Designer bags are every woman’s dream come true. The level of sophistication that they have and their high quality is something that cannot be ignored. However, these bags are costly. 

Luckily, you can buy a pre-owned,pre-loved or second-hand designer bags. They have great deals and are still a good option for you if you are looking for something unique. However, shopping second hand requires extensive research to ensure that you are not buying a fake one. Here are some tips to follow.

Know The Brand Style In And Out

Most online shopping can be done with a one-click process, and you are ready to pay. That is, however, not the case for second-hand designer bags. You will need to invest a lot of time looking around and doing a lot of research on what is in the market. You should read the specs of the bag on the websites to see what it has. 

You could also check on the reviews of that particular site and see what other people are saying. If the majority of people are happy with the services and the products, then you can trust them. If many customers are complaining of the quality of the bag, then this is a red flag that you should beware of. When possible, you could go to the store and try on the bag. See it for yourself to confirm if it is what you are looking for.

Condition Of The Bag

You should ensure that the bag is in excellent condition. One of the most common things to look at are the wears on the corners and any scratches on it. The seller should give you information on any wear on the bag so that you can decide if you are comfortable with it or not. If you find that these light scratches and scuffs are a deal breaker, then maybe second-hand bags are not for you. These are some of the signs to show that it may not be genuine.

Seams-If the seams on the bag are not straight and the patterns not matching up, then it may mean that it is fake.

Logo-It will be blurry, have some misspellings and may even be smudged. It will show that it is not real.

Strength- A good bag will be able to stand upright when empty. The sides will cave into the way the bag falls over.

Understand The Return Policy

One of the main points that you should note is that second-hand shopping is different from retail and online shopping. Returning the bag or getting your money back may be harder than in the other instances. You will find that some sites will have a stringent no return policy which may force you to resell the bag on your own. 

Some will allow you to return it only in a specific period, which if you extend, you will not be able to do that. With this one, you may get only a fraction of what you had paid for. Ensure that you know the return policy well and that you are comfortable with it, in case anything goes wrong.

Understand Pricing

Pricing of second-hand designer bags is something that you should pay attention to. Some of these bags will go at half their original price while some will be a bit expensive. The more a bag is coveted, the less it will depreciate in its value. You will find that bag designs from Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga will have their resale prices being almost close to the retail price.

Waiting Lists

These bags tend to sell very fast since many people want them. If there is a waiting list, do not hesitate to follow in line so that you will be first to know when your bag arrives. You could sign up to be informed by email once your ideal bag has arrived.

Keep Your Records

It is essential to keep tab of all the exchanges that you made with the seller and all the receipts acquired. It will help you in case of any future references. Remember that you cannot be too careful and it is prudent to practice caution even though this does not mean that these sites are not reputable.

Buy From A Reputable Reseller

You can buy your bag from a pre-owned store, eBay, from someone selling it on Facebook or Instagram or even at your local shop. You need to ensure that you can trust the person reselling it to you. They should give you a receipt for the purchase that you have made. 

A reputable online shop will have a return policy and also guarantee that it is an authentic designer purse. You should check how long they have been doing this to see if they have experience in it. Someone who has been doing it for years is better than someone with only a month in it since they know all the ins and outs and are more likely to have a vast customer base.

Trust Your Gut

If something does not feel right to you, do not go forward with it. If a site does not have pictures of the bag or the information given is inadequate, then avoid them as fast as you can. If you do not feel good about the transaction, do not give in to the allure of the bag. 

Also, if the price is too good to be true, then it might be fake. Acting quickly on deals may seem to be a good idea, but it may not be the real bag. Spending a little more money to get the right one will not hurt. Ensure that when you buy, you follow your instincts. Do not ignore them, since they may be right.



In the second-hand designer bags market, there are many great deals that will be hard to avoid. However, it is good to take your time and do your research. Ensure that you know how the original bag looks like to avoid getting a fake one. With the above points, you are ready to start your shopping spree.

Embracing fashion can be very challenging and time-confusing. This explains why fashion-challenged persons can be very common. Perhaps you may be making different fashion mistakes without knowing. 

It may be quite difficult to seek help about the same and most can prefer the associated embarrassment instead. But we all know what such an embarrassment can have on our self-esteem. Learning about the different mistakes, however, makes it easier for you to avoid them. We’ve put together a list of 8 fashion disasters that you should always avoid. Please read on.

1. Wearing the Wrong Length

This is a common fashion mistake several people make most of the time, more so the short people. Some pants can affect how you look in them. Some can even make you look shorter than usual, which can affect your self-esteem when in the presence of your peers. You, therefore, have to be careful when choosing the pants to put on to avoid choosing pants that make you look shorter. Choose pants whose length falls right between the knees and your ankles. Also, to enhance an elongated look, ensure to wear a fitted top. You can look for amazing coupons from several platforms such as this site to allow you to take advantage of frugal and convenient shopping offers available.

2. Mismatching Belt and Shoes

Perhaps, if you move around the town right now, you won’t miss seeing one or two guys who haven’t followed the belt-and-shoes color rule. Those who mismatch the colors of their belt and shoes. For you to dress nicely, you need to always ensure that your shoes match your belt. For instance, if you’re to wear brown shoes, a brown belt will do and not a black one. Therefore, avoid making a mistake of mixing up the belt and shoe color. Go stylish with a similar color family.

3. Showing a Little Too Much Skin

Everyone who has amazing assets would want to show them off every time they’re in the company of different people. This can be a bad idea to embrace fashion. You need to wear clothes that accentuate your assets and not those that show them off. Remember, you’ll be going to a public place with lots of different people with different lifestyles. This calls for proper dressing, remember what you wear say a lot about you. You wouldn’t want to put on a very short skirt that will be a problem when you’re to bend to do or pick something. Choose something that will make you very comfortable when in the company of other people and at the same making you look fashionable.

4. Wearing a See-Through Top

Most ladies normally get their attires wrong when summers and springs are due. They often go for the see-through top not knowing that the shirt can become significantly less thick unlike what they’d thought. To avoid making this mistake, you should ask a friend to check if the top will be thick enough under the natural light. You may as well stand by a window and use the light to check if some light will penetrate and expose some body parts underneath the shirt. If it won’t be thick enough, consider changing the cloth and wear a thick one or you can as well layer a tank top underneath.

5. Tight or Oversized Clothes

Having clothes that flaunt your curves can be a very nice design to embrace fashion. However, some – especially those with weight problems – tend to think that wearing tight-fitting clothes can help hide fats around their bellies and other sensitive parts of the body. While oversized dresses and jumpers can look sassy on you, ill-fitting clothes can become a disaster. Blindly putting on clothes that are of the wrong size will make you look out of shape and lowers your self-esteem when you go out to some event or when moving around the streets. Therefore, ensure to always check that you don’t put on too tight or ill-fitting oversized clothes.

6. Wearing a Couple of Accessories

This is very common with artists. Donning their clothing with more than one accessories such as rings, bracelets, neck pieces, or anklets. It’s ok to wear at least one or two at a time depending on your lifestyle, but the moment you wear all of the bling-bling together, it becomes a disaster for your fashion. If you’re attending some event like a wedding, sticking to less bling is very essential. If you must wear them, try to stick to light accessories or you can opt for one at a time.

7. Using a Tie Knot That’s of the Wrong Size

Some celebrities have had it all wrong when they appear to the public with their tie knots not being of the right size. This is one of the worst fashion disasters that you can make especially when attending some special occasion. To avoid making such a mistake, ensure to tie properly according to the size of your collar. For instance, if you’re having a smaller collar, you need to tie a four in hand knot. Therefore, consider the width of the collar and suits lapels as you balance the size of the tie knot.

8. Applying the Dark Makeup

Clothing is not the only thing to consider when it comes to fashion. While it can be attractive from some distance, having a busted face may spoil all the fun. Perhaps, people will hardly concentrate on your clothing however fashionable they may be. A proper application of your makeup is very key for you as a woman regardless of the occasion you’re planning to attend. For instance, avoid pairing a dark lipstick with dark eye makeup to avoid causing some fashion disaster. Go simple, if you must apply dark eye make-up, use a lighter lipstick instead.

Conclusion

Probably, you may not be having time to be updated on the current fashion trends. This can affect how you’ll dress on different occasions which could result in some embarrassments. These are some of the common fashion disaster mistakes people often make. Perhaps, by learning about these mistakes, you’ll be in a better position of avoiding such and related mistakes. Also, look out for other relevant themed blogs to learn more about fashion and the mistakes to avoid.

Outsourcing has been an increasingly popular solution for business that wants to get more done without spending too much. With that, it is in demand wherever you are in the world since this is a good way to find reliable people who can get the job done. If you want to find Filipino workers or you are based in the Philippines, you do not need to worry. There are outsourcing companies in the Philippines that can help you.

Instead of spending more resources to look for efficient workers and interview candidates for full-time positions, outsourcing is presented as a better solution since there are less time and money wasted. In addition, the overall cost for outsourcing is generally less expensive than having to compensate full-time employees.

The Philippines is one of the most popular offshoring locations. Many Filipinos earn by working at the comforts of their home. In fact, I am one of those work-at-home moms and I really enjoy the benefits of online jobs.

What Services Can Be Outsourced?

There are different services that you can outsource especially if your project can be operated via the internet. Although every company has varying service offers, here are some services that can be outsourced:

Website Development
Desktop Application Development
Mobile Application Development
Enterprise
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Quality Assurance
Project Management: Scrum
Project Management: Agile
Project Management: Waterfall
Project Management: Kanban
System and Website Maintenance
Cloud Computing Services
Database Management
Legacy Systems Maintenance and Migration
Inbound Marketing
Outbound Marketing
Email Marketing
Technical Support
Sales Lead Generation

With demand for outsourcing increasing every year, there are a lot of companies that now offer the service for both local and international clients. It may not always work out all the time. Thankfully, there are some outsourcing companies in the Philippines that know how to handle business properly.

That is why it is important that you check the company first prior to collaborating with them. You have to bear in mind that the growth of your business relies on this as well.

Avoid Outsourcing Failures

Below is a free video on how to avoid outsourcing horror stories which tackle the crucial components of successful outsourcing. Let us take a look at this video to get some tips on how to do it in the right way.




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Stress, tension, and anxiety are all inherent to every human being. They are part and parcel of the nature of everyone, young and old alike. But much as that’s true, steering clear from anxiety and maintaining a calm demeanor all the time is nearly impossible.

But it’s easy for a person to rush to a physician or a pharmacy, buy and pop in some pills and feel calm. As long as it doesn’t turn into an addiction, using any form of prescription pills is perfectly acceptable. What many probably don’t know, however, is that there exists an array of natural stress relieving substances made exclusively from organic matter with some being even is more powerful.

What many do not know is that before the emergence of these prescription drugs, natural remedies for stress and anxiety were the primary forms of treatment. Their use is still rife in some parts of the world today, not to mention the fact that some even inspired the making of some of today’s stress reliever pills. What’s even more incredible is that almost all these herbal supplements are excellent in subduing stress and anxiety.



Forget about relaxing teas and hot bath therapies, if you would like to soothe your body and mind using natural supplements exclusively, these are the most preferred ones:

1. Valerian roots

While you could be learning about this magical herb for the first time today, valerian root has been helping relieve anxieties for centuries. It’s perhaps the most trusted natural remedy owing to how it soothes quickly, bringing about a feeling of peace and tranquility.

The charm behind the power of valerian roots is how it triggers an increase in the amount of amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain. When the brain gets more of this substance, the nerve cells bring about a form of ease, making one relax and feel calm. Other effects of using this herb include getting lots of quality sleep and feeling completely at peace.

To take this natural supplement of anxiety, you can drink valerian root tea or take it as a capsule or a pill. Don’t feel intimidated by this herb’s unappealing smell, you make it, and before long, the healing effect is felt.

2. Lavender

If there’s one natural supplement that has a reputation for soothing anxiety, then it certainly is lavender. Forget about this plant’s heavenly and rapidly soothing aroma, when its flowers are wrapped on a damp piece of towel or pillow so that an anxious person smells it, an instant Midas touch is felt. Indeed, it is an effective natural remedy for stress.

Another excellent way to utilize lavender is to mix the essential oil with the bathwater and take a good, thorough bath. You require the best essential oil diffuser, and you’re good to go. Another way to achieve a calming effect is to take a soft lavender gel and apply on.

3. Kava Root

Calm Clinic alludes that Kava is one of the most effective natural supplements against anxiety. WebMD even supports the same, stating that in its herbal supplement form, this herb works against not only stress, tension, and anxiety, but also anxious thoughts too.

Before the scientific studies, however, Kava root had maintained a profound use in the world of ancient medication. Consumed as tea or infusion, it was primarily used to bring about muscle relaxation and induce mild sedation. Today, the plant’s excellence in combating anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and stress-related symptoms makes it a perfect choice.

The best way to take Kava, therefore, is as Kava tea. This herb, in pill or capsule form, also is available and leaves just as much effect as the extracts.

4. Lemon Balm

The use of Lemon Balm to treat anxiety isn’t something new, especially amongst those who love ancient, natural medicines. It is believed that the use of this herb dates back to the Middle Ages, then known as Melissa officinalis when it served the same purpose.

This was even confirmed beyond any reasonable doubt when a group of healthy volunteers participated in a week-long study. They would take a daily dose of lemon balm, 600mg per person. By the time a week was over, it was found that the mood of every one of them had increased and they all boasted enhanced calmness and alertness, and they were visibly relaxed.

Today, its supplements are an effective natural remedy for digestive for a plethora of mild ailments as they are against stress and anxiety. You take a cup of lemon balm tea, and you instantly feel calm and at ease. You can also take it as a capsule or as an extract and still feel relieved.

5. Chamomile

As far as using natural means to treat anxiety is concerned, no herb is a favorite amongst green tea lovers as chamomile. A sip of it is sure to bring that calming and relaxing effect, and that’s because it not only makes the muscles relax but also soothes the nerves.

The use of chamomile to treat various ailments dates back to centuries ago and one of the primary reasons why it’s still a huge favorite today is because it has no adverse side effects. For those who would prefer to take it as chamomile tea, however, pills and capsules are also available.

6. Green Tea (L-Theanine)

It’s said that the secret medication that helped Japanese monks spend hours to stay alert while meditating was because they would consume Theanine-rich teas. Theanine isn’t just an excellent stress-reliever, but also has a massive effect on how a man achieves calmness and upright thinking.

In fact, according to Life Extension, the power behind this herbs soothing effect is from the fact that when theanine gets into the blood system, it quickly crosses the “blood-brain barrier.” It then gets to the brain cells and thus the calmness and cognitive functioning.

7. Passionflower

Passionflower isn’t as popular natural medication for treating anxiety as the other herbs, but it gets the job done well. Native to Peru, this plant is nowadays found across the world, which thus means you can readily find one near your home.

In Germany, Passionflower is regarded as one of the government-approved medications for restlessness and anxiety. Other than that, it also treats insomnia since just a little of it is enough to induce drowsiness. You can smell the flower in its raw form or take it as pills.



Another favorite, natural way of fighting anxiety is by working out, take a walk, dance to your favorite music or grab a bite. With the help of all these herbs, however, rest assured you will achieve lasting calmness quickly.

1. Avoid Anti-Aging products

Today, even girls in their early 20s turn to anti-aging products to keep the skin young longer. However, it’s a big mistake, especially for those with dry skin. The majority of anti-aging products contain AHAs or retinoid, which cause skin irritation and worsen dry skin symptoms. If you can’t stop using anti-aging products, ensure yours don’t contain AHAs or retinoid.

2. Hydrate Your Body

Sometimes all you should do to get rid of dry skin for good is simply hydrate your body. Although dry skin generally lacks oil, keeping your body moisturized on a daily basis will ease the symptoms of dry skin. Avoid sugary drinks and aim to drink plain water. 

You can also opt for fresh fruit-infused water to make your skin glow. If you’re a green tea lover, try matcha that’s overloaded with antioxidants for healthy skin.

3. Choose The Correct Moisturizing Lotion

With thousands of different moisturizing lotions, it might be hard to choose the best one for your dry skin. When choosing your lotion, look for the one that contains a silicone called dimethicone, which is one of the dry skin-friendly ingredients that aids in keeping moisture trapped in the skin. 

Depending on your skin type and reasons of dry skin, you can also choose the lotions that contain petroleum jelly, hyaluronic acid, or mineral oil. If you tend to have dry skin due to weather changes, then petroleum jelly is a big no-no. If you have a dry skin type, then all three ingredients mentioned above will work wonders for your skin.

4. Cut Your Shower Time

The long shower or bathroom time can worsen your dry skin, so try to make it as short as possible. Moreover, ensure you don’t shower with hot water as it dries the natural oils and thus instantly causing the skin to dry. 

Lukewarm or warm water is the better option, but if you can shower with cold water it’s a huge perk. Use face washes and soaps that are created for dry skin and avoid antibacterial soaps that trigger irritation and dryness.

5. Let Your Skin Dry Naturally

Just like with hair, don’t rub your skin with a towel to dry. Consider pat drying the excess water, instead. Not only will you reduce the likelihood of skin irritation, but you’ll also keep your skin supple and soft longer. 

Apply your moisturizing lotion right after a bath/shower to help your skin keep the water that’s already in it. If you’re in a hurry, slightly towel your body and give it a few seconds to dry naturally.

6. Try Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

Skin rejuvenation is one of the most effective ways to cope with numerous skin problems, including dry skin, dullness, and skin discoloration. There are a few kinds of skin rejuvenation treatments, so it’s important to consult an expert to find out which one will work for your dry skin. 

The most popular skin rejuvenation treatments include dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and micro needling. Dermaplaning is recommended for dry skin as it helps to make your skin feel and look refreshed, smooth, and flawless. Again, it’s best to consult a dermatologist or a beauty expert before trying any skin rejuvenation treatment.

7. Boost Your Omega-3 Intake

Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly beneficial for dry skin as they nourish your skin from the inside. Some of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids are mackerel, salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds, spirulina, seaweed, hemp seeds, walnuts, soybean oil, kidney beans, and edamame. 

You can also take omega-3 supplements like ALA supplements, algae oil, krill oil, cod liver oil, and fish oil. Consult your doctor to find out which omega-3 supplement is best for your dry skin.

8. Take Care Of Your Lips

Dry skin is always accompanied with cracked and chapped lips. Therefore, when struggling with dry skin, don’t forget about your lips. Use a gentle lip scrub and a soft toothbrush to exfoliate your lips and apply an intensive lip balm to nourish them. 

You can make your own lip scrub; just mix fresh lemon juice and sugar to create a paste. Keep lip balm handy wherever you go and apply once you feel your lips are dry. This will help to protect your lips from the heavy winter winds, pollution, and dust.

9. Take Care Of Your Arms And Feet

Dry hands are highly common during the frosty winter and people with a dry skin type can suffer from arm dryness as well. Wear gloves to protect your hands and apply nourishing hand cream before going out and sleep. This way, you’ll keep your hands moisturized and ward off their premature aging. 

The same goes to feet, wear warm socks during the cold months and apply a moisturizer before you put on them. Use foot scrubs once a week to get rid of dry skin and keep your feet smooth and soft. Choose non-greasy creams and lotions that aim to heal cracked and dry hands and feet.

10. Use Sunscreen

Dry skin tends to age faster than other types of skin and it’s negatively affected by UV rays. Keep your skin protected and young by wearing a good sunscreen with SPF15 or SPF30. Each skin type requires different SPF so talk to a dermatologist to learn which one you need.




In case your dry skin is triggered by certain skin conditions like eczema, it’s critical to treat the root cause of the problem. Seek medical help as soon as possible. If you have a dry skin type or you suffer from dry skin during the fall and winter months, the tips mentioned above will definitely help you.

Whether it’s to pad your savings account, pay down debts, or save for a big purchase, being able to save more money is always a smart financial decision. If used wisely, discount codes, coupons, or offer codes can help you maximize your savings on necessary (or not so necessary purchases).

Discount codes are pretty self-explanatory when you have one in hand, but this article will help you learn how to find them, troubleshoot them, and how to maximize your savings when using them.

Discount codes 101

Before you start hunting down your savings, it’s important to understand what discount codes are and how they can help you save money.

When you spot a discount code, knowing how to read it will help you understand what kind of discount they might offer. Discount codes are usually a mixture of letters and numbers that may be random (generally for special discounts) or have a portion of words like BLACKFRIDAY40 that will hint at what discount you’ll get and for what event.

When you’re applying a discount code, you will usually enter it as part of the checkout process and be able to see the discount you will receive. However, some companies will limit when you can enter the discount code, such as during the process of entering your credit card information instead of at the shopping cart.

Troubleshooting Discount Code Issues

Different online stores deal with their discount code process differently. While some companies are transparent with their codes and will be upfront with exactly how much you will save, there are times that your code will be rejected with little to no explanation.

When a discount code is ineligible, you should see an error pop up that will clarify why the code no longer works. However, not all stores are this forthcoming. Sometimes, you may have to enter all your shipping and billing information before you’re allowed to enter the code, and then you may not even get an error explaining why the code was rejected. Even worse is a checkout process that appears to accept a code, but then doesn’t provide you with a discount or with an error code.

Here are some common reasons a discount code may be failing:

Exclusions

If your code is getting rejected for what seems like no reason, see if there are any exclusions. Usually, no matter how general the code may be, there are some exclusions listed on the site. Certain brands or items may be excluded from the sale due to manufacturer restrictions, or sales or clearance items may be excluded since they’re already marked down. The site should list these exclusions in the fine print.

Expiration

If you’ve saved a coupon code from the last time you were shopping, know that discount codes are coded with automatic expiration dates, after which the code will no longer work. These codes last for a finite amount of time and can change day-to-day.

Minimums

Some discount codes only work when a certain price point is met. If your discount code isn’t working, it may be because you need more items in your cart before it functions. Some stores also require you to purchase a set amount of items from one category before a discount is automatically applied, such as 5 for $10 deals.

Details

If none of the above seems to apply to your coupon issue, try to see if there are more details available. Check the store’s website for a “details” link that will provide you with the fine print that will explain how and when the discount code can be used.

Where to find discount codes

Sometimes, discount codes are offered by the company as soon as you hit the home page. You’ll see a large banner that will announce that they’re having a sale and that you can take an extra 20%, 40%, 50% off or more off the final price of your order. However, there are many instances where discount codes are available for that particular store but aren’t as readily available.

Companies may also have special promotions on that are only being offered to new customers or visitors to the site. If this is the case, you may need to wipe your computer’s history and reset your cache and cookies so that you appear as a new user to the website.

Abandoning your shopping cart is another nifty way that you can get the chance for more savings. Algorithms will read your continued visits and departures from the site without purchasing anything as a waffling potential customer. To draw you in, the website may offer you a discount code on your next visit to encourage you to complete a purchase.

Another method is to provide your email address. Many companies ask for emails and provide discount codes in return. You can save up to 25% off your purchase just for submitting your email address to a company and then checking your inbox for the code.

There are also websites that can help you find discount codes. Sites like this company can help you find deals almost anywhere on the web based on category or brand. Using the search box, you can turn up a variety of deals or voucher codes that the store’s website may not be showing.

Do the Math

When you’re shopping online, it’s important to remember to do the math and not get caught up in how good a sale looks. Frequently, we can be convinced to buy more stuff with sales or BOGO deals that we may not need. This means you will lose money in the long run, since you didn’t need to purchase in the first place.

Also, don’t assume the store you’re shopping at has the best deals for everything. Just like with brick and mortar stores, you may need to do a bit of hunting to see if one site’s price with a discount code still ends up being more than another store’s price without the discount code. A bit of shopping savvy goes a long way when it comes to saving money!

No one wants to think about a time when their parents will be incapable of making important decisions for themselves. Older people like to think they will always have the mental faculties to make personal and medical decisions. 

Their children often find it difficult to consider the day when they will be in charge of their elderly parents. This reluctance on both parts means families often wait until the last minute to make decisions regarding guardianship. A guardian is a person who has legal permission to make decisions for another individual when they are incapacitated.



As difficult as it may be, hiring a guardianship lawyer and setting up a plan is the best thing to do. For information regarding your particular situation, call Suzanne R. Fanning. If you want some general information before you meet with an attorney, read on.

A guardianship lawyer can:

Advise you if guardianship is the right step

Guardianship isn’t the route to go for every family. However, sitting with an attorney will allow you to explore your options. They will take your unique circumstances into consideration and advise you on whether power of attorney, living wills, trusts or some other arrangement would be best for you.

Help you to prepare the guardianship petition

If it is agreed that guardianship is necessary and preferred, you will rely heavily on your attorney. There’s a lot of paperwork involved in filing for guardianship as well as hearings and evidence collection. It’s too much for the average person to handle alone. However, an attorney can draft the plan and organize all the various details. They will represent you in court when the first hearing takes place.

Explain the law behind guardianship

Laws change from time to time and what applies in one state doesn’t hold up in another. An attorney is well placed to explain all the legal aspects of guardianship including who is eligible and the responsibilities that come with the title. They can also explain how the rights of the ward become limited.

Help you to implement the plan

Drafting the plan is one thing. It’s another matter to know when it is time to put the plan into action. Guardianship attorneys will objectively stand by you as you adjust to this new phase of your life. They will ensure all the court’s requirements are met.

Assist with protecting assets

Your loved one likely has goals in mind about how they want to their assets to be invested or disposed of. A guardianship lawyer can help to ensure these assets are protected even when they are incapacitated. They can help to put the appropriate structures in place so assets aren’t eroded.

Deciding on guardianship can be emotionally exhausting and even frustrating. However, it helps to know that you have the services of an expert who can be rational and objective. Even if you’re not sure that guardianship is best, it doesn’t hurt to sit with a guardianship attorney to discuss your options.

Antique silver is making a comeback which also means that it is a perfect time to invest. The antique silver market has been getting stronger which means that the value is increasing and making it a much more appealing investment for many people. Before you dabble in the market though, there are some things that you should know, and below is some advice that will help to ensure that you make a wise investment and do not throw your money away.

The Age Of The Silver Is Important

Before you purchase your antique jewellery online, it is essential that you find out the age of the piece before making your purchase. The age can help determine how valuable an item is and another important aspect is if the silver has a genuine hallmark or not. Sterling silver comprises of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, and this alloy standard has been in use in the UK since around the year 1238. As such, all silver products should carry a hallmark denoting the purity of the silver and where it was made.

Condition Is Also Important

Another factor that is going to determine the value of your antique silver is the condition that it is in, with poor condition silver jewellery being worthless. The better the state, the more valuable it is, so you will want to ensure that you invest in silver jewellery that is in excellent condition and has no damage at all.

If the item has been damaged and repaired over the years, then this can reduce the value quite drastically. Make sure that you look at the condition closely before purchasing and ask the vendor for any provenance that the piece may have. Knowing the history of an item can also help you determine an accurate value for it.

Who Is The Maker?

If the silver jewellery was made by a well-known jeweller, this could also help to increase the value. If possible, you will want to find out who made the jewellery and the hallmark and provenance can assist you with this. A reputable silversmith such as Paul Storr is considered one of the finest in the 19th century, so items by him will have a higher value than a less known silversmith.

What Is In Fashion?

Fashions come and go, so it is imperative to look at what is popular in the market before investing. At one-time silver teapots were very fashionable, but these are no longer as popular, so you will want to choose something that is going to be easy to sell if you ever decide to liquidate your investment.

Bigger Is Not Always Better

You often find that bigger pieces of silver are not as collectable, and people usually prefer smaller items. Make sure that you choose to invest in something that is not only popular but also suits your taste.

Take your time with your investment, do your research, and you could find that in the coming years you will be able to make a healthy profit when you decide to liquidate your investment.

Planning your estate can be a difficult and stressful time, especially if it’s the first time you’re going through the process, and you have so much to think about and so many important decisions to make. However, with the right estate attorney by your side, things get so much easier.

However, when investing in the professional help of an estate attorney, like the ones at Hampton & Royce, L.C., you’re going to need to the person for the job; which means you need to know what to look for.

Today, we’re going to explore key of the most essential tips you need to know in order to get the right attorney for you.

Look for a Qualified Attorney

This may seem like an obvious point, but it’s also one of the most important. Is the attorney you’re interested in qualified and licensed in estate planning? Don’t be afraid to ask to see a portfolio or qualifications. If the attorney doesn’t fit what you’re looking for, simply go elsewhere.

Avoid Directories with Charges

While there are plenty of attorney directories out there that aim to help you find the estate planning attorney you’ve been looking for, if you’re booking an attorney through these websites or services, they normally slap a big fee on top of the price, in addition to what you’d pay already.

Bear this in mind if you’re looking for an affordable estate planning service.

Don’t Be Sucked in By Bland Copy

No matter what website or attorney office you’re visiting, always make sure you’re zoning in the critical details. Don’t be suckered in by meaningless website copy like ‘you matter to us,’ and ‘we’ll help you protect all of your assets.’

This is the job of an estate planner, so get right into the nitty gritty of what you’re looking for.

Don’t Restrict by Location

Granted, you’re going to want an estate attorney who’s licensed to operate in your state, but there’s no need to restrict yourself to an attorney in your town or county. They could be anywhere in your state.

This is important because the person who best fits your requirements may be just beyond where you’re currently looking. What’s more, this is a good one to remember if you’re not having much luck in your local area. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Did They Go to School?

Another great question to ask a potential estate planning attorney is what law school they attended. It’s easy to look up what kind of school specializes in estate planning and having an attorney on your side who attended one of these schools can be a great advantage.

Do You Attend an Organization?

Definitely ask your potential attorneys this question. As an estate planner, it’s highly recommended that they’re a part of an estate planning organization. This means they’ll attend meetings and stay up to date with the latest changes in the law, giving you the best experience.

A Clear Pricing System

Finally, the last point you’re going to want to consider is the pricing system your proposed attorney has. A good, professional attorney will have a clear pricing system where there are no hidden fees, and they will tell you exactly how much you’re going to have to pay within the first meeting or two.

Summary

As you can see, there are plenty of things to consider when it comes to choosing the estate planning attorney for you. Be organized, be focused and don’t feel like you have to jump in with the first attorney you find, and you’ll be sure to find the one that’s right for you.

Reduction in energy consumption and the use of green energy sources are some of the main ways you can reduce your carbon footprint. You should start by monitoring the use of energy in your home, and adopting ways to reduce energy consumption. You may use the Texas electricity rate calculator to see exactly how much energy you consume.



It can also help to review other charges that increase your power bills every month. The method of payment, subscription and making payments through phones may attract some charges. This increases your power bills. You should review such measures to ensure that you are not paying more for power simply because you are using a different bill payment option.

Here are 5 tips to decreasing your carbon footprint:

1. Temperature controls

This is important in ensuring the right atmosphere in your home. But both heating and cooling systems in your home consume electricity. If they are faulty, they will consume even more. Traditional heating and cooling systems are also not efficient. It is important to adopt the modern systems to regulate temperature at home. Other measures you can take is to improve on insulation for cold weather and also on ventilation. These measures will reduce energy consumption in your home and consequently your carbon footprint.

2. Air travel

This contributes more to carbon emissions. At a personal level, you may limit frequently air travels and use the train instead. Air travel companies should be actively involved in supporting green technology since their business contribute a lot to carbon emission. Air travel also leads to many complicated effects in addition to carbon emissions.

3. Opt for electric vehicles

Electric vehicles are more energy efficient with minimal carbon emissions. More emphasis should be on train travel. Reducing car mileage reduces carbon emission. Alternatively, you may lease electric cars. They are expensive but they emit negligible carbon hence more environmentally friendly. If none of the approaches above appeals to you, ensure that you maintain your car in good condition. You should also use it sparingly if you wish to decrease your carbon footprint.

4. LED lights

This is an effective way to reduce carbon footprint. You should replace halogen lights with LED lights and you will notice a big difference in energy consumption. The national grids will also benefit from this since there will be no need to turn on the power systems frequently due to increased power demands.

5. Adopt renewable energy sources

Solar and wind energy, as well as biogas, are renewable sources of energy. you may install solar panels in your home to help create renewable energy which is less expensive and environmentally friendly. It is also important to support companies that are investing in renewable energy by buying their shares. Wind, solar and hydroelectric plants may from time to time look for financing through shares. When you buy their shares, then you will be promoting the use of green energy which reduces carbon emissions in the long run.

By buying clean energy, reducing the use of electricity in your home and generally maintaining the electric appliances and gadgets in your home, you can decrease your carbon footprint considerably.

Vacation planning should be a fun activity rather than a stressful one, it is all about how you approach it. From deciding on the destination to finding the right dates and doing all the necessary booking, there are a lot of factors involved in planning a vacation. Here to help are some useful tips that can make a world of difference when it comes to laying out the plans for your next great vacation.

Start with the where

The first step is definitely settling down on the destination. This is not an easy task. There is a big difference between having a vague idea where you want to go, like a general continent. ‘I want to visit Europe’ or ‘I want to visit Asia’, is not the same as saying ‘I want to visit Germany’ or ‘I want to visit Vietnam’, and you can go even more specific and settle on several cities you would like to explore on your vacation. 

The more precise you are the more real the vacation plans get and you will be able to start mapping out the rest of your route along with setting clear goals and making all the necessary arrangements. So start with writing down several destinations, weighing fors and againsts and settling on the one that appeals the most to you at this moment in time.

Then move on to the how

The manner in which you plan to travel also plays an important role when it comes to planning your vacation. First of all, how will you get there? This, of course, depends on the destination, but in most cases going by plane is the fastest and most time-saving option. Which will allow you a lot more time to explore the designated destination. Now, when there you should consider what manner of transport you would like to use. 

You can opt for local transport options or decide to rent your desired means of transport. For example, if you are visiting Southeast Asia you might consider the option to travel Vietnam by motorbike thus allowing yourself to get immersed in the local energy and culture, and even explore some amazing areas that are located off the beaten track.

Don’t forget about the when

Some destinations are dependant on the season, and it is important to add that to your calculations. For example, visiting Egypt in July and August can prove to be uncomfortably hot, while, on the other hand, these two months are ideal for Europe and that side of the Mediterranean. And if you want to spend your vacation in the Caribbean think about going there between January and May as to avoid the very unpleasant monsoon season. 

So as you can see your desired destination will dictate when you are going on vacation. And this is something you definitely need to include in your vacation planning as to avoid bad weather spoiling your ideal adventure.

Now it’s time for the who with

Deciding whether you want to travel on your own, with somebody or join a group can have a big effect on the outcome of your vacation. If you want a relaxing 20-day trip at some renowned resort you can choose to go on your own. Take the time to relax, treat yourself to spa days, massages and simply unwind. On the other hand, if you are a more adventurous type who wants to explore going with a group is not a bad option. 

You will have an experienced guide, get to meet other adventurous travelers and get a far deeper understanding of the location you are exploring. Finally, opting to go with a friend or a loved one has a whole other number of benefits like bonding over a shared experience and discovering new things together. You can even opt to plan out the whole trip on your own, from accommodation booking to transfers and sights you intend to visit. The options are definitely limitless.

Finally, don’t go overboard with the sights

A common mistake most travelers make is wanting to see everything they can in the short period they have to explore their destination of choice. Now, this can lead to lead to long days of going from one place to another, standing in lines to snap a few photos and getting to your accommodation simply exhausted. Don’t immediately think this is the first and last time you will ever visit this location, life is full of surprises and you might end up coming back sooner than you can imagine. 



The idea is to have a relaxing vacation with enough downtime to recharge your batteries and to simply take a moment and soak up the energy of a certain location. Don’t put yourself on a tight schedule and feel trapped, you have more than enough of that in everyday life, on your vacation you are supposed to do whatever you feel like doing at that precise moment. So write down the sight you want to see, and when you get there to pick and choose when to visit which one without feeling pressured.

We hope that above-listed tips will help you plan a dream vacation that will leave you feeling relaxed and energized, full of wonderful stories and unforgettable experiences.

When the holidays are right around the corner, many people become a combination of anticipated and frazzled at the same time. The excitement starts to build as radios begin playing their Christmas music and stores start decorating, but when you are in charge of the Christmas celebration, nerves can set in quickly.

How do you make sure you cross everything off your list while still being able to afford the perfect gifts for everyone and throwing the ultimate party? Just follow these five easy steps and you’ll have the perfect Christmas celebration before you know it.

5 Steps to Organizing the Perfect  Party

1. Plan ahead. If it’s already December and you are just starting to plan your party, you are going to have to step up your pace. Pick a date and time, but many other people have already booked their parties on the most convenient days.

Ask a few close friends that you really want to attend which days they are free and then try to come up with a day and time that works for all of them. You won’t find a day and time that works for 100% of your guests, so just take your best pick and stick with it.

2. Spread the word. If hand-written, mailed invitations aren’t your style, or it’s too close to the party to make this a feasible option, try a social media evite, text, or good old-fashioned phone call. These are some of the best ways to get a quick RSVP, too, since mailed cards often get pushed to the side.

Decide if you want to do a gift exchange and how you want to handle it - does everyone bring one present that is gender neutral? Will you do a gag gift exchange?

3. Plan your budget. You’ll need to set aside funds for your menu, decorations, and gifts. What type of food will you serve? Will you ask guests to bring a dish to share? Come up with some delicious recipes or go with a potluck style, but work on your budget before you do anything else.



4. Begin decorating and shopping. Now that you have your budget and your menu, you know how much disposable income you can spend on gifts and decorations. You’ll want to search for gifts ideas for husbands and wives, children, or just general presents for everyone, depending on your gift exchange rules, your guests, and how perfect you want their gifts to be.

5. Put it all together. Don’t wait until the day of the party to start decorating. Shopping should be finished by the week before the party. Then you can begin decorating right after you have finished shopping. Wrap the gifts for the exchange and put them under your tree. The last thing you will need to do is complete the cooking on the day of the party.

Enjoy Your Perfect Party

With these five steps and your excellent choices in decorations, menus, and gift ideas, your Christmas party will be a perfect celebration for you and all of your guests.