Lifestyle

 

You may not have ever heard of Akio Kashiwagi but he was an extremely wealthy real estate tycoon from Tokyo who once claimed to have an annual income of $100 million on top of over $1 billion in assets. Well, casino operators were quite familiar with him. Casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City knew him well because of his outrageous gambling habit. It was not unusual for Kashiwagi to walk into a place like the Trump Taj Mahal and play baccarat for $200,000 per hand. In theMartin Scorsese film Casinothe character of Japanese high roller K.K. Ichikawa was based on Kashiwagi and those who saw the movie will have a good idea of the VIP treatment he received. Would a whale like Akio Kashiwagi have frequented the casinos that he did if those casinos didn’t offer him all the perks and privileges like private jets, the most luxurious suites, and all of those free bath towels? Probably not.

Casino operators have always pulled out all the stops when it comes attracting high rollers and it is the same at online casinos. Most high rollers might not be on the same level as the aforementioned Akio Kashiwagi but they still have a lot more money to play with than the average Joe. Even though high rollers can place single bets of £10,000, £100,000 or even more on a hand of online baccarat without thinking twice doesn’t mean that most of them aren’t looking for all the added value they can get. They are. This is why so many online casinos offer such valuable rewards to people who regularly play for higher stakes. The online casinos are constantly trying to outdo each other in this very competitive industry. High rollers want bigger bonuses, frequent promotions, and the best loyalty rewards programs available.

There are plenty of reputable online casinos for high rollers. These high roller online casinos offer bigger and better bonuses and promotions along with higher limits on deposits, withdrawals, and stakes. They offer rewards programs that feature perks like cashback, faster payouts, and prizes such as comped first-class trips to exotic locations or popular events like Wimbledon and the World Cup. 888Casino’s VIP Casino Club is one of the top loyalty rewards programs for high rollers. Players reach the top tier when they become VIP Platinum members. The estimated £5 million in wagers that is needed to earn the required 750,000 comp points might be out of reach to a lot of customers but high rollers can easily achieve this and, once they do, they are eligible for a whole bunch of extras. Hefty weekly, monthly, and yearly cash rewards, jewelry, high-tech gadgets, free trips, and plenty of exclusive events are just the beginning. VIP Platinum members also get their own account manager, exclusive support staff, and a higher comp point conversion rate among other things. That 100% up to £1,500 first deposit match bonus is just a drop in the bucket when you are a high roller at 888casino.

Those who live the fabulous high roller lifestyle at Mr Green Casino can look forward to being invited into the prestigious Club Royale where they are treated like royalty. Club Royale members no longer pay any transaction fees and their withdrawals are instant. Members can increase their deposit limits and wagering requirements on exclusive bonuses and promotions are drastically lowered. Club Royale members can enjoy members-only events and they can win comped VIP trips to locations and events all over the world. Concierge services that are tailored to the high roller’s desires and a personal accounts manager is at their beck and call around the clock. Add in the regular bonuses like Mr Green’s welcome bonus and their REEL Bonus Spin Fossils through which customers can collect over 1,000 free spins and you have an online casino experience that is far beyond most others.

It isn’t just online casinos that give preferential treatment and amazing extras to high rollers. There are several online bookmakers that also have fantastic VIP programs that cater to the more affluent sports bettor. Ladbrokes is one the most recognizable and trusted brands in online betting and one of the things that keeps their customers happy is their VIP Program. Unlike many other sites that offer casino games and sports betting, Ladbrokes’ VIP Program allows members to earn points when they play at the casino and when they bet at the sportsbook. In fact, points are earned at a faster rate by wagering on sports. Every £10 worth of single bets earns 2.5 points while every £10 wagered on accumulators earns 3 points. It won’t take a high roller all that long before they get invited into the exclusive Platinum VIP club where they will be treated to exclusive promotions, hospitality prize draws, VIP events, their own account management team, and enhanced point redemption.

If you enjoy playing at online casinos or betting with internet bookies and you want to be treated like a high roller should be treated then you certainly have a lot of options. Online betting sites are doing all they can to get you to place your bets with them and you might be surprised at the lengths they will go to. Higher limits, priority customer service, instant withdrawals, and plenty of cash and prizes are just some of the things that are waiting for high rollers at the best online casinos.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

Salt glazing is an old technique in pottery that is becoming a new craze for collectors. It originated in the Rhineland region of Germany between the 13^th and 14^th centuries but has evolved and developed greatly, making it unique and unpredictable pottery. Collectors love the beautiful results of salt glazing. As stoneware pottery, it is more difficult to find, making it more appealing to hobbyists.

What is salt glazing?

Salt glazing uses a unique method of applying the glaze. Instead of applying a coat of glazing minerals before firing, potters completely cover pots in sodium vapours and fire. The salt is added to the kiln at 200 degrees and releases sodium that acts as a flux of silica. The vapours then melt the surface; that is why it is also called vapour glazing. The discovery of this process came from the use of salt soaked wood from barrels that contained brined food.

The salt creates vapours that react with clay at a very high temperature, or with the silica, and produces sodium silicate. The latter is liquid glass, so it naturally glazes the pot with the clay’s properties. Classic pots made using this method have a distinct orange peel look, but potters would later realise that adding salt when firing can create various effects.

As an alternative to salt glazing, soda glazing was developed as it is less toxic. The technique is the same, and both salt and soda create sodium vapour. Soda produces sodium carbonate, which has no chloride.

How is it done?

Wares should first be bisque fired before salt glazing. Salt is thrown carefully into the kiln’s firebox with a steel angle at a temperature of about 1300 degree Celsius. It should vaporize before hitting the floor. Some potters add sodium carbonate to water and spray it. To achieve the orange peel look, add a pound of salt for every cubic foot of kiln. When the vapours start to form, they will start dropping on the pot. Those drops identify salt glazing. Most potters use separate kilns for salt glazing because residue can build up inside, which may have an effect on other firings.

Beauty

Salt glazing achieves texture, surface and colour quality that no other process can. Each is unique, which is challenging yet remarkable in a market of uniformity and mass production. Firings can affect any slip or underglaze on pots and result in interesting, varied outcomes. No doubt, this technique adds brilliant texture from building up the layers to the marking of salt vapours. No wonder famous potters such as Bernard Leach embraced it. His works are displayed in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

Salt glazing is a difficult, yet addictive process, as potters would put it. Today, it is practised by a dedicated few. It involves science, as you have to put salt at the right temperature. As an art, it takes a great deal of skill to throw salt. Beginners may take two years to learn it. In the UK, there is only one company licensed to produce salt glazed pottery.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/ceramic-clay-container-crock-2138/

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The notion that we carry of a wedding is either of the wedding attire of the bride and bridegroom or it is the decoration of the wedding. However, the reality is quite different. Many guests attend any marriage only for the food, desserts, and of course, the cake! If you are thinking of getting an idea of your wedding cake from a social media site, then let me tell you, it ain’t a painless job. Did you know that Instagram alone accounts for more than 6000 wedding cake images? Now, would you consider selecting your wedding cake amongst 6000 cakes? So, the one-stop solution to this problem is availing online portal services providing cakes suitable for every occasion. All are required to do is order a wedding cake online, and there you are, done with one of the biggest responsibilities.

You just have to take care of one thing, i.e., just keep the trends and fashion you want for your wedding cake handy. This will help you in getting a clear picture of the type of wedding cake you would finalize. Let’s take you to some trending wedding cakes doing rounds in 2019-2020.

White On White:

A white cake never gets out of fashion. It adds elegance and classiness to any wedding. Moreover, the new features that were added in 2019-2020 are the white decorations that add charm to the cake. Be it edible beats, lace, or piped embroidery, these elements give the cake an extraordinary appearance.

Metallic Cake:

Metallic touch is lit. Be it makeup, decoration or even your wedding cake. The highlights of this metallic forte of the cake are that it gives more of vintage glam, stylized, and art deco feels. Touches of sparkles, edible glitter, luster stencil, gold or silver foil are the decorative elements that make metallic look classy ever than before. Thus, it is quite understood, why these cakes in demand are in the present-day-scenario.

Painted Cakes:

What could be better than oh-so visually incredible wedding cakes? The Monet inspired wedding cakes, the marbelized cakes, and even the stained painted glass cakes are the trending desirable wedding cakes that have been crashing many elite weddings in 2019 already. The best part about these cakes is that these cakes are easy to achieve. How? See, you just need to paint the white marble cake with edible icing colors. Also, you can order cake online to surprise your soon to be the wife and make her fell in love with you even more.

Florals:
I am personally very much in love with this cake. Not just because unbelievably beautiful, but also, they also stand tall on the matter of the taste. The floral pattern is anyway winning the game in every field. Be it the decoration or be it the wedding cake, everybody is going after the floral pattern. Keeping the base simple will consequently give the cake a more classy appearance. For say, pistachio green, white, or peach colors are the most trending colors these days.

Lace Inspired Cakes:

This classic cake has made its appearance in the market with a bang. 2019n is the year for lace-inspired wedding cakes. This delicate French laced cake gives a romantic and fairy-tale outlook on your wedding cake. An amazing fact about this cake is that you can match the lace of this cake with your wedding gown and own your wedding like a boss.

Ombre:
Ombre cake design for wedding cakes is an artful thought. Turn your wedding cake into savage from sophisticated conventional cakes. An ivory ombre is the perfect choice to give your wedding cake a more classic look. This way, your wedding cake will be both, subtle and mind-shattering.

Weddings cakes play a vital role in any wedding. Hence, getting a beautiful cake for your wedding can become a mind-wrenching task. So, Winni brings you a huge collection of wedding cakes that are trending in 2019-2020. Order midnight cake online and get relaxed for your D-day.

 

When it comes to protecting your precious passengers nothing is more needed then the right car seat to fit your growing child. It is even more of a consideration when your child has special needs that need to be met for safe transport and care. Every state has its own rules and regulations for child safety that need to be addressed. It is also paramount that your baby and growing toddler also meet federal regulations for the age of the car seat and how it is placed in your car.

We reviewed the best six car seats for special needs children below:

Our Top Pick: Spirit APS Car Seat – Standard.

This car seat offers the traditional safety options and comes with added support and particular needs of the special needs children. It is designed to grow with the child from a weight range of 25 lbs to 130 lbs which max out around 5’6” in height.

Pros:

• Swing away hip and truck support pads make it easy for parent or caregivers to move the child and adjust when necessary.
• Made of water-resistant materials and is designed to make stains/damage easy to remove especially with bladder/bowel discharge.
• A Buckle Guard is added to prevent the child or young adult from removing the harness.
• A bolt-in hardware kit comes with the car seat to secure it to the vehicle and to make adjustments as needed.
• 3” extender thrust wedge comes out of the seat so the child can be reclined when necessary.

Cons:

• The seat is difficult to adjust once they are installed.
• The Buckle guard can stick when trying to unlatch the child.

Our Second Pick: Carrot 3 Child Restraint.

The Carrot 3 child restraint system is highly rated for children with autism spectrum disorder for children with severe behavioral issues. The way the car seat is designed, it holds even the most extreme mover and keeps them safe and secure in their seat.

Pros:

• High-density foam inserts to position the child correctly.
• Is designed for children 30 to 108 lbs (37” to 60”)
• It comes with a “Free Angle” Recline feature that allows 180° for easy diaper changes and conforms to the car seat for child comfort during those times.
• It comes with LATCH, a secure anchoring system, which is equipped with Low anchors and tethers for the seat to be strapped to the built-in car seats.

Cons:

• Difficult to move between vehicles.

Our Third Pick: Columbia 2000 Therapedic Integrated Positioning Car Seat.

This is a lightweight seat that is designed to be narrower and accommodate a child with mild positioning needs. It has a retainer clip guard to prevent chest piece disengagement during collisions or violent movements. This car seat has been crash-tested for safety by the Federal Moving Vehicle Safety Standards board and comes highly rated by a parent for children who do not have severe body control problems.

Pros:

• Crash tested to FMVSS #213 standards which sets standards for child safety.
• Certified for use in an aircraft for the traveling parent.
• Multi-positioning options are available.
• It comes with a 5 point harness to keep the child safe.
• It has a soft-padded headwinds.
• It comes with Dual hook tether straps to prevent the car seat from moving.
• It has memory foam padding to reduce sores and fatigue on the child.

Cons:

• It does not adapt well with a growing child even with 2” and 5” extenders.
• It does not work for children over 100 lbs.

Our 4th Pick: Pilot Special Needs Booster Seat.

The Pilot is a pediatric special needs high-backed booster seat designed to grow with the child. It has a built-in positioning vest to support their torso and leg guards for positioning as well as lateral trunk pads to make it a snug fit.

Pros:

• It fits a child up to 120 lbs.
• It has two positions for the child to ride in.
• It comes with adjustable height pads.

Cons:

• It is hard for a child to move around normally.

Our 5th Pick: Spirit Plus Adjustable Positioning System Car Seat.

The Spirit Plus adjustable car seat is a special needs system that has a swing-away trunk and hip supports that are usually only found on complex wheelchairs. This system not only secures the child to the seat but also allows for easy adjustments and easy removal of the child from the seat.

Pros:

• Is a unit for children 25 to 130 lbs (66 inches in height).
• It can recline to 30° from the standard upright position.
• Comes with a machine-washable padded cover for easy care.
• It has a 5 point harness to keep your child secure.
• Latex and silicone-free.

Cons:

• It does not recline fully for easy diaper changes.

Our Final Pick: Tumble Forms 2 Carrie Seat System w/Tray & Footrests (available in sizes preschool through small adult).

The Tumble Forms 2 Carrier Seat System is a multi-functional car seat. It is designed to support your child while providing a footrest, a neck stabilizer, and a tray for eating. It is more than a car seat as it can be used in your own home as well.

Pros:

• It comes with a fold-out table for eating and activities.
• The entire seat can tilt back 45° for easy childcare.
• The tray has a quick-release mechanism for easy removal and cleaning.
• The neck supports are adjustable.

Cons:

• While this seat can be used in a car and in a house, it functions better as a house feature.
• It does not provide enough support.
• This unit does not grow well with the child.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that every car seat be chosen for the size of the child that is to be riding in it and that it is installed correctly. There are four types of car seats your child will progress through:

Basics of Car Seat Safety:

• Rear-facing: Birth until around 12 months of age
  • • Infant-only seats can only be used as rear-facing seats.
    • Convertible seats usually have higher height and weight limits in rear-facing mode.
• Forward-facing
  • • 1-3 years

It’s best to keep your child in this type of car seat for as long as you can.

Once your child exceeds the weight and height restrictions then it is time to get the next size up in car seats.

• • • 4-7 years

This larger car seat is designed to be buckled into the seat like a normal car seat. Keep them in this seat until they exceed the height and weight restrictions for it.

• Booster seat
  • • 8-12 years

Until your child exceeds the height and weight restrictions for the booster. The seatbelt should be able to fit snugly across their chest and not restrict the airway of the child. It should keep them as safe as possible.

• Seat belt seats
  • • 12+ years
      • Once your child has reached this age they should be big enough and fit the adult-sized car seats securely, though follow the height and weight regulations on the booster and your child’s own growth because that will determine their readiness for the adult seats.

In Conclusion:

The rear-facing car seats are the safest for all children until they meet weight and height restrictions, especially for children with special needs. For children with certain physical disabilities and poor motor control, the need for additional straps and braces is greater, which means a more custom car seat.

Car seats for special needs children are not as prevalent and tend to be more expensive. Choosing the right car seat is difficult for most new parents, but when you have to have it customized to fit the special needs of your child as they grow, it becomes even more complex and difficult.

A lot of the cheaper car seats are adjustable, but they do not provide the extra straps and support for a child who has difficulty controlling their movements. Car seats should be selected based on how the child’s disability will progress over time. For additional information see https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats for regulations on car seats for special needs children. Be sure to look at the rules and regulations for your own state as well because each state has its own regulations to follow.

 

Keren Simanova is a busy mommy by day and a passionate writer by night. While spending countless hours researching car seats for her children, she created an educational car seat blog, CarSeatsMom.com to educate other mothers about the importance of car seats. Further, along the way, the blog became an invaluable source for research of a variety of car seat brands, unique features, and mommies’ reviews.

Crime’s an inevitability in any city, but it doesn’t have to be something you just sit and wait around for. There are numerous ways to ensure your property is safe from potential thieves, some using technology or tools and other methods just relying on common sense and logic to ensure security.

Here are a few ways you can ensure you’re never leaving your belongings vulnerable to theft.

Lock up your belongings

Locking up your belongings, like locking your front door or car, is common sense. According to statistics, 30 percent of burglaries occur because of an unlocked door or window. However, many burglaries happen when people are out at work during the day and are done by those who live near the home or apartment.

Though we all want to trust our neighbors, they are often the most likely perpetrators of the crimes. Always be sure to lock up your valuables to ensure that no one else can easily access them while you’re away.

Use background checks

If you are ever having work done on your home, apartment, car or personal property, you can use free background checks to ensure that the individuals you’re hiring are safe and trusted professionals.

Some of these background checks aren’t free, so don’t feel like you need to shell out too much for a background check. But overall, this is a good way to discover if someone’s had any run-ins with the law.

If a background comes back clean but you’re still wary of hiring someone to spruce up your kitchen, check online reviews. Someone could be sketchy, but they may have evaded the law. Someone’s online reviews will be very telling if the professional is malicious (or even just hard to work with).

Checking online reviews is a great way for you to double check that you can trust the person you’ll be letting into your home.

Set up cameras

Another way you can ensure the safety of your belongings is by installing cameras and other electronic security measures to ensure your home’s safety. Most criminals can burgle a home in around 10 minutes, so use a motion sensing camera to catch the individual in the act. There are even applications that can sync your home camera with the cloud, in order to send you quick photo updates from the camera, so check ibi reviews to see if that’s feasible for you.

Zip up your bags, don’t use pockets

A smart way to avoid being pick-pocketed is to use bags with zippers instead of buttons or clasps in order to hold your valuables and to forego the use of a pocket unless it also zips up. This is because it’s much easier to slyly pick something out of someone’s bag or pocket if it already has a small opening.

Zippers require more work to open and could notify the theft victim quicker. You can also practice keeping the zipper as close to your front as possible to ensure visibility of the zipper at all times.

Don’t leave things out

Finally, to best protect your belongings from being burgled, you should not leave them out in the open unattended. If you’re at a coffee shop, for example, then don’t leave your purse and laptop sitting at the table while you run to the restroom.

If you’re at the bar, don’t leave your phone next to your drink while you shoot darts. Leaving your valuables unattended is the easiest way a thief could quickly snatch it while your back is turned.

 

A home is a place where all needs can be met to achieve a comfortable life. When one house feature becomes dysfunctional, the way of living is also affected. That is why it is essential to regularly check everything to identify what needs repair or replacement.

Although there are home repairs that are easy to handle, some need a professional hand to ensure the safety and efficiency of the parts being repaired to avoid further damages or losses. The help of an expert is required, especially if there is an urgency to make such repairs like broken water pipes or damaged doors. A professional not only does repairs, but they can also identify the real problem and provide solutions that ordinary people cannot do unless they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge like what experts possess. Leaving some house repairs to the professionals can save time and resources as well as eliminate the worries of possible consequences if such repairs are left undone.

Electrical wiring and connections

Faulty electrical wiring and loose connections pose not only a danger to the structure but also the lives of its occupants. Many home fires are caused by improper installation, poor maintenance, substandard electrical appliances, and irresponsible usage of electricity, and this occurrence may be prevented if specific measures are applied. Licensed electricians can give concrete advice and solutions for this problem since they are specialised in the electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, and other electrical infrastructures. Having them work on the defective or damaged electrical connections can save the house and its dwellers from potential danger.

Unclogging plumbing

When leaks and clogs are experienced at home, then there is a problem with the plumbing that only professional plumbers can resolve. The pipes, regulators and drains are essential for efficient water delivery and waste removal when using the sink, the toilet, and the shower areas.

Professional plumbers not only fix sink and toilet plumbing problems, but their work also ensures that the house is protected from water and plumbing related accidents like a pipe bursting. Their expertise in plumbing systems can provide diagnosis and inspection services as they always come with the necessary tools to quickly fix plumbing issues right then and there.

Gas appliance servicing

Another risky household problem that needs expert handling is the leakage and malfunctioning of gas appliances. Gas engineers are the usual professionals that attend to this matter since they are specialised in the repair, maintenance and installation of domestic and commercial gas appliances, including boiler repairs. These experts can address various gas safety concerns and assessment of the risks of unsafe gas appliances. They can carry out the cleaning, examining, and the testing of devices to ensure that everything is safe and working well.

Entrusting home repairs and services to experts is the most practical thing to avoid or prevent any untoward incident from happening. Just know who the ones are who can satisfactorily deliver the specific services needed to make your house safe from any harm.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

Planning a summer party — whether it’s for the school, for the kids, or just for a group of friends — can be a little overwhelming. Not only that, but it’s easy to run out of ideas to make the party fun and exciting.

One of the best ways to keep the party going is by checking into dunk tank rental Long Island options to see if they fit the sort of party you’re hoping to throw. Keeping that in mind, read on below for a few things you need to know about renting a dunk tank for your next bash. 

What is a dunk tank?

A dunk tank is a stand which holds a lot of water that’s used as an attraction at fairs, fundraisers, and parties. The fun of a dunk tank is that you get to throw a ball at a target and if you hit that target, someone sitting on the plank inside that dunk tank will fall and splash into the water. 

Dunk tanks are extremely popular and the perfect way to hype up your next party. It’s been around for years, but proves itself over and over again to be the best part of many events, such as kids’ birthday parties, BBQ’s, fundraisers, and even school events. 

How much does it cost?

How much a dunk tank costs depends on a variety of things. Where you’re renting the tank from, and it’s size, shape, design, etc. all factor into the price. So do your research: as with anything else that you rent for a party, you’re going to get what you pay for.

Make sure to search for the best-quality product at the least expensive price. However, make sure that you never sacrifice the quality of the dunk tank for a cheaper price, because safety is a concern as well.

Safety tips

Even though dunk tanks are super fun, there are a few safety rules that you should follow to ensure your party doesn’t end in an accident or tragedy.  

• Always have an adult present when the dunk tank is in operation
• Never leave water in the dunk tank when it’s not in use
• Always supervise children who are in the dunk tank 
• Never operate a dunk tank during a thunderstorm
• Never kneel or stand on the platform

These are just a few of the biggest safety rules you should follow when using your dunk tank. There are many more, and you need to familiarize yourself with them before you use it for the first time. 

Reasons to rent a dunk tank 

There are quite a few reasons why people rent dunk tanks for their events. If you’ve considered renting one yourself, but you just aren’t sure yet, read on below for a few reasons why it’s a great idea:

It’s a popular summer attraction: Dunk tanks are in high demand as a summer attraction. They’re classic fair games, and anyone passing by will recognize that they can dunk the person sitting inside if their aim is on point. Who doesn’t want to dunk their high school biology teacher or their dad at their 10th birthday party?

It’s a way to beat the heat: In many states, the summer heat can be brutal. This is the perfect way for your dunkees to beat the heat and for your kids to have fun dunking them at the same time.

There’s no question that New York City is the city of dreams, excitement, and entertainment. While it provides so much, it can also be very isolating and intimidating, especially for people who are new arrivals. Urban loneliness is a real thing, and it can feel overwhelming if you don’t know how to combat it. The good news is that there are ways to get passed this and live your best life in the city. No matter what neighborhood you’re in, these tips and tricks will have you saying goodbye to loneliness. 

Get a hobby

People often bond over shared interests, and in the big city you’ll find plenty of opportunities to do so. If you already have a hobby, it won’t be too difficult to figure out what you’re looking for. Check out sites like Meetup, your local newspaper, or social media for weekly get-togethers revolving around your hobby. 

If you don’t have a hobby, there’s no time to get one like the present. You can peruse the same media channels for groups that catch your interest. Some great hobbies with lots of meet-up opportunities are photography, cooking, book clubs, and knitting.

Make social media your friend

You’re probably already pretty active on one social media channel or another, so, use it to your advantage. Almost every community has their own Facebook groups where people can chat about everything from favorite diners to best daycare centers. These groups are full of people just like you who want to reach out and make connections. Try to find the ones specific to your neighborhood or frequented areas. Get active and look for group outings or suggestions on where to hang out. 

Talk to a therapist

It’s never a bad idea to seek out counseling or therapy if your feelings of loneliness are overwhelming you. You can check online reviews for the best nyc therapists or ask people you know for recommendations. This can be a great way to work through any personal issues you might have and learn some coping skills in the process. Your therapist can also recommend support groups, which can help with those feelings of isolation.

Learn to cook

Here’s where those cooking classes come in handy. Eating out in NYC can be very expensive. Learning to cook can help you financially while also give you a relaxing way to enjoy your evenings at home. Take cooking classes, meet people, and invite them over for dinner where you’ll impress them with your skills in the kitchen.

Stay active

Most experts agree that physical activity is one of the biggest keys to maintaining good mental health. During exercise, our brains release endorphins and serotonin, the chemicals responsible for making us feel good. It also helps with memory retention, learning, and disease prevention, while, yes, being another great way to meet people. 

Embrace the commute

Let’s face it, even though you may feel lonely living among so many strangers, time to yourself can be a precious commodity. No matter what part of the city you live in, chances are you’re commuting somewhere on a regular basis. Instead of dreading the long periods of travel time, embrace it. Listen to podcasts, chat with your new social media groups, or read that long-anticipated novel. So many people fail to fill this “dead space” and end up bored and miserable, but if you change your mindset, you might truly learn to love it.

Eddie Hamid started his career in the financial sector straight out of college. Years in finance exposed him to the unique struggles of small companies looking for financing, especially those that are usually overlooked by bigger, conventional lenders. This is one of the reasons why he founded iAdvance Now, a financing company that focuses on helping small firms and startups get the funding they need. Based in New York, iAdvance Now is more than just a corporate lender. The company offers a complete package that supports small business, from lines of credit to cash and credit advances, invoice factoring, among other services.

Aside from being a busy entrepreneur, Eddie Hamid is also a leader who knows the value of health in and out of the workplace. Here he sits down with us to share a few insights on iAdvance Now and how he makes health a priority despite his busy lifestyle.

Do you actively encourage a healthy lifestyle among your employees?

I do. Health is the foundation on which everything else in your life rest, from your work to your social life and relationships. I encourage healthy living, moderation when it comes to work, and I make sure that we have programs that help employees cope with the stresses of the job.

What do you do to decompress and unwind?

I read. I’m an avid reader and I find that reading allows me to slow down and just be in the moment. Taking time to read is also a great way to clear my head and de-stress so I can tackle problems with fresh eyes an hour or two later.

What’s your take on taking work home?

I personally don’t encourage it. I leave work at the office as much as I can because I want my home life to be about my family. Sometimes, it is best to compartmentalize things like work and home life because you want to be fully present in either situation.

What’s a typical morning like for you?

I meditate after waking up, then go for a short run. After that, I might fix breakfast for the family before preparing for work. On busy days I usually move my workouts after office hours. I try to stay active during the day. Even on busy days, I try to sneak in a short run or a half-hour at the gym.

What’s your take on wellness programs at the office?

I think companies that value employee wellness benefit a lot from increased productivity and worker satisfaction. Whether it’s having a room for yoga or a small gym where employees can go for a quick workout, I think these are wise investments that will pay for themselves sooner rather than later. Healthy employees are happy employees, I’m a firm believer of that.

Get to know more about what iAdvance Now is doing to help small business by visiting iAdvanceNow.com.

 

Understanding your spending habits is important to creating a plan that will ensure you reach your financial goals. We all spend money for personal reasons, often times on a whim, and can easily end up with purchases we regret, and debt we can’t afford.

In the worst cases, mounting debt that you can’t repay will affect your credit score. A low credit score can hold you back, but Wonga offers a helpful guide to understand your options, along with tips to help you improve your credit score.

Find out what kind of spender you are with our list below:

Sentimental: You spend money on items that remind you of someone you love, someone you lost, or of a time that was special to you. You might indulge in retail therapy because it makes you feel good. These aren’t items you need, but items you want.

Sales: You can’t resist a bargain, and will always shop a sale. You see a reduced price tag as saving you money, even though it’s not really an item you would have bought at full price. You feel like you’re missing out if you don’t go into a sale.

Influenced: You’re taken in by a good marketing campaign, and seduced by the right words and pictures. If you’re shopping with friends and family, you’ll buy as much as they do, and are influenced by what they choose to buy.

Needs: You only buy something when you need it, and make a list each time you shop. You stick to your budget and don’t buy things you don’t need.

Whimsical: If you like something, you buy it. You don’t give much thought to the price tag – you can put it on your credit card. You’ll worry about paying it off later; right now you’re having fun.

Generous: You usually spend money on other people. You buy things you think they might like, or that you think would be good for them – no occasion necessary.

Online: You spend a lot online, and the click of a purchase gives you a rush. You enjoy looking for deals or bidding on online auctions. You don’t really keep tabs on how much you spend online.

Once you’ve identified your spending style above, ask yourself what your triggers are, and what can you do instead of shopping when you feel a certain way. Also, ask yourself what kind of spender you want to be.

Most people are a variety of the above, or might find themselves being particularly flighty or frugal at different times of the year. When it comes to reaching your financial goals, understanding what motivates you to spend and why can go a long way toward helping you control your spending, and reigning it in if needed.