One can almost hear the jingling Christmas bells and see the twinkling fairy lights with Christmas not that far away. With it comes the exchange of gifts—an indispensable part of Christmas celebrations. Choosing a gift is about understanding what the receiver wants and likes and combining visual appeal with utility. To help one narrow down the best options, here are a few gifts that are often returned and, thus, should be avoided: 1. Video games Although buying a video game is a good idea for gamers, if one does not have access to the receiver’s game collection, they may end up gifting a game that the receiver already has. Moreover, if one does not have a fair idea about video games, they may end up buying the wrong game, which may not be useful for the recipient. So, it is a good idea to avoid buying a video game if one is unsure of the exact game the recipient wants. 2. Shoes Few things are more pleasant for fashionable individuals than being gifted a pair of elegant shoes. However, buying the right pair of shoes involves many considerations. First, one would have to ensure that the type and design of shoes are in accordance with the recipient’s preferences. Further, one shoe size definitely does not fit all, so shoes of the wrong size would be returned as a Christmas present. 3. Scented candles Scented candles are perhaps among the most popular Christmas gifts. But candles with an overwhelmingly strong fragrance or those with a scent the recipient does not like can make the gift stay unused. Alternatively, one can consider gifting a loved one a scent diffuser for Christmas, as they can add the fragrance of their choice to it. 4. Clothes Gifting clothes is usually risky, as one would have to consider factors like the size of the receiver, the type of clothing they like, and whether they already have similar options.

The Black Friday shopping season is here to enthrall you. Are you waiting for it eagerly to shop for your favorite items with the best deals? Also, there are plenty of Black Friday furniture sales to impress you and help you upgrade your home. Some amazing deals and discounts were available last year; listed below are a few. This list will give you an idea of what’s on offer this year. Here is a list of some amazing Black Friday deals that were offered last year: Last year there was $182 off on the Walnew four-piece outdoor patio furniture. You could get up to 80% off on rugs at Wayfair. Another great deal was the $135 off on the Gymax Patio Outdoor Rattan Furniture set (3 pieces) plus free shipping. Another outstanding offer at Walnew was the $76 off on pre-assembled modern dining chairs, a set of four, plus free shipping. You could enjoy up to 50% off on living room furniture plus free shipping at Walmart. You could enjoy your meals or entertain family and friends with the Canyon five-piece dining set with a large dining table. This was available at a discounted price last year, and you could also look for bigger and better furniture deals on Black Friday this year. Looking for deals on branded furniture? Then Amazon offered up to 15 % off on brands, including its own, and free shipping. You should not miss the 40% off on recliners and massage chairs at HomeDepot. This was offered last year too. Office furniture and chairs were as low as $99 with various retailers. You can also get up to 30% off on select furniture pieces at Amazon. Deals and discounts were also available on branded armchairs. This included 40-50% off on accent chairs. Look for discounts on Madison Park Furniture, as this was available at 30-40% off last year.

On the sale bonanza day of Black Friday, even internet service providers do not hold back from offering the discounts you wish for. From 5G internet to exciting gift cards, you can find what you want and more. In this write-up, you will be made aware of some of the best internet deals that you can expect on Black Friday this year. Like every year, this year, the deals will be rewarding, too. AT&T Internet Like every year, this internet service provider will be loaded with exciting offers on Black Friday. You can expect gift cards worth $100 or $50 when you make a purchase of a certain amount. These offers are for both new and current customers. If you are a new customer of AT&T Internet, then you could get a $10 discount on the home Wi-Fi and various internet plans. Spectrum Spectrum could be a good choice if you want to find a new internet service provider. You can sign up for Spectrum online this Black Friday and get a cheaper deal than usual. They are also known for providing free equipment and activation services. Xfinity Xfinity is an internet service provider known for offering the best deals to new customers on Black Friday. This year, a new customer that opts for an Xfinity internet plan and an Xfinity mobile connection could receive a gift card worth around $300. Verizon Fios If you love cool freebies, then Verizon Fios will have a ton of those for you this Black Friday. If you sign up for their home unlimited internet services, then you could win goodies such as a PlayStation. HughesNet HughesNet is an internet service provider available in almost all parts of the country. This service provider also offers various deals and discounts that could reduce internet charges.

About 80% of women worldwide suffer from menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea. Women can have period pain right from their teens and continue till menopause. However, in around 5 to 10% of women, menstrual cramps are painful enough to disrupt their daily lives. These cramping pains are intense throbbing sensations in the lower abdomen experienced during the menstrual period. This pain can radiate to the thighs and the lower back as well.  The menstrual pain begins 1 to 3 days before the period starts, peaks on the second day of the menstrual cycle, and usually subsides after the third day. Some women may also have headaches, nausea, loose stools, dizziness, and painful menstruation. How to deal with menstrual cramps? If the cramps are mild or moderately painful, certain home remedies can help relieve the pain. However, if it is debilitating and disrupts your daily life, you may need to see a doctor. For pain that is not too severe,  there are some home remedies that you can try. They include: Hot water bags Hot water bags or compresses applied to the lower back and abdomen can help soothe the period pain Exercise Some studies suggest that light exercises like yoga and mild cardio can reduce period cramps. Massage Massaging the abdomen and back gently can help lessen the ache. In addition to home remedies, some foods can also help alleviate menstrual cramps. Cruciferous and leafy vegetables Cruciferous vegetables are from the plant genus Brassica, and they include kale, watercress, collard greens, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, arugula, etc. They are nutrient-rich and contain calcium, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids, folate, and vitamins E, C, and K. They help relieve period pain and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, lettuce, micro greens, etc., contain iron and help combat body pain, dizziness, and fatigue.

Children lead an active lifestyle. So naturally, they work up an appetite and crave foods to satiate these hunger pangs. But you wouldn’t want your children to eat too much of foods that are excessive in added sugar, vegetable oil, and preservatives and trigger their allergies. To avoid this, you can pack healthy lunches that include the following wholesome and allergy-free snacks that they will love to enjoy during breaks. Popcorn Kids can munch on this tasty, filling, and allergy-free snack all day long. Popcorn is low in calories and rich in nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body. It is a whole grain, so the corn kernels are filled with fiber that helps curb hunger pangs and keeps kids satiated throughout the day. Baked nachos Baked nachos are gluten-free and contain essential fibers, and are delicious snacks that kids can munch on. You can even make some homemade salsa dips with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. You can also whip up some fresh guacamole with avocados to pair it with nachos. Homemade fries Instead of potato fries, why not make sweet potato fries that are healthier and allergy-free? You can even use an air fryer or bake the chips in the oven to make them oil-free and retain nutrients. The best part is that these chips also have a good shelf life, so you can bake a big batch and hand out the snacks every other day. Pretzels Pretzels are absolutely popular among kids. You can make the baked kind, as a little indulgence never hurts anyone. You can even consider store-bought options for packing a school snack. Pita chips Kids who are not allergic to gluten can enjoy some delicious pita chips bought from the supermarket. You can even make some homemade dips and condiments that go well with these chips for a hassle-free snack option.

Jewelry and other important possessions not only hold economic value but also emotional value for a lot of people. So, it is only natural to think of ways to protect them and prevent them from being stolen. Many places at home may be safe to hide these valuable items, but there are also some obvious and not-so-safe options where jewelry should not be hidden or kept. Here are some common places to avoid hiding your jewelry: 1. Fridge Hiding valuables and jewelry in a fridge has become quite popular, thanks to certain movies and shows in which people freeze cash and other valuables in the freezer. While it may seem like a good idea, it has now become a known place to hide valuables, so at the time of the break-in, the robbers may also check the fridge contents. 2. Drawers This is another common place where homeowners usually hide their jewelry, hoping robbers will not find it. However, many robbers already expect this to be a good hiding place for homeowners and go straight to the closet. While people assume that the jewelry will be safely covered under the clothes, the robbers will simply toss everything aside and search relentlessly. This also means that the jewelry safely kept aside will be tossed out and can easily break or shatter. 3. Laundry basket Keeping valuables in a dirty laundry basket may seem like a great idea, because who would want to go through that? But burglars are prepared to go through all the items in the house, so they will most likely go through the laundry basket as well. Additionally, robbers know that people usually keep spare cash or credit cards in their pockets and often forget to remove them before dumping clothes into laundry baskets. So, more often than not, the laundry basket will be among the first few things they check.

You may find several options when shopping for a used car. But be cautious because dealers sometimes modify the vehicle and fix or replace parts damaged in an accident without telling you. If you don’t know where and what to look for, it can be hard to spot these discrepancies. With this in mind, we’ve listed nine ways to tell if a pre-owned car has been involved in a crash or a serious accident. Look for a new paint job Aftermarket paintwork is among the most common signs of potential damage to a used car. Before buying the vehicle, walk around and see if any panel appears in a different shade than the others. The change may not be visible at first glance, so you might have to look closer. Since bumpers are made of plastic, the fresh paint coat might be more challenging to identify. Remember that the aftermarket paint process differs from the factory’s process, and new paint on a panel may be slightly faded. Run your finger over the panels After you’re through with the visual inspection, move on to the finger test. Run your finger along the edges of the car’s panels, including the edges of the doors, windows, and the back edge of the hood. If the edges haven’t been repainted, they should be smooth. If there’s aftermarket work done on the car, the lip of the panels should be left slightly rough or bumpy. If you notice these rough edges, examine them further and speak to the dealer or owner if necessary. Identify overspray When a car goes to a body shop for damage repair, the mechanic covers the areas that don’t need painting with tape and paper. It helps them ensure no paint gets onto surfaces it shouldn’t. However, if the individual isn’t extremely particular about the work, they might leave small edges of the black rubber strip exposed around the base of a window, molding, or other panels.

Experiencing constant noise in the head, such as ringing in the ears, can be annoying. The noise is continuous or intermittent, pulsating, shrill, and varying in loudness. It can occur due to various causes, from exposure to loud noise to underlying health conditions. Also known as tinnitus, this ringing in the ears affects nearly 50 million people in the country. Here’s all you need to know about tinnitus: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and precautions. Causes of tinnitus Prolonged exposure to loud noises This is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. Nearly 90 percent of the people who experience tinnitus have hearing loss induced by noise. The repeated exposure to loud sounds can cause damage to the sound-sensitive cells of the inner ear. This damage can often be permanent. Pilots, carpenters, street-repair workers, landscapers, rock musicians, and others who have to work in a constantly noisy environment are generally at risk. Sometimes, tinnitus is also caused by a single exposure to a sudden, extremely loud noise. Blockages in the ear If there is any blockage in the ear canal, it can cause tinnitus. The blockage can be due to an ear infection or buildup of wax. Sometimes, the development of a benign tumor of the auditory nerve can also cause ringing in the ears. Natural aging process Tinnitus is quite common among seniors. Aging can cause a deterioration of several parts of the ear, including the cochlea. As a result, there can be hearing loss accompanied by continuous or intermittent ringing in the ears. Health conditions Certain health conditions related to the ear can also cause tinnitus. For example, Meniere’s disease affects the inner parts of the ear, and otosclerosis stiffens the small bones in the middle ear. Underlying health issues Some people experience tinnitus due to underlying health issues such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, anemia, circulatory problems, underactive thyroid gland, allergies, diabetes, and autoimmune disease.

A radiologist is someone who helps diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses identified through the process of imaging procedures or also called radiology. These procedures include tests like X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and even ultrasound. It is important to ask as many questions as possible when getting a diagnosis related to health and not feel lost through the process. Here are some common questions you can ask your radiologist when you see him next. Why do you need the test? If you are unsure why you need certain tests, asking your radiologist can provide clarity. This is a fundamental question to ask. The doctor knows best, but knowing the reason for these procedures is important to understand your illness better. Knowing why this test is needed is important to know how the process works. Speak to the radiologist to know how this test can help diagnose the issue and what the possible outcomes are. Are there any side effects of the test? Imaging tests are generally considered safe, but it’s always a good idea to ask about potential risks or side effects before undergoing them. With so much technology involved, it’s possible that important details may be overlooked, so it’s best to consult with a radiologist who can provide a comprehensive understanding. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have to ensure a thorough assessment. What is the procedure for the test? Getting these tests done can create anxiety in some people, which is very natural. So asking questions related to the procedure and process of the testing may help with any stressors. A radiologist will be able to address any concerns related to how you need to prepare for the tests (if there is any prep required, that is), how long the procedure can take, or what all are the steps involved during the whole process.

A person’s skin is a reflection of their lifestyle and the foods they eat. If an individual follows a good skincare routine, such as bathing daily, moisturizing the skin regularly, and drinking plenty of water daily, their skin will remain fresh, soft, hydrated, and, above all, healthy. On the other hand, certain unhealthy nutritional and lifestyle habits are incredibly harmful to one’s skin. Here are some habits that can worsen one’s skin health. Chatting on the phone constantly Most people do not regularly clean or wipe their phone screens, allowing bacteria and germs to accumulate on its surface. On top of that, people spend a lot of time resting their chin or cheek against their phones. It causes the bacteria to come into contact with the skin directly, causing eventual, long-term breakouts and skin infections. Additionally, leaning one’s phone against the face causes friction, heat, and complete or partial blockage of certain blood vessels, leaving the skin in much worse condition. To avoid this, one can use a headset to prevent their face from touching their phone screen. Ignoring moles A mole can be a severe issue; however, most people ignore them, considering they are harmless. Moles are more than just prickly dark spots that one develops during certain seasons. Moles are an indicator of melanoma in people too. Therefore, one should not simply ignore moles on their skin. The right solution to avoid serious health issues like skin cancer is to get a mole screening done at least once yearly by an experienced dermatologist. During such examinations, one must ask the expert to inspect moles in the less-than-obvious skin areas, such as the soles of one’s feet, under the nails, and on the scalp. Eating sugar-rich foods often Foods heavy on sugar have been scientifically found to speed up the aging process, a change that is almost instantaneously visible on a person’s skin.

As the Black Friday sales approaches, consumer electronics and appliances are in demand. The shopping season is the best time to save big on branded products from these categories. Vacuum cleaners are among the top-selling products, fetching massive discounts during the sale as they make cleaning tasks less laborious. From handheld products to stick and even canister vacuum cleaners, here are a few top products to check out this year. Upright vacuums Upright vacuums are designed to work efficiently on most floor surfaces, especially for suctioning dirt and debris off rugs and carpets. In terms of maneuverability and ease of use, this vacuum also checks across the board with a swivel head attachment. Plus, the high-performance suction motor, multiple vacuum heads, and lightweight design make it a popular-selling vacuum during the shopping season. Prices are expected to start at just $189 for Dyson’s exclusive category of upright vacuums. Stick vacuums Stick vacuums come with a long handle and a small vacuum component attached to the end of this handle. It makes the cleaner lightweight and very easy to use. Secondly, its versatile design allows for easy dismantling and storage. Stick vacuums are also silent operators with as little as 86 decibels of noise generated, so it’s convenient to use for long hours. Prices for branded stick vacuums are expected to be around just $98 for the base models that are expected to go on sale this year’s Black Friday. Handheld vacuums They are the most compact design, complete with a small but powerful motor that is capable of suctioning dirt and debris off hard-to-reach places around the house. It’s ideal for wood floors and tight spaces, suitable for easy maneuvering, effective in collecting pet fur and dander, and even suitable for cleaning vehicles. These vacuums are also quite affordable, with prices for the base variants across popular brands starting at just under $19.99 ahead of this year’s shopping season.

People work hard for years on end to put together whatever savings they have. Losing this small safety net to scammers can put a dent in the person’s current quality of life and change their goals and plans. Therefore, staying updated about how fraudsters manipulate and scam people is vital. This information will help individuals stay safe from scammers and make informed choices regarding their banking habits. Here are a few banking scams to know about: 1. Phishing attacks Phishing experts impersonate people to extract money. They use emails and texts to pretend to be someone from an organization their target is aware of. This includes the bank, merchants, or some other service provider trying to verify the existing account. This is just an attempt to get the individual to share their bank details, social security number, or other personal details. Adhere to caution when dealing with links and one-time passwords. Avoid opening any unsolicited links or other communication. Try to verify the email address or phone number before proceeding with any dealings or information-sharing process. If none of that works, try to contact the bank from which the text has been received. 2. Check fraud Scammers can call or email individuals to tell them they have accidentally sent them a huge amount of money. These scammers then ask these individuals to request that their money be returned. One needs to be vigilant about who they are sharing sensitive data with. Letting go of this information can prove to be harmful to one’s financial state. Returning the money that hasn’t been received can cause the person to suffer financial loss. Aside from this, it can also mean sharing personal bank account details with a stranger, who may or may not be able to wipe out this account. For starters, individuals should not be sending back any money without checking with their banks first.