Gift baskets for various occasions
Gift baskets for various occasions

Important occasions and events call for commemorative gifts that would warm the heart and gladden the mind. The holiday season, birthdays, anniversaries and many other such events call for gifts that you can lavish upon your near and dear ones. In case you are not able to settle on a single gift, then you would do well to choose a gift basket so that you can put together many things in one gift that would be of use for someone. Come and take a look at the various kinds of gift baskets that you can gift to your near and dear ones.

During the Holidays: Holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and other such occasions call for family gatherings. It would be a good idea to carry gift baskets that would have something or the other for all members of the family, in case you are meeting at one person’s home for a meal or party. You may want to carry gift baskets that have plenty of candy and chocolates as well as some beverages. Also, you can carry baskets that have gourmet ingredients and cold cuts which can be served to the guests. An artisan bread or cheese gift basket would also be a good idea if the family mostly comprises of adults.

For that Office Do: When there is an office party, people are usually confused about what to carry. If the party is happening at a senior’s home, it would a good idea to carry a gift basket that would combine luxurious items like wine and cheese as well as some pretty napkins and cheese cutters, But ensure that you do not go over the top and embarrass your guests with something that may seem too much to accept.

At a Graduation Party: A graduation party is one where the mood is light and everyone is ready to have a fun time. If it is being thrown at a particular batch mate or class mate’s home, then you may want to carry a gift basket of snacks and other such items which can also be used by the roommates or siblings, depending on who he or she may be living with.

Birthday Parties: The gift basket for a birthday party will ideally depend on the age of the recipient. You can choose a gift basket of princess-themed toys and bunting as well as junk jewelry for a little girl. Combine these with some cool beverages and candy. If the party is for a boy, then you can go in for action figures combined with some board games and even a few miniature cars. For older people, you can carry gift baskets that would include food items as well as some home linen sets.

House Warming: For a house warming party, you can carry a gift basket that can contain various kinds of chocolates, cheeses, and wine as well as a little something if the couple or host have children too.

  • Bathroom showerheads – The ultimate sanitary essentials

    Nothing can step up your mood as much as the accessories in the bathroom. A bathroom is where one can have a relaxing shower to rejuvenate the body after a long, tiring day. Similarly, there is no better way to start the day than with a nice, good quality bathroom showerhead releasing water to freshen you up. While fixed bathroom showerheads relieve you from the hassles of handling the equipment, handheld ones allow you to fulfill different bath requirements. Bathroom showerheads that are movable but also capable of being mounted on a base are highly preferred by customers.

    A bathroom showerhead is an equipment that contains a nozzle for dispensing water in the form of a shower. For those of you who do not believe in a bucket bath and swear by the pleasure of taking a shower, bathroom shower heads are more than just dcor accessories. Apart from providing a sleek look, they are essential to enhance the functionality of the bathroom. Sometimes, a hose is attached to a shower head for extra convenience during bathing. Bathroom showerheads come in different shapes and designs to satisfy varying sanitary requirements.

    • Fixed bathroom showerheads These are the most common form of bathroom showerheads typically found in traditional bathrooms. They are connected to a water pipeline inside the wall just like a regular water tap but at a significant height. Some of them may also be affixed to a ceiling wherein the water falls directly on the head of the individual with the help of gravity. Fixed bathroom showerheads are easy to attach to the already existing plumbing arrangements and do not require much alteration in the hardware.
    • Handheld bathroom showerheads While handsets use a hose for additional maneuverability, they can also be made to sit on a fixed platform just like a fixed bathroom showerhead. These can be converted to any form on any given day to fulfill different needs and uses.
    • Shower panel A panel comprises of numerous showerheads that are strategically placed to spray water on different parts of the body. You will find a shower panel in large, modern bathrooms that boast of state-of-the-art accessories. While most of the bathroom showerheads are fixed on the wall, one or two of them might allow some movement.
    • Adjustable bathroom showerheads These are equipped with control options that provide adjustments in the pressure of water. Adjustable showerheads that come with various settings and options can be modified as per individual bathing demands.

    Before buying a bathroom showerhead, it is advisable to measure the dimensions of the bathroom. All big brands send their personnel to help prospective customers in this regard who then suggest the right equipment for a safe shower experience.

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  • How immunotherapy treatment helps in multiple myeloma

    Multiple myeloma is a life-threatening form of blood cancer that starts in the plasma cells of the blood. Myeloma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and slowly degenerate the kidneys and bones of the body. Also called plasma cell myeloma, it is not completely curable. Multiple myeloma is very challenging to treat and is the second most common cancer in the US.

    Diagnosis occurs when abnormal plasma cells are detected in the bone marrow, and treatment is worked out around controlling organ damage. Immunotherapy is a blanket term that describes various cancer treatment methods. Cancer treatment includes the following:

    • Chemotherapy
    • Stem cell transplantation
    • Radiation
    • Medications

    Immunotherapy helps in cancer treatment for multiple myeloma patients by focusing on three approaches:

    • Reversing tumor mediated immune paralysis: This is done using immunomodulatory drugs and by blocking inhibitory molecules or activating stimulatory molecules.
    • By stimulating myeloma specific immune responses: This is done using vaccines that work by stimulating an immune response against tumor specific antigen or substances that the body considers foreign.
    • Selectively eliminating the malignant clones: This is done by removing T-cells from the body, thereby genetically engineering and reintroducing them into the body. T-cells start multiplying and then locate and destroy the tumor cells.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Department recently approved two drugs for relapsed multiple myeloma treatment. One of the drugs is approved for patients who have already been treated with three therapies. It is a first in class immunotherapy treatment (a monoconal antibody) which works when the patient has become resistant to other treatments or when the disease spreads in a very short span of time. The other drug prods the immune system to attack cancer cells. It is for patients who have undergone one to three therapies earlier.

    Cancer treatment has potential side effects:

    • Infusion related reaction
    • Tiredness and difficulty in breathing
    • Back pain
    • Fever and nausea
    • Persistent cough
    • Low count of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets

    Immunotherapy and precision medicine as cancer treatment options work for multiple myeloma patients. A better understanding of causes behind relapse and undertaking new therapies to overcome that resistance is the key to immunotherapy cancer treatment.

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  • 7 essential tips to avail car loans even with bad credit

    You wish to buy the dream car that you always pined for, but, your past credit records aren’t going to help you apply for a car finance loan. What will be your next step? Well, since you are living in an era where the dynamics between the debtors and the bank has slightly undergone a change, despite a bad credit you can avail of a car finance loan. Gone are the days that if you held a bad credit in the past, it would affect your future endeavors. If you have bad credit and wish to apply for a car finance loan, here are some tips to avail a car finance loan with bad credit.

    • The first step in availing any kind of loan is to research. It is not advisable to hastily choose the first finance company that offers car finance loan on bad credit. Instead, take your time and conduct a thorough research regarding which company provides what. Compare the quotes from each company before arriving at any conclusion.
    • Before delving into online finance companies that provide car finance loan for bad credit, check your neighborhood. Your bank or credit union might come to your rescue here. You can even ask your employers if they provide auto financing.
    • Usually, people who have bad credit seek car finance loans from lenders who cater to low-credit clients. Instead, it will be more beneficial if you check with reputable firms or national, local and regional banks. These are trustworthy sources.
    • The next step is a bit psychological. When you show up alone to bargain with the car finance provider, you might not be quite successful in arriving at an interest rate of your choice. So, tell your partner to tag along with you. Your partner can be instrumental in showing approval or dismissing a potential car loan. This might prompt the agent to reconsider their offer.
    • Another smart thing to do while shopping for car finance loan with bad credit is to opt for loans with short payment terms. Do not get tempted with lower monthly payments that are stretched over a long period. The trick here lies in shopping for a car finance loan with shorter terms not lower monthly payments.
    • Since you are availing a car finance loan with bad credit, you will be presented contracts that speak of unnecessary add-ons such as insurance, after-market services, extended warranties, etc. Do not go for these add-ons unless it is necessary.
    • Read through the fine print. Check whether the contract speaks of any additional charges, or that there are chances of a sudden increase in the interest. Be on guard against such finance companies.
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  • Different types of furniture for different needs

    There are many different kinds of furniture available today to make our life easier even as they add beauty and charm to our homes. You can choose from a plethora of pieces and styles at stores like Target, Walmart, Home Depot and many more. It would be a good idea to choose furniture from such stores because they will come with high-quality finishes, in many different styles and often with warranties. So take a look at the different kinds of furniture to make the right choice for your home and the overall decor statement!

    Classic Furniture: Classic furniture pieces usually include upholstered pieces with classic patterns and flourishes as well as carved wooden furniture. Glossy polishes and varnishes are a staple for this kind of furniture. If your home has a very elegant theme that borders on the old school, then this is the kind of furniture that you must go for. The legs of the chairs, couches and tables will usually be curved while the patterns will have some inlay work or carving. Also, you can choose pieces with neutral upholstery and delicate patterns as well as stripes and other such features for an eclectic mix.

    Modern Furniture: Modern furniture will usually have linear cuts and shapes along with fine lines to define the pieces in the most understated way. While classic furniture pieces may be the main personality of the room, the modern furniture will only add a solid layer and let accents like drapes, throws as well as artworks do all the talking. This usually helps in creating a more contemporary and minimal feel. You can choose such pieces based on the overall look that you prefer, and then bring in accents that will define the theme in a more specific manner. Also, such kind of furniture will feature straight lines and low seating.

    Countryside Chic: You can find many pieces that would be suited for this kind of theme. From driftwood furniture to polished wooden pieces and even rustic ones layered with exotic fabrics, you can find a whole range of such furniture at many stores including Target and Walmart. Benches for seating, stools designed from tree stumps, slip covers in burlap for the couches, and plenty of large coffee and end tables will help you replicate the barn house look easily. This kind of furniture can also be used for the loft theme because it conveys a casual and easygoing aura as far as the design of the home is concerned.

    Fusion Pieces: There are a number of designer fusion pieces in the market today that mix the classic and the contemporary with many other schools of design. These are a rage currently because they bring in a fun and quirky factor even as they let you play around with varied styles in a single space.

    Scandinavian Furniture: These pieces are usually smartly-chiseled and crafted in natural hues. They are minimalistic, dainty-looking and perfect for modern interiors with neutral walls.

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  • Tips to control the symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome effectively

    What happens when a person is diagnosed with an ailment which will never leave his side? Since this query indicates that the disease cannot be cured, the only option that the person has is to learn to coexist with the disease and control it with whatever means are available.

    Sjogren’s Syndrome is one such disorder that cannot be cured, and the individual is stuck with it for eternity. Sjogren’s Syndrome surfaces when the immune system, which is supposed to guard the body against the attack of malicious agents, starts attacking the red blood cells in the body instead of the viruses and bacteria it is supposed to target. In the process of attacking the healthy blood cells, the immune system attacks the glands in the throat and eyes, which affects the production of saliva and tears respectively. As a result of this, people who suffer from Sjogren’s Syndrome suffer from dryness of the mouth and eyes.

    As trivial as the dryness of the mouth and eyes might sound, they pose a serious threat to an individual’s health. Dry mouth is an open invitation for yeast infections, and since the saliva isn’t present to protect the teeth and gums, they become prone to deterioration. Dry eyes cause irritation and can affect the cornea, causing permanent damage to the eyes.

    Though Sjogren’s Syndrome cannot be treated, the symptoms can be controlled. Here’s how.

    • Since dry eyes are a prominent symptom of Sjogren’s Syndrome, one can use artificial tears or eye lubricants to reduce the irritation caused by the same. It is advisable to use artificial tears that are devoid of any preservatives. It ensures that the condition doesn’t worsen further.
    • Another way of keeping your eyes and mouth from drying is by increasing the indoor humidity. This ensures that whatever moisture is left in your eyes and mouth remain intact.
    • Since people suffering from Sjogren’s Syndrome suffer from dryness of the mouth as well, it is essential to maintain the right level of moisture in the mouth. In such cases, keeping oneself hydrated works wonders. Increase your fluid intake, and eventually, you will be free from a dry mouth.
    • In case of a dry mouth, the individual has to quit smoking. Smoking can aggravate the already delicate condition and absorb whatever moisture is left. Also, it irritates a dry mouth. So, kick the butt!
    • Remember how as kids we salivated seeing the sugar-coated candies? Well, never would have you thought this might come to your rescue. Sugarless or citrus-flavored candies are known to stimulate the production of saliva. So, goodbye dry mouth!
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  • Must-have nutritious and healthy foods in your meal

    It is often not required to go after out of the season food items to get a healthy and nutritious food. Enough studies have shown naturally grown seasonal food are more nutritious than the more expensive varieties. The hallmark of a nutritious and healthy food is the content than anything else. Listed below are some essential nutritious and healthy foods that do much good to our body:

    Soybeans are well known for their protein content. What is less known is the other nutrient contents in a cup of beans like copper, manganese, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin vitamin B2 and Vitamin K all more than the daily requirements. Its calorie content is high. It makes it to the list of healthy protein foods.

    Mushrooms are nutrient beyond the toppings in omelet and pizza. It contains copper, selenium, potassium, zinc, manganese, phosphorous, thiamine, vitamin B1, choline, folate. Like most vegetables, they should not be overcooked.

    Lentils are another remarkable food. It has amazing nutrients and contains more than the recommended iron requirement. Other nutrients are copper, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, manganese, fiber, folate, Vitamin B6, thiamine, Vitamin B1, and all these in just one cup of cooked lentils. Lentils are another healthy protein food.

    Kale lives up to the hype. The leaves have abundant nutrients like Vitamin. A, C and K. Besides copper, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, manganese and iron. A low oxalate content, a molecule naturally found both in the plant and humans bound to calcium and iron.

    Tomatoes by the color itself declare its value. The color lycopene is a pigment making phytochemical. Besides Vitamin. A, C and K, folic acid, beta-carotene, lutein, Biotin and minerals like potassium and copper are present. Biotin enhances metabolism.

    Green Peas: Another one of the healthy protein foods, one cup of cooked peas has high contents of manganese, copper, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, thiamine, Vitamin B1, fiber, Vitamin C, folate Vitamin B, and choline certainly punching much above its weight.

    Dark chocolate another very blessed food. It has an amazing array of antioxidants. It is found to have a beneficial effect on blood flow, lower blood pressure improved brain function and lower oxidized LDL. It is endowed with fiber, magnesium, manganese, copper, and iron. Higher the cocoa content the better is it. 85% is the highest cocoa content.

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  • Here’s what the best blinds have to offer

    Blinds are one of the most sophisticated window treatments available these days. Many people are replacing the curtains and other types of window treatments with blinds. You have to choose the best blinds available in the market to make your home appealing and energy efficient. What do the best blinds offer?

    Excellent privacy for the inmates
    This is one of the most important qualities of high-quality blinds. Your windows have a bigger role to play in ensuring the much-needed privacy of your home. Highly dynamic blinds can be used to adjust the sunlight in whatever way possible and you can control it with utmost efficiency. Advanced products are equipped with remote control settings and you can use these controls to ensure the amount of privacy you need.

    High energy efficiency for the home
    The ever-increasing energy bills have become an alarming source of concern for many people. This problem can be addressed to a certain extent with the help of installing top quality blinds. They offer better insulation and you do not have to worry about the unwanted energy loss. If you want to enjoy high energy savings, you have to buy the best products available in the market.

    Maximum safety for children
    Reliable manufacturers offer high-quality products at affordable prices and you can also expect excellent safety with these products. You do not have to worry about children getting injured because of the advanced features incorporated in the best blinds available in the market. All these products are quite easy to use.

    Mind blowing and inspiring esthetic appeal
    It is a well-known fact that top blinds offer a lot of functional benefits for the users. These benefits play a very big part in making these products immensely popular. In addition to these functional advantages, they make your home appealing and inviting. If you purchase the most suitable products that go well with the current dcor and ambiance of your home, you can take the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, patio or any other space to a different level. Right types of blinds mix well with dcor to deliver an inviting ambiance and you can feel supremely comfortable inside your home.

    These are the most prominent benefits that top quality blinds offer. You can easily purchase them online and leading stores offer a lot of discounts and benefits for the buyers. Today, you do not have to spend a lot of money for purchasing blinds and high-quality products are available at extremely affordable prices. If you spend some time to search online, you can easily find out the most suitable ones that offer amazing benefits for your home.

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  • 10 healthy phone habits to start building today

    Much has been said about monitoring screen time and restricting smartphone usage to the minimum. However, the judicious use of mobile phones is associated with incredible convenience and several benefits. Besides ensuring hassle-free communication, they facilitate essential daily activities, from shopping to entertainment and on-the-go research. Consequently, life without mobiles is impossible to fathom. That said, you must follow a few healthy phone habits to make the best of your gadget.

    Set reminders to perform healthy daily habits
    You can use your smartphone to remind yourself to perform the essential tasks that are easy to miss on busy workdays. For example, you may set reminders to drink water at fixed intervals, apply sunscreen in the mornings, take breaks from work to walk about and stretch, or have meals on time. Such habits can help you establish a healthy routine and allocate time for personal well-being.

    Track screen time
    Mobile phones now have software that help you track how much time you spend with your gadgets. You can even track how much time you spend on individual apps. Moreover, apps like Facebook and Instagram have settings that let you lock them automatically after browsing them for a fixed period each day. Such settings prevent phone overuse while ensuring you enjoy the gadget’s benefits and features.

    Use fitness apps
    Today, there is an influx of fitness apps with built-in features that help you with everything, from calorie counting and meal planning to setting an exercise routine and getting started with different workouts. Such apps help incorporate health and wellness activities into everyday life and prevent potential lifestyle diseases like cholesterol and heart problems.

    Use apps for mental health and meditation
    The importance of mental health and well-being cannot be emphasized enough. With increasing awareness of the need for good mental health, several apps have emerged to help individuals take a breather from their hectic schedules and follow essential mental practices. For example, several apps have guided meditation audio and mood trackers to help you boost your emotional and mental well-being. Such apps can also ensure better sleep and lower stress levels.

    Integrate your smartwatch with your phone
    Gone are the days when watches were used only to tell the time. Today, they help people track fitness parameters, such as their average daily number of steps, sleep duration and quality, and heart rate. Such features help you ensure optimal physical fitness and track abnormalities like irregular heartbeat, ensuring a doctor is promptly consulted in such cases.

    Capture the little moments
    Life is full of precious little moments, which most of us often overlook amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. The market has many smartphones with exceptional camera features and lenses, which you can use to capture these little moments, creating a vibrant album of precious memories. Indulging in nature photography, clicking pictures with family and friends, and capturing the places you visit (even the local ones) are just some ways to utilize the camera feature of your smartphone.

    Video call loved ones regularly
    Interacting with loved ones over the phone is not restricted to audio calls. FaceTime, Duo, and other apps have facilitated undisturbed video calling, bringing individuals from different corners of the world face-to-face. So, make connecting with family members and friends over video calls a part of your daily routine. Such calls can help you stay in touch with your loved ones far away, ensuring fruitful relationships.

    Download brain games
    Brain games have been shown to enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of mental health conditions like dementia. Both Android and iOS users can download and play brain games like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, chess, and checkers. Many websites also offer innovative and fun brain games that broaden your horizons. It helps to use these resources on your phone to challenge yourself and boost your problem-solving capability.

    Use the phone to manage your finances
    Managing multiple bank accounts and tracking your transactions can be a hassle. The good news is that mobile phone users can now integrate their bank accounts using banking apps for easy monitoring. These apps can also help you carry out various financial activities, including payment transfers, credit-card bill payments, increasing card limits, activating card features, and electricity and phone bill payments. Online payment apps also offer gift vouchers, cashback, and several other perks, motivating you to continue using these apps.

    Use note-taking apps effectively
    Note-taking apps can prove helpful in carrying out several everyday tasks, such as preparing grocery and to-do lists and maintaining a diary. Specialized note-taking apps also have advanced features like adding pictures and videos to your notes, fostering creativity. Compare different note-taking apps and download the one you like. Nowadays, most phones come with a built-in note-taking app, so ensure you try that before downloading another option.

    Besides incorporating these healthy phone habits into your routine, avoiding certain practices, such as using the phone just before sleeping and not using the “dark” mode while viewing the phone at night, is vital. While giving up such habits can be challenging in the initial phase, it proves incredibly beneficial in the long run.

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