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Nicole

Simple Ways To Feel More Beautiful

Feeling beautiful is one of those things that are available to all of us. You don’t have to look a certain way or be a certain type of person to feel beautiful. It’s something that you can discover and access for yourself, and doing so is going to mean that you are so much more likely to be happy with who you are. All in all, it’s something that can be developed over time.

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In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the simple ways you can hope to feel more beautiful. As long as you are trying out some of the following, you’ll find that you are considerably more likely to feel beautiful in no time, and you might be pleasantly surprised at how easy it was.

Improve Your Self-Worth

A lot of the time, feeling beautiful has much more to do with improving how you feel on the outside than anything else. So if you can improve your feeling of self-worth, that is the kind of thing that is going to make a huge difference to how beautiful you feel. What can you do to improve your self-worth? Well, it might be easier than you think. Often it just comes down to making sure that you are not doubting yourself, and that you are silencing the negative voice in your head.

The more effectively you can do this, the better it’s going to be, so this is something you might want to work on if you are trying to genuinely feel a lot more beautiful in no time. It’s amazing what a difference it really can make and how quickly.

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Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

This might be easier said than done, but it’s certainly something that you will want to try if you are keen on trying to feel a lot more beautiful. As long as you are genuinely feeling beautiful, it’s going to mean that you are much more likely to come from within. This means that you need to try and avoid comparing yourself to other people if you want to feel so much more beautiful in yourself.

Although it is often perfectly natural to compare yourself to others, the more you do so the worse you are going to feel about yourself. So it’s important to make sure that you are not doing this. If you notice yourself doing it, you should make sure that you are trying to work around it and change the behavior. That should help you to feel so much better in no time.

Change Your Style

From time to time, you may decide that you want to change your style somewhat, and this can be an amazing way to ensure that you are feeling more beautiful in yourself. Just having a style that you are happy with is going to mean that you are feeling a lot more beautiful already, so it’s something that you should focus on. And you will find that you are going to feel more confident in yourself if you have thought about this as well.

What are some of the things you can do to change your style? As it happens, this might be simpler and easier than you think. Sometimes it’s as simple as opting to wear gold earrings from Kendra Scott rather than your usual jewelry. Or it might be that you just want to adopt a new wardrobe entirely. However you do it, it’s the kind of occasional change that can help you out a lot.

Work On Your Diet

What you eat has a direct relationship with how you look, and it also helps with improving how you feel too, so you can effectively feel more beautiful by making sure that you are eating a healthy diet. If you are currently not doing this, then you might want to make some small but consistent changes to get there. Before you know it, you’ll then find that you are going to have a much better diet in no time, and it’s amazing how it can help – and you will feel so much more beautiful as a result.

Those are just some of the great ways to feel more beautiful, so make sure that you are thinking about these if you want to try and improve how you feel in general.

Friends, how do you feel your most beautiful? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Unusual Marketing Tools To Improve Business Success

To gain greater success, marketing your business is fundamental. Not using the correct marketing strategies can affect brand awareness, slow sales, and a small customer base. The proper marketing techniques will help you boost your sales and help you see an increased customer base.

While SEO and social media platforms are typical (yet very beneficial) marketing techniques, there are some unusual strategies that you might not know about. 

Let’s delve further into this guide, where we’ll unveil a secret marketing tool that can significantly enhance your business’s success.

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Business cards

Business cards were once one of the best ways to market your business. When meeting new clients or attending events, you could present your business card, which people could use to contact your business. However, due to digital enhancements, people seem to have grown out of the habit. 

Investing in business card printing will encourage you to represent your business wherever you go. Instead of sharing the social media handle or email address, which people will soon forget, you can help them remember through physical information. 

Free samples

Customers love freebies. Offering new and existing free samples of new or existing products is a great way to sell a product. 

For example, if you run a wine store and want to enhance sales, you should offer free samples to customers so they can get a taste before they invest their hard-earned money. It will show that you don’t want to sell anything customers aren’t 100% keen on, and when customers try something they like, they are more than likely to invest in it.

Run a competition

Offering customers the chance to win a freebie is another great marketing tool. Running competitions is a great way to lure new customers, as they will be excited about winning something. 

If you run your competition on social media, it will have maximum potential and effect. You will attract more new customers, and hopefully, once the winner is announced, they will continue to follow you and one day become paying customers.

Ask for Customer Feedback

Asking customers for feedback might feel like an uncomfortable and uncommon marketing strategy. However, it is highly beneficial to understand what customers do and don’t like about your business.

When customers offer feedback, it will allow you to see what customers aren’t happy about. This feedback can be used to improve and enhance your business. The positive feedback can be used within your marketing materials to showcase what existing customers think of your business. Use these reviews on social media, email campaigns, websites, and more to show why new customers should invest in your industry.

Keyword Opportunities

Consider keywords as your key to winning over your target audience’s hearts: using specific phrases can bring them flocking directly to you. By conducting meticulous keyword research, you can discover hidden gems that enhance SEO performance and spark engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Don’t just throw spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks, be a marketing ninja using an intricate arrangement of carefully chosen keywords that lead to increased visibility and ultimately greater business success.

Hashtag Marketing on Social Media

Hashtag marketing is performed on social media. It involves researching the most popular hashtags within your industry and using them to enhance your reach. 

Using the right hashtags will help you reach your desired target audience. How? When a customer searches social media platforms for specific words, your content will appear if you have used the hashtag. 

Friends, how are you utilizing marketing tools to change your business? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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What’s the Best Way to Save Money When Hiring a Plumber?

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There’s one thing that absolutely everyone hates to deal with, and that would be plumbing issues in their home. How did they start? Why did they even happen? Honestly, what can you even do to fix this? It’s a lot. Well, that’s not necessarily all, either. Can you DIY this fix? Sure, a clogged drain can usually be fixed with a quick DIY, but leaking fixtures? 

Probably not. Usually, homeowners are reluctant to hire plumbers because, well, they’re expensive. There’s no denying that. But is that all? Well, it’s not like you can just sit and deal with these plumbing issues or attempt to fix these issues in hopes of not making them worse. You might be able to save a bit of money. You read that right! 

So, with that all said, here’s what you need to know when it comes to saving money on hiring a plumber. 

Do Your Homework

Alright, so for starters, you will have to do your research! This isn’t just about Googling “plumber near me” and picking the first name that pops up. You need to dig a little deeper. This is actually where people get it wrong! Now, you will want to check out reviews on Yelp, Google, or Angie’s List. Look for plumbers who have solid reputations and lots of positive feedback. It’s also a good idea to ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations. Word of mouth can be incredibly valuable.

Get Multiple Quotes

Ideally, you don’t just want to settle for the first estimate you get. Instead, you’ll need to contact several plumbers and ask for quotes. This not only gives you a ballpark figure of what you should be expecting to pay but also gives you some leverage to negotiate. When plumbers know they are competing for your business, they might be more inclined to offer you a better rate. Plus, you might discover that prices can vary significantly from one plumber to another.

Ask About Flat Rates vs. Hourly Rates

This is one that a lot of customers didn’t know they could ask about, but by all means, you should! So, one way to keep costs down is by understanding how your plumber charges. Some plumbers charge by the hour, while others offer flat rates for specific jobs. 

For the most part, flat rates can sometimes save you money because you won’t be charged for unexpected delays or complications. However, hourly rates can be advantageous if the job is straightforward and quick. Make sure you discuss this upfront and get a clear understanding of how you’ll be billed.

DIY Prep Work

If you’re a bit handy, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the plumber’s visit that might save you some cash (sometimes, not always). For example, if the issue is a clogged drain, you could try using a plunger or a drain snake to see if you can clear the blockage yourself. 

If the problem persists, then it’s time to call the pros, but at least you’ve tried the simpler (and cheaper) solutions first. Also, clear the workspace where the plumber will be working. If they have to move things around, that’s time they’re billing you for!

Look into Combining Jobs

Got more than one plumbing issue? Instead of calling the plumber out multiple times, combine the jobs into one visit. If you’ve got a leaky faucet and a running toilet, get them both fixed at the same time. This way, you’re only paying for one service call and possibly getting a better overall deal. So, this should most likely save you money, but it’s not 100% guaranteed though.

Start Investing in Quality

It might seem counterintuitive to spend more money to save money, but investing in quality materials and a reputable plumber can save you big bucks in the long run. As you might have guessed, cheap materials and shoddy work might solve the problem temporarily but could lead to more significant issues down the line. 

Plus, a well-done job with quality parts might cost more upfront but can prevent future breakdowns and costly repairs. But it can be hard to figure out what’s high quality and what’s not, so you can have a talk with your plumber about it. 

Ask About Discounts and Promotions

Is it actually this easy? Yes, it truly can be! Seriously, don’t be shy about asking for discounts or if they have any promotions running. Some plumbers offer discounts for first-time customers, seniors, or military personnel. Others might have seasonal promotions or referral discounts. It never hurts to ask, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the savings you can snag.

Friends, what are your best tips for plumbing projects at home? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Lawn Care Is More Affordable Than You Think–Here’s Why

Ever thought about having a perfect lawn but worried about the costs? Well, we’ve got some great news for you: lawn care is actually more affordable than you might think! With a few smart tips and tricks, you can have that lush, green lawn without breaking the bank.

So in this post, we’ll be covering some of the best ways to take care of your lawn while keeping the costs low.

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Shopping for lawn supplies

Let’s start by talking about lawn supplies and buying them. It’s super important to be smart about where and how you buy your lawn care products. You don’t need the fanciest and most expensive tools to get the job done. For example, many local gardening stores offer great deals, especially during off-peak seasons. And don’t forget about online shopping either! Websites often have discounts and sales that you won’t find in physical stores.

Another thing to consider is buying in bulk. When you purchase items like lawn fertilizer in larger quantities you can save quite a bit of money in the long run. Plus, bulk buying means fewer trips to the store which saves you time and gas money.

Lawn care at home

Believe it or not, you can do a lot of your lawn care yourself with just a bit of knowledge and effort. Instead of hiring a professional service, why not try mowing your lawn yourself? It might seem like a lot of work, but with the right equipment, it can actually be quite manageable and even enjoyable to some people. Plus, it gives you a chance to get outside and enjoy some fresh air instead of being stuck indoors.

Weeding is another task you can easily handle on your own. Instead of spending money on expensive weed-killing chemicals, consider pulling weeds by hand or using natural remedies like vinegar. Not only is this cheaper, but it’s also better for the environment. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes a lot easier and you’ll be done in no time.

Gardening on a budget

Gardening on a budget is all about being resourceful. You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your lawn looking great. For instance, composting kitchen scraps can create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your lawn, saving you money on commercial fertilizers. It’s amazing how something as simple as food waste can turn into a valuable resource for your garden.

Another budget-friendly tip is to grow your own grass from seed rather than buying sod. Grass seed is much cheaper, and while it takes a bit longer to establish, the savings are definitely worth it. Plus, watching your lawn grow from scratch can be incredibly satisfying!

Learning to water efficiently

Lastly, watering your lawn efficiently can also save you a lot of money. Instead of watering every day, aim to water deeply but less frequently. This encourages deeper root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant and less dependent on constant watering. Early morning or late evening is the best time to water, as less water will evaporate in the cooler temperatures.

With a bit of planning and effort, you can maintain a beautiful lawn without spending a ton of money. Remember, smart shopping, DIY techniques, and efficient watering can all make lawn care more affordable. Happy gardening!

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The Christian Capitalist Book Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to GoodWorks Mission, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

With the collapse of various fixed international systems of commerce, including both the Soviet model and Asiatic forms of Communism, some may find it hard to envision an alternative to a free global system of trade. This, and other economic discussions, are featured in the new title, “The Christian Capitalist,” by Rich Sanders.

Sanders, the founding pastor of the Online Home Church, in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, earned his Master’s in Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2015, whose bi-vocational calling in ministry and business, and as the retired President of Southern Health Lawyers, and the founder of St. Michael’s Mission, Inc., a ministry organized to assist and serve active
duty and veterans of the armed services bring readers down a spiritual journal into the economic thoughts of John Paul II, the late pointing of the Episcopal Church.

Sanders’s encyclical views, extrapolated from the sermons of Father Richard John Neuhaus, whose views on funding centered on, “Doing Good & Doing Well.” Principles that helped Sanders’s traditional sense of economy. Centering on the Catholic social gospel, and incorporating Neuhaus’ teaching of fiscal propriety, to keep users’ “Feet planted on the ecumenical earth while pointing toward the loftiest ideals of Christian virtue.”

The author shares practical knowledge of leading a Christian, debt-free lifestyle. Sharing thoughts on the personal impact of frugality in, “The challenge before us now is how to make what John Paul calls ‘the new capitalism’ . . . work better, especially for the poor and marginalized,” writes Neuhaus, a Catholic neoconservative commentator, to. “The challenge of making democratic capitalism more genuinely democratic.” Giving readers a perspective of a society, that, in his opinion, should be valued, “Free work, of enterprise, and participation.”

Focusing on the social gospel that Neuhaus embraced that does not condemn the accumulation of wealth, regardless of origin or intent. Likening Christian capitalism to a young priest, who expressed his devotion to the Blessed Virgin by juggling. Stating, “The only thing some people know how to do well makes money,” Neuhaus shares that the pursuit of money is, “Not an unworthy thing to offer up.”

Suggesting, again, that good intentions, like good works, Neuhaus states that those who worship, as he does, can, and should, go about the business of making money activities. Stating that “God loveth adverbs,” and that “We are to take care of business conscientiously, fairly, honestly, lovingly, and, yes, even prayerfully.”

Combining his beliefs in monetization and the free market through the guise of spiritual development. That living a righteous life, and the mechanics of public policy, are less important than their fundamental moral design. Its pages leave readers to ponder what role they play in a free marketplace and enterprise, while simultaneously admonishing and deeply questioning corporate tithing, volunteerism, and social safety nets including secular domestic welfare programs

Some readers may conclude that this work holds a deep-seated mixed message. Stating the Catholic Pontive’s hope for “a nicer world” or reporting that capitalism can feel comfortable, when even his current Pontive’s views ask God’s village to be responsible our world’s growing for poverty, despite the world’s amassed wealth, enterprise, and commercialized property.

Despite its nonsectarian temperament, “Doing Well & Doing Good” is specifically Christian in design and tone. Yet, the essential message hosts a narrative to spend time daily in the role of an “acting, thinking, creating person,” who feels a tug of conscience at the sight of a homeless family. Provoking readers to “envision” the moral compass within our own day-to-day lives. An ambitious message in a world ever prone to dissonance, disease, and discord.

For readers seeking a secular view of finance and smaller formats of macro financing, The Christian Capitalist explores various scriptural references that support twin pillars of Christian belief:

1) Working hard to make a productive benefit from talents and materials that God has provided all people; and

2) Giving generously to share those benefits with our neighbors in the name of Jesus Christ. Through a discussion of Holy Scripture, it analyzes various passages that relate to these concepts of productivity and generosity, along with two thousand years of history discussing the good works of Christians as examples. Ultimately, this book develops a philosophy that is uniquely Christian and capitalist: the Gospel of Hard Work and Generous Giving. If those methods perpetuate your budgetary concerns, then this script is picture-perfect for you.

You can order your copy of The Christian Capitalist today, here! Then, enter for your chance at winning your copy of “The Christian Capitalist,” along with a chance of winning a $500.00 donation to your Christian-based charity or ministry of choice.

To enter into the drawing for your copy of “Christian Capitalist,” please leave a comment on this post letting me know why you most want to read this title, as well as your charity of choice for a possible $500.00 Christian charity or ministry donation. To enter the drawing for the shared $500.00 giveaway, please click here. Please note, that both giveaways are limited to United States winners only. Entries will be accepted until July 1, 2024. Good luck!

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Something To Stand For Movie Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to TBN for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

“Something to Stand For,” the new documentary, hosted by Mike Rowe, television host, actor, historic narrator, and former opera singer best known for his work hosting, Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs, is a movie worth investing time into this summer. Featuring American patriots, extraordinary citizens, the collective desire to advance America’s positive strides forward, civics, and humanitarianism, while overcoming their unique circumstances to become legendary figures.

Rowe gives audiences key insight into America’s humanitarian-centered past by visiting local eateries, connecting with everyday Americans, and examining our nation’s current trajectory of change, all while driving in a quintessentially American vehicle, a vintage pick-up truck. Embarking on a road trip, including a pit stop to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., and narrating stories detailing little-known facts of American history. Narratives adapted from his popular podcast, The Way I Heard It, With Mike Rowe, include historical anecdotes and about vital moments in our collective American history. 

Often appearing in historic theaters, Rowe shares a mind’s view of our nation’s past. Giving viewers a unique American perspective of historic scenes and re-enactments, while discussing events, before and after, that the audience is truly seeing on screen. Giving director Jonathan Coussens visions, and Rowe’s insight, new and dynamic vantage points. Framing people’s perspectives in such a way as to force the viewer to reexamine their take on the microcosms of everyday American life in a modernistic way.

During our current season of intense political scrutiny, Rowe reminds audiences to examine our collective misgivings and shared communal fabric, through shared American experiences, and eventualities we’re likely to face, again. Focusing on well-known historical tales retold and woven into personalized ways. More than well-known narratives and anecdotes, Rowe’s storytelling is a rich, vibrant tale of betterment and historical sojourning.

With its 96-minute run time, there’s much to be seen in this film for history buffs and casual movie viewers alike, with a focus on common tales and new takes on lesser-known tales, it’s hard to not feel patriotic in viewing this historic piece on the big screen.

Join America’s favorite storyteller, Mike Rowe, on an epic journey to the heart of America, our nation’s capital this summer season. From the frontlines of the American Revolution to the epic battles of World War II, into the internal struggles of the Civil Rights Era, and more in theatres starting June 27, 2024.

Be sure to watch the Momentum Influencer Network’s Jean Thomason’s interview with the film’s director, Jonathan Coussens, here, as well as catch the film’s theatrical trailer, here. Then, be sure to enter for your chance to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Momentum Publishing. To enter, please leave a reply in the comments as to why you’d most want to see this film in theatres nationwide starting June 27, 2024, through July 4, 2024. Please note, this giveaway is limited to United States winners. Only entries are counted and entrants winning on multiple platforms will be disqualified. Good luck!

Friends, will you be viewing Something to Stand For, with Mike Rowe, in theatres starting June 27, 2024? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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10 Signs Your Family Aren’t the Only Ones Living in Your Home

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Have you ever felt like you’re not alone in your home—and not in a cute, Casper the Friendly Ghost kind of way? Maybe you’ve heard the odd scuttle in the night or noticed things aren’t quite where you left them. Before you call the Ghostbusters, let’s consider a more earthly explanation: your house might be hosting some uninvited guests. From sneaky spiders to cheeky rodents, here are the tell-tale signs that you might be sharing your pad with some pesky roommates.

Hello, Spiderwebs!

Nope, not talking about the Halloween decorations you forgot to take down. Real spiderwebs, especially in the corners of ceilings or in less-frequented areas of your home, are classic signs you’ve got spiders. While they do a great job at catching even less-welcome bugs (looking at you, mosquitoes), their webs can be quite the eyesore and a tad spooky to walk into unexpectedly. Regular web-clearing and keeping areas clutter-free can dissuade these eight-legged tenants from settling in, and if you have a real infestation, you might want to invest in some spider dust.

Mysterious Midnight Munchies

Ever find peculiar nibbles on your pantry items or suspicious holes in food packaging? That’s textbook rodent behavior. Mice and rats are not picky eaters and will gnaw through just about anything they can get their tiny paws on. If you notice these signs, it’s probably time to audit your home for entry points and consider some rodent-proof containers for your snacks. Remember, it’s your midnight cheese, not theirs!

The Sounds of Silence? More Like Scritching

If the walls are ‘talking’—scratch that, scratching—at night, you might have critters in the attic or between the walls. The usual suspects can be anything from squirrels to raccoons, especially in cooler months when they’re seeking warm shelters. Quieting these noisy nuisances might require sealing off entry points and a chat with pest control.

Ant Armies on the March

Spotting a lone ant is one thing, but a full-blown ant parade in your kitchen is a sure sign you’ve got company. Ants are social insects, so seeing one means there is more hiding out of sight. Keeping surfaces clean and free of sticky residues can help keep these tiny invaders at bay.

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Odd Smells and Stains

Unexplained stains on walls or ceilings can be a sign of pests with poor manners. Certain critters, like mice or larger vermin, can leave greasy marks along walls and strong odors from there… let’s just say, less-than-sanitary living habits. If your home starts smelling more like a zoo than a potpourri shop, it’s time to investigate.

Bug Out With Bug Tech

For every pest problem, there’s a tech solution that doesn’t involve turning your home into a scene from a sci-fi extermination flick. Ultrasonic pest repellers, for example, can drive pests away using high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible and harmless to humans and pets but unbearable to smaller critters. It’s like having an invisible shield around your home, keeping the creepy-crawlies at bay.

Check for Tracks

A little detective work can go a long way. Look for tracks or droppings in dusty areas of your home, like the basement or in attic corners. Tracks can tell you the size of your intruder and help pest control experts determine the best course of action. Plus, it’s a bit like playing detective, minus the noir trench coat.

Moisture Matters

Many pests are attracted to moisture, so a damp basement or a leaking pipe can quickly become party central for critters. Keeping your home dry and well-ventilated can cut off their water supply and encourage them to move out. Consider a dehumidifier for particularly damp areas—it’s like telling uninvited guests the bar’s closed.

Listen to The Pets

Your pets often notice houseguests before you do. If your cat is obsessively staring at a spot on the wall, or your dog suddenly starts sniffing around the baseboards, they might be onto something. Pets can hear and smell things we can’t, so take their hints seriously.

Sudden Allergy Flare-Ups

If you or your family members suddenly start experiencing unexplained allergy symptoms, it could be a sign that you’re sharing your home with hidden pests. Many critters, such as dust mites, cockroaches, and rodents, can leave behind droppings or shed skins that become airborne and trigger allergic reactions or asthma. Pay attention to when and where symptoms occur, as these clues can help you pinpoint the source of the problem. Keeping your home clean, reducing clutter, and using air purifiers can help reduce these allergens and make your living space more comfortable and truly yours.

Spotting these signs early can be the key to keeping your home a family-only zone and not a biodiversity hotspot. So keep your eyes peeled, stay on top of maintenance, and maybe invest in some pest-deterring tech!

Friends, how do you keep creepy crawlers at bay in your own homes? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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