Seasonal Probiotics for a Healthy Gut Year Round

You'd think I was an expert at probiotics. About four years ago, I had some kind of giardia and used every probiotic available. Yet, I hadn't, until recently, heard about probiotics that work for every season of the year. Confused? Let me explain the magic of Jetson Probiotics.

The best thing for your gut is exposure to as many strains as possible. What Jetson does is rotates its strains every season to do that. With one subscription, Jetson delivers over 20 strains. And it is this diversity of strains that is paramount in achieving a healthy gut. Most of the rest of the probiotic choices on the market deliver one strain continuously.

This is not me

So, I tried the Mood probiotic for last season but they have now transitioned into the Immunity version of their product.

Look at the gorgeous packaging

The Immunity does a few things that are important like:

• Lowers your chance of catching a cold
• Helps your gut recover after antibiotics and vaccinations
• Minimizes sick days
• Eases inflammation
• Supports upper respiratory health

And while most brands sit on the shelf for months, you know that with these you are getting a fresh product every time. The other things they do that are different include:

• Synergistic Elements. Things like Vitamin C and Echinacea are added to ensure your body gets what it needs throughout different times of the year.
• Small Batch Production. By developing small batches, it allows them to use the latest strains.
• Strength. The difference is while most brands are not designed to make it past the stomach, these make it past that harsh environment and dissolve in the intestines.

  This is a seasonal probiotic subscription so that you never run out and are always getting the freshest strains possible. Check them out and let me know what you think. I'm totally pleased with every part of what I tried - shipping, customer service, packaging, and the product itself.

Finally, Headache Relief That Works

I get headaches quite often. In fact, I used to see a doctor about migraines but thankfully, those don't occur often now. But tension headaches? Yeah, I have plenty of those. Sure, I can pop an ibuprofen or something similar but those take a bit to work and to be honest, they're not good for you to take constantly.

Photo by Carolina Heza on Unsplash

So when I was able to try something new, I jumped on the chance! Migraine Stick is the real deal. I waited a few days to try it until I had one of my famous tension headaches. Instead of reaching for a pill, I grabbed the Migraine Stick and used it. Within just a minute or two, my headache was gone! I've since used it again with the same results. It really does take the edge off migraines and tension headaches. In fact, I now keep one in my purse and at my desk whenever I need it and told my friends and family how great it is.

It's simple to use. Just apply Migraine Stick roll-on to the temples and back of the neck as needed. It has a pleasant smell and has not only all-natural ingredients but it's also made in the USA and is vegan and cruelty-free. Honestly, what more could you want? Just four plant-based ingredients are all you need to get rid of your headache super fast and without even needing a glass of water to wash it down. Perfect for on-the-go and perfect in working fast and efficient. I'm a convert!

*I received this item for my unbiased review.

Find the Greatest Black Friday Deals at Lowe's

Some of you might not know but I worked for Lowe's once upon a time - and at Christmas! One of the great things I loved were the Black Friday deals at Lowe's.

Some people might not think of a hardware store at first when it comes to shopping for holiday deals but think about it. There are tools and hardware for the fixer-upper in your family. There are home furnishings, outdoor furnishings, and even decorations that make your holiday dreams come to light. And what better time to get the things you need for the home than when you can get them at great discounts?

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Here's a bit on finding what you need at Lowe's during the Black Friday sales.

Don't Forget Gift Card Deals

Lowe's often offers special deals that allow you to spend even more money - and for free. For instance, buy two or more select appliances and get a $600 gift card. Not only can you get new appliances you need at rock bottom prices but you also get more money to spend! And a lot, too!

Make a List 

One of the best ways to get what you want as soon as possible is to make a list of those must-have items. Use your list and go to those items first so you are sure to get them before everyone else does. Then you can take the time to shop at your leisure - or hit up the other stores with great deals. Since the stores are packed at Black Friday, this will ensure you have the best chance possible to get that coveted item.

You Can Shop All Week

According to Business Insider:

Much like last year, the home-improvement retailer won't just be touting bargains on the day after Thanksgiving. Discounts will be offered in stores from Black Friday through Wednesday, December 4, giving shoppers nearly a whole week to pursue different deals.

But that doesn't mean you shouldn't head there first. In fact, they're offering sweepstakes where the first 300 customers are entered to win a $500 gift card. 1 in 300 isn't bad odds at all! Plus, there is another sweepstakes where those same 300 shoppers might win a $10 off of $50 coupon. That's a great incentive to go there first, especially if you have a particular item you want at Lowe's on Black Friday.

Shop Smarter

I'm sure you have plenty of places you want to go to this Black Friday. But if you need things for your home like appliances, Lowe's is the place to be this year. That doesn't mean you can't still shop other places, you just might want to try to get there first and if that isn't enough incentive to be able to get what you need, maybe the sweepstakes will entice you to shop at Lowe's.

Lowe's has all you need for the home or the handyman (or woman) in your home. Or you can shop my favorite area - the Christmas decorations section. Whatever it is you need for the home, Lowe's has it.

Black Friday Deals and How to Navigate the Day

If there's one time of the year I love, it's Black Friday. Sure, a lot of people do online shopping now and while that's convenient, there's nothing like waiting for your favorite stores to let you in so you can shop in person.

Stores like Target have awesome deals that you can't get the rest of the year. One year I got Egyptian Cotton 800 TC sheets for around $20 and a down alternative comforter for around $30. The only downside is that I won't sleep on anything else now. And now I always check Target for deals like that because let's be honest, who doesn't love awesome sleep items at discount prices?

It's been a while since I stood in line waiting to enter a store as soon as they're ready but that doesn't mean I still don't love shopping on Black Friday at Target. In fact, there are still tons of deals to get even if you didn't camp out all night.

From DVDs and electronics to housewares, toys, and clothes - it's the one time of the year where you can do all of your holiday shopping or find things you need at rock bottom prices.

Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash

How to Navigate on Black Friday

There are a few tips you can use to get the best Black Friday experience possible.

Start Early

 

Get all of your ads and deals available as soon as possible so you can choose the store that best fits your needs. For instance, you might find that one must-have item at Target but there is another item you want at a different store. That's fine. Just choose to visit Target first then plan on going to the next store as your next stop.

Don't Get Discouraged

 

Sometimes the store may be out of what you wanted, especially if it is something extremely popular. Always have a backup plan. If you had planned on buying your child a new gaming system and the store you go to runs out, know in advance who else has it around that same price so you can go there as your next stop. There are plenty of deals on Black Friday so unless it's something highly sought after that there are few of, you should be able to find it.

Shop With a Friend or Loved One

Two is better than one when it comes to finding what you want. If you have a friend or loved one, you can split up if there is something of equal importance. And if possible, leave your children at home. It will give you a better focus and you can choose their presents in private.

Skip Doorbusters if Possible

Unless there is something you just have to have, most of your doorbusters will have limited quantities. That means that unless you camp out in advance, you may have wasted your time. This isn't to discourage you from that once in a lifetime television deal you have to have but just be aware of your time and if sitting all night in the cold on the chance you'll get something, maybe go for the next item on your list instead.

Shopping on Black Friday is fun and you can score amazing deals. Try picking up things for other events too like birthdays or graduation because these deals won't be around when you need them later.

5 Things to Evaluate When Purchasing a New Property

Purchasing any type of property, whether for personal,
recreational use, business, or a new home can be a 
substantial investment. More than anything, you want
 to make sure you're getting a good deal and that
there's no hidden catch when it comes 
to how you use your new property.

Whether you're looking for land for sale in Michigan 
or a new house in Maine, the following criteria apply. 
However, they may be more critical if you're looking 
at empty land or a vacant lot that you intend to build 
up in one way or another.

Look at Comparable Listings

As a preliminary evaluation step, even before you visit a property, 
it's a good idea to know the going rate for what you're looking for 
and the area you're looking in. Not only can this help you make a 
stronger offer when the time comes, but it can also help you notice 
any red flags or ensure you pay attention when something seems
 too good to be true.

Discover Any Restrictions on the Property

Depending on the state or country you're looking in, 
the property you're looking to buy may have certain 
restrictions on it. In some cases, land may be set aside 
for a certain number of years with no building, hunting, 
or farming allowed. However, you can purchase it and 
intend to do these things after that time is up.

For many, this is a solid investment strategy. For those 
that intend to use the property immediately, it could be 
an issue. In some cases, these restrictions may be lifted, 
or a piece of the property may be made exempt.

Animal, farming, maintenance covenant, and home business 
rules and restrictions may also exist. To avoid hefty fines and 
penalties, later on, it may even be helpful to talk to any 
 neighbors about these issues. If your concerns are related 
to wildlife and nature, you may want to contact the local DNR.

Seasonal Issues

Snowfall and freezing rain can turn an idyllic, meandering 
driveway into a major winter-time obstacle. Further, how is 
the property's drainage? Are there trees that look weak or 
diseased? Does the property flood? These are all things that 
can add up to added costs in the long run.

Replacements and Upgrades

Are there any recent upgrades to the home or property? 
Were these made to sell the house? In some cases, choosing 
a home with a solid structure but fewer upgrades are less 
expensive, and the cost of the updates will not make up the difference.

In some cases, the owner of the property may also offer an 
allowance or credit toward specific upgrades and repairs to 
bring the property in line with comparisons and estimates.

Taxes and Utilities

Are these estimates or actual documents that prove the 
property tax and utility rates for this property or those
 in the local area? Not only can this help you estimate 
what your costs may be after purchasing the property, 
but they can also help you understand if there are any 
significant issues or inefficiencies in utility setup or 
with an existing house.

5G Service and Its Importance

When it comes to technology, one of the things people are talking about is 5G service.

Photo by Rob Hampson on Unsplash

According to Forbes:

The size and number of the “small cells” which power 5G also means that they will be placed anywhere in streets and buildings. It is going to be the biggest shift in telecommunications since the invention of the cellphone.

One of the benefits is one important to areas prone to hurricanes. After Hurricane Michael in Northwest Florida, many customers were without cell service for days - some for weeks. This made it hard to find family members, contact first responders, and do basic things like find food and water.

Storms knock down unsightly power poles, which is exactly what happened. With 5G, these wires will be replaced by simple, discrete poles, each placed 100 – 200 meters apart. While those are still poles that can be damaged, it's a far cry from having to fix huge poles with miles of linework. This may help after a disaster such as a hurricane.

Some major cities already have 5G service. Places like Atlanta, Houston, Indianapolis, and more already have the network up and running. It's only a matter of time before others do although rural areas will take longer.

Why is it important? Take a look at the speeds according to PC Magazine:

The new system is also designed to operate on much larger channels than 4G is, to carry higher speeds. While most 4G channels are 20MHz, bonded together into up to 160MHz at a time, 5G channels can be up to 100MHz, with Verizon using as much as 800MHz at a time.

This is a major deal. It will take some work and keep in mind that most phones are not compatible yet. Some people have even claimed it's harmful to us and the environment. With that said, technology continues to grow and 5G is along for the ride.