5 Foods to Eat for Optimal Health

5 Foods to Eat for Optimal Health

The impact of eating healthy extends beyond weight loss. There are certain types of food that contain a high level of vitamins and minerals that offer a variety of benefits to the body. The results of a healthy diet can often be displayed in your physical appearance, emotions and health. 

Consuming nutrient rich food on a daily basis can have an extraordinary impact. The opposite is also true, if the food lacks the proper vitamins and nutrients than we are only poisoning our system and causing harm to the body. There are numerous types of food that can help the body perform at an optimal level.

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Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables included in this category are broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. These foods are considered to be super vegetables and help increase antioxidant levels within the body. The vegetables are also useful in eliminating toxins and supporting the immune system in fighting cancer.

Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil may have an unpleasant taste, but it is undeniably beneficial for your body. Cod liver contains nutrients that are necessary to the human body: DHA, Vitamin A, EPA and Vitamin D. Adding cod liver oil to your diet can improve skin, teeth, bones, joints, cardiovascular system and digestive tract. The oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids which help balance hormones and fight depression. For those that do not enjoy the taste of cod liver it is also available in pill form.

Strawberries
Strawberries are not only delicious, but they have several health benefits to the body. One of the primary benefits of strawberry is the ability to improve the skin's appearance. Eating one cup of strawberries provides 160 percent of the recommended dosage of vitamin C a day. The vitamin C improves skin firmness and produces collagen. Strawberries also contain phenols, a chemical compound that provides antioxidant properties. The phenols also have anti-inflammatory properties that help the body fight against osteoporosis and asthma. The anti-inflammatory properties contained within the strawberry also help offset cancer and improve my health.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains Lauric acid, a compound that can improve the metabolism and target stored fat. The oil is also antibacterial and antiviral. Having coconut oil in your system on a regular basis provides an increased amount of protection from colds. In addition, the Lauric acid also is an added protection from aging by improving bone strength.

Yogurt
Yogurt has a variety of benefits to the immune system. Eating yogurt consistently can help balance the intestinal flora and create good bacteria called probiotics. This tasty dessert also helps to protect from osteoporosis, yeast infections and irritable bowel syndrome. The most effective yogurt must contain live and active cultures.
Guest post by ezCater.com. The easiest, most reliable way to find and order Madison Catering.

Top 6 Tasks On Your Moving Checklist

Tasks On Your Moving Checklist

If you are thinking about taking off to greener pastures, you may be a little bit overwhelmed. Relocation is never easy, even if you are only moving a block away from your current location. However, fear not: This moving checklist can help you make sure you get everything ready to go long before you bid your current home farewell.
1) Research Options for Transporting Your Belongings

The first thing you will want to do is figure out how you are going to go about transporting your items from once place to another.
You have quite a few options available, including portable moving and storage containers, truck/van rentals or hiring a professional company to do it all for you.
Consider your budget, the distance you are going, the size of your household, the kinds of things to be transported, etc. when deciding which option to go with.
Book the services you desire at least six to eight weeks in advance, if possible.

2) Use up Perishable/Consumable Things

Packing is one of the most time consuming and tedious aspects of relocation. However, you can cut down on what you have to bring along if you simply use things up beforehand.
Try to eat everything you have left in your fridge and freezer. Also, spiff up your home so as to get rid of old cleaning supplies rather than lug them along.

3) Deal with Address Changes/Mail Forwarding

If you are going somewhere temporarily, simply forwarding your mail is probably good enough. However, if you are not coming back to your current living space, you will want to change your address.
Call any company with which you frequently correspond so they are all aware of your new address. Then have the post office forward mail to your new address in case there is anyone you forgot to notify.

4) Obtain/Transfer Personal Records

Your move will go a lot more smoothly if you have all of the important documents in place beforehand.
Notify your children’s school, your doctor, dentist and other important organizations to get your records transferred. You should research medical providers, lawyers and schools before moving to choose your new providers.

5) Go Through Your Belongings

As soon as you get the chance, you should do a complete sweep of your possessions.
Make three categories: keep, toss or donate. Then consider which items you want to take along, which you should throw away and which ones may be useful to someone else.

6) Pack Your Stuff (If Applicable)

Next, you should obtain supplies like boxes, bubble wrap, blankets, tape and labels to prepare and pack your property.

Go online today to research companies like United Mayflower Container Services, which offer a variety of convenient moving and storage options.
Becky is a creative writer and one of her favorite topics to write about happens to be storage. If you'd like more information regarding portable moving and storage containers please visit http://www.unitedmayflower.com/

5 Keys to the Paleo Diet

5 Keys to the Paleo Diet

The Paleo Diet: Health, Strength and Weight Loss

The main focus of the Paleo diet, also known as the caveman diet, is on what men ate in the Paleolithic era. This diet gets down to the real basics. Foods that are allowed and foods that are not are emphasized.

Paleo is short for Paleolithic. Considering the fact that early Paleolithic man was healthy and disease-free, this diet is one that encourages a change from today’s daily diet to that of our ancestors. The Paleo diet a low carbohydrate diet rich in proteins. A new way of life is encouraged, rather than a short-term diet. This diet is based on the cave man’s secret to being healthy.

cc licensed ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo shared by bunchofpants

The secret begins with the 5 keys to the Paleo diet. 

The following foods are allowed in unlimited amounts:
•          Red meat
•          Pork
•          Eggs
•          Meat bones to cook soups and broth


Consume unlimited amounts of:
•          Fresh vegetables
•          Frozen vegetables


Consume smaller amounts of:
•          Fresh fruits
•          Berries
•          Nuts (except for peanuts)


Consume saturated fats including:
•          Lard
•          Butter
•          Coconut oil


For salads or raw foods, add:
•          Olive oil
•          Avacado oil
•          Macademia oil


The theory behind the Paleo diet is relying on the fact that the body gets plenty of protein from meat, to gain new muscles and new cells. A carbohydrate rich diet triggers insulin, which leads to fat gain, inflammation, diabetes and heart diseases over time.

Grains and Legumes must be avoided, including:
•          Wheat, oats
•          Rye, corn, barley
•          Kidney beans, soy beans, pinto beans
•          Black beans, navy beans, black beans
•          Black-eyed peas
•          Peanuts


More foods to avoid:
•          All dairy, except for butter
•          All sugar
•          Margarine, corn oil, canola oil
•          Peanut oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil
•          Vegetable shortening


Dairy must be eliminated from the diet. It irritates the lining of the gut and causes digestive problems. Lactose and casein are not easy to digest for many people.
Packaged foods and fruit juices contain hidden sugars. They should be eliminated from the diet.


Animal Feeding
Advocates of the Paleo diet recommend organic fruits and vegetables. Although unlimited amounts of meat are allowed, it should come from grass fed animals. Free range poultry is also highly recommended. All fish, including shellfish, should be as fresh as possible.

Theory Behind Paleo Diet
The Paleo diet is known as the diet of the pre-historic past. It stresses a change in lifestyle long term. The theory behind the Paleo diet is that our genetics have remained unchanged since the Stone age. Even though agriculture changed the foods we consume, our genetics have not changed. Considering the fact that our early ancestors were strong and healthy, if we change our food consumption to the way they ate, we too can achieve health and strength.

Obesity is another problem that has been solved with this diet. Those on this diet eat when they are hungry and do not consume all the bad foods that contribute to gaining excess amounts of weight. Through much research by doctors and scientists, the findings are that a healthy lifestyle with weight loss and freedom from disease will transform many lives through the Paleo diet. 
Post by ezCater.com. The easiest, most reliable way to find and order Fresno Catering.

Four Reasons to Try Staffing Agencies

Reasons to Try Staffing AgenciesBeing unemployed has its difficulties. However, it isn’t impossible to make yourself more marketable or to find open doors that lead to plum positions, even when the economy is a little shaky. When you are “between jobs,” temporary staffing services can be an answer to keeping your work experience up to date.

Here are four reasons to consider these companies when you are having a hard time finding the position that you want most.

1. You can build your resume experience.

When it comes to employment, any experience is better than none at all, right? The more experience you have, the more marketable skills you can develop. This makes you versatile and knowledgeable in a variety of fields, which can expand your horizons in terms of a successful job search.

Even if you are only interested in getting a job in public relations, for instance, accepting short-term work can help boost relevant expertise. Think about the customer service skills that you can gain from being a receptionist or the organizational prowess that you can develop while serving as a file clerk. Both of these talents are extremely useful and could certainly prove attractive to hiring personnel for a public relations position.

2. It is easier to avoid the dreaded “job gap.”

One thing that can deter some employers from hiring is seeing that there is a big gap in terms of time between jobs on your resume. Taking positions with the help of a temporary staffing agency can help ensure that you fill any spaces between permanent positions, making yourself look productive and motivated—qualities that all employers are bound to find attractive.

3. You will make more connections.

Experience and resume appearance aside, temporary jobs can seriously boost your professional contacts list, too. Not only will you be able to use contacts at the temp company as references, but you can probably also refer potential employers to your managers at the jobs you take.

4. A variety of (quality) jobs are typically available.

Although it depends on the business you team up with, most temporary job services have a large range of positions for you to choose from in many different sectors, in various locations and with quite a range of pay rates. With variety often comes choice. If you have experience in a certain field or some related skills and a lot of interest, it may be possible to get your foot in the door with a short-term opportunity. Plus, another great thing short-term positions is that many of them have the potential to go permanent.

Go online today to locate a variety of reputable office staffing services and others that can hook you up with opportunities that are just right for your talents and skills.
Employment happens to be one of John's favorite things to write about. If you'd like to find out more about staffing agency, please visit http://kellyservices.us/

5 Healthy Snacks for a Busy Work Day

5 Healthy Snacks for a Busy Work Day Around two o'clock, each and every work day, the slump hits. It leaves its victim tired, hungry and grouchy. A snack is definitely called for but before hitting that vending machine to load up on caffeine and sugar, think twice. That snack will give short term energy but a crash is sure to follow. Instead, try one of these balanced snacks. Each one has less than 200 calories and at least five grams of protein.

cc licensed ( BY NC ) flickr photo shared by Newbirth35

 Whole Wheat Crackers with Peanut Butter
One serving of your favorite brand of whole wheat crackers plus one tablespoon of natural peanut butter provides protein, fiber and just enough good fat to fight that slump. For variety, try almond butter, tahini or sun butter. Also, flavored goat cheeses are a great change of pace. If you have a sweet tooth, you can also substitute a prepackaged 100 calorie bag of cookies.



 Greek Yogurt with High Fiber Granola
Greek yogurt is definitely the start of this show. Coming in at 17 grams of protein in just three quarters of a cup, one tasty serving will leave you ready to take on the rest of the day. Try different varieties of granola or substitute high fiber cereal for some added crunch.

Almonds and a banana
Almonds are packed with good fat, protein and fiber. A serving is about 17 almonds. If it is hard to stop at 17, get prepackaged one hundred calorie bags to throw in your desk. The bonus to that is that the bags of almonds come in several wonderful flavors including chocolate, wasabi and cinnamon. Add a banana for some mood lifting potassium and carbohydrates. Substitute any fruit for the banana just be careful of your serving sizes. This snack contains five grams of protein.

Grapes and String Cheese
Packed with protein while low in fat and calories, string cheese is an amazing diet aid. It will fill you up without filling you out. One stick contains just 60 calories and six grams of protein. Add fifteen grapes or another piece of fruit for a satisfying snack. Substitute a hard boiled egg or an ounce of other cheese for a change of pace.

 Pita with Hummus
Hummus has long been recognized for its health benefits. One quarter cup of hummus with one medium pita provides 5 grams of protein, a bit of healthy fat. Substitute an equal amount of tuna or egg salad for variety.

These snacks are also easy to prepare, carry and eat. They are sure help you carry out the rest of your work and give you the energy to enjoy your evening. Be sure to also eat balanced meals, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. These will all help fight that slump.

Written by ezCater.com. The easiest, most reliable way to find and order Houston Catering.

'Top 5 UK Companies For Sourcing Commercial Property

Top 5 UK Companies For Sourcing Commercial Property

This article looks at the top 5 companies in the United Kingdom for sourcing affordable commercial property to buy or rent in high profile locations.

Sourcing Commercial Property

Whether you are business looking to find a great premises from which to open your new offices, or searching for the best retail space in the country, searching for the best commercial property could be a key part of your business planning.

We have looked at the top 5 UK companies for commercial property and why you should at least check out their websites during your search.

Harworth Estates – Harworth Estates have access to over 30,000 acres of land in the United Kingdom, making them one of the largest landowners in the UK. Although they specialise in many areas of land development, Harworth Estates put a great focus on commercial properties and are able to offer desirable locations for businesses in any sector.

Harworth Estates also focus on sustainability, too, with a focus on environmental building and developing techniques to ensure your commercial property is as “green” as possible.

Savills – This company has a wide range of commercial properties available both to buy and to rent, making them an option for businesses that are unsure which approach they are going to take in relation to their property. With operations across the UK, Savills are able to offer a wide range of options to both the new and established business owner.

Workspace Group – Focussing primarily on London, this organisation can help businesses make sense of the huge market for commercial property in the UK capital. In a part of the world, not just the UK, which has some of the highest rates for renting and buying, not to mention desirable locations, Workspace Group place a strong focus on finding affordable office space, in locations which will portray the professionalism of any business.

Official Space – Official Space place a strong focus on the UK-wide market for commercial property, with over 6,000 locations for businesses to search and choose from. They also have a team of commercial property experts who can give valuable guidance and advice on how to manage your property, whether you are buying as an investment or to set up your office or other business headquarters.

Tuckerman – This site focusses primarily on lettings, so if you are certain that you are looking to rent commercial property rather than buy, then this business is worth a look. 

Offering various types and sizes of commercial property throughout London, Tuckerman are likely to have a letting option for anyone looking for commercial property.
Ensure you shop around for commercial property to get the best deal for your business in the long term.

Harworth Estates offers the largest selection of land with over 30,000 acres under their portfolio.

Taxes: How to Deduct Weather Damages

Taxes: How to Deduct Weather Damages
When severe weather conditions unexpectedly cause damage, from minor to irreparable, the IRS allows you to claim a weather-related casualty loss for the damaged property. The damage has to happen all at once, such as a tornado or lightning strike. Gradual unchecked water damage, on the other hand, does not qualify as a casualty loss event and does not qualify for the deduction.

There are specific steps to follow and qualifications to meet when claiming a weather damage tax deduction.

Step One: Calculating the Loss Amount

The first step in claiming a weather-related casualty loss deduction on your taxes is calculating the loss amount you can declare. This step is the most complex and must be done correctly. 

Follow these steps to correctly calculate the loss amount:

• Find the “fair market value” of the property both before and directly after the damage. This is what an interested party would be willing to pay for the property.
• Determine the “adjusted cost basis.” This figure is found by adding any capital improvements made to the property to the initial cost and subtracting the depreciated value.
• Next, subtract any insurance or other payments you have or are scheduled to get for the loss.
• The IRS requires you to subtract $100 for every casualty loss incident that happened in a given year. Subtract that amount from the lesser of the two figures you arrived at in the previous two calculations.
• Finally, subtract 10% of your AGI (adjusted gross income). The amount you are left with is the loss you can claim in the deduction

Step Two: Use Form 4684

Your weather-related casualty loss deduction should be filed using form 4684. The form can be downloaded on the official website of the IRS. You should use that form to detail the loss and take the claim as an itemized deduction on your Schedule-A tax filing. The IRS does not require you to provide any documentation or proof of the damage. 

However, it is also prudent to keep careful records of damage you are claiming a casualty loss deduction on.

Step Three: Claim the Same Year

A weather-related casualty loss has to be claimed as a deduction the year the damage occurs. The only allowable exception to this rule is if your damaged property is in an area designated as a disaster area by the federal government.

Damage done to property during sudden inclement weather can be claimed as a deduction on your taxes. Careful math and proper filing make claiming this casualty loss deduction much easier to accomplish.

Teresa currently works for a company that provides tax relief services to companies and individuals. For more information on her services, visit her website today.

5 Healthy and Easy Ways to Prepare Vegetables

5 Healthy and Easy Ways to Prepare Vegetables

Vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that every body needs. Some of these nutrients, however, can be lost depending on how they're cooked. Cooking them is a challenge too: vegetable recipes can be quite complicated, especially for a beginner chef. There are, however, several ways to cook vegetables that are both healthy and easy. We're going to list 5 of them.

cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo shared by jalb

Sauteing your vegetables is one simple way to cook just about any vegetable. The word "saute" comes from the French word for "jump," and refers to the way vegetables jump in a lightly oiled hot pan. This method uses much less oil than frying. It's much easier to saute if the vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces first.

It's quite easy to boil or simmer vegetables. To retain the crispness of a vegetable like broccoli, let the water come to a full, rolling boil before tossing them in. Cook them quickly. This is actually called "blanching." Simmering vegetables works better for root vegetables that may take a while to cook, like potatoes. This technique works well for beans too. It requires a lower heat (put in vegetables when the pot is simmering rather than at a full boil) and a longer time to get the food cooked thoroughly. However, water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C may be lost using this cooking method.

Roasting vegetables only requires that they be put on a baking sheet and drizzled with oil before putting them in a 400-degree oven. This technique preserves nutrients and flavors that can be lost when boiling. Sugars in the vegetables caramelize, giving them a sweet and crunchy flavor.

Steaming vegetables is the best way for the calorie-counting chef to cook vegetables. The vegetables are not submerged in water, which retains the nutrients, and spices can be added to the water. Doing that will give the vegetables subtle flavor.

Vegetables are also tasty--and healthy--grilled. Put them on a skewer and rotate them so they cook evenly. Make it a meal by adding pieces of meat to the skewer and making kebabs.

No single cooking method is best. Because different vitamins are lost depending on cooking method, it's best to eat a variety of vegetables in a variety of ways. Most Americans do not eat enough vegetables, because of taste or some other reasons. These five easy and healthy ways to cook vegetables are delicious enough to have even picky eaters reaching for seconds.

Article by ezCater.com. The easiest, most reliable way to find and order Long Beach Catering.

Gold Backed IRA Is Retiring With Mighty Gold

Gold Backed IRA Is Retiring With Mighty Gold

Having withstood the tests of time, gold can be considered the oldest form of currency. As an investment, people have collected gold for a numbers of reasons. These reasons may be because of volatile stock market, unstable and ever fluctuating commodity prices or even the unwanted falling home prices. 

So people have always capitalized on the unswerving growth of the value of this yellow metal, which is always considered as the safest investment. The matter is very much live when one looks at it from the angle of the financial security after the retirement.

Financial Security about Gold Backed IRA

These days almost every one is concerned about their financial security during their later years due to the vulnerability of financial market. Stock and bonds are reliant on various factors in financial markets. Inflation is always raging, but the precious metals transcend this and find an upward trend in their value. So, when we talk about the various options for financial security during the time of retirement, a gold-backed IRA or gold IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is the most talked about plan that helps an individual investor enjoy a buffer against inflation. Gold backed IRA always gains its value, while other kinds of valuations like stocks and currencies may nosedive over time.

Any IRA account holder enjoys access to a financial account that has precious metals holdings. Gold remains at the top of the group of platinum, silver or palladium for IRA, which can be invested in the category of funds, stocks or precious metals. If you plan your retirement portfolio carefully, the gold backed IRA is there to reduce the volatility at that time. It is historically proven that gold can counter the direction of mutual funds, bonds and stocks.

Gold and Other Metals in the Safety Metal List

Whatever your plans may be for investment preferences, you better think of any tangible assets like platinum, gold, silver and palladium that come with the bullion values.

The powers of these metals are not restricted to any region or nation. The metals like gold and silver are the backbone for all the nations in any part of the world. Of course the values of these items differ from one country to other, but gold and silver are at all times the key players in any economy around the world. If you include gold in your IRA portfolio you can brighten up your investment performances. The improvement performances may be of two types, i.e. either it will increase your return without any sort of risks or trim down the risk by avoiding any sort of antagonistic effect on your returns. 

Since the state approvals of these materials make the scenario change, here are some of the approved categories in the U.S.

The US Government Approved Bullion Coins (Gold Category)

The allowable bullion coins are American Eagle, the top in rank with the .916 net fine, then come the U.S. Buffalo, Austrian Philharmonic, Australian nugget, Kangaroo gold coins, PAMP Suisse gold bars, Credit Suisse Gold and Canadian Maple Leaf. The list also includes gold rounds and gold bars. The sizes of theses bullion coins or bars are different.

The US Government Approved Bullion Coins (Silver Category)

Here also it starts with the U.S. Eagle coins, while the others in the category are Mexican Libertad coins, Austrian Philharmonic coins, Australian kookaburra coins and Canadian Maple Leaf coins. The list includes the rounds and bars also.

The US Government Approved Coins (Platinum Category)

With only one approved palladium coin that is the Canadian Maple Leaf in the list, the other names are the Australian Platypus coins, Isle of Man noble coins, Australian Koala coins, bars and rounds, while the U.S. Eagle coin is always the front runner.

So Why to Settle with Gold Backed IRA?

As you plan for your secure and peaceful retirement, you have the option of rolling back your old plans to gold-backed IRA. There are different rules and regulations for different companies, but the best option for you is the self directed IRA. You may avail the option of “Take Control” where you can roll over your old 403b or 401k. In this option you can avail the tax-deferred benefits, which also comes with the profits and facilities of avoiding penalties of taxes. The plan also entertains the option of the successor choice. You also have the additional advantage of funding your plan by minimizing your risks. So, without a doubt gold backed IRA is a great option as your retirement policy.

This is a guest post from Daniel Roberts. Daniel is a personal finance expert who blogs about precious metal investment topics and currently works for Regal Assets. Regal offers a wide variety of investment opportunities including Gold IRA as a retirement plan.

5 Ways to Develop Your Foreign Language Skills Right Now

5 Ways to Develop Your Foreign Language Skills Right Now

Learning a foreign language need not be a lengthy and laborious process at all. If you’ve ever wanted to develop your foreign language skills but lack the motivation, there are plenty of things that you can do right now to get you thinking about it. Don’t worry about trawling the internet and the local papers looking for classes, just try a few of these things to get you ticking.


Hang Out With Your Foreign Friends More
If you have friends that are native speakers of a different language, then why don’t you give them a call and hang out? They’d love a chance to teach you a little bit and you can make it totally informal.

Try going for coffee or lunch and let them teach you how you’d ask for things in their language. Alternatively, you could plan a themed dinner and try to speak a different language the whole evening.

Take a Weekend Break to a Foreign Country
If you think you deserve a holiday, then why not book one last minute? With flights to many places available in Europe for ultra-low prices you could try spending a few days in the country that speaks your chosen language.
Going with friends or a loved one makes it all the more enjoyable too, and you could gain very valuable skills as a foundation for your new language. By the time you come home, you’re guaranteed to have learnt loads of useful phrases.

Watch Foreign Films
This may seem silly, but watching foreign films is a technique that has been used by many language schools. This gets you used to the sound of a foreign language and can also help you pick up certain words and phrases when used with subtitles.
There are so many great foreign films to choose from, and as you gradually get more competent you can even try them without the subtitles. This is also a great challenge to try with friends.

Try Some Audio CDs
If you are really serious you can burn some audio CDs onto your mp3 player and listen to them when you are doing your errands. This is a great way to learn at your own pace and provides you with a genuine and easy-to-follow structure for learning.

Everything from beginners’ phrases to tenses and verbs can be chosen, depending on your level of experience. The great thing about audio learning is that you can immerse yourself in your new language and still be able to get on with your daily routines. Foreign music is also brilliant for acclimatising yourself with another language. As with watching foreign films, this activity combines fun and learning to help you progress at a faster pace.

Check Out Some Social Media Sites
Online language groups exist on many different popular social media sights such as Facebook and LinkedIn. Here you can complete daily quizzes and challenges, gain feedback and stimulate discussions on whatever topic you desire with native speaking professionals.

There are also a lot of dedicated social media sites that provide chatrooms where you can try out your language skills and even exchange a little bit of advice. English is an important language to learn for many people, and there are loads of opportunities on websites such as iTalki to exchange language lessons.

Image courtesty of zinjixmaggir from Flickr

Author Bio | By day Amie is a foreign language trainer and by night she blogs and writes for a wide range of topics in the Business English Language.  She enjoys watching movies, reading and most of all developing her foreign language skills. 

How to Avoid Embarrassing Your Children

This article is aimed at men who are looking to improve their individual style. The manner in which men dress can be a key source of embarrassment for their children.

A Real Problem?

As parents, many individuals are aware of the impact they can have on their children in various aspects of life. Probably one of the lesser-considered aspects we look at is how our individual style can be a great source of embarrassment to our children. This can of course, go both ways, as children can get annoyed at Father’s for wearing clothes which make them appear too “Dad like” and generic. On the other side of the coin, children can at times be embarrassed by parents who embrace the current men’s style ideas and perhaps appear out of place in their current clothes.

While I am in no way suggesting you sign over your wardrobe to your children, it does not mean that you cannot take a fresh look at men’s style and give your wardrobe a much-needed boost.

Looking Around

Something that can help to kick us into gear is looking at other parents. This can be especially jolting if we see someone of a similar age who looks great and clearly is aware of how men’s style will enhance his look. So what are the steps you need to take individually in order to relaunch your own personal look as well as saving your children from the cringe worthy outfits you have subjected them to in the past?

Honesty Time

Have a good, long, and honest look at your wardrobe. If your fashions appear out of date, then the truth is that they probably are. Think about the last time you actually invested some time and money into choosing proper men’s style, and then come up with a plan for the future. Now we are not saying you need to throw away everything in sight, however losing the oldest and most ragged looking garments is always a great place to start.

Rebooting

One of the biggest things to look at with the potential to make a huge difference is changing up the colours and patterns you are wearing. If you have shopped in the same place for years, then try somewhere else. Exposing yourself to other ideas and types of men’s style will help you build a picture of how you wish to look and the garments you will need to buy.

Carrying out these simple steps will put you on the road to men’s style success, and importantly your children will know they can rely on you to never embarrass them, at least with how you are dressed, again.

Stylepilot is an online start-up designed exclusively for men to discover their unique style. Keeping up with the latest mens style can be a difficult task for a full-time father, but making room for it is important for yourself and your children.

The Top Ten Canadian-Made Cars

Canada's Ten Best Automobiles
Recently, Maritz Canada Research held a survey of car buyers in Canada. The goal of the survey was to gather information about what cars Canadians are buying and why they're choosing what they do. The information they gathered comes as no surprise to many veteran Canadian drivers, who see these vehicles most often on the roads.

With the exception of Dodge and Chrysler minivans, the most common cars for a Canadian to purchase are Hondas and Toyotas. Canadians prefer cars made in Canada, and they prefer either a functional minivan or a fuel-efficient compact.

#10: Chevrolet Impala. The Chevy Impala is an old name, running for over 50 years beginning in the 1950s. The modern variant, made in Oshawa, is a modest front-wheel drive sedan. Over 9,000 of them were sold in Canada last year according to the research survey. Impalas are reliable and manufactured with high quality standards, such that it's become one of the ideal vehicles for police departments across North America. The new generation of Impala design, slated for release in 2014, will be focusing on fuel efficiency.

#9: GMC Terrain. The Terrain is another excellent utility vehicle with plenty of space for families. It's one of the top selling vehicles in Canada, coming in ahead of the Impala with almost 12,000 sales. Next year promises an increase in horsepower and luxury, without compromising everything that makes it one of Canada's best vehicles.

#8: Toyota Matrix. Virtually unknown in the US, the Matrix is a compact hatchback car that has become quite popular among Canadians. Americans may recognize the vehicle under the Pontiac Vibe name. The car is overwhelmingly popular in Canada, with almost 15,000 sold last year alone. The next generation of Matrix is expected to have an EcoBoost engine, which adds fuel efficiency and lowers greenhouse emissions.

#7: Ford Edge. The Edge sold over 15,000 vehicles in the last year, letting it beat out the Matrix in the number seven spot on the list. Manufactured in Oakville Ontario, the Edge is a vehicle already equipped with a limited EcoBoost engine. While it's a new vehicle, a new iteration of the model is slated for release in the coming years with updated EcoBoost technology.

#6: Toyota RAV-4. The RAV-4 is Toyota's second entry on the list, and it blows the Matrix out of the water with over 21,000 sales in the last year alone. The RAV-4 is an efficient vehicle to begin with, but in the US an all-electric version is also available. Unfortunately, it's not available in Canada, meaning the sensational sales are all based on the traditional motor type.

#5: Chevrolet Equinox. Chevy's second entry on the list of most popular Canadian vehicles of the last year is the Equinox. It sold over 22,000 to Canadian citizens in the last year. Of course, when you consider that the GMC Terrain is virtually the same vehicle, it may as well have sold quite a few more. As a utility vehicle, drivers might expect more power than efficiency, but the Equinox is surprisingly light on the fuel consumption.

#4: Honda CR-V. The CR-V is the direct competitor of the Toyota RAV-4, and judging by it's place on this list, Honda won this past year. Selling more than 25,000 copies, the CR-V moved it's manufacturing from Ohio to Alliston. This year has the release of the all-new 2012 CR-V, promising an increase in power, fuel efficiency and space. It's one of the most ideal vehicles to buy this year.

#3: Toyota Corolla. Toyota makes the list for a third time with the Corolla sedan. Toyota has three plants in Canada, and is able to manufacture over 400,000 vehicles a year. Toyota has released a new version of the Corolla in Japan, which packs the efficient motor in a slightly smaller way, allowing for even more space inside the already spacious interior. It's easy to see why Canadians bought over 36,000 of them last year.

#2: Dodge Grand Caravan. Dodge's first entry on the list is a good one, with the Grand Caravan making up the bulk of Canada's SUV sales. Over 53,000 of them were sold in the last year, and that figure shoots even higher if you consider Chrysler's Town & Country to be much the same vehicle. Combining the sales figures of the two could even put the Grand Caravan in the top spot.

#1: Honda Civic. With over 55,000 of them sold in Canada in the last year, the Honda Civic is by far the most common vehicle seen on Canadian streets. The Civic has been manufactured in Canada since 1986, when Japan started moving some of it's auto industry to North America. Despite powerful sales figures, the Civic received enough complaints that Honda is rushing a redesign. If things improve, the Civic should reign supreme as the most popular Canadian car for years to come.

With such a selection of excellent vehicles made in Canada, it's no wonder the average citizen turns to one of them. Rarely will you find a more reliable selection of high quality vehicles, especially not made in your own home country. In these days of globalization and overseas markets, it's nice to find homegrown products with such highly valued, reliable reputations.

Are you wondering about the cost of auto insurance in Ontario for this list of top 10 Canadian-built cars? Go online today to Kanetix to do an online quote comparison to compare quotes offered by various insurance companies. In just a matter of minutes, you can find out which insurance company can offer you the best policy. Visit Kanetix Ltd. today to save time and money.

How to Save Money on Car Hire/ Rental Costs

Need To Save money? This Article Provides Tips On Saving Money Off Hire Car Rental.
If you enjoy exploring the holiday destinations you go to, but prefer to be flexible rather than tied down to tour operator times, hire a car. The problem is car rental charges can be pretty steep if you go into such deals blindly. Read this check list and you could save yourself £100´s of pounds.

 

Compare prices of car rentals
To get the best deals on car rentals compare costs by using price comparison sites such Carrentals.co.uk . These sites save you hours of time researching each car rental service independently and you can easily identify the firms with the best deals. Also check for further discounts advertised on the site. The key to getting a good price for hiring a car abroad however is booking early.

Car rental accessories
Whenever you hire a car you will be offered accessories which come with additional charges. Therefore consider what you will need and don´t need. You will be offered such things as a roof rack, baby seat, sat-nav and other named drivers. These additional costs are generally standard prices from one company to the next, but some add them on within the hire price so if you are booking online, check the boxes for “extras” are unticked if you don´t need them.

Car hire insurance costs
Another extra that car hire companies include as additional costs to the advertised price is car insurance. You are not permitted to hire a car without insurance, therefore check exactly what you are paying for as part of the insurance policy. In particular you want to know how much excess you are paying in the event of an accident as these vary widely from one firm to the next. Car hire insurance can easily be bought online from sites such as http://www.car-hire-insurance.co.uk/

 

To identify how much excess you will be liable for, seek out the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). The excess you have to pay should be included in the terms and conditions. If it´s not find out how much it is before you agree to a deal. You also want to know what the excess is for theft protection.

Also be wary of the type of insurance car hire firms are offering you. When you ask them about the CDW costs they will almost certainly offer you insurance which reduces the excess to nil, but subsequently the car insurance costs are then inflated and are very expensive. You are therefore better off buying cheaper car insurance, but one that offers affordable CDW rates. Obviously, before going into a car hire contract, you have to be confident you are not likely to have an accident but at the same time should air on the side of caution and don´t accept a policy that has extortionate excess costs just because it´s the lowest quote.

Make sure you get the car rental you paid for
When you arrive at the car hire firm to collect your vehicle, make sure you are given the car you are paying for. It may be that they try to persuade you to upgrade your booking, or they give you an inferior model to the one you paid for. If the latter is the case you are entitled to claim your money back for the difference in price.

Not all car hire firm owners are honest so when they run through the damages with you make sure every knock and scrape is clearly marked on the check list. You should be given a car diagram of your own with the contract which you should fill in and agree with the salesman. It wouldn´t hurt to take your camera and take photographs as well.

You may think it is safer to use a reputable car hire firm that you have heard of such as Hertz or Avis, but it is often the case that the local firms are equal to them, and are trustworthy, but offer better prices. 

Therefore don´t be afraid of using local firms because you think they might cheat you.

Check the fuel
Before you drive the car away, check the fuel gauge against how much fuel you have paid for. You will also want to know whether the car runs on petrol or diesel, and where the nearest petrol station is so you can restore the fuel before returning the hire car.

Conclusion
Use the tips in this article and you should be successful in saving money on car hire and rental costs. Feel free to leave a comment to let us know how you got on with finding a great car rental deal, also don't forget the insurance!

Image Credits: DrJohnBullas and stowupland.

The 2013 Ford Focus ST Brings New Life to the Compact Hatchback

First Impressions of the Invigorating New Ford Focus ST For several years now, Ford has been focusing on sporty, economical cars that can appeal to a global audience. Some of the biggest buzz surrounding Ford's 2013 lineup isn't over the classic Mustang or the timeless F-150, however. The Ford Focus, the hit of 2011, has been one of the company's strongest entries in an aggressive push to freshen up its image. 2013 sees the continuation of the standard Focus model, but also the introduction of the speedy Focus ST.

Hatchbacks with a bit of bite to them have been in vogue for some time now, and Ford has compiled decades of knowledge to transform the solid, if somewhat bland, Focus into a fun, respectable competitor on both the track and the road. The automotive industry got its first good look at the ST at its recent unveiling in France, and it's safe to say that few left disappointed.

The Exterior
The Ford Focus ST proves that a compact hatchback can be just as striking as any sports car. It rides lower to the ground than a standard Focus and features a unique grill, bumper and distinctive 18" tires. The Focus ST is all sleek curves that nevertheless convey a feeling of power and forward motion. Where some hatchbacks can look a bit "bubbly," there's no mistaking the performance-oriented nature of the Focus ST.
Even if drivers never take this little car to the track, it's sure to stand out on the highway. The United States will only be receiving the five-door hatch model, but a heavier wagon version will be made available to foreign markets.

The Interior
The good looks of the Focus ST don't stop at the door, however. This car is still first and foremost a daily driver, albeit one with some real style to it. The interior is thus designed with comfort in mind, and is roomy for a vehicle of the Focus ST's size. On the road, the ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet. The cabin is filled with quality, durable materials that look good and feel better, particularly with the optional Recaro seats.

The ST excels at cornering, and to accommodate the sometimes wild turns the seats are designed to hold passengers in place without feeling restrictive. The dash and console are packed with all of the latest gadgets and displays, but don't detract from the driving experience.

The Powertrain
Of course, the ST's beefed-up appearance would mean almost nothing without the muscle to back it up. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine may not seem like the right place to start, but Ford has wrung every last drop of power from the turbocharged EcoBoost. The Focus ST is estimated to make the run from zero to 60 in 6.5 seconds, although it will likely improve on that with actual testing. The six-speed manual transmission did its job readily enough and never held the car up, even under strenuous performance.

The inclusion of what Ford has called a "sound symposer" in the exhaust system amplifies the more desirable noises and mutes any whines and whistles, but the ST is still an incredibly quiet vehicle. Whether that strikes drivers as a good or a bad thing will be a matter of personal preference. Fuel economy figures have yet to be released, but Ford is expecting at least 30 miles to the gallon on the highway.

Handling and Performance
The Ford Focus ST is not the fastest car on the market, and it doesn't try to be. Instead, that zippy acceleration is simply an accessory to its magnificent handling. Steering is light and responsive: perhaps even too responsive. When the electronic steering assist is turned on, turns feel a bit sluggish, while when operating manually the lack of feedback can lead to some sloppy over-steering. It takes time to adjust to the feather-weight controls, but upon familiarity they turn into an exhilarating experience. In the right hands, a Focus ST can turn on a dime with greater precision than any other car available. This hatchback hungers for maximum performance and will reward anyone willing to push it to its limits.

Overall, the 2013 Ford Focus ST overcomes many of the common flaws seen in other hot hatchbacks. It doesn't sacrifice commuting comfort for track records, and has something to offer nearly everyone. The Focus ST looks set to become the standout of its class, and will certainly give its more established competitors a run for their money.

Sources:
http://www.edmunds.com/ford/focus-st/2013/road-test.html
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1206_2013_ford_focus_st_first_drive/
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/2013-ford-focus-st-first-drive-review/

Getting the cheapest car insurance for your car is easy if you do an online quote comparison at kanetix.ca/auto-insurance where you can compare quotes offered by different insurance providers in one instance. Kanetix has been helping Canadians save money on their insurance since 1999. Shop online today at www.kanetix.ca.

Facebook Gets Involved in Organ Donation

The always-entrepreneurial creator of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, is widening the reach and use of Facebook even more with his latest change to the giant of social networking sites. Just when you thought Facebook was a place to simply connect with friends and look up businesses to find items like CJ Pony Parts mustang seats, he switches it up.

The latest change to Facebook is the addition of a new section of your page, which will be titled “Health & Wellness.” 

In this section, you’ll see the option to add your decision to become an official organ donor.

How Does This Work?
Once you’ve decided to not only be an organ donor but also share your decision with your fellow Facebook friends and family, you’ll be able to check the donor option and then provide in your own words why you are choosing to be an organ donor and what it means to you, if you decide to do so.

Does this Mean I Am a Legal, Official Organ Donor?
Actually, no. Facebook is obviously a public forum where you can express more than just your interest in things like parts to fix your CJ Pony Mustang. However, simply declaring your desire to be an organ donor on this social site doesn’t guarantee you are a registered, official donor.

If you are interested in becoming a legal donor via the National Donor Registry, a link to this site will be provided for you on Facebook. Clicking on this link will take you to the official donor registry page where you can sign up to be an organ donor in more than just pledge alone. Another simple way to become an organ donor is through the DMV when you sign up or renew your driver’s license.

What’s the Purpose? Is Facebook Finding Donors for Patients?
No, Facebook isn’t providing that type of service. It looks like Zuckerberg simply wants people to share their own important decision about becoming an organ donor, in hopes it will bring attention to the cause. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, there are 114,000 plus people waiting for an organ right now.

Facebook has a massive reach and varied demographic, and it’s clearly already been known to be a great marketing tool. Since the organ donor tool has started on Facebook, over 100,000 Facebook users have expressed desire to register to be an organ donor or have already done so. This is a prime example of using the Internet in a meaningful way, which seems to be what Zuckerberg hopes to accomplish.

The Power of Facebook
Since young people account for most of Facebook’s one billion users, it makes sense to reach out to those people who might not have organ donation on the brain. Also, if someone sees their friend has pledged to be an organ donor, it might spur a line of thinking that wasn’t there before.
Since organs are always in need, it simply makes sense to use this type of powerful marketing tool to do some good in the world instead of just post photos and update statuses!

Shane, a guest blogger, regularly writes about Facebook advertising and marketing, including how to use social media to promote CJ Pony Parts mustang seats.