The Blog

Try to imagine this scenario. You’re driving home when suddenly your car dies. The dashboard goes dark and the engine is silent.

You try to check your phone and see what’s going on, but your phone is dead too. Then you start to realize that all the other cars on the road have stopped too.

In the case of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack, all unshielded electronics will go dark. The short burst of electromagnetic energy can disrupt or destroy electronic devices and systems. It can even destroy the electrical power grid.

The detonation of just a few of these high energy EMPs could wipe out all power grids in the United States. Commonly used in apocalyptic stories like One Second After or NBC’s Revolution, few survival scenarios have captured the imagination quite like EMPs.

Could you survive an EMP attack scenario? Here’s what an EMP attack would be like–and what you can do to survive.

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack Timeline

An EMP attack could lead to a significantly altered world. A post-EMP world might involve months and months of life without the power grid–and our favorite electronics.

This could radically change your day to day life, and it could put millions of lives in danger. From plane crashes to starvation, there are countless risks to an EMP attack.

Here’s what would go down in the case of an attack–from day one to months later.

Day One

So what would happen immediately after an EMP?

It’s likely that the first few hours and days after the attack will be chaotic and deadly. An EMP can create a surge in currents and voltage in all electrical parts. This means cars, trains, planes, televisions, computers, laptops, radios, phones, and more would stop working at the moment of the attack.

In addition, the electrical grid would be permanently fried. There’s no easy fix–it could take months or even years to get the power back on.

About 500,000 people would die in the first hour. This is mainly due to plane crashes. Without power, every aircraft in the sky would fall to the ground, killing everybody on board as well as those on the ground or in buildings hit by the plane.

Car crashes would also be likely, especially on highways where cars are traveling over 60 miles per hour. Vehicles might run into oncoming traffic, drive off the edge of the road, or strike pedestrians.

Elevators would quickly become death traps–anyone inside would be trapped in complete darkness and would have to find a way out before dying of dehydration.

Anybody living near nuclear plants could be in serious trouble too. As backup generators stop working, plants would melt down and release large amounts of radiation. The 99 reactors in the U.S. would kill anybody within 100 miles.

Month One

While the first few days will ramp up a high death toll, anyone who survives the initial wave will be facing new challenges. 

With no power, people would have no running water, refrigeration, heat, A/C, lights, communication, or access to monetary funds.

After losing these vital technologies, many people would not be able to survive for long. In the first few weeks, shops would be looted and vital supplies would run out quickly. Soon, hordes of people would take to the streets to steal any supplies that they can find–even resorting to violence to do so.

Prisons would shut down and inmates would escape. Without police, criminals would be free to roam the streets.

In addition, hospitals and nursing homes would lose breathing machines and other devices, leading to more deaths. Without access to needed prescriptions, many more would die in the coming weeks.

Two to Three Months After

By this time, those that survive will have learned to live off the land. The country will essentially descend into a second Stone Age. 

With shops and stores out of business, small communities may start to develop. These people may survive off of farming, hunting, and trading with other families or communities. 

However, it’s likely that many will still die from lack of access to clean water, food, or medical treatment. And not all communities will be peaceful–people may still resort to violence, stealing, and looting out of desperation to survive. 

Furthermore, going back to the Stone Age means suffering from diseases that humanity once eradicated. Without access to medication, vaccinations, or clean water, it’s likely that disease will become a major issue. 

With no power, water filtration plants will go down. Humans can only survive about 3 days without water, and survivors may turn to any water source they can find.

This could lead to cholera, which develops from drinking tainted water. Ultimately, cholera could kill thousands of people in the months after an EMP attack. 

Six Months After 

Six months to a year after the EMP, the consequences could be severe.  

A major EMP strike could shut down power for up to 10 years. It would take about 2 trillion dollars in just the first year to try and rebuild the grid.

Millions would continue to die from disease, dehydration, starvation, and more. Furthermore, the U.S. would be susceptible to mainland attack from missiles, helicopters, and ships, which could cause more deaths. It could even lead to a forced military occupation by another country.

It’s likely that in the first year or two following the pulse, 90% of Americans would die.

Tips for Surviving an EMP Attack Scenario

The timeline of an EMP attack might seem bleak. But with the right preparation, you could be one of the 10% that would be more likely to survive an EMP attack.

Here are some tips to get you on the right track towards survival.

1. Act Quickly

At the beginning of an EMP attack, there’s likely to be widespread confusion and chaos. Take advantage of the first few hours and act quickly.

Take all the cash that you have in the house and spend it all on food. Try to find items that won’t perish without refrigeration. Canned soup, canned fruit, dried meat, nuts, peanut butter, rice, pasta, and even candy bars can give you vital energy to keep you alive.

If you have time, you can also stock up on other useful items like water purifiers, medication, or warm clothing.

After stocking up, you can head home. However, if you live in an urban area, it might be a good idea to migrate away from the city. Without law and order, it won’t be safe or sanitary to remain there.

If you have any firearms or self-defense weapons, keep them on hand. As people start to become desperate, they may turn to violence to take your food, water, and hard-earned supplies. 

2. Protect Your Electronics

One of the ways you can prepare for an EMP attack is to protect your electronics.
A Faraday cage, box, or other container is designed to protect any electronic equipment from an electromagnetic pulse. This shielding device can protect all your electronic essentials.

Keeping items like battery-powered radios, solar powered chargers, LED flashlights, mp3 players with music, small generators, a laptop with ebooks or personal pictures, a small DVD player, inverters, and electronic medical equipment.

Don’t know how to build a Faraday cage? Check out the Tech Protect Faraday Bags for a convenient way to protect the vital electronics you’ll need after an EMP attack.

3. Start Rationing Food and Water

Once you’ve survived the first few days, it’s time to start rationing the shelf-stable food and water that you have.

Keep your refrigerator shut as long as possible to preserve the cold air, but you should eat all perishable foods as soon as possible. Stock up on foods from the store, but know that the grocery stores will likely be empty in three days.

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard space or private land, start planting seeds to prepare for food shortages later down the line. You can also start putting together hunting equipment like traps, spears, and bows.

As soon as the EMP hits, fill every available surface in your house with water. Fill bathtubs, sinks, containers, pools, and more. Soon, the water pressure will shut off and you won’t have access to clean water from the pipes, so stock up on it as soon as possible.

Put containers or barrels outside to collect rainwater and start seeking out nearby rivers or streams where you can draw water. If you don’t have a water pump or iodine drops to purify the water, try boiling the water or putting it in a plastic bottle and leaving it in the sun for 6 hours or more.

Are You Prepared For an EMP Attack? 

While there might not be an EMP attack right on the horizon, this threat could move from fiction to reality sooner than we might think. Whether it’s from a solar flare or a nuclear attack, it pays to be prepared for an EMP attack scenario. 

Survivors of an EMP attack scenario will need to think quickly on their feet, prepare for the worst, and learn to adapt to the new world. 

Do you plan to survive an EMP attack? Check out our life tips section to read more articles on how to be prepared for the worst. 

Are you in the midst of planning a trip to France? Among your research, you’ve undoubtedly come across the same articles and tips regurgitated over and over again.

We all know you have to climb the Eiffel Tower, visit the Louvre, and eat as many French pastries as possible. But if you don’t want your entire trip to be made up of touristy sites, or you’re looking for a more authentic experience away from the crowds, you’ll need to go off the beaten path.

Luckily, there are many places to visit in France that are untouched by tourists. Whether you still want to visit Paris, or you want to skip it and opt for a less-touristy city, we have the answers you’re looking for.

Do you want to travel off the beaten path in France? Then keep reading to learn where you should go.

Past Paris

There’s no denying the allure of Paris. However, with so many tourists present it can seem impossible to get away. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you may want to skip Paris and hit one of these towns instead:

1. Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert

If you’re looking for some of that old European history, you can’t go wrong with Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert. Built in the year 806 by Saint Guilhem, this town was originally an Abbey for monks. It has since been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and really hasn’t changed much over the years.

Visit the old Abbey and the Musee du Village d’Antan to learn a little bit more about this area. Then, spend your days enjoying the architecture that makes you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

2. Rouen

Rouen is another amazing place to visit in France if you’re looking for some history. This is where Joan of Arc was put on trial and subsequently burned at the stake.

While there is plenty of history here, it is more modern than Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert. There are plenty of museums and things to do, making it perfect for those who want to keep their days busy.

You can still enjoy some traditional gothic architecture and an impressive Notre Dame cathedral which many say rivals the one in Paris. Just be sure to check out this site to brush up on your French before you go.

3. Annecy

Whether you’re planning a winter vacation or summer getaway, Annecy is the perfect escape from the touristy cities. It’s ideal location between the French Alps and Lake Annecy make this a truly romantic and breathtaking spot.

There are ample opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the French Alps during the winter, while the summer months open up the possibility of paddle boating on Lake Annecy.

But the real allure is the quaint atmosphere of this town. Cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and winding canals make Annecy look like it came right out of a fairytale. This romantic and laid-back town is perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or for anyone looking to reconnect with the love of their life.

In Paris

While there are some truly amazing French towns, many still consider Paris a must, especially if it’s your first time visiting France. If you want to see the city of love, but need to spend some time away from the hordes of tourists, check out these activities:

4. Visit the Museums

Paris is jam-packed with museums. While everyone else is going to the Louvre, head over to one of the quirky museums.

Musee Grevin is filled with wax figures that look so incredibly lifelike. Musee des Arts et Metiers looks like the set of a horror film with old medical instruments and steampunk-style tools lining the walls.

If you do want to check out some art, head over to the Musee Rodin. This museum is dedicated to Auguste Rodin, an art prodigy that got accepted to art school at only 14 years old. He’s best known for his sculpture “The Thinker”, although “The Kiss” is also popular.

5. Explore Underground Catacombs

Did you know there are winding tunnels full of artistically arranged bones right underneath the bustling city of Paris? The Paris Catacombs give you a chance to escape the modern city and explore thousands of years worth of history.

Unlike other catacombs which feature many enclosed graves, the catacombs in Paris actually used the bones from the deceased to create intricate designs. It’s both an eerie and impressive site that can’t be missed.

6. Take a River Cruise…But Not on the Seine

Taking a cruise down the Seine River tops many tourists’ to-do list when visiting Paris. However, these cruises are often overpacked and a tad cheesy.

Instead, head over to the Marne River. You’ll find it much less crowded, and the area is very scenic. In fact, many artists used this as inspiration for their work.

Take your time exploring this area. Stop in at a cafe after your river cruise to enjoy a leisurely meal with a view.

7. Do a DIY Chocolate Crawl

Of course, you can’t go to Paris and not indulge in dessert. Macarons, eclairs, and creme brulee are just some of the sweets you need to try.

But Paris is also known for their chocolatiers. And it just so happens that many of them are located within a few blocks of one another in Saint-Germain-des-Pres.

Patrick Roger, Jean-Charles Rouchoux, Henri Le Roux, Pierre Herme, Franck Kesterner, Maison du Chocolat, and Christian Contant are just a few of the famous chocolatiers you need to check out. Admire the chocolate sculptures located in many of the storefronts and get a small treat from each so you can see who you think is the best of the best.

The Best Places to Visit in France

Don’t limit your upcoming trip by just doing the touristy things. From old, historic towns like Rouen to off the beaten path activities in Paris, there are tons of places to visit in France that will make your trip unique and truly unforgettable.

Are you strapped for cash? Check out our budget travel tips to learn how you can travel on a shoestring budget.

Hollywood is the quintessential tourist destination. With thousands of historical sites, flashy bars, and millions of things to do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed the moment your feet hit the star-studded sidewalks of LA. 

But never fear. There are a few things every Los Angeles tourist should try before they head back to LAX. If you’d like to learn more about my favorite things to do in Hollywood, keep reading! 

1. Chinese Theatre Tours 

The Chinese Theatre has been a Hollywood staple for over 90 years. 

This cultural icon has been the scene for thousands of world-famous movie premieres. It was opened in the silent movie era and now houses some of Hollywood’s most iconic props and costumes. 

The architects designed it with the help of Chinese artisans, making it a joint effort that showcases Los Angeles’ colorful history and melting pot populace. 

If you’re interested in seeing the handprints of your favorite stars, you can sign up for guided tours at the theater. These tours will walk you through the courtyard of the theater, letting you quite literally walk in the footsteps of celebrities we all love. 

2. Hollywood Sign Tours

We have all seen the iconic Hollywood sign scattered throughout our favorite shows and movies. 

But Hollywood and Los Angeles are full of other famous signs. If you’re interested in learning more about the city’s history, maybe consider taking a guided tour of these iconic landmarks. 

Many of these tours are walking tours. But there are a few bus tours that may work for those with mobility issues or small children. A Hollywood bus tour is a great attraction for those who may be on a time crunch. They’ll also save your feet some strain. 

3. Visit Some of the World’s Best Bars

Hollywood is known for its nightlife. 

The moment the sun fades away, the city seems to come to life. For those looking for a good time, nighttime in LA can be the best way to experience the city. Checking out some of the best pubs can be tricky. 

But there are a few go-to’s that locals will always recommend. Check out a few sanctioned crawls. There’s something for everyone in your group. 

4. Studio Tours 

Hollywood is known for its movie studios and stars. For the film junkie, the city is Mecca. 

If you’re interested in learning a little bit more about the city and its history, consider going on a studio tour. Many studios will have guides that will walk (or drive) you through the compounds, discussing the history of each sound stage. 

These tours shed a light on the golden era of film that no one will want to miss.

5. See a TV Show-LIVE

To round out this list, one of the best things to do in Hollywood is to catch a live taping of one of your favorite shows. 

There are hundreds of shows taping throughout the year. If you know where to look, you can get tickets and be part of a live audience. This sort of event will be something you’ll cherish long after you leave LA. 

So Many Things to do in Hollywood

Convinced to visit the city yet? 

As you can see there are countless things to do in Hollywood. You can customize your trip anyway you want. If you’d like some hotel recommendations, click here. 

Nearly 850 million passengers flew on a plane in 2017. Over 740 million of these passengers flew domestically in the U.S. and over 100 million traveled internationally. 

In 2017, 62% of Americans decided to take a vacation away from home. Even though this includes the majority of Americans these numbers are down from 2001 where 70% of Americans reported taking a vacation. Common factors cited in the decision to travel or not were income and ability to take time off of work based on employment status. 

But, what if the cost of traveling was lowered? Would Americans be able to take a vacation without increasing their income? 

We all want to get away. We want to be able to visit relatives, experience new places, and relax. We may think like we need to make more money to travel, but maybe we just need to learn how to travel for less?

Knowing how to book cheap flights can help to alleviate travel costs and get you to your dream destination!

Read on to learn tips for booking cheap flights so that you can have the experiences of a lifetime. 

Secret Tips for Booking Cheap Flights

The average cost of a flight from Los Angelos, California in 2018 was $353.21. Lowering costs is possible though by knowing tips and tricks for lowering airfare prices. Explore the following ways to save money on your next trip with these tips for booking cheap flights. 

1. Cheap Days

Before you firmly decide on days to take off of work for your vacation, research which days are cheaper than others to fly. Generally speaking, flying out on a weekday will be cheaper than the weekend, but this isn’t always the case.

In order to get the best deal, it’s important to check out flight costs in advance. You can do this by going to a booking website then reviewing flight costs for the weeks you’re considering traveling.

If booking website allows, select seeing costs to your destination for a whole month. Repeat this step for flights returning from your destination as well. 

2. Book Your Connections 

Getting to your end destination may require stopping at multiple airports and getting on connecting flights. The airline you’re travelling with will then transfer your luggage from one plane to another. Booking sites allow you to book all your flights at once, but to save money you can book your own connecting flights. 

This method should only be used, however, if you’re willing to allow anywhere from a day or a few days to pass before getting on the next flight. This is because the airline will view your next flight as separate from your initial flight. This means you will need to pick up your own luggage, check-in your luggage, and then go through security again. 

First generally search your flight allowing the booking site to provide you with the connecting flights. Then instead of booking everything at once, research the cheapest flights from your first destination to the next. Seek out budget airlines in both locations to save money. 

If no budget airlines exist, then booking your connecting flights at once will likely be cheaper.

3. Use Travel Credits

Many credit cards and airlines offer customers travel credits for using their services. An airline may offer loyalty programs by creating an account and booking with them. This could build airline miles, discounts, and promotions that you can use to make your flight cheaper. 

Some credit card companies also offer travel credits such as cash rewards and airline miles by purchasing airfare and travel related expenses. Seek out credit cards that are co-branded with airlines to get the best bang for your buck. 

4. Compare Booking Sites

Booking sites always claim they have the best prices in one way or another, but the best way to know is to compare. When comparing consider whether you’re interested in bundling expenses and if bundling expenses lowers the total price of your trip. 

5. Book Early 

The earlier you book a flight typically the better. While some airlines may offer last minute deals to fill seats, it’s always better to book flights earlier to avoid paying more. 

6. Surrounding Airports

Flights into some airports may cost more than a neighboring airport. If there are multiple airports in the vicinity of your destination, then research flight prices to each airport. You may need to rent a car and drive to your final destination, but it may cost less overall than paying for a ticket to the closest airport. 

7. Budget Airlines

Flying on budget airlines can also help you to lower airfare costs. In the United States, budget airline companies include Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit Airlines. Two other U.S. budget airlines are Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines. 

If you want to travel outside of the U.S., research budget airlines specific to the country or region. Some of these airlines may not fly out of an airport near you which means you’ll need to drive or fly to the airports they do fly out of to get the best deals.

8. Skip Direct

Flying directly usually means you’ll be paying more. If you have the patience for layovers and connecting flights, then flying indirect could definitely help you to save a buck.

9. Search Individually

Search for tickets individually and then as a group. Some airlines tend to provide customers with the same price for all the seats based on the most expensive seat. See how much purchasing tickets individually costs and then compare this to the group rate. 

10. Set Alerts

If you don’t like the prices the booking sites are providing you, then set an alert to get notified of any changes in pricing. Prices can change from day to day, but beware they may increase as well!

If your flight is cancelled or delayed by the airline, then you may be entitled to compensation and can file a claim for a cancelled flight. 

Get Booking with These Tips for Booking Cheap Flights

Using one or all of these tips for booking cheap flights puts you ahead of the game. Be flexible and try to use a variety of approaches in order to get the best prices. Bon Voyage!

If you want to cut even more costs for your upcoming trip, check out our blog post suggesting tips for traveling for free when you feel like you’re broke. 

Every year, about 60 percent of Americans go on vacation. From trips across their respective states to trips across the world, they travel to get away from the hustle and bustle that they face when they’re at home.

If you want to plan to take a trip soon, there are so many amazing family vacations that you can go on. But before you leave, it’s a good idea to prepare your home for when you’re gone on vacation.

By making the proper preparations, you can avoid coming home to a house that’s a total mess for one reason or another. Here are 7 tips that will help you get your home ready for your next vacation.

1. Take Out the Trash

You would be surprised how many people go away for a week or two and completely forget to take out their trash. They come back to a home that reeks because trash has been sitting unattended for days and days at a time.

Walk around inside of your home before going on vacation and collect any trash that has accumulated inside of it. This goes for everything from trash in your kitchen to trash in your home office.

You’ll prevent foul odors from building up in your home by taking out the trash. You’ll also avoid returning home to a major pest problem.

Find out more info about cleaning up trash and clutter in your home as part of your vacation preparations and get to work on it today.

2. Open Up All Your Closet Doors

If you’ve ever opened up a closet door that has been closed for a while, you know what it’s like to get hit in the face with the musty smells that can build up inside of a closet. Those smells develop when air from the closet isn’t allowed to circulate.

When you’re at home day in and day out, you likely open and close most of the closets in your home. This allows the air from your closets to escape and prevents musty smells from setting in.

But when you go on vacation, you obviously won’t be going in and out of your closets regularly. As a result, it won’t be long before musty smells get trapped in your closets.

You can prevent them by leaving your closet doors open so that air can circulate throughout your home.

3. Program Your Thermostat

Since you aren’t going to be home for about a week or so, you don’t have to worry too much about keeping your home comfortable. You can turn your thermostat up or down accordingly, depending on what time of the year it is.

But if it’s the wintertime, you should not turn your thermostat off altogether. Even though you won’t be at home to enjoy the warm air that it helps to produce, you need to continue running your furnace in the winter to stop your plumbing pipes from freezing and bursting.

The last thing you want to do is come home after a vacation to a basement filled with water. You can avoid this scenario by programming your thermostat so that it continues to heat your home when you’re not there.

4. Unplug Appliances That Don’t Need to Be On

There are some appliances in your home that you should keep on even though you won’t be there. For example, your refrigerator/freezer should be left on at all times.

But there are also lots of small appliances, like your coffee maker, that don’t need to be turned on when you’re not home. You should shut them off to stop them from wasting electricity unnecessarily.

Even something as simple as a cell phone charger can waste energy when it’s plugged in, regardless of whether you’re using it or not. Unplug it before you leave to cut your energy costs at the end of the month.

5. Consider Whether or Not to Leave Lights On

There are a number of things you can do to make it look like you’re home when you’re away on vacation. By making it look like your home is occupied, you can prevent it from becoming a target for burglars.

To give others the impression that you’re home, you can:

• Ask a family member or friend to come and collect your mail every day
• Put your newspaper delivery on hold
• Leave a few lights on inside of your home

You might want to think twice about how you’re going to do that last one, though. It’s not a bad idea to leave some lights on in your home, but if you leave the same lights on all day and all night, it’s going to look suspicious.

You might want to put your lights on a timer and have them come on at night when you’re normally home. You might also want to ask a neighbor to stop by your home to turn lights on and off to make it appear more random.

6. Lock Your Windows

You’ll likely remember to shut all your windows before you leave your home. But make sure you lock them, too!

A window that isn’t closed and locked will serve as a perfect place for someone to break in. So double check your windows to ensure they’re all locked before you leave.

7. Let Your Neighbors Know You’re Leaving

Provided you trust your neighbors, you should always let them know before you leave to go on vacation. They can keep a close watch on your home and call you to let you know if there’s anything you need to worry about.

Get Your Home Ready For When You’re Gone on Vacation

Do you want to make sure you have a fantastic time on your next trip?

Work your way through the tips listed here and prepare your home for when you’re gone on vacation. You’ll have a much better time when you know that everything is good to go at home.

Make sure you don’t leave anything at home, either! Read our blog to learn some smart packing hacks that’ll help you pack everything you need for your trip.

We have all heard about the midlife crises. It’s like the second teenage life. You might have been saying, It won’t be happening to me’ and yet it does. Many times, people experiencing the midlife crises don’t realize what’s happening to them. Your mind doesn’t accept it.

A mid-life crisis isn’t necessarily bad. Don’t let someone else tell you otherwise. It’s a time when you finally realize that you can give back to yourself. You have achieved a position in life. Just don’t let this time overwhelm you. Avoid making rash decisions, and you are good to go on this roller coaster ride too.

If you’re in your 40s, it’s quite possible that you might be experiencing a midlife crisis if you are also experiencing some of these signs:

Impulsive Purchases

This is the most widely recognized signs of a midlife crisis. You indulge in some of the most expensive purchases of your life- buying a red Ferrari, going on an all-expense paid flight to Spain or finally buying your dream house.

While these may be costly, we wouldn’t tell you to let that get in the way. You are now in a position when you need to give yourself back. If securing a loan seems difficult, you can always try unsecured loans for bad credit to help you out.

Peer to Peer Comparison

You start viewing your success in comparison with the success of your friends and colleagues. You might even be jealous of their achievements. One reason that’s happening is that this is most probably the peak point of your career. You want to know how well you are doing, compared with others.

Weight Loss Obsession

For some people, weight loss obsession is also a part of the mid-life crisis. For the most part of the last decade, all your focus has been your job and even your family. You have paid little or no attention to yourself. But suddenly, you find yourself criticizing your physical shape. Most even join a gym or take up a sport. You might even find yourself buying supplements or researching the internet for the latest fad diet.

While striving to lose weight is always good, usually, at a midlife crisis, you need to realize that your journey towards weight loss should be healthy and sustainable. Join a gym, or take up a sport.

Loss of Identity

At midlife, you start reflecting more and more what you have achieved in life and what the future holds for you. You start questioning your choices. You wonder if all your struggles coming to this point have been worth it. This questioning often leads you to lose your identity. You are thinking more and more about the purpose of life and how you factor into the entire equation. Some even question society and ask its purpose in their life. They feel a sense of detachment to their surroundings.

It’s a good thing to ponder on your life choices, but don’t mellow on this for too long.

Out Of Character Choices

You might start indulging in out-of-character choices. Many men at this stage go for an entire makeover. They change hairstyles. They change their wardrobes. Some even sell their homes and move to the entirely different neighborhood. Most often it confuses their family and friends, who wonder what’s wrong.

One reason for making these random choices is to explore new experiences. Most people live their lives on a path, set by societal standards. When we reach an age where we have achieved something, we want to indulge in our passions and our dreams. These out of character choices are most often aspirations of a forgotten past.

Your Life Feels Like A Duty

You might be feeling trapped in your job and your family life. You feel trapped by your own responsibilities. Things that you have been doing for your survival and upkeep now seem like another chore. You feel a loss of passion towards life. And there’s the itch to start something different. You keep wondering, ‘Why am I doing this?’ or ‘How does this help me?’

If this is happening, you can always explore a new hobby or a even a new job. Find something that you are passionate about and try to weave it into your life.

You Feel Like Time is Slipping Away

Suddenly, you look back and realize that the last decade or so has just slipped away. You didn’t get the chance to enjoy it. You never got the chance to fulfill your dreams. At this point, you might even be feeling that the time will never come.

You feel that your future is going to be just like your present. A sense of loss sets in. You should give yourself a break. Experiment with something new. Focus on all the dreams that you have achieved.

Most people go through this mid life crisis for about 3-5 years, if left to explore this new side of their lives. They make mistakes. They end up in pitfalls. Many even end up achieving something they have always aspired for. Their risky venture is suddenly a thriving multi-billion brand.

Congratulations, you’re having a baby! Adding in a new family member can be exciting but it can be complicated if you’re trying to keep up with the diet that you were on before becoming pregnant.

You’re eating for two so you have to make sure that you keep up a diet that isn’t only safe for you, but your unborn baby as well. It sounds difficult but it’s actually doable and recommended to ensure your child is healthy when it’s born.

Here are a few tips for dieting while pregnant so you can keep up with your weight and take care of your little bundle of joy.

1. Be Aware of Your Calorie Needs  

Even when you aren’t pregnant your body needs a certain amount of calories a day. The answer for losing weight isn’t to cut them out but to be aware of how many you need. Your doctor can help you figure this out.  

The Ketogenic diet is actually a good one to go on for this because it focuses on you taking in healthy fats and calories rather than eliminating them. You can go here to learn about this diet. 

2. Eat Frequent but Small Meals 

For the most part, dieting is all about portion control. You can keep up a healthy weight by eating a few small meals throughout the day rather than eating three huge ones. Besides, when you’re pregnant large meals might make you feel sick anyway. 

3. Watch What You Eat 

It goes without saying that you should focus on healthy foods when you’re pregnant because they are good for you and good for the baby as well. Your doctor will give you a list but here are some of the basics. 

• Fresh fruits and veggies
• Whole grain cereals and bread
• Dairy products and low-fat milk
• Foods that have plenty of folates

Again, this isn’t a complete list but it’s a good place to start. 

4. Exercise 

So you’re pregnant, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still workout. You’ll need at least three hours of aerobic exercise a week. You can get this in the form of swimming, dancing, yoga, cycling, or walking.

Make sure you talk to your doctor before you choose a workout regimen. 

5. Accept the Changes 

It’s a fact of life that you are going to gain weight while you’re pregnant. It’s best for you and your baby that you go ahead and accept this as reality. Stressing about losing those extra pounds before delivery isn’t good for you so just keep up with your diet the best you can while pregnant and shed the extra pounds after the baby is born. 

You’re Eating For Two: How to be Safe When Dieting While Pregnant 

You’re taking in nutrients for both yourself and your baby so that means you have to diet, but you need to do it safely. Use these tips for dieting while pregnant to keep up with your weight and deliver a healthy, happy baby. 

Was this article helpful for you? Visit our life tips section for more tips just like these.  

Is one of your loved ones suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction? Are you worried about what the future holds for that person? If so, you should think about staging an intervention. 

Interventions don’t typically directly put an end to drug use. However, they are often successful in getting an addict to attend a rehab facility. 

Interested? Need help? Here is how to stage an intervention. 

Choose the Right Time

When it comes to staging an intervention, timing is hugely important. You want to choose a time at which your loved one will be sober. Doing so helps to ensure that he or she doesn’t react in an angry or out-of-control manner. 

If possible, you should try to schedule the meeting for the morning. Having the meeting in the morning will make it difficult for your loved one to substantially abuse substances before the intervention. In other words, he or she will probably be sober. 

Pick the Right Participants 

The key to an intervention is making it comfortable for the addict. There are a number of different ways to do this, but the most important thing to do is to ensure the right participants are present. 

Make sure that only close friends and relatives (whom your loved one has a good relationship with) are at the intervention. Your loved one will be extremely vulnerable, and will not feel comfortable around people that he or she only has a cursory familiarity with. 

Make it Private (But Not Too Private)

The location of the intervention is also vital. You want to hold it at a location that’s private, but not too private. 

Generally, you should avoid the home of the addict. By staging the intervention at home, you give the addict an easy opportunity to cut the meeting short and retreat. After all, his or her room would be just down the hall. 

Instead, you should hold it at a close friend’s house or therapist’s office. This will ensure that outsider’s aren’t privy to the conversation, but will also ensure that the addict can’t easily retreat. 

Utilize Inviting Body Language 

When meeting your loved one at an intervention, inviting body language is of utmost importance. Utilizing open body language will help your loved one feel comfortable and accepted. 

Don’t cross your arms, don’t sport disinterested facial expressions, and don’t put your head down. Sit up straight, put your hands on your knees, and be as receptive as possible. 

Bring in the Professionals

If you’re nervous about staging an intervention on your own, you can utilize the services of a professional intervention counselor. Counselors such as these are well-versed in the intervention process, and can guide you through every necessary step. 

Intervention counselors can help you to arrange the intervention, rehearse the intervention, and can even set your loved one up with a rehabilitation center such as this rehab.

Ready to Stage an Intervention? 

Have these tips helped you to stage an intervention? Are you looking for information on other topics? If so, you can find them right here at Beekman Beer Garden. 

We have tons of information on topics ranging from life, to food, to beer, and much, much more. Check out some of our other life tips now! 

At the end of each month, are you shocked by how much energy you use at home? Do you find yourself wondering, “How can I lower my electric bill?”

If this sounds familiar, don’t stress. There are tons of smart and simple ways to lower your energy usage and costs. Whether you’re saving up to travel the world, or you just want to make your paycheck last longer, energy conservation is always a good idea.

Want to know more? You’re in the right place.

Keep reading to learn how to lower your electric bill without any hassle. Let’s get started!

How to Lower Your Electric Bill: Check Your Water Heater

Water heating is responsible for about eighteen percent of your home’s energy use. By lowering the temperature of your water heater, you can save a ton of cash. Most water heaters are automatically set to 140 degrees, but a temperature of 120 will do just fine for most homes.

You can also cut down on your energy bill by limiting your hot water usage. Try these nifty life tips for great results:

• Take showers instead of baths
• Lower the water temperature on your laundry cycles
• Only run your dishwasher when it’s fully loaded
• Insulate your hot water tank

With these simple changes, you’ll see a huge difference in your bill at the end of the month.

Get Dimmer Switches

Wondering how to reduce your electric bill in a creative way? Try installing dimmer switches in your home.

Not only will dimmer lighting save you big time on energy costs, but it will also make your home feel cozier and more inviting. It’s a win-win!

Keep Your Windows Insulated

When it comes to simple ways to lower an electricity bill, this one takes the cake. All you need to do is insulate your windows.

If you have any old windows, make sure they’re freshly caulked and sealed. This will ensure that your heating or air conditioning stays inside where it belongs.

Use blinds or shutters for further insulation. Keeping them down in the summertime will also create lots of cooling shade, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Keep Your Air Vents and Filters Clean

If you want to know how to keep an electric bill down year-round, try cleaning your vents and filters. Built-up dust on vents can prevent your heating from circulating properly, and worn-out A/C filters will do the same. Clean vents with a damp cloth and replace filters often.

Mother Earth Thanks You

You can feel good about conserving energy. Because figuring out how to keep your electric bill low isn’t just great for your wallet. It’s great for the planet as well.

After all, power plants emit toxic fumes into our environment. And the more you reduce the emission of these fumes, the better!

Wrapping Up

Use the tips above to figure out how to lower your electric bill for good. As you can see, just a few simple changes will do the trick.

For the best results, install dimmers on your light switches (and enjoy the cozy lighting it creates). You can also keep your air vents and filters clean to cut down on electricity usage. 

Want to know more about us and what we do? Contact us anytime. We’d love to connect with you!

How do you feel about your upcoming flight?

Flying is a nerve-wracking experience for one in three Americans, according to recent statistics. The anxiety ranges from fear of a plane crash to feeling physically ill during landing or take-off.

If you think you tried everything to quell your flight fright, think of natural remedies. Have you tried flying with CBD oil, for instance? If not yet, here are some compelling reasons why you should give CBD a chance, and how to do it safely.

Isn’t CBD Basically Marijuana?

In short, no, CBD isn’t marijuana. Marijuana contains CBD, but the two are not the same.

What It Is

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a derivative of the cannabis plant.

CBD is a cousin of THC; both are cannabinoids. It’s true that CBD is a cannabinoid that’s present in the Marijuana species of Cannabis. But this isn’t usually the plant from which CBD oil is extracted for nonprescription remedies

Marijuana has low instances of CBD. It is primarily made up of THC instead.

Hemp is the plant that predominantly contains CBD. Therefore, most CBD products, such as those from Highland Pharms, are made from hemp plants.

What It Is Not

CBD is not a psychotropic cannabinoid. Unlike its cousin THC, this cannabinoid is not really capable of evoking a high in someone who ingests or inhales it.

While CBD cannot alter your mind, it can make you feel more relaxed. It can reduce your stress without causing you to lose control of your judgment, skew your thoughts, or yield other abnormal side effects. This is why CBD may be the perfect solution for your in-flight anxiety.

Is Flying With CBD Oil Legal?

The legality of CBD may be confusing to many, especially if it’s associated with marijuana.

On a basic level, marijuana is not legal. Hemp, however, is legal. Therefore, most products containing CBD oil are legal. The technicalities are a bit murky, however, if your goal is to transport CBD in any form.

Why Is Hemp Legal And Marijuana Is Not?

Simply put, marijuana is illegal on a federal level due to it’s THC content. The potency of Marijuana in terms of THC varies, but it is much higher than the legal limit. Only trace amounts of THC are legal, (up to 0.3 percent). This is also the amount of THC found in hemp.

Hemp is legal within the United States. This is due to its higher concentration of CBD versus its negligible amount of THC.

That being said, certain states prohibit all forms of cannabis. Furthermore, cannabis is not legal under federal law, even if it may be permissible in states like Washington and Colorado.

CBD and the TSA

If you plan to take your CBD oil aboard your next flight, be prepared with a backup plan, just in case. The Transportation Security Administration is legally obligated to observe the federal law against cannabis.

Though hemp products are legal, cannabis in pure form is not. Therefore, if TSA agents suspect any form of cannabis in your possession, they reserve the right to investigate. They may question you, do a search, and force you to give up your new alternative anti-anxiety solution. It is also entirely up to the TSA agent whether you will be turned over to law enforcement for further investigation.

However, carrying liquids in volumes of 3.4 ounces or less is permitted on a commercial aircraft.

So if you do choose to take your CBD remedy with you on your flight, bring it in a small dropper or another container that is TSA-safe.

How Do I Use CBD For Flying?

If you’re sold on CBD as a way to maintain your health while traveling, you’re probably wondering how you should go about implementing it into your upcoming travel plans. The good news is, CBD can be consumed in various forms, and each way may be just as effective as another.

Types Of CBD

Are you interested in inhaling your anti-anxiety remedy? How about eating it in the form of a yummy gummy bear? You can even drop some CBD oil into your food or beverage.

Any of the above are fair game when it comes to calming yourself down prior to a flight.

CBD products are very versatile. They cater to your likes and dislikes.

For instance, you can choose to step out for a quick vape right before your flight. A vape pen is discrete, and it’s small enough that it won’t contain too much liquid to be a carry-on hazard.

You can also bring a little capsule or dropper of CBD extract to take with your in-flight beverage. If you feel like that has the potential of turning into a TSA ordeal, bring your CBD extract of choice to the airport and consume it prior to going through security.

To avoid all issues with legal liquid limits, try a CBD edible goodie. You can eat it discretely while waiting for your flight.

A CBD lotion or rubbing oil can also calm you down. If you choose the topical option, apply the CBD to your pressure points, both on your wrists and across your temple.

Experiment Beforehand

Do you have a few weeks or even days before your scheduled flight?

If so, get your hands on a few CBD products and indulge in an experiment. From dosage to type of product, find out what works best for you.

Remember that although CBD products are known for their healing and calming effects, everyone reacts to each product differently. While one person might find bliss after spiking their coffee with a dose of CBD oil, another might prefer a drop of pure oil under the tongue.

Allowing yourself some time to figure out your ideal dosage and your reaction to CBD can only enhance your in-flight experience.

Want More Travel Tips?

Traveling is exciting enough on its own, but with some tips and tricks from seasoned travelers, the experience can be glorious.

Are you ready to upgrade your travel and lifestyle game? There’s a lot more you can do beyond flying with CBD oil. Contact us and see what we’re about. Learn how our blog can help you elevate your future plans with fun and poise.