Flowers are known for decorating your home or party venue on almost every occasion. They also symbolize love and other emotions. They are very much in demand almost throughout the year especially on weddings.
Apart from gifting and decorating, flowers are used for other purposes as well. These are some unusual uses of flowers that many practice, and so can you.
Food
Flowers are often used in food to add flavor and smell. In some places, flowers like pansy and roses are used in salad and can also be consumed as they are edible. You too can use rose petals and pansies in your dishes and serve it to your guests. They make your dishes look pretty and add taste. More edible flowers you can grow in your garden are Chrysanthemums, Day lilies, Lavender, Roses and more. Please note that not all flowers are edible.
Pest Control
Don’t want to use harmful pest repellents? You can now use natural flowers to keep the pests away. Borage, commonly known as star-flower, can be used to deter hornworms and cabbage worms and also help plants with their disease resistance. Chrysanthemums carry a chemical called pyrethin that is toxic for insects but safe for humans and animals to consume. Lavender can also be used to get rid of pests in your garden. They particularly keep fleas, moths and mosquitoes away. Marigold too can be used to repel white flies from tomatoes, also help protect the soil under the plants.
Tea
Flower tea is also called blooming tea. Flowering tea is extremely beneficial for your health. Jasmine tea boosts the immune system and reduce blood sugar levels. Chrysanthemums are also used in tea and has been proved to be healthy. Lily in tea can be used to cure insomnia. Blooming tea is known to have antioxidants, nourish the skin, boost metabolism, help in prevent cancer, good for heart, boost brain and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Hydrosol (flower water)
Hydrosol are similar to essential oils but are not as concentrated as essential oils. The mechanism is different and are known to have many useful properties for skin. They are often used as facial spray, body spray, hair spritzer, after shave, linen and air freshening spray, deodorant spray, healing spray, mood lifter, and cooling spray. Rose and Jasmine are widely used to make hydrosols. Other flowers are Lavender, Catnip, Chamomile.
Most tea, pest control and hydrosols can be made at home as well. You can look up the tutorials and read up information on the same. Having them grown in your garden can be an added advantage.
What’s a prepaid debit card? You’ve heard of debit cards and credit cards, but this is different. This card can help you stick to a budget and limit your spending.
Prepaid Debit Card
A credit card offers you access to credit that you can pay back later. A regular debit card gives you access to all the money in your checking account. A prepaid debit card is funded by money you load onto the card through a variety of means. You can only spend the amount that is loaded on the card. A prepaid debit card is not linked to a bank account.
Prepaid Debit Cards and Fees
Prepaid debit cards can involve different fees. There’s an activation fee, monthly fee, card loading fee, cash withdrawal fee, and fee for withdrawal at out of network ATMs. Look for cards with a minimal number of fees, a large network of ATMs, and cash loading centers. Most cards don’t charge for purchases. But there are some that do.
No Fee Prepaid Card?
If you get a prepaid card that doesn’t charge a regular fee, it might end up costing you more in charges for cash withdrawals or when you load cash to the card. There is generally an activation fee on most cards. Look for cards with monthly fees that help you avoid transaction fees for cash loading, purchase, or cash withdrawal.
With a lot of cards, monthly fees can be waived if you load cash through direct debit. The fee may also be waived if you load at least $750 or more. Check the terms and choose according to your usage.
Most of these cards are from issuers who have a large network of ATMs and partner shops. These are places where you can load cash for free. But there’s always the option to load cash through direct debit.
Some prepaid debit cards have a savings facility. You can set aside some money that you load into the card in a savings section. This can’t be accessed when you’re trying to withdraw or make a purchase. The bonus of this is that you can earn interest on the money that you’re locking in. But there are only a few cards that have this facility.
Many prepaid debit cards come with usage tracking facilities. Expenses can be separated into different categories and you can track how the money is spent.
There’s also a Cash Back prepaid debit card, the only one of its kind, the American Express Serve Cash Back. This card gives you 1% cashback on all purchases. It also comes with purchase protection.
Why Use Prepaid Debit Cards?
If you don’t have a good financial record and thus, can’t get a credit card, you can use prepaid debit cards for cash-free transactions.
There is no credit check for these cards.
You can learn to budget your expenses.
You can create savings without having to create a bank account. Look for cards that pay an interest on the amount in the savings section.
Go to card comparison websites and find reviews of the best prepaid debit cards. Choose the card that’s the best fit for you.
A virtual private network or VPN is one of the most useful tools for privacy that can be used at its best when using a public network, as it makes data tracking difficult due to encrypted connection. A VPN connection hides one’s IP address, which prevents companies from keeping tabs on your browsing history. So, if you are thinking of ramping up your privacy setting while using the internet, the following VPN services of 2021 can help you stay off the radar.
NordVPN
It is one of the best VPN services of 2021 that offers its services for both mobiles and desktops. The VPN service offers not only AES-256 standard encryption but also a double VPN system that encrypts the internet traffic twice. This ensures stronger network impermeability when using public networks. NordVPN is one of those VPN services with at least 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries, ensuring uninterrupted privacy. Moreover, it allows up to six simultaneous connections. Some of its other features include DNS leak protection, proxy extensions on Firefox and Chrome browsers, and kill switches. It is also one of the few VPN servers that accepts Bitcoin as payment.
CyberGhost
If you are looking for unblocked worldwide access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and iPlayer, CyberGhost is the VPN service for you. One of the best features of CyberGhost is it has at least 7,000 servers with more than 105 server locations in 91 countries, allowing maximum simultaneous connections of more than 7 devices. CyberGhost runs on almost all operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. The VPN service offers a trial period of 45 days with a money-back guarantee.
Surfshark
Like most VPN services, Surfshark offers its services on almost all OS platforms, making it compatible with mobile phones and desktops, thereby ensuring maximum privacy even on public networks. With 24/7 customer support, Surfshark has 3,200 servers in at least 100 locations in 65 countries. While other VPN services offer limited multiple-device connection, Surfshark offers unlimited devices connection. It also has private DNS and double VPN hop that adds an extra layer of security while browsing the internet.
ExpressVPN
It is one of the best VPN services of 2021. ExpressVPN is a trusted name when it comes to online privacy. ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in almost 160 locations across 94 countries, and you can use it even on the go, as it works on both mobile phones and desktops. It can be used on various operating system platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. ExpressVPN has dedicated extensions for web browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
Safelink wireless has instilled new hope for people who cannot afford smartphones. It is indeed a great initiative by the government that provides free cell phones and data for low-income families.
Safelink phones are networked by TracFone wireless carrier. The cell phones compatible with Safelink wireless are prepaid and very basic.
How secured are Safelink phones?
In today’s times, where information is so easily available, one question that crosses everyone’s mind is this: are Safelink phones secured? Since Safelink phones are government aided, security is of utmost importance. To prevent secured information from getting leaked, Safelink phones are enabled with Secure Socket-Layered technology to decipher the information that can possibly get leaked through its website. All web pages of Safelink are secured. The Applicant can check if the URL of the website begins with HTTPS instead of HTTP. Once the secured website is verified, only then can the applicant enter his personal information there.
Applying for Safelink Phones
Application for Safelink phones can be done through the website by entering your zip code. Once you have identified the free government Safelink programs in your area, you can apply in person by sending documents like your social security number and income proof for verification purpose. Once verified, the applicant receives the cell phone and service in about 2 weeks.
Carriers
TracFone is the carrier that carries out the Safelink wireless service. It is a part of the Lifeline program—a government initiative that is dedicated to providing cell phones and services to low-income groups. Though this service varies from state to state, Lifeline services are funded by Federal Universal Service Fund. Under the Lifeline program, the applicant can get one free cell phone with service per household. The applicant gets 250 free minutes per month and a specified amount of free text. Once the amount of free minutes is exhausted, the applicant will have to recharge the service by adding additional data. Additional data can be renewed online or from TracFone service centers.
Safelink phones are easily available and very secure, so you need not worry about security breaches. This program has been very successful among eligible Americans.