Things you should never touch at a buffet

There are very few ways to get more bang for your buck than at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Before you strap on the feed bag and prepare to do some damage to the food spread (and quite possibly, your health), remember these buffet don'ts that should be avoided at all costs.

#Fried foods

Restaurants that host all-you-can-eat buffets often use cheap oils that are filled with artery-clogging hydrogenated oil to fry foods. “Every time you put something in a deep fryer, it acts like a sponge and soaks up as much grease and saturated and trans fat as possible,” Ficek says. If you are jonesing for something fried like an egg roll or shrimp, ask for it to be prepared fresh and limit your portion.

#Tuna

It’s hard to tell how cold food is kept on at a buffet, which makes tuna another less-than-great option. “Tuna has to be kept at a colder temperature than other types of fish because it’s especially susceptible to certain types of bacteria,” Ficek says. A good rule of thumb? Look at how often food seems to be attended to by restaurant workers.

#Sushi

Sushi may seem like a healthy option, but preparing it safely requires starting with good-quality seafood and plenty of expertise. “If you go to a high-dollar sushi restaurant, there’s still a risk you take by enjoying seafood,” Ficek says. “You put that on a buffet and try and keep it the right temperature, you’re basically asking to get sick,” she says. 

#Cream-based dishes

You should also avoid soups and pasta dishes filled with butter and cream. “All of those are packed with saturated fat, which increases your cholesterol and can damage your heart muscle,” Ficek says. She recommends opting for red sauces like marinara over white sauces whenever possible.

#Sweetened beverages

We sometimes don’t think of drinks when we’re watching what we eat, but those calories can add up, too. Beverages like sweet tea and lemonade often contain lots of sugar. And if you opt for mimosas, the alcohol and orange juice also sneak in extra calories. Instead, ask for sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea, Wright recommends. 

#Mayonnaise-based salads

A lot of buffets offer up an assortment of pre-made salads, where everything from caprese salad to potato salad is yours for the taking. But there's some evidence that creamy, mayonnaise-based salads should be avoided at all costs. 

The story of this blind dog and his guide dog moved the entire web

Hardships not only test you, but they also reveal who your actual friends are. So when Jake, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever, lost his vision, it was for his roommate Addie to step up and help him get accustomed to his new life. And she did. During the last couple of years, Addie has proved herself time and time again to be both a loyal guide and companion, absolutely worthy of being called the goodest of the good girls.

“We got Jake after our previous Golden Molly passed away and Addie came into our lives after our Golden Wrigley died. Jake was very sad after his buddy was gone and we knew he needed a sibling,” their owner Kim .

“Jake follows Addie’s sound and smell. After Jake’s surgery, Addie wore a little bell on her collar for a while until he got used to tracking her on his own”

Jake’s problems began when he turned 2. “We noticed an issue with his eyes and eventually found that he was no longer producing tears”

“Over the subsequent months, in spite of trying every medication recommended by our vet’s eye specialist as well as multiple surgeries, his eyes steadily deteriorated”

“We were faced with a painful decision: Have Jake’s eyes removed or have him put to sleep”

“Both options seemed so cruel, and especially for a dog who’d already been through so much”

The 10 Best Student Cities in the World

As a school leaver, it can be a daunting task settling on a potential study destination. With so many things to take into account, such as the quality of the course and the reputation of the university, it can be easy to overlook one of the most important aspects of your decision: what it’s actually like to live there!
Luckily, a recent student satisfaction survey by QS has shed some light on the top towns and cities for university life; taking into account a variety of factors, such as affordability, culture, nightlife and employment opportunities, it reveals a wealth of interesting – and, in some cases, unexpected – locales in which to spend your formative years.

10. Seoul
The archetypal 24-hour Asian cyber city, Seoul is futuristic and tech-savvy. But it’s also a pleasant place to live and study, with good graduate job prospects.

9. Sydney
There are few cities with a natural setting to rival Sydney’s. But it’s not all sea, sand and surf: the city boasts a buzzing nightlife scene and several top unis. No wonder so many students stay to find work after graduation.

8. Zurich
Zurich has jumped several spots this year to enter the top ten. It counts itself among the world’s safest and most liveable cities, and boasts one of Europe’s best universities – but watch out for high costs of living.

7. Berlin
The German capital is infamously young and trendy, so it’s perhaps no surprise it’s popular with students. Add in the reasonable costs of living and good universities, and its appeal is obvious.

6. Munich
Oktoberfest may have given Munich a reputation for hard drinking to rival most Freshers Weeks, but this southern German city is also a highbrow cultural destination.

5. Paris
A regular fixture in these annual rankings, the French capital boasts several world-leading universities. Come for the reputation, stay for the nightlife.

4. Montreal
Montreal is a two-tongued city with a multicultural population. It’s an attractive location for creative types, with its bustling nightlife and summer festivals.

3. Melbourne
Sunny Melbourne makes for a vibrant place to go to uni, if you can afford it. Its diverse student population means it’s a unique place to study.

2. Tokyo
There are over 35 million people in the metro area of Tokyo – the opposite of a campus bubble. The city ranks highest for employer activity, so there’s every good reason for graduates to stick around.

1. London
Despite its high living and rent costs, London pips Montréal for 2018’s most desirable student city. Culture, career opportunities and several top universities are to credit for London’s top ranking. According to a study by London & Partners, 41% of the city’s student population are international students.

We know more precisely the age of the Moon

The Moon and the Earth are intimately linked: the Moon formed as a result of the collision of the proto-Earth (our planet at its initial stage) with an impactor (object striking a star) the size of Mars called Theia . Most of the Moon is composed of matter from our blue planet. Moreover, they have the same isotopic composition, which is to say that they share the same DNA. On the other hand, the date of formation of our only natural satellite remains approximate: scientists have hitherto estimated that the Moon was formed between 100 and 150 million years after the birth of the solar system, formed 4, 56 billion years.

In a study published Monday, July 29, 2019 in Nature Geoscience, scientists at the Institute of Geology and Mineralogy of the University of Cologne (Germany) said that the Moon was born about 50 million years after the formation of the Solar system, reports Eurekalert. In other words, the Moon would be 4.51 billion years old and would be much older than previously thought. The researchers came to this conclusion after analyzing the chemical composition of a variety of samples collected during the Apollo missions from 1961 to 1975.

A unique opportunity to study the evolution of planets
Knowing the exact age of the Moon would allow us to understand how and when the Earth was formed precisely and how it evolved at the beginning of the Solar System. In a press release, Maxwell Thiemens, former researcher at the University of Cologne and lead author of the study, explained: "The first steps of humanity on another world exactly 50 years ago gave samples which allowed us to understand the timing and evolution of the Moon Since the formation of the Moon was the last major global event after the formation of the Earth, the age of the Moon also provides a minimum age for the Earth ".

1 in 4 Delivery Drivers Admit to Tasting Customers' Food Before It's Delivered

Next time you’re starving at home with no food in the house, you may want to drive to a restaurant instead of ordering from an app delivery service.

A new study says 28% of drivers hired by those apps admit to taking food from deliveries.
That’s more than half of the 54% who say they’ve been tempted to do so because it just smells so good.
It’s also more than most people think – just 21% of customers report suspecting drivers of sneaking a bite.
Still, 85% of them want restaurants to use packaging that will show if anybody has pilfered a portion of their grub.
Companies like Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Postmates, and Door Dash will bring you food from nearly any restaurant for a fee.
According to the national study, the average consumer has two food delivery apps and uses them three times per month.
The data was compiled by distributor U.S. Foods from more than 1,500 respondents.

The real reasons you're not happy

#You're not happy because you're not living in the moment

Of all the reasons we experience sadness, self-love coach and therapist Jennifer Twardowski thinks living in the past or future is perhaps "the most impactful" on our happiness. "The reality is that by focusing our attention on the past and the future, all it does is prevent us from really living in and enjoying the present moment, which is the key to really living and being from a place of true joy and happiness," Twardowski wrote in an article for HuffPost.
When you find yourself dwelling on how things used to be or how you think they'll be one day, the coach recommends taking a pause. While taking a deep breath, pay attention to how your feet feel against the floor and take a moment to look around. Twardowski added, "Notice what you have right now in this moment and how amazing it is to simply be living right here, right now."

#Spending too much time on social media is making you unhappy

According to a 2019 survey (via Digital Information World), the average internet user spends two hours and 22 minutes on social media and messaging platforms each day. But it's not doing us any favors.
The Happiness Research Institute conducted the "Facebook Experiment" to discover just how much social media influences its users. Half of the participants in the experiment were instructed to use Facebook as they always had while the other half did not use Facebook at all for one week. By the end, those who didn't use Facebook reported feeling happier, less sad, and less lonely. They also reported a much higher degree of satisfaction with their lives as a whole. Researchers determined that Facebook users were 55 percent more likely to feel stressed, whereas taking a break from Facebook led to an 18 percent increase in being "more likely to feel present in the moment" — which, as you know, is another mood booster.

#You feel sad because you're putting too much stock in material things

"Money can't buy happiness," the old adage goes. But it's not really so black and white. As Inc. reported, money can have a positive impact on your mood if you use it to pay for experiences, buy things for others, spend within your means, and purchase things that will save you time (like a grocery delivery service or housecleaner). Nevertheless, putting too much stock in what money can buy is not going to lead to happiness.
"One of the biggest fabrications that our ego mind likes to tell us is that [in] being rich, famous and successful we are somehow going to be living the best lives ever," therapist and self-love coach Jennifer Twardowski wrote in a HuffPost article. "While getting a new car, house, and [making] more money may certainly make our lives easier, it doesn't necessarily mean that we're going to be happy when we get these things." She continued, writing, "True happiness comes through our mindset and how we choose to live and be in the world — not a pair of Manolos and some Gucci."
#Always being in a relationship could make you not happy

While it has been proven that relationships do have the ability to cause us to be happier and even physically healthier, as noted by Psychology Today, so much of that is dependent on what's going on in the relationship. A relationship — for the sheer fact that it is, by definition, a relationship — isn't enough to improve one's mood. A toxic relationship, for example, can have a detrimental impact on both a person's happiness and wellbeing.
Bouncing around from relationship to relationship may seem like it could eventually lead to happiness, or at least stave off unhappiness, but learning to be comfortable alone is actually a much better option, according to psychologist Carolin Müller. "If you understand yourself first of all, you will be able to understand others much more," she told Insider. "You'll know about your needs and your expectations, and you will understand why certain people act the way they do."

#Avoiding your emotions is making you unhappy

"In the world of self-help and personal growth, there's a lot of talk out there about a need to be positive so that you can be happy and joyful and live the best life possible," therapist and self-love coach Jennifer Twardowski wrote in HuffPost. "Well, I'm going to tell you right now: Thinking that we need to be positive all the time is BS."
When upsetting things happen, it's perfectly okay to be upset. You may find that by trying to avoid feeling your emotions, you end up not happy. In fact, when we push away our feelings, Twardowski revealed that bigger problems — like depression and addiction — can surface in their stead. "So allow yourself to really truly feel — both the good and the bad, because it is all a part of you, and by loving and accepting it, you can start to tap into your own true authentic happiness," the expert advised.

#Are you being ruled by your emotions?

Yes, you should allow yourself to feel your emotions, but you never want to be controlled by them. If you let negative emotions take over, unhappiness is sure to follow. "Use your mind so that it's useful for you," psychologist Carolin Müller explained in an interview with Insider. "And look what it can do, it's amazing, you can solve the most amazing riddle, you can make crossword puzzles … We can go to Mars because we have a brain and a mind, yet it also leads people to think they are worthless."
Controlling your emotions isn't always the easiest thing to do, of course, but Carmen Harra, psychologist and author of The Karma Queens' Guide to Relationships, provided a few helpful tips to HuffPost. Before reacting to an emotional trigger, take a deep breath to "stabilize the overwhelming impulse." Harra also recommends finding a "healthy outlet" — such as journaling, exercising, or meditating — for your emotions.

#Being surrounded by negativity can lead to unhappiness

Being surrounded by constant negativity — even if you don't participate — can be a real cause for you feeling unhappy. It's not realistic to expect yourself or others to be positive all the time, of course, but a pattern of negativity is not good for anyone.
"You should strive to surround yourself with people who inspire you, people who make you want to be better," Travis Bradberry, author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, explained in an article for Forbes. "Anyone who makes you feel worthless, anxious, or uninspired is wasting your time and, quite possibly, making you more like them," he added. "Life is too short to associate with people like this. Cut them loose and watch your emotional intelligence soar."
But what if you can't remove a negative person from your life? What if it's a coworker or a beloved family member? Bradberry recommends setting boundaries and creating distance. "A great way to set limits is to ask them how they intend to fix their problems," he advised. "The complainer will then either quiet down or redirect the conversation in a productive direction."
#Nonstop judging of yourself or others can lead you down a dark road

If you are one to hold yourself to impossible standards, you likely get down in the dumps when you inevitably don't meet your lofty — and, let's be real, completely unattainable — goals. As you can imagine, judgment and criticism aren't exactly best buds with happiness. But, even if you are not overly critical of yourself, you can experience similar unhappiness by being unduly judgmental of others.
"When we are judging and criticizing, [it's] a sign that our ego mind is bringing out our inner critic," self-love coach and therapist Jennifer Twardowski detailed in an article for HuffPost. "All this does is block us from being able to truly experience love, happiness and joy in the present moment." If you realize that you are routinely judgmental of someone else, Twardowski further advised reflecting on this statement: "When I am judging others, I am judging myself, because we are all intricately connected."

#You're trying too hard to impress others and it's taking a toll

It's human nature to want to be liked by others, but trying to convince others to like you is never a good plan. If you're constantly trying to impress people, your happiness is likely suffering. "Trying to impress other people is a source of unhappiness, because it doesn't get to the source of what makes you happy — finding people who like you and accept you for who you are," Travis Bradberry, emotional intelligence expert and author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, revealed in Forbes. This plan also has a habit of backfiring, according to psychotherapist Sean Grover. "The more you hustle for approval, the less others feel at ease with you," he wrote in an article for Psychology Today.
Just as most material things won't bring you happiness, attaining the nice house or the expensive handbag also won't get you any closer to the things that Bradberry said can actually bring you real happiness: "friends, family, and taking good care of yourself." 

What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Drinking

Whatever your alcohol intake—whether you only indulge in a single celebratory Friday-night drink or pour yourself an Olivia Pope-size glass of wine every single night—there are a bevy of benefits to going booze-free.
You already know many of them: weight loss, better sleep and a happier, healthier mood. But what, exactly, happens inside your body that makes saying sayonara to alcohol so great?
"Alcohol is a toxin," Sal Raichbach, Psy.D., LCSW, chief of clinical compliance at Ambrosia Treatment Center points out. "As it enters the bloodstream, it impacts every organ system and takes a toll on the normal processes of the human body. So, if you stop drinking, then your body doesn't have to go through that recovery process the next day."
Here's what happens to your body when you stop drinking—on the outside and inside.

#You'll lose weight
If you've ever gone even a week without your favorite cocktail, you've likely noticed your clothing fits a little more loosely. (Hello, skinny jeans!) That's because when you cut out alcohol's empty calories, your body can focus on burning the other calories you consume. "Alcohol contains empty calories, which don't offer nutrients," Raichbach explains. Those empty calories aren't as satisfying as energy from whole foods with nutrients like protein and fiber and fat, so you're likely adding alcohol's calories on top of your nutritional needs. If you eat an adequate amount to maintain your weight, any excess calories will be stored as fat.
#You'll sleep better
Even drinking once or twice a week can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule, Raichbach says. "People who quit drinking often notice that their weekends are more productive and restful because their sleep is restorative," he describes. That may seem counterintuitive—especially for people who struggle to fall asleep at night. "Even though alcohol makes you sleepy, it's not a useful sleep aid," Raichbach explains. "Moderate alcohol consumption diminishes your quality of sleep by reducing the production of melatonin, a hormone that tells our bodies when to sleep and when to wake up. It also increases another chemical that affects sleep regulation, adenosine." What's more, Greuner adds, consuming alcohol forces your brain to work in alpha waves, which is a meditative or resting wave state we typically experience when we're awake. With these hormones, chemicals and brain waves out of whack, you'll find yourself waking up in the middle of the night—or needing to nap at work. And restorative REM sleep can be elusive. Cutting out alcohol can help you sleep soundly through the night.

#You'll get sick less
Prone to head colds? Your nightly glass—or three—of wine could be to blame, says Greuner. While light to moderate drinking shouldn't increase your susceptibility, "even a single episode of binge drinking can lead to exertion on the immune system and cause inflammation—a common cause of many ailments." When you refrain from drinking to excess, you'll reduce and reverse inflammation. And because of that "over time, your immune system will be strengthened," Greuner explains.
#You'll improve your digestion
The liver is responsible for cleansing the body of toxins—including alcohol. When you take alcohol out of the equation, "the liver doesn't have to deal with metabolizing ethanol and can focus on being the body's filter for other toxins that we naturally encounter," Raichbach says. Drinking too much can also cause fatty liver disease, inflammation of the liver and, over time, cirrhosis and liver failure. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you're taking any medications. Some medicines interact with alcohol and can increase the risk of liver damage from drinking.

#You'll stay more hydrated
"Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it increases the rate at which you expel water from your body as urine," explains Raichbach. The need to go or not go to the bathroom begins in your brain, as your pituitary gland releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that tells your kidneys it's time to retain water. Drinking even small amounts of alcohol can have a temporary diuretic effect. "Alcohol causes ADH levels to drop, and as a result, the kidneys produce more urine and retain less water," Raichbach says. "When you stop drinking alcohol, you restore ADH levels to their natural state, and your kidneys expel the appropriate amount of water." By retaining water and staying hydrated, your whole body will feel better.

#Your skin will look better
Another plus to rehydrating your body is that your appearance may improve. "Though moderate drinking may not present a large number of immediate life-threatening concerns, it can quickly take a noticeable toll on your appearance—even after one night of overindulging," warns Greuner. "Less water in the body leads to some immediate and visible effects, including dry and more wrinkled skin, red cheeks, eczema and blood-shot eyes." But take a night—or a month—off from drinking, and you'll likely be happier with what you see in the mirror. "With the avoidance of alcohol and proper hydration, your skin should soon return to its normal healthy state," he says.

6 Zodiac Signs That Are Absolutely Terrible Partners In Bed

In this scenario, the think before you jump idiom is some good advice to heed. Particularly when you’re thinking about jumping into bed with someone. Sure, it can be tough to deprive yourself of a fun night in the bedroom with someone you’re deeply attracted to. But of course, you also want to make sure that anytime you’re giving anyone the pleasure of physical intimacy, you are getting a lot out of it in return. Unfortunately, that is not always going to be the case. Not all nights of passion with another person are always going to be incredibly memorable. In fact, a lot of them are just going to be awkward, weird, and just plain boring.
So what Zodiac partner should you be avoiding? Read on to find out.

#Gemini 
Oh, it’ll be somewhat fine in the beginning. Yeah, yeah, you’ll almost get the impression that they like whatever it is you’re doing. You may even get away with having some self-confidence... until, of course, you realize that for every pelvic thrust, there’s an equal and opposite reaction. As in, Geminis has got other stuff on their minds. Better stuff. Better stuff than sex with you, that’s for damned sure.
#Cancer 
Before the grand events begin, it’s all talk. Then once the action starts, Cancer will not only keep on talking, but they’ll probably want you to commit to paper your feelings and emotions so that the sexual act is validated as something made of pure, devoted love. Forget sex — this zodiac sign wants a contract that goes beyond the grave. Cancer will bore you with their neediness, and even during the throes of passion, you’ll get that nagging feeling that if you don’t die during the act, then you’ll never escape their clutch. Cancer will bore you to death with their neediness.

#Virgo
You know that one person you can never seem to please in bed no matter how hard you try? That’s probably a Virgo. They are the types of people who will have you doing all sorts of things in the bedroom just so they can be stimulated. They will literally have you bending over backwards in an effort to please them. But no matter what tricks you may have up your sleeve, nothing is going to be enough for them. They are always going to want more than what you have to offer. You will find better pleasure by finishing yourself of in this case.

#Sagittarius
Sorry, Sag. You may be a fire sign but you’re one of the most boring sex partners of the zodiac. Sag is better in the seduction department. They’re hella good at getting you to “do things” but when it’s actually time to do those things, like Elvis, Sagittarius has already left the auditorium. Sag enjoys sex better as a mental state; once the pants fall down, the mind says “bye-bye.”

#Capricorn
Always take a hard pass whenever you are being propositioned by a Capricorn. They are rarely ever going to be worth it. They’re horrible lovers because they’re the types of people who fantasize about other human beings while having sex with you. Yes, physically, they are being intimate with you, but they always find themselves imagining other people; living out their wildest fantasies. You never want to be used as an object in such a manner.

#Pisces
The crying. The tears. That’s just too much to bear. You don’t want to have to be dealing with a sexual partner who is practically crying a river. But that’s what a Pisces is bringing to the table. So unless you’re willing to put up with that kind of basket case, it would be best for you to avoid a Pisces at all costs.

10 Things To Never Post About Your Relationship On Social Media

There are highs and lows in all relationships. It’s important to be very clear with your partner about which parts are okay to share on social media and which should remain private.  Before you hit the “post” button, always ask your partner whether or not they are comfortable with making things public.

#Keep the personal details about your partner to yourself.
Why It’s a Mistake: You might think it’s cute that your girlfriend sleeps with a Pound Puppy. She probably doesn’t want her coworkers to get that little glimpse into her intimate life, though. Besides, aren’t those details sweeter when they’re just between the two of you?

#The bedroom scenario
There’s simply no need to give the details of what goes on in the bedroom—don’t “kiss and tell”. If you’re in a long-distance relationship, you can text your partner steamy pictures or words; however, posting these on the social media is tacky and immature. It’s likely your partner will not appreciate you sharing intimate details on the social media; this could damage the trust in your relationship.
#Kissing and making out selfies
Nobody wants to look at your kissing selfies. It’s in extremely poor taste to capture intimate moments and post them on social media. Nobody really wants to see that. It looks tacky, especially to elders and your parents. In addition, if there are single friends on your friends’ list, they won’t feel great looking at how perfect your relationship is going while they are struggling to get one off the ground.

#Lovey-dovey posts about your spouse.
Instead of bragging about how great your husband is for cleaning the house, compliment him offline. He may or may not appreciate your public declarations of love, but your Facebook friends are probably just rolling their eyes.

#Unapproved pictures of your partner
Imagine you take a picture of your partner sleeping with their mouth wide open, thinking it’s cute. Well, what may look cute to you may be a picture they really dislike. So, spare them the pain and embarrassment and get your partner to approve pictures before you make an irreparable mistake.

#Mean jokes
Only you know your partner well enough to understand how jokes go down with them. While the context of making mean jokes may be different in your home setting, it may come across with a completely different meaning on social media. The public will not know the context and different people will derive different meanings. Why expose your partner to unnecessary jabs? Keep things private.
#Passive-aggressive notes
People post suggestive notes about their partner on social media. They say something that’s aggressive without naming names. For the average person, it’s simply a matter of putting two and two together. Everyone senses that the note is about your partner, even if you haven’t made it overt. How you solve your relationship problems is solely your concern. Talk things out with your partner. Don’t invite unsolicited advice from people who don’t know enough about your relationship.

#Stop posting for validation
The number of likes and shares are not a measure of how successful your relationship is. Don’t seek validation from the world outside. Moreover, posting positive pictures and words about your relationship can harm it. You may end up feeling that you always have to keep up a pretense of a lovey-dovey relationship even when things may go awry.

#Ultrasound pictures

Another social media mistake is posting pictures of your fetus. Or, anything inside your body for that matter. Wait until the second trimester to make an announcement on social media. Words are enough to make an announcement without attaching a photo of an ultrasound.

#Details of your break-up

If you want to vent your anger about your recent break-up, do so in the company of your closest friends. Not on social media, though. You and your ex-partner may share common friends and if you post details about your break-up story, your friends may be forced to take sides. Besides, you will damage your self-image and self-worth if you start slinging mud at your ex on social media.  

10 Dangerous Mistakes Cat Owners Should Never Make

Though cats are really independent animals, they still need our help. The main thing to keep in mind is that they can’t tell us about their problems. But don’t worry: wise vets and owners have already figured out some rules on universal care that can make your cat’s life brighter and happier.

#Secondhand smoking is harmful to our furry friends, too.
Secondhand smoking is bad for humans and animals. Smoking around your pet can lead to some serious long-term health problems including asthma and cancer. Remember that the next time you pull out a cigarette in front of your kitty.

#Don't forget to clean her bowl.
Cats know how to groom themselves. It's your job to make sure that everything else is clean, too, including their eating and drinking areas. For example, dump out old water and replace it with new water. If there's dirt or buildup, which there probably is, make sure to scrub it clean.
#Letting cats sleep on cable boxes
If a cat gets cold, it usually climbs on the cable box. Thanks to their tactile sensitivity, cats can stay near a heated object for a long period of time. But you shouldn’t let your pet do this, especially if you have a shorthair or hairless cat. Long-lasting contact with a heated object may result in the internal organs overheating. On top of that, obese cats are more prone to overheating than slimmer animals. If your cat gets cold, put a blanket on the cable box in advance.

#Cutting a fluffy cat’s fur
Cutting fur is really stressful for a cat. Cut your cat’s fur only if it’s really needed like if your cat has hairballs or if you’re prepping them for surgery. To reduce shedding fur, it’s recommended to groom your cat.

#Declawing your cat
In many countries, declawing cats’ paws is banned. Under general anesthesia, a cat gets its claws and even phalanxes amputated. Then later on, animals will experience pain while walking. They also won’t be able to jump or climb trees anymore.

#Storing food in packaging it didn’t originally come in
The food’s original packaging keeps it from drying out and losing its useful substances. It’s not recommended to put cat food in a different bag or to buy food that is stored in strange packaging.
#Closing interior doors
Cats love freedom and need as much open space as possible. These animals feel much happier when all interior doors are open. By the way, it’s one of the reasons your cat tries to open the door when you’re in the bathroom. They’re just trying to control their territory.

#Avoiding the vet
Even seemingly healthy cats should get a checkup at the vet at least once a year, so don’t let your cat’s fear of crates keep you from keeping up with its health. Your vet might notice kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions that you might miss. You should also notify your vet if your cat is displaying these signs of depression.

#Making your cat an unbalanced meal
If you want to know exactly what’s going into your cat’s body, think twice before prepping its food yourself. Home-cooked meals often don’t offer your cat all the nutrients it needs, so use a site like balanceit.com for recipes you can feel good feeding your pet, says Dr. Rossman. In addition to using vet-approved recipes, it’s important that you know why you should never feed your cat milk.

#Not protecting against fleas, ticks, and heartworm
Just like with vaccines, you can’t assume your indoor cat is safe from pests. If you bring in ticks or even mosquitoes, your pet could be exposed to Lyme disease, heartworms, or even the plague

Here’s How to Charge Your Phone as Quickly as Possible

You’re just about to head out for the day and grab your phone—but you notice you forgot to charge it and your battery power is in the single digits. Here are some things you can do to juice up your phone, or at least make sure you don’t lose any more power.

#Switch into airplane mode

A quick way to keep the battery from draining so quickly is to switch it into airplane mode. You won’t be able to get texts or search online, but you’ll save power because your phone won’t be constantly searching for a cellular or WiFi connection.

#Plug it into a wall socket

The USB port of your computer may be convenient when you’re working remotely, but an outlet will charge your phone faster. “This is because USB ports usually only charge at 0.5 amps, so it’s going to take twice the time to charge your phone than the 1 amp power adapter it came with,”

#Turn it off

There’s no better way to make sure all the power goes directly to your battery than making sure there’s no competition for it, or leave your phone in low power mode. You can find it in settings on an iPhone or on Android phones, it’s known as battery saver mode.

#Keep a charged battery pack handy

For those situations when you know you’re going to be far from a traditional power source, buying a battery pack is a good idea. Just make sure to plan for it in advance, so you can charge the battery pack before you leave

#Take your phone out of the case

If you notice that your phone gets hot when you charge it, Apple suggests taking it out of its case before you charge it. “Charging your device when it’s inside certain styles of cases may generate excess heat, which can affect battery capacity.”

#Clean out your lightning port

The problem may not be with the power of your battery itself. Over time, lint and dust can accumulate in your lightning port and clog it. 

10 Rules That Rich People Follow

Aside from the random element of luck, much of what makes some people successful involves the cultivating of certain habits. Learning what these habits are and how to employ them in your own life is worthwhile.
To that end, here are 10 of the most often-cited habits of successful people.

# Write it down.
One of the top secrets for accumulating money is to make a plan and stick to it. It’s easier said than done, but writing down your goals can help to cement them in your mind and make them more concrete. You’ll be much more secure trying to stick to a plan that you have committed to paper versus one that involves vague ideas that are still floating around in your head.

#Talk less and listen more.
Everyone loves talking about themselves, but how often do you meet someone that truly knows how to listen? Listening is one of the most crucial parts of communication, yet most people are pretty bad at it. Developing it as part of your skillset is something that will definitely set you apart from the crowd.
#Relaxation
It’s interesting to note that relaxing – by meditating or simply avoiding distractions – is another of the most-often mentioned habits of successful people.
Of course, relaxation comes more easily to those who are organized, so perhaps for some it is more of a natural byproduct than a conscious decision.

#Positive Attitude
According to many successful people, having a positive attitude is not just a result of being successful – it’s one of the root causes of success.

#Taking Action
Third on the list of habits of successful people is the inevitable “action” habit. It is important to organize, to plan and to set priorities, but without action, a plan is nothing more than potential.
Successful people act – quickly and often. In addition, although it may sound counterintuitive, according to James Clear, they act (start, anyway) before they feel ready. While others come up with reasons not to act, successful people take that all-important first step – even if it seems outlandish.

#Read every day

According to Tom Corley’s research that he described in his book Rich Habits: The Daily Success Habits Of Wealthy Individuals, wealthy people choose reading over TV. In fact, 88% of wealthy people read for at least 30 minutes a day. Anything from self-improvement literature to news can help increase your knowledge, which will make you more open-minded and will help you at work.

#Have a source of passive income

Rich people don’t spend all of their money on designer clothes, expensive gadgets, jewelry or cars like a lot of people think. They don’t waste their money, they make their money work for them. An income based on a side business, investments, dividends or on real estate can be a common source of additional money among the rich. Even having money in a high-yield savings account can make you richer without your immediate participation.

#Sharing

Whether through donating to charity or the sharing of ideas, successful people have a habit of giving. They know the value of sharing and most believe their success should result in something more than the accumulation of wealth for themselves.

Some of the most well-known successful philanthropists include Bill and Melinda Gates, Oprah Winfrey and Mark Zuckerberg.

#Never stop learning

The world we live in changes all the time. New products, innovations, and technology appear almost every day. And if you want to stay on top of things and be successful, you need to constantly educate yourself about everything that is going on. Books, lectures, videos, and podcasts can help you stay up-to-date.

#Choose friends wisely

It can be hard, but if you want to be successful, you need to re-evaluate friendships that you have. We take a lot from people close to us, so ask yourself if they are helping you to be your best self or if they’re dragging you down. If your goal is to become wealthy, start making friends with people who can help you with that.

If You Walk Like This, It Says a Whole Lot About Your Personality

The way a person stands, how they talk, and their mannerisms can often reveal a lot about their personality. But the way someone walks may say a lot about them, too.

##The Worrier
Worriers tend to walk slowly and cautiously, and typically make short, metered strides. They may drag their feet or shuffle. Not one to impose, a worrier will keep his or her eyes to the ground and arms down to the sides or crossed at the chest. These people are introverted and thoughtful, but they can seem unsure, vulnerable and timid.

#The Chiller
Chillers are just a little too easygoing. They walk at a slow to medium pace, their body is loose and their posture relaxed. They might gesture frequently, but their gestures tend to be small and lax, and they can get caught up in an internal dialogue. Chillers tend to be more focused on others than they are on tasks, and they might seem lost while walking. They’re calm and intuitive but also can appear sloppy and easily influenced.
#The Showboat
Showboats walk with intent and confidence, swaying their arms and hips in an exaggerated manner and attracting attention from everyone they pass. While they walk with their heads high and shoulders back, they’re more focused on themselves than the goings-on around them and may be distracted by their reflection in a store window or mirror. While showboats are commanding and charismatic, they also can come off as self-absorbed and unreliable.

#The Politician
Politicians are a force of energy, walking with quick, springy steps and gesturing consistently. These people are likely to walk with their chest forward, shoulders back and head up, and engage with anyone who passes them. In groups, they often take the lead, and their eyes always scan the environment around them. They’re social, friendly and likable but can seem insincere and phony.

#The Executive
Executives walk very quickly with fast, focused strides, often leaning their weight forward as if charging ahead. Absorbed in their thoughts or looking down at their phone, these people often pay no mind to those around them and may bump into others while multitasking. Executives are extremely goal-oriented and can be excellent problem solvers, but they also can come off as unapproachable, preoccupied and intense.

What The Length Of Your Pinky Finger Reveals

Perhaps you've gone to a palm reader, curious about what the lines on your hand can tell you about what the future holds, and had them divine seemingly intimate details of your personality from the lines of your hands. But have you ever measured your pinky finger?
It sounds strange, but the pinky finger length could say quite a lot about you, from your habits to the way you handle relationships, and the practice of using it to divine one's personality has its roots in the practice of palm reading.

#A: Even Placement
Type A personalities are a bit reserved and tend to be closed off and introverted. You do not open up to other people easily, even with the people closest to you, and especially not to strangers. You appear stoic and independent from the outside.
Dishonesty angers you more than anything else and is constitutionally against your makeup. You are a genuine, forthright person who goes out of your way for your loved ones and expects them to do the same for you in return. After all, it's only fair.
Despite going out of your way for friends and family, strangers can see you as cold. They may mistake your distance for arrogance or eccentricity, especially since you tend to have little patience for things that annoy you.

#B: Long
Type B's are very loyal to their friends, and also highly sensitive people. When you have a new boyfriend or girlfriend, they become your whole world. They're always in your thoughts, and you strive to connect with them on as deep a level as possible.
Despite this devotion, you want to present the appearance of someone who can be happy all by themselves, without a significant other.
You hold off on giving too much of yourself to others right away, but harbor secret dreams of finding your true soul-mate. You may be likely to study psychology in school because it lets you figure out how people work.
In life, you dedicate yourself completely to whatever you set your mind to: your job, your education, family or friends. Your single-minded focus lets you achieve anything you set your mind on.
#C: Short
Type C's are optimistic, lively personalities that negativity cannot stick to. You tend to forgive and forget easily, sometimes to a fault, because of your inability to hold onto anger.
Your excess energy may cause you to seem self-centered, and at times, demanding. You have a hard time ceding any kind of argument, especially when you're convinced that you are in the right. At the same time, you will be the first one to say "sorry" if things go too far.
Despite presenting a bubbly exterior to the world, you keep your true emotions closely held. You are, however, very forthcoming with your opinions. People know your values without question.
Familiarity is comforting to you, and gives you a sense of security, while you harbor a deep fear of the unknown. Stepping out of your comfort zone occasionally will help you grow and become a better version of yourself.

10 Drinks That Can Slow Down Aging

Aging is inevitable, and with it comes visible signs like graying hair, hair loss, and those unwanted wrinkles. But while aging cannot be slowed, the appearance of its signs can — maintaining a healthy lifestyle and sticking to a regulated diet can help with this.

#Fresh-Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
Citrus fruits pack tremendous amounts of vitamin C, which allow for excellent maintenance and production of collagen, the substance that allows skin to be flexible and strong. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading the way to wrinkles and dry skin, both of which are unfortunate signs of aging. Grapefruit also contains spermidine, which helps cellular growth.

#Water
Our bodies are composed of more than 70 percent water, and it is essential for the hydration of every organ — of which your skin is the largest and most visible. Without water, skin becomes dry while hair and nails become brittle. Dry skin is prone to wrinkling and lack of water leads to a build-up of toxins which can disrupt every process in the body.
#Coffee
Your morning pick-me-up can provide more than just a boost of energy in the morning. A cup of the good stuff contains age-fighting antioxidants, that protect the body from damage. Coffee is said to be able to fight off a number of diseases, including Parkinson’s, depression and type 2 diabetes. Studies have even shown a link between coffee consumption and a reduced risk of basal cell carcinoma, one of the most common skin cancers. Another study found that moderate coffee consumption (around three cups a day) may possibly reduce the risk or at least delay the onset of Alzheimer’s in older adults.

#Wine 
Drink wine in moderation, of course, as excessive consumption can paradoxically promote the aging process and ruin the liver. Red wine is the preferred choice as it contains resveratrol which has been shown to promote the "longevity" gene while retarding inflammation and diseases associated with getting old. Raise your glass to that!

#Tea
There are so many varieties of this healthy alternative to coffee. The catechins and antioxidants in teas have been shown to block neuronal (nerve) death, and the immune system is also boosted by tea, thereby reducing inflammation, which in turn imparts a healthy looking appearance.

#Cocoa
The Kuna people of the San Blas islands, off the coast of Panama, have a rate of heart disease that is nine times less than that of mainland Panamanians. The reason? The Kuna drink plenty of a beverage made with generous proportions of cocoa, which is unusually rich in flavanols that help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels. Maintaining youthful blood vessels lowers risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.
#Soy milk 
The isoflavones in soymilk may help to preserve skin-firming collagen. In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, mice fed isoflavones and exposed to UV radiation had fewer wrinkles and smoother skin than mice that were exposed to UV light but didn’t get isoflavones. The researchers think that isoflavones help prevent collagen breakdown.

#Beet juice
Beets are rich in naturally occurring, healthy nitrates which, according to a 2011 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Nitric Oxide, provide a boost in blood flow to the frontal lobe of the brain, thereby reducing the chances of dementia and age-related cognitive decline. The antioxidants in beetroot can protect the body from free radicals and fight wrinkles.

#Coconut water
Coconut water is rich in minerals and electrolytes, which are essential for the healthy metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, and for improving the distribution of nutrients received from food. Also, coconut water contains a plant hormone called cytokinin which promotes cellular growth. Cytokinins are also known to be anti-carcinogenic.

#Special Spice Drink
I take water steeped in boiled broccoli and add pinches of powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and basil, mixed with some olive oil. I drink this self-made concoction daily. I have been doing this for years, and I know that I am drinking from the fountain of youth with this winner!

How To Pick A Good Watermelon

Picking out a watermelon at the grocery store was always a semi-anxiety plagued experience for me when I didn’t know what I was looking for.
If you pick a bad one, you’re stuck with 15-20 whopping pounds of watermelon terribleness. And then your options are to either force yourself to eat this yucky watermelon or throw it away…and both are less than desirable options. Never fear: Compare them using these easy criteria.

#Knock on It with Your Knuckles

Your knuckles should bounce off the melon, and the surface should be pretty hard/firm. You will get a dull thud if the flesh is soft, which indicates it’s starting to spoil.
#Look for the Sugar Spots and Pollination Points

If you see black spots on the melon, this is where sugar is seeping out and indicates a sweet melon. Also, if you see dots in a line (not a scratch), these are pollination points, and the more of them the better.

#Avoid shiny

The one thing to always remember when learning how to pick a watermelon is to avoid shiny melons. That usually means they’re not ripe. The perfect watermelon will have a rind with a dark green color, and its skin will be dull in appearance.
#Look for a yellow circle

Now, turn the watermelon over. The bottom of the melon should have a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. And the darker that spot is, the better the melon will taste. A white or nonexistent spot means it was picked from the vine before it had time to fully ripen.

#Check the Little Curling Tendril Located Where the Watermelon Stem Joins the Main Vine

This is another tip for checking ripe watermelons in the garden. Right where the stem to your melon joins the main vine, there should be a little curling tendril of vine. If the tendril is still green and springy, the melon is still growing.

8 Reasons to Start Sleeping Naked

Sleeping naked might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to improving your health, but there are some benefits that might be too good to ignore. Since sleeping naked is pretty easy to try yourself, it might be time to strip down and get your snooze on. For your health, that is.
As it turns out, there are many benefits of sleeping naked. You may have heard of some of these, but others might surprise you.

#Fall asleep faster
According to the National Sleep Foundation, your body temperature is one key to how you fall asleep. It’s actually part of your circadian rhythm, the biological rhythm that acts as your body’s “clock” for sleep.
#It can make you feel happier and more free
Just imagine the feeling of laying in bed naked. You’re free of your pants and underwear. Women, you’re not wearing a constrictive bra. It’s just you sandwiched between two cool sheets. The feeling just makes you want to smile and it makes you feel more free. Everyone can use that kind of good feeling every now and then, and it may even help you be happier as a person.

#It can help your skin.
For once your body gets to breathe. Your private parts, armpits, and feet are generally restricted all day and are often covered by multiple layers, even in the summer time. Give those parts a chance to air out and breathe. This can lower the risk of skin diseases, like athlete’s foot, that result from wet, restricted skin

#Reduce stress and anxiety
Another reason sleeping naked might be a good change is that it could help reduce your overall stress and anxiety. It’s no secret that poor sleep has a major impact on your stress levels. Studies suggest that poor sleep is linked to depression and even increased suicide risk.

#Boost self-esteem
Sleeping naked is also a great way to get in touch with your body and boost your self-esteem. One study found that spending time naked helped boost self-esteem and overall body image, which is definitely a win when it comes to embracing self-love.
#Prevent weight gain
If you’re having problems falling asleep, it could be wreaking havoc on your life in many ways. One study followed over 21,000 people for three years and found a possible link between inadequate sleep and weight gain. Individuals who reportedly slept equal to or less than 5 hours per night were more likely to gain weight.
Another way sleeping naked could help keep you trim? Keeping your body colder at night may help boost your calorie-burning abilities. A small study following five men discovered that exposure to cooler temperatures, around 66°F (19°C), helped their bodies increase brown fat activity.

#It can keep your reproductive organs happier.
For men, the cooler sleeping conditions allows your testes to remain at a cooler temperature. This helps keep your sperm healthy and your reproductive systems functioning as normal. For women, the cooler and more airy sleeping conditions can actually help prevent yeast infections. Yeast grows better in warm, moist conditions. When it’s cooler and dryer, the growth of yeast is prevented.

#Improve your relationship
While sex can be a great part of your relationship, sleeping naked with your partner can be just as wonderful. In fact, one study discovered that skin-to-skin contact between adults stimulates the release of oxytocin, which plays an important role in building attachment between partners.
Even better? Touching your partner is also great for your health — not just your relationship — and sleeping naked is a fantastic way to reap both benefits.

Men who help with housework ,have more and better sex

To all the men out there who try to get out of doing housework: you might want to think again. A new study suggests men who do their share of the household chores engage in better and more frequent sex with their spouse.

Men who help with the housework have a better sex life, a new study suggests. Researchers studied the sex lives of more than 1,300 couples to see if there was a correlation between the amount of housework the man does to the couple's sex life.

While they did not find a connection, they found that men who felt they made a fair contribution in terms of chores were more likely to enjoy a better sex life.
Researchers also acknowledged that there are cultural differences in different countries when it comes to housework in the study published in the Journal of Family Psychology.

The author stressed the findings are important for couples worried about balancing their time between the sheets with cleaning them.
Dr Johnson added: "Rather than avoiding chores in the hopes of having more sex, as prior research would imply, men are likely to experience more frequent and satisfying passion for both partners between the sheets when they simply do their fair share."

Keeping Your light or TV on at Night May Lead to Weight Gain

Exposure to light at night — from the glare of a bedroom TV or a street light through a window — may do more than disrupt sleep; it may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity , a new study suggests.

When you nod off is generally dictated by your circadian rhythm, your body's natural, built-in sleep clock. Biologically, humans are wired to fall asleep when it gets dark outside, and then wake at dawn.

However, it's not that simple - since we decided to invent lamps, TVs and then work jobs that involve night shifts.

All of these pump artificial light into your eyes which make the prospect of deep sleep a difficult idea. New research suggests artificial light could potentially increase the risk of weight gain.

Previous research found that it takes 60% longer to get to sleep if you've used an electronic device in the hour or so before sleep.

This island in Greece is ready to pay you for you to put your bags there ! For Real

AN island in Greece wants to pay people $ 560 per month to live there. Not only that, but they will also give the new locals a plot of land to build their home or business.

The island of Antikythera is looking for new locals as the remote isle is home to just 24 people - which increases to 40 people during the summer.

Located between Crete and Kythira, it is 45 minutes by plane from Athens.
The scheme is sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Church, who will pay the stipend for three years.
They are ideally looking for young families to join the community as the population has slowly dropped from over 300 people at the beginning of the 20th century.

The island is very rustic - there is no bank or ATM on the island and there are very few shops.
Antikythera has just one small provisions shop, with basic food and vegetables, which are grown on the island, along with wine.

Antikythera is far from the only town to have begun offering incentives to people willing to move in order to repopulate flagging areas. The Italian town of Ollolai, for example, has one Euro houses on the table; meanwhile, Ponga, a village in Spain, is offering between $ 3500 and $ 6500 Euros for couples willing to move there and start a family.

10 Signs Your House Is Vulnerable to Being Robbed

Undoubtedly, you have heard either on the news, on television programs, or on movies about burglars casing a house. This term describes the way that burglars will watch a home, search for patterns, and determine the best time to enter the home when the homeowner is a way or distracted.
But have you ever asked yourself, how do burglars case a house? Having the answer to that question is key in spotting the signs that a burglar may be looking for an opportunity to get inside of your home. Once you know what to look for, you will be able to take steps to dissuade a burglar from considering getting into your home.

#YOU DON'T HAVE AN ALARM SYSTEM
Installing a home security system can go a long way towards deterring burglars, 60% of burglars said that if an alarm were present, they'd look for a different house to target.

#YOU HAVE LOTS OF LOCKS
Interestingly, locks alone aren't enough to scare a burglar away, and having more locks doesn't necessarily work in your favor.
In fact, it could have the opposite effect, convincing a burglar that you have something worth stealing.

#YOU DRIVE A FANCY CAR
Having an expensive set of wheels parked in your driveway can increase your burglary risk. For burglars, signs of wealth are a significant factor in determining when and where a break-in will occur.
#YOU HAVE HIRED HELP
Bringing in a housekeeper or landscaper to help with upkeep around your home can save you time, but it can cost you in the long run.
Nearly a third of burglars report getting inside information on their targets, some of which comes directly from people who work for the victim.

#YOU LIVE NEAR A HIGH-TRAFFIC AREA
According to the Department of Justice, living next to an area where there are heavy traffic patterns increases the odds of becoming a burglary victim. Homes that are located close to pedestrian walkways are also more at risk.

#YOU KEEP CASH IN YOUR HOME
The UNC Charlotte study found that cash is the number one item on burglars' theft list. Nearly 80% of burglars who responded said that they broke into someone's home with the intent to steal money.

#YOU DON'T HAVE KIDS
If you're single or you live with just your spouse, you may be especially attractive to burglars. One logistical analysis found that the more people there are living in a house, the less likely burglars would strike.

#YOUR HOME ISN'T VERY WELL LIT
For burglars who prefer to operate under cover of dark, good lighting is a major deterrent. In a Dutch study, the odds of being burglarized decreased when homeowners installed motion sensor lighting or turned on outside lights around entryways.

#YOUR HOME IS LOCATED NEAR A HIGH-CRIME AREA
While some studies have shown that burglars may travel hundreds of miles to commit a crime, most break-ins are carried out by people who live nearby. According to a study from the Rochester Institute of Technology, the more familiar burglars are with a particular area, the more likely they are to target their neighbors.

#YOU FOLLOW THE SAME ROUTINE
Burglary is sometimes a crime of impulse, but many criminals take the time to observe potential victims beforehand. A study from the UK suggests that repeating the same pattern in your daily rounds could make you an easier target for burglary, since thieves can predict what you'll be doing at any given time.

How to create a budget that’s perfect for you

Many of us check our bank balances only to be saddened by how little money we have in our savings. Maybe you can go without eating takeout four nights a week, or maybe you can’t, whatever your income there is always a way you can save a bit of extra cash at the end of the month.

#You’ll need to set out a saving plan

Do you have a goal ahead that you’re budgeting for? Maybe you’ve got a vacation to save for or a wedding. Whatever the occasion, you can start saving in small amounts, and by the time you’ve come to shelling out the money, you’ll have plenty in reserve.
50/30/20 budget: With a 50/30/20 budget, 50 percent of your take-home pay goes toward essentials, like housing and bills. Thirty percent goes to your money goals, such as paying off debt or saving for retirement, while the remaining 20 percent is your “fun” money, and can be used for discretionary expenses like entertainment.
#Keep it simple
If you’re a newbie, keep your budget as simple as possible. If you’re feeling stuck, begin by designating a dollar amount for each “bucket” or spending category. Stick to one approach and see how it goes. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options out there, but the important thing is to get the ball moving.

#Include all expenses
Your expenses should include both recurring, fixed expenses, and one-off anticipated expenses, such as annual subscriptions, memberships, and insurance you pay for once a year. For one-time expenses, divide each total by 12 to include that into your monthly budget. That’ll give you a more accurate picture of your overall finances. Plus, by planning ahead like this, you won’t get blindsided when an annual bill comes in the mail.

#Always monitor your expenses
Once you get into the swing of checking your finances regularly, you can begin to alter your spending habits if they are not going to be sustainable within your set budget. Try not to change the budget but instead your spending habits, this way you’ll be more likely to stick to the budget instead of breaking it often. Make sure when setting your budget you give yourself some room for emergencies. It is no good spending the maximum of your income as you won’t have any in reserve when the time comes for needing it.

#Plan for spontaneous spending
When you’re putting some money aside for a rainy day fund, try and put a little extra aside that you can give to yourself as a little reward. Think of it in dieting terms, you may be familiar with the term ‘cheat day.’ Often when people are sticking to strict diets they will allow themselves a cheat day where they can eat whatever they want, but only for one day in a month. Set a little bit of money aside each month to allow you your very own financial cheat day. This will give you the satisfaction that spending money and shopping can bring without breaking the budget – because you’ve budgeted for it!