3 advantages of booking from Vacation Rentals By Owner
3 advantages of booking from Vacation Rentals By Owner

Staying in a vacation rental is one of the cheapest ways to ditch a hotel and save on your vacation budget. Contrary to popular perception, vacation rentals are not just beach houses that let you enjoy a relaxed beach vacation. These days you will find vacation rental homes in almost every holiday destination. There are many online platforms that let you book a vacation rental easily within your budget, location and travel dates.

Vacation Rentals By Owner is one such leading vacation rental platforms. With listings from multiple locations, Vacation Rentals By Owner let you book condos, apartments, villas, cottages and of course, beach houses. Compared to a hotel room, a vacation rental home adds a personalized experience to your holidays. Here is how you can make your vacation interesting and avail benefits by booking a vacation rental from platforms such as Vacation Rentals By Owner:

Save big on night rates: If you book a hotel room in NYC, you will have to pay about $350 per night. However, if you book a vacation rental apartment, you will pay about $220 for a night. You will be saving nearly 40 percent per night during your stay if you opt for vacation rentals. This is true not just for NY, but almost for every vacation destination. If you look at the bigger picture of your overall vacation expenses, renting a vacation home would be cheaper than staying in a hotel room.

More lodging options: With hotel rooms, you have very limited options for room types and sizes; you can either book a suite, king or 2 queens. Depending on the number of people traveling, you will have to book several rooms for your vacation. However, with vacation rentals, you have the option of booking loft apartments, simple apartments, lake houses, beach houses, condos, cabins, farmhouses and so on. Also, if you have large group or family, everyone can stay together without being disjointed, yet retain some privacy.

Flexible dining: All vacation rental homes have fully equipped kitchens and dining spaces. You can buy or bring your own provisions and decide your own menu. You can plan your meals around your own personal or family schedule. If you crave a midnight snack, you do not have to go looking for a vending machine, you can cook your own snack anytime you want. You do not have to stick with buffet timings of a hotel.

  • Taking a glimpse at the popular online payment services

    Shopping season or not, all of us are aware of the importance of online purchases. Nowadays as a result of the advancement of technology, it is possible to shop endlessly on the internet. Your business would slide down to the bottom of the ring if you are unable to receive payments electronically. We have to move on with the world or the world will move on without us. There are various online payment processing services available for you to choose from, but then which ones can you trust for all your important credit card, bank transfer or real-time orders? Here is a glimpse at the popular online payment services that are available in the market today:

    • PayPal: One of the most widely used payment processors in the world with around 8 million payments. PayPal also accepts check sent through a phone camera, a card swiper, etc.
    • Skrill: Formerly known as Moneybookers, Skrill has some unique features like free set-up, low fees and also the ability to send a text message from your account. This is a great service for international merchants as they have the option of transferring their account balance onto a debit card almost instantly.
    • Stripe: Developers commonly use Stripe in order to integrate a payment system into their projects. By doing so you do not need a merchant account but can build your own payment system.
    • 2CheckOut: This is unique in the sense that it is a combination of both a merchant account and a payment gateway. All you need to do is register and verify your account in order to start accepting credit card payments.
    • WePay: WePay stands out as it is very simple and you can begin accepting payments in less than a minute.
    • Authorize.Net: This has been around for a long time and is quite a popular online payment service.
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  • Hearing Aid Comparisons – the Best of the Lot

    Hearing aids are quite the life-altering decision in one’s life. You want to make sure you’re picking one that best enhances your life, and does what you need it to do. Everyone’s hearing difficulties differ, and so everyone’s hearing aids will be different as well. You might ask a colleague or a friend to recommend a brand or a model, but it might not work best for you.

    The safest way to go about it is to ensure that the hearing aid you pick is best suited to your needs. This is why you will need to compare the options you have on different parameters and pick the best of the lot. Here’s a simple comparison guide along with some examples.

    What to base your hearing aid comparisons on?

    You want comfort with your hearing aid above all else. Both the physical properties of the model you pick and its acoustic ability will decide its overall comfort and usage. Besides this, your lifestyle and manual dexterity skills help determine which hearing aid will best suit you.

    How hearing aids work is by cutting off background noise and amplifying the sounds coming your way. Essentially, making sounds louder and easier to understand. You can go to your ENT specialist, or hearing aid specialist, and get a hearing aid. This will then be altered on many parameters to help you decide what you need help with the most. Depending upon this data, you can pick from the many options you have.

    Start with the types

    Here are the various types of hearing aids, depending upon whether they’re worn on or in the ear.

    Behind the ear – mini

    You have probably heard of this as the receiver in canal (RIC) or canal receiver technology (CRT). In these kinds of hearing aids, the receiver sends the sounds directly to the inner canal. It’s made using a custom-made mold of your ear and sits behind connected to the receiver via a thin wire. It is barely visible outside and doesn’t make the wearer feel plugged up. However, it does have a limited life due to wax buildup and moisture getting into the receiver.

    Behind the ear – traditional

    This is the not-so-mini version. In this hearing aid, all parts are placed inside a container that’s worn behind the ear. A small wire connects the case to the receiver and the earmold worn inside the ear. This is best reserved for those with a severe hearing loss because it has considerable amplifying properties. Controls are easy to understand and use as well. There’s also next to no feedback because the fitting is custom.

    Completely in the canal (CIC)

    This one fits deep inside the ear, it has zero visibility. The lister also has no feedback during calls, since it is away from all noise. It’s also less sensitive to other white sounds such as wind. However, it is all too small for any directional listening.

    Not to mention that wax and moisture could severely hamper its life. It’s also a task to handle and remove the aid, and it requires frequent battery changes. This is best suited for those suffering from a mild hearing problem.

    Picking the right one

    From the many options you have, it’s simple to decide which one would best suit you. Besides, some of the modern hearing aids come with added features. Everything from external volume control, to directional hearing.

    Depending upon the severity of your hearing loss, you can even pick those that indicate battery shortage, or hearing aids that specifically avoid the rapid buildup of wax.

    If you’re confused about the kinds of providers there are, refer to an audiologist. Any test he or she conducts will help determine if there are any underlying problems with your hearing loss, and which brand and model can help you out the best.

    Beltone and Miracle Ear Hearing are two of the most popular and preferred brands. Hear is a website wherein through everything they have to offer, and simply pick one that you like best.

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  • 6 natural ways that lead to hair regrowth

    We all suffer from hair fall at some point in our lives. The causes could be as varied as post pregnancy hair fall, hormonal dysfunction, serious illnesses, heredity factors, poor hair care, etc. Unless it is an extreme case of hair loss, certain daily habits can help to curb hair fall and boost hair regrowth. Here are the top natural hair regrowth tips that can prevent more hair thinning.

    Here are the top natural hair regrowth tips that can prevent hair thinning and hair fall.

    • Invest in coconut milk and coconut oil massage: Coconut oil is a well-known hair growth treatment. But do you know that coconut milk is a great hair regrowth treatment? Coconut milk is rich in iron, potassium and essential fats. Try to use fresh coconut milk. Add some lemon drops and essential oil. Massage it thoroughly on your scalp and leave it for 4-5 hours or overnight. Rinse it off thoroughly. If you cannot find coconut milk, a hot oil massage with organic or cold pressed coconut oil should also give the necessary nutrients and vitamins to your hair.
    • Drink water: Drinking water ensures you have toxins flowing out of your body and this ensures that your body stays healthy. Drinking water is also said to strengthen hair and stimulate hair regrowth. Make sure you drink at least 2-3 liters of water every day.
    • Restrict blow-drying: To ensure hair regrowth, stay away from the hot air of blow dryer. This hot air not only damages the hair roots but also slows down the process of hair regrowth.
    • Avoid frequent washes: Over washing your hair can lead unwanted hair loss. The health of your hair will only improve if fewer chemicals are used on the hair. In fact, try not to wash your hair daily, since you will also be losing the natural oils that are secreted. Also, try opting for a shampoo which is paraben-free or completely organic.
    • Exercise daily: Build up a routine where exercise, however less, is a regular thing. Daily exercise increases blood circulation of the scalp and also stimulates follicles. People who do regular exercise have shinier and healthier hair. If your hair is falling off, you could do with more blood circulation to your scalp.
    • Care while sleeping: While sleeping, tight ponytails and braids are a big no-no. Keeping the hair free and unstressed is a better way to avoid hair loss.

    Apart from this, it might be a great idea to stay away from stressful situations since stress can cause further hair loss. Using natural products, eating a healthy diet, and exercising are some of the simple ways that can aid hair regrowth.

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  • 5 awesome places to rent an apartment for seniors

    Looking for an apartment doesn’t have to be a hassle. Senior apartment rentals can especially come in handy since you don’t have to worry about shoveling snow, doing hectic tasks, and overloading yourself with tons of work. Old age needs to be carefree and relaxed, and it starts with what matters most – the location.

    The location, climate, culture, and lifestyle of the environment seniors live in can impact their health. Plus it needs to be affordable too otherwise renting an apartment won’t make sense and frankly speaking, your seniors don’t want to wound up burning a hole in their pocket.

    Here are five awesome places to get senior apartment rentals in the world.

    Pittsburgh
    Seniors aged 65 and older get free rides on the T-Bus and on the Monongahela Incline. That’s a pretty convenient aspect of senior apartment rentals in Pittsburgh. Its medical university is famous for geriatrics and if your young ones live with seniors and are interested in the field of medicine, then that’s something to consider. Besides this, seniors get free transportation for the most part and the median rental cost for senior apartments is on an average $608 a month.

    Mass, Springfield
    If you’re looking for cost-effective transportation and low median senior apartment rentals, Mass in Springfield can be a great place to live. Seniors aged 60 and above are eligible for low-cost van services and the bus tickets are sold at half-priced fares for seniors. The median rental amount for senior apartments in Mass,is only a $608 a month.

    Tucson, Arizona
    Known as the desert city of Arizona and surrounded by five mountain ranges, Tucson in Arizona is famous for their art galleries and serene environment. If your senior wants a quiet place to live in, Arizona can be a spot to go for senior apartment rentals. Additionally, Arizona is famous for hosting various food festivals, events, and colorful fairs every year. You’ll never get bored staying there and the pompous celebratory spirit is something to consider. The slight downside is that it’s a little pricier than other places and the median rental wage is $716 a month.

    Providence, Rhode Island
    If you’re looking for a scenic place for senior apartment rentals, then the Rhode Island in Providence is the right way to go. The place is famous for its two amazing rivers – the New Bedford and the Fall River, and the housing is affordable too which is priced at a median wage of $644 per month. There are several tourist attraction spots and the Miriam And Newport hospitals are famous in the geriatrics department nationally. Additionally, the Rhode Island Transit Authority offers half-price fares for transportation services for seniors.

    Nashville, Tennessee
    Nashville is the home of Vanderbilt University and is famous for its music culture. There’s never a dull moment there and retirees can pay a median rent of $701 a month for senior apartments there. The Music City there is another attraction spot and the city booms with culture and affordable senior rental options.

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  • Pros and Cons of tempurpedic mattresses

    Tempurpedic mattresses have been on the market since the year 1992, and you can purchase these mattresses online or can get them from any Tempurpedic mattresses sales. Below are listed some of the pros and cons of these mattresses which you should know before you decide to purchase any of these.

    Pros and cons of Tempurpedic mattress
    When you decide to purchase the mattress online or from any Tempurpedic mattresses sale you are likely to get a mattress which is dense and durable. The benefit of Tempurpedic mattresses is that such mattresses sense the temperature of the body and easily conform to different body shapes and sizes.

    The weight is also equally displaced on the surface of the mattress, and this also helps in improvement of circulation. Pressure points in the body also get relief when you decide to use such mattresses.

    However, a distinct disadvantage of these mattresses, which you might have purchased from Tempurpedic mattresses sale, is that they may retain body heat and for some people, it is not easy to sleep on these, especially during warm weather. Some people will also find it difficult to move around on the bed when Tempurpedic mattresses have been placed. This happens as the mattresses are dense and have been designed in such a manner to balance the contours of the body.

    Even if you purchase these mattresses from Tempurpedic mattresses sale or from an online store, you are likely to find difficulty in using these since they are very different from any of the traditional innerspring mattresses.

    Different types of Tempurpedic mattresses
    When you purchase these mattresses from Tempurpedic mattresses sale or any online mattress sale, you are likely to get three distinct kinds of mattresses. These are from the Tempur contour collection, Tempur HD collection, and Tempur Cloud collection. If you wish to have a firm bed, the Tempur contour collection is the best. The beds in Cloud collection will, however, be softest when you make any online mattress purchase.

    If you buy Tempur HD collection mattresses, you will get mattresses that have surfaces with more cells in every inch as these distribute the weight evenly and will offer comfort to the entire body.

    However, in spite of their distinct benefits, many people feel reluctant to purchase Tempurpedic mattresses since this cost more in comparison to standard mattresses. However, Tempurpedic mattresses sale is a perfect opportunity to purchase a wide range of this mattress online since you will be able to get a suitable discount which will not be available if these are purchased from a regular store.

    However, people who purchase these are satisfied with the product since it offers value for money and is always worth the price.

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  • 7 protein-rich foods great for dogs

    Dog parents would know that caring for their furry friends is more than treating them to a good day at the spa. It’s about ensuring they receive the right nutrition in their meals. Depending on the breed, your pet requires a certain quantity of proteins to boost overall health and thrive. And learning which protein-rich foods you should feed pets will ensure that the fur ball receives all the essential amino acids necessary for growth.

    Eggs
    Eggs are one of the best sources of protein one can add to their pet’s meals. The food is included in several pet formulas and also works well when made at home. It is easy on the stomach and can be combined with rice and other veggies to create a wholesome meal. Furthermore, eggs are considered a healthy food for dogs recovering from surgery or sickness. One should also note that raw eggs might not be good for a dog’s tummy. Instead, they must scramble and serve the egg when it is warm.

    Mackerel
    Fish like mackerel are not just great for human beings but are also a great source of proteins. The food can be served as a snack or mixed with the dog’s food. Other sources of healthy fish include tuna and salmon, which are packed with essential amino acids and healthy oils to help improve your pet dog’s overall well-being. However, fatty fish must be served in moderation as feeding them too much at once can lead to an upset stomach. Another healthy property present in these fish is omega-3 fatty acids, which also complement pet health.

    Beef
    Low-fat beef is one of the healthiest sources of protein you can feed your dog. Other sources of healthy meats for your pet include chicken, turkey, liver, venison, and duck. One of the best ways to serve these foods is to grind and boil them before letting your pet dig in. You should avoid pan-frying the meat as the oil and grease may leave your pet with an uneasy stomach. Furthermore, ensure there are no onions when making the dish, as it can lead to anemia, followed by other health complications.

    Green peas
    Serve your pet dog a cup of cooked peas as a snack or mix them with other meals. The food item contains a large number of proteins that can build your pet’s strength. Furthermore, green peas are rich in properties like fibers, minerals, and other nutrients that can enhance your pet’s immune system and prevent health complications. Even chickpeas offer similar nutrition for pets. This includes properties like carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fibers that help build pet strength. Adding a cup of cooked chickpeas to meals should do the trick.

    Cottage cheese
    Not many brands include cheese in their pet food formulas. However, it is one of the most enjoyed options by pets and can enrich their system with healthy proteins. While there are regular cheeses, one should consider buying cottage cheese for their pet. While the latter contains the same amount of protein as other options since it is low in fat, making it super healthy for your furry friend. You could serve a spoonful of cottage cheese to your dog as a snack or melt it into their meals every once in a while.

    Soy
    This protein-rich option for dogs is derived from soybeans and is also commonly blended in dog foods. Soy is a suitable substitute for meat that is high in amino acids. It also contains healthy fibers that are beneficial for the digestive system. Moreover, it is loaded with minerals and vitamins that may help boost its overall strength. Adding half a cup of cooked soy to your pet’s meals can significantly improve their protein intake.

    Barley and oats
    Barley and oats are one of the healthiest additions you can make to nurture your pet’s health. These foods are abundant in proteins, healthy fibers, and carbohydrates, which provide balanced nutrition. So by feeding your pet a cup of cooked barley or a cup of rolled oats, they are likely to gain health benefits like improved strength.

    The biological value of food
    When you look for protein-rich foods for pets, you must consider their overall biological value. This term describes how easily dogs can derive the available protein from a particular food source. Furthermore, foods with a higher biological value are also easier to digest, which means your pet will be able to absorb the maximum nutrients from each meal.

    On the contrary, foods rich in protein but with low biological value will not be easy for your pet to digest. Therefore, these foods must be avoided or reduced from meals. A few foods that may contain proteins and are unsuitable for pets include corn and wheat. If you give your pet meals with these products, their tummies may absorb minimal protein. Furthermore, the food is not easy to digest and offers a low nutritional value for your furry friend. So while your pet may feel full after the meal, they may not derive any health benefits from corn or wheat. Even meat by-products like beaks, feathers, horns, and hooves aren’t the best protein source for a pet. These leftovers may pass through undigested, rendering minimal health benefits and resulting in a larger volume of stool.

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  • Sony – A key entity in the world of DVD players

    In this digital age, DVD players are one of the commonplace items in every home. Though many people watch DVDs by streaming videos on laptops or smart TVs while many others watch them via game consoles, DVD players have still remained a steadfast part of our home entertainment setup. They have come an extremely long way in the last decade. Most of them now come with a range of features, including wireless connectivity, upscaling, smart technology and they also have the capacity to play the Blu-ray discs.

    From DVD to USB, enjoy it all
    There are many DVD players available in the market. So it becomes quite difficult to choose the best among them. However, one should know that the best ones must offer HD upscaling for the realistic images along with several connectivity options. They should be pocket-friendly too. There are a few players that will literally enhance the quality of your movie watching. One of them is the Sony Blu-ray player, which also plays DVDs and is the first choice of people for smart homes.

    Enjoy high definition video quality and sound effects
    Play Blu-rays and DVDs on any of the Sony Blu-ray players and enjoy a high-definition video with clear and detailed images.

    • It has a maximum of 1080 pixels of resolution, which is five times higher than other DVDs and that too with an incredible audio quality that lets you hear every drop of sound.
    • Sony Blu-ray players are so compact that they fit in almost every space.
    • They work very well in home entertainment systems.
    • They have a USB port attached to them to let you play videos from flash drives.
    • This product also has many smart features like Ethernet port, DLNA capability, front USB slots, HDMI output, BD-ROM discs, backward compatible with DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, Audio CD and CD-R/RW formats for a wide range of media choices.
    • It consists of TRILUMINOS color, which brings a wider visible color spectrum and reveals more texture.

    You can get access to a whole new world of entertainment with this product. All you have to do is just connect it to the Internet and access a variety of content including movies, music, TV shows, and much more. You can also stream different TV shows and movies from services like Netflix or Amazon Video.

    A great product from the house of Sony
    Sony is a brand that comes with the promise of versatility. It brings in complete entertainment to your home with its exclusive features. It has been preferred by consumers for over decades as it is reliable as well as affordable. It has become one of the leading electronic brands that provides products at reasonable prices and with excellent customer service. The company gives a six-month or one-year of warranty for any kind of construction or material defects.

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  • Tax benefits every first time home buyer should know

    Tax can be a very complicated financial aspect to understand. If you are planning to buy your first home, the downpayment is one of the major expenses to be borne that can be charged at 3% of the total purchase price on an average. The mortgage taken will include components like interest payments, closing costs, and other fees and charges as applicable to the transaction. Tax is applicable on multiple of these components and associated transactions.

    To ease this financial burden, there are a number of tax breaks you can take advantage of. Here is a must know the list of every first time home buyer.

    • Interest Deduction
      Interest charged on the mortgage is one of the tax benefits you can avail. The benefit is even more substantial for first time home buyers and loan borrowers as the interest rate charged will be steeper in the initial years of borrowing. The tax credit can be availed for interest paid on loans of up to $1 million or $500,000 depending on the type of income tax return filed.
    • Mortgage interest credit
      While the mortgage interest deduction reduces your taxable income, the mortgage interest credit allows for another tax break opportunity for first time home buyers. Applicants can get back up to 20% or 30% of the interest paid on the amount borrowed as a straight tax credit.
    • Points Deduction
      Mortgage points allow the loan borrower to apply for a low-interest rate that qualifies for a tax deduction as well. The points can be bought to lower the interest rate significantly making it one of the popular tax breaks to be availed by first time home buyers.
    • IRA (Individual Retirement Account) withdrawals
      Withdrawals can also be made from retirement accounts to meet payments for the new home. Up to $10,000 can be withdrawn from your IRA account without any penalty applicable.
    • Property tax deduction
      Property taxes paid on any type of real estate are also eligible for tax breaks, especially beneficial for first time property buyers.
    • Home improvement
      Home equity loans taken to secure the capital expenditure incurred for home improvements can also lower the taxes accrued on your taxable income.
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