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Cyber Security for Digital Nomads: the Basics of a VPN

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Whether you’re a full-blown digital nomad who merely needs a table (actually, any flat surface will do) and wi-fi access to make a living, or you’re a part-timer who occasionally dabbles in the digital nomad lifestyle, there is some good news and some bad news.

The good news is stuff that you already know: yes, things can get noisy, crowded, and power outlets can be more precious than gold, but it’s still much better than toiling away in a tiny, stuffy cubicle day after day…month after month…year after year.

However, the bad news is that cyber criminals don’t care that digital nomads aren’t big enterprises with deep pockets. As such, they’re targeting victims who connect to the web and internet through public wi-fi access points. And we’re not just talking about commercial spaces like coffee shops and shopping malls. Libraries, airports, universities, hospitals and the like are fair game as far as hackers are concerned.

As such, it’s important — actually, make that essential — for digital nomads of all stripes to boost their cyber security game, and one of the smartest ways to do this is with a VPN, which stands for a virtual private network.

Essentially, a VPN takes internet traffic between an endpoint — such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone — and a server, and routes it through an encrypted virtual tunnel. As a result, hackers can’t easily peek at the data in order to steal login credentials, commit identity theft, and in some extreme cases wreak so much financial havoc that their victims must file for bankruptcy protection. (By the way, hopefully you or someone close to you will never be in this situation, but if so you’d be wise to head to charleshuberlaw.com to learn more about your options.)

Now, you may have noticed that we used the word “easily” in the paragraph above. This is because VPNs don’t make people invisible. Sophisticated, highly-funded cyber criminals can (eventually) breach pretty much any VPN. However, when they’re targeting digital nomads, hackers will typically ignore those with VPNs in order to attack those with weaker (or non-existent) defenses. It’s similar to how burglars will skip homes that have state-of-the-art security systems, and instead target homes that just have a lock on the fence or door.

As you’ll quickly discover, there are many different VPN vendors out there. Some offer free versions, while others charge anywhere from a few bucks a month, to hundreds of dollars a year. Obviously, the paid versions are more secure and have more features, but you may not necessarily need all of them. It depends on what you do on the web and where you go. To get a clearer sense of what’s best for your needs, check out PCWorld’s review of leading VPN services.

With the right tools and some good old fashioned common sense (for example, you’re using strong passwords and changing them periodically, right?), the closest you’ll hopefully get to data breaches is reading about them online — not being on the receiving end of a cyber attack!

When It’s Time to Help Your Parent Move to a Senior Care Center

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As seniors age, they still keep up with what they have normally liked to do, but it can get harder. They can have more difficulty doing the things that used to be easy but are now much more challenging. The aging process is not gentle on our bodies, and it can take a toll. Perhaps the hardest thing about getting older is the loss of freedom or mobility, and often your loved ones feel as if they are burdening us.

It is important to make sure that our loved ones know that they are still loved and to help them to stay as independent as they can while still being safe. One of the scariest things about having elderly loved ones is that it is hard not to worry about them if they are on their own. You should pay attention to certain signs that they may not be safe to live on their own any longer and it may be necessary to help them to transition into a more ideal living situation, such as Pegasus Senior Living, where they will get round the clock care and where they will have everything that they need. Even though you worry, you can’t be there for them every second of the day when they live alone. You most likely worry about them if they were to fall or if something else were to happen to them. You may feel guilty even though it wasn’t your fault.

As people age, it can get much harder to take care of themselves and to do the daily, yet necessary, tasks that need to be done to stay up on good hygiene, and it can even lead to depression. You may also notice that your elderly parent is having difficulty remembering things and may get frustrated easily. They may even get lost in familiar places or ask the same question numerous times. It may come to a point where your elderly parent is simply not safe in their own home. If they’re having difficulty remembering things, they may forget to turn off the stove and accidentally start a fire. They may even forget where they live and try to get into someone else’s home, mistakenly thinking that it is their own home.

Your parents may also have trouble cooking meals and may become sick because they are not able to feed themselves properly or perhaps it is because of another issue, such as depression. If you have only one surviving parent, they could become lonely or depressed if they don’t get much social interaction, especially if they are not able to get around easily.

Many people feel guilty for placing their elderly parents in a senior living center, but it can actually keep them safe and even save their life. They will understand that you are doing it out of love and they will most likely be much happier as well. In a senior living center, they will be able to socialize with others and make new friends. They will also be able to keep most of their freedoms. There will be staff to help them to take their medication on time, as well as bathe and do any other tasks that they are having trouble with.

Senior centers will also have planned activities and entertainment, such as game night, dances, potlucks, and more, to keep things fun and to have things for their residents to look forward to. All of their meals will be taken care of, and they will not have to worry about taking care of their home. They won’t have to mow the lawn, buy groceries, or worry about anything breaking down. Many senior centers will also provide transportation so that they can still enjoy their trip to the mall or other favorite places. Many centers will even offer fitness classes so that they can stay in shape and active or provide fitness equipment such as NordicTrack treadmill so they can do exercise even if they’re when they’re unable to leave the complex.. Your loved one will be much happier as well as safe at a senior care center, and you won’t have to worry about them either. They will also be able to keep their daily routine without feeling hindered in any way.

Behind the Curtain: 7 Facts About Contractions During Pregnancy

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Some of the mysteries surrounding pregnancy concern contractions. When they occur, many pregnant women wonder if something is wrong with the baby or if they are going into labor ahead of schedule. Naturally, this causes some anxiety. However, a little knowledge about contractions can help you to know when to call your doctor and when to just relax. Here are seven things you should know about contractions during pregnancy.

  1. They can start earlier than you expect

Women often expect contractions to start towards the end of their pregnancy. However, they can occur earlier. You may even feel them during the first trimester but it doesn’t mean you’re going into labor. Dehydration, gas pains or ligament stretching may be responsible and these contractions are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you notice bleeding, call your doctor.

  1. They may be false

Not all contractions are the same. The ones which indicate you’re going into labor will be regular. However, false contractions have an irregular pattern and they may stop if you change to a different position. These are called Braxton-Hicks contractions and they are mild although they intensify as you get closer to your due date. That’s why you need to find out how to time contractions. This will help you to determine whether your baby is ready to enter the world or not.

  1. Persistent contractions don’t mean you’re going into labor

Frequent regular contractions may mean you have what is known as an irritable uterus. This may be the case if you don’t find relief from rest or hydration. This condition may make you uncomfortable but it isn’t necessarily harmful to you or your baby. A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 18.7 percent of women with an irritable uterus went into preterm labor compared to 11 percent of women who didn’t have the condition.

  1. Contractions may indicate dehydration

Sometimes your body may be telling you you need more water. If you’re experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, try having a large glass of water. That is often enough to settle things down.

  1. They can be a sign something is wrong

Many contractions are perfectly normal and merely a sign of false labor. However, some can stick around. Regular contractions before you reach 37 weeks are an indication on pre-term labor. If you notice regular contractions early in your pregnancy, arrange to see your doctor.

  1. They can be in your back.

Thought all contractions are felt in your stomach? Think again. The pain can occur in your back. This tends to happen when the baby is facing your stomach. If you’re getting back cramps, it may not be because you slept badly. You may just be experiencing another contraction.

  1. Contractions play an important role

They may be annoying and painful but contractions have a critical role to play in each part of the labor process. Contractions open the cervix, push the baby through the birth canal and free the placenta. These functions all need to take place so both you and your baby are healthy.

Contractions are a normal part of pregnancy. However, if they are excruciating, occurring regularly, getting more painful or accompanied by bleeding, you need to call your doctor. No matter the situation, try to stay as calm as possible when you feel those cramps.

Save Money When Moving and Hire A Cleaning Service Instead

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Moving can be an incredibly expensive, not to mention stressful, process. Expenses that come with packing, hiring people, unpacking, and having everything cleaned can truly add up and make your wallet and your bank account thin out pretty fast. However, never fear, there is a myriad of ways to save money during the moving process and leave you a cushion of your money so at least one stressor is taken off your shoulders. Below are a few ways in which you can save money on the move and use those funds to instead clean up and make your new place sparkle.

One obvious way to save money is by packing everything up by yourself instead of hiring workers to pack your things for you. That alone could save upwards of $200 during the process. You could also find free boxes to pack your things in places like mailrooms, liquor stores, grocery stores, etc. Most moving companies charge roughly $40 for only a few boxes, which when packing an entire house, could add up very quickly. Donating things that you no longer need or want hits two birds with one stone. It cuts down on packing time, keeps you from needing as many packing boxes, and also allows you to claim the donated items as tax deductions.

You can also save money when you move by carefully checking out different moving companies in your area and finding the ones with the company that offers the best deal. Consider Allied Movers for your next move. They can offer suggestions to not only save money, but make the whole moving experience hassle-free. Ask each company you call for a fixed price, and not an estimate, so that you can be fully informed on the decision before choosing a moving company to help you. Often times, if you tell a moving company that you found a better price at a different location, they will compete for your services and either match the price or go slightly below it, so use that to your advantage.

Moving can cause a major mess everywhere which is a stress on the process. It can cause scratches on the floor, dust to come up with things moving in and out, and people tracking things inside as they go in and out of your home. When you use the above tips, you should be able to save enough money to splurge on a cleaning company to come in and clean the house that you moved out of, and clean the house when you finish moving in. For the move out portion, the cleaning company comes in and dusts everything, cleans kitchen appliances, cleans out cabinets, sinks, and cabinets, scrubs all the toilets, showers, and tubs, and wipes down baseboards, finishing up by vacuuming and sweeping all the flooring. They ensure that your house is clean and ready for the next owners to enjoy.

When you move into a new home you want nothing more than a fresh start. Being able to afford a thorough move in clean, thanks to all the money you saved from moving expenses, will give you the peace of mind in knowing that your new home has been cleaned and disinfected from the top to the bottom. When you are in the process of moving and are able to hire a cleaning company, they can come in before all of your personal belongings are unpacked and ensure that every inch of every room gets the cleaning and attention to detail that it needs. Move out and move in cleaning services can be on the pricey side, however. With all the money you save from moving by following the tips above, the price is well worth the investment. You can have peace of mind in knowing that an extensive checklist will be checked off and the homes will be cleaned to the highest expectations. It will definitely take the stress off your shoulders and make moving easier.

Moving is all about a fresh start. By following the advice of moving professionals, you can save yourself money and the headache of having to do the incredibly hard work by yourself. Instead, be smart, relax, and get to know your new home and neighborhood.

Living With Light

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Studies show that ambient lighting can have a direct effect on our mood and productivity. It can impact us at home, at work, at school, and just about anywhere we go. Ever noticed when you go to a restaurant they have specific lighting all around in varying intensity? There’s a reason for that. Have you ever seen those gigantic lights that are used in operating rooms? Precision and accuracy are what comes to mind with those type of lights.

Technology Today

As many of us know, technology has played an essential part in the evolution of light bulbs. Great strides have been made to produce energy-efficient, long-lasting, and economical light bulbs today. Many of us are familiar with halogen bulbs and many of us are also familiar with LED light bulbs. I’m sure there was a time when we were thinking to ourselves, Halogen vs LED Lights and made considerations of various factors to make a decision.

Work

In an article from WebMD, workers are found to have a better quality of life and are more productive when exposed to natural light. The article goes on to further describe the study that included forty-nine day-shift office workers. In it, it states that “the study results confirm that light during the natural daylight hours has powerful effects on health.” So the next time you’re feeling a bit sluggish at work, try moving closer to a window or provide yourself with more light. Having more light will also alleviate headaches from eye strain.

Home

Your bedroom at home is your sanctuary. It’s a place you go to after a hard day’s work. It’s a place where you relax and unwind. Lighting plays a big role in relaxing. You want the right amount of light to settle down comfortably. You also want ample light to get ready in the morning. For instance, if you’re an avid reader before bedtime, you would want lighting that will give you enough light to read your book, but not too overpowering that you won’t be able to fall asleep. Most use dimmers in the bedroom so that you can get a wide range of settings for light intensity. Lowering the light as you fall asleep will aid in getting a better night’s rest.

Bathroom

What better way to relax than with a hot shower or a bubble bath at the end of the day. The lighting in the bathroom can also help with relaxation and rejuvenation. Turning down the lights or even using candlelight will help reduce stress while you soak in the tub. In the morning, natural light or white light can give you an energy boost to prepare for the day ahead and inspire a productive day.

Kitchen

One of the most important areas in your home is the kitchen. The kitchen is associated with appetite and nourishment. Specific colors of lighting to varying intensities of light sets the tone for functionality and appetite. Today, there are many contemporary designs that implement the use of both natural and artificial lighting. During the day, you’d want to take advantage of the natural light outside. Windows and skylights can bring natural light indoors. In the evening, soft yellow hues can invoke the feelings of comfort. Lighting plays a significant role in the types of food you create in your kitchen. Lights can inspire to create chef-like dishes or perhaps a relative’s best kept secret recipe. Like many of us, our kitchen is also a place where we eat. Having the right amount of light can certainly create an enjoyable ambiance while eating, and can aid in promoting healthier eating habits.

TV Room

So you’re pumped to watch a movie or tv show on the television. You want to be focused on what you’re watching. Dimming the lights or turning it off completely can feel like you’re at the movie theatre. The excitement remains as you sit there in the dark, snacks on-hand, waiting with anticipation. Having a dimmed or dark room will ensure minimal distraction.

Patio

You breathe in the fresh air outside. It’s evening and you’re not ready to go inside just yet. As darkness falls, a sense of calm comes over you. The moonlight shines bright and casts silhouettes around your patio floor. Moonlight not only calms but energizes the mind. Having minimal to medium lighting on your patio should be used to maintain the ambiance.

Hospitals

Precision and accuracy are what we normally associate the lighting of hospitals with. Well-lit and bright overhead lights are used in hospitals to help healthcare professionals in caring for their patients. That is why it is important that hospitals have bright lights throughout the hospital. Bright white light also encourages and promotes patient recovery.

In conclusion, light effects us in many ways and in different places. The color, the intensity, and the type of light used vary in many combinations. In today’s technology, there are LED lights that come with a remote control and are as thin as sheets of paper. They light up in various colors and can be attached anywhere. Smart lighting is trending as well. You can automate or control your lights with your smartphone or it can automate itself by adjusting to the time of day. There are many technological advances today for lighting.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!