New York, which is well known for its Broadway performances.

Visit A Museum

There are many fantastic museums in New Jersey that are great for kids. One of the most famous museums among families visiting New Jersey is the New Jersey State Museum. This museum is located in Trenton and is home to many different exhibitions and collections. You'll find a wide variety of Native American artifacts, minerals, fossils, and artwork at this museum.

Another great option is the Newark Museum. This museum is located in Newark and is home to many interesting exhibitions and collections. This is an art museum, so there are so many different art pieces to look at. You'll also find many kinds of artwork, including African art, Asian art, and Native American art. This museum is perfect for families who love or enjoy seeing art.

Conclusion

New Jersey is a great place to visit any time of year, and it always has plenty of fun things to do. You'll find many interesting activities and events at New Jersey attractions, including museums, theater performances, aquariums, and more. New Jersey has so many fun and exciting attractions that are perfect for kids. New Jersey is a great place to bring your family, so be sure to include these fun attractions on your itinerary!

Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment With Glycolic Acid Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: I've been wanting to try Alpha-H Skincare, so I thought I would try one of their most popular products Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Glycolic Acid (Nordstrom, Farfetch). It has received glowing reviews from customers and is award-winning (Allure). If you're not familiar with Alpha-H skincare, they are an Australian brand skincare company. They are known for their use of Glycolic Acid and accelerating acids. They offer a skincare range that corrects skin concerns such as breakouts, pigmentation, dullness and aging. Alpha-H is also a clean brand. Their products are free of Parabens, Sulfates SLS and SLES, Phthalates, Mineral Oils, Formaldehydes, Coal Tar, Triclosan and many other questionable ingredients. So I ordered a bottle and gave it a try. 

Alpha-H Liquid Gold is a resurfacer and exfoliant skincare product. If you're new to chemical exfoliation, it's important that you research the terms Glycolic Acid & Lactic Acid. Both are used in products to resurface and exfoliate your skin. In a nutshell, Glycolic Acid is stronger and Lactic Acid is milder & more gentle. I have had excellent results using both despite having dry, sensitive and reactive skin. Alpha-H Liquid Gold contains 5% Glycolic Acid. It's fine to use on all skin types. It works on dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles and dullness. You simply apply 5 drops to a cotton pad and then apply to your face, neck and decolletage area. You then apply again every ALTERNATE evening after cleansing. 

So what was my experience? I followed all of the steps mentioned above. I found this product to be extremely fluid ... like water. It has a clean & clinical scent. Alpha-H stated that you might experience a tingling sensation upon applying this product. I did, but it was not at all alarming and dissipated very quickly. I never experienced any discomfort or redness. While using this product, my skin did look plumper and felt much firmer. Those were the two major positives for me while using this product. It did that well. But what I was looking for, was really good exfoliation and resurfacing of my skin. That didn't happen for me. My skin felt the same (again only plumper and firmer). I'm a little disappointed because they had such glowing reviews on their website, so I expected more. Sephora's website also had glowing reviews, but more cases where the product didn't work for some (so I didn't feel as bad or like I was the only one this product didn't work for). Sometimes that happens. 

This product is offered in a mini-size. If it is your first time trying it, I would suggest getting that size and seeing how it works for you. For me (and I can't believe I'm saying this), it wasn't strong enough. I much prefer using Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel Pads (reviewed here) (Net A Porter, Gilt, Harrods, Shop Premium Outlets, Nordstrom, Selfridges, SpaceNK) or Sunday Riley's Good Genes (reviewed here)(Anthropologie, ASOS, Bloomingdales, Free People, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Macys, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Olivela, Revolve, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges, SpaceNK). Whenever I use either of those products, my skin feels so soft! I can really feel the difference and my makeup lays so much better. I didn't get that feeling while using Alpha-H. So you guys, that is my experience. I was really hoping it would work for me, but that wasn't the case.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment With Glycolic Acid is Bittersweet

 

The Best Tips To Minimize The Chances Of Birth Injuries

Giving birth is a beautiful experience but can also be dangerous if the proper precautions aren't taken. Unfortunately, an alarming number of newborns are injured yearly during birthing. In some cases, these injuries are minor and can be easily treated. However, they can be quite severe and even life-threatening in other cases. Therefore, if you are pregnant or know someone pregnant, educating yourself on the best ways to minimize the chances of birth injuries is essential.

 Photo by Jonas Kakarato from Pexels

1) Make Sure That You Are Getting Regular Prenatal Care

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of birth injuries is to ensure that you get regular prenatal care. This means seeing your doctor or midwife regularly throughout your pregnancy. Regular checkups will help ensure that both you and your baby are healthy and that any potential problems are caught early on.

If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They will be able to give you the specific information and guidance that you need.

Prenatal care is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your baby during pregnancy, so don't skip out on it!

2) Avoid Smoking And Drinking Alcohol

Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy are two worst things you can do for your baby. If you are pregnant, it is best to avoid these substances altogether. Not only can they cause congenital disabilities, but they can also lead to low birth weight and other complications.

If you cannot quit smoking or drinking alcohol cold turkey, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risks. For example, try to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke each day and avoid drinking alcohol during the first trimester when your baby's brain is developing.

Even if you can quit smoking and drinking alcohol before your baby is born, it is still essential to be aware of the risks. If you are around people who are smoking, there is a chance that your baby could be exposed to these substances.

3) Eat A Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet during pregnancy is essential for you and your baby. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. Eating a healthy diet will help to keep you and your baby healthy and minimize the chances of birth injuries of newborn when you are in labor.

Ask your doctor or a registered dietitian if you have any questions about what to eat during pregnancy. They can help you create a healthy eating plan that is right for you and your baby.

4) Get A Good Doctor

One of the best things you can do to reduce your chances of having a birth injury is to get a good doctor. Make sure that you choose a doctor who is experienced and who has a good track record. You should also ensure that you feel comfortable with your doctor and trust them.

If you are having a high-risk pregnancy, it is even more critical to find a good doctor. A high-risk pregnancy is one where there are complications or risks involved. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, then you need to make sure that your doctor is someone who can handle it and who will be able to help you through it.

Another thing to consider when choosing a doctor is whether or not they are certified. There are many different certification organizations out there, but not all of them are created equal. You want to make sure that you choose a doctor who is certified by an organization that is reputable and has a good track record. This will help to ensure that your doctor is well-qualified to care for you and your baby.

5) Be Aware Of The Warning Signs

There are some warning signs that you should be aware of during pregnancy. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must contact your doctor immediately.

• Excessive weight gain

• High blood pressure

• Protein in the urine

• Swelling in the hands, feet, or face

• Persistent headaches

• Visual changes

• Decreased fetal movement

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately. They can determine if you risk developing preeclampsia or any other complication. Early detection is key in minimizing the chances of birth injuries.

There are several things that you can do to reduce your chances of having a birth injury. These include getting a good doctor, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, and being aware of the warning signs. If you are concerned about your pregnancy's safety, please contact your doctor immediately. They will be able to help you through every step of the way.

Wedding Ring Styles: 5 Timeless & Elegant Designs

Photo by Yvette LeBaron from Pexels

If you and your fiancée are tying the knot in the coming few months, your thoughts will turn to the wedding ring, which symbolise your union and if there was a time for bespoke solutions, this would be it.

Here are some timeless wedding ring styles that are popular in 2022.

1. Eternity Ring - This is a gold band with small pave diamonds set into the band. The stones encompass the entire band, which is a very popular style. While diamonds are generally used, you could have emeralds, rubies or even sapphires, or a combination, which adds colour. Of course, you might prefer platinum, a precious metal that does not tarnish, which is more practical than gold.

2. Half Eternity Ring - The same as the eternity ring, except the pave diamonds only cover half of the band. When you approach a custom jeweller, you start with your concept and the expert gradually tweaks the design until you are happy. A half eternity ring is ideal for a wedding ring and with your choice of platinum or gold, the jeweller can create the perfect wedding ring that matches your engagement ring. Indeed, some girls have the plan to have both rings made by the same jeweller, which guarantees a perfect match.

3. Matching Gold Wedding Bands - If diamonds aren’t your thing, why not commission a matching pair of gold wedding bands? Many women have a very active lifestyle and prefer not to have diamonds set into their wedding ring; a gold band design is perfect. Thick or thin, shiny or matte, there are many style variations and you can even have your initials inscribed on the inner surfaces. For the best custom male wedding bands, talk to a leading custom jeweller, who has what it takes to create your vision. Why even look at premade rings when you can create a unique pair of wedding bands for about the same budget?

4. Three Diamonds In A Solitaire Setting - A large central stone with a smaller stone on each side is a traditional wedding ring design that is very popular among young couples. This design is probably the most popular for engagement rings, but also wedding rings and that doesn’t look like changing anytime soon. Talk to a custom jeweller about solitaire diamond ring designs and see what the expert can offer.

5. Princess Cut Diamond In A Halo Setting - The ultimate in bling, this has a central diamond with the Princess Cut surrounded by smaller stones in a halo setting. Your choice of platinum or gold and the custom jeweller will take your design concept and turn it into reality. Browse images of previous projects for some inspiration, and you are sure to find the right design for your wedding ring.

Photo by SYNG on Unsplash

If you have your heart set on a pair of matching wedding bands, the custom jeweller has all the solutions and what’s more, he can source loose, uncut diamonds and gemstones at wholesale prices, saving you at least 15%. 

How Elasticity In Your Face Affects Your Appearance

Do you ever wonder why some people always look young while others seem to age prematurely? The answer may surprise you: it has a lot to do with the elasticity of their skin. Elasticity is the ability of skin tissue to resume its original shape after being stretched or compressed. There are several factors that affect the elasticity of your skin, including age, genetics, and lifestyle choices. In this blog post, we will discuss all about elasticity in your face- what it is, how it affects your appearance, and how to maintain healthy skin elasticity.

Photo by Conor OBrien on Unsplash

What Is Elasticity?

As we age, our skin loses its ability to snap back into place. This is because the collagen and elastin fibers that give our skin its firmness and flexibility break down over time. The loss of these important proteins is what causes wrinkles, sagging skin, and other visible signs of aging. Elasticity can be measured by a number of different methods, but the most common method is the “pinch test.” To do this test, simply pinch a small section of your skin between your thumb and forefinger and then release it. If your skin snaps back into place immediately, then you have good skin elasticity. If your skin takes a longer time to return to its original position, then your skin elasticity is not as good as it could be.

Factors That Affect Elasticity

There are a number of factors that can affect the elasticity of your skin, including age, genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Let’s take a closer look at each of these:

• Age: As we age, our collagen and elastin fibers break down, which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin.

• Genetics: Some people are born with genes that make their skin more elastic than others. Additionally, the ethnic background can also play a role in skin elasticity. For example, Asian skin typically has better elasticity than Caucasian skin.

• Lifestyle Choices: Smoking cigarettes and spending time in the sun can damage the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin, leading to premature aging.

• Environmental Factors: Exposure to pollution and other toxins can also damage the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin.

How Elasticity Affects Your Appearance

The loss of collagen and elastin fibers leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and other visible signs of aging. Additionally, poor skin elasticity can also cause acne scars and stretch marks. Low lying eye lids, a double chin, and “turkey neck” are also common signs of poor skin elasticity. Good skin elasticity, on the other hand, can help you maintain a youthful appearance. This is because elastic skin is better able to snap back into place after being stretched or compressed. Additionally, elastic skin is also better able to resist wrinkling and sagging.

How To Maintain Healthy Skin Elasticity

There are a number of things you can do to maintain healthy skin elasticity, including:

• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

• Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Drinking enough water to keep your skin hydrated.

• Exercising regularly to improve blood circulation.

You can also consider using Botox to improve your skin’s elasticity, especially in specific areas. Botox treatments have improved, encouraging women of all ages to take advantage of them, including those in their twenties. Aside from their effectiveness, there are several other reasons why women get BOTOX® in their twenties. But the main point is it’s worth considering if you want to improve skin elasticity in specific parts.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your skin elastic and looking its best.

Elasticity is the ability of skin tissue to resume its original shape after being stretched or compressed. There are several factors that affect the elasticity of your skin, including age, genetics, and lifestyle choices. In this blog post, we discussed all about elasticity in your face- what it is, how it affects your appearance, and how to maintain healthy skin elasticity. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help keep your skin looking its best. 

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum Review

Disclosure:This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post. 

Not Sponsored: Sephora had a lot of deluxe sample products that I was interested in, so I used some of my points to purchase them. I'll be reviewing the last of these products for you this week. So far, I've reviewed Biossance's Squalane + Omega Repair Cream, Fresh Beauty's Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum,  Drunk Elephant's Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum & Protini Polypeptide Cream and Caudalie's Vinoperfect Facial Radiance Dark Spot Correcting Serum. The last deluxe sample product I would like to review for you today is Dr. Barbara Sturm's Hyaluronic Serum (Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Farfetch, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Net A Porter, Olivela, Revolve, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges, SpaceNK).

 

I've never tried any skincare products from Dr. Barbara Sturm, but I thought her hyaluronic serum would be a great place to start. In a nutshell, hyaluronic acid will plump up your skin, help it retain its moisture and make your skin feel smooth. I love anything that will PLUMP, RETAIN & ADD MOISTURE TO MY DRY SKIN! With the cost of this serum, I expected some serious plumping! So did it happen!?!

Before I jump the gun, who is Dr. Barbara Sturm? Her medical career started in ORTHOPEDICS. That kind of puzzled me. I thought her area of practice and concentration would've been dermatology. See, you can't assume! Her website says she "developed cutting-edge treatments for inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis." Ok. Her "treatment utilizes the patient’s own blood cells to produce proteins that reduce inflammation and stimulate the healing process." She has "translated science from her clinical research and orthopedic practice into the field of aesthetics". Ok. Well, I've included a video where she discusses her career, background and transition into skincare below.

 

Now let me discuss, Dr. Sturm's Hyaluronic Serum. Her website states her serum is, "packed with a concentrated balance of low and high molecularly weighted Hyaluronic Acid, provides instant hydration, boosts moisture to help reduce the formation of wrinkles caused by dehydration, and contains an active anti-aging ingredient Purslane calms the skin and reduces the visible signs of irritation." 

You apply this serum, by placing a few drops in your hand and gently pat it into the skin on your face. I have patted it in. I have placed it directly on my skin. I will say, it feels REALLY GOOD going into the skin. It's not heavy or sticky. Your skin feels nourished upon applying it, but the magic stopped there for me. My dry skin drank this serum up. I never saw any plumping afterwards. My fine lines looked the same. My skin didn't feel hydrated or moisturized above when I applied this serum. I just felt like I did before I applied it. I kept trying this day in and day out and NOTHING. I even tried this serum on the back of my hands and NOTHING. 

So, I went to Sephora's website to read the reviews there and this serum received 3 stars. Either people really loved it or they said it didn't work for them (one person even said it was "snake oil"). Dr. Sturm offers a huge skincare product line. I would like to try some other things before forming an overall opinion about her skincare products. I might do that next year. I'm just in shock, because not to see any results is puzzling to me. Maybe I received a bad sample batch?

Another thing I did, was do a search of BEST HYALURONIC SERUMS. This product never came up! The Ordinary, Skinceuticals and Drunk Elephant constantly came up. I think next year, I'm going to try some brands that sell hyaluronic acid and see for myself. For plumping, I'm using Fresh Beauty's Kombucha Essence (Neiman Marcus, Harrods, SpaceNK) and Lancome's Renergie HCF Triple Serum (Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales, Harrods, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom) in which BOTH have hyaluronic acid. Those are the two skincare products that are working for me now.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum is Bittersweet

 

Caudalie Vinoperfect Facial Radiance Dark Spot Correcting Serum Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: Sephora had a lot of deluxe sample products that I was interested in, so I used some of my points to purchase them. I'll be reviewing the last of these products for you this week. So far, I've reviewed Biossance's Squalane + Omega Repair Cream, Fresh Beauty's Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum and Drunk Elephant's Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum & Protini Polypeptide Cream. Today, I would like to review Caudalie's Vinoperfect Facial Radiance Dark Spot Correcting Serum (Anthropologie, Saks Fifth Avenue, Harvey Nichols, Macys, SpaceNK, Selfridges, Revolve, Nordstrom) for you. 

I've never tried anything from the skincare brand Caudalie before, so I went to their website to read about the brand. It's a French skincare company, that is independent and family owned. Its founders are a husband and wife duo, Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas. What I often noticed about Caudalie's packaging were the grapes on them. Grapes are synonymous with Caudalie's history. Grape seeds contain the most powerful antioxidants (polyphenols - see video below) in the world. These seeds are extracted from grapes and used in many of Caudalie's skincare products. You may also see the word Vino (vine-based ingredients) on their packaging. That is because Caudalie has also found useful beauty treatment from grape vines (sap) and grape water. They've truly found uses from all aspects of grapes.

I wanted to explain Caudalie's use of grapes in their skincare (above) before beginning my review of their Vinoperfect Facial Radiance Dark Spot Correcting Serum. Caudalie uses Viniferine (a precious sap that runs through vine stalks) to make this product. I've included a very interesting video for you below; but to sum it up ... women who worked in the vineyards often used sap from grapevines to help reverse sun damage (on their hands, face etc. - this sap has brightening power, it lightens dark spots, it also helps with uneven skin tone). 

 

As you age, you can get dark spots from many sources (sun, acne scars, age etc). I personally have a combination of them.  What caught my eye about this serum, was the fact that it is 62% more effective than Vitamin E alone. Our grandmother's solution to dark spots was "put some vitamin E on it". Well, now there are more options. The serum contains upcycled vine sap (corrects & prevents dark spots) and olive squalane (hydrates & nourishes skin). This serum is effective on dark spots caused by SUN, ACNE, PREGNANCY, AGE and MELASMA. It's perfect for sensitive skin. This serum has a nature/woodsy scent to it (in my opinion). Caudalie describes the scent as citron blossom, orange leaves, watermelon and crushed mint. It has a milky, cloudy white liquid consistency. It absorbs quickly into the skin. I only had a deluxe sample size of this serum, but while using it I noticed fading of dark areas of my skin, especially acne scars. It's really good and effective. I'm just not a huge fan of the scent. But sometimes you have to deal with negative things to achieve positive things. I may try another deluxe sample of this serum to see if its worth incorporating into my skincare regimen. The reason why I say that is because, I love Sunday Riley's Good Genes (Anthropologie, ASOS, Bloomingdales, Free People, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Macys, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Olivela, Revolve, Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges, SpaceNK). It's an excellent exfoliant, that has helped me with dark spots. I'll give you an update on this post, but I definitely experienced fading of my acne scars. This serum also worked well with my sensitive skin. I experienced no adverse effects. As far as hydration, I would say I didn't find this serum very hydrating. But it is really good at fading.

 

 

   

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Caudalie Vinoperfect Facial Radiance Dark Spot Correcting Serum is Sweet

How To Speed Up Your Home Business

According to the old adage, time is money. And today, time means speed. Everything depends on getting things done quickly for profit. So here are some tips to speed up your home business.

Look After Your Computers

It almost guarantees you use one or more computers to do business at your home. But you may also not be a computer expert. For instance, you probably don’t know how to “defrag” a laptop or PC mechanical hard disk. Or how to remove used files and registry items. These can all slow down your computers and cause crashes. Meaning your business is interrupted. Fortunately, apps like CCleaner can work by keeping your computers in ship-shape condition.

Speed Up Your Home Business With Industry Software

Using specialized software can vastly improve your business. For example, suppose you offer walking tours of somewhere like Stonehenge. In that case, you need to communicate with clients for booking. But you may use email for queries and PayPal for payment. These work well, but software like Rezdy can handle bookings, comms, and promos between customers, resellers like Tripadvisor, and your business. Industry software just makes everything easier.

Upgrade Your Internet

You might think everyone has the internet. Yet only 63% of the world’s population is online. However, that’s still over 4 billion people that are potential customers. But what if you lose business because your internet just isn’t good enough. A customer won’t wait for your pages to load and will move on if your site crashes. So if you have older connections at home like DSL or use a cheaper package, it might be time to upgrade to an ethernet-based fiber optic line.

See this infographic for more on the pros and cons of fiber internet:

Infographic designed by this infographic

A Guide To Green Fashion

Photo by Maria Orlova from Pexels

Green fashion (commonly known as sustainable fashion or eco-fashion) is fashion that is designed to have minimal negative impact on the environment. It has become a lot more popular in recent years as a result of growing climate change awareness. Below are a few examples of how to dress sustainably.

Slow fashion

The phrase ‘fast fashion’ describes companies that regularly bring out new clothing that is cheaply made and designed to mimic current passing fads. The business model encourages customers to keep buying and throwing away clothing at a fast rate. Such clothing is often not eco-friendly to produce and results in a lot of waste. Consequently, more consumers are starting to embrace ‘slow fashion’. Such clothes are typically a little more expensive, but are designed to get much more wear - they incorporate timeless fashion trends and are much more durable.This in turn reduces waste and demand on clothing production.

Organic fabrics

A lot of clothing contains synthetic fabrics and dyes, which typically aren’t biodegradable and often produce more pollutants during manufacture and laundry. Organic materials like cotton, linen, bamboo and hemp are much more earth-friendly. They come from natural sources and are biodegradable. When buying clothes, consider opting for these materials over the likes of polyester and acrylic.

Recycled materials

Some clothing is made from recycled materials. This includes recycled organic fabrics and recycled synthetic fabrics. Some clothing is even made from recycled plastic objects like plastic bottles. Such clothing reduces waste by encouraging materials to be reused. Check out a few brands that produce clothing from recycled materials here at The Sustainable Living Guide.

Second-hand clothing

Buying second-hand clothing is technically another means of recycling. It discourages pre-owned clothes from ending up in landfill sites, instead giving them extended life as clothing. There are so many different places to shop for second hand clothes including local selling sites, eBay, thrift stores, charity stores, flea markets, consignment stores and clothing swap events. Look for clothes that are in good condition and still trendy (buying second-hand is a great way to save money on designer clothes).

Hand-crafted/DIY clothing

A lot of clothing is produced in factories that produce lots of emissions. Hand-crafted clothing is much more eco-friendly and can be another good option for those wanting to be more green. You can buy hand-crafted clothing on sites like Etsy. There’s also the option of making your own clothes if you have experience sewing or knitting. Sites like Rockywoods sell fabrics, including a range of  eco-friendly fabrics.

The leather debate

Fabrics like leather are made from animal skins, and as a result many vegans don’t wear them. Instead, some vegans opt for synthetic leather, which does not involve any animal products in its manufacture. Unfortunately, vegan leather is worse for the planet than real leather because of the amounts of emissions produced to manufacture it and lack of biodegradability. Consequently, there is no truly ‘green’ solution to leather, and those buying leather clothes should be wary of this.

3 Things You Need For An Effective Marketing Campaign

Companies need to have an effective marketing campaign so they can draw in leads and turn them into sales. Creating this can be difficult, however. If you don’t know exactly what you need for an effective marketing campaign, it can seem impossible.

While you’ll likely already know you need to have in-depth market research, a few essential elements can be overlooked, despite how vital they are. You’ll need to make sure you have them from the get-go, as your marketing campaign could fail without them.

Three particular marketing essentials stand out in this regard.

What You Need For An Effective Marketing Campaign: 3 Top Picks

1. High-Quality Content

No marketing campaign can succeed without content. Whether that’s a simple email, copy for an ad, or even a landing page, you’ll need to populate it with content. You’ll have to make sure this is as high-quality as possible.

You’ll need to go beyond simply putting words on a page, however. Pro quality stock images, video content, calls-to-action, and similar factors all come into play here. These make your campaign more visually appealing and persuasive.

You’ll end up seeing more leads and conversions with this. When you’re developing this content, focus on what your readers want to hear and inform them of why they should buy from you.

2. Messaging

Your marketing campaign needs to have a message. This is the point you’re trying to get across with your marketing. It’s what you’ll want your potential customers to think and feel after reading or watching your ad.

When you’re developing this, focus on a customer’s pain point or need. Highlighting how your company meets this, and build your campaign out of this. It should be the focal point of your marketing campaign and inform the rest of your efforts.

 Emphasize benefits rather than features of your product or service when you’re doing so.

3. Budget

While there’s a wealth of low-cost marketing strategies and tools you can take advantage of, nothing comes for free. You’ll need to spend some money on your advertising. The trick here is to figure out how much you’ll spend on it.

Though this can be a tricky part to figure out, there are ways to make it simpler, including:

• Match what you believe your competitors are spending

• Break down your budget by task

• Have a percentage of sales dedicated to marketing

With those tips, you shouldn’t have a problem developing a marketing budget. Be sure to analyze and adjust as your campaign goes on.

What You Need For An Effective Marketing Campaign: Wrapping Up

When you’re figuring out what you need for an effective marketing campaign, it’s easy to overlook a few factors. With how essential they can be, forgetting them dooms your strategy and results in it not being as effective as you want it to be.

You’ll see fewer leads and less revenue because of it. By knowing your budget, having an effective message, and using high-quality content, you can make sure your marketing campaign is as effective as possible.

There shouldn’t be anything stopping you from maximizing your return on revenue.

How To Choose The Best CBD Sweets

If you're looking for a new way to enjoy CBD, you may want to try CBD sweets. There are several companies that produce high-quality CBD sweets that you can enjoy. For example, CBD Life offers gummy rings in peach flavour that have around 25 mg of CBD per sweet. They're great for adults and kids and are made with organic ingredients. These sweets are also rich in healthy fatty acids and come in a variety of flavours.

Photo by Evie Fjord on Unsplash

CBD sweets are a great way to take in CBD, and they're also tasty. They come in all sorts of flavours, concentrations, and brands. Whether you're looking for a simple, straightforward CBD sweet, or something more indulgent, you're sure to find one that suits your taste and mood. There are a few things to look for when choosing CBD sweets, but most importantly, you should look for sweets made with industrial hemp, which contains a low level of THC.

JustCBD gummies are an excellent option for anyone looking for sweets that contain CBD since they don't contain any THC. You can buy CBD Candy for Pain from JustCBD Store. These sweets are also great for children because they have a low-calorie count and no aftertaste. JustCBD also makes CBD vape products based on classic cannabis strains. These products come in different potencies and 60ml bottles. They're also a good place to buy bulk CBD oil.

Charlotte's Web CBD gummies are a great choice for those who need to take CBD before bedtime. Charlotte's CBD gummies are plant-based and organic and don't contain artificial colours. While CBD gummies are great for reducing stress, there's a slight risk that they may give you a positive drug test. Additionally, they can make you feel sleepy and tired. Although there's no scientific evidence to support their safety, these CBD gummies may not be suitable for people allergic to THC.

Joy Organics CBD gummies contain 10 milligrams of CBD and are certified organic. They also come in strawberry lemonade flavour, which is great for relieving minor body pains and aches. They are also great for reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. Just make sure to check the ingredients and flavour before buying.

CBD gummies are an excellent choice for those having difficulty sleeping. They are easy to take and do not have an aftertaste as some other products do. The gummies are also rich in vitamins D and B12, which help balance moods and relieve stress. They also contain 10 mg of CBD, so they are a great option for those looking for a sweet way to get CBD into their bodies.

 You should also look for a gummy that contains full spectrum CBD. These gummies are easy to take and have a high amount of CBD. Many people love these sweets because they promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and reduce anxiety. They're a must-have for your de-stressing routine.