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As we get closer to the end of 2016, and I approach my 38th birthday, I have come to the realization that one thing I need to do is start focusing more on me. Focusing more on my health and taking better care of myself because I deserve it.

For years, my life has focused on my family, my kids, and I have always put myself last and now, I am slowly learning to put myself first.

One thing I have been doing to focus more on my health and wellness is by using products that focus on women’s wellness and helping me be the best me I can be.

Here are some of the items that I am currently using to help me be a better me!

Focusing on Skincare

It has taken me almost 38 years to make caring for my skin a priority. I have struggled with a variety of skin conditions over the years and throughout my pregnancies that I have never taken the time to find products that actually work for me.

I’ve been on the hunt for a night cream that didn’t irritate my sensitive but would nourish and moisturize. I have now been using Lancer’s Intensive Night Treatment from Beverly Hills-based and globally renowned dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer for almost 2 weeks and I have been very pleased with how it is tackling my dry skin and reducing the flakiness.

This luxurious anti-aging cream is formulated with skin beneficial hydrating agents including Hylaplex® and marula oil which provide a moisture barrier, helping skin retain healthy hydration for a smoother, plumper appearance and renewed radiance.

Features & Benefits:

• Hylaplex™ – combines a novel, crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid with peptides and phytocompounds; helping to plump skin’s appearance and providing longlasting moisturization
• Marula Oil – nourishes skin with high levels of essential fatty acids
• Bio-engineered Soybean Extract – reduces skin flakiness by bolstering moisture

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New customers can save 10% off their 1st order using code: BESTSKIN at Lancer Skincare.

Unlock Your DNA

One thing I am really looking forward to learning about is what my DNA says about me. Thanks to this easy to use at home saliva collection kit from 23andMe, I will soon be able to understand what my DNA says about my wellness, traits and ancestry

All it took to collect my saliva was to spit a few times into the vial provided, pack it up, and ship it off. Since then, I have been keeping tabs on where my DNA analysis is in the process.

I am really looking forward to receiving my results and am anxious to see what the reports have to say. With the 23andMe DNA analysis, you get  65+ personalized genetic reports in four key areas:

1. Ancestry reports: Your DNA can tell you about your family history. 3 Reports: Ancestry Composition, Maternal & Paternal Lineage, Neanderthal.
2. Wellness reports. Your genetics can help you make more informed choices about your diet and exercise. 5+ Reports: Caffeine Consumption, Lactose Intolerance, Muscle Composition, Alcohol Flush Reaction, Deep Sleep and Sleep Movement
3. Traits Reports. Explore what makes you unique, from food preferences to physical features. 19+ Reports. Example reports: Hair Loss, Sweet vs. Salty Preference, Unibrow
4. Carrier Status: If you are planning to start a family, find out if you are a carrier for an inherited condition. 

I’m pretty sure that when I receive my results, I will most likely be blogging about it so be sure to check back.

Feminine Hygiene

Let’s face it, there aren’t many women that like to discuss feminine hygiene, but it is still important to your overall health and well-being, as a women.

Summer’s Eve®, a leader in feminine hygiene products, has developed Cleansing Cloths, a way to

provide an easy and discreet way to feel confidently fresh.

No one likes that “not so fresh” feeling and Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths are perfect to toss in your purse, gym bag or pocket – whenever you’re on the go to help you to stay fresh throughout all of life’s moments – wherever and whenever!

Promote Digestive Health

Having a good balance among all of the diverse microbes in your gut is key to well-being. I have listened to my mom talk about the benefits of probiotics for years but it wasn’t until I started using Ultimate Flora™ Extra Care Probiotic from Renew Life that it all made sense.

To keep your complex system thriving, Renew Life’s highpotency formulas, formulated with billions of live cultures, work hard to replenish the good bacteria that occur in a naturally healthy gut.* Ultimate Flora probiotics provide up to 200 billion live probiotic cultures per serving and up to 40 scientifically studied probiotic strains to promote digestive balance and support immune health.*

These once daily, delayed-release vegetable capsules help ensure more friendly probiotics reach your intestinal tract and they are a great way to support digestive balance and immune health everyday.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Hair Care

Yes, I have even managed to slack on my own hair care over the years. I don’t know what it is about being a mom but I just prefer to toss my hair up into a pony or a bun and just forget about it. I also am awful at getting regular haircuts and even……washing my hair. I have a very sensitive scalp so I am extra careful about what I use and how often I use it.

The illumai Biome Care System for Hair uses a revolutionary new approach that helps your hair to become and stay vibrant from the inside out.

Women are increasingly aware of potentially harmful ingredients in their personal care products. Hair care is at the top of the list, as hair visibly reflects our health and changing environmental stress. Now, there is a healthy, sustainable way to bring hair to its beautiful best, regardless of the environmental stressors, or your hair type.

For me, I have enjoyed using illumai because it doesn’t contain sulfates, silicones, parabens, preservatives, plasticizers, and it is gluten-free, nut-free, 100% vegan and cruelty-free (PETA certified) which makes it a great match for my sensitive scalp. This innovative system gently cleanses, nurtures and protects your biome, the living ecosystem of scalp, follicles, hair, peptides, proteins, moisturizing oils and related microbiota and leaves me with a happy head!

Save 40%

You can save 40% off  your order of the full or trial size when you use code: 87-MEGALOMANIACMOMMY at check out.

Get On Top of Your Wellness

As women, we often put our families before ourselves and it is time we all get on top of our own wellness. What products do you use to promote your health and well being? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below.

 

Everyone knows how important and beneficial to your health it is to enjoy good air quality in your home, which is a why you need to get around to changing your air filters.

The most commonly used type of filter you will find in your HVAC system are pleated air filters and once you have established what type you actually need for your home, it makes sense to learn how to get the job of changing them done, in no time at all.

Different types of air filter

There are a good number of homeowners who don’t get around to changing their air filter as often as they should, simply because they don’t really know what they need to do or what type of air filter they need.

It is not overly complicated and a quick run through of the different types of air filter available will soon put you right and allow you to identify what you need for your system.

The various types of home air filters will offer you different levels of performance and also have differing maintenance requirements. The fundamental point to remember is that in general terms, whatever type of air filter you have, it will provide optimum performance when it is new and when it is as clean as possible.

Pleated air filters are commonplace in many home systems. They work well in collecting both large and small particles, which means that they should be efficient in dealing with things like mites and spores. To get the best out of your pleated air filter, it should be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Other air filter available include fiberglass and disposable or permanent electrostatic. Disposable fiberglass filters are relatively inexpensive, but are often not as efficient as a pleated air filter, meaning that they will take care of bigger particles like dust and general debris, but won’t work so well as a pleated version in collecting smaller particles.

If you install a permanent electrostatic filter, it is machine washable which may help in costs rather than replacing, but you can’t realistically expect this type to collect as many particles as a pleated version. A disposable electrostatic filter works the same way as a permanent one, using electrically charged fibers to collect particles, but the disposable version is likely to prove a bit more effective than a permanent electrostatic filter.

When the time is right

There is no question that the type of filter you have will be an influential factor in determining when the time is right to change it, so that you can enjoy maximum efficiency and clean air in your home.

As well as finding out the suggested lifespan of your filter, also gather some clues using your nose and general state of health. If you notice that the air does not seems as fresh as it has been or you are noticing that your allergies have flared up, or you are getting more frequent colds, it might be an opportune time to change your filter, or maybe consider choosing a different type, for better efficiency in collecting particles.

In terms of knowing when to change your filter, the stock answer is that your filters should be changed when they are dirty.

How many people live in your home, the layout and conditions, the type of filters you are using, are all things that can affect the life of your air filter. Get into a routine of checking the condition of your filter on a monthly basis, and you should be able to stay on top of the performance of your HVAC.

Efficiency rating

If you are still a bit confused about which type of filter to buy for your HVAC system, you might want to consider using the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), which is given to each air filter.

This rating will guide you on how efficient it is in trapping the various particles infiltrating your home. However, the rating which is between one and thirteen, with the higher MERV rating signifying a greater level of efficiency, needs to be viewed in conjunction with your needs, rather than in isolation.

You may think that an air filter with a high MERV rating is the best choice, but it should be remembered that the greater its efficiency rating, the lower the airflow you can expect, which will make your system more expensive to run.

The best air filter for you will likely be based on not just a decent MERV rating, but also one that fits your needs and is best suited to your HVAC system, so ask your supplier for guidance if you are not sure.

Stephan Reed is a handyman with his own business servicing his local area. One of those guys who is happy to help, and full of useful info, he is now sharing his knowledge with an online audience.

You want to raise your kids the right way and make sure they are streetwise in many different things, but one conversation that too many of us don’t have with our kids, is a talk about money.

Making sure your children are financially literate and getting them to understand the importance and consequences attached to money could prove to be time well spent, and should help them avoid a few common mistakes and misapprehensions along the way.

Filling in the gaps

You children will get a school education that teaches them how to read and write as well as a good grounding in mathematics, but financial literacy is noticeably in short supply when you look at the curriculum taught by many schools.

It seems that many schools simply don’t have a requirement to teach financial literacy and therefore it can often be the case that your kids could finish their education and head out into the world of employment, without having some of the basic financial skills they need as an adult.

This is why it is so important to talk to your children, answer their questions and give them some sort of grounding on how to handle money.

A lifetime relationship with money

It goes without saying that if you teach your children about money you are laying the foundations for a lifetime relationship with money, where they understand the significance and difference between earning, spending and saving the cash that comes their way.

Financial literacy is not something achieved overnight and it has to be age appropriate to a certain extent, but even at a young age, the simple concept of putting money in a piggy bank in order to save up for something they want, is a valuable lesson that they can carry with them in later life.

Teaching your teens

If you have teenagers, you will probably already be aware from their behaviour at times, that they are preparing for adulthood and testing the boundaries.

It is also the time where you can have a more adult conversation with your kids about money and actively involve them in some regular transactions so that they can see how it all works. Explaining to them about budgeting, even discussing the difference between short and long term loans, can all be useful guidance and definitely worth having a conversation with them about.

It is a good idea to talk to your teenage kids about things like credit cards, and answer any questions they have about the subject. Make no mistake, banks tend to target teenagers and offer them financial products as soon as they are old enough to apply, so you want to ensure that they know what they are getting into and how to handle credit responsibly.

There are several important conversations you should have with your kids, some of them are going to be awkward and even embarrassing, but if you want to set them on the right path when it comes to money, make sure you talk to them about it at every stage of their childhood.

Ben Head loves to share his money saving insights and research. With the economy the way it is there’s never been a better time to learn how to make savings in everyday life. If you find Ben’s content useful, you can read more of his work at https://www.everyday-loans.co.uk/news/

Excessive waste is a problem for many countries around the world.  While solutions are brought to attention, few are put into action.  Nothing can rid the world of waste yet the best solution may start with the individual.  Some are making great efforts to reduce the amount of waste they produce.  Are you prepared to take the garbage bin challenge and reduce your household waste?

Think Smaller

For some, reduction starts with simplification.  Perform an audit of your values and lifestyle.  What motivates you?  What do you value?  What do you really need and which things are short term wants?  As you begin to think smaller, you’ll find it easier to live with less and desire a fewer possessions.  Prefer to invest in things that are reusable, fixable, and serve more than one function.

Stop Single Usage

Small changes can have huge impacts.  Imagine if 10% of all Starbucks customers used reusable cups rather than got a new cup with each purchase?  Similarly, imagine if a significant percentage of those who went to the grocery store brought their own bags?  It would allow for a lot less waste.  Stop single usage where and when you can.

Eat Whole Foods

How much food and package waste is produced by your household?  Imagine living more like a farmer, getting fresh food daily and leaving little to no waste.  You don’t have to live on a farm to incorporate more whole foods into your diet.  Moreover, learning quick and easy recipes reduces the amount of utilities needed.  Buying less packaged and processed foods is better for your body and the environment.

Buy Less But Better

As you think smaller, consider investing in better made products.  For example, you may divorce yourself from fashion yet you’ll need to identify quality clothes.  Buying higher quality clothing is not a salute to materialism but simplicity; buying better means that you can get away with purchasing less.  Buying cheaper commodities increases the likelihood that you’ll need a replacement or will soon opt for an upgrade.

Supersize It

Some prefer to shop at savings clubs because it affords them savings.  However, an added benefit of going to a wholesaler is the opportunity to buy larger sized containers, which is better than buying smaller packages more frequently.  Identify the goods you repeatedly need and then supersize your purchases.  Such buys may include laundry detergent, toilet paper, body soap, etc.

Use Rags and Handkerchiefs

How many tissues and paper towels are used throughout the household?  Maybe you never thought about it, but you probably use more than you think.  Can you use a handkerchief each time you need a tissue?  Can you use old rags or t-shirts to clean the home, washing these items and then reusing?  Consider how much waste you’ll reduce in one year’s time.  It’s a minor change but it makes a big impact.

Compost Food and Yard Waste

Depending on your family’s habits and the landscape of your property, a large portion of your waste may derive from food and the yard.  Food scraps along with yard debris and trimmings can be tossed in an outdoor compost bin.  Composting is a good ideas for those with children who may make compositing a lifelong habit.  For larger demolition and waste removal jobs, contact Dirt Cheap Rubbish Removal.

Stop Receiving Unwanted Mail

Tons of junk mail are discarded each day around the globe.  Reserve a moment and discontinue receiving the Yellow Pages and junk mail.  Like unsolicited phone calls, receiving junk mail becomes a nuisance.  However, few know how easy it is to stop receiving unwanted mail.  Go online, register, and reduce the waste.

Reuse Water Bottles

Ironically, the healthy act of drinking water bottles is pretty wasteful.  Stop buying water bottles and start filling a reusable vessel with tap or filtered water.  Generations have survived without consuming bottled water.  Perhaps it’s become a preference but realize it’s not a necessity.  Placing a filter on your faucet or buying a handheld model is easy and inexpensive.

Put a Price on the Grocery List

How many times do you go to the grocery store and purchase things you don’t use or need?  Put a price limit on your shopping list so you’ll buy only the essentials.  Also, the process will curb snacking and overeating.  Alternatively, visit the grocery store each evening, buying only what’s needed for the next twenty four hours.  This makes it easier to eat fresh, whole foods.

Matty has over a decade of experience in Sydney’s rubbish removal industry. He has built his business up from scratch and aims to make it as easy as possible for people to clean up and get rid of bulky unwanted waste, with on-site hand loaded waste removal.

‘Conveyancing‘ is the term used in the UK to describe the process of transferring title deeds for real estate from the seller to the buyer. The process starts as soon as the seller accepts an offer from the buyer. If you are wise, you will engage the services of a solicitor (lawyer) or licensed conveyancer to handle the process for you. Technically, you could do your own conveyancing, but this is not recommended.

The process

There are three principal stages in purchasing real estate in the UK. These are:
• verbal agreement between buyer and seller
• exchange of contracts
• completion

The initial agreement between buyer and seller is not legally binding, and either party can pull out of the agreement without penalty. For example, if you come across a property in Southport, Lancashire from EntwistleGreen.co.uk, you could place an offer immediately, even without viewing the property.

When contracts are exchanged, there is now a binding agreement, and a completion date will be set. The buyer will usually be required to pay a deposit of 10% of the purchase price, which will be held by the seller’s conveyancer. If the buyer pulls out, he or she will normally lose that deposit. If the seller pulls out, his or her conveyancer will return the deposit to the buyer, but the seller is not liable for any other penalty.

What your conveyancer will do

The conveyancer will request the contract documents from the seller’s conveyancer. The contract documents contain details of the property to be sold. These will include the agreed price, and what fixtures and fittings are included in the sale. Fixtures and fittings cover things like carpets and kitchen units. Fixed items like these are almost always included in real estate sales in the UK.

Your conveyancer will additionally carry out a number of legal searches related to the transaction. The first of these will be to ensure that the seller is actually the legal owner of the property and is entitled to sell it. Your conveyancer will check with the local authorities to see if there are any development plans that could impact on your proposed purchase in the future. The conveyancer will check that all property taxes are up to date. If not, the contract will be amended to ensure that the seller pays all outstanding debts, usually from the proceeds of the sale on completion date.

If the searches reveal any potential problems, such as plans to build a main road nearby, flooding issues, or problems with subsidence due to former mining activities, your conveyancer will inform you so that you have the option to withdraw before contracts are exchanged. Assuming you are happy to go ahead, contracts will be exchanged and your conveyancer will register your legal interest in the property.

Mortgages

If you need to get a mortgage to help you make the purchase, the mortgage company will insist that you use a licensed conveyancer or a solicitor to act on your behalf. You should ensure you have mortgage approval on your chosen property before you exchange contracts. Your mortgage company will insist on a property valuation before offering a loan. You will normally have to pay for this.

The mortgage company will send an independent valuer to view the property you want to buy. He or she will put a valuation on the property. If that valuation is significantly lower than what you have agreed to pay, your loan application will be declined. While this can be frustrating, it actually protects you from paying too much for your chosen property.

Your mortgage approval will be subject to some conditions. One of these is that you must take out buildings insurance so that you are covered from the moment the property transfers to your name.

Completion

Your conveyancer will send you an itemized breakdown of all the monies needed to complete, and you must ensure that those funds are in the conveyancer’s account before the completion date. The mortgage company will release funds directly to the conveyancer. Once the seller’s conveyancer has received the funds, the property is yours and you are handed the keys.

Conclusion

While the process is somewhat complicated, licensed conveyancers do this type of work all the time, so you can take a back seat for most of the process. Your conveyancer will handle negotiations with the seller’s conveyancer. He or she will forward documents that you need to sign, and, apart from ensuring that you will have the necessary finances in place to complete, that is really all you have to do.

Evie Gardiner has worked closely with property developers as a conveyancer. She enjoys sharing her industry insights online and her articles mainly appear on personal finance and property blogs.