5 Simple Things That Will Make Your College Experience Better

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College can be a complex time. There are lots of deadlines, frustrations, social changes, new people, material you don’t understand, and way more.

College will also be great, and you will learn a lot and meet amazing people. I have found that there are some things that will make the experience better. They are simple but have made my college experience more enjoyable.

Laptop/Flash Drive--

A good laptop makes a huge difference. You will be doing a lot of assignments and so you need great speed, lots of storage, and good RAM. This all essentially governs how fast your computer will go, how much memory your computer has, and how much you can download. If you have a cheaper laptop, it will likely be another source of frustration, as you will constantly be waiting for things to load and clearing up space.

This is where a good flash drive comes in. You should have all important information backed up in multiple places. A Flash drive allows you to store lots of information off of your computer. If you have less important items, you can copy them to your flash drive and delete them from your computer, freeing up precious space.

It is important to note that you don’t need to break the bank for a great laptop. There are many affordable options that are still quality computers. Asus is a great example, and you can even find some surprisingly good deals on Macs.

Headphones--

This seems kind of basic, but I did say these are simple things right? A good pair of headphones is a lifesaver. You can listen to music while doing homework, exercising, sleeping, or being in common areas without affecting others. You need to be respectful of your roommates, and headphones allow you to be respectful if they need silence. It also allows you to not be bothered as most people will not approach you while your headphones are in. Being social is great, but sometimes you need your peace.

People use their headphones all the time. Pro tip: when walking to class and using headphones, make sure you are aware of your surroundings. You would not be the first person to not hear an incoming bike or person and get run over.

These first two items go together perfectly for the most commonly done activity at college: Netflix!

Coupons--

These aren’t something you can really prepare when you come to school, but they are awesome. Whether you find a paper coupon to a restaurant or store or use an app to find coupons or deals, it will make you happier than you can comprehend right now. You may not feel joy when you get a coupon for a discount on milk and cereal right now, but once you are a college student I promise you will.

Jacket--

This next one may not apply for those who go to school in places like Florida, California, Arizona, and Hawaii. They get great winter weather. For us peasants who don’t attend school in perpetually warm climates, a good jacket is a life saver.

You will do a ton of walking as a college student, even if you have a car. Keeping warm is key to a happy you, so make sure you get a quality jacket that will keep the winter woes away.

Apartment--

This is crucial. Different apartments have vastly different atmospheres and reputations. You should look carefully to find out what apartment will be right for you. Find one you like, and that seems to match your personality.

Some apartments have very social atmospheres and people. Other apartments have quieter, laid back feels to them. Find the vibe that is appealing to you. Student living is a very important part of college because when you go to your apartment, it should feel like home.

Conclusion: Life is full of simple, yet important things. These things helped me find peace, relaxation, success, and belonging. Look into these things, but also know that just about anything can do this for you. Attitude is everything after all. Good luck in school my friends!

Common Bed Bug Myths Busted

For many years it was believed that the menace of bed bugs was reduced over time mainly due to an improvement in hygiene standards. However, bed bugs have made a comeback and the menace is only going to grow. If you notice even a single bed bug around you, take action immediately. There are certain myths about bed bugs which can fortify you against an infestation. Here are some common myths busted for you.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Bed Bugs Can Fly--

Bed bugs are really fast but on the ground. Their speed is more than one meter per minute and they cannot fly. It would be an absolute nightmare if bed bugs started flying. You might feel like they are everywhere which is why you have an illusion that they can fly. They easily adjust to different living conditions and temperatures.

Bed Bugs Multiply Very Quickly--

Bed bugs are difficult to locate and they live longer on other insects. This is why there is an illusion that they multiply faster. They actually reproduce slowly. Their life cycle will span out over a couple of years. A female can lay only one egg in a day and the eggs take about 10 days to hatch and about 6 weeks to mature into an adult. This is pretty slow as compared to other insects.

Bed Bugs Are Only Visible at Night--  

You are right, the insects are nocturnal but they can also be visible in the day. Light does not keep bed bugs away and they will come out if they are hungry. If bed bugs are present in your house, you can expect to be bitten at any time.

Bed Bugs Can Go up to a Year Without Feeding--

Bed bugs easily adapt to temperatures and to the lack of food. Even normal room temperature is ideal for them. Bed bugs thrive in the same environment as humans do and in reality, they can survive about two to three months without feeding. However, their metabolism slows down in the winter and they can survive on their last meal up to one year in the cold. It is mainly because they are cold blooded and show such behavior.

Bed Bugs Live in Mattresses--

Bed bugs are believed to be only found in bed because of its name. However, they are not only found in beds but can be found anywhere. You can pick them up from public transport, from other people, public places, others’ houses, and pets. Bed bugs are small and they can crawl into very tiny spaces like cracks in the walls. Even luggage gives them a lot of folds to hide in. They are not only found in mattresses but any place that is warm.

Bed Bugs Are Unsanitary--

Even if your house is the most sanitary place in the world, you can have bed bugs. They are hardy and very undiscriminating. They tend to infest poorer homes more often because of the dense population that translates to more food sources for them.

Bed Bugs Can Travel on Us--

This is a big myth that needs to be busted right away. Bed bugs do not like the heat in your body and they do not travel on the body. They like areas away from body heat and you will never find them on your skin or hair unless they are feeding. However, they do travel in clothes. Hence, you need to check thoroughly before wearing your clothes and shoes.

Removal of bed bugs is necessary and is very tricky. If you notice that there are bed bugs in your home, you need to call professionals for a thorough inspection of your house. Professionals at bed bug control Seattle use the latest tools for an inspection of the house. There are certain steps you can take to treat bed bugs. It starts with cleaning the place where bed bugs live. This includes bedding, curtains, and linens. Wash them in hot water and dry them. Put all the items that cannot be washed into a dryer and run it for 30 minutes. You need to use a stiff brush in order to scrub the mattress seams in order to remove the bugs before vacuuming.

Never ignore the presence of bed bugs in your home because it can cause a menace in no time. You need to understand that proper treatment is necessary for removal of bed bugs and if you are unable to clean your home, you might have to seek the assistance of a professional for the same.

Home Haven – 6 Simple Ways to Boost Your Home Security

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Security, it's something we all strive for; in our jobs, our relationships, and our homes. When it comes to the first of these areas of our lives, the responsibility for security rests mainly with us. Sure, there are other factors that could impact it, but at the end of the day we maintain the majority of control over our performance, and therefore, the job and relationship security outcomes.

Our homes, on the other hand, are largely affected by factors we have no say in. The best way to deal with this is to be prepared and take control of every aspect your can, which is precisely what this article is all about.

Lock It Up--

Since the best way to protect what's in your home is to keep threats out, the first thing you're going to want to do is to invest in upgrading your locks. Traditional deadlocks still have their place, but thieves and those who wish you harm are getting better at circumventing them. For optimum security, installing a smart door lock is a far more sophisticated choice. These devices carry all the traditional benefits with an added layer of tech that makes it easier for you and your guests to access the house while making it harder for unwanted visitors to get in.

Fence It Off--

Likewise, upgrading your fencing can be beneficial in stopping those with dubious intentions entering your premises. While this won't be permitted in all neighborhoods, if you're allowed to, it's worth looking into what kind security fencing would be a good fit for your property. You may have to sacrifice some of your views but the trade-off for peace of mind is worth it.

Lighting Is Key--

If you're looking for something that can add convenience as well as security, sensor lights can both literally and figuratively light up your life. Forget scrambling for your keys in the dark or trying to figure out whether that shadow in the backyard is an intruder or just a tree; any type of significant movement will set them off, so you'll know exactly what's going on in and around your home at all times.

Companionship--

This one may seem a little strange but owning a pet can, in some cases, deliver the same security benefits as always having someone home. Many thugs will target properties which seem unoccupied so an animal can act as a deterrent and if anyone does try to come inside, your new friend can raise the alarm.

Scream It from the Rooftops--

Speaking of alarms, if you don't have one, you really should. You can try your hardest to keep intruders out but if anyone manages to get in, you're going to want to know and an alarm is the easiest way to achieve that. Many systems also come with the added benefit of being able to autonomously alert the police or a security company for you. This can be a literal lifesaver in some situations.

Hit Record--

Another successful deterrent that will also be quite beneficial if anyone does ever get inside is a network of security cameras. Clearly visible cameras can scare malicious individuals away from your home, but if they decide to brave it anyway, you will at least have clear footage to give to the authorities.

While no-one can ever guarantee complete safety, taking these steps can significantly improve the security of your premises. Have a look at what's on offer and install the options that best fit your situation. You may never need them, but that’s a game of chance it’s really not worth gambling on.

These 5 Food Items Will Improve Your Skin and Hair Health

Sometimes the secrets to health are right under our nose when we are least able to suspect them. The market is flooded with commercially made skin and hair care products but do we closely pay attention to how we take care of our bodies from the inside as we do on the outside?

External factors only play a small part in keeping your skin young and glowing and your hair luscious. After all, no amount of anti-aging creams could save you from wrinkles if you're nutrition deprived on the inside. The human body has means to maintain its beauty and they only come into play if the right nutrients are provided through proper diet.

Hair fall, dry skin, baldness, aging and all worries that take up most of your time can be regulated, prevented and even cured with the inclusion of these 5 simple foods in your meals:

Almonds--

All nuts are ideal for hair growth but almonds stand out because of their nutritive properties that include an abundance of vitamin E and B that should be consumed on a daily basis for good skin and hair. Almond oil is applied for the purpose of bringing back the life and luster of dry hair with split ends.

Two teaspoons of almond oil with milk does the trick of restoring the health of frizzy and grey hair. Consumption of raw almonds as a snack is known to smooth and moisturize the skin.

Spinach--

We often get reminded how important it is to finish the green leafy vegetables on our dinner plate but have you ever wondered what all they could do for you? Spinach is a green antioxidant vegetable that cleanses your skin from the inside out. It comes loaded with Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. It cures acne, provides sun protection and has anti-aging benefits.

It also improves skin complexion and makes it look radiant. Spinach is eaten boiled and used in salads and soups. You can order it in the form of salad or other dishes from reputed places like originalsaigon.com.au/gluten-free-guide-vietnamese-food.

Seeds--

Eating seeds is a healthy food habit that more people need to develop. Seeds are more far more nutritious than one might think. It doesn’t do them justice to throw them away. Sunflower seeds contain zinc that promotes continuous hair growth.

Yellowish fenugreek seeds fight dandruff and work as a skin cleanser. Chia seeds are also a prominent source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Watermelon seeds have amazing moisturizing properties. Seeds can be baked and used as salad dressings.

Oily Fish--

Fish oil is one example of fats that are not harmful to us. Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body on its own. They have to come from external dietary sources such as fish. These acids help balance out the negative effect of Omega-6 fatty acids.

They fasten the collagen production for glowing skin and thick hair. Extraction of fish oil and selling of fish oil beauty supplements has grown popular because of the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and the wonders they do for skin and hair.

Gooseberry--

In many cultures, gooseberry is known as a fruit that has nectar-like properties. Just 10 ml of sour gooseberry juice every day could save you many potential trips to the doctor. It stops premature aging in its tracks, repairs skin to bring it back to its original coloration, and combats lifelessness of hair to make them stunningly lustrous.

There are infinite ways to include this in your normal everyday diet. Grate it and mix it with dough or make pickles or sweetened marmalade and jams. You can also drink extracted gooseberry juice for easy and quick consumption

When Should You Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned?

Many people don't realize that a dryer vent is more than a way for hot air to escape the appliance and leave the home. It also typically carries small particles of lint and debris out and away from the vent. Allowing this to build-up to the point of blocking the exiting hot air can cause problems.

Photo by Tina Bosse on Unsplash

Visual Inspection Reveals Dust, Lint, or Debris--

Pull the vent hose loose and inspect it using a flashlight. If you can see a build-up of dust, lint, or debris, it's time to get the dryer vent cleaned.

It's Been Longer than Three Years Since Your Last Cleaning--

You should have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least every three years, depending on how heavy you use the appliance. If you use the dryer several times a week, increase the cleanings to once each year.

All of Your Laundry Has a Coating of Lint After a Full Cycle--

The built-in lint filter is there to catch as much as possible, but a clog in the vent makes it almost impossible to keep up with removal. It's time to bring in professional help if your lint filter is full and you still have heavy amounts of lint covering the laundry.

You Can't Feel Much Airflow Through the Outside Vent--

The airflow out of the exterior opening of your dryer vent should be strong when it's in full operation. A weakened airflow is a signal that there is a blockage somewhere in the line. Hire the expert dryer vent cleaning Sarasota residents depend on to keep the vents free and clear of lint and other debris.

Your Dryer Gets Unreasonably Hot--

The dryer and the entire area surrounding the appliance will feel abnormally hot when the vent is getting clogged. You need to have it cleaned out right away to avoid a fire that can spread to your entire home.

Keeping your dryer vent clean of clogs and blockages is important for both fire safety and to keep from stressing the appliance to the point of breakdown. Invest in a thorough cleaning and see how much better your dryer functions.