Blog

90 Day Fiance star Yara Zaya spotted hanging out with this castmate

90 Day Fiance alum Yara Zaya took to social media yesterday to showcase her hangout session with another 90 Day alum.

That someone was The Family Chantel star, Chantel Everett. The two women appeared on each others’ Instagram Stories all dressed up and out to dinner.

This is the first time the two TLC personalities have hung out publically. Yara stepped out without her husband Jovi, and a single Chantel stepped out and showed out.

In the sole picture Yara and Chantel took together that Yara featured on her Instagram Story, both women had demure smiles as each posed sitting down with a glass in hand.

Yara wore a black tube top with gold accessories, while Chantel wore an equally plunging denim jumpsuit. Each star had their hair and makeup slayed for the public hangout.

Yara and Chantel share a love of travel, designer looks, and stepping out in style; however, despite their commonalities, it is unclear what led to the seemingly-random outing together. Neither geotagged their Instagram Stories, so fans of the pair were not clued in as to where the 90 Day Fiance stars hung out.

5 Must-Have Travel Accessories for a Comfortable Experience

Traveling can be draining, stressful, and uncomfortable – but it doesn’t have to be. There are a ton of travel accessories aimed at making your in-route experience pleasant and even enjoyable. But with so many products to choose from and many you probably don’t even know about, sifting through these aids that can make your transit comfortable can be daunting. This short list simplifies that research for you and covers a variety of items that can benefit you while you travel.

1. Inflatable Travel Pillow

There are many different options to choose from regarding sleep support and relaxation on planes, but one stands out among the rest.

These days, most airlines have headrests on seats that can be moved and molded to support your head. This minimizes the need for a traditional travel neck pillow, which can function similarly to the plane’s headrests. Neck pillows also have the downside of making a person warmer and are cumbersome to transport and fit in your carry-on.

Enter the Inflatable Travel Pillow. This travel accessory comes in a convenient size that expands with around six breadths to be the perfect pillow for plane relaxation. It is designed to rest either in your lap or on top of the tray table and keep your neck at a supported 45-degree angle. It has a space for your face to fit on the top, a place for your phone to rest inside it if you want entertainment, and your arms can fit comfortably inside the inflatable pillow. When you’re done using it, deflate it, and fit it back in its pouch.

This accessory gives you airflow, comfort, a smooth experience, and a chance to rest on planes without your neck getting strained.

2. Compression Socks

For many people, plane rides cause their feet, legs, or even both, to swell. I, for one, can not even get my shoes back on my feet after a flight if I’ve taken them off. Inactivity on planes, coupled with the position your legs are stuck in, can cause increased pressure on your leg veins, causing them to swell.

To help combat the swelling, wearing compression socks can relieve the pressure and tension on your feet or legs by helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling. You can wear them for a maximum of eight hours, and there are different types to suit your entire leg or target the foot area.

3. Patagonia Sling bag

Having a highly functional personal item at the airport and on a plane can help make your travel life more manageable. While there are many different kinds to choose from, from backpacks to purses, to fanny packs, one choice stands out among the rest.

Having a sling bag, particularly the Patagonia Atom Sling Bag 8L, will enable you to carry a surprising amount of things while not being strenuous to carry around.   

This take-it-everywhere-with-you bag has enough storage to allow you to carry whatever you might need while in transit, and it is small enough to stow under the seat in front of you while taking up minimal room. Not to mention, this model has tuckaway storage straps, which are perfect for carrying a water bottle, jacket, yoga mat, or anything else bulky you may want with you.

It comes with a larger and smaller pocket, along with a zippered sleeve for your cell phone or other small item. Its lightweight design and ergonomic single-strap harness make it a breeze to take on or off or take things out of while wearing it.

4. Eye Mask

If you plan on trying to get some shuteye on a flight or want to relax without window or plane light interfering with your vibe, an eye mask can be a supportive accessory.

The use of an eye mask could positively impact your sleep quality, and they have a calming quality for some people that makes it easier to fall asleep.

Even if you are wearing makeup and don’t want to mess it up, there are eye masks that don’t press directly on your eye area so as to let your makeup go untouched.

5. Anti-Bacterial Wipes

Nobody wants to get sick, especially while traveling. And let’s face it; planes often do not get the total deep clean they should get between different departures.

As a passenger, you can take the initiative to clean your seat area yourself using anti-bacterial wipes. That way, you can clean the way you want and have peace of mind knowing that you are doing your best to prevent contact with germs.

Conclusion

The five travel accessories touched on in this article are options you should consider buying so you’re your travel journey can be an easier one. Whether one or several of the items in this list could apply to you, they are aimed at making your travel journey all that more better.

Travel Hacks for a Cost-effective Japanese Vacation

Japan has the potential to be an expensive vacation destination if you don’t plan properly. If you follow some of the key suggestions outlined in this article, it is entirely possible to visit the land of the rising sun on a budget.

Getting familiar with the best ways to get to Japan and how to use transportation inside the country effectively can save you a lot of money. Understanding the best practices when choosing where to stay and following advice on how and what to eat in Japan can also put you in the right direction toward being cost-effective.

From travel hacks to important insider information, there are essential things to know to maximize your experience in Japan while being money conscious.

1. Best Ways to Book Your Flight to Japan

Perhaps the best method for booking a reasonably-priced plane ticket to Japan is to book as early as possible. Google Flights is a great place to start your search, but getting the browser extension, TravelArrow will expand your flight search to help you find hidden flight deals on reputable websites like Kayak or Expedia, among others. It is still possible to find good deals closer to your departure date. ZipAir is Japan Airlines’ budget subsidiary and often has stellar flight deals.

Another hack, if you are coming from North or South America, is to have a layover in Hawaii. Whether that layover is a day, a few days, or just long enough to leave the airport, the stopover can help break up an otherwise very long trip and give you the option to explore Hawaii.

2. Transportation Hacks

While this first hack doesn’t exactly pertain to travel, it is paramount for any stay in Japan. That is to either get a pocket Wi-Fi, which can be picked up at the airport upon arrival, or a Japanese sim card which also has the airport pickup option. I prefer the pocket Wi-Fi because all it requires is that you keep it charged and with you so that you always have a reliable internet connection. That internet connection will be vital for getting around and enjoying your stay without worry.

Another must-have for Japanese transportation is your Suica, or IC, card. It is a plastic transit card that can be purchased at any of the major train stations, including the airports, and you can use it everywhere in Japan in a tap on tap off manner to get on and off the train and bus systems. Be sure to look out for the black machines in the stations, as those are the only ones that can issue the card itself. If you don’t have your Suica card, getting around Japanese towns and cities will be complicated, as you will have to buy different tickets continuously, and it is easy to make mistakes and end up paying more. Two other important things to note are that your Suica card can only be topped up with cash, and you cannot use it for purchasing the high-speed Shinkansen trains.

The third Japanese travel hack that will help you figure out the most cost-effective way to get around the country is to understand whether you need a Japan Rail (JR) Pass or if buying single-way or roundtrip tickets will be the best option for your plans. The JR Pass is marketed to be an economical option for traveling long distances by the Japanese rail and Shinkansen (bullet) trains. The passes are good for either 7, 14, or 21 days and can be used unlimitedly during the number of days you choose. While it is a good option if you are traveling long distances within a set amount of time, it is not always the best option for the steep price.

A great tool to help you decide whether a JR Pass is right for you is using Japan-Guide.com’s Japan Rail Pass Calculator. The calculator allows you to plug in your itinerary and compare the pricing with you to show you whether the JR pass or individual tickets is the cheapest move.

3. How to Choose a Place to Stay

There are three main options for accommodations in Japan: hotels, vacation rentals like Air BNB, or traditional Japanese ryokans.

Ryokans are inns that typically feature tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear robes and commune with the owner. They are Japan’s more expensive options but provide a unique and authentic experience.

Hotels are the next most expensive option when choosing a place to stay. It is hard to find reasonably-priced hotels in good, popular areas of Japan that offer proximity to public transportation. After calculating tax, hotels, more often than not, end up being costly.

The best option for accommodation in Japan is Air BNB or another vacation rental resource. Not only can you live in actual Japanese accommodations like a local, but it is also an affordable option. There are usually plenty of stays available in any given location, and you can search by the price you are looking for. While having an entire place to yourself on, say, Air BNB can be an affordable option, stays can get significantly cheaper if you are okay with staying in a room in someone’s house.

4. Do’s and Don’ts about how and what to eat

Regarding food choices in Japan, there are several things to consider when trying to eat on a budget.

Traditional Japanese ramen is always a good option and is a fantastic meal for under $10 in most cases.

When sitting down at any restaurant, if you are an English speaker, always ask for the “Eigo” (English) menu so that you can know what you are looking at and purchasing. Choosing by pictures or trying to Google Translate a menu can be frustrating and may end up costing you more.

In Tokyo, avoid sitting at a table in bars or getting just a drink in a restaurant setting because bars and restaurants charge you a fee for sitting at a table that can be upwards of $7.

Italian cuisine is the most expensive type of food in Japan, so unless you want to splurge on the many Italian places around the country, stay away from Italian restaurants.

Conclusion

These four primary tips for traveling to and around Japan on a budget are great things to consider when trying to live your best life in a cost-effective way there. Having a clear idea of the cost of getting to Japan, transportation in the country, accommodation options, and how and what to eat will put you well on your way to an inexpensive trip to the wonderful country of Japan.

This Mattress and Bedframe Combination Will Give You the Best Nights Sleep You’ve Ever Had

Having the right mattress can change the way your entire body feels because you will finally be getting the quality rest you need. While the right bed frame can actually help you out with more than just support for your mattress, it can also act as storage.

Everybody wants to find the perfect mattress that will ensure a restful night’s sleep. A mattress that is naturally built right so you don’t have to worry about it being too firm or too soft because the mattress is commended for being right in the middle.

This mattress will change the way you sleep

The Brick mattress made by AllsWell has made a name for itself in the mattress world by combining the luxury of memory foam with the classic adaptability of individually wrapped coils that make laying on this mattress a dream. It aims to be in the middle of soft and firm, and it delivers.

The mattress has four layers that make it unique:

  1. Individually wrapped coils help minimize motion transfer and provides edge support on all four sides.
  2. High-density foam that provides added support
  3. Copper gel-infused memory foam that provides optimal freshness and helps move heat away from the body for a cooler sleep.
  4. Firmer Top Layer that offers optimal support

The price of the Allswell mattress is also what sets it apart from its competitors. At only $675 for a queen, it is one of the best deals in the industry for the amazing quality of the product. Other mattresses in the same category sell for upwards of $900 for a queen.

Dubbed “Luxury at an affordable price” by New York Magazine, the Allswell Brick Mattress offers free ground shipping, a 10-year warranty, a 100-night risk-free warranty, and financing options.

The bed frame that will make your life easier

Wondering about the perfect frame for your new Allswell mattress? Ditch the box spring and opt for this DHP Rose Velvet Tufted Upholstered Platform Bed with Storage that not only offers solid support and easy assembly but also four enormous storage drawers that will make organizing your life much easier.

The ability have to ample storage tucked away out of sight can take away the stress you feel and the energy you spend finding places to put things.

This frame will get you higher off the ground than a box spring, it comes with a velvet upholstered headboard, and it is easy to move around because it is not heavy.

The rest that you will get with your superior Allswell Brink mattress coupled with the stress relief you will feel by having plenty of room to store all of your stuff out of sight is unmatched by this combination of mattress and bed frame.

If You Travel You Need This All-in-One Backpack for Any Trip

Whether you are planning on backpacking through Europe or getting away for the weekend, the Osprey Fairview 70 Women’s Travel Backpack, or the Osprey Farpoint 70 Men’s Travel Backpack will not disappoint.

 

Between the ease of opening the U-shaped zipper on the main bag to the convenience of having a detachable day bag that zips effortlessly on and off the main bag, these Osprey Travel Backpacks are ideal for any trip.

These bags have 70 Liters of room in the main compartment that can hold way more than your average clunky suitcase, but they can still be considered a carry-on!

Getting on and off a plane with this bag is a breeze. You can hold all your essentials you’ll need while flying in the day bag that you can slip under the seat in front of you, and the bulk of your items in the main part of the bag can be stowed in the overhead bins.

The women’s version that I have has lasted me 6 years, 6 Euro trips, countless camping trips, and many long weekends away. The versatility this backpack offers is unmatched.

This backpack will help you travel with ease and comfort

It was hard for me at first to make the switch from traveling with suitcases to traveling with a backpack because it seemed like almost a different lifestyle but I quickly learned that you have a lot more flexibility traveling with a backpack.

Here are some of the features these Osprey Travel Backpacks boast which set them apart from other backpacks or regular luggage:

  • Detachable daypack with designated laptop and tablet sleeve and scratch-free stash pocket
  • Stowaway back panel, shoulder straps and hip belt with zippered rear flap for protection
  • Lockable zipper access to padded laptop and tablet sleeve (fits up to most 15″ laptops)
  • Lockable sliders on main compartment zipper
  • Scratch-free pocket for sunglasses or devices

One of my favorite features is the shoulder straps and hip belt that you can strap on around your body so the weight of the bag gets distributed weight evenly. All of the straps on the bag are adjustable so you can find the right fit for your body.

With pull or rollie bags your arms will get tired of pushing or pulling and it becomes a strain on your back.

The backpacks also have straps on the bottom of the bag to attach a sleeping bag or yoga mat or something similar.

This backpack is perfect for any kind of trip

These Osprey backpacks offer great flexibility for any type of traveler have a convenient design that will help you become an efficient packer and traveler.

When you are pressed for time while packing you don’t necessarily have to take the time to make things fit, with the backpack you have the ability to stuff your bag and cram things into the flexible nooks and crannies in a pinch.

Between the ease of bringing it on a plane and the flexibility and versatility of the bag itself, you will be happy that you chose this travel backpack.

11 Unique Ways to Keep Your Senior Entertained at Home

I don’t know about you, but throughout the 2020 pandemic, it has been very challenging to keep my seventy-five-year-old senior Dad entertained and fulfilled. He has early-stage Dementia, and as his primary caregiver, I have needed to think outside the box to keep him happy and not feeling anxious out of boredom. 

I have been his primary caregiver for eight years now and have experienced my share of meltdowns, personal anxiety, and stress over how to keep him from being too idle.  One of the most efficient ways to help you and your senior stay engaged is to have an arsenal of ideas that will bring variety and excitement to both your days and provide your senior with entertainment in between eating, napping, and medication.

The senior in your life needs to have variety in their day to day activities and keeping my senior entertained has led me to compile this list of the best outlets and activities that you can try in your own routines.

1. Making Their Own Shopping List

My Dad cannot cook for himself, but I did not want that to stop him from having control over what he eats.  To meet in the middle, I tried having him write his own wish list from the grocery store, and then we would discuss it. 

These discussions about the shopping list helped him feel more involved and led us into fun conversations about different food cultures, great meals from his past, and grocery store differences.

Taking it a step further, we started collecting the coupons and checking the sales that came in the mail from various stores and added the deals to the list, which he was excited about.  If your senior is interested in going online, you can check out the online deals for your favorite grocery stores as well.2.

2. Television Subscriptions

We started with basic cable in my house, which my Dad was familiar with and attached to.  However, as we no longer had use for the landline that made our cable bill cheaper, and individual TV subscriptions had moved to the forefront of how to watch TV, we decided to swap our cable for subscriptions. 

This involved getting my Dad a smart TV, easy to use remote, and taking the time to teach him how to use it.  It does take many tutorials and reminders to make your senior feel comfortable with a new platform for their television needs, but it is well worth it once they understand how much they can watch.

I recommend getting Netflix, Hulu (which can come with HBO, Starz, and other add-ons), and Prime Video.  If they decide that they still want the live TV aspect, you can always purchase a live TV subscription like Sling.  On a smart TV, it is easy to toggle between each platform and browse thousands of movies and TV at their leisure.

3. Edible Garden

Edible gardens can be enjoyed as an outdoors activity or can be grown inside right on the windowsill.  Having an edible garden will give the senior in your life something to take care of daily and eventually produce food. 

Check what kind of herbs, fruits, or veggies grow in your area this time of year and either grab the items you’ll need individually like soil and pots, or you can buy an Edible Garden Kit on Amazon.

Maintaining an edible garden is a leisure activity that gives older adults stimulation and a sense of accomplishment that will benefit both their health and mind.

4. Listening to Music

It is important for seniors to listen to music! Not only does it tap into overall wellness, but it also boosts mood, encourages exercise, and decreases the feeling of isolation.

Eldercare Alliance notions that “Music has the power to stimulate feelings of well-being by evoking powerful memories and emotions. Seniors who have trouble remembering recent events may find meaning in songs that bring back older memories, and experts note that music can improve a person with Dementia’s quality of life.”

I showed my Dad what YouTube was and how to use it.  I put on some oldies I thought he would like, and he immediately recognized the genre, so we watched a bunch of the related videos.  Once he got the hang of how to use YouTube, it was like nostalgic music sparks were flying, and he was able to remember many hidden gems from his past.

Record players seem to have made a hipster comeback in recent times, and they still resonate with seniors today.  Adding a record player and some throwback records to your repertoire might also be a good move to engage your senior.

5. Birdhouse

According to seniorsmatter.com, “Birdhouses can be painted, sanded, and re-painted, and used many times in group and one-on-one situations. This activity helps maintain hand-eye coordination and dexterity and is a great way to promote mindfulness and pleasant feelings”.

Building a birdhouse is the classic senior crafting activity that is underrated because it’s a cliche.  Not only are they able to express their creative side, but they are also able to watch their craft at work as birds come to use the house. 

There are many different varieties and skill levels of birdhouses available online or in stores, so that they do not have to stop after building just one birdhouse.

6. Magazine Subscription

In this digital era, it is important to remember that the option for physical magazines and newspapers still exists.  Classic magazines like Time, National Geographic, and Science Today are fabulous publications that your senior can receive in the mail. 

I noticed that every time we go to the doctor’s office, my Dad is excited to peruse the magazines available on the table.  He grabs a couple, brings them with him into the appointment, and does not want to put them down when the visit is over.

So, a light bulb went off for me, and I thought, why not get him his own magazines? 

We found a few magazines that piqued his interest, subscribed to them, and it was a great decision.  Currently, he has two subscriptions, but I feel like there is room to subscribe to even more.

7. Become Part of a Phone A Senior Program

There are programs all over the place that encourage phone calls between seniors and a designated person to fight loneliness.  The Institute on Aging has a Senior Friendship line at 800-971-0016 that is available 24 hours and has the option for seniors to receive calls.

Programs like this one have professionals at the other end, but there are also initiatives out there that involve private citizens talking with seniors.  You can find all the resources in your area by doing an internet search or go with programs like the Senior Friendship Line.

SeniorAdvisor.com advocates, “Senior phone programs give seniors a way to make connections without having to go anywhere, and they do so through a technology most seniors are already comfortable with: telephones.”  Programs like these offer crucial emotional support and are incredible resources for seniors to connect and find fulfillment by talking with someone.

Fighting loneliness and finding connections for your older adult will improve their quality of life by providing support and giving them something to look forward to.

8. Audiobooks or Podcasts

Audiobooks and podcasts have the potential to create hours of active or passive listening entertainment for any senior.  With so much variety in podcast topics, it is easy to sift through the different categories and find something they like. 

Asking your senior about their reading history can help you determine what kind of books they like.  If they are unsure what to listen to, you can always put on a treasured classic.

Podcasts are much more niche-heavy, so asking your senior if they like true crime, history, comedy, etc., can be a good gateway into exploring the endless number of available podcasts.

9. Steam Games, World of Warcraft

Teaching the senior in your life how to play games online can open a world of entertainment possibilities.  For my Dad, he started playing World of Warcraft because his other caregiver in the house played and wanted to teach him.  He likes the game mostly for exploring the different graphic worlds and for completing missions. 

World of Warcraft itself can be a pretty broad game, but it can be intense at times.  If immersive world games are not something your older adult would be into, there are plenty of other options.  There are games where they only need to use the keyboard or only need to use the mouse.

Steam Games online offers hundreds of games to play for free or to purchase to download, while World of Warcraft can be as little as $12.99 a month.

You can also introduce them to easier, more passive computer games like Mahjong, Solitaire, or Hearts.

Your senior would get a lot of stimulation and fulfillment from playing games, whether it be other world type games or more simple games that could be good for instant gratification.

10. Adopt a Senior Pet

Senior pets for senior citizens is such a fantastic concept because older animals have so much love to offer and make some of the best companions.  Seniors for Seniors programs have ballooned in popularity the last few years, with many shelters or private organizations offering these types of exchanges, usually with all fees waived.

There are many benefits to adopting a senior pet for your senior.  From knowing that your new companion is already trained, to providing friendships and the opportunity to interact with other pet owners, senior pets can give your senior citizen improved quality of life. 

11. Use Twitch to Watch Games Online

For seniors who like gaming as a hobby but do not necessarily want to play, they can watch professional or regular gamers play all kinds of computer games like League of Legends, Minecraft, or Fortnite using Twitch. 

Twitch is a live streaming platform where you can watch real-time gameplay and get involved in game communities and chats.  You can hop onto the website with your senior and browse all the different live streams to find which one appeals to them.

My Dad enjoys the game League of Legends for its team camaraderie and game premise, but he feels intimidated and overwhelmed to actually play, so he gets a lot of joy out of watching his favorite players from around the world compete.

Conclusion

This list has a mix of sedentary, social, interactive, passive, and crafty activities to try with your senior who needs more variety in options of things to do.  Using outlets from my list will engage your senior and provide them with stimulation and connections in different ways depending on their interests.

Older adults who feel engaged and fulfilled can live a much happier life.  Taking care of my senior Dad has certainly come with its moments of frustration and confusion, but these moments are helped by knowing that I have an arsenal of different ideas to keep him entertained and have variety in this life. 

I hope that some of the activities and outlets on my list can translate to applicable ideas for you and the senior in your life and can bring you both less stress when trying to find things to do.

10 Sure-fire Places to Find Creative Inspiration

If you’re feeling uncreative and need some help finding new places for inspiration, try some of the ideas from this list.

It’s hard to always have your creative brain turned on all the time, which is why choosing a source of inspo from this list will help you out.

Of course, there are the major sources to drive inventiveness like Pinterest and Twitter, but there are also lesser-known outlets when you some direction.

1. Buzz-sumo

On this website, you can run a search to quickly discover content ideas, uncover platform insights, and identify passionate influencers.

You type in the search any topic that you are interested in and it will provide you with all the top trending content. It can also show you the top keywords for your topic and offer you unlimited subjects and ideas within that topic.

2. Creativitypost.com

The Creativity Post is a platform dedicated to sharing the very best content on creativity. They publish articles daily and make it very easy to browse through them all.

Their platform also goes deeper into the psychology and philosophy behind creativity so you can understand how to be your most creative self.

3. Tumblr

Tumblr is the underused version of Pinterest for more art related ingenuity. You can browse and like different images and the site will adjust your feed based on the things you like.

It is easy to get lost in the beauty of this site, but getting lost can lead you to some interesting finds to get your own creative energy going.

4. Etsy

Etsy is generally used as a shopping platform where individuals from anywhere can sell their craft or items. But it is also very useful as a place to peruse for things that spark your interest. 

Since there are things from all over the world, there are endless possibilities of items you can find out more about. 

You can even try typing in “creative inspiration” to the search bar and go from there.

5. Documentaries

Documentaries of all sorts can delve deep into topics to draw out conclusions or to pose questions.

Coming up with your own opinions and ideas can be a great inspirational outlet while you educate yourself by watching the film.

All TV platforms have an area to browse documentaries so you can find one that speaks to your interests.

6. Browse Inspirational Quotes

Sometimes all we need to get going is a quote or mantra that really resonates with us. You can find inspirational quotes everywhere too. On social media there are tons of profiles that are centric to inspirational quotes. 

You can try any of the apps that will send you quotes daily.

7. Type in “most popular” to Your Google Search Bar

This method will show you the latest trending searches, and can also help you gain some focus if you need immediate ideas.

Also, by looking at topics that are trending you can have a better idea of what is popular at the moment if that angle is needed for your creative outlet.

8. Unbelievablefacts.com

If you want a random assortment of interesting and obscure facts to get your mind going, then checking out unbelieveablefacts.com will certainly do that.

You can get inspiration from all the varying subjects that are covered on this website. 

9. Your Pet

Having your pet by your side while you are working can boost productivity and relieve stress, paving the way for your creative side to act up.

By connecting with certain traits in animals humans can tap into our own playful and creative side in an abstract way.

10. Browse popular podcasts

Podcasts can be a huge source of knowledge. There is a wealth of variety in podcasts and simply browsing what it is out there can definitely help your creativity.

Listening to material on subjects and people that resonate with you can really get your mind going and point you in all different directions once you are inspired.

Conclusion

If you need some help getting your creative side moving or are having trouble finding inspiration, use any of these sources from this list.

The ideas on this list can give you some guidance and direction if innovation is not coming easily to you.

3 Best Female YouTube Exercise Instructors for Short Beginner At-Home Workouts

It can be very frustrating to sift through the results that come up when searching for a quick workout routine.  That’s why I have narrowed down the top three YouTube trainers to get you breathing heavy and losing calories in quick, easy to follow, workouts for beginners and beyond.

These three instructors do the exercises alongside you and inject High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with low impact options to maximize your burn.

Emi Wong

Emi is a Canadian born, Hong Kong living personal trainer who focuses on exercises for beginners.

She takes her time to explain the correct way to do the exercise and offers encouraging words during the rough parts.

On YouTube, Emi has 3.6 million subscribers and 339 videos.  Of her videos, 139 are workout related, and the rest are about her life with her boyfriend, Chad.

Her most popular videos are ten, fifteen, and thirty-minute no jumping HIIT videos incorporating EDM genre music into the workouts.  She pushes fat burning, and maximum calorie burn workout routines that beginners are still very capable of completing.   

Chloe Ting

 

Chloe is known for her workout challenges that have earned her many dedicated fans who flaunt their results thanks to the challenges.

Some of her most popular workout challenges are two weeks long, and she encourages her followers to share their journey with the Chloe Ting community on social media.

Beginners can do Chloe’s workouts, and some of her intermediate videos also have low impact, easier options.

Since Chloe’s challenges target results in two weeks, it is important to find the right challenge for you based on your skill level and goals.

Bailey Brown

On Youtube, Baily Brown has a slew of 201 exercise videos that are no longer than fifteen minutes and are aimed at beginners.  She films on beach locales and has a very positive and upbeat demeanor while going through the exercises with you.

If you want to follow her BBFit app, the videos get much more intermediate and even advanced if you enjoy her style and want to progress with her.

She is the lesser-known of these three, with 323k subscribers, but her most-watched videos have over two million views.  You can also follow her on Instagram for lifestyle and nutrition advice.

Top 3 Electric Vehicle Stocks to Buy in 2021

The future is electric, as evidenced by this amazing production race taking place by Electric Vehicle Manufacturers.  The International Energy Agency states that “After entering commercial markets in the first half of the decade, electric car sales have soared. Only about 17 000 electric cars were on the world’s roads in 2010. By 2019, that number had swelled to 7.2 million”.  If that incredible increase in production says anything, it says that money stands to be made here through the right investments. 

There are two critical things to consider when deciding to invest in Electric Vehicle Stock:

    1. World Trends on Electric Vehicle Sales

Ditching fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy options is at the forefront of international policy worldwide.  By making zero-emission vehicles widely available, countries can significantly cut down on their footprint.

For example, Norway is the global leader in electric vehicle sales, with over 50% of people driving them.  They boast incentives for buying, owning, and using EVs alongside investing in EV infrastructure like charging stations.

In America, President-Elect Biden nominated Pete Buttigieg to be the Secretary of Transportation, a giant leap forward for EVs.  Buttigieg tweeted in December 2020, “To meet the climate crisis, we must put millions of new electric vehicles on America’s roads. It’s time to build public charging infrastructure powered by clean energy and make it available in all parts of this country.”

2.  History of the Stock You Are Looking At

When you are considering purchasing a stock, you should always look at history.  You can better analyze the stock by looking at the three months, one year, and five year history.  If you notice either a gradual trend upwards or a steep uptake within a short period of time, this is a good sign and something to look for in an attractive stock. 

The other part of the history you want to look at before making a purchase is the 52 weeks high and low share price.  You don’t necessarily want to be buying a share when it is at its peak price for the year, and finding the year’s share price average can be useful in making sure you don’t overpay.

With current global trends making a major push towards electric vehicles, this is the right time to buy Electric Vehicle stocks.  By analyzing stock history and trends, you will be able to spot the stocks you like and buy them for a fair price.  With this foundation, there are 3 EV stocks, in particular, that would be a good buy in 2021.

    1.  NIO (NIO)

NIO is a Chinese company that specializes in the design, manufacturing, and sale of electric vehicles.  They also engage in driving innovations like artificial intelligence and autonomous driving.  NIO has super performance models in its fleet, as well as family-friendly vehicles like sedans.

What sets NIO apart is that they have beefed up their manufacturing capabilities and offer most of the same specs and amenities that Tesla offers.  Investopedia sites that, “For the month of November, the company delivered a total of 5,291 vehicles, an increase of 109.3% compared to the same period a year ago. Total deliveries for the year amounted to 36,721, up 111.1% compared to the previous year.”

Delving into the stock performance itself, it has seen a 1500% increase in the last year alone.  In the last three months, it has had a 124% increase.  The numbers speak for themselves. 

Although the share price is at its peak right now, at around $60 a share, NIO’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down and should be a heavily considered stock to buy in 2021.

 2.  Blink Charging (BLNK)

What do electric vehicles need most to keep going?  Chargers.  BLNK’s global product line and services include its EV charging network and equipment.  The company serves residential consumers and building owners, parking garages, sporting venues, and other public areas.

They are on the run to become the leading network and equipment producer in the EV industry.  With global EV purchases forecasted to skyrocket, BLNK is bulking up its inventory and network and making industry partnerships, like sports venues, medical facilities, and airports, to prepare for the steep demand EV charging will have going forward.

Much like NIO, BLNK has seen an insane percentage increase of 2680% in the last year, 454% in the last three months.  It has consistently been making the 100 most popular stocks list on Robinhood and is continuing to barrel upwards in value.

As BLNK retains a steady increase in value, 2021 is a good time to invest in the stock as it continues to impress.

3.  Workhorse (WKHS)

Workhorse is another designer and manufacturer of electric vehicles, but their focus has been on delivery and utility vehicles like aircraft, delivery drones, cargo vans, and pick-up trucks.

Furthermore, Investorplace notes that “A friendly Biden administration and potentially lucrative contract with the U.S. Postal Service make WKHS stock attractive.”

The stock itself has not done as well as projected in the final quarter of last year due to the Coronavirus; however, WKHS is still increasing in value.  It is up 9.5% over the last three months, but 581% over the previous year. 

It is a good time to take a position with Workhorse since shares are currently low.  Promising stakeholder deals and a favorable political climate also make this stock poised for continued growth.

Conclusion

The EV industry is young but growing quickly, as evidenced by the surge in production and infrastructure. This industry has the high potential to blow up in revenue, and buying EV stock now is like getting in on the ground floor.

Growing demand, production targets, and global trends have made the electric vehicle industry an attractive industry to invest in.  With the new political climate in 2021 and the push for increased EV infrastructure, all three of these stocks are great choices to invest in.

NIO is becoming the number one competitor to TESLA for mainstream EVs. BLNK is cornering the market as the most widely used charging option, and Workhorse is leading the field of delivery and utility electric vehicle production. 

Each of these stocks has immediate value and are projected to steadily increase in 2021 and beyond. 

 

 

5 Most Disturbing Movies of The 2010s

For those interested in the cinema genre that aims to exploit our desire to witness extreme, brutally violent, and sadistic acts and premises, this list of the five most disturbing movies of the 2010s is for you.

This list highlights more recent disturbing films for those looking for modern quality shock and gore.  It is a short list, but will bring you the most creatively twisted, perverse and transgressive movies from our last decade.  Viewer discretion is advised.

       1. Hell House LLC (2015)

Hell House LLC is based five years after 15 people were killed during a haunted house tour when a documentary crew visits the scene to investigate what really happened.  The story then dives into the found footage from Hell House to tell the story of the opening night massacre. 

A series of subtle but unsettling scares build on each other, culminating in the night of the haunted house tour.  The footage takes a chilling descent into the layered mystery of the house itself and how it starts to affect the Hell House crew.

The final few scenes come back to the documentary in the present and deliver a terrifying plot twist that sets the stage for future sequels.

       2.  Midsommar (2019)

Rotten Tomato describes the plot as “A young American couple, their relationship foundering, travel to a fabled Swedish midsummer festival where a seemingly pastoral paradise transforms into a sinister, dread-soaked nightmare as the locals reveal their terrifying agenda.”

Everything that scares you about cults, seclusion, and ritualistic violence will no doubt come to haunt you during this movie.  It has an unexpectedly visceral way of gripping you into the menace closing in around the characters and keeping you there from beginning to end. 

       3.  VHS (2012)

When four criminals are hired online to rob a creepy derelict house of a rare VHS tape, they discover more found footage and encounter more than they bargained for within the house.  Told as an anthology series of found footage, VHS takes you down multiple short storylines, each one delivering a different kind of scare.

Having five different stories to scare you is better than one in this case.  Each story spins together the right amount of chilling development and shocking moments of terror to perfectly fit the found footage anthology theme.

       4.  The Green Inferno (2013)

As the modern tribute in likeness to the beloved Cannibal Holocaust, The Green Inferno follows a group of young activists before and after their plane goes down in the Amazon, and a tribal group of cannibals captures them.  What ensues is systematic depravity, torture, and Eli Roth style gore.

While also giving glimmers of hope for the characters involved, the plot touches on various social and geopolitical issues. While this film has had mixed reviews, it is the best modern cannibal subgenre film of the last three decades.

       5.  The Babadook (2014)

This is the most mainstream film that has made its way onto the list since The Babadook was actually released in theatres.  But don’t let that fact deter you from thinking that this film won’t mess you’re your head and leave you wanting to keep the light on.  The Babadook is a psychological horror film about a widow and her son who discover a monster in their home from the pages of a children’s’ book.

This movie has a gripping storyline told by great actors tormented by an eerily crafty figure.  The Babadook grounds actual frightening experiences in the human experience of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

Each of these films delivers psychological torment next to well-crafted and unique storylines.  They highlight the mainstream to the subgenre of the best horror films of the 2010s.

Any one of these movies is sure to leave you unsettled, and recommending them to your friends so they can share in the terrifying experience.