When it comes to the world of investments, the options seem endless: stocks, bonds, real estate, mutual funds…the list goes on. But have you ever contemplated the glittering world of precious metals? Within the realm of top-notch companies like Hartford Gold, Noble Gold Investments, and Birch Gold, there lies a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be explored. However, as with any financial endeavor, prudence is key. It’s paramount to delve into reviews (for example, Birch Gold reviews) to ensure legitimacy and gather all the intel you need. Just like in any aspect of life, comprehensive knowledge is your greatest ally. So, here are 4 vital nuggets of wisdom to equip you before you embark on your journey into the realm of precious metals:
1. What precious metals are
Since ancient civilizations, the allure of precious metals like gold and silver has remained unshaken. In contemporary times, they still retain their luster, alongside other esteemed metals such as platinum and palladium. What grants these metals their timeless appeal? Their rarity, substantial economic value, scarcity, and their uncanny ability to act as a hedge against inflation.
2. What options you have
As the saying goes, “there’s more than one way to skin a cat,” and investing in precious metals is no different. The landscape offers a plethora of avenues to explore. If liquidity is your priority, consider commodity exchange-traded funds (ETFs). For those brave souls acquainted with the intricacies of mining stocks, common stocks and mutual funds are on the table. Should you prefer tangible assets, investing in physical coins and bars beckons, albeit with the caveat of needing secure storage. Futures and options markets and certificates present additional opportunities; the key is to research thoroughly and choose what aligns with your investment strategy.
3. The benefits of investing in precious metals
Embarking on the precious metals adventure offers an array of advantages. Beyond safeguarding your wealth from the ravages of inflation, precious metals boast intrinsic value, zero credit risk, and the allure of being financial lifeboats in turbulent times. High liquidity, ease of acquisition, portfolio diversification, and the ability to reduce volatility and risk even with a modest investment are among the many perks awaiting intrepid investors.
4. The risks of investing in precious metals
In the world of investments, no path is devoid of risks, and the journey through precious metals is no exception. Prices can take a nosedive due to various imbalances, including an excess of sellers over buyers, shifts in supply and demand, and the looming specter of geopolitical factors. It’s important to note that during periods of economic uncertainty, prices tend to surge, favoring sellers over buyers.
As you step into the realm of precious metals, arm yourself with these essential insights. Your investment voyage promises the gleam of opportunity, but only with a steadfast understanding of the terrain can you truly unlock the potential glittering within.
Possessing an expressive nature, dogs utilize a variety of tactics to communicate their sentiments, thoughts, and desires. With Emotional Support Animals (ESA) online certification, pet owners can learn to discern these signals and meet their emotional support dogs’ needs effectively. When pet parents understand what their four-legged companions are trying to express, it helps in addressing their emotions, from hunger pangs to the need for a playful session, stress, or even annoyance. Essentially, being a good ‘babysitter for pets’ involves decoding these canine signals. Below, we delve into the fascinating world of canine communication:
1. Barking and Growling
Barks and growls serve different purposes in a dog’s language, such as alerting you when they desire outdoor time or expressing surprise. The tone of their barks often reveals their mood, health state, and excitement level. Dogs may bark or growl to catch your attention, mark their territory, or express a need.
2. Gnawing
When dogs chew items like furniture or rugs, they might be venting stress or boredom. However, when this behavior seems directed towards communication, it may signal frustration or discomfort, especially when personal belongings are destroyed. Some dogs chew objects to claim them, while others resort to this due to poor bladder control.
3. Howling
Dogs employ howling as a long-distance communication tool with pack members. Newly relocated dogs or those separated from their families might howl to find each other. But if your dog howls while you’re out, it could be an expression of loneliness or frustration.
4. Licking
Licking generally signifies a dog’s affection towards you, but it can also be a request for something or a signal of discomfort. If your dog licks himself excessively, it could mean he is stressed, anxious, or infested with fleas or ticks.
5. Head Tilting
Dogs exhibit curiosity and attention by tilting their heads, a gesture that endears them to us. They use this behavior to better understand our words. Hence, you might notice your dog tilting their head while trying to comprehend your conversation.
6. Tail Chasing
Dogs usually chase their tails out of excitement or boredom, or in an attempt to nab floating objects. However, consistent tail chasing could mean your dog is trying to retrieve a dropped play item or following a scent.
7. Grass Eating
While grass-eating is common among dogs, excessive intake coupled with signs of discomfort may indicate a digestive issue. Dogs sometimes resort to grass for its fiber content, but overeating grass could also signify an underlying illness or infection.
8. Digging
Dogs dig to relax, relieve stress, and maintain their health. Excessive or unsafe digging, like in flower beds, may be a sign of boredom. Dogs may also dig to bury and later retrieve their toys or bones. Regularly providing treats, bones, or toys can help curb this.
9. Belly Exposing
A dog showing its belly is an act of trust and submission. This behavior invites us to engage in affectionate play. But, if your usually belly-shy dog rolls over as you approach, they could be unwell, possibly suffering from something like heartworm disease.
10. Displaying Puppy Dog Eyes
Dogs communicate their need for affection and positive intentions through their unique “puppy dog eyes.” This behavior, developed over generations, helps them capture our attention and gauge what makes us happy. If your dog frequently gives you this look after being alone, they might be feeling lonely and in need of more affection.
Dogs communicate in myriad ways. Understanding these methods and their meanings, and responding to them appropriately, is an excellent way to ensure that your dog recognizes you as a compassionate and caring pet parent.
We’ve all heard the stories of those lucky few who find something extraordinary in the attic, a precious item that turns out to be a valuable collectible. For many, this feels like a chance occurrence. However, investing in certain collectibles is actually a calculated way to secure potential future value. Some collect precious metals from brands like American Hartford gold and Goldco, some have gold collections with items from the US reserve, gold bars, and gold/silver coins, some love to collect NFL jerseys, and some even collect memorabilia from stamps.com. There is so much out there, and the world of collectibles might be vast, unpredictable, but there’s no doubt it is rewarding. Here are the top 10 collectibles that are not only cherished but have consistently proven to increase in value over time:
1. Precious metals
Brands like American Hartford Gold have made precious metals accessible and collectible. In times of economic uncertainty, investors turn to gold as a safe-haven asset, driving up its value. Furthermore, rare or unique gold coins from these brands can increase in worth exponentially over time.
2. NFL jerseys
Sports memorabilia, specifically NFL jerseys, is a booming sector in the collectibles market. Jerseys of popular players, especially rookie jerseys or those worn during significant games, can skyrocket in value as the player’s fame and legacy increase.
3. Stamps
Rare and digital stamps from companies like stamps.com may seem an unlikely addition to this list, but with the growing trend of digital collectibles, they’ve become surprisingly sought-after. Limited-edition digital stamps, for example, have grown in value significantly.
4. Comic books
The value of rare and first edition comic books, especially those featuring beloved characters’ first appearances, have been known to appreciate greatly. For instance, the first appearance of Spider-Man in a comic book was sold for over a million dollars!
5. Vintage watches
Brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe retain and often increase their value over time. Certain models that were initially unpopular upon release have later become sought-after collector’s items, sometimes fetching astronomical prices at auctions.
6. Artwork
Original artwork, particularly from notable artists, can appreciate in value tremendously. Investing in emerging artists can be a gamble but has the potential for a high return if they gain prominence.
7. Vintage wine
Investing in vintage wines from acclaimed vineyards or good vintages can provide an excellent return. As the wine ages and its availability decreases, the price tends to go up.
8. Rare books
First editions of classic novels, especially those signed by the author, can be worth a fortune. For instance, a first edition of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was recently sold for over $100,000.
9. Sneakers
Limited edition sneakers, particularly collaborations between big brands and famous personalities, are a hot commodity in the collectibles market. They often sell out instantly, with resale prices increasing exponentially soon after.
10. Antique furniture
Investing in antique furniture from renowned designers or eras can be a rewarding venture. Their value increases over time, especially if they’re well-maintained and have an interesting history attached.
Investing in collectibles can be both an enjoyable pastime and a smart financial move as there’s potential to see a significant return on your investment. Remember, the key to collecting is to buy what you love, so that no matter what happens, you’re enriched by the experience.
Sleep is essential to our well-being, and many of us strive to get a good night’s rest every night to maintain our health. However, between cars driving by your home, thoughts about work and other stressors, and uncomfortable bedding, you can be tossing and turning for hours. Some individuals experience narcolepsy, daytime sleepiness that can leave you feeling drowsy throughout the day, and they work to avoid narcolepsy with medications like Sunosi. However, like many other disorders, diseases, and illnesses, symptoms improve with a good sleep. Here’s 5 proven tips to help you sleep better at night:
1. Be consistent in your sleep schedule
Going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning is essential to keeping your sleep schedule in check and consistently getting a good night’s sleep. This way, you can ensure your body always gets the full rest it needs and you will find it easier to fall asleep at night as your body prepares for it. Stay consistent, even on the weekends.
2. Avoid caffeine in the evening
Caffeine should be avoided at a minimum of 6 hours before bed time. If consumed too late, caffeine can make it harder for you to fall asleep, reduce the amount of sleep you get, and reduce the amount of deep sleep you get. You should also avoid large meals and alcohol too close to bedtime.
3. Make sure your room is quiet and dark
A quiet and dark environment is essential for a good night’s rest. If you live near an airport or a busy highway, lights and noise from vehicles can keep you up and interrupt your sleep. Purchasing a white noise machine, or using a fan, and getting good curtains, like blackout curtains, can be a great way to improve your sleep. Trust us, quality sleep is the best investment you can make.
4. Remove electronic devices from your bedroom
Blue light from electronic devices can be misinterpreted by your body as daytime light, interfering with your internal clock and making it harder for you to fall asleep at night. Keep TVs, phones, tablets, and laptops out of the bedroom, or set a timer for at least an hour before bed to remove all devices. Reading is a great alternative for before sleep entertainment if you find yourself missing a TV show or scrolling through social media.
5. Get regular exercise
Being physically active during the day has been proven to help individual’s fall asleep at night. By raising your core body temperature through exercise, it signals your body that it’s time to be awake. After some time, when your temperature decreases and regulates, it triggers sleepiness in the body.
It’s common knowledge that cats can be fussy. Many people have to resort to only buying specific brands, salmon cat food, natural cat treats, and high protein wet cat food in order to please their fussy feline companions. Whatever the case, one thing is for sure—cats love to beg for human food. If you have a fussy cat and want to know which human foods are safe to feed cats, read on:
1. Meat
Cats are carnivores that feed primarily on meat. Skinless poultry is the healthiest option for cats. However, keep in mind that many cats have allergies to chicken. Protein plays a big part in the health of a feline and can help them maintain a sound reproductive system, vision, and heart. As a recommendation, you should always skin, debone, and cook any meat a cat is to eat.
2. Spinach
It shouldn’t surprise most that cats sometimes eat certain plants, not as food but as medicine. Cats love spinach, and for good reason. Spinach is a source of essential vitamins and minerals for a cat. That being said, you should never feed spinach to a cat with kidney issues, as it contains a compound called calcium oxalate, which can cause stones to form in the urinary tract if eaten in large amounts. Always be sure to wash any spinach before giving it to your cat as food to ensure it is free of any germs or pesticides.
3. Eggs
Eggs are high in protein, vitamin B complex, and calcium. It’s often an essential ingredient in most commercial cat foods and is undoubtedly a favorite among cats. Always avoid feeding raw eggs or eggs with added onions or garlic ingredients to cats as it can lead to pet toxicity. Cooked eggs are great sources of nutrition for cats and can help them keep a healthy, shiny coat.
4. Salmon
Being rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein that keeps a cat well, it’s no wonder salmon, a delicious and healthy human food, is also suitable for cats. As always, clean, debone, and cook all fish that a cat is to eat. Feeding raw fish to a cat might expose it to the potential risk of salmonella or E Coli, which cause it to become sick. And bones can shatter and injure your cat if you allow them to chew on it.
5. Whole grains
Whole grains come in various nourishing varieties, such as corn, wheat, oats, barley, or polenta. The benefit of whole grains is that they are high in vitamins and fiber. Like humans, cats can feed safely on whole grains and enjoy their nutritional benefits. Cats prefer to eat whole grains in smaller manageable bits, so crushing larger grain varieties before feeding them to a cat is a safe course to take. Of course, whatever type of grain a cat eats must be thoroughly cooked to help aid in proper digestion for your cat.
Ready to clean? Firstly, you need to be in the right mindset—be prepared to be patient, remember that mess is normal, and get your favorite tunes on to boost positivity. Next, you’ll need these essential cleaning products: Clorox ForceFlex Plus Glad trash bags, Clorox disinfect, Fabuloso all-purpose cleaner, and Pine-Sol cleaner. Lastly, you’ll want to use these 6 cleaning hacks that will help save time and get the job done more effectively:
1. Use dish soap to remove grease from more than just dishes
Dawn dish soap doesn’t just remove grease from your toughest pots and pans, it can clean grease off practically anything. Were you indulging in a greasy pizza that dripped on your favorite new shirt? Treat the stain with a small squirt of Dawn, rub it in with your finger, let it set for a few minutes, and throw it in the laundry. You’ll be amazed at how well it works!
2. Sterilize and clean other household items in the dishwasher
Your dishwasher doesn’t have to be just for dishes—try putting in fridge shelves, baby’s bath toys, microwave turntables, kitchen brushes, silicone oven mitts, appliance knobs, flip flops, and more! Make sure more fragile items are put into a mesh bag, and we would recommend washing your actual dishes in a separate load from this one.
3. Make your own glue remover
If your kids got into the glue or like to stick stickers anywhere and everywhere, you know how hard it is to get the ‘goo’ residue off. Not to mention the residue being a dirt and dust magnet. Don’t worry, it’s an easy fix—add 2 parts water and 1 part vodka to a spray bottle, spray the area, dab with a wet rag, and let it air dry. Glue be gone!
4. Get your appliances to clean themselves
You might think that you don’t need to clean your dishwasher since all it does is run water and bubbles, but you do. Some dishwashers and other appliances have self-cleaning settings, but if they don’t, try these tips. Swap out dishwasher detergent with dishwasher cleaner pods and run an empty cycle. To clean your microwave, fill a bowl halfway with water, put in a lemon slice or a cup of vinegar, microwave on high for 3 minutes, and awe at how easy it is to wipe away food grime.
5. Clean your screen door with a lint roller
Most people aren’t sure how to clean their screen doors, so many of us choose not to clean them at all. However, the dirt, dust, and pollen build-up can become noticeable overtime. Try cleaning your screen door with a lint roller—it’ll pick up the unwanted collection of build-up and make it a super quick job!
6. Get rid of water rings with a hair dryer
Those pesky water rings on wooden tables and furniture are annoying to look at and almost impossible to clean. Save your time scrubbing, buying new products, and researching how to fix them, and use this hack: blow your hair dryer on heat and watch as the rings magically disappear. Touch up with a bit of olive oil afterwards to recondition the wood and make it look brand new.
Hustle culture and side hustles have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among young adults and entrepreneurs. Hustle culture is a mindset that emphasizes the importance of working hard, being productive, and constantly striving for success. Side hustles are a part of hustle culture, where part-time jobs or entrepreneurial ventures are pursued alongside a person’s main source of income. Side hustles can offer financial benefits and opportunities for personal growth. Here are the top earring side hustles you can pursue:
1. Participate in clinical trials
Clinical trials are a great opportunity to make a difference in this world and getting paid to do it. Oftentimes universities and hospitals will offer clinical trials where they implement different biomedical or behavioral studies on willing participants. If you suffer from a health disorder like asthma or osteoporosis you may be able to find a study that you can participate in about that disorder, or if you are completely healthy you might be able to participate in a control group. Regardless, there are many opportunities to make money on the side by participating in clinical trials.
2. Work with pets
There are many different jobs in the world of pets, many of which can be done on the side. These include being a dog walker, pet sitter, even being a pet groomer can be a side hustle. If you love animals and need a bit of extra cash why not offer pet services to those in your area. Put up flyers, post an ad online, or spread the news through word of mouth that you are available and watch as clients come to you.
3. Participate in surveys
Participating in surveys is another great way to make money to supplement your income. All you have to do is sign up online and fill out a pre-set questionnaire and many companies are willing to pay participants for their time. These surveys can be focus group testing, health surveys, customer happiness reports, and more. Just take the time to find some online and reap the rewards.
4. Rent out storage space
This is an often overlooked side hustle, but one that many people are willing to pay a lot of money for. If you have a lot of extra space in your basement or garage that you are never going to use, let people rent out the space to store their items. One thing many people in tiny rentals have is a lack of space for their important items, so many people are more than willing to pay money to store their items elsewhere.
5. Work as a driver
There are many side hustle options available to those who can drive. With companies like Uber and Lyft becoming available around the country anybody can become a driver and help people get where they are going around the city. All you need is a driver’s license and a personal vehicle you can drive people around in.
As new parents, we often want to provide the best possible environment for our little ones. We buy all sorts of baby products, from car seats to baby mattresses and from strollers to cozy bedding sets, without realizing that some of these items could be dangerous to our newborns. In this article, we will discuss five baby products that could pose a risk to your baby’s safety:
1. Soft crib mattresses and loose blankets
Soft crib mattresses and loose blankets may seem like a cozy place for your newborn to sleep, but they can be dangerous. Soft bedding increases the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies should sleep on a firm crib mattress covered with a fitted sheet and no other bedding.
2. Infant walkers
Infant walkers may seem like a great way to help your little one start walking, but they can be dangerous. Walkers can tip over easily, causing your baby to fall and get injured. They can also give babies access to dangerous areas, such as stairs or hot stoves, that they might not be able to reach otherwise. Instead of using a walker, encourage your baby to practice walking with your help.
3. Crib tents
Crib tents are designed to keep babies from climbing out of their cribs, but they can also be dangerous. The mesh sides of the tent can pose a suffocation risk if they come loose and cover the baby’s face. Additionally, if the tent is not installed correctly, it can collapse and trap the baby inside.
4. Co-sleepers
Co-sleepers are designed to allow parents to sleep close to their babies, but they can also be dangerous. Co-sleepers that attach to the parents’ bed can pose a suffocation risk if the baby gets trapped between the mattress and the co-sleeper. Additionally, if the co-sleeper is not installed correctly, it can collapse and trap the baby inside.
5. Baby swings
Baby swings can be a great way to soothe a fussy baby, but they can also be dangerous. Swings that are not properly secured can tip over, causing the baby to fall and get injured. Additionally, babies can slide down and get trapped between the swing’s frame and seat, posing a suffocation risk.
In conclusion, as parents, we want to provide the best possible environment for our little ones. However, we need to be aware that some baby products can be dangerous to our newborns. Soft crib mattresses and loose blankets, infant walkers, crib tents, co-sleepers, and baby swings are just a few of the products that parents need to be cautious of. When it comes to choosing baby products, always prioritize safety over aesthetics. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and never leave your baby unattended in a swing, stroller, or car seat.
Refrigeration is extremely important for food safety and preservation. Refrigeration works in complex ways, but in general it’s meant to slow down the activity of bacteria, keeping the food you buy fresher and extending the shelf life. This technology has helped us learn more about food safety and transportation.
With refrigeration, we can carry fruits and vegetables across countries to other parts. In times before refrigeration, food items like fruits or vegetables would have a tough time making the long distance journey across the country without spoiling. With refrigeration and refrigerated trucks we’re able to preserve and transport these goods easily. However, there are some food times that are easily stored and don’t require refrigeration. Here are six foods that don’t require refrigeration
1. Hot sauce or chili pepper sauces
Hot sauce is a popular condiment that is found in many kitchens throughout the world. Hot sauce is great because it goes with so many common meals like chicken, beef, or fish. Hot sauce doesn’t need to be refrigerated because most hot sauces contain a lot of vinegar and a lot of salt, which helps reduce the growth of bacteria already
2. Avocados
Avocados have boomed in popularity throughout the last decade. Commonly found with dishes like guacamole and spread on toast, the avocado is a food that is extremely delicious. They should not be placed in the refrigerator. Placing them in the refrigerator will halt the ripening process and you won’t achieve the best tasting results
3. Bananas
Bananas are an extremely popular fruit. This fruit is both nutritious and delicious. However, you’ll want to make sure you keep them in the pantry and not the refrigerator. They have no way to process the cold temperatures. They’ll go bad extremely quickly and you’ll miss the prime ripe period
4. Coffee
Coffee is a super popular morning beverage. It can be enjoyed in many different ways like hot or iced. It can also be enjoyed in lattes and macchiatos. However, you’ll need to make sure you store your beans in a dry place. The beans absorb moisture and since your refrigerator is a very moist place, your beans will go bad very quickly and it will ruin the flavor of your favorite beverages
5. Nutella
Nutella is the chocolate-hazelnut spread that has taken the world by storm. It’s enjoyed on cakes, pastries, ice cream, and even by itself. There’s no benefit to storing this chocolate spread in the refrigerator, as it doesn’t extend the shelf life. Keeping it out of the fridge also helps savor the flavor and makes it easier to spread
6. Bread
Bread is found in almost every home throughout the world. It is popular and delicious. It can be used in sandwiches, for toast, and even for dipping in oils and dips. It should always be kept at room temperature. When you place it in the fridge, you’re causing the starch molecules to recrystallize faster. What this does is cause your food to go stale at extremely fast rates. Next time keep it at room temperature for best taste and enjoy
