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A lot has changed over the last few months.

Thanks to the coronavirus, jobs have ended, travel plans have been disrupted, and we have all had to adapt to a new way of living. Wearing masks when out of the house is now the norm, and many of us are now a little more suspicious about close contact with people than we used to be.

It has been a rough ride, and it’s not quite over yet. However, we should take stock of the life lessons that the pandemic has taught us. Yes, our lives have been thrown into chaos, but we should still be thankful for these lessons, as they will positively impact our lives in the long-term.

Lesson #1: Our health matters

We know our health matters, of course, but some of us can be a little careless when it comes to self-preservation. We fall into bad habits, such as smoking, drinking too much, and snack eating. And we put off medical appointments because we’re too busy or because we assume we are probably okay.

The pandemic has made us all take better care of ourselves. We have seen the devastation it has done to the health of others, and this has shaped the way we live and behave. Ask yourself: How many times have you washed your hands today? Chances are, you may have washed them more than usual. 

With the knowledge that our life is fragile, we should now have the incentive to take better care of ourselves. We should make an effort to overcome life-damaging habits, and we should make the necessary check-ups, be that with a doctor, quality dental care, or those other services that are unique to some of us. 

Lesson #2: We need to care for our financial wellbeing

Over this last year, the financial position of many of us has changed. We may have lost our jobs or been forced to live on less if our employers haven’t been able to pay us our full salaries. We may have had to make cutbacks in an effort to reduce our living costs, and we may have had to delve into our savings to make ends meet. 

It’s been a tough time, but it has been a reminder that we should start saving money for other emergency situations. It has also been a reminder that it is possible to live on less with a little bit of frugal thinking. When the pandemic ends, we should remember the financial lessons learned, for the long-term sake of our future finances. 

Lesson #3: We should prioritize our relationships

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, or so the saying goes, and this has been true over the last year. Many of us have missed out on contact with family members, friends, and other loved ones. We haven’t been able to socialize like we used to, and this is because of self-protection and self-isolation, as well the preservation of the people we’re close to.

The pandemic has been a reminder that our relationships matter, and it might be a wake-up call to those of us who are sometimes too busy to make time for others. And knowing that the lives of our loved ones are also fragile, we might now be reminded to spend as much time with them as we can before they are no longer here at all. 

What life lessons have you learned? Let us know in the comments below.

When life gives you lemons……. make lemonade as they say. And 2020 has brought all of us a TON of lemons. Despite all the changes and upheavals to people’s lifestyles in 2020, there are still some things that remain unchanged fiscal responsibility and BILLS!!

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If you are looking for ways to help save money and readjust your financial obligations and how you deal with money, this post will give you some ideas on how best to approach this to make sure you can still live comfortably but also make savings on household bills where possible.

Repair not Replace

When something breaks down, the first option is to replace it. Appliances around the home come with a typical lifespan. If your appliance breaks down and is over 50% of the way through its lifespan, you may be looking at considering replacing it altogether. However, choosing to repair it may be more cost-efficient, especially for newer models. Many retailers sell parts for major appliances such as Electrolux spare parts to enable you or a repair company to fix the issue easily.

If you require new furniture, have you considered upcycling? While not strictly repairing an item, breathing a new lease of life into old or unused furniture around the home can save you money on buying new and allow you to create a unique one-off item to compliment your home.

Check online for upcycling tutorials for the cost of the materials needed – often these can be sourced from donations of pre-loved items, you can create something original for your home. There are so many ways you can repurpose items around the home. Wooden headboards can make great shelving or feature art for walls. Repurpose an old wardrobe by removing the doors and any shelves and turn it into a completely new item for your home such as using the wood to make a side table or sideboard for your hallway or even a coat and shoe cabinet. Use your imagination and see what you can come up with!

Utility Bills

A go-to option for everyone looking to save money, but by making sure you aren’t paying over the odds on your household bills by switching suppliers if possible can save you some money you can use for other essentials. Apply this to your bills and insurance policy to make sure you are getting the best deal for the level of cover you need.

Car insurance, home insurance and life insurance premiums can all add up, but moving to a provider who matches the level of cover you need for a better price will help you to maximise your income.

With the average monthly cell phone bill being $67, making the switch to a different cell provider can help to save you money by switching plans to a more suitable one for your needs that costs less.

Protect Your Income

If you are worried that your income may be affected during the pandemic, it may be worth looking into redundancy insurance or income protection insurance. Check with your provider to see what type of cover you have on your policy and see if you are covered should the unexpected happen.

If not, it may be worth adding either of these insurances to make sure your income is protected. Redundancy cover will provide you with a payout in the event of involuntary redundancy, and income protection cover will pay out should you be unable to work due to an illness such as contracting coronavirus and being unable to work for long periods.

Losing money in such unprecedented times is a huge worry so while protecting your income is initially saving your money, you will reap the rewards should you fall into one of the categories that mean a loss of income. It may be that you need to add this to your policy as a premium cover but the extra expense each month can ease pressure and worry about your will to manage financially should your income be affected by the pandemic.

Debt Consolidation

Taking out a debt consolidation loan could mean you increase how much you owe, however, the monthly repayments could be lower than your combined payments and all you are left with is one more manageable payment each month. Check your eligibility before applying and make sure you have a good credit history to maximize your chances of getting accepted for a lower-rate loan. Take into account annual fees, fees charged, and the interest rate you are paying on your existing credit before deciding if a consolidation loan is best for you. Consolidating your debts is the act of taking on a loan to repay all of your outstanding credit in one lump sum and then be left with one more manageable monthly payment. If you are paying high levels of interest on the money you owe for loans, credit cards, car financing etc., then looking for a lower interest loan that can pay off your existing credit obligations can help you to improve your credit rating and avoid falling behind on repayments.

Remove Unwanted Subscriptions

It pays to be thorough when going through your bank statements. Revoking any subscriptions, you aren’t frequently using can help you to save some money each month. Gyms, magazine, charity donations, streaming services and more can all add up and if you aren’t using them as frequently as you should be, then consider cancelling and going without until you are in a better position financially.

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This global pandemic has caused many different problems for people, and it has changed the way we live for now and maybe for the future too. COVID-19 has meant that many people have lost their jobs and are struggling right now, others may not be struggling, but it has made them rethink the way they spend their money. If saving money, even a little every day is not something you’re very good at, like me, or not something you have tried before, then now during this pandemic could be the perfect time to start, and here’s why:

It’s Something Proactive

If you are finding it difficult to be proactive during this global crisis because it’s very limiting, then learning how to save a bit every day could be for you It’s something you can control when there isn’t much else you can.  

It Can Be Fun

There’s not much to laugh about or enjoy right now, but rather than dwelling on that, embracing savings can be really enjoyable. Seeking out the best deals, making the most of freebies, and feeling in control over your money while watching it grow can be very satisfying 

You Have Time To Get Organized

With extra time on your hands staying at home, you can make a list of all your monthly payments and expenses and sort them into the order of priority. Decide which can be canceled and see where you can reduce certain payments by switching energy providers or internet or insurance providers. Could you remortgage your house to lower your monthly payment? A lot of my friends have done this recently. Find out all your options and use online calculators such as this one on MortgageCalculator.Org to see where you could be making savings. 

You Have No Choice But To Stay At Home More

The Coronavirus can really benefit you when it comes to saving money as you are advised and encouraged to spend more time at home, for your safety and for the safety of everyone else. This means that you have no choice but to save money on transportation, going out, eating out, spontaneous shopping sprees and generally living life. You can cut down massively on unnecessary shopping and choose your food shopping wisely by making a plan before you go out or order online and only buy what you need. I started ordering my groceries online a few years ago and I really see a difference in my weekly grocery bills. While you’re spending more time at home, you have the time to cook and bake more, which can save you a lot of money from going out to eat or ordering in.

Clean Out Your Closets and Sell What You No Longer Need

You also have time to sell the things that you are no longer using. There are plenty of online sites that can help you do this and many people willing to buy online while they are stuck at home. As you come across things that you no longer need or want or clothes you haven’t worn for a while, then sell them. This is a really easy way to make money, clear out your clutter, and while people are watching their money right now, they are all looking for bargains as well. So you will find it pretty easy to sell your things and earn a few extra pennies. And you will be shocked how quickly all that money adds up.

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When you buy a car, you’re likely to be making the second biggest investment you make in your life after your home. Cars are not an inexpensive task and it’s not all too surprising that you’re going to want to keep your investment in the best condition possible. This, of course, is going to take a little TLC and work. So, here are a few steps you can take to keep your car in the best condition possible.

Driving Responsibly

The first step you can take to maintain your car’s value and quality is to drive it carefully. The safer you are and the more careful you are, the less likely you are to experience bumps, scrapes or other damage to the vehicle.

Carrying Out Repairs Sooner Rather Than Later

You’ll see lights flash up on your dashboard at some point or another indicating the need for repairs. Make sure to get these done early on before further damage is caused. If you feel that the repairs you had carried out weren’t carried out properly, contact a specialist lawyer – there are several factors that can be classed as negligence and you could be compensated.

Cleaning Your Car

Keeping your car clean is important for a number of reasons. Not only does it help your car to look better, but it can actually prove beneficial for your car in terms of preventing damage. Believe it or not, bird waste can be corrosive, so when you get bird waste on your car, it can damage the paintwork if left over time. Now, you can prevent a build up of dirt on your car while you aren’t using it by parking it up in a garage out of the way of the elements. If you don’t have a garage, you can at least avoid parking underneath trees or tree branches. But no matter how careful you are, your car will get dirty over time and with use. Cleaning your car is simple though! Make sure to stock up on products such as car wash shop, car wax and polish and windscreen and wheel cleaners. These all come in handy when it comes to car cleaning and can help shine and polish your car up after cleaning off the dirt. It’s generally best to pay a little more for better quality options. You should also get a large sponge, a bucket and have access to warm water. Then, follow these steps:

• Start by rinsing off the exterior of your vehicle with a hose. This will remove any dirt on the surface of your vehicle. You can then fill a bucket with warm, soapy water and use a soft sponge to wipe down your car from top to bottom. If there’s any stuck on dirt, just rub a little harder with the sponge. Avoid scourers or other rough tools.

• Next, you’ll want to  focus on the wheels. Use a specialist alloy cleaner and a brush to get rid of any built up dirt.

•  Polish your entire vehicle with a polishing cloth. Many people opt for a chamois leather cloth to minimise streaks.

These are just a few steps you need to take to keep your car in the best condition possible. Follow them and everything should stay in ship shape!

It’s nice to have so many options for facial hair removal, but the truth is that each of the top methods has its advantages and drawbacks.

1. Shaving and Dermaplaning

Years ago, when one of the original New Jersey Real Housewives confessed to shaving her face with a razor, it caused some viewers to react with shock and surprise. But these days, the practice is more widespread. While some still may attempt this at home with a conventional razor, others are making appointments for professional dermaplaning with a tool that resembles a surgical scalpel.

Dermaplaning (also called microplaning or blading) is not something you’d want to attempt on your own since the tool is very sharp. Women who swear by this method say it not only removes hair but helps to exfoliate their skin as well. It’s not an inexpensive treatment, however, and the results do not last very long. Aside from the skin treatment, dermaplaning only acts to shave off the outer growth of hair– similar to how guys shave every morning.

Shaving with a conventional razor is a much less costly way to remove facial hair and exfoliate, but even with a multi-blade razor, you can still experience irritation and dryness, especially if you have to shave frequently.

2. Tweezing

Tweezing pulls the hair out from the root, is not too painful, and is a very inexpensive method. However, it’s not a permanent solution, since results only last from three to either weeks, at best. Plus, tweezing is most often used to remove stray eyebrow or chin hairs, but it’s not practical for areas of the face with more hair growth.

3. Depilation

Depilation using creams or gels is an inexpensive way to remove facial hair. These products are widely available at any drugstore, and the results last longer than shaving.

But depilatories carry a risk for skin irritation, which is why manufacturers recommend you first do a patch test to see how your skin reacts. Depilatories work by using chemicals like calcium thioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate, which weaken the hairs by breaking down disulfide bonds in keratin. Stubble will likely reappear after only a week, and frequent use can cause redness and irritation.

4. Waxing or Sugaring

Waxing – in which soft or hard wax is applied to the skin and hair is pulled off in patches – is a popular hair removal option for many women, but it’s considered one of the more painful methods. Sugaring is similar to waxing in that it also rips hair from the root, but the technique is slightly different and some say it hurts less than waxing.

If you’re sensitive to the ingredients in the wax, it could cause skin irritation. Since only sugar, water, and lemon juice is used to make sugar for hair removal, there’s less chance of a reaction.

Ingredients aside, a poor application and removal of the wax or sugar could mean the hair follicles aren’t removed entirely, which would lead to ingrown hairs. To avoid bumps from ingrown hairs, it’s best not to use an in-home kit for waxing or sugaring, especially if you’re inexperienced.

5. Threading

Threading originated centuries ago in far eastern cultures. The process involves moving a thread in a circular motion over an area of hair growth until the thread is very taut and the hairs can then be lifted from their follicles.

The benefits of this technique are that it lasts longer than shaving or tweezing, it won’t cause ingrown hairs, and it doesn’t use any ingredients that might cause a skin reaction. It is considered to be mildly to moderately painful, however, and is typically only used for brows. Since it’s a complicated technique, you won’t want to attempt this on your own.

6. Epilation

Epilation is like tweezing, but relies on an epilation device that can remove many hairs at one time. It’s considered to be more painful than tweezing, but less than waxing.

This method is best used for removing the stray hairs that appear between hair removal appointments, and it’s suggested that you don’t use this method for areas that require precision, like your eyebrows. Epilation is typically a DIY method, but the epilation device is far more expensive than a tweezer. Like many of these hair removal methods, epilation can also cause skin irritation and redness, especially when done by someone inexperienced.

7. Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal uses a beam of concentrated light to target hair follicles. When the follicles absorb the light, it’s converted to heat, which then alters the follicles so that hair either cannot grow back or will reappear much finer. Laser treatment is one of the only methods that can lead to a permanent reduction in hair growth.

Laser hair removal is safe and FDA-approved (when it’s done by a trained professional). It can take about six sessions to achieve permanent hair growth reduction, and the sessions are not inexpensive. But given that this method can achieve permanent hair reduction, it’s an upfront investment that will pay off in the future, as you will not need to spend money on other hair removal approaches that require you to keep coming back.

Most people say laser hair removal feels like a rubber band is snapping at your skin, and although there may be some redness or irritation immediately after the procedure, it typically goes away quickly.

8. Electrolysis

Electrolysis is similar to laser hair removal in that it also uses heat to destroy hair follicles, and can likely lead to permanent hair removal. Rather than a beam of light, electrolysis uses a needle to penetrate the follicle.

Electrolysis is time-consuming since the needle can target only one follicle at a time (laser beams cover a broader area), and you’ll require more sessions to remove hair compared to the laser technique. Unfortunately, electrolysis cannot guarantee permanent hair removal, no matter how many sessions you go through.

9. Topical Prescriptions

Topical prescriptions block an enzyme that’s required for hair growth, but it’s prescribed to slow growth rather than remove hair or make it fall out. These prescriptions can possibly cause skin irritation, and they’re typically prescribed for medical skin or hair conditions over errant chin or lip hair. These prescriptions also work only as long as you continue to use them, which can become very costly as time goes on.

The Winner: Facial Laser Hair Removal in NYC

If you’ve decided you’re tired of waging the war against unwanted facial hair and are looking for a permanent reduction in hair growth, consider the many benefits of facial laser hair removal. It’s the best option to get rid of unwanted hair, and the upfront cost is well worth it in the long run.