Does Your Business Truly Know Its Customers?

Does Your Business Truly Know Its Customers? ... photo by CC user geralt on pixabay

Photo by CC user geralt on pixabay

In order for your business to achieve customer satisfaction and solid revenue stream year after year, you truly have to know what your customers want.

While there are different ways to go about discovering such details, too many brands don’t make for the needed time and effort to learn the necessary data. As a result, they can end up missing out on growing their brands, leaving the competition to pick up the pieces.

That said your business can and should regularly review its data capturing methods, seeing what has been effective and what needs retooling.

With that being the case, does your business truly know its customers?

Gathering the Vital Data

So that your brand can truly decipher the mix of data vs. information vs. insight, remember these tips:

  • Demographics – First and foremost, knowing who you are trying to market to (and ultimately sell to) means having as much data as possible on people. When you understand factors such as gender, age, income, you have a much better feel as how best to undertake marketing campaigns, campaigns you hope lead to sales. You can use a number of tactics to better gather the demographics, notably through surveys, polls etc. If some customers are hesitant to respond and/or give you their time, provide them with an incentive or two to fill out an online survey or answer a few questions in-person or over the phone;
  • Priorities – In marketing to customers, you sometimes have to set priorities, especially if you’re a smaller business on a budget. While the larger brands typically have more money and manpower for marketing and advertising needs, the smaller guys are oftentimes limited. That said set priorities in which products/services you offer get the top marketing. Some companies pull out all the stops especially during the holiday season, others will look to ring-up big-time sales during the summer months;
  • Mobility – If you’ve been asleep at the wheel when it comes to mobile marketing, change that moving forward as soon as possible. With more and more consumers all but demanding mobile marketing, your brand can’t just pass on these opportunities to connect with consumers on their various mobile devices. If you’re a startup business, mobile marketing should be one of the first tasks you undertake. If you’ve been around for a number of years, you’ve hopefully been able to see in recent years how mobile marketing has blossomed;
  • Competition – Even though you should never duplicate your competitor’s efforts, watching (even analyzing) what they are doing is important. Seeing how they communicate with consumers, what they offer consumers, and their success or failure results, should all be of interest to you and your brand. One of the ways to monitor the competition is via social media (see more below). You can look at their actions on sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more. The feedback they receive from consumers can actually benefit you, especially as to how you do your marketing campaigns moving forward;
  • Socializing – When it comes to your social media efforts, they should be one of your company’s top priorities. As mentioned earlier, engaging with customers (the ones you have now and the ones you hope to have soon) is an important part of analyzing your success and failure ratios, especially as they pertain to your marketing and advertising campaigns. No matter which of the popular social networking sites you are active on, regularly monitor and analyze them, looking for the latest trends. You can truly learn a great amount of details about consumers by listening to what they say on social media. Remember, consumers in the past (before the Internet’s arrival) would typically comment to business owners via in-person visits, phone, regular mail etc. With millions of consumers on social media, they can post comments in seconds or minutes, giving business owners lots to think about. Lastly, any engagement you have with consumers on social networking venues always needs to be positive. Even if a consumer or more than one rips your brand, avoid firing back a nasty response. It makes both you and your brand look silly. Finally, as a great tool as social media can be, never let it replace the one-on-one contact you have with consumers in person.

 

So, can you say that your business truly knows its customers?

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3 London experiences for the culturally minded

England has been a favorite tourist destination for years, especially with those inclined towards discovering its historical riches, from treasures of the monarchy to some of the best European and world art that has found its home here. It would be worthwhile to visit London if you’re planning a trip to Europe anytime soon.

So if museums and art galleries are your thing, London is most definitely a city that will fulfill your hunger for these things and some. Here are 3 things that you can and should do if you want to get the best out of your stay in London:

Theatres:

 

As London experiences go, seeing a play at the Globe is among the most sought after

Photo: David Stanley

Theatre culture is big in England. Hang on, Theatre culture is VERY, very big in England, and it is probably more present in London than anywhere else. Perhaps the quintessential representation of this would in fact be the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Shakespeare’s life and works are presented here in different formats from modern renditions of his plays to symposiums and talks for all ages to discover and enjoy. You can also delve back to the Elizabethan period and try out a bit of what life was like in the most famous Bard’s times.

 

Art Galleries:

Ever since the Renaissance period, England has garnered some fame in possessing some of the best artwork from all around. London’s art galleries are some of the better curated ones in Europe and display a vast range of historical masterpieces as well as contemporary works. The National Gallery is one of the most popular displaying works from between 13th to 19th century, covering some of the most important artists from various major movements including Renaissance and Victorian. You can also visit Royal Academy of Arts, which houses the only marble sculpture made by Michelangelo in all of England, the ‘Taddei Tondo’ or The Virgin and Child with the Infant St John as it is better known.

 

stoneart

If you have a more contemporary taste and want to check out some more modern work, make sure to visit the Saatchi Gallery, which albeit a much smaller one, it always has some of the best up and coming artists the circuit has to offer.

 

Photo: Michael Summers

Royal Sites:

When you think of England, you can help but imagine kings and queens in their glamorous gowns and fancy palaces. London is the place where you can walk into your imagination by witnessing some great royal sites that will leave you wonderstruck. Kensington Palace is one of the historical places which are open for tourists and you can enjoy the cultural and historical vibe there. Hampton Court Palace, Household Cavalry Museum and many other royal sites are open for tourists and you can enjoy such sites while you are visiting London.

No matter the London experiences that you have, a long list of memories will be attributed to each of these places and you will feel the beauty and cultural abundance in each of the sites that you visit.

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Tips For Maintaining Healthy Relationships (Literally)

 Maintaining Healthy Relationships is possible to do via activities such as running

You’ve met the girl or guy of your dreams, you’ve hit it off and you want it all to be perfect. You want to do what you can to make it last – a healthy relationship is a good relationship, and the stronger and healthier you can make it upfront, the better you have of sticking together. Plus, you want to stay healthy, literally, in your life to enjoy it.

Here are a few tips to help you and your partner find that health relationship and stick with it. Also, the plus about going the healthy track with someone you’re interested in, you can support each other!

Be Safe in the Bed

It’s a new relationship- passionate, exciting and you really can’t keep your hands off of each other. But remember other hands may have touched, too. Be healthy with this new relationship, and keep your sex life safe. Part of this entails telling each other about any health issues regarding sexually transmitted diseases. You don’t have to reveal all of your past partners or past history, but be honest, especially in regards to any STD’s or past risky behavior. Be safe in your actions, too. Use condoms. For variety, take a look online. Yes, you can buy condoms online, and thought your new relationship may not need spicing up; you can still check it out.

Exercise Together

Maybe you are an avid exerciser – you love to get up early and bike on a Saturday morning or hit the gym every night after work. Or maybe not. Maybe your new girlfriend or boyfriend loves to exercise – or hates it. Either way, getting into an exercise program is so much easier with someone, and it can do wonders for your health. The fun thing about getting involved with exercise with your significant other – you can try new stuff. Maybe she’s into yoga, but you’re into rock climbing. Give each other’s thing a try. You never know – you may be one the grabbing your yoga mat and heading into crow pose before you know it. You can also do fun dates together that incorporate exercise. Go for a fun hike or take the dog for a walk, run a 5K together or do some hot yoga. The more fit you are, the more it opens up the things you can do together.

Eat Healthy

Just like exercise is something fun to do together, so is healthy eating. From shopping to cooking, a healthy meal can be an amazing date. You can take it a step further, and hit the farmer’s market early in the day, bring your yummy finds home and prepare a romantic meal together later. It’s a fun, healthy way to spend the day. You can also go on dates to new, healthier restaurants instead of your usual pizza place. Again, things like this can be much more fun with someone you enjoy being with. Exploring new foods in fun ways is a great date as you are getting to know your new partner better.

Encourage Each Other

Even if you’re not eating every meal or spending every free moment together, you can encourage each other to be the best each of you can be. In the excitement of a new romance, everything seems new and fresh. It’s a great time to gear into good health. Think about how much better you feel eating healthy, or how much more energy you have getting more exercise. Maybe one of you is already there in a good healthy place; bring the other one with you. It’s easy to slip into each other’s habits – choose the good ones. You can also encourage each other to make other healthy choices – stop smoking or drinking too much, get that check up from the doctor, let go of stress.

A new relationship is amazing – and maybe this is the one. If it is, you want to start with honesty and good choices – from sex and past behaviors to current habits and healthy choices. Enjoy each other, and encourage each other to be healthy and be around for each other for a long time. Leave your old baggage behind, from your bad eating habits to old, unhealthy relationships and enjoy this new one!

Image Source: http://www.fitnesswellnessblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Ways-for-Couples-to-Exercise-Together-500×258.jpg

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How to Improve Your Memory with Smart Drugs

smart drugs

Everyone has the experience of having a lapse in memory know and then. When it happens occasionally it really is not much to worry about, but if you find memory lapses happening to you frequently and you are having trouble focusing each day, you may want to take some steps to help yourself. Having a better memory is going to make you more effective at your job, with your schoolwork and in your personal life. Today there are a number of supplements you can look to that can provide with the help you are looking for. You can see just how to improve memory with smart drugs and use pills to improve memory like never before.
smart drugs

Improving Cognitive Function

For many years now there have been all kinds of studies conducted about looking for smart drugs that can help improve your mental and cognitive function each day. While it may seem like something right out of science fiction books and movies, the fact is that there really are some nutrients that have been discovered that are shown to improve your ability to think rationally, focus better and improve your memory. What is even better is that these discoveries have shown that there are a number of natural substances that can help you. These nutrients, proteins and acids can be found naturally in many of the foods that you may eat, but often the quantities are quite small or they are contained in foods people may not eat often enough to get the right benefits from. That is why taking pills to help you can be the best answer.

Natural Supplements for Help

There are all kinds of natural supplements that are sold today in health stores and online that you can find that can provide you with the cognitive help you want. Products that make use of nootropics like Doxiderol and RuckPack are elements that occur naturally in a number of plants and herbs and are now being used in different supplements that can boost your brain power. When you try these products and use them according to the manufacturer’s directions you will find that your memory is able to improve, you have greater recall, better focus on the tasks you are working on and have better motivation to get things done. When you are able to do all of these things you will feel better and smarter more of the time.

Now that you know there are products out there that can help you with memory and cognition, it is your job to find the one that can work the best for you. You can find memory pills that make you smarter and help you focus better when you look at the reviews provided at Smart Pill Guide. You will find listings for the top products on the market today and all of the information that you need to help you make the most informed decision and get the memory pills that can help put you on the path to success.

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Twelve of the Most Beautiful Flowers in the World

Beautiful flowers such as the Columbine can be found in abundance in the alpine meadows of Colorado's Rocky Mountains ... photo by CC user mypubliclands on Flickr

Photo by CC user mypubliclands on Flickr

There are maybe only a handful of people in the world that do not appreciate the most beautiful flowers in the world. The colours, the smell, the shape or the many other beautiful features from these flowers are something you do not want to miss out on.

No two people would pick the same 12 flowers if they were asked which were their favourite. We do not even believe that florists at www.reidsflorists.co.uk would be able to agree.

My Own Personal Beautiful Flowers List is as Follows…

  1. One of the most beautiful flowers in my book is the Colorado Columbine, a native flower to the Rocky Mountains. This beautiful and rare mountain flower that grows at an altitude of over 14.000 feet, has delicate purple petals combined with white outer petals and a yellow stamen. It is an absolute vision of beauty.

 

  1. Canna is another flower that many people do not know of. The beautiful flower has extremely bright colours and unique patterns on the petals. It is visually amazing every time you see it and it always brings a smile to my face.

 

  1. Some people love this flower and some just do not see the beauty, but the Black Petunia with its velvet looking petals and deep black appearance with a yellow stamen is a special sight. It is a flower that is extremely rare and has been developed in recent years by horticulturists.

 

  1. Parrot Beak is a special flower, not only because it looks like a parrot’s beak, but also the beautiful colours of orange, red and black all mixed in to give the picture of a flower that is both unique and astonishing in appearance.

 

  1. Jade Wine is a flower that cannot be found outside the Philippines. It is rare and you will not find it in many colours. The petals range from mint green to blue green, but the claw like shape of the petals and hanging in truss of up to 3 metres.

 

  1. The Dahlia is another flower that has to be on my list. It is a flower that not catches your eye with its colour but also with its size. It can grow to over 30 centimeters and sprout many petals in an integrate pattern, that will intrigue and attract many admirers.

 

  1. The small delicate Cherry Blossom that is seen in spring is amazing. The flowers are delicate in colour and range from white to a light pink. To experience a Cherry Blossom tree in spring and see the petals fall to the ground like snowflakes is a sight you must experience at least once in your life. Consider planting one in your backyard if you live in a warm enough climate.

 

  1. The Bleeding Heart… they look like the name suggests, a bleeding heart. It looks so delicate and in red, pink and white colours it is a beautiful small flower that you can see from April to June.

 

  1. The Tulip is also amongst the prettiest and most beautiful flowers to be found. It comes in many colours. They bloom in the springtime and can be found in many gardens around the world and grows wild as well. And they do make some of the most beautiful bouquets.

 

  1. With a name like Lily of the Valley you know you will set your eyes upon something of extreme beauty. A small and delicate flower that will bloom in spring. They are also known as “Lady’s tears” due to their beautiful bells.

 

  1. The Magnolia is a tree that only blossoms for a few days in spring. But it is a sight to behold. The flowers are so beautiful that they are worth a detour just for you to look upon this tree in bloom.

 

  1. The Rose is considered to be the most beautiful flower in the world. And with good reason. With its perfect petals this flower has crowned itself the queen of them all!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The above beautiful flowers all makes an astonishing entrance whether it be in nature, in your garden, or in a bouquet. A blooming flower always draws attention for a reason. Because who can fail to enjoy their beauty.

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Is your company taking credit for a smooth business operation?

Top notch customer service is at the nexus of a smooth business operation ... photo by CC user rahulrodriguez on Flickr

Photo by CC user rahulrodriguez on Flickr

In order to run your business down the path of success and not failure, you need to make sure you are giving customers everything they want and then some.

With that being the case, what exactly are you doing to make sure consumers have all the options needed to make their browsing and buying from you as smooth as possible?

If you’re not sure, take the time now to put a winning game-plan in place to ensure smooth business operation.

Technology is a necessity for smooth business operation

Start the process by looking at what level of technology you are provider customers with.

If it is great, then you don’t need to make any major changes. On the other hand, brands with average to poor technology offerings for their customers are the companies looking for trouble.

In order to best determine what level of technology service you are providing customers, look at the following and see where you’re at:

  1. Website – Face it; your website is your company’s greatest selling point. Without a formidable website, your brand will have trouble reaching countless consumers, many of whom could be your next customers. Review your site regularly to make sure it is firing on all cylinders. If your site offers an Ecommerce store, it is imperative that it is running properly 24/7/365. With more and more shoppers doing their browsing and buying online these days, it is imperative that your Ecommerce store (if you have one) works flawlessly. This is especially true when shoppers go to the “checkout” phase of a purchase. Nothing frustrates customers more than taking the time to fill out all the needed information for a purchase, only to have the credit card processor fail. That’s why it’s important to use a reliable credit card processor. Even without an online store, always review your website, looking for any potential shortfalls that could have a negative impact on business;
  2. Customer service – Put yourself in the shoes of customers for a moment. Don’t you get frustrated when you phone or email a business over an issue, only to essentially be ignored? It happens more times than not, leaving many customers disappointed, a disappointment that can lead to them changing businesses. Make stellar customer service a priority when it comes to your brand. Whenever a customer has an issue with your brand (online shopping, in-person matter etc.), always make their problem your problem. If you stop and think about it, bad customer service will become your problem sooner rather than later if you start losing business over it. Your website once again oftentimes plays a key role in this department. If customers are emailing you and/or reaching out on social media, make sure you do not keep them waiting when it comes to response time;
  3. Consistency – Whether you have been in business for many years or just recently started up your company, consistency is something you should never overlook. How you treat your customers, how you promote your brand, even how you go about ordering supplies, all should show a degree of consistency. While there is nothing wrong with trying out some new initiatives (in fact, encourage this), most customers want to know that they can count on your business for efficiency and dependability. Unveiling some new tech initiatives, especially things such as mobile marketing (see more below), are great ways to increase the odds of landing new business;
  4. Mobility – Speaking a moment ago about mobile marketing, how much of a role does it play in your present business affairs? If the answer is little or not at all, change that moving forward. As more customers turn to their mobile devices to browse and ultimately buy goods and services, you need to have a presence there whether you want to or not.

 

In today’s world, taking credit for running a smooth business operation is something you should be doing on a regular basis.

No, you’re not tooting your horn too much to say you’re on top of your game as a business owner.

What you are doing is reassuring consumers that you are a brand they can trust.

When you do that, your business stands to reap the public relations and financial benefits for all to see.

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A Guide to Surviving a Long Layover

The long layover is loathed by many ... how do you turn the experience on its head?

Whether expected or unexpected, a long layover between flights can be a grueling experience. Waiting for hours in an airport is not a pleasant experience, especially when you have a long flight ahead of you.

When it comes to a layover, there is not much you can do to shorten the length, as you are completely at the mercy of the airport. However, there are ways you can make your layover more comfortable, enjoying the time you have before taking flight.

Here is the ultimate survival guide for the long layover:

Entertainment

There is nothing worse than being stuck in a long layover without any form of entertainment. Many people make the mistake of packing their books, electronics, and charging cords in their luggage, leaving them with little to no way to pass the time in the airport.

In your carry-on bag, keep your phone or tablet cords handy, thus if you begin to run low on battery, you can charge up at a charging station while catching up on the news, your favorite TV shows through your Directv app, reading your favorite books, or listening to music.

Plus, over the airports wifi, you can stream your favorite movies or TV shows from Direct TV packages, download new books or albums to listen to, and keep up with your social media sites. There are also some great online games you can kill some time by utilizing free airport Wi-Fi. Try playing finding dory, it’s a lot of fun!

Exercise

Depending upon what airport you are in, there is often plenty to explore. If you know you are going to be sitting on a long flight, take the time you have during your layover to walk the airport. Not only will you be able to find interesting gift shops, you will also be stretching your legs and preparing them for a long flight of sitting.

Food

Most flights no longer serve food, unless it is an international flight, so enjoy a nice meal at one of the restaurants in the airport. Many people spend the whole layover time waiting at their gate when there is a whole airport to explore. Find a good restaurant, order a nice meal, and enjoy the atmosphere. Most of the restaurants have TVs where you can catch up on sports games or other highlights. Plus, most of the restaurants have a fully stocked bar so you can grab a drink and relax before your flight.

Sleeping well on a long layover

For those who do not sleep well on a flight, consider finding a quiet corner in the airport to catch up on your sleep. Set an alarm to ensure you do not miss your flight, grab your neck pillow, and enjoy the rest you can get before your flight.

Explore

Many airports have more than just restaurants or gift shops available. Some have museums, massage parlors, and other entertainment that can help pass the time. Getting up and checking out what the airport has to offer can help you stay alert and keep time for feeling like it is standing still.

While the long layover is not the most fun experience ever, with these tips, you can make the most out of it!

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/airport-travel-trip-transportation-925093/

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Laser Liposuction Surgery for overcoming Body Fat

Laser Liposuction Surgery is one of the top methods of reducing body fat fast ... photo by CC user BestInPlastics on Flickr

Photo by CC user BestInPlastics on Flickr

Liposuction has become a common surgical procedure, especially for those who carry extra body fat and failed in diet. As the technology is getting upgraded, the procedure has become easier and faster. One such is the laser liposuction technique where lasers are used to break up fat before its removal from the body.

There are two types of laser liposuction- Internal and External.

External Liposuction is done by using laser pen or pad outside the patient’s body before the surgery.

Internal laser liposuction is done by using laser attached into suction device which is inserted into are to be treated.

Areas where laser liposuction is performed:

  • Abdomen

  • Thighs

  • Knees

  • Arms

  • Face

  • Neck

Does it really work on the affected area?

Compared to traditional way of lipo surgery, the laser technique does work wonders. Though there will be certain alteration in the initial stage. Moreover, you must know that after the surgery, there will be change in shape of the body. In addition to this, the laser technique doesn’t reduce the stretch marks formed on the fatty area. However, having a consultation from reputed surgeon of Sono Bello will certainly help you to get the best return.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Lipo:

Advantages of Laser Lipo Surgery:

  • No need to wait for long hours, it is available instantly

  • Possible reduction of stretch marks

  • Quick recovery from fatty area

Disadvantages of Laser Lipo:

  • Quite Expensive compared to traditional surgery

  • Risk of internal injury or burning of cells

  • Change in body shape

  • Fluid Imbalance

  • Cell Infection

Different Types of Laser Liposuction:

Surgeon may suggest any of the below mentioned laser liposuction depending on the condition of the patient:

Vaser Lipo: This includes the use of ultrasonic technology rather than using laser technique on the fatty area.

Smart Liposuction: This technique helps in removing smaller amounts of fats. Here, lasers are used internally to complete the process faster.

Ultrasonic Lipo: This technique used by concentrated sound waves to break down the fat concentration.

Things to consider before laser liposuction surgery:

  • You must be 18+ years of age and should carry no health problem

  • Fat concentration should in specific body area

  • You must undergo certain diet and exercise regime

The cost of laser liposuction:

The cost of this laser liposuction procedure depends on the type of surgery you’re undergoing. A reputed surgeon will charge affordable fee for the surgery process. The price of the laser liposuction surgery also depends on the amount of fat your body has and the time and type needed to eliminate the same. Price also depends on the reputation of the clinic and the surgeon who will be treating you.

Conclusion:

Undergoing laser liposuction surgery should be given due importance only if the condition is worsening and all other alternatives are failed.

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Your Teeth Are Your Biggest Reason to Smile

There are many reasons in life to smile, one of which would be your teeth.

That said not everyone has the best experiences when it comes to their teeth.

Through genetics, not taking care of their teeth, or quite frankly bad luck over the years (accidents, breaks etc.), many people discover it to be an uphill battle to have nice, healthy teeth.

As a result, they end up without the nicest of teeth, not to mention some rather lengthy financial bills when all is said and done.

So, how can you give your teeth the best chance at staying with you for many decades to come?

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Dentist is Your Best Friend

First and foremost, family dental care should be a priority from a young age on up.

With the right care, individuals can enjoy their teeth for many years to come, along with keeping their dental bills to a minimum.

If you’re not sure what you have been doing wrong in trying to keep your teeth healthy, keep these items on your to-do list:

  • See a dentist regularly – While many people grew up with the routine of visiting the dentist every six months, others are lucky if they get there once a year (if that). In order to give your teeth a fighting chance, make sure to schedule regular dental visits (especially if you have children). Given that many insurance plans cover regular dental cleanings (sometimes prescribed X-rays too), there really is no reason to not see your dentist at least once a year. Your dentist can catch issues that you as the patient may not notice. From gingivitis to early forming cavities, your dentist can be your teeth’s best friend;
  • Brush regularly – You’ve probably had this ingrained in your head since childhood, but brushing regularly truly does give your teeth the opportunity to last you many years. Along with flossing regularly, brushing is important for a number of reasons, notably because it holds you over in between dental visits. If you do notice any discomfort and/or bleeding, it may not necessarily be a problem. Some people’s gums bleed due to sensitivity, while some of that bleeding can be due to the fact you are actually getting in to areas that need attention. If you are having regular bleeding, notice foul breath, and see that your gum lines are receding and/or spacing between your teeth is becoming an issue, seek dental care as soon as possible;
  • Avoid injuries – As tough as your teeth may be, they are susceptible to personal injury just as other parts of your body are. With that being the case, it is important to protect them as much as possible. If you play contact sports (especially children), be sure to wear a mouth-guard. Also be careful when eating foods that could easily break a tooth, things like hard candy, pretzels, nuts and more. If you do break a tooth or worse, seek medical help immediately;
  • Eat the right foods and avoid sugary drinks – If you have to eat sweets, by all means brush as soon as possible afterwards. Foods that are high in sugary content and/or sticky can damage teeth over time. The same applies for sugary drinks (notably sodas). If you must drink soda, sipping it through a straw is better, along with making sure you brush your teeth as soon as possible. Along with being bad for your stomach due to its acidic content, sodas can eat away at teeth’s enamel, not to mention leave stains over time. Lastly, talk to your dentist about drinks that will not be harmful to your teeth. Drinking water is best of all, especially right after consuming a Coke or Pepsi.

Keeping your teeth healthy doesn’t have to be a painful and expensive task in life.

By starting with regular dental visits at an early age, continuing through much of your adulthood, and watching what you eat and drink, your teeth can literally last you the rest of your life.

As for those individuals afraid to go to the dentist, just think of what life would be like with many of your teeth missing over time.

Yep, that’s not something to smile over.

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Is Your Home Ready for Summer?

Nothing can make your Home Ready for Summer quite like Adirondack chairs ... photo by CC user LRMoore on pixabay

Photo by CC user LRMoore on pixabay

With summertime just around the corner, is your home ready for some great parties and summer fun?

Getting your residence ready for all that summer has to offer may seem like a great chore, but it is really easier than you might think.

From the backyard to the inside of house, starting early on your summertime plans for having the home ready to go is the key.

So, are you ready to turn up the heat on getting your home ready for summer?

Go Room to Room

In order to have your place all set to go this summer, focus on these areas:

  1. Outside furniture – Since many people love to entertain guests outdoors during the summer, your patio, backyard, back porch etc. should all get their rightful attention. When working out back, give your patio a good scrubbing, especially if it was exposed to wintertime weather. For those living in warmer climates over the winter, a good cleaning works too, especially since dirt and bugs can gather over the winter months. If you left furniture out during winter (chairs, carved teak bench, hammock, tables, grill etc.), clean them up and make sure they survived the colder weather;

  2. Lawn and shrubs – If you haven’t given the lawn and shrubs much attention since last fall be sure they look their best when you’re ready to entertain. In colder environments, the lawn typically goes brown over the winter, so it may need some reseeding come spring. As for shrubs, bushes and other similar greens, these are typically rather hardy, even during wintertime. You may need to clean them up a bit with a good trimming. As for planting, getting plants in the ground as soon as the weather breaks will help you have a colorful display come summertime

  3. Kitchen – What many consider to be the epicenter of their homes, the kitchen typically needs attention 365 days a year. If you’re going to be entertaining guests this summer, make sure the kitchen is as clean as can be. Many of your guests will be in and out of the kitchen several times during any party. With that being the case, you want it clean and allowing plenty of room for guests to set out any food or drinks that they bring for a party. Cleanliness is also important simply for the visual impact. If guests see a kitchen with dirt on the floors, cobwebs on the ceiling, nasty little creatures running around, their appetites will quickly diminish

  4. Living room – Although the focus of your summer event may be outdoors, some guests will eventually plant themselves in your living room at some point, especially if it is too hot for comfort outside. Make sure you don’t have a mess on the floor, chairs etc. If you have kids, be sure they (or if need be you) have cleaned up their toys and other possessions

  5. Bathroom – This is a definite part of the home that some guests will be visiting. As with the kitchen, make sure your bathroom or bathrooms are as clean as can be. A dirty/messy bathroom will turn off some guests from possibly wanting to come back to your residence for another get-together

  6. Driveway – If your backyard area is small, you may opt to have some or all of your guests use your driveway as the central gathering place. If your driveway is full of divots or other cracks, think about getting it sealed in advance of a summer party. You don’t want guests stubbing their toes, tripping over cracks (see more below) in the driveway etc. Also make sure there is enough room for everyone to comfortably park without upsetting the neighbors

  7. Avoiding mishaps – Finally, be as sure as possible that your home is free of any potential areas where a guest or guests could injury themselves. The last thing you want during a fun event at your home is a personal injury. Even though you’d like to think your home is free of such potential accidents, someone who is injured in at your residence may end up seeking financial damages, especially if they suffer a bad fall or other injury.
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