10 Gifts You Should Never Give This Christmas

There is nothing worse than watching someone opening your gift and pretending to like it! Avoid cringe-worthy moments like this by familiarizing yourself with the following types of gifts that people would rather not receive this Christmas.

Do not waste your money on these gifts!

#1: PETS

Living, breathing creature as a present is a bad idea! Being stuck with them for the remainder of your life can seem scary, especially if you will gift a lizard. Never get someone an animal they may not be able to take care of.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#2: EXERCISE GEAR

What message are you sending by gifting exercise gear? We all have at least one friend who is obsessed with fitness, gifting exercise gear to said friend is acceptable. However, you do not want to risk unintentionally insinuating that he or she needs to lose weight.

#3: WORK DRESS

Gifting a work dress is tricky! You might not get the right size. Can you imagine the look on your friend’s face when you bought a Size 10 and she wears a Size 4?

#4: ROMANCE NOVELS

Not safe for work, novels can be embarrassing to open in front of friends and family. There would be so many shades of red if that happens.

#5: WRINKLE CREAM

It is insulting to insinuate that someone needs anti-aging creams. What about giving a nice, seasonally scented lotion instead? Peppermint or cinnamon lotion sounds delicious to me!

#6: AN OUTDATED CALENDAR

It might seem like an obvious one, but you would hate to receive a calendar that is only good for a month. Do not give a calendar for a year that already happened.

#7: CLEANING SUPPLIES

Your friends and family are going to wonder what you are really trying to say if they were to open a bag filled with cleaning supplies. Your cleaning tools and sprays might put a smile on your face, but you might send a wrong message across.

#8: GYM MEMBERSHIP

Much like giving exercise gear, signing someone up for a monthly gym membership could have a negative connotation. Plus, aside from its potential for offense, a gym membership serves as a reminder that New Year’s resolutions are right around the corner.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#9: SOUVENIRS

Did you just visit Bali or Maldives? Then, they do not need a tacky magnet to commemorate your experience. Look for inspiration elsewhere.

#10: HOVERBOARDS

They were the hottest toy years ago but have proven to be dangerous. Authorities recalled thousands of models all over the world. So, please find a safer toy to give to your favorite nieces and nephews.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Pet care on a budget: Ways to save money

showering a puppy

Keeping a pet can be a costly endeavor.

There are numerous necessary expenses, from food to veterinary care.

With the rising cost of living, many pet owners worry about how they will afford to care for their furry buddies. If that is you, stay on this page as we attempt to do pet care on a budget.

Save on pet-related costs

It’s no secret that taking care of a pet can be expensive.

But there are ways to save money on pet care without compromising your furry friend’s well-being.

One way to save is to train your pet yourself. There are plenty of resources out there, like books, online courses, or even YouTube videos.

Another way to save is by shopping around for pet insurance. Rates vary depending on the company you go with, so compare policies and find the one that’s best for you and your pet.

Reduce the cost of food

You love your furry friend, but sometimes you find yourself spending too much money on them. Well, we’re here to help! Here are two ways to reduce the cost of pet food:

  • Make your pet food

Fret not, it’s not as hard as you might think. There are plenty of recipes online that will show you how to make food for your pet that is both healthy and affordable.

  • Buy pet food in bulk

This can be a smart way to save money, especially if you have a pet with a huge appetite. Talk to your go-to pet store to see if they offer discounts for buying in bulk or look out for special promotions.

Do it yourself grooming
grooming a dog

Image Credits: newsweek.com

Have you tried doing some of the grooming tasks yourself?

There are some simple things you can do to keep your pet looking good without spending a fortune.

For example, most dogs don’t need to be bathed that often. You can save money by using dry shampoo or giving them regular brushing instead. And if your pet needs a trim, there are plenty of tutorials on how to do it yourself online.

Make your toys and treats

Making your toys and treats is our final way to save money on pet care. Not to mention, it’s a fun way to show your pet some extra love.

There are all sorts of instructions out there for homemade toys and treats, but here are a few of our favorites:

For toys, you can make a simple toy out of an old sock. Just stuff it with some fabric scraps and your pet will love the smell that comes with it.

As for treats, you can make your jerky out of chicken or beef, or bake some tasty dog biscuits using flour, oats, and peanut butter. Your pet will adore the taste and you will treasure the savings. Win-win.

As we close, you can save money on pet care by making a few small changes to your routine. Shop for pet supplies online to get the best prices, feed your furry buddy a homemade diet instead of buying ready-to-eat food, and do DIY grooming instead of paying for a professional groomer. Don’t forget pet insurance too!

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How to handle slackers in the workplace without losing your temper

slacker in the company

It’s frustrating when you’re busting your butt to get things done, only to have someone else slack off and hinder your progress.

Dealing with slackers in the workplace can be difficult, but it’s important to stay diplomatic. Let’s find out how to handle slackers in the workplace in a way that is respectful, professional, and most importantly, effective.

Talk to the person privately

Before you go off on them or start gossiping with your friends at work, try talking to that particular person privately.

A face-to-face conversation can be more effective than an email or a phone call, and it will give you the chance to find out what’s going on. Maybe they’re going through a tough time or they’re dealing with personal issues.

If you can, try to be understanding and supportive. You might be able to help them out or at least point them in the right direction. And who knows? They might even start pulling their weight after that.

Set clear expectations

It’s time to set the record straight.

You’re tired of these slackers dragging down your progress, and you’re not going to take it anymore. But before you go off the deep end, set clear expectations on what they did to do and by when.

Explain to your coworker that they need to keep to deadlines to ensure projects run smoothly. Be sure to stress that you’re not trying to criticize them, but rather, you’re trying to help everyone involved.

Document the slacker’s behavior
writing in a notebook

Image Credits: inc.com

Keep a record of the times they’ve come in late, the projects they’ve failed to complete, and any other instances where they’ve let the team down. This evidence will come in handy when you need proof.

Talk to HR about the situation

With what you’ve documented, talk to HR about the situation. Remember that you’re not the only one who’s affected by this person’s behavior—others are too.

The goal here is to get HR involved and let them deal with the case. You don’t want to lose your temper and start yelling or anything like that, because that’s just going to make things worse. HR will be able to talk to that coworker and get them to shape up.

In the meantime, try to keep a positive attitude and focus on your work.

No one likes dealing with slackers in the office, but it’s good to stay calm and diplomatic when confronted. Try to understand why the person is slacking off and talk to them privately about their behavior. Let them know that their actions are impacting the team, and ask them to please try to pull their weight. If the slacker doesn’t listen to your concerns, then it may be time to involve a higher-up. But always try to resolve the situation peacefully before resorting to anything drastic.

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Choosing a wedding dress: What to keep in mind

wedding dresses

You’re engaged! Congratulations!

Now it’s time to start shopping for your wedding dress.

It’s an exciting (and sometimes daunting) process, but with a little planning, you can find the perfect dress for you and your big day. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get started.

Your budget

You’re probably excited about the prospect of finding your dream wedding dress. But before you start shopping, set a budget and be realistic about what you can afford.

There are many dresses out there, and it can be easy to get carried away. But remember, you will need money for other things like the reception, flowers, wedding bands, and photography. So be mindful of how much you’re spending on your dress.

There are plenty of beautiful dresses out there that won’t break the bank, so don’t feel like you have to go over budget just to have the perfect wedding dress. Start by setting a budget and then start shopping with that in mind. You will be glad you did.

The formality of your wedding

When you’re choosing a wedding dress, think about the formality of your wedding.

What does that mean? Well, it means thinking about things like the venue, the guests, and the overall tone of the day.

If you’re getting married in a grand ballroom, for example, you will probably want to choose a more formal dress than if you’re getting married on the beach. And if you’re having a color-coded affair, your dress should reflect that.

Your body type and what flatters you
Bridesmaids and flowers

Image Credits: unsplash.com

A dress that looks great on your best friend might not look so great on you.

Be honest with yourself and think about what styles and cuts look good on your body. Are you curvier or an hourglass? A straight-up-and-down kind of lady? The key is to find styles that flatter your body type and make you feel confident and beautiful.

So before you start trying on dresses, take some time to think about what looks good on you. Once you know that, the process will be a lot easier.

The neckline, sleeves, and waistline of the dress

You might be wondering what the neckline, sleeves, and waistline of your dress should be. Well, we’re here to help!

Boatneck and off-shoulder necklines are both great options, as they elongate the neck and make you look taller and slimmer. If you want something a little more dramatic to show off your assets, go for a sweetheart neckline or a V-neck.

Sleeves can also make a big statement. They can add elegance or drama, and they can also be a great way to cover up your arms if you’re self-conscious about them. You have a few different options when it comes to sleeves: strapless, capped, short, 3/4 length, and long.

And finally, the waistline. This is another essential feature to consider because it can help create the overall silhouette of your dress. A natural waistline is always a good choice, as it creates an hourglass figure. If you’re looking to hide your tummy, then a high-waisted dress makes sense.

You’ve probably started to think about wedding dresses by now. It’s an exciting process, but it can also be a little overwhelming. There are so many different styles and fabrics to choose from, not to mention prices! How do you know which dress is right for you? As mentioned, think about the style of your wedding, your body type, and your budget. Keep these things in mind as you start shopping for your wedding dress, and you’re sure to find the ideal one for your big day! Good luck.

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A helpful guide to dealing with foods that make you bloat

apples and pears

Do you know the foods that make you bloat?

If you’re like most people, you might not have a clue.

While it’s not always easy to avoid the foods that cause us problems, it’s worth it to do our best to avoid them.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common foods that make people bloat and give you some tips on how to avoid them. We will also discuss some helpful strategies for dealing with bloat in the short term. Happy reading!

Foods that commonly cause bloating

You’re probably familiar with the feeling of bloat.

You eat something, and suddenly you feel like you can’t breathe. Your stomach feels swollen, and you just can’t seem to shake the discomfort.

If you’re struggling with uncomfortable bloating, it’s a good idea to take a look at your diet and see if you can make any changes. You might also want to try eating more slowly and chewing your food properly.

  • Fruits that contain fructose

Try avoiding fruits that contain high fructose levels. Apples and pears, in particular, are high in sugars that can lead to gas and bloating.

If you have fructose intolerance, you will need to be especially careful about what you eat. Fruits like oranges, avocados, and bananas are good choices, as they contain lower levels of fructose.

  • Dairy and carbonated beverages
colored soda

Image Credits: condorchem.com

You’re probably familiar with the bloat-causing culprits: dairy and carbonated beverages.

Dairy products are one of the most common causes of bloating because they can be difficult to digest. And when you drink a carbonated beverage, all those bubbles go straight to your belly, causing it to expand.

So if you’re looking to avoid that uncomfortable feeling, it’s best to steer clear of these foods and drinks.

  • Beans, lentils, and other legumes

Lastly, when it comes to foods that make you bloat, beans and lentils are up there. These plant-based proteins contain indigestible sugars that can cause gas and bloat.

But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether. In fact, if you soak them overnight, the sugar will break down and they will be easier to digest. And if you really can’t live without them, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and eating them in moderation.

Legumes are also high in fiber, so if you’re not used to eating them, they may cause some bloating. But with a little bit of getting used to, your stomach will eventually adjust.

Home remedies for bloating and when to see a doctor

Have you tried peppermint tea? It can help relieve bloating and indigestion. For quick relief, try taking a short walk outdoors or massaging your tummy.

But if that still doesn’t help, it might be time to see a doctor. They can help you figure out what’s going on and recommend the best course of action, including prescribing pills.

We hope this guide has helped you start avoiding the foods that make you bloat. Remember, everyone is different, so you may need to experiment a little to figure out which foods work best for you. But with this article as your starting point, you’re on your way to feeling better, we hope.

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