Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Stay Healthy this Winter and Beat the Blues with these Useful Tips

Come winter, immunity is the season's magic word! As temperatures drop, windows and doors remain closed, harboring an environment for viruses to thrive. As a result, if your immunity isn't up to speed, you're more likely to get sick. So to ward off colds, the flu and other winter germs lurking in the room, these 10 useful tips will help you and your family stay well during the cold, dark months ahead.
 
fight colds
 
1. Use hand sanitizer wherever possible
Particularly if you have little kids around. Researchers from Children's Hospital in Boston studied 292 families for 5 months, during which they discovered that those who carried hand sanitizer with them had 50 percent fewer cases of stomach bugs than nonusers. Predominantly because, when used correctly (your hands should still feel damp after rubbing the gel together for 10 to 15 seconds) hand sanitizer products practically eliminate all germs. So spare yourself the winter blahs this year, and carry hand sanitizer with you.
 
2. And don't forget your feet
With your hands taken care of, your feet need tending to also. Winter's heavy shoes, boots and socks can take a toll on our feet. The best defense? Moisturize your feet daily. Doing so will keep fungi from entering cracked winter skin. And once applied, wear socks with synthetic fibers to wick away moisture faster.  
 
3. Change your toothbrush
toothbrush


If you've just had a cold or the flu, a mouth infection or a sore throat, use a new toothbrush. Germs often hide in the toothbrush, which can lead to re-infection. Stock up on toothbrushes, so there's always a spare handy.

4. Add some zinc to your yogurt
Your go to mineral to keep a cold at bay, is zinc. Start your morning ritual off with a serving of yogurt alongside some probiotics (live healthy bacteria that help replenish good bacteria in the gut) with zinc, added. Alternatively, you can also stock up on foods like oysters, zinc-fortified cereals, crab, beef, turkey and beans.
 
5. Go toward the light
According to the Academy of Family Physicians, six out of every 100 Americans may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (difficulty of mood swings that occurs when light diminishes in the winter). To counter SAD, and keep you upbeat this winter, try vitamin D, exercise and light therapy.
 
6. Stay hydrated
water

Once the weather has cooled down, we may not feel as thirsty. But, not drinking enough water throughout the day can up your risk for dehydration. Furthermore, allowing your body to become dehydrated can leave you more vulnerable to getting sick. But, drinking enough water will help the body carry nutrients to cells, getting rid of toxins. To ensure that you are getting enough water, drink half your weight in ounces. So, if you weigh 120 pounds, drink 60 ounces.
 
7. Take the herbal supplement echinacea
A 2007 review of 14 studies at the University of Connecticut found that the herbal supplement echinacea reduces the risk of a cold by 58 percent and cuts 1.4 days off its duration.

8. Stock up on fiber
A 2010 study, conducted at the University of Illinois, found that fiber in foods, like oats, apples and nuts, helps reduce inflammation, and strengthens the immune system by increasing anti-inflammatory proteins.
 
9. Eat more mushrooms
mushrooms

A 2009 study at Tufts University found that after a 10-week diet of powdered white button mushrooms (the most common variety of mushroom) certain immune cells in mice became more active, boosting protection against colds and viruses.
 
10. Rinse your nose frequently
As odd as nasal irrigation sounds, studies have shown that those who rinsed their nasal passages every day for six months had fewer symptoms from allergies and sinus infections. The study also found that such individuals also reduced the intake of antibiotics and nasal sprays. The best way to clear out your nasal passage is with a Neti pot, or a nose dropper, using a saline solution of 1 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. Pour or squirt some of the mixture into one nostril, while holding the other nostril shut. Repeat on the other side then blow your nose.
 
BONUS! Express yourself
UCLA researchers have found that a constructive argument with your spouse can actually increase immunity. The study conducted, asked 41 happy couples to discuss a problem in their marriage for 15 minutes, during which the researchers detected surges in blood pressure, heart rate and immune-related white blood cells - all of which were similar to the benefits adopted by moderate exercise. The idea here is to refrain from keeping everything bottled up.
 

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Don’t buy into the myth ... that no business happens in December.



1.)  While there may be less buyers out there, people who look for a home during the holidays are serious … they are ready to buy!
2.) There are fewer homes for buyers to look at during the holidays which means less competition for you … less competition equals more money!
3.) After the holidays the supply of listings increases substantially which lowers the demand for your home … more competition equals less money!
4.) Your home shows better when decorated for the holidays!
5.) Many buyers have more time to look for property during the holidays as opposed to a normal work week.
6.) We will restrict the showings on your home to the times you want it shown. You remain in control.
7.) You can sell now for more money and not have to physically move until January or February … as opposed to just starting the whole process at that time.


MyHome mortgage assistance for first-time homebuyers



First-time homebuyers haven’t had much luck in recent decades. Born to disproportionately successful Baby Boomers and entering the job market in a severe economic recession, members of Generation Y (Gen Y), a significant component of the first-time buyer population, struggle with low wages and high debts. These compounding obstacles are delaying Gen Y’s entrance into homeownership.
The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), a small state-operated adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) originator funded by the sale of tax-free bonds, hopes to alleviate part of this struggle with a program called MyHome.
MyHome gives first-time homebuyers assistance to make a down payment that currently may be otherwise out of reach. This program is a variation on the colorfully named “SHAFT mortgage” popular in the ‘80s (more specifically called a “Share Home Appreciation by First Timers” mortgage).
With MyHome, up to 5% of the lower of the home purchase price or appraised value is lent to the buyer as a deferred-payment junior loan to cover the buyer’s down payment and closing costs on the purchase of their first home.
“Deferred payments” may sound particularly appealing to uninformed first–time buyers. However, they likely signify another incarnation of the once common “sleeper mortgage” – a mortgage which initially requires no monthly payments, then explodes into negative amortization and suddenly become due after compounding on a monthly basis unbeknownst to the buyer.

Eligibility for MyHome

First-time buyers seeking help from the MyHome program need to meet eligibility requirements. Buyers need to:
  • be first-time homebuyers;
  • occupy the home they intend to purchase; and
  • be within the MyHome income limits for their county.
The program defines first-time homebuyers as those who have not owned and occupied a home in the prior three years.
Buyers also need to ensure the property they wish to purchase is:
  • within the county’s MyHome sales price limits;
  • on a lot no greater than five acres; and be either
    • a one-unit, single family residence (SFR);
    • manufactured housing on a permanent foundation funded with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured first mortgage; or
    • an approved condominium subdivision or a planned unit development (PUD).
Buyers are required to complete homebuyer education counseling and meet with a preferred loan officer specially trained in CalHFA programs in order to apply for MyHome assistance.

Too little too late for first-time homebuyers

The broken record keeps scratching away at the same old song: first-time homebuyers are scarce.
Assistance government programs of this nature are merely chatter until the economy enables first-time buyers to earn high enough wages to develop personal savings sufficient to fund their own down payment. Until this occurs, first-time buyers are unlikely to become homeowners. Combined student debt and an inability to save for the historical 20% down payment greatly limits the size of mortgage first-time homebuyers are able to obtain. This is especially prohibitive when the cost of mortgage insurance equaling nearly 1% in addition to interest paid on a first mortgage is added.
Many first-time buyers are wary of the prospect of ownership. Most profess they do not want to incur more debt than they already owe — particularly if the interest rate can suddenly adjust upward. Thus, the prospect of MyHome’s disguised ARM is less than motivating to cautious homebuyers.
California’s homeownership rate hasn’t changed significantly since the conclusion of the Millennium Boom in 2008. It holds steady at 54.4% as of Q2 of 2015, the second-lowest homeownership rate in the country, preceded only by New York. Most first-time buyers are in no current position to change this. Thus, California’s static homeownership levels aren’t going to rise any time soon. Even the advent of mortgage assistance programs like MyHome is of no fundamental financial help.
Home prices are also not expected to decrease until mid-2017, remaining out of reach to many first-timers with minimal savings. However, despite the many obstacles aligned against them, first-time homebuyers remain optimistic about buying a home. For those lucky few who have been able to save their modest wages and are ready to graduate into ownership, programs like MyHome grease the gears for ownership of a home.
Source: “CalHFA launches assistance program for first-time homebuyers,” from The Sacramento Bee

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

How to Recover Your Deleted Files


In this day and age, almost all of our information is saved either on our computer or on an external drive, allowing us to access and transfer many photos instantly. However, despite the improved availability and speed of access to our files, deleting them by mistake can also be easy. 

Imagine sending your computer to get repaired, and when you get it back, it’s without your precious photos from your kid’s wedding. All of those precious memories gone in an instant. Luckily for you, not all is lost – you can restore most (if not all) of your lost data by using a simple, free program called Recuva.

Recuva
Source
How does this work?
When a file on your computer is deleted, only the link to it has been removed, making the file invisible. What that means is that the data is still on your hard drive or external drive, and programs like Recuva can search and recover the data (unless it has been overwritten – then you need to take it to a lab). If you recently deleted a file by accident, Recuva will be able to find it and restore it.

How do I use it?
First, download the program HERE and install it.
After the installation, the Recuva window will open, displaying the “Recuva Wizard”, meant to simplify your use of the program. Click on “Next” when you’re ready.

Recuva

The next window will ask you what type of file(s) you’re looking for, so select the appropriate kind. If you’re unsure, select “All Files” instead and hit “Next”.

Recuva

In the next window, you’ll be asked where the missing file was. If you don’t know, select “I’m not sure”, prompting the program to search the entire computer. If you know exactly where it is, click on “Browse” to find the directory it was in and then on “Next” to proceed.
Recuva

In the next window, click on “Start” – this will begin a scan of your computer for any recoverable files.
Recuva

Recuva

Scan window
At the end of the scan, a new window will open up with a list of all the recoverable files that the program found. The files will have a circle on the left-hand side in either green, yellow or red. Green indicates that the file can be recovered, yellow indicates that the file may or may not be recoverable, and red indicates unrecoverable files.

Recuva

Locate the files you want to recover and check the box next to it. When you’re done, click on the “Recover” button at the bottom right of the window.

Recuva

After clicking “Recover”, a new window will prompt you to select a folder you would like to recover the files into, and once selected, click “OK” to restore the file to that folder.

Recuva

Once the process is complete, you will see this notification, containing information on all the files that were successfully (or unsuccessfully) recovered.

Recuva


If you feel confident, you can use the advanced mode, which will allow you to search for specific file types, file name, or location.

Recuva


Recuva

Search by file name or type

Recuva

Search by location
Please note – As time passes and with regular use, the quality of deleted files deteriorates, eventually making them unrecoverable. The sooner you perform the scan – the more likely it will be that the file will be salvageable.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

The Cars of Today That Will Be the Classics of the Future


I am a huge fan of the classic cars of yesteryear and like nothing more than seeing an old Jaguar E-type or 1970s Cadillac. However, we should remember that the vintage favorites we love today were once the new cars on-the-block and it takes time for an auto to secure its position as an all time great. For this article, we have identified 12 of the most beautiful cars still in production in 2015 that could well be considered classic one day. Do you think they will be worthy of a place among the greats of the past?
 
Jaguar F-Type Coupé
The Cars of Today That Will Be the Classics of the Future

Image: Flickr Jaguar MENA
Jaguar's recent revival has spawned a host of beautiful cars that make great additions to the company's illustrious historical collection of incredible designs. It's a two seater sports car that replaced the Jaguar XK in 2013 and features a body that manages to be both muscular and striking, yet shapely and elegant. It's available as both a coupé and a convertible and is the spiritual successor to the legendary Jaguar E-Type, considered by many to be the most beautiful sports car in history.
 
Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray 
Corvette Chevrolet Stingray

Image: Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Corvette C7 is the first Chevy to take the iconic 'Stingray' name since the 1976 3rd generation C3. The car was designed to impress both inside and out, featuring a boldly styled exterior with, a 6.2L V-8 engine capable of 455 horsepower and a luxury interior intended to quash criticism of the finish given to its predecessor the C6. Its design is 'busier' and less muscular than previous C-models, which attracted some criticism among enthusiasts, although many love the enterprising style of the C7, and so do we.
 
Mazda MX-5
The Cars of Today That Will Be the Classics of the Future

Image: via telegraph.co.uk
The Mazda MX-5 is a modern sports convertible, revered for the classic simplicity of a its design. The two-seater roadster has been compared to the sleek and simple designs of British sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s, and its clean lines provide simple pleasures that have made the MX-5 a favorite among consumers across 2 and a half decades and 3 generations of design.

Volkswagen Scirocco
The Cars of Today That Will Be the Classics of the Future

Image: Flickr user The NRMA
The Volkswagen Scirocco is a sport compact first manufactured between 1974 and 1992, before being revived in its current, 3rd generation guise back in 2008. Its design is based on the similarly fantastic Volkswagen GTI, and features wonderful styling with elegant lines down the sides and aggressive wide stance detail towards the front of the vehicle. Due to a mixture of economic pressures and fear that it would impact upon the excellent sales of the GTI, the car has never been made available for sale in North America, and that's a shame because it's a beautiful compact well worthy of a place on this list.
 
Lamborghini Huracán
The Cars of Today That Will Be the Classics of the Future

Image: Flickr user Ben
Lamborghini have always been known for their bold designs, and the Huracán is another in a long line of striking super cars. 'Huracán' is actually Spanish for 'hurricane' but the car isn't named after the strong wind, rather for a famous 19th century bull known for its courage. This follows the manufacturer's long held convention for naming cars after famous bulls. The Huracán could be considered less flamboyant than other cars in the line, but that's exactly what's so great about it. It still retrains some angular touches around the edges, but the overall shape is clean and exotic.
 
Land Rover Range Rover L405
The Cars of Today That Will Be the Classics of the Future

Image Land Rover MENA
Previous generations of Range Rovers have tended to be blocky and quadrilateral in appearance, and although they had their charm, the subtle curves of the elegant current generation put them in the shade. First introduced in 2012, this new design has been popular too, with worldwide sales on the up (reaching 61,626 in 2014 compared with 22,000 in 2009). 
 
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 Coupé
Mercedes S-Type

Image: Mercedesbenzcary
The S-Class is Mercedes's flagship coupé and is now in its sixth generation, so it's highly impressive that the company still manage to come up with designs that look so fresh and attractive. Considered by many to be the most attractive Mercedes that has rolled off the production line for many years, the W222 has been a rousing success thanks to its powerful, masculine design and impressive performance.
 
Ferrari 458 Italia
The Cars of Today That Will Be the Classics of the Future

Image: Flickr user Joao Paulo Ferreira Photography
Few manufacturers can boast the incredibly consistent stream of beautiful cars that Ferrari has in its back catalog, and they continue to add new models to their illustrious list of designs. The Ferrari 458 Italia is a mid-engined sports car first unveiled in 2009, and although it is set to be replaced by the impressive Ferrari 488 GTB, we think it deserves a place in the list. The two seater features an aerodynamic design that produces a down-force of 200kg at 124mph (200km/h) and its interior was designed in consultation with Formula 1 racing legend Michael Schumacher, so it is heavily influenced by race car styling.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
The Cars of Today That Will Be the Classics of the Future

Image: Flickr user Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
Speaking of Italian sports car designs, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, first unveiled in 2014, is one of the most eye-catching high performance vehicles manufactured in recent years. The car has multiple awards for its design, which includes a removable roof panel, muscular hood and external headlights, while it is capable of a top speed in excess of 160mph (257km/h).
 
Peugeot RCZ Coupé
The Cars of Today That Will Be the Classics of the Future

 
The Peugeot RCZ is a classic high performance coupé that has just finished production as of September 2015, following a six year run during which it won multiple awards, including Top Gear's coupé of the year in 2010. It was originally planned as a concept car, but received such glowing praise from both critics and the public when it was unveiled that it was put into production. Its flowing curves and double-bubble roof make it a shapely classic and a return to form for Peugeot with regard to high performance models.
 
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
Aston Martin Vanquish

Image: Flickr user André Ritzinger
The Aston Martin Vanquish line was revived in 2012 after an initial run between 2001-2007 (during which it was featured in the James Bond film Die Another Day). The new generation replaced the DBS and boasts a 5.9 liter engine with top speeds of up to 201mph (317 km/h) all housed inside a seductive design that's true to the sophisticated reputation of the manufacturer's brand.
 
Cadillac ELR
The Cars of Today That Will Be the Classics of the Future

Image: Flickr Dave S
The Cadillac ELR is the only Hybrid on our list and uses sharp, largely straight lines to create a beautiful car full of poise and style. Jeweled detailing around the trim offers an extra splash of class that ensures it's a worthy member of this list, and in a world where electric vehicles are likely to feature hugely in the future of road travel, the ELR can be considered a worthy flag carrier for the plug-in hybrid.