Facts about STDs that Every Individual Should Know

Carol Highland
-
0
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Life is a beautiful gift of God, and sickness in any form feels like a punishment. Growing age comes with its adventures and excitements. Many young adults make mistakes that they regret later in life. Being physically attractive and active is what every adult wants. People and places do not always go in one’s favor and unfortunate issues arise when one doesn’t pay attention to details. STD is one common concern of uprooting among many teens and adults nowadays.

What is STD?

STD stands for sexually transmitted diseases, which includes several different diseases that one might catch from their partner. Sexually transmitted infections are a result of intimate contact with a partner who already has an STI. People with more sexual partners are more likely to get exposed to STIs/STDs. Though having sexual intimacy is not the only reason for attaining STD, there are other factors as well that might contribute to STD. Previously it was considered odd to get tested for STD and people usually didn’t see a physician to get a cure, however, technology has bought ease for testing these diseases, and suspicious partners can utilize an at home STD test to diagnose if they have an STD or not.

Common Risk Factors of STD

Common risk factors of STD are;

  • Increased number of sexual partners
  • Inconsistent condom use/ unprotected sex
  • Skin injuries
  • Blood transfusion
  • The severity of a partner’s infection
  • Type of sex (manual, anal, vaginal, oral)
  • Type of partner’s STD/STI (if they have)
  • Overall health and the health of your immune system
STD-recurrence-guide
Source: Very Well Health

Common Causes of STD

Many infections are included under the STDs. Bacterial STDs comprise chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Viral STDs include HIV, genital herpes, genital warts (HPV), and hepatitis B. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. Semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and sometimes saliva become the areas where the STD germs mostly reside and get transferred to the partner. Most of the organisms are spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but some, like those causing genital herpes and genital warts, may be transfused through skin contact. Hepatitis B can occur even by sharing personal items like a toothbrush, razor, etc. Pregnant women can also get some of the STIs transmitted via vertical transmission or through breast milk.

Types of STDs

There are a number of different STIs, but some more prevalent forms are;

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV), 
  • Herpes
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • HIV
  • Syphilis
  • Hepatitis C
  • Trichomoniasis
STD-infographic
Source: Inspirit

How Lifestyle Can Play Part in Spreading STD?

If you are an adult, you need to keep yourself keen on your health, and if you have growing teens around you, make sure you make them understand the consequences of acquiring STDs. Many personal factors can affect and cause STDs. It’s possible to stay healthy without being abstinent.

Age

People under the age of 25 are more likely to get affected by STDs.

Gender

Women are more prone than men to develop STDs, than women under the age of 25. They are biologically more susceptible to STIs than older women because their bodies are not mature enough and they are more likely to experience tearing during intercourse. The immature body can attract more infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea namely.  

Sexual Preferences

Heterosexuals are also prone to get STDs. Men who get involved with other men are mostly impacted by syphilis and HIV.

Unprotected Sex

It is commonly observed that using a birth control barrier can help to avoid STDs, though; there is no guarantee of it. It has been studied that viruses like HIV, which have a high transmission rate, show a reduced transmission rate when condoms are used. Even if you are having contraceptives to avoid pregnancy, using external protection would help you to decrease the chances of attaining STDs/STIs.

Common Symptoms of STD

Since there are several kinds of STDs and STIs, each kind shows a different sign. Most of the time STDs go unnoticed because the range of signs they exhibit is often misunderstood. The signs and symptoms often appear after a few days of experiencing an STD infection. Signs and symptoms that might indicate an STD include:

  • Pain during sex
  • Painful or burning urination
  • Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
  • Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread 
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • A rash over the trunk, hands, or feet
STD-guidelines
Source: Mapolytrends

Preventions

For the prevention of STDs, the first thing to do is to make lifestyle changes. Avoid seeing several partners and be very precautious of your health. If you feel like having the above-mentioned symptoms, get yourself tested or get a home-based test to check yourself. Vaccinations for certain STDs are also available; make sure you have got your jab. Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly, don’t consume alcohol extremely or use drugs, and communicate the situation with your partner or with someone trusted who can make you feel better.

when-to-get-tested-STD
Source: Healthline

Carol
information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured image source: Firstpost.

Singer Vehicle Design: A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

José Amorim
-
0
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Legends are forever. The Porsche 911 is a timeless icon of automotive engineering and design. It would help if you were very passionate and highly skilled to dare to rewrite the myth of such a car. This was the mission and challenge of Singer Vehicle Design for almost a decade, rethinking the 911 for the 21st century. This is a story of excellence at all levels, a true passion for automotive design and exploring new horizons with the same objective: feel your heart race.

Singer Vehicle Design, Pure Passion

Singer Vehicle Design is a Porsche 911 modification firm based in the United States. Rob Dickinson, the former leader and guitarist of the English rock band Catherine Wheel, established it. The headquarters of the corporation are in Los Angeles, California. Singer Vehicle Design is named after famed Porsche engineer Norbert Singer and Dickinson’s prior profession as a singer. The company’s motto is “everything is important”, a reference to their design philosophy in which no aspect of the car is overlooked and even the most minor details are enhanced.

Singer’s origins lie in the automotive world. The first subject of this philosophy, in 2009, was the air-cooled Porsche 911 coupe. Since then, the company has carefully expanded its circle of capacity and the Singer universe. Their bespoke automotive services are now part of an internationally recognized California Luxury brand.

Singer-Porsche-911-restore
source: Singer Vehicle Design
Porsche-911-by-Singer-Vehicle-Design
Source: Singer Vehicle Design
Singer-Vehicle-design-restoration
Source: Singer Vehicle Design
Porsche-911-restored-by-singer
Source: Singer Vehicle Design
Singer-Porsche-911
Source: Singer Vehicle Design

What if the DNA of this iconic sports car was reimagined for the twenty-first century?

Singer Vehicle Design

Together with clients, Singer Vehicle Design is ambitious to pursue a vision for the most advanced air-cooled 911 in the world. In 2022 a new question emerged in collaboration with owners. “How might the DNA of Porsche’s first ‘Supercar’ evolve for the modern era?” This led to the Turbo Study, a celebration of the origins of the Porsche 911’s turbocharged heritage, with performance and refinement reimagined for the twenty-first century.

Source: Wikipedia – Creative Commons

Let’s note that Singer Group, Inc. (Singer) restores and reimagines 1989 to 1994 Porsche 911s based on the 964 chassis at the direction of its clients. Singer does not manufacture or sell automobiles. The product of Singer’s painstaking effort is a Porsche 911 restored and reimagined by Singer. Out of respect for Porsche and to respect Porsche’s trademark rights, this incredible machine should never under any circumstances be referred to or described as a “Singer,” “Singer 911,” “Singer Porsche 911”, or a “Porsche Singer 911,” or in any other manner that suggests that it is anything but a Porsche 911 that has been restored and reimagined by Singer.

When passion meets icons, the result is greatness and excellence at all levels. Singer Vehicle Design restores the Porsche 911 like nobody, contributing even more to the legend of this unique supercar.

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured image source here.

Angèle and CHANEL, A Beautiful Collaboration.

José Amorim
-
0
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The House of CHANEL announced in April its cooperation with Belgian singer-songwriter and musician Angèle – a House ambassador since February 2020 – for her “Nonante-Cinq Tour,” titled after her second album, which was published in December 2021. Virginie Viard collaborated closely with Angèle to create all her stage outfits for this tour, some of which are inspired by CHANEL’s Spring-Summer 1995 Ready-to-Wear collection. This unusual set of outfits has a dozen custom styles in various colours and fabrics, including tweed and sequins, and accessories like boots and sunglasses.

CHANEL is releasing a ten-minute film directed by Loïc Prigent, that follows the creative process behind Angèle’s stage outfits. The director captured her early contacts with Virginie Viard and the Creation studio, the preparation for her tour, backstage at her first show in Reims, and her performance at the Parisian festival We Love Green.

“When I talk to Virginie, I feel like we know each other, we understand each other, and it’s easy. She’s such a precious personality for this kind of project…” 

Angèle

The Belgium artist explains further that this collaboration with CHANEL is a truly human experience and an incredible adventure. There was an authentic dialogue between Angèle and Virginie Viard. They share desires that made this exceptional collection of outfits possible for the tour. Wearing unique CHANEL designs on stage with a beautiful 90’s inspiration makes a whole new difference. It supports Angèle’s creative universe and perfectly blends with the French luxury house values.

With this ten-minute-long video, we can enter the secrecy of creation and the details of the natural collaboration. A contemporary elegance emanates from this project, and it is very well done.

José
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Things you need to know when buying new underwear

Carol Highland
-
0
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Buying new underwear can be an overwhelming task, especially if you’ve been putting it off for a long time. However, your shopping trip will go much more smoothly if you have a plan in mind. If you’re struggling to decide what kind of underwear to buy or aren’t sure what you need to be looking out for, then these tips will help you make the best decision possible.

Don’t rule out shapewear

Shapewear might not spring to mind immediately when you’re thinking about buying new underwear, but it’s good to have at least one set of SKIMS women’s underwear for those special occasions. You’ll notice your clothes fitting better and you’ll have a much smoother, more defined silhouette. Whether you’re looking for a bodysuit or a full set of underwear, shapewear can be bought in a wide range of skin tones for the most seamless finish possible. 

Research different fabrics

If you have sensitive skin, some fabrics might irritate you more than others. There’s nothing worse than buying a pair of underwear or a bra that makes you itch all day long. Sometimes the prettiest designs aren’t ideal for everyday use, especially if they’re made from synthetic organza-like materials or poor-quality lace. Cotton is a solid choice for most women, as it’s breathable and often hypoallergenic. That’s not to say you can’t buy underwear made from synthetic materials, but you do need to be mindful and every pair you buy should always have a cotton gusset.

Know your bra size

A staggering number of women are suffering because they aren’t wearing the right bra size. If you experiencing pinching, sore shoulders, or are finding your clothes just don’t fit smoothly, you may need to book a bra fitting. As your body changes over the years, so does your bra size, so it’s important to get remeasured every six months or so. If you aren’t able to visit a shop in that time, you could try and measure yourself with a measuring tape and guide. 

Bear in mind that your bra size may vary depending on the shop you’re in and the type of bra you’re trying on, particularly if it’s a sports bra, as these can sometimes run small due to the compression they offer.

photo of woman in black bra sitting on wooden chair next to a window
Photo by Danielle Reese on Pexels.com

Stitching and seams

The way your underwear is stitched together will tell you a lot about its overall quality. Even if the fabric seems good, if the stitching is poor you will notice loose threads and tearing more quickly. Stitches should be tightly packed together and if you pull the fabric and can see obvious movement, that’s not a good sign. However, stitches shouldn’t be so tight that the fabric is bunched up either. Look out for signs of fraying or threads that are already coming undone, as these are signs your underwear is already coming apart.

Once you have a good collection of good quality underwear, you can stop worrying about having to buy new ones for years to come. So make the investment the first time around and save both time and money.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

5 things to have in your wardrobe for an elegant autumn style

Carol Highland
-
0
Reading Time: 4 minutes

With autumn knocking on our doors, most of us are experiencing the same problem we have every single year: how to look classy and put together during the upcoming months while keeping ourselves warm and comfortable. Even though summer is almost gone and we have very little time left to properly stock our closets, we have just the right short, but comprehensive list of the 5 essential pieces that you’ll need this fall to create stylish and elegant outfits every time you go out.

A classic coat

What do Blair Waldorf, Andy Sachs, and Audrey Hepburn’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s have in common? Obviously, their iconic collection of coats! If this autumn you intend to spend a little more money and make an investment in your wardrobe, a classic woolen overcoat is the exact thing you need. Not only is it a must have for the cold autumn days, it is also a wonderful way to dress up any outfit, be it the classic jeans and sweater combination or a more official blouse and pencil skirt look. If you want to be sure that you’re making the right choice, go for a classic, long, black or beige coat made of wool, because it will go with everything and will last you a long time.

A Wool sweater 

wardrobe-tips

Even though it is a very simple and casual piece of clothing, a high-quality wool sweater with charming designs can make you look more expensive and put together, especially if it is made of natural materials. A little over two years ago, the world went crazy over Irish sweaters, also known as fisherman knit jumpers. If it is the first time you ever buy such a garment, we would recommend getting a classic white crew neck Irish sweater, as it will look great when combined with the rest of your wardrobe, as well as the things that we’re mentioning in this thread, but if you already have one of these in your wardrobe, you can experiment with different styles, such as getting a turtleneck or a shawl neck Irish sweater in a brighter color.

The right pair of denim jeans

Many people make the mistake of thinking that a posh style doesn’t go hand in hand with wearing such casual clothing like jeans. And although some fashion critics will passionately insist on this, we believe that the right pair of jeans that are both classy and comfortable will make a wonderful addition to your wardrobe, regardless of your age or occupation. When combined with a basic white shirt or with the woolen sweater that we’ll talk about in a minute, it can make an outfit that would be perfect for both a relaxed Friday at work or a late evening family gathering. 

Black tights 

For a truly impeccable appearance, details are everything, as even the smallest things can ruin an outfit that looks perfect at the first glance. One of the things that can help you immediately elevate a look, especially during the upcoming cold months is black tights. During these freezing months, there’s nothing that makes an outfit look unrefined other than a woman wearing a mini skirt with bare legs. Make sure to get at least two pairs of basic thick black tights that you can wear both with your short skirts and underneath some jeans or trousers if you need some extra warmth throughout winter. 

Classic jewelry

Speaking of details, there’s nothing that can make your outfits look more expensive than classic jewelry, as it is considered to be the very foundation of any look. If you’re not sure what exactly you should invest in, we recommend the three most known and beloved pieces: diamond stud earrings, a pearl necklace, and a diamond bracelet. These are the timeless pieces that will never go out of style and can even become a generational treasure. You can wear them combined together or by themselves for an even more delicate and sophisticated look. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Custom Footwear to Set You Apart From the Crowd

Arsene Wargas
-
0
Reading Time: 4 minutes

When out shopping the last thing we want to do is to blend in, to simply be another face in the crowd, or even worse, be average. No, thank you. What you want is to be the one everyone wishes they had the style of, to be the role model of confidence by dressing well, and the best way to do that is with customized footwear.

It is easy to grab a pair of shoes off the shelf and wear them as is, but isn’t that what everyone is doing? Why not go that little bit further and have the shoes you like the most parts and details of, and tailor them to your ultimate style and personality?

All about the details

There is an old saying that goes ‘the devil is in the details,’ and this couldn’t be truer when we are looking at customized footwear. We are seeing so many brands and companies offering this service to their clients and customers, they understand the need to be unique and to set themselves apart.

Think about the material, you could have something soft and smooth that molds to your foot like leather or suede, perhaps change up the color to something brighter, more bespoke for that particular shoe style to take you over the top. And to bring it home, do not forget about the stitching and thread.

The colored or unique thread and stitching on a shoe show that you have thought of all the details from the beginning to the end and that you have the style to make bold choices. A contrasting color stitching can elevate a shoe, and custom shoes are increasingly leading the way for the future. Set the trend, don’t follow it.

Why customized shoes are better

The fact that your shoe is nothing like the mass-produced version is already a step in the right direction, but there are more advantages to setting the tone and making your new pair of shoes your own, and essentially, one of a kind, and here’s why:

  • Design of choice – You may have seen the perfect shoe but what prevented you from buying them may have been the heel, or the way the logo sat, and so ended up not getting them. Now choosing the design that you love in a customized shoe lets you ‘have your cake and eat it too.’
  • Unique – This goes without saying as custom shoes are like no other. And whether they are bold and bright, or chic and simple, adding intricacies of details and omitting them when needed will give you that authentic look you are looking for.
  • Fit – Too often a shoe in the right size can still feel stiff and leave you uncomfortable, but by substituting the material for a softer, more forgivable kind you can enjoy your new bespoke shoes that mold to your feet, not the other way around.
  • Comfort – Going hand-in-hand with the fit, is comfortability. Adding additional support to the inner soul of the shoe or a lower heel will give you the stability and support you need while preventing leg cramps. These small details not only adapt the shoe perfectly to your needs, but you will feel the difference compared to generic, mass-produced shoes.
  • Quality – By paying that little bit extra for a quality product means you can enjoy them for longer, and investment in shoes that fit, feel, and look great is priceless when it comes to longevity. Sure the suede material and tweed thread cost a little more, but when it comes to a custom shoe and setting yourself apart from the crowd, it’s a small price to pay.

The right fit

At the end of the day having a love for shoes is one thing, but too often people think that custom shoes are only for the rich and lavish, but it’s not. A custom shoe, irrespective of the style is easily affordable these days using small details and will last you longer while remaining unique.

It not only shows a side of your personality without having to say a word, but the feel of a custom-fit shoe makes you feel great, this confidence is infectious, and most likely why the customized footwear trend is taking off.

Investing in great-fitting shoes tailored to your bespoke style is a decision you will be glad you made once you see them, walk in them, and better yet, receive compliments on them. Take that first step.

Arsene
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

6 Things To Look For In A Photo Editing App

José Amorim
-
0
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Nowadays, because of the advancement of technology and smartphones, it has become easier to capture and share amazing photos. Photos are a great way of preserving memories. Time will always pass, but an image can immortalize memorable moments. Therefore, it’s worth trying to take the best images possible whenever you decide to snap a few photos.  

Numerous picture editing tools are available online to assist you in modifying your images. These applications frequently include unique features that distinguish them from one another. As a result, you’ll probably discover that some applications excel in some areas while others excel in another, and some will be all-arounders.  

Photo editing apps are important because technique alone may be insufficient. Even if you’re a professional photographer, you will need an application with the appropriate features to assist you in producing the highest quality content possible. Since no two applications are the same, you must choose applications based on their features and your needs. And that said, below are some things to look for in a photo editing app.

1. Filters

In this world where social media has many users, filters have become increasingly popular, especially among younger audiences. Some social media applications incorporate filters into their platforms to help users create unique images.  

So, when looking for a photo editing application, consider those with the option to edit photos with filters like the Airbrush app. There’s a wide range of filters that an editing application could avail to its users. Plus, these filters can be constantly updated through software upgrades. The more filters it offers, the better. Filters have the power to transform a regular photo into a beautiful piece of art.

2. Visual Appeal

It’s important to note that most users have short attention spans. Therefore, an application should make a positive first impression within milliseconds of being launched. Therefore, you need an application designed properly with all the elements, features, and colors arranged properly for the best experience. The application should look aesthetically pleasing and should be usable.  

Achieving this may not be easy. That’s why developers may have to hire professional application designers to help them develop visually appealing apps. For the user, visual appeal matters because it can improve the user experience.   

3. Simple User Interface (UI)

In reality, most people using photo editing applications may not be professional photographers or editors. An app should be designed so that an average user can use it effectively. Therefore, it would be best if an application had an interactive and easy-to-use interface that makes editing photos easier. You need to look for an application with all the features easily accessible and visible. 

A good photo editing app should have features like cropping, editing, and filters on the landing page so that they’re easy to access. Having these functions on the homepage effectively declutters the screen. It would help if you didn’t struggle to find your app’s edit or crop photos function. Plus, given that apps can integrate artificial intelligence in photo editing apps, you could look for apps with an auto edit button to make the editing process much more effortless. So, when looking for an app, make sure it has a simple, navigable, and interactive user interface.

best-photo-apps

4. Basic Features

Every photo editing app has to perfect the basics. The basic features of a photo editing application are crop, straighten, rotate, flip, and red eye correction, among others. These basic features will probably be the most used. Therefore, you’d want an app that has these as things well.  

5. One Touch Optimization

If you’re a professional photographer, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll want an application with an extensive range of editing features that allows you to edit thoroughly to get the desired results. However, most people don’t understand the intricacies of photo editing and won’t know how to utilize complex functions. 

Therefore, it’s imperative to have an app with one touch Optimization feature for those users who don’t want to spend a lot of time editing pictures. Thus, this feature essentially edits photos for the user to touch a button. Or, it could give the user the best photo suggestions based on the various elements in the original photo.  It’s a handy feature to have in an application since it enhances convenience.

6. Effects and AR Masks

You may find these features useful if you’re an active social media user. Augmented reality (AR) filters are popular on various photo-sharing applications nowadays. These filters allow people to add dog ears, cat whiskers, and various masks onto images. This feature is intended to make content creation fun and exciting which is why many people use it. So, when looking for a photo editing app, you might want to consider whether AR effects are available or not.  

Conclusion

The growth of the internet and social media has allowed internet activity to increase over the years. People can quickly post or share photos on their timelines, and you can rest assured that people want to look nice in the photos they upload. And this is where photo editing applications come into play. Nonetheless, consider the points mentioned above when looking for a photo editing application. There are a lot of applications to choose from online. Therefore, you might want to do further research to find the right one for you.

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.   

Increasing Your Assets: The Dollars and Sense of Home Mortgage Loans

Carol Highland
-
0
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Assets refer to resources with an economic value that you own or control, with the expectation that an asset will provide a future financial benefit. Buying properties is one way of increasing your assets. 

For everyday folk who do not invest in things like stocks and shares, the dollars and cents they have tied up in home mortgage loans can soon turn into dollars and sense – i.e., investing in housing makes a lot of sense if you want to increase your assets and get a good financial return in the future.

Options for Property Assets

You can invest in property in several ways in order to increase your assets. You could purchase a house, a luxury property, or even a commercial property directly with the help of a mortgage or you could put your money into a property investment fund, in which you can get shares in various properties or enhance your property portfolio. 

You should spend some time exploring which options are best for your specific circumstances and needs. Options to consider include investing in buy-to-let properties, property developments, overseas properties, newbuilds to sell on, and real estate investment trusts and other property investment funds. 

Using Leverage

If you want to make the most out of your property investment and see a good return, you should learn about leverage. Basically, leverage is about using various financial instruments or borrowed capital, such as mortgage loans, to increase your potential return on investment. 

By using leverage in the right way, you can not only expand the potential for excellent financial returns. You can also reduce the risks that come with any investment. Remember, while property can be a sound investment choice when real estate prices rise, if prices go in the other direction, it can potentially lead to losses.

Getting a Mortgage

One option for increasing your assets is to take out a mortgage that enables you to purchase a property; or take out more than one mortgage to buy several properties. 

Your exact strategy for increasing your property assets will be dependent on your personal financial circumstances. The first step is to find the right mortgage. 

Finding a lender that enables you to put down a low down payment and offers other incentives is important if you want to get the most out of your property investment. 

For example, home mortgage loans from SoFi are a great choice because the lender offers down payments as low as 3% for first-time buyers and guarantees the closing happens on time. Furthermore, if eligible, you can get up to a $9,500 real estate commission rebate.

When looking at lenders with a view to taking out a mortgage loan, it is important that you ask the right questions to ensure you get a good deal and are in a good position to carry on increasing your property assets in the future. 

First off, you are sure to want to know how much you are able to borrow. 

You can use a mortgage calculator to get a good ballpark figure, but you still need to talk through your financial situation with a mortgage advisor to determine how much you can actually borrow and what the terms and conditions are; such as how much of a down payment you need to put down, what the interest rate is, and how long the duration of the loan is. 

You should also find out:

  • Whether a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage is best for your situation.
  • How good your credit needs to be.
  • How many mortgage points the rate includes.
  • At what time the interest can be locked in.
  • What the estimated closing costs are.
  • Whether there are any other fees to pay.
  • What could delay the closing.
  • Whether there is a prepayment penalty.
  • Whether you need mortgage insurance.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

What should you be looking for in a realtor?

Carol Highland
-
0
Reading Time: 3 minutes

With so many realtors available and so many variables to consider, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly makes a real estate agent effective. Of course, you want a strong deal on the table and someone who has the authority to make things happen, but what about the care and attention that can sometimes be lost in the hustle and bustle of real estate? 

What’s the perfect middle ground between passionate and fast-acting? And what should you look for in the perfect realtor? Let’s explore those must-have qualities below. 

Reputation

Any reputable real estate company is going to have accreditations and a long track record of success in the industry. No one’s suggesting they need to be flawless (if they seem too good to be true they probably are!) but it’s important to look into any obstacles or issues they’ve overcome as a business. In fact, after the global pandemic, a commonly searched term was “Is Compass Real Estate in trouble”, and that’s one of the biggest real estate brokers in the country! 

Customer reviews

Look on their web pages for those essential customer reviews. Anyone can claim to be a good realtor, but actual customer feedback is a true sign of quality. If you’re feeling brave enough, why not ask for some contact details of happy customers to really see how helpful they can be?

Understanding 

If you’ve had an informal sit-down discussion with your realtor about what you want to accomplish and you’re given a gameplan that’s the direct opposite of everything you thought you’d agreed upon, it may be time to look elsewhere. There shouldn’t be a “one size fits all” approach to buying or selling a home, and if you feel you’re being given a standard response to some very specific needs, it’s a big potential red flag. 

real-estate-agent guide
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Compassion

With that understanding comes the potential for compassion. This may be important to those with young children or growing families looking to find a new home. It’s always better to feel like you’ve entered into a relationship with a realtor, and that you aren’t just another number to them. Most realtors got into the business to help others, so if you can find a compassionate person, you’re on the right path!

Attention to detail 

From the small print of a contract to the slightest alteration in furniture placement, your ideal realtor should be on the ball and eagle-eyed. Sometimes, particularly during open viewings, it’s the smaller touches that capture the attention of a potential buyer. In those moments, you’ll be glad for the thorough approach of a dedicated real estate agent. 

Organization 

Fielding calls, negotiating prices, and using their contacts to get you the best deal possible is hard work. And without a lot of organization, the entire process is going to be a mess from start to finish. Check online reviews for comments and praise that single out an organized and friendly agent. Ask about their availability. An organized realtor is an experienced one who knows how to get the ball rolling while keeping you informed every step of the way. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Top 4 CBD Edible Products That Can Benefit Your Mental Health

Jennifer Hard
-
0
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Cannabidiol, more popularly called CBD, is a compound contained in the cannabis Sativa plant, which has properties that can calm your nerves. These properties trigger the neuroreceptors in your system when you consume CBD edibles. The interaction in your endocannabinoid system sends signals to your cells and regulates your mood, movement, and immune system. 

The ability of CBD to calm your nerves and thereby improve your mental health is its most popular benefit. Those who consume CBD experience reduced anxiety, and its effects are like imipramine, an antidepressant. However, human trials are needed to test whether CBD consumption can safely induce an antidepressant reaction in our bodies. 

Gummies 

Chewing on tasty cannabidiol gummies is the most fun and the best way to consume CBD edibles. Gummies are easily ingestible, palatable, and portable. If you are a beginner, it is an excellent choice to consume it discreetly. Edible CBD gummies are helpful for several mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. 

CBD gummies help reduce anxiety and stress by interacting with the endocannabinoid system of your body. The main function of this system is to regulate appetite, mood, pain, and other functions. Through such interaction with the system, the gummies help in reducing feelings of stress and anxiety and keep you in balance. 

The CBD contained in the gummies can help with mental health. However, some gummies contain extra ingredients such as melatonin, chamomile, and lemon balm to soothe your nerves. It is not clear how these ingredients interact with CBD. Therefore, stick to CBD gummies only, with no vitamins, supplements, or minerals. 

Cookies 

CBD cookies are edible products that merge hemp extracts into chocolate cookies and taste fantastic. The perfect blend of CBD with chocolate gives it its therapeutic properties and superior taste, which has gained global popularity. Cookies can be a suitable edible product for beginners at low dosages. 

The most common reason for the reputation of these cookies is their potential for variety and taste. The earthy and bitter undertone of CBD that comes from its terpene content complements the rich chocolate flavor. Besides, they help in the treatment of hypertension, anxiety, and stress-related issues. 

CBD-Edible-products-reviews
Photo by Aphiwat chuangchoem on Pexels.com

The fat content in the chocolate is neutralized by the fat-soluble property of hemp extract. In other words, you can ingest the correct amount of CBD as they mix perfectly well and complement each other. Both these components also have anti-oxidative elements making them safe and healthy for consumption. 

Unlike other methods of consuming cannabidiol, eating these cookies can be safer and healthier as vaping or smoking is not involved. Several companies now market them as the best alternative to hemp variants that can prevent insomnia and sleep-related disorders. 

Oil 

Cannabidiol oil is manufactured by diluting CBD extracts with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil for higher bioavailability. It can be in some food, dietary supplements, drinks, and bath soaks. The oil continues to gain popularity in the wellness and health world as it may ease conditions such as anxiety and depression. 

Many people who suffer from mental health disorders find it therapeutic to use CBD oil regularly as it is a natural approach. The product comes with a dropper so that you get to consume the most accurate dosages, unlike other forms. Although some may dislike the smell and taste of it, the effects are relatively fast. 

CBD oil can be mixed in your drinks, or it can be placed under your tongue. With the provided dropper that comes with the little bottle, simply drop several drops you’re your mouth for about 30 seconds. Incorporate I into your daily routine. People who use it have found it to be a great culinary experience. 

Although CBD oil can be a treatment for conditions such as schizophrenia and anxiety, research supporting its benefits is limited. Therefore, it can carry potential side effects such as diarrhea, dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, and reduced appetite. CBD oil can also interact and clash with other medications. 

Vapes 

You may have seen CBD vapes alongside other vapes on the shelves of gas stations and cannabis stores. They may seem like an alternative to tobacco, and that may ring true for some people. However, there is no proof to show that using it can wean you off tobacco or nicotine smoking, although CBD vapes are healthier in comparison. 

CBD vape pens are becoming popular because of their ability to treat a wide range of mental health disorders such as bipolar, anxiety, and stress-related illnesses. They are available in refillable or disposable varieties, and its convenient and budget-friendly. Disposable pens make it easier for you to try different flavors and types. 

A vape pen contains all sorts of ingredients put together in a readymade format. You need to know which brands contain the best ingredients. Test the products and make sure they contain only high-quality ingredients. Read their website before making the purchase. Higher the quality, cleaner the product. 

Jennifer
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

1...505152...255Page 51 of 255