Fleas and ticks are probably the most annoying things you have to deal with as a pet parent. You might have tried it all, and everything must have worked fine. But the moment you grow lenient, they are back. Ticks do not go away permanently, so you have to be vigilant round the clock. One way to deal with these parasites is to grow plants that repel ticks in outdoor and indoor gardens. Sage Many use sage leaves to enhance the taste of food. Interestingly, the plant is also great at repelling ticks and protecting your pets. So, consider growing sage indoors to prevent infestations. Lemongrass As the name suggests, this plant smells like lemon. While the fragrance may be appealing to you, it repels parasites. Many prefer growing this plant to repel ticks as it requires little maintenance. Lavender While this plant is known for its calming properties, insects would beg to disagree. Lavender is an effective repellent against moths, mosquitoes, and ever-annoying ticks. Its color, as well as its scent, are unappealing to the blood-feeding parasites. Garlic Ticks find the scent of garlic abhorrent. So, if you are looking up for plants that repel ticks from your household, grow this one in your outdoor and indoor garden.

The degeneration of brain cells can lead to the development of various health concerns. It can compromise the person’s cognitive and physical function and deteriorate their lifestyle. To avoid these complications, doctors often recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle. Eliminating unhealthy foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle can prevent the brain’s and other organs’ free radical damage. Here are three essential tips that help avoid the degeneration of brain cells due to dementia. Have these foods to prevent degeneration Proper nourishment is essential for brain functions, and providing the correct nutrients helps prevent this organ from rapid damage. Here are some foods to consider: Nuts Regular inclusion of nuts in meal plans can help develop better cognitive skills. It can also help keep other systems running smoothly. Nuts have also been linked to having a better memory. Green vegetables Two servings of green vegetables a week can help prevent the degeneration of brain cells. Those who include leafy vegetables in their daily meals are better protected against cognitive decline. Fatty fish Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in fish like salmon, tuna, and herring. This nutrient also benefits people with low cognition and those at risk of developing degenerative brain disorders. Berries Berries are rich sources of anthocyanin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurological disease that affects many people across the globe, children as well as adults. The common symptoms include daydreaming, forgetfulness, talking too much, making careless mistakes, hyperactivity, and trouble concentrating. ADHD is manageable with treatments. But, lifestyle changes can support ongoing treatment and improve the condition further. Doctors have identified some foods to avoid with ADHD that patients should be aware of. Candy When dealing with ADHD, one should avoid candy because it has a very high sugar content and artificial coloring. Both elements can worsen hyperactivity. While avoiding candy will not prevent hyperactivity altogether, it will help reduce the intensity and frequency of episodes. Too much sugar, in general, can also impact energy levels and lead to other health conditions like diabetes, so it is best to limit its quantity in foods. Coffee Coffee is also a no-go for people with ADHD. The caffeine in coffee can improve concentration levels, but it can worsen the symptoms of this health condition. It can also interfere with ongoing treatment. Besides coffee, beverages like tea and even cola are also counted among the foods to avoid with ADHD due to their caffeine content. Frozen fruits and veggies While fresh fruits and veggies are healthy, frozen ones may have artificial additives that worsen ADHD symptoms.

As your long-awaited trip approaches, you should start preparing and packing so that you are all set well in advance. You have probably made a mental to-do list; however, you should account for uncertainties and anything that could be a hindrance. Forgetting something important or booking the wrong tour are common mistakes that could ruin the trip. So, here are a few other errors to avoid for an ideal experience.  Booking back-to-back flights Avoid booking long flights with a short layover or inadequate buffer period. Delays are inevitable when flying; you may also need time to make it to the next connecting flight. If you are planning a trip that involves consecutive long-haul flights, make sure you account for a suitable buffer period to rest and recoup.  Overpacking Even if you are planning a long vacation, avoid stuffing every piece of clothing and accessory into your luggage. When you have multiple layovers and transfers, lugging heavy suitcases is something you want to avoid. Also, you can find basic amenities and essentials at your destination. Traveling light is the best solution to save space for things (like souvenirs) you buy on vacation. Improper planning Am overambitious itinerary can be a nightmare to follow, especially if you are traveling with family.

Whether you are a boating novice or an expert, it is common to face hurdles due to marine and weather conditions. However, some mistakes can be dangerous, and this is why it is important to learn how to avoid them. Double checking the vessel and following a checklist before you set sail can be crucial in ensuring a safe journey. So here are a few common boating mistakes and how to avoid them. Not checking the weather forecast One of the most common boating mistakes that people make is not checking the marine weather forecast. Keeping track of the lake/sea conditions can help you avoid extremities like rains, storms, or even too much wind while out on the water. You can avoid this error by downloading a marine weather app on your phone and checking it before setting sail. Forgetting to install drain plugs Putting in the drain plug is one of the most basic tasks on a boat, missing which can lead to water filling up inside the vessel. Reasons for the lapse include boats having multiple drain plugs and the plugs being removed between uses. The only way to tackle this is to double-check the plugs beforehand. Overloading Adding more weight than the boat can hold can cause the boat to capsize, swamp, and sink.

The TV or internet package deal you signed up for must’ve been attractive at first. But plans change just about every month or year, if not earlier. So, checking for new packages regularly isn’t a bad idea. But cable companies do not always reveal the best plans until the user takes the first step. If you are looking for a better cable deal, here are four tips to make it happen. Speak to a retention advisor The ultimate job of a retention advisor is to stop you from canceling your service and moving to another provider. The representative may make you an offer to retain you as a client. You may get offers including a broadband upgrade for the same price, discount movies, or a faster internet plan. Try all the options It is possible for a retention advisor not to offer a deal when you call them up. That’s because they might not be authorized to provide you with a better offer. So, don’t be disheartened if one agent turns you down. Instead, speak to another agent via call or chat, check their website, or talk to a third-party distributor for a better deal. Research competitor deals Competitors often provide better deals to new customers than the current provider.

Gifting flowers are the perfect way to express your sentiments. Whether you want to wish someone on their birthday, anniversary, or say congratulations, florists and top vendor businesses provide exclusive floral arrangements and delivery services. Did you know that the florist business in the country alone is worth a whopping $5.5 billion this year? However, despite all the knowledge and expertise, people make quite a few mistakes while ordering flower bouquets online. 4 mistakes to avoid when buying a flower bouquet Not understanding its purpose Sending flowers is a symbolic gesture in its purest form. Sending flowers with a meaning completely different from what the occasion demands, just because they are pretty, defeats their purpose. For example, roses come in a variety of colors. And each color represents a meaning assigned by society. Red roses are for romantic occasions, white roses represent purity, and dried white roses are for more solemn occasions. Buying last minute Florists keep a limited stock of popular occasion bouquets because flowers are perishable goods. So, keep a list of popular florists in the neighborhood and place your order a couple of days early. Custom orders may need to be placed and confirmed weeks in advance if it’s for a special occasion.

Traveling to Europe is on everyone’s bucket list! And why not? The rich history, culture, and cuisine scattered throughout the continent make it a great place to explore and indulge in adventures. However, if you are traveling to Europe for the first time, you may want to avoid making some common rookie mistakes. These easy pointers will make your trip even more memorable. Here are some things to keep in mind: Too many places in little time There are so many things to do in Europe and several places to visit. But it’s unrealistic to check all sites and activities in such little time. Prioritize and plan an itinerary that is not too overwhelming. There will always be something that you might miss, so you must plan a trip where you can enjoy the cities at your own pace and revel in the pleasant journey. Overtipping Just because you are a tourist, do not feel obligated to overtip. You can ask the locals around to understand what is a considerable tipping amount. This information will help you save some money, which you can choose to spend on some other experiences or souvenirs. Also, be mindful of your cash, and don’t overspend without having a budget in mind.

Switching to a new cellphone network can be a tedious process. You might miss out on paying attention to a few details. You need to consider factors like your daily data usage, number of users, optional family add-ons, and even phone compatibility if you are operating with a locked carrier. Here are a few other mistakes to avoid the next time you buy an unlimited data or call sim card. Not checking existing usage All major networks like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and US Mobile offer unlimited prepaid and postpaid data plans for individual and family users. But the pricing and plan validity will vary. Avoid choosing an unlimited data or calls sim card without checking your existing usage. Not checking phone compatibility Some handsets may not be programmed to work with a different network. For example, senior phones offered by Verizon include the handset with the deal. One can only make calls and access Internet from Verizon networks. You should consider switching to an unlocked device and ensure your network is compatible with it. Not confirming cancellation If you port your number from an old network, always ensure that you cancel all existing plans and pay off any bills that are due for the old sim card.

Having a cold and flu at the same time can be an exasperating condition, especially if you are down with a range of symptoms such as fever, muscle ache, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, headaches, sneezing, chest congestion, nasal stuffiness, nausea, loss of energy, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, it can undoubtedly interfere with your everyday activities. However, the good part is that there is a range of cold and flu treatments which can assist you in alleviating the discomfort. The following cold and flu treatments comprise the use of home remedies as well as OTC (over-the-counter) medications. The best aspect is that most of the home remedies can be easily found in your kitchen. OTC medications – Based on the signs, you can use OTC drugs to ease the distress caused by cold and flu. You can get a variety of medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, antipyretics, pain relievers, expectorants, combination medications, etc. For instance, if you are particularly suffering from a stuffy nose and fever, you can use nasal sprays, nose drops, antipyretics, combination medicines, etc. to get rid of the congestion. Likewise, if you are suffering from body ache and fever, you should opt for pain relievers and antipyretics to gain quick relief.

Buying a new car, like an SUV, is usually a major purchase decision. It is typically a one-time investment for many who do not plan to switch vehicles for a few years. This means that simply opting for the latest make and model is not enough. You must consider the necessary features based on your and your family’s needs. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid when buying a new SUV: Focusing on the exterior Major brands manufacture compact SUVs, mid-size SUVs, and even luxury SUVs that come with many features and upgrades, each usually better than its predecessor. However, you need to compare features and not just go for only the exterior build and design, as what matters more is the car’s performance, engine, and comfort. Going for unnecessary accessories Premium and luxury cars are already loaded with advanced features. So when buying a new SUV, do not overspend on extra upgrades that the salespeople may make you believe are crucial. Install what is essential as there is always room for upgrades later. Underestimating safety features Modern vehicles, especially SUVs, come with safety features that are a mandate in many states. Some of the crucial safety features you need to consider are automatic braking, stability control, airbags, and sturdier builds.  Choosing the wrong arrangement If you can afford to buy, do not lease a car.

Fashion is ever evolving, changing, growing, and recycling. There are new trends every few months. Some don’t stick around too long, while some creep their way into your basic wardrobe. Of course, 2022 has also seen a massive shift in fashion. Our trends are now not just about high fashion but also about comfort and care. If you’re curious about what 2022 has seen so far in terms of fashion, read on. Sweatpants and sweatshirts Fashion has not always been about comfort. But, in many ways, that’s changing and one of the latest trends that prove it is athleisure. Sweatpants have seen the ultimate glow up, and they’ve gone from homewear to high-fashion launches. You can wear any type of sweats you like. You can shop for baggy and oversized options or even go for monotone fits in different fabrics. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even bag a pair of color-coordinated sweats. In any case, leisurely loungewear is here to stay. Platform shoes Another fashion trend that has taken over social media and the wardrobes of Gen-Z and millennials is platform shoes. Platform shoes have been around for a very long time and have been a staple across different civilizations and cultures.

Smartphones are versatile devices that allow you to communicate with people even if they are across the globe. They can also be used to watch a movie on the go, read an e-book, take high-quality photos and videos, and even play games of your liking. But as important as they are, there are some things you should avoid doing when using a smartphone. Here are five smartphone habits to stop today: Using the phone while walking You may use your phone to perform multiple tasks. However, it is imperative to do so when you are not on the move. Using the device while walking can distract and endanger you or another individual. Relying only on GPS The GPS on a smartphone is exceptional but not always 100% accurate. There are days when your phone may guide you the wrong way or take you to the wrong destination. So sometimes, you should self-navigate by looking at the traffic signs or by seeking directions from a traffic officer. Scrolling through the smartphone before bed Most of us tend to scroll through social media or watch content like movies or a web series before sleeping. However, smartphones emit a blue light that suppresses melatonin, a chemical that regulates sleep.

Smartphones are one of the most used gadgets on a daily basis. With new and innovative features being introduced with each upgrade, you can practically get anything and everything done as long as you have a stable internet connection. But these features can also lead to many bad habits that can be detrimental to your health and your device’s longevity. Here are four common mistakes people make and should break free from today. Buying cheap accessories Never buy cheap knock-offs or first-copy accessories for your phone, including charging and data transfer cables. Experts recommend using the ones that come with the box or switching to a superior make and quality. This is mainly a safety precaution to lower the risk of electrocution or the phone battery overcharging and bursting into flames triggered by cheap materials. Checking all notifications Notifications can be really distracting and time-consuming. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself constantly checking the phone for the latest updates. That’s a tough habit to break, especially if you are active on social media. It is only the beginning of smartphone addiction, so you must brace yourself and be mindful of the daily hours spent on the phone. React and respond only to important alerts only and try to ignore the rest of the apps until the end of the day.

It’s no secret that laptops are an essential part of our lives. We use them for work, play, and staying connected with people and things we love. But with so many various options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start when you are looking for a new laptop. Read on to find four essential tips to help you find the perfect laptop for your needs. Decide what type of laptop you need Deciding what kind of a laptop you need before making a purchase is important. A standard laptop will be fine if you need one for general use, such as browsing the Internet or working on documents. However, if you need a laptop for gaming or other resource-intensive tasks, you will need to buy a more robust model. Set a budget Laptop prices range from around $200 to over $2000, so it is important to know how much you are willing to spend. Once you have set a budget, you can start looking at laptops that fall within your price range. If you are looking for used laptops, you can also check out Trademore. From laptops to tablets and smartphones, Trademore has a range of products to choose from.

As Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year is approaching yet again, it is best to keep your guard up. With exciting deals on appliances, gadgets, home decor, and apparel bombarded each day, you can get confused, and overwhelmed. Therefore, it is best to plan for the shopping season, so you don’t miss out on a good sale opportunity. Here are ten tricks to help you make the most of Black Friday. Set a budget If you wish to buy many items, try to save a little of your earnings every month. This will allow you to set a sufficient budget to meet your requirements. Make sure you stick to the budget. Overspending may lead to unnecessary debt. Get access to early-bird offers Several analysts have noticed that people who get access to early bird offers usually get the best deals. It is also seen that some products, once sold out, take time to arrive at the store for sale. Thus, it is always good to be prepared to hit the market at the right time. Check out products that are cheaper, closer to Christmas Do not believe the advertisements blindly; that is because not every Black Friday deal is the same, and some items are cheaper as Christmas and New Year approach.