Mosquitos can be pretty annoying, but more than that, they can also be harmful as they are the carriers of disease-causing germs. The insect is attracted to various scents like skin odor, scented soaps, and more. Carbon dioxide emitted by human beings, along with other typical body fragrances, can be a great pull for mosquitos. So, which are the scents that repel them? Here are eight of them that can keep mosquitos at bay: 8 natural mosquito repellents Lemon eucalyptus oil or OLE  A study conducted in 2014 proved that 32% of OLE can provide effective protection (up to 95%) from mosquitos for up to three hours. The plant-based natural oil has been in use ever since the 1940s as a mosquito repellent. This natural oil is approved by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) too. It is possible to make this repellent at home. All you need is a mixture in the ratio of 1:10 of lemon eucalyptus oil to sunflower oil. Precaution: Take care not to use the pure version or OLE essential oils. Also, it is better not to use the concoction on a three-year-old or kids aged less than this. Citronella  Citronella is probably one of the most effective natural oils to keep mosquitos at bay. The oil has a citrusy smell and is made from lemongrass plants. Most commercial-level mosquito repellents and sprays usually contain citronella as one of the ingredients. The best to apply this option is to make a mixture and not use the essential oil directly on the skin. If you do not have access to a lemongrass plant, you can use the citronella geranium, a geranium variety of flowering plants that has a similar scent to citronella oil. Garlic This is another scent that can irritate mosquitos. There are two ways to use garlic as a mosquito repellent.

Black Friday is the perfect time to grab lucrative deals on some of the most popular furniture pieces. One can expect remarkable offers on furniture for every part of the house, from the patio to the kitchen. And some of them are often discounted up to 50% off or more. Here’s a breakdown of the past year’s offers to prepare one for the upcoming Black Friday 2023 and make one’s house festive-ready.  Living room Sofa beds Last year, substantial price cuts were observed on sofa beds. Prices were slashed by up to 60%. If similar bargains are rolled out this year, consumers can expect significant savings on this versatile and functional piece of living room furniture. Armchairs The price tag of armchairs can sometimes lean on the higher side all through the year. So, most shoppers wait around for the sale period. Last Black Friday, major brands dropped deals with savings ranging from 15% to 30%. Recliners These are perfect additions to a living room for those looking for furniture to relax during the holiday season and the rest of the year. Many major retailers slashed recliner prices by nearly 50% last year. Sofas This is a key furniture item that can make or break the vibe of an entire living room. Also, it is the most expensive piece of living room furniture. With up to 50% reductions offered almost every shopping season, Black Friday has always been a great chance to pick up the right sofa without breaking the bank. Coffee tables Buying a fancy coffee table may seem like an indulgence. But with significant discounts, shoppers have taken home the most luxurious pieces without burning a hole in their pockets. Dining room Dining tables Many major retailers, such as Home Depot, Lowe’s Wayfair, and Amazon, offered great deals on Black Friday last year.

Choosing the right gift for a loved one is an act of thoughtfulness and care, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. To help alleviate the confusion and uncertainty, here are some unique and creative gift ideas that are perfect for any occasion and are guaranteed to make your loved ones feel extraordinary. From personalized photo frames to cookbooks, these gift ideas will help you decide and show your loved one how much you care. Personalized family portrait A personalized family portrait can be a heartwarming and timeless gift for a loved one. It captures the bond of the family and becomes a cherished keepsake that can be displayed for years to come. Additionally, the picture will serve as a reminder of the happy day it was taken. To obtain a personalized family portrait, one can approach an artist through their website or social media and provide them with the picture they want to be turned into a portrait. One can choose to have the portrait as digital art or a hand-painted piece. Either way, it will add a touch of warmth and nostalgia to the receiver’s home. Indoor plants or herb garden kits Indoor plants can bring life and vibrancy to any room or space they are placed in. Their greenery promotes well-being and can be a positive companion for improving mental health. One can also gift herb garden kits, which provide the recipient an exciting opportunity to grow fresh herbs right in their homes. This way, they can enhance their dishes, and the herb garden will also enliven their home and boost its visual appeal. An experience Instead of a materialistic gift, one can also gift their loved ones an experience that excites them. This could be anything from a hot air balloon ride, a tasting tour, a skydiving experience, a concert, or a luxurious spa visit.

Most of us make it a goal to keep our house clean and tidy. Cleaning the house may look like a straightforward task, but there are certain aspects that are generally overlooked. Cleaning is a time consuming and tedious activity. And most of us make common cleaning mistakes that do not provide us with the results we expect. So here is a list of cleaning mistakes to avoid for better results and a sparkling clean home. Mixing cleaning chemicals You may think mixing two or more cleaning products will increase the cleaning power. However, this can be very dangerous as it might release toxic fumes. For example, household cleaners like Clorox Pinesol should never be mixed with bleach as they can react together to produce hazardous chlorine gas or even chloroform. Similarly, Pinesol disinfectant should not be mixed with room spray sanitizer as the chemicals could react together to unleash a toxic cloud of gases that can trigger respiratory problems and even cause skin burns. Instead of mixing chemicals, use a single cleaning agent or solution and stick to a reliable brand. Alternatively, you can also enlist the help of a cleaning company, like Servpro Services, which offers a range of affordable home cleaning services. Using feather dusters A feather duster may seem very useful, but all it does is spread the dust from one surface to another. Instead of a feather duster, use a microfiber cloth or damp cotton cloth that will grab hold of dust particles. Using a dry rag also has the same effect; it moves the dust around and can even cause scratches on smooth surfaces. Reusing cleaning rags Using the same cleaning rags for multiple surfaces only helps spread dust and germs around the house. It also leaves messy-looking streaks on surfaces like countertops and tables. Even if the cleaning rag does not look old, it needs to be replaced regularly for effective cleaning.

As the shopping season approaches, it is time for shoppers around the country to get ready with their lists and strategies to snag the best Black Friday deals and avoid missing out. For coffee enthusiasts, this is the perfect opportunity to get a top-notch coffee maker at a fraction of its regular price. The following brands and retailers have previously offered unbeatable deals on coffee makers, so they are worth considering on Black Friday 2023. Coffee maker brands 1. Breville has long been known for its commitment to innovation and precision. With a wide range of coffee makers, including drip machines, espresso makers, and grinder-brewer combos, Breville’s appliances cater to both novice brewers and seasoned coffee connoisseurs. The brand’s dedication to ensuring intuitive controls and high-quality materials in their machines ensures a consistently exceptional cup of coffee. Last year, Breville helped shoppers save as much as $100 on their purchases of coffee makers and the necessary accessories. 2. Nespresso revolutionized coffee making with its pioneering single-serve espresso machines. Known for offering sleek design and convenience in its machines, Nespresso also sells a wide variety of coffee blends and flavors. Further, the brand’s commitment to sustainability sets it apart in the realm of single-serve brewing. Nespresso offered its Vertuo and Select machines during the previous sale season at a 25% discount, making them worth considering this shopping season as well. 3. Keurig is synonymous with versatility and convenience. Its single-serve machines, compatible with a vast array of K-Cup pods, help one experiment with a range of flavors and coffee recipes. Keurig’s dedication to customization and user-friendly interfaces make it a beloved choice for households with diverse coffee tastes. Some of its top-rated single-serve models carried discounts across e-commerce platforms, helping shoppers save as much as $70. Further, the company website previously offered up to 50% off on a select range of coffee makers, making it worth checking out on Black Friday this year.

Earlier this year, Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 smartphone. One can choose the base variant or the Galaxy S23 Plus, which has the same features but additional storage and a larger display. Those wanting more can check out the top-of-the-line Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Regardless of the model, one must be well-versed with its features and utilize them to their advantage. Here are six simple tips to improve the Galaxy S23 user experience. 1. Customize the lock screen Samsung’s One UI 5.1 lets users customize the S23 so that all critical information appears on the lock screen when they wake the device. To do this, one must long-press the lock screen and go to the lock screen editor. Here, individuals can change the wallpaper, notification style, and clock style and add extra contact information. In addition, users can add two app shortcuts to the lock screen for easy access. 2. Play around with the user interface colors Another way to customize and improve the Galaxy S23 experience is by changing the UI’s color based on one’s preferences. Individuals can modify the color scheme of buttons, app icons, and text to match a wallpaper or theme. To execute this customization, users must head to the Settings app, tap Wallpaper and Style, and then click Color Palette. Here, one can select the color scheme they like. The phone will show a quick preview before the color scheme is applied. 3. Adjust the settings for dark mode Many users prefer switching on their smartphone’s dark mode. Besides enhancing aesthetic appeal, this mode is easier on the eyes, considering the whites on the screen can be harsh. Moreover, it saves battery life as the AMOLED display shuts off most pixels, requiring less battery to power the screen. To turn on the dark mode on the Samsung Galaxy S23, one must go to Settings and then click Display.

Galaxy S is one of Samsung’s most premium smartphone series that goes up against flagships from other brands. The S23 model is the latest in this series, with advanced technology and several handy features. However, fans can’t help but look ahead at what’s coming up next, particularly the Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup, which might be released early next year. Here are a few things one could expect from the S24. 1. Early release date The upcoming S24 series will arrive in the first quarter of 2024 at a possible Galaxy Unpacked event. It’s hard to predict the exact launch date, but, like the previous Galaxy S series model, many expect the phone to debut on February 1. That said, some rumors suggest Samsung may bring the launch forward by about a month, meaning we could see it in January 2024. As for the pricing, that bit still hasn’t been determined yet. However, based on the current trends of the S series, fans can expect price points of around $800, $1,000, and $1,200 for different storage variants. 2. Improved display Samsung creates some of the most beautiful smartphone displays, and fans expect nothing less from the upcoming series. The base Samsung Galaxy S24 will probably feature a 6.1-inch standard display, while the Galaxy S24 Plus and S24 Ultra may have a 6.6-inch display. According to some rumors, the S24 Plus might even get a slightly larger screen, which could significantly impact its feature-rich interface. As for the display quality, we may see AMOLED panels and a 120 Hz max refresh rate on every model. However, the minimum refresh rates of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus may go down to 48 Hz, while that of the S24 Ultra could drop as low as 1 Hz. That said, the base variants could get fully adaptive refresh rates.

As a pet parent, you probably pet-proofed your home before getting a dog or a cat. You ensure that the animals have no access to the chocolates, the antifreeze, the repellents, and even put all the hazardous toys out of their reach. But, most of us forget about plants. Read on to know how those seemingly safe and aesthetic potted plants in your home or yard can be toxic for your pet dog: 6 household plants to keep way from your dogs Sago palm The sago palm plant is a very common sight in households worldwide. Its leafy green aesthetic makes it the perfect addition to your indoor plant collection. It is also effortless to care for, making it a popular plant choice for homes. But, you may want to remove it or steer clear of it if you have a dog. This is simply because sago palm is toxic to dogs. It contains an element known as cycasin, which, if consumed, can lead to a wide range of symptoms or be fatal. If your dog has ingested this plant, you may note symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, loss of balance, and even seizures. In worse cases, consuming the sago palm plant can also lead to liver failure or death. Note that every part of this plant is toxic to dogs. Aloe vera The gel found in the aloe vera plant leaves has tons of health properties and works wonders for the skin. Not to mention, it is very low maintenance, which makes them the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor decoration. But, what many do not know is aloe vera is toxic to dogs. The gel in the plant contains two toxic components: saponins and anthraquinones. These can prove harmful to your pet if ingested. Typical signs of aloe vera ingestion in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, and lethargy.

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica. This prescription kills Deer ticks and helps prevent infections that may cause Lyme disease. Such an option must be given to your pet once a month and has lasting effects for up to 35 days. It is suitable for dogs six months or older and weighing at least 2.8 pounds. Other than the Deer tick, Simparica helps kill the lone star, Gulf Coast, American dog, and brown dog ticks. Bayer K9 Advantix II Bayer’s K9 Advantix II is a topical solution for dogs made from a combination of imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen, and permethrin. The formula is effective in exterminating and preventing fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice.

Migraine is a type of headache that may result from a neurological condition. It causes severe pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. If you regularly have migraine attacks, consult a neurologist who can treat your chronic migraine. The doctor will help you identify the factors that trigger your headaches and treat the pain accordingly. A person’s age, family history, sex, and hormones make them more prone to migraines. Migraine triggers Though the deep-rooted cause of migraines remains unknown, specific triggers can cause the onset of migraines. Some of them are: Food and food additives Particular food and chemical additives may set off migraine attacks. Fasting is another meal-related trigger that is responsible for this h ealth  condition. Caffeine, chocolate, cheese, pickled, fermented, and cured foods are associated with a migraine attack. Also, it has been found that food items containing more Tyramine may cause this condition. It has also been reported that Migraines may also be triggered by aspartame, an artificial sweetener, and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), the flavor enhancer. Many people believe in this rational finding, while the experiments have led to conflicting results for aspartame. Hunger and dehydration Hunger or skipping meals is another factor that triggers this  health  condition. This results in lower glucose levels that can cause migraines. Dehydration is another factor that may contribute to this type of headache. Low hydration levels are the cause in forty percent of people. It also affects the overall body and leads to confusion and dizziness. Therefore, there is a need to stay properly hydrated. Strong and unusual smells Certain people have reported that migraine gets triggered by certain strong, unusual, and odd smells. Various smells, like the fragrance of perfumes, colognes, chemicals, and food odors, can cause the condition to set in. These triggers may lead to a migraine attack or worsen an existing one.

Bringing home a newborn baby is a nerve-racking ordeal for first-time parents. They are worried about everything that is necessary to plan and follow. Even with all the help and guidance provided by friends and family members, new parents can forget about a few things that are necessary for taking good care of their child. Here are ten mistakes to avoid while taking care of the toddler at home. Not buying a car seat It is mandatory and required by law in many states to install a baby car seat. So have the seat installed weeks in advance and take the car for a few trial runs to see if everything works for the car seat as advertised. This is a critical piece of upgrade that ensures total safety. Car seats are not only comfortable but specially designed to ensure the baby stays secure and doesn’t sway too much when the car is moving. Panicking unnecessarily Newborns will cry, and they will fuss about every single thing at home. The infant is getting used to everything in and around the new home. So, it’s perfectly okay for the baby to make a fuss. And first-time parents don’t have to be anxious or nervous around their baby all the time. Worrying when there is no need will create an atmosphere of anxiety and urgency around the household that’ll only make things more stressful. In fact, doctors suggest the baby cries it out, even incessantly. Unless there is some physical indication of discomfort or obvious baby problems, it’s okay for the baby to cry it out naturally. Don’t fret over the small things. Overstimulating their senses A lot of times, first-time parents make the mistake of buying too many toys and installing accessories around the crib to keep the baby distracted. But this kind of overstimulation actually does more harm than good.

Long-term exposure to daily-use cleaners, dishwashing soaps, air fresheners, and other aerosol products harms lung health, mainly because these products contain irritants and volatile organic compounds that cause allergies in the lungs. There is a potential risk of lung disease, asthma, MAC disease, and common chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developing due to long-term exposure. So, it’s crucial to check the label of the following household items before buying them and practice caution while using them. Air fresheners Room and air fresheners are not just used in homes but also in offices, malls, and many other public places, which means one can be continually exposed to the product in and outside their living space. While the purpose of air fresheners is to keep odor at bay, several ingredients in the air freshener can cause harm to health. Fresheners are known to have volatile organic compounds and release harmful gasses in the air that are eventually inhaled by people in the room, increasing their risk of developing respiratory issues. Some of the known chemicals in such products include formaldehyde, benzene, and phthalates which can cause issues like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing when inhaled. Here is a list of ingredients that one will usually find in air fresheners and a look at how they can potentially harm the lungs: Solvents: They contain chemicals like glycol and ethanol used for diluting the other ingredients in the air freshener can. When these chemicals are inhaled, they cause irritation in the lungs. Aldehydes: This is a compound that develops with the natural chemical process taking place inside the bottle as the ingredients keep mixing together over time. This compound, when inhaled, can also be responsible for causing not just irritation but also cancer. Propellants: The ingredient is responsible for creating the mist when an air freshener is sprayed.