• Foreign exchange options decoded

    Going abroad and confused about the foreign exchange aspect? Relax, it happens to the best of us. When we travel abroad there are a number of things that we need to look into so that we can make the most of the time and money that we spend there. Yet, foreign exchange is one factor where many people get stumped. There are so many options and it may get a tad bit overwhelming about which one to take, especially if you are not very good with numbers and instant conversions. So here are all the options for foreign exchange and currency. Take a look at the pros and cons of each one so that you can zero in on the best option for yourself!

    Converted currency: When you travel abroad, you will have to consider the country you are traveling to so that you know whether or not they use as much plastic money as countries like US would ideally use. Starting from a taxi to street food and flea market shopping, there are many places where credit and debit cards may not be accepted. So the best thing to do in such cases is to have some local currency in hand. Now, the trick is to get the best possible conversion rates. You will need to speak with your bank about converting the currency for you, or you may even speak with the tour agent or operator who usually gives the best foreign exchange rates. Converting cash at an airport is not recommended because of the unusually high rates of foreign exchange that they have.

    Travelers’ cheques: This is another method of carrying cash when you know you can pay by card or cheque. Your bank may give you these cheques in place of dollars or any other kind of cash so that you can use the same for shopping. Most major stores and tourist attractions usually accept such a form of currency. If these get stolen, you can get your money back because this is one of the most secure options when it comes to foreign exchange. You will need to pay a flat fee for converting your cash into some amount of travelers’ cheques.

    Prepaid cards: This is one of the most popular options for foreign exchange today. You can get an international prepaid card and load it with the desired amount of foreign currency. The operator will usually give you the best rates for that day. Then, this card can be used as a debit card at most places including stores, tourist attractions and other such places that you may visit in the new country.

    Credit card: Most credit and debit cards can be pre-loaded and used like a prepaid card minus any kind of fee. But you may incur a fee of 2% or more on withdrawal of cash. Yet, this is a secure spending option.

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  • How to choose the best rated queen mattress

    Choosing the best-rated queen mattress in an attempt to replace your mattress can easily become an exhausting, daunting task. Apart from the fact that there are many variations of queen mattresses that are well rated, the choice of a mattress is very personal and one mattress can be the ultimate comfort for one person while being the cause of a backache for another.

    The cost of mattresses can also run into thousands of dollars, depending on the type and category of mattress that is chosen. The category of which a queen mattress is chosen can directly affect the cost of the mattress. However, before paying a huge amount for what seems to be a good mattress, it is important to ensure that one is choosing the best-rated queen mattress.

    High-quality materials that are durable for years to come is the most important pre-requisite for purchasing a good mattress since a mattress usually lasts for over a decade and is something that is used every day. But this does not mean that one should keep an eye out for sales, discounts and special schemes while purchasing a new queen mattress. Most offers on mattresses may include free bed accessories like a bed frame, pillows, sheets, duvet covers, etc. It is best to scout out such deals before making a big purchase.

    Some factors to consider before purchasing the best-rated queen mattress include:

    The support the mattress offers: The core of the mattress is what provides support to the mattress. This is the foundation on the basis of which a mattress may be classified. Air-filled, innerspring, latex and foam are the four most common types of cores that are available in mattresses.

    These cores provide different qualities to the mattress. For example, innerspring mattresses offer the bounce that some people like on their beds. The bounce these mattresses offer come from the metal coil springs that can range from 12 (thickest and firmest) to 18 (thinnest and compressible) in dimensions.

    A thick gauge provides the support required by heavy individuals. Pocketed coils that are individual and covered with separate fabrics decrease the ripple effect that occurs when a person on the other side of the bed moves, while a thicker gauge support is provided by extra-durable, interconnected coils.

    A fiberfill or foam outer layer covered in quilted ticking is a common feature of innerspring mattresses but a thick looking pillow top should not be taken for a plush feel as it does not serve the purpose.

    A puffy, very springy layer looks and feels great in the shop, but within a few months’ time, the compression becomes faulty and the mattress does not spring back up as readily as required. For the plush, soft feel, it is advisable to pick a queen mattress that is well quilted and firm, and then top it off with a feather bed or a replaceable mattress pad.

    Memory foam base mattresses work well for people who prefer an extra firm base that have a polyurethane core and less of a spring. When someone sits on such a mattress, there is really no sinking or movement past the first layer. The specifications that help determine the quality of such mattresses include the density of the foam and the thickness of the layer of the foam. Usually, 5 pounds per cubic foot is considered to be very high quality, while 3 pounds per cubic foot is on the lower side in terms of density.

    Choosing a best-rated queen mattress also depends on the available customizations, although they may cost a little more.

  • Common classifications of storage spaces

    Self-storage spaces offer a convenient and safe place for keeping your belongings. Storage companies charge a fixed rent for a duration that you specify while paying for the space. Availability of space is one of the main reasons one would use a self-storage unit. Storage spaces are generally available for personal, business, and, sometimes, for recreational purposes.

    Storage spaces are broadly classified into indoor, outdoor facilities, and climate-controlled storage units.

    • Indoor facility
      Indoor storage spaces are a more secure option to store your belongings and valuables, owing to the location of the units. These storage spaces are systematically arranged in buildings and warehouses, most of them several stories tall. Indoor units vary in size, and the size will influence the cost of renting a unit.
    • Outdoor facility
      Outdoor storage spaces are mostly larger in size and are designed to accommodate most of your belongings and possessions. These spaces are more expensive to rent and mostly feature a drive-up access to load heavy furniture, unused appliances, equipment, and even vehicles.
    • Climate-controlled storage
      For perishable goods, it is advisable to rent climate and temperature-controlled storage spaces. These spaces are more expensive in comparison to indoor and outdoor storage facilities and are designed to serve a specific purpose.

    On the basis of use, self-storage spaces can be further classified into

    • Seasonal storage
      Holiday decorations, seasonal clothing, and lawn ornaments that won’t be used during the winter can be transferred to a self-storage space nearby. If you have limited space in your home, renting a small storage unit is the next best option, unless you are willing to let go of your possessions.
    • Remodeling storage
      Home remodeling can take weeks to complete, even for a small room. During this time, you will require a secure storage space to safely store all appliances and home furnishings to make space for the remodeling.
    • Storage for military personnel
      Members of the armed forces are constantly on the move, owing to deployments across the country and abroad. Self-Storage spaces come in quite handy during this time for storing their belongings on the move. Many facilities also offer discounts to these men and women who are providing a valuable service to the country.

    Services and pricing vary on the basis of the vendor in your area. So, it’s advisable to confirm rent and associated expenses well in advance.

  • Treat canker sores with these popular home remedies

    Our body is no stranger to different ailments and disorders that render us incapacitated for some time. These ailments are usually taken care of by the medicines or by age-old home remedies. But, one cannot deny the fact that though the misery stretches only for a day or two, it feels like an eternity. Similar feelings are evoked when one suffers from canker sores.
    Canker sores, commonly known as mouth ulcers, causes immense pain and unease to an individual suffering from it. Canker sores appear on the tongue or inside the cheek or the lip. The rim of the sore is red in color and the middle portion is white or yellow.

    Canker sores occur because of a variety of reasons, the most common being food allergies or if you consume food that is acidic in nature. Mostly, it occurs when you bite your lip or the inside of your cheek. No matter what causes canker sores, the bottom line is, it is immensely painful. But, here’s a ray of hope for us, it is easily treated. You don’t need to the physician to find a cure; the cure resides in your kitchen. Here’s a list of canker sore remedies that are purely natural and home-based.

    Aloe Vera- The favorite of the earlier apothecaries, the aloe vera plant is hailed for its medicinal properties. The aloe vera gel can soothe the burning sensation caused by the canker sores and speeds up the healing process. Clean the canker sore with cotton and apply the gel on the affected area. Repeat the procedure if necessary.

    Chamomile tea bag- The presence of the chemical compound, bisabolol, which reduces inflammation and induces relaxation, in the chamomile tea, makes it the perfect canker sore remedy.

    Sage- Sage is known to kill bacteria and viruses that wreak havoc in our system. So, steep two teaspoons of dried sage in boiling water and let it cool off for some time. Use the concoction to rinse your mouth at least twice or thrice a day.

    Coconut oil- Coconut oil is the safest and simplest canker sore remedy ever! You just need to dab a liberal amount of coconut oil on the sore and you would experience reduction in the burning sensations that you’ve been experiencing lately.

    Yogurt- Yogurt, made by bacterial fermentation, is one of the most-opted for canker sore remedies. The bacteria in the yogurt helps in balancing the bacteria in your mouth that might be one of the probable causes of canker sores.

    Canker sores gives rise to unpleasant experiences. Imagine not being able to talk or eat properly for a while! However, the above-mentioned canker sore remedies can help you combat the ailment easily.