We all know that working out is important, but it’s not always easy to get ourselves motivated to do it. “It’s tough to find the time and energy to workout when you’re juggling work and family obligations. ” It’s hard to find the motivation to workout when you’re juggling a full time job, kids and school activities or just  a stay-at-home mom. Between taking care of your kids and household responsibilities, there’s not always enough time left in the day to fit in a workout. But sacrificing your health for the sake of your family is a bad idea – you need to be at your best if you want to be a good parent or be healthy for your oved ones.

So how do you find the motivation to get moving?

It’s not easy to find motivation everyday … especially when you’re in a slump. But, I’ve found that it helps to always think about how great the end results will be and how much better you’ll feel once you start moving around and just get started! I find motivation by imagining how much better I’ll feel after a workout. Plus, I imagine that my muscles are going to get bigger and more defined.

Here are a few tips that might help.

1. Choose an activity list that you enjoy, so you’ll be more likely to stick with it

No matter what you want to do, it can be broken down into a list of activities. For example, if you want to lose weight while taking yoga classes two days per week and going hiking with friends one Saturday each month, then your list would include: 1) Yoga Class 2) Hiking 3) Lunch with Friends 4) Weight Loss Group Meetings 5) Social. If you’re taking yoga classes with the goal of losing weight and getting healthier, your activity would be an hour-long class that consists of good aerobic exercise.  So its important to find an activity that you enjoy, whether it’s swimming, hiking, or biking.

2. Make a workout plan that is realistic and fits into your schedule

You’re busy and have a lot going on, so don’t feel like you need to go to the gym every day. If you try too hard, it’s way too easy to give up. Choose a workout routine that doesn’t require much equipment or take up too much time. There are plenty of great online workouts that only require five to ten minutes per day.

3. Schedule your workouts like you would any other appointment in your calendar.

If you want to get fit, do it like the rest of us: schedule your workouts in advance. This will help make sure that they don’t get pushed

4. Make a commitment to yourself and stick to it.

Why not get the best out of your life? Commit to yourself and you won’t regret it. Reward yourself for sticking to your workout routine, even if it’s something small like a new pair of sneakers or a post-workout smoothie.

5. Find a friend or family member to work out with.

Find an exercise buddy who will keep you accountable and motivated. Find someone to work out with, because working out is more fun with a friend!

6. Start by setting small goals rather than trying to do too much at once

Set realistic goals and reward yourself when you achieve them. Just remember to be patient and take things one step at a time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately – give yourself time to see progress.

 

The key to getting motivated is finding a plan that works for you. It might be committing to an exercise class, buying workout DVDs or signing up for a gym membership. No matter what it takes, the important thing is just figuring out how to get your body moving and stay active on a regular basis.

jump-a-car

Have you ever had one of those mornings when you’ve woken up late…you’re in a rush to get to work and a bit stressed. You reach your car, quickly turn on the ignition….but nothing happens. You try a few more times, but you only get some strange clicking sounds. A dead battery! Do you know how to jump a car?

The following are guidelines on how to jump a car when the car battery is dead.

If your vehicle has an electronic ignition system, the use of jumper cables may damage it.

Tips in Preparation for The Jump

Consider all the safety risks and take the necessary measures before working on your car. This is what you do:

  1. Find another functioning car and choose the right jumper cables for the jump. The battery on the other vehicle should at least have as much voltage as your own. As for the jumper cables, thick cables with a lower gauge work stronger.
  2. Also, keep in mind that the cables will be transmitting electric current and should, therefore, be handled with caution.
  3. Park the functioning car in a position whereby both cars get to face each other.
  4. The cars should be some inches apart, about 8 inches, and should not touch each other.
  5. Both cars should have parking brakes on so they do not move unexpectedly.
  6. Turn off both cars and remove the keys from their specific ignitions.
  7. Take out the jumper cables and, ensuring that the clamps don’t come in contact, set them on the ground.
  8. Open the hoods of the two cars and locate the batteries and their terminals. Ensure that you can correctly identify the positives and the negatives.

how to jump start a car cover

To begin the jump

  1. Start by connecting one end of the positive jumper cable to the +ve terminal of your dead battery. Then, connect the other end of the same positive cable to the +ve terminal of the working battery.
  2. Attach the negative cable clamp to the negative terminal of the working battery. Then, unlike you did in step one, connect the other end of the negative cable clamp to an unpainted metal surface of your car that is not near the battery. A good option is usually a clean nut on the engine block.
  3. Start the functioning vehicle and let the engine run for a few minutes. You can run the car for up to four minutes.
  4. Attempt to start your dead car. Once it starts running, disconnect the jumper cables starting with the negative terminals.
  5. Again, do not let the cable clamps touch each other especially when any of the terminals are still attached to a car.

Once you’re done, take a short drive, for at least 30 minutes, to give your battery sufficient time to build upcharge. If the jump was entirely successful, your battery will not die again when you turn the car off.

 

How-to-open-a-locked-door

There are many reasons why you would need to know how to open a locked door.

Imagine this scenario: you are rushing to leave the house, run out the door, and shut it behind you. It locks automatically, and then almost immediately, a feeling of dread washes over you. The door is locked and your keys are inside.

An interesting fact, did you know residents of Chicago alone average around 200 lockouts a day. Mostly due to rushing to work, rushing home, and not owning duplicate keys.

Before you call a locksmith, which could cost $100s of dollars, there are some things that you can do if you are trying to get in.

It doesn’t matter what type of door it is, if you want to know how to open a locked door, try the methods, below:

How to Open a Locked Door with a Credit Card

If you are looking for information on how to open a locked door with a spring lock, a credit card is the easiest way.

Take a credit card and force it between the door frame and the lock. Keep the card adjacent to the frame, and then push it back. This should force the lock back into the door, allowing you to open it.

how to open a locked door cover main

Unlock with a Bump Key

If you don’t have a spring lock, or you are looking for another method, a bump key can work. What is a bump key?

It is a key that won’t necessarily turn in the lock, but you can use it to open the door. You might find bump keys online, but it’s more likely that you have to make one.

Once you have the bump key made, insert it into the door, but don’t push it past the last pin.

With the key in place, hit it with a large rubber mallet. The force pushes the final pin and opens the lock.

Pick the Lock

Making a bump key is a bit complicated, so picking the lock might be easier.

Use a tension wrench and a paper clip, bobby pin, or another metal piece that fits into the lock.

This is called your pick. Insert the tension wrench into the lock and apply pressure. Insert the pick above the wrench.

Move the pick to find where each pin is, and then push the pin-up.

The door opens when all pins are in the up position.

Remove the Hinges

You might also consider removing the hinges of the door. Usually, you can force the pin from the hinges by inserting a flat head screwdriver between the pin and the hinge.

Once all of the hinges are free, you can remove the entire door.

Drill the Lock

Finally, if nothing else works, consider drilling the lock.

To do this, use a good quality drill with drill bits. Drill directly into the side of the lock where the pins are. Remove the drill, and use a flat head screwdriver to turn the lock.

If it doesn’t work, use a larger drill bit and make the hole bigger. Eventually, the lock will open.

These are all methods that a locksmith uses. So, if you do them yourself, you can save time and money, while still getting the locked door open.

get-rid-of-mice

Want to know how to get rid of mice fast? Do you suspect having mice in your home? Maybe you have spotted one or two running around during the daytime. Small dark droppings are another indication you may have a mice problem.

If you have come across these and have also heard scratching noises, chances are that mice are getting comfortable in your home.

Mice can be very destructive pests, and the sooner you eliminate them the better. Moreover, they carry many diseases and are a real health threat.

In this article, we discuss various ways on how to get rid of mice.

Block the entry points

For the mice to have accessed your home in the first place, they must have entered from somewhere.

Therefore, find out where exactly these rodents are coming from.

The points can be a bit difficult to locate, but indications such as feces and greasy stains could help you follow a trail.

It might even take you a day or two to figure out where all the entry points are.

Once you spot these entry points, mark them and ensure to seal all of them both from the inside and the outside.

Use traps

Mousetraps are common, and many people have used them when trying to get rid of mice. For more effect, use baited traps.

Use bait such as food so the mice can be more attracted to the trap.

Also, station these traps especially at the entry points that you would have discovered.

There can never be just one mouse in your home. Once you see the first one, they’ve moved in. You will need to use several traps.

How To Get Rid of Mice

Use organic deterrents

You can opt to eliminate mice the natural way; using repellents that are harmful to the mice but still less harmful to the environment.

Used kitty litter and peppermint produce strong smells unfavorable to the mice. You can therefore also use these methods to drive the rodents away.

Get a cat

A cat could be your other option. This is often the most effective way of getting rid of the problem for good.

Try to get one that is more playful, and outdoorsy – one that can hunt its own food.

A hungry cat that has spotted a mouse will more likely hunt it down.

Moreover, the presence of a cat means kitty litter which can also be useful in rodent elimination.

Just keep in mind the extra expenses of owning a pet, like vet bills and more.

Keep your house clean and organized

Cleaning your house does not necessarily mean mice will go away, especially if they are already in. But, one of the probable reasons they came in could have been because your house was untidy.

Mice love food, so if you leave foodstuff and leftovers all over the place, chances are that they will be attracted to the area. Hence, store food properly in airtight containers and keep them away from probable mouse attacks.

Keep your home compound trash-free

When you have garbage around or near your house, mice will come running in search of food.

Keep trash bins away from the house and always dispose of the trash once the cans are accumulated.

Also, keep weeds to a minimum to be clear of debris and clutter around the home.

Use these techniques in your quest, they are some of the best when it comes to how to get rid of mice.

If the problem persists, call an exterminator.

Thanks to their superior knowledge and tools, a professional exterminator can clear your home of mice or any other pest on the first attempt.

write-a-cover-letter

Cover letters are your chance to make a great first impression. It’s the first thing a prospective employer will see, which means it needs to stand out among all the other applications.

Here’s how to write a cover letter that’s sure to get you noticed.

Getting Started

Your cover letter will start with a salutation such as “Dear John.” However, you’ll want to make the salutation formal by adding Mr., Mrs., or Ms.

If you don’t know the human resources manager’s name, you can use something like “Dear Human Resources Department,” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

If you have no other option, you can use “To Whom It May Concern,” but finding out the person’s name shows initiative and resourcefulness.

It also shows that you’ve done your research, and the job is important to you.

Did you know that the world’s first resume was written by Leonardo Da Vinci, who was said to have created in 1482 as a means of gaining employment in the city of Milan.

The First Paragraph

This is the most important part of your cover letter, although it’s also the shortest part.

It tells the reader what job you are applying for and grabs their attention.

You can also add how you found the job. Be specific and to the point.

You’ll get into why you’re right for the job in the body of the letter. Keep the first paragraph about one to two sentences long.

how to type a cover letter

How to Write a Cover Letter Body

The second paragraph is where you dazzle your prospective employer.

Explain to them why you are interested in the position and why the company excites you. Use the job posting as a guide. Note any industry-specific terms used and incorporate them into your cover letter.

Don’t ever neglect to research the company thoroughly. Check out their social media presence, read their blog and about page and do a Google search for the company.

Learning as much as you can about where you want to work will help you write a detailed cover letter that is specific to the company to which you are applying. This shows off your research skills as well as initiative.

Sell yourself

The third paragraph should discuss your personal strengths and how they will benefit the company.

Also, include examples of your strengths in action at previous jobs. You want to show the reader why you’re perfect for the job, not just tell them.

These should be the main highlights of your experience in the field, not your entire resume.

Include how many years you’ve been in the field or job, and how your skills will benefit the company. Remember, the cover letter isn’t about you, it’s about the company.

The Closing

Your closing paragraph should tell the employer when you will contact them and how they can get in contact with you.

It should be brief and to the point.

For example: “I will contact you by 4 pm Friday. I look forward to meeting you…” is to the point and lets the employer know you want an interview without being forward.

Knowing how to write a cover letter can help you land that perfect job. But take your time writing the letter, and don’t forget to proofread it!

how-to-lose-15-pounds

Want to know how to lose 15 pounds in a week? You keep hearing of people losing 30 pounds or more in just over a month. Some even lose that in three weeks or fewer. Meanwhile, you’ve been struggling with weight loss for years now; no treatment, exercise, or diet plan has worked for you so far.

Don’t lose hope. Everyone’s bodies are different. While certain diet plans and exercises might work for some people, in others, they produce negligible results.

However, you can still lose weight if you’re serious about it. How? By focusing on the little things. Instead of working your lungs out in the gym or taking on a diet that leads to nowhere, you can combine a few clever tricks to help you shed those pounds.

So, if you’re serious about shedding pounds, here’s how to lose 15 pounds in a week.

Take note of everything you eat

The idea here is not to track your caloric intake. You just need to know what is getting into that body. So, make a food journal, describing everything you eat on any day.

This will lay the groundwork for any adjustments and planning necessary to achieve your weight loss goals.

Drink lots of water

If you usually drink 3 glasses of water daily, double that. If you’ve been doing six, add a few more glasses.

If you’ve been doing six, add a few more glasses.

Water has endless health benefits.

In terms of weight loss, it helps to fight psychological hunger (not real hunger) so you can end your binge eating habits.

how to lose 15 pounds in a week cover

Consider intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting simply means skipping some meals. Studies have found that when you skip meals, the body experiences increased fat oxidation, leading to an accelerated fat loss.

One of the easiest and the best meals to skip is breakfast. When you skip breakfast, you’ll have fasted for 18 hours!

Alternatively, eat often but in smaller amounts

This applies to those who can’t go a few hours before biting something. Instead of fasting, eat as often as you wish, but in smaller quantities.

The modern diet recommendation is to have six meals spread throughout the day instead of the three big meals.

It will help you avoid binge eating.

Minimize carbs

Ideally, you want to completely eliminate carbs from your diet.

But since that can be difficult for most people, why not reduce your daily intakes?

If you’ve been taking 500g of carbs daily, reduce that to 300, or if possible, cut your intake by half.

You’ll lose several pounds within days!

Take more lean proteins

Proteins are crucial for rapid fat loss.

They keep you feeling full, preventing overeating and needless snacking. They boost your calorie burn because they require a lot of energy to break down. And lastly, proteins prevent muscle loss.

The best sources of protein are lean meat, eggs, and nuts.

Do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises

HIIT burns more calories compared to any exercise. You don’t need to spend hours on the treadmill.

Rather focus on far-torching circuits such as push presses, goblet squats, and dumbbell rows that target the entire body.

Do each for 30 seconds then rest for 30 seconds before moving to the next exercise.

If you stay focused and keep your eye on the goal, losing 15 pounds in a week is very possible. However, depending on your level of fitness as well as your metabolism, some people might be able to achieve this goal easier than others.

How-To-Get-Rid-Of-Bed-Ants

Let’s talk about how to get rid of ants. They can be a very real problem, especially during the rainy season and warm summer months. They are resilient creatures that seem to keep coming back no matter what you do to try to get rid of them.

Ants have a highly sophisticated sense of smell. It allows them to pick up odors that dictate how they behave. Ants have four to five times more odor receptors than most other insects.

There are several home remedies that can keep the little creepy crawlies from invading your home. Here’s how to get rid of ants and keep them from invading your home.

Try White Vinegar

White vinegar can be used for just about anything but works especially well on ants because they hate the smell.

It also removes their scent trail so they have nothing to follow.

Put equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray anthills and anywhere you see ants.

You can also wipe down your counters, kitchen table, and wherever you see a trail of ants.

You can even spray the wall near your garbage can if you find ants feasting on your trash.

how to get rid of ants cover

Use Spices as a Deterrent

Ants hate the smell of several spices including peppermint, sage, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves. Ants love to get into sugar, flour, and paprika.

By putting a bay leaf inside the container, you can keep the little critters from feasting on your cooking essentials.

You can also use salt as a barrier to keep ants from crossing into your home. Sprinkle it in a door frame or even right in their path to disrupt their march.

Cayenne pepper also works well to keep ants at bay. Sprinkle it on the back of your countertops to keep them from looking for sugar and along the baseboards to keep them out of your house.

Cinnamon works well for this purpose too.

Chalk Barriers

For some reason, ants don’t like chalk. You can draw lines at entry points in your home and the ants won’t cross the barrier. It’s unknown why chalk works so well.

One theory states the ants don’t like the calcium carbonate in the chalk.

Another theory says it covers their scent trail.

Regardless of why it works. Sprinkle the powder around plants in your garden to repel ants. It works well on slugs too.

Toxic Borax

Get rid of ants permanently with borax. It’s toxic to the little pests and can be mixed with jelly to attract them.

Once they eat the borax, it kills them. If you don’t want to use jelly, you can mix borax with sugar using a ratio of 1:3. Then add water to make syrup and put it wherever you see ants.

Keep in mind borax is toxic to pets and humans, so be careful where you put it and make sure everyone knows what the mixture is and to avoid it. If you have small children, make sure it’s out of their reach.

Ants can be a frustrating problem whether you have fire, carpenter, or sugar ants. But knowing how to get rid of ants can help you prevent the problem (and the frustration) from beginning in the first place.

how-to-install-toilet

Do you require the help of a DIY instructional on how to install a toilet? Perhaps the current one is damaged? Or maybe you are just looking to upgrade? Whatever the reason, you can personally install a toilet if you purpose too.

This article will focus on how to install a toilet in a step-by-step guide. If you follow it to the end, you will realize that you do not always have to call a plumber.

Tools and materials

Before starting the installation, ensure to have the following:

  • new toilet
  • closet bolts
  • wax rings
  • toilet connector
  • screwdriver
  • torpedo level
  • wrench

The installation process

To remove the old toilet:

  1. Disconnect the water supply: Turn off the water at the supply valve so that no more water rushes into the toilet basin.
  2. Flush the toilet: Flush the toilet to remove any remaining water from the tank as well as to empty the basin and bowl. After this, a little water might still remain in the bowl. Force it down the drain line using a force-cup plunger. Any remaining water in the tank can be sucked away using a sponge.

Remember to wear protective gloves for the next process to protect you from harmful germs.

  1. Take out the tank bolts that attach the basin to the bowl.
  2. Disconnect the water supply line from the bowl.
  3. Lift the basin from the bowl to remove it.
  4. Remove the floor bolt caps and unscrew the closet bolts using an adjustable wrench.
  5. Rock the bowl back and forth to remove it from the wax gasket.
  6. Plug the drain opening to prevent the sewage gases from escaping into the room.
  7. Scrap off the remaining wax around the drain opening.
  8. Clean and level the mounting surface.

how to install a toilet cover

To install the new toilet:

If installing a new model, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific installation guidelines.

Otherwise, here’s the general procedure:

  1. Begin by installing a new flange around the drain opening. Then, position the closet bolts, insert, and snug them against the flange so they can hold it while at the same time sticking up from the floor
  2. Position and fit a new wax ring around the bottom of the toilet bowl. You can choose to place the ring directly on the flange or on the underside of the toilet. A wax ring serves to create a water-tight seal around the toilet drain.
  3. Carefully set the toilet over the flange and line up the holes with the protruding closet bolts. Ensure to first unplug the waste drain hole.
  4. Applying weight evenly and rocking gently, press down the toilet against the wax ring and flange. This is critical as it helps to create a seal around the toilet hole. Once done, tighten the closet bolts and fit the bolt caps.
  5. Install the tank and tighten the bolts until the tank is fastened to the bowl.
  6. Install a toilet seat.
  7. Re-install the water supply line and turn on the water supply.

That’s how to install a toilet! If you follow these steps as presented, you’ll have the new toilet ready within a couple of hours.

How-Join-Army

If you are interested, the following is a basic step-by-step guide on how to join the army.

There are just over 1 million soldiers currently serving in the U.S army. Half of these are serving full time in active duty. The rest make up the reserves.

Step 1: Do you have what it takes?

Wanting to join the army is one thing, and being actually qualified is another.

The basic requirements

Any State Army will require that you meet certain basic personal requirements before they can even consider you.

You need to be mentally, physically, and legally fit in order to be recruited.

Some of these personal criteria include age, citizenship, health status, and criminal record. Before signing up for the army, ensure all these requirements check out.

Some of these personal criteria include age, citizenship, health status, and criminal record. Before signing up for the army, ensure all these requirements check out.

Academic requirements

Every branch of every state army has its specific levels of education that they expect the candidates to have attained. Therefore, it would be wise to find out what academic level your Army of interest requires.

The Army’s mission

Find out the Army’s mission and determine whether you are up for the task at hand.

For instance, some of the Army’s objectives require that you be totally committed and give up most of your comfort zones. You should know and be ready for whatever you will be getting yourself into.

How-to-Join-The-Army-Flag

Step 2: Talk to a recruiter

Let us say you have made your decision to join the Army.

The next step would be to make contact and plan on how you can meet your recruiter.

Before the meetup, ensure to have all your crucial documents with you.

Sit down with the recruiter and be free to ask all questions that you may have in mind relating to the Army recruitment.

Army recruiters are the best qualified to help you confirm whether the Army is really right for you.

Step 3: Which is your career path?

Choose the right career path that best complements your strengths and future goals.

The Army offers several different careers in a vast range of categories. Each category carries its own specialized training, responsibilities, and areas of expertise.

Also, be honest with your recruiter about your choice and the reason behind it.

Step 4: Pass the ASVAB

Short for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, the ASVAB is an exam designed to determine your skills in ten different areas. Strive to score high on the test so you can qualify for more military options and bonuses.

Step 5: Proofread your contract

Once you have taken the ASVAB, qualified, and taken up as a recruit, review your contract keenly before finally signing it. The contract will determine your needs, pay even, and signing it will mean that you are officially an Army recruit.

Finally: The training

Brace yourself for what is ahead. You will need strength, a strong will, and a positive attitude. Basic training comes in stages and it will give you the knowledge and skills required in your field.

Once you have signed the papers, pass background checks, physical exams, and complete basic combat training, you can begin your advanced training and start your day-to-day job in the army.

 

how-to-lose-30-pounds

Losing weight is never easy, especially if you need to do it quickly.

Here are four strategies that will show you how to lose 30 pounds in a month.

Strategy 1:

10 Day Sugar Detox

When you eat sugar, the insulin levels in your blood rise.

A higher insulin level in your blood means you store more fat, which can also lead to many health problems, including diabetes.

One of the fastest ways to lose weight is to go on a sugar detox diet because it lowers insulin levels.

When insulin levels go down, your body burns fat instead of storing it, leading to weight loss.

Helpful Tips: Removing all sugar from your diet for 10 days will reset your metabolism. No sugar means not adding sugar to your coffee or tea and avoiding hidden sugars that can be found in packaged foods.

Try to eat whole foods like vegetables and limit carbohydrates like white rice and bread. Add a variety of healthy fats to your diet like avocados and olive oil to keep you satiated.

You can also find a variety of recipe ideas for a sugar detox online. There are also a number of books available at your local bookstore or library.

Strategy 2:

Drink Only Water

Most beverages like soda, milkshakes, and juice are full of sugar and excess calories.

If you eliminate soda, juice, and alcohol from your diet and drink only water, you’ll eliminate hundreds of empty calories and excess sugar.

Helpful Tips: If you don’t like the taste of water, try adding a bit of lemon or lime to your glass.

You can also add mint or even cinnamon to your water to give it a kick.

Strategy 3:

Intermittent Fasting

If you’ve ever wondered how to lose 30 pounds in a month,  you should know that fasting has proven to be effective.  Intermittent fasting is great way to reset your metabolism and burn more fat.

You can skip breakfast and eat lunch and dinner, or you can eat just one meal a day. The trick is to get your body into the fasted state, which is when the magic happens. When your body is in a fasted state, it burns stored fat for fuel.

Helpful Tips: The fasted state typically occurs about eight to 12 hours after a meal. If you try intermittent fasting, remember to drink only water throughout the day.

When you know how to lose 30 pounds a month and set out to do it, you should never underestimate the dangers of losing weight too fast. Gradual weight loss is a much healthier way of reducing overall body fat and great way of keeping it down.

how to lose 30 pounds in a day cover main

Strategy 4:

Go Vegan for a Month

This may be more difficult for some people. However, avoiding meat and dairy can be a quick and easy way to burn excess fat.

Helpful Tips: Stick with vegetables and whole grains like brown rice and quinoa. If you need a meat substitute try tofu or tempeh. Tofu is a great replacement for eggs, especially if you like scrambled eggs, and tempeh is a great replacement for chicken.

Almond and soy milk can replace cow’s milk, and there are a variety of vegan cheeses you can try.

While losing weight fast can be difficult, it’s easy to figure out just how to lose 30 pounds in a month. Simply follow these four strategies to give yourself a jump start. But remember, no matter what strategy you choose, you will still need some willpower to get through the month.