Journeys Are My Diary

Do you want to start writing a novel? If yes, note that one of the things that you need to do is get an agent. Ensure that you find the perfect writing tips that will guide you to make the recommended choice and choose a professional agent. Nevertheless, with various options available, you need to identify the right aspects that can help you to choose professional agents. If you are a novelist and you want to land on a significant deal, the following are the tips for choosing novelist-seeking agents before sending your query letters.

Consider Self-Publish

If you have written a novel and you want to get it published, you need a professional agent who will represent you. Make sure that you take your time to research agents and publishers all day long. If you are going to choose a professional literary agent, have the right steps you need to consider. Submitting to agents or publishers can be a tedious process. In a situation where you do not get the response, ensure that you consider self-publishing.

Write Everyday

When you want to write a novel, make sure that you consider writing every day. Ensure that you start building a body of work if you have not yet done it. When you want to write, there are other strategies that you can use to produce quality work. However, do not let your feelings dictate you when you want to write. Doing this, you will not get anywhere as an artist. Ensure that you create a daily routine to become an experienced writer.

Do Your Research

When you are looking for the right agent for your novel, make sure that you spare your time to research. There are specific writers on various platforms who can suit your writing needs. With thorough research, it will be easy to make the right choice and hire professional agents for your book. When researching, ensure that you use different sources to get the correct information that will suit you.

Invest In a Book Trailer

A book trailer is the right way to get many eyes on your novel. In other words, it is crucial to note that a well-made trailer can guide you to build a fan base and attract the attention of filmmakers, publishers, and agents. Most novelists are going for them because they are easy to promote. Choosing a book trailer will help you to acquire more fans, and you can quickly grab the attention of an agent who is likely to represent your novel. It has been discovered that book trailers provide a way to combine the power and immediacy of the video.

Submit To Contests

There are various opinions out there concerning the need for authors to focus on submitting to contests. When you enter writing contests, it will be an ideal strategy to offer you a leg up and also help you to gain exposure. It becomes a successful way to find editors and agents that you want.

Your dog is your best friend and a true member of your family. However, owning a dog is also a great responsibility. There are a number of things that you need to do in order to make sure that your dog stays happy and healthy both mentally and physically. 

The things that go into your dog’s overall physical wellness are a bit different from the considerations that you might make for your own wellness. From the type of food that they need to the amount of exercise that they should be getting every day, there are quite a few aspects of your dog’s wellness that you need to maintain.

Here are just a few ways in which you can maintain your dog’s overall physical wellness.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

The first step to ensuring that your dog stays as healthy as possible for as long as possible is to have a conversation with your veterinarian. They can perform an evaluation to check on your pup’s physical state and administer any vaccinations or boosters that they might be missing. Such things are incredibly important in order to give your pet the best chances of avoiding the contracting of some serious or even fatal illnesses.

Dog Pet Wellness Clinics can be incredibly helpful for giving you the resources you need to keep your pet healthy. You vet will also be able to recommend the best regular heartworm medication to give your dog to prevent them from contracting heartworm disease. 

Other preventative medication that your dog will need is flea and tick prevention. Fleas and ticks can carry harmful diseases and transmit them to your pet when they bite. Your vet will be able to set you up with the right flea and tick prevention for your dog.

Set a Steady Routine

When it comes to the daily maintenance of your dog’s overall wellness, the best thing you can do is set a steady, active routine. This should include plenty of exercise and playtime with you. Some breeds require more exercise than others, so make sure to do your research to see what your dog’s needs are.

Mentally and behaviorally speaking, dogs tend to thrive better when they are given a structured daily routine. This means feeding, walking, and giving them bathroom breaks at roughly the same time every day. When your dog knows what to expect in terms of their schedule, they will be less anxious and understand better what you expect from them from day to day.

Some dogs that suffer from separation anxiety can benefit greatly from a set schedule. If you work away from home, doing your best to leave the house and return at the same time every day can reassure your pet about when you will be home. It is important to bear in mind the fact that your dog’s mental health is just as important as their physical wellness. If you think your dog is suffering from anxiety, you should consult your veterinarian.

In the social realm, a brilliant smile is a barometer of happiness, and notably one of the first noticeable things during your human interactions. Smiles are associated with a plethora of benefits, including good moods, stress relief, tension relief, a boost in self-confidence, and molding attractive appearances. 

Nevertheless, not everyone smiles often.  Despite the desire to express themselves in dazzling smiles that radiate feelings of joy, some are a bit conscious of their smiles. They avoid grinning from ear to ear because of poor dental health. Thanks to Invisalign treatment, the challenge can now be solved. 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that leverages a series of clear and removable aligners to straighten the teeth gradually. The aligners are made of thermoplastic material to position the teeth properly. The orthodontic treatment is suitable for patients with mild to moderate teeth misalignment conditions. And lasts for a period of six to eighteen months, or longer, depending on the nature of misalignment. 

How does Invisalign work?

If you consult orthodontic services, such as this orthodontist in Missouri City, TX, and settle on Invisalign treatment, they will come up with a customized treatment plan for you. Your orthodontist will first design the treatment plan for moving your teeth into the right position using specialized computer software. The software takes a 3-D impression of your teeth alignment. Thus mapping out the Invisalign treatment plan into several stages depending on the severity of misalignment. 

Once the blueprint of a treatment plan has been developed, the orthodontist gets you a set of thermoplastic aligners; and fits them over the top and bottom of your teeth. The aligners are worn for a maximum period of 20 hours per day over a day for two weeks. 

Patients are subject to a new set of aligners every two weeks coupled with regular checkups as deemed necessary by the orthodontist. 

How much does Invisalign treatment cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies from patient to patient. The key determining factors are a patient’s oral health state, location, the dentist’s charges for labor, and a patient’s insurance coverage. Under most circumstances, the procedure costs almost similar to what traditional braces cost. Notably, several strategies and programs can help you save on orthodontics. 

Does Invisalign hurt?

One of the most common FAQs among prospective orthodontics patients is whether or not the process hurts. Principally, moving and straightening of teeth comes with some bit of pain. When on Invisalign treatment, pain arises from the soreness caused by the aligners when they press against the teeth. Therefore, the Invisalign procedure does hurt. Nevertheless, compared to the traditional metal braces, the process is less painful. 

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

Unlike traditional traces, Invisalign aligners can be taken out when eating, brushing, or flossing. Hence less frustrating to wear. The aligners can also be removed during special occasions such as photo sessions. Furthermore, they are virtually invisible, making them more aesthetically appealing. The aligners do not, therefore, steal away the natural look of a patient’s smile.

Setting up a baby nursery is one of the best decisions a mother can make for their little one. This is because it guarantees that the baby will be able to sleep and play without being interacted by other members of the household. Besides that, the mother is able to feed and change the baby stress free. While there are so many things that can be put in a nursery, there are some that are more essential than others. Here is a list of the most crucial stuff that must be available in the nursery before the baby arrives.

1. Bed and Toys

A bed is the foundation of every nursery. This is because it provides a space for the baby to lay its head on. The baby bed should have guard rails on the side to prevent the toddler from falling over as it turns while sleeping. In addition to that, the bed should have caster wheels at the bottom so that you can move it easily in case you need to rearrange the nursery. The bed should also be paired with a waterproof mattress. The advantage of having such a mattress is that it can’t be stained or damaged by baby urine or poop. It’s also necessary to throw in some age appropriate toys in the nursery room. However, be careful not to bring toys that have small parts as they can cause choking if swallowed.

2. Drawers and Cabinets

Having drawers and cabinets into a nursery makes it look organized. This is because you will not be tempted to throw baby stuff around the room. It also saves your time when changing the baby into clean clothes because you don’t have to search everywhere. Although there are some moms that prefer to keep baby things in bags, storing them in cabinets and drawers is actually more convenient. Besides that, the room will not look congested because the drawers are spacious enough to accommodate all things including blankets and diapers. In addition to that, keeping baby stuff in drawers and cabinets helps in ensuring they are not in contact with dust and dirt that might be carrying disease causing bacteria. Remember, a baby’s skin is delicate like an egg. Dirt on clothes can trigger a skin rash or a respiratory problem.

3. Nursing Chair

As a mother, you obviously need somewhere to sit as you breastfeed your baby because doing it while standing is tiring. In fact, a chair also comes in handy when you want to soothe the baby to sleep. That’s why it’s recommended you invest in a rocking chair. The chair should be padded with foam to make it more comfortable on your hip joints and spine. When shopping for such a chair, it’s important you select one that can be used on the patio after the baby has gotten out of the nursery.  

4. Baby Monitor

You certainly did not see this coming. But it’s necessary. Since you can’t watch your baby round the clock, it’s important you invest in a surveillance system. The monitor lets you see what your baby is doing without having to walk into its room. You can, therefore, keep tabs on your little one when doing other house chores such as cleaning the dishes in the kitchen, watering plants in the garden or cleaning clothes in the laundry room. Before you shop for the device, you should first comb through awesome baby monitor reviews so that you can make an informed decision. All in all, you should opt for a baby monitor that offers the highest screen resolution and longest battery life.

For homeowners and landlords, as pest infestation can be a truly horrific experience to deal with and if left to long to build, an expensive issue to sort out. That’s why it’s essential to monitor your home and look out for some of the most tell-tale signs so that you can act quickly and get in the best pest control possible, such as pest control Wolverhampton that can make this ordeal a little more manageable. 

However, some of these signs might not be that obvious to everyone, and potentially there could be indications that somethings wrong being missed because you don’t know to look for it. This article is going to highlight some of the signs so that you can deal with infestations swiftly. 

Droppings 

One of the most significant signs that substantially proves that your property has a pest problem is when droppings are found. Droppings range from different species and animals, but for most, they look like brown pellets or small specks. They can be found in piles close to their nest, or all over the house as they’re moving around for food. 

The size of the droppings can help determine what animal you’re infested with, with the bigger ones suggesting squirrels or rats, and the smaller ones being the size of a pinhead and red belong to bedbugs. 

Gnaw Marks 

Noticing teeth marks around the edges of furniture or around holes and small crevices can be the sign of an infestation and are mostly attributed to rats and mice. They can also be found on the skirting board and around soft furnishings, as mice like to take the stuffing to make a cozier nest. 

Grease Tracks 

Due to how dirty some pests can be, they’ll leave grease or rub marks along the sides of walls and floors. These tracks can actually be an excellent way to determine their favorite route around the house, as it demonstrates that this is how they navigate most frequently.

The grease leaves behind a scented trail for other members of the nest to follow, so that they can get around in the dark easier by using their smell. 

It’s for this reason that putting traps near these marks might be a good way of catching some of them, as they’d be more likely to follow this route and end up getting trapped. If you want to catch your pests, but don’t want to do them harm, there are plenty cruelty-free mouse traps out there, that allows you to distribute into the wild once they’re caught.

Bad Smells

A musty smell in a home can mean a lot of things. It can signify a plumbing issue, or that the bins are full, but it can also mean that your home has a pest infestation. There are various smells you should be looking out for, as these can help determine the culprit. 

A strong smell of urine or ammonia is a big indication that there are rats, while bedbugs leave a sweeter odor in your bedroom. Roches and other bugs pose a vinegary scent and birds are mustier and damper. If there are no other reasons for the smell, then it very well may be an infestation.

Noises 

Alongside droppings, this is perhaps the most obvious sign that there’s pests, because you can physically hear them through sounds such as scratching or nibbling or flapping wings and squeaks. Also listen for humming noises as this can mean that there’s a bee or wasp nest around your home. These noises are more likely to be heard at night when the majority of pests are most active, so keep an ear out, to determine what the problem is and swiftly get someone over to deal with it. 

Humans have had the drive to paint for thousands of years, so it should come as no surprise that painting carries a volume of benefits for your health, your mind, and your spirit. If you have never given a painting a try, maybe these benefits will entice you into the art. 

Motor Skill Benefits

Motor skills are essential throughout life; one can never have too much dexterity. However, painting offers more than just a temporary improvement of your excellent motor skills, it helps to improve your motor cortex function, which leads to lasting benefits in other skills like typing, playing music and even coordination in sport, especially when young. 

Mental Health

We live in a fast-paced world unlike that which humans have ever experienced, so it can be incredibly essential to indulge in something that helps you to destress and focus on nothing but what is in front of you. Focusing yourself towards the canvas helps to relax your whole body; when your mind is at peace, you will find fewer aches and pains, less muscle soreness and fewer headaches due to improved blood flow and reduced cortisol. 

The Ease of Enjoyment

Being an expert painter requires years and years of dedication, but you can utilize the short-term benefits of painting almost immediately. Thanks to the ability for you to Just Paint By Numbers, you can throw yourself into enjoying the wonderful world of art with an all in one kit. 

Improvements in Concentration

To paint, you need to concentrate on everything you are doing, which has the interesting impact of making the process seem hypnotic and automatic. However, this level of concentration helps you to hone your ability to concentrate, which helps your brain perform several cognitive processes. This isn’t just pseudoscience, the benefits of art on concentration have been demonstrated in psychological research. 

Rationality

It might seem odd that painting can make you more rational, but by having to choose how you approach the next stroke, your critical thinking skills are getting sharpened up. You will have to make decisions thousands of times in one painting, which can help you to make more decisive, quicker, rational decisions outside of the world of art. 

It evokes a positive self-image

When you are creating something, you are working very hard and putting a bit of yourself into your creation. When it starts to pay off (although it might take a while), you will have a greatly improved self-confidence as you will start to feel proud not only of your piece but of your devotion to perfecting your art. 

Keeping Going

Art requires you to persevere even when you feel like your efforts are not leading anywhere. That’s why becoming a good artist (and it does take time) will help to show you that you can achieve a lot if you keep at it. This is a useful life lesson in almost all walks of life, but especially so when picking up other skills like learning a language, playing an instrument and even honing your sporting ability.  

You’ve been diligently paying your monthly car payment for a few years, and now your car is worth less than what you owe on it. It hardly seems fair, but is actually very common, especially for those borrowers who took out a five- or six-year car loan.

Here is some good news. You can lower that monthly car payment by filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and eliminate other debt too when you receive a Chapter 13 discharge. Here’s how.

What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?

When a debtor files bankruptcy under Chapter 13 of the federal Bankruptcy Code, he or she discloses all income, assets, debt, and expenses, and also files a Chapter 13 plan proposing to pay creditors in part or wholly, over three or five years. Whatever unsecured debt remains unpaid at the conclusion of the plan is discharged, meaning, the debtor is no longer personally responsible for paying it.

The court must approve or “confirm” the debtor’s proposed Chapter 13 plan. The debtor makes payments each month to the Chapter 13 Trustee, who in turn pays the creditors listed in the plan.

People commonly file bankruptcy under Chapter 13 when:

• They make too much income to qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation, and must pay their creditors in part through their plan;
• They are in arrears with a mortgage, car loan, alimony, child support, or government fines, fees, or taxes;
• They want to “strip off” a second mortgage as unsecured because their home is worth less than the amount owed on the first mortgage;
• They want to “cram down” their car because their car is worth less than the loan balance.

What is Chapter 13 Cram Down?

“Cramdown” is the term used to describe the process by which a Chapter 13 debtor forces the car lender to accept less than the loan balance in exchange for the title to the car.

How does this work? Chapter 13 debtor and his or her attorney must first come up with a retail value of the car as of the date of filing bankruptcy. Taking into consideration the condition of the car and mileage, they will consult the NADA Guide or Kelley Blue Book and list the current retail value of the car in the proposed Chapter 13 plan, as well as the proposed applicable rate of interest (prime plus 1-3%).

The lender then gets notice that the debtor is cramming down the car to retail value and has the opportunity to object if they disagree as to the debtor’s valuation or the debtor’s proposed rate of interest. If the lender does object, the debtor’s plan cannot be confirmed unless that objection is resolved. Most often, the debtor’s attorney will negotiate a compromise. However, if a compromise cannot be reached, there will be a hearing before the bankruptcy judge and the judge will decide.

However the value is determined, once the plan is approved, the car lender must accept the reduced monthly payments from the Trustee, and at the conclusion of the debtor’s plan, the debtor owns the car free and clear.

What if My Car is Worth the Loan Balance?

You can still cram down the rate of interest to prime plus 1-3%, and lower your monthly payments by stretching them out over three or five years. Win! Plus you can get unsecured debt like credit card balances and medical bills discharged.

What if I Can No Longer Afford this Car?

If Chapter 13 won’t make your payments more affordable for you, then you can surrender the car to the lender. The lender then auctions it off and applies the auction proceeds to your account. There will likely be a deficiency balance on your account, meaning that the car sold for less than your loan balance, but the deficiency balance is discharged as unsecured so you do not have to pay it.

You can surrender your car and be discharged of any deficiency balance in either Chapter 13 or Chapter 7. When you file bankruptcy, you have the power to just walk away from a car you can’t afford.

What if I Have a Lease?

Leases can also be treated in Chapter 13. If you are behind on your lease, you can use your Chapter 13 plan to catch up, however, you will also have to keep making your regular monthly lease payments directly to the lessor.

If you are reaching the end of your lease term, and you want to buy the car, you can pay that balloon payment over time through your three- or five-year Chapter 13 plan, at an interest rate of prime plus 1-3%.

If you are having trouble making your car loan or lease payments and are considering filing bankruptcy, consult a bankruptcy attorney sooner rather than later, to save your credit rating from taking a hit from missing payments or car repossession.

About the Author

Veronica Baxter is a legal assistant and blogger living and working in the great city of Philadelphia. She frequently works with David Offen, Esq., a busy Philadelphia bankruptcy lawyer.

Spring into summer is the perfect time to get in the garden, but what if it needs a freshen up? Like most things, trends come and go, and for gardens, it is no different. Maybe the garden is looking a little tired, or a new style would more fit a current aesthetic? Whatever the reason, a garden makeover does not need to be expensive or difficult to be pulled off.

Here are some top tips for creating a stunning garden makeover without breaking the bank!

Paint, Paint, Paint for the Garden!

There are so many things that can be transformed with paint both inside and outside of the garden, and painting is one of the fastest and budget-friendly ways to create a brand-new look. 

Have a look around the garden for items that can be spruced up such as a fence, plant pots, or even the shed! 

Pick a favourite colour and shade and get ready for a garden transformation!

Make sure any items that have been chosen to be painted, such as a fence, are prepped accordingly for a new coat of paint for best results. Simply sand down the wood to create an even surface before the paint is applied and enjoy the fence’s new look!

Clear and Clean the Yard 

One of the best tips for a garden transformation is clearing the yard out. Taking it back to basics, remove any trash, old plants, or anything unsightly and un-useful, and dispose of it accordingly. This will give a clear canvas to work with. To go the extra mile, purchasing a low-cost pressure washer can impressively transform the ground, ridding of old debris and ingrained dirt, revealing an ‘almost good as new’ base. This will automatically transform the look of a garden for the better, giving it a new lease of life!

For those that might want to take on a more significant project to create the perfect, idyllic garden, why not reach out to some gardening services in Brisbane, for that professional touch?

Remove Weeds from the Garden

Removing weeds from the garden is a very efficient and low-cost way to give a garden a boost. Not only is removing weeds great for the grass and plants, but the results can also show a much neater and more orderly garden, immediately boosting its overall appearance. 

Removing weeds by hand is completely free, but weed remover is available to purchase cheaply, making it a steal to transform your garden with.

Invest in Some New Plants and Flowers

Plants and flowers are a cheap and effective way of transforming any space. They can turn a drab garden into a luscious haven. Plants don’t need to be bought first-hand either! There are plenty of pre-loved plants that would be happy to get a second life. Unlike other household and garden goods, thrift stores seldom have second-hand plants to purchase, so check places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to find some garden gems in your neighbourhood!

Most of us fear getting older. We panic when our bodies get grey hairs, aches and wrinkles, and we use hair dyes, medications and creams in a desperate plea to slow the process. But, while some people care more about aging than others, it’s useful to be prepared for senior life. Many people enjoy their later years and find them to be relaxing and valuable. However, you’ll find that most of these people prepare well in advance. So, prepare for senior life with these top tips. 

Look after your body

It’s an unfortunate fact that as we get older we experience more problems with our bodies. While we might struggle with the appearance of aging, it’s nothing compared to what happens internally. Joints can become stiff, organs become less efficient (are you a veteran with a heart problem? Consider getting veterans (VA) disability for heart conditions) and our immune systems work harder. Prepare for senior life by staying fit and active and looking after your body. Plenty of seniors find joy in new exercises such as hiking or swimming, and you’ll experience fewer issues and injuries by staying fit in the meantime. 

Organise your will

Ok, it may seem a little morbid but, generally, the earlier you organise your will, the better. You don’t want to waste valuable time in retirement worrying and fretting. Retirement is a time for relaxation. So, no matter your age, make sure that you have an official will that is properly registered and signed. Sure, you might have to change it as circumstances change, but it’s a security blanket worth having.    

Plan a retirement strategy

Many people know that they’ll retire at some point, but that’s as far as planning goes. While some people prefer to be a little less structured, it’s good to have a rough idea of when you’ll retire and what you might do afterwards. So, create a strategy and work out what’s most important. Do you want to pick up a new hobby? Do some volunteer work? Are you desperate to see more of the world? A retirement strategy will help you establish what you want to do, when you might do it, and how you’ll pay for it.  

Downsize

It’s not unusual for people to downsize in preparation for retirement. It might be strange living in a large house with just your partner or spouse. You might find that you have too much space and the house feels difficult to navigate. By downsizing, you make sensible adjustments for retirement. You might get a good chunk of money to put towards retirement, and your new house might be a little easier to navigate. So, prepare for the future and think about what needs you might have as a senior. 

For those who find it difficult to picture a vacation that takes place far from a white sandy beach, hiking in your time off can seem particularly bizarre. Why, you may ask, should I spend my free time on my feet tiring myself out, away from the sun, the sea, and the sand? However, hiking vacations are among the most popular in the world – and there’s a reason for this. They’re wholesome, natural, and wonderful for your mental health. They enable reflection and joy, as well as fitness and strength. As such, if you’re considering taking a hiking holiday, here’s how you should prepare.

Equipment

A hiking vacation – and the small amount of training you should do beforehand – requires equipment. The key items of equipment that you should invest in at the beginning of your training schedule are boots and a backpack. Generally, the more you spend, the better your equipment will be – and the less discomfort you’ll feel on your walk.

Once you’ve bought these two key components, it’s time to get used to wearing them. Wear in your boots on short walks in your neighborhood or to the store; similarly, wear in your bag, with some weight in it, in order to test how it’ll feel on your back during your vacation. Getting accustomed to your equipment before your hike will prevent blisters and back pain while on vacation.

Specific Exercises

The accepted wisdom for walkers is not that you should train by walking – but that you should walk, swim, run, and cycle a little more than usual in order to build up your overall body strength. The stronger you make your body before your hiking trip, the less pain, fatigue, aches, or discomfort you’ll feel when you’re walking through some of the most delightful scenery in the world.

Then there’s muscular work. This needn’t be extreme, but making use of The Fitness Club Facilities in order to build up certain muscles will be a huge plus for your hiking trip. In particular, you should focus on leg exercises and strengthening for your lower back, so that your legs are stronger for walking and your back is more resilient with a backpack on.

Energy and Fuel

Hiking requires you to consume more calories than you would in your ordinary life. Settling down for your usual meals, after having walked 15 miles, will still leave your belly rumbling and your body fatigued. If you want to get fit before your hike and remain healthy during it, you need to understand how calories and fuel work in your body.

The crucial thing here is to eat as you go. Whenever you head out on a training walk, take high-calorie foods like nuts, chocolate, and pasta to eat on the move. Meanwhile, if you’re going to the gym to build up muscle, make sure you’re eating carbs before and protein after, in order to back up your exercise with the right fuel.

Hiking is a great way to enjoy your time off – and with these tips, you’ll be better prepared to have a wonderful time when you’re next hiking abroad.