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The city of New York is the most populous city in the United States. Within its borders, 8.6 million people have a place to call home. Add to that number the tens of millions of tourists that live in the city, and you’re talking a whole lot of people packed into this town.

That massive population is part of New York’s hustle and bustle charm though. Hustle and bustle isn’t the only thing that this incredible city has on tap, by the way.

Oh no… It has got soooo much more.

If you want to know exactly what this city has to offer in the way of attractions, you’re in the right place! Below, we share with you our list of fun things to do in NYC that you can enjoy whether you’re a local or a tourist.

1. Visit Lady Liberty

The statue of liberty is an unmistakable feature in New York. Look out toward the water and there she is, standing proudly and inspiring hope in millions.

While gawking at lady liberty from the water is all well and good, getting up close and personal with her is much better.

So, grab a ferry and sail on over to the fixture. Take some pictures at its feet or, if you’re feeling adventurous, wander inside of the statue and take the stairs up to its crown.

2. Pay Your Respects at the WTC Memorial

The attacks of 9/11 are this generation of American’s most sobering event. While many years have passed since that horrendous day, the wounds of it still remain for many families, firefighters and spectators that were caught in the crosshairs of the mayhem.

To help heal those wounds and to never forget what transpired, the city of New York has created a wonderful monument located where the World Trade Center used to be.

Learn more about hotels in the general area so you can queue up for access ahead of the masses. Our recommendation is to go at night and silently run your fingers over the many names of the people that lost their lives during the attacks. You’ll never be the same afterward.

3. Eat Great Pizza

If you like pizza, you’re going to love New York. This town is the Italian-style pizza capital of America.

Throw a stone, and you’re likely to hit the window of a place that serves up great pies.

You can buy pizza by the slice or, if you’re looking to get really crazy, purchase a whole pie and start scarfing that bad-boy down. Just be sure that you have a friend with you who can roll you out of the restaurant when you’re done stuffing your face.

4. See the City from Above

New York’s skyline is so intense that you’ll spend a ton of time looking up at the buildings that are towering over you. To get a unique perspective on the city, rather than looking up, try looking down.

You can hop in an elevator in the Empire State Building and ride it to the top. Then, you can head out to the building’s viewing deck and use binoculars to see just about everything.

5. Get Cultured

We’re not big on refined culture here. But heck, we’re brutes.

We’re sure that you, on the other hand, would love spending days wandering through museums and pondering all of the intricacies of the artist’s brain and our country’s history. And that’s great because New York is jam-packed with museums!

Some of the best museums in town include The Museum of Modern Art and the American Museum of Natural History.

To make this “fun things to do in NYC” suggestion even better, on some days, museums waive admission fees!

6. Watch a Show

No fun things to do in NYC list is complete without plugging a Broadway show. If you’ve never seen live theater before, checking out what’s playing on Broadway is an incredible place to start.

Sure, Broadway can get a little pricey. If you know how to buy tickets though, you’ll be able to save a ton of cash.

For example, on certain days, many theaters give out discount tickets to students. Other times, deal sites like Groupon offer great rates on show tickets.

7. Catch a Ballgame

There’s nothing quite like spending a warm night at a ballpark. This goes double if you’re lucky enough to be sitting in Yankees stadium.

The Yankees are one of the oldest teams in the United States. The team is surrounded by a fan base and culture that you just have to experience to believe.

Try to catch a ball game during the week to save a little bit of cash or, if you want to go all out, grab some premium seats during a division game on a Friday or Saturday.

You won’t regret it.

8. Hang out in Central Park

Sometimes, the most fun thing to do in NYC is to do nothing at all. If you’re so inclined to do nothing, there’s no better place to achieve that end then by sitting on your butt in central park.

Central Park is wonderful during the summer and offers ample people-watching opportunities.

What more can you ask for?

Wrapping up Fun Things to Do in NYC That You Won’t Want to Miss

There are a virtually unlimited amount of fun things to do in NYC. While we think that you should prioritize our suggestions, know that they barely scratch the surface of what’s possible.

Best of luck in your NYC travels, and be sure to check out more of our lifestyle content if you need more inspiration!

Do you know that your dog can get jealous when you display affection for another creature? Well, the answer is probably No!

Dogs are unique, and as a dog owner, you’ll always feel that you must understand what makes him/her happy.

This isn’t something that you have to worry about as dogs love the simplest activities (as long as you are around).

Once you engage them, they’ll always return their love with honesty and dedication.

However, if you keep repeating the same activities over and over, they’ll get bored.

Taking your dog for a walk, visiting the vet regularly, teaching him new tricks and playing games are just some of the few things that can keep your dog happy.

Your pet is a part of your family that shouldn’t be ignored. Use these tips to keep your dogs happy now and in the future.

1. Give Them A Bath

While your dogs may not necessarily need to be bathed every week, regular baths will have them feeling clean and fresh.

Also, you’ll not only be more apt to pet them because they feel cleaner and smell better, but you’ll also be getting rid of pesky fleas.

2. Teach New Tricks

Dogs are fast learners, and you’ll be surprised that they can grasp new tricks in a short time. Training is an incredible way to spend time with your dog and create a bond.

Remember that old dogs can learn new tricks, so don’t hesitate to try new things on your senior!

3. Play Games

Dogs love to be engaged in different games. So, indoor games such as hide and seek or tug of war can make your dog happy.

If you are playing hide and seek, for instance, let your dog stay while you find a spot to hide. Once situated, call your dog, and if he finds you, compliment him/her.

4. Socialize With Your Dog

Take your dogs out when visiting your friends or relatives. Or even on longer trips, though for reasons of their absolute comfort you may have to call an expert pet transport service, for which you can click here now.

Just like humans, dogs love to socialize, and in their formative years, meeting new people makes them friendly and kind towards strangers later in life.

5. Respect Their Individuality

Sometimes your dog prefers being alone. So, you’ve got to watch out for signs that he/she needs some time alone.

While you may love to cuddle him/her, restrain yourself and give him/her space. He/she will always come when done he/she is done exploring.

6. Use Food Dispensing Toys For Meals

By using a food dispenser for your dog’s meal, you’ll be giving them a fun problem to solve. It also adds extra mental stimulation to their routine.

This helps to cut down on problem behavior such as excessive chewing or barking.

7. Give Him Compliments

Dogs thrive in compliments and positivity. So, let him/her know every time he/she is doing something that makes you happy. This motivates him/her to do it over and over again.

8. Take Your Dog Swimming

If your dog loves water, you should plan a trip to your local lake or beach for a fun outing.

This isn’t just fun, but it’s an excellent form of exercise, especially for dogs with joint issues such as arthritis. If your dog isn’t used to the deep water, remember to use a doggie life jacket.

9. Limit Their Food

While most owners tend to believe that limiting their dog food intake is counter intuitive, they have to understand that dogs will try to eat an entire bag of kibble before they think they’re full.

By limiting your dog’s food intake, you’ll keep his/her weight in check, and this makes him/her happier. Excessive weight limits his/her playtime and increases body temperature. This makes him/her lazy.

10. Relax With Your Dog

You can choose to relax with your dog at the beach, during a hike, in your yard and your kitchen. Teaching your dog to relax and sit down makes a great bonding time.

Quietly lay down or sit together watching the stars, ceiling, or waves crash. This might not be an exciting activity, but you’ll notice that your dog will open up and relax, feeling comfortable by your side.

11. Give Her A Job

Most full-fledged adult dogs aren’t satisfied unless they’re given something to do. So you may have to put him in charge of carrying treats during hikes.

You can also let him fetch the keys every time he/she is going outside. Don’t make your actions predictable as every small variation makes everything interesting.

12. Talk The Talk

You need to talk to your dog frequently. It doesn’t have to be deep or meaningful, but he/she will benefit when you speak to him/her. This makes him/her familiar with your voice in different situations, which can be relaxing.

13. Visit The Vet Regularly

You should see a vet when your dog is about ten months old to get a physical exam and maybe de-worming.

For a senior dog that is more than ten years yearly check-up is essential. If they experience severe conditions such as chronic inflammation, pain, anxiety, or stress, your veterinary may have to consider the best CBD oil for Dogs as a treatment option.

It is important to understand endocannabinoid system, because it is important to understand and be careful about what you are putting into your body (or your pets) so make sure you do your research so you understand what CBD is and what it can do for you!

14. Make The Tail Wag

Set yourself the challenge to see how many times you can make the tail of your dog wag without touching him/her. Use different sounds, intonation and body language. Your dog can greatly benefit from such an interaction.

15. Rotate Toys

Dogs tend to get bored with toys, but it doesn’t mean that you always have to buy new ones. If your dog gets bored with what’s out now, you can try bringing out an old one that he/she probably forgot. Putting the toys on rotation makes him/her always excited.

16. Keep Sprinkler systems Going

If your dog enjoys a bath, then sprinkler systems can be an ultimate fun sensation.

So that not to scare him/her with a cold, unexpected jet in the face, you have to put the sprinkler on first then let the dog out. This is a fun activity if you are busy and can’t keep him/her engaged.

17. Buy A Kiddie Pool

If you aren’t close to the lake or a beach, you can still give your dog the water experience they need by buying them a kiddie pool.

This might not be ideal for larger breeds, but small dogs will enjoy cooling off and splashing around.

18. Let Them Smell The Roses

Every time you go out on a walk, you should let your dog explore and smell the place.

Dogs love sniffing flowers, plants, and grass to find out what happened since the last time they took a walk. They also get to enjoy the walk as they won’t feel that it’s a rushed exercise. Just be sure to apply a dog balm on their paws after a long walk to soothe their tired dry paws.

19. Leave your Windows Open

You can hardly spend the whole day with your dog because you have other duties to attend.

Your dog too has his/her share of responsibilities mainly to smell, hear and look. So, every time you’re out, keep your windows open so that your dog can be stimulated.

You should have secure screens on your window just in case your pup tries to hop out!

20. Let Them Sleep With You

Not every dog owner can pull this off as it may feel uncomfortable sharing a bed with a dog.

Some people are allergic, while others probably lack the space to accommodate them. However, dogs love sharing their sleeping spot with owners because they feel safe and comfortable all night.

21. Find Company For Your Dog

Most Dogs that live in apartments lack the company of friendly animals. Sometimes your trips to the park are scarce, and you also can’t afford to own two pets.

If this is the case, you should consider finding a friend with a dog come over so that they can have fun together.

According to Rabbit Life, rabbits can be great friends for your dog(as long as they are introduced properly of course)

Learn How To Keep Your Dogs Happy!

Keeping your dogs happy can be overwhelming, but if you give them regular baths, you’ll get rid of pesky fleas that make them uncomfortable.

If you’re close to a lake or beach, take some time off and go swimming. Remember to carry the doggie life jacket just in case you’ll head into deep water.

You have to regulate how your dog eats. If you overfeed, him/her chances are that he/she will gain excess weight which can affect his/her playtime.

You also have to make yearly veterinary appointments if you have an older dog. Routine checkups help to spot and manage different medical conditions before they start.

Dogs love to play with toys, but they’ll get bored with what they’re used to. So, switching what’s out now with older ones keep them motivated.

For those who can’t manage trips to the beach or lake, a kiddie pool is a perfect way for small dogs to enjoy cooling off.

If you are too busy and can’t find time to go to the park, have a friend with a dog to come over so that your pet has company.

Looking forward to being a dog owner? Check out our blog to learn the reasons why you should consider getting a Labrador retriever.

You have invested in the latest phone, and now you are in the market looking for the best phone cases. Well good for you, because you need to keep your phone safe. We have taken the time to see the various phone cases available in the market and will review some of them below.

Which are the Best Phone Cases of 2019?

A phone case is a must-have item for anyone who knows the value of their phone. You can choose this custom product to suit what you like in terms of look color or size. There is a wide variety of trendy phone cases to choose from in the market.

So let’s go ahead and dive into our review of best phone cases of 2019.

1. Spigen Ultra Hybrid

The Spigen ultra hybrid phone case is for iPhones and features a minimalist, slim design. You will get good protection for your phone in case it drops. The back comprises of PC, which is rigid, and the bumper is flexible while giving you a good grip.

The buttons are ductile, and the cut-outs are precise meaning you’ll have no problems with access. You also get yellowing resistance and good clarity.

Some users have a problem with fitting the iPhone XS into the case, due to different dimensions in the newer models. The speaker ports do not also matchup in some of them.

2. OtterBox Symmetry

The Otterbox symmetry has Polycarbonate outer shell and synthetic interior made of rubber. It is pocket-friendly, while still offering great protection and durability. It comes in a wide range of colors and is suitable for most phones, including Samsung, Apple, and Android.

What we do not like about it is that it is not waterproof. It also does not have an inbuilt battery or a kickstand you can fold out. It may also add a little bulk to your phone, so if you like a slim look, this may not be the one for you.

3. Spigen Rugged Armour

Spigen Rugged Armour is one of the best smartphone cases available in the market. What you get is a thin case, and is great for the Google Pixel 3. The case features a two-tone texturized look, made of matte carbon fiber.

The shell will easily accommodate your phone, while the texturized interior will give your phone a good grip. You will get good drop protection due to the air cushion technology. The raised lip sleep at the front will ensure no phone damage even if it falls face-first.

Volume controls are easy due to tactile buttons. You will also be able to charge your phone wirelessly. One thing you need to be cautious about is that it is slippery to the touch.

4. Otterbox Samsung S7 Edge Defender case

The Otterbox Defender Case is one of the popular phone cases due to four-layer protection. You get a rugged case that comes with iPhone buffer, screen cover, outer slipcover, and inner shell. If you like the outdoors, the belt clip will keep your phone secure every time.

Coming in at almost $60, it may be a bit costly when you compare it to the other products available in the market.

5. Moment Pixel Photo Case

The Moment Pixel Photo Case will work well with the pixel, iPhone, and Samsung Galaxy Smartphones. The focus is on the camera, and it has an inbuilt lens interface. The body is made of rubber, giving you good drop protection. It also comes with a strap attachment for extra safety.

You can also get the Moments battery photo case for iPhones, which has an in-built battery, integrated lightning Port, and two-stage shutter button. The case is thin, and it is available in Canvas or real American wood. This case is suitable for iPhone x, 8 and 8 Plus, and 7 and 7plus

6. Zizo Bolt series

Zizo Bolt series is an iPhone case that comes with a tempered glass screen protector. The package includes a holster, and the design departs from the former ones which were very bulky.

The lanyard is a good touch, and you get a heavy duty case at a friendly price.

7. Sand marc Lens Edition

The Sand marc lens edition is for iPhones only, and you get a case with a brilliant lens. It is, therefore, suitable for those who like photography because it features macro lens, 5 fisheye lens, 4x telephoto zoom, and 2x wide lens.

If you are to consider the phone case trends 2019, you may not get too much protection from this one, but you will get great photos.

8. JETech Cases

The JetchCase has superior shock absorption capabilities due to the bumper cover. Coming in at under $10 on Amazon, it is pocket-friendly. You can use it for Apple iPhone 8, and iPhone 7.

The cover is made of PCU and TPU, has a slim design, and you get easy access to all the controls. If you are the rough outdoorsy type, avoid this case because it may be a bit fragile.

9. Spigen Neo Hybrid

The Spigen Neo hybrid comes in a wide range of colors, and you can use it for Apple, Samsung and Android phones. It is a slim case, and has great shock absorption with a dual layer for extra protection. the body is made of herringbone textured rubber, thus giving you a good grip.

With Spigen Neo hybrid, you get a stylish, functional and usable phone case. It may not, however, be a very good choice for you if you are clumsy. Some reviewers say that they wish it could be a little bit tougher.

10. Torras Slim Fit

As the name suggests, you get a slim case, but do not let the look fool you. The level of protection is very good due to the flexible, hard plastic case. It has a nice feel to it, and you will not have a problem fitting in the screen protectors.

Some people find it a bit slippery.

Have you Found the One you Like?

We have given you our opinions on some of the best phone cases in the market. In the spirit of balance, we have given you the pros and cons of each case.

You can bookmark us for more information. Otherwise, go ahead and protect your investment.

Getting a dog is a big decision. There are so many adorable canines out there who need a home. Plus, you have to consider your space, your family, and your lifestyle. How will a new puppy fit in?

As you consider all of the breeds out there, you may think about appearance, personality, and temperament. You may have fond memories of your childhood pet which you would like to replicate. But, like kids, each pet is different in its own way.

If you want to reduce your risk of choosing a dog that is unfriendly, overly aggressive, or simply too difficult for your way of life, there are some breeds which are a sure thing. One example: the Labrador Retriever.

Labradors have so many good traits for a pet that they have been consistently named one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. and the U.K. for many years in a row. In many ways they are the ideal dog: just ask any of the thousands of happy Lab owners registered with the American Kennel Club.

Here are seven reasons why you should get a Labrador. 

1. Labs are Sporty 

if you like to run, hike, swim, play Frisbee, bicycle, or any other sports, a lab will be your constant companion. These dogs have lots of energy and are very athletic. 

Labs need lots of exercise time, so it is important that your home has a big backyard or other play areas where they can romp and roam. You also need to have a schedule that allows for frequent walks, especially when they are young and are being trained.

Luckily, labs are very intelligent (see #4), so they not only get house trained quickly, but they are easily trained to accompany you on all sorts of excursions.

You can take your Lab on camping trips or long hikes where he will follow you every step of the way on mountain ledges and rocky trails. Labs are game for anything! 

They also love sports and are eager to play catch with anything you throw at them. They can join in a game of Ultimate Frisbee with you and your mates!

A Labrador is also an ideal hunting or fishing companion. As their name implies,  they are great at retrieving game. Their love of water makes them eager to dive into rivers and lakes to grab pheasants and quail. 

2. They are Child- Friendly… Very Friendly! 

For 28 years in a row, Labradors have been named America’s most popular breed! 

No doubt, this popularity stems from the Lab’s outgoing and friendly personality. Energetic and cuddly, loyal and friendly, Labs are great for every pet owner, from an older person in need of a companion to a big family. 

If you have kids, Labs are an excellent choice for the family pet. They have endless supplies of patience for toddlers who live to pull their ears and climb all over them. Because they have been bred to retrieve birds for hunters, they tend to “gum” instead of bite.

This kind of canine can be very gentle and protective of little ones. That’s why they not only are great companions for kids,  but also “top dog” service animals for people with disabilities.

A labrador is so lovable, the only real danger is she might lick you to death!  They are also undeniably cute.

There’s a reason Labs are often cast as the perfect puppy in commercials and advertisements. Brown or golden lab puppies have big paws, big eyes and are fluffy and irresistible. Be warned, if you see an ad or sign that says, chocolate lab puppies for sale, chances are you are going to come home with your kids’ new best friend!

3. They Have Lovable Dispositions

Labs are affable and friendly. They also love to help, which is why they are so good at providing service to the disabled, support to soldiers, and assistance to the police in search and rescue missions or by sniffing out contraband.

Labs respond well to food and love, like pats on the head, scratches under the chin, and encouraging words. They are easy to train because they are so easy to please. They want nothing more than to make their masters proud.

This breed is so loving that they actually are not ideal guard dogs. Some owners have reported that their labs have been too friendly to intruders! 

Other breeds may be irritable, territorial, aloof, or aggressive. Most Labs on the other hand simply love to be loved. 

While the majority of labs are patient, obedient and affectionate, it should be noted that, like all breeds, there are some exceptions, especially among dogs who have not been raised in loving environments. Always make sure you check out the breeder or owner of any dog before you bring them into your own home. 

4. They are Super Smart

The dogs most frequently trained as seeing eye dogs? Labradors. Dogs best suited to being trained for investigative work with law enforcement agencies, customs and border patrol, and other high stakes jobs? Labradors! 

Labs are easily trainable which is why they are often selected to help in certain human professions. They respond well to commands. They learn lessons quickly and retain their knowledge.

Labradors also exhibit what is called emotional intelligence. Owners frequently report that their labs will demonstrate empathy with them. They comfort their masters when they are sad and they sense when they are afraid.

5. They Love to Swim

Labrador retrievers were bred to be water dogs. They have water-resistant double coats that provide insulation against cold water. Their short hair keeps them warm but doesn’t drag them down when it gets wet.

Labs even have webbed toes to facilitate swimming. They also have short otter-like tails which they use as rudders to steer them in the water.

Originally from the island of Newfoundland, fishermen used to use these dogs to bring in nets, pull ropes between boats, and recover escaped fish. This must have instilled in the breed a great love for the water because even city-raised Labs will jump in a pond, pool or puddle if they have the chance! 

6. They Get Along With Other Animals

Labs are typically born into litters of 8 pups or more, so they are used to big families! Because tolerance is one of their most dominant traits, they are a great breed to introduce to a multi-pet household.

Labs are usually patient and persistent enough to endear themselves to even the most snobby cat. Check out Youtube for millions of videos of Labs cuddling with kittens and other creatures. 

If you are introducing a new pet into your home where a Lab lives, follow the guidelines you would with any other kind of dog. Introduce them slowly and arrange the first meeting on neutral territory like a park. Make sure each dog has their own toys, bed, and space.

7. Everyone Loves a Labrador!

People of all ages and abilities love Labs. As we have discussed, Labs are often used as Seeing Eye dogs for the visually impaired. They help people with other disabilities as well.

For people with mobility issues,  Labs have been known to help with such tasks as picking up keys, a wallet, or the mail. They can turn on appliances like the washing machine, or open doors. They can help the deaf by letting them know when a doorbell or phone is ringing. 

Labradors are also important members of the armed forces. Their powerful sense of smell enables them to detect traces of explosive material. They have been employed in war zones like Afghanistan to help soldiers.

Their noses also come in hand with sniffing out drugs at airports, and even alerting people with health issues. They are frequently used to help track missing people after natural disasters or criminal activity. 

They can detect all kinds of medical emergencies, like alerting owners to an impending seizure, to detecting low blood sugar in diabetics and tumors in cancer patients.

Whether you need the brains and nose of a smart Lab to help you in your job or daily life, or whether you simply want a cuddly friend to play with, you can’t go wrong with a Labrador. 

For The Best Dog for Work and Play, Get a Labrador 

A Lab is smart, friendly, patient and kind. She will be your best buddy and your faithful jogging partner. She will help you complete tasks you may not be able to do on your own, and she can help defend your home. 

If you have room for him to run and play, and time to spend with him on long walks, fishing trips, or cuddles by the fire, think about whether you and your family should get a Labrador. If you are willing to make time for him by playing catch, brushing his beautiful coat, and integrating him into your family,  a Lab is surely the right dog for you. 

If you get a Lab, you will have a best friend for life! Contact us if you are considering getting a Labrador as your family pet.

Traveling is something everyone wishes they could do more.

But how do you travel if you have a furry friend who never wants to leave your side? 

The answer lies in two key points. 

First, be realistic about where you want to travel with your pet. 

Second, make sure you have all of the right pet travel accessories!

Pet travel accessories can literally make or break your vacation with your pet. Being well prepared and appropriately equipped will make your vacation smooth and easy-going. 

Then, you’ll be able to enjoy what’s really important – spending time with your number one companion!

Must-Have Pet Travel Accessories

Depending on where you intend to travel and what you intend to do while vacationing, some of these pet travel accessories are an absolute must!

Make things easy on yourself, and comfortable for your pet. Investing in these simple items can accomplish both. 

Check out our top 10 list of accessories to make the most of your trip with your pet!

1. Travel Food and Water Containers

Most pet dishes aren’t made for life on the road. Make sure you get a travel-friendly food and water dish for your buddy. 

They make collapsible bowls as well as tough rubber and plastic dishes. The choice is yours!

Additionally, it may not be a bad idea to look into portable pet water bottles. They are a traditional water bottle capped with a dispenser/trough design. With the push of a button, water is released into the trough where your pet can lap it up.

2. Pet Crate

Although you may not think you need it, at some point on the road you’re going to wish you had a pet crate.

Sometimes our furry friends are too curious for their own good and put themselves in danger. Other times, they get so excited they have a hard time controlling their behavior. And sometimes, they just need to be crated for the sake of other people.

Whatever the reason, you can find the perfect crate for your pet at https://www.petcratesdirect.com. Good luck and happy crate-hunting!

3. Waste Cleanup Accessories

You wouldn’t much appreciate someone bringing their dog into your home and letting him make waste on the carpet, would you?

Likewise, while traveling, it’s important to clean up after your pet. Make sure you bring plenty of pet waste clean up accessories when you go on your trip. These include plenty of bags and a small shovel or garden spade to help clean up solid waste.

4. Pet Tracker

The worst thing that could ever happen while traveling with your pet would be losing them in a strange place. 

They don’t know the area and you probably don’ t either.

GPS pet trackers like Whistle 3 allows you to track your pet via Google Maps and monitor their activity. It even lets you set up “safe zones” and alerts you when your pet’s not in them!

These types of pet travel accessories are absolutely vital for your pet’s well-being and your peace of mind.

5. Car Seat Cover

Car seat covers are the ultimate in pet travel accessories. It protects your seats from claws, drooling, waste, and fur.

Not only that, but a car seat cover lets your pet own the back seat, so they can be plenty comfortable during the trip.

Finally, at the end of the trip, you have minimal cleaning to do to get your car back in order!

6. Zip Line System

There are multiple types of zip line systems for your pet. 

One type secures them to the back seat, keeping them from distracting you and out of harms way in the event of an accident.

The other kind is designed to be hung up between to high points at about four or five feet. Trees usually work well.

The leash is then attached to the zip line and allows your dog to run back and forth without being tangled up in traditional ropes or cables.

7. Cleaning Accessories

Let’s face it, no matter how careful and attentive you are, there’s a good chance your pet will have some form of an accident on your trip.

Therefore, cleaning supplies are at the top of the list of pet travel accessories to have on hand. 

Make sure you bring disinfectants, deodorizers, and wipes just in case your furry friend has an upset stomach or an accident.

8. Protective/Warm Pet Clothing

The last thing you want to do while taking your four-legged companion on an adventure with you is exposing them to the elements.

Animals don’t enjoy being cold and wet any more than we do. Make sure your pet is taken care of with some basic pet travel accessories such as blankets, sweaters, and even rain jackets.

If you plan on taking them out onto the water or crossing any streams or rivers, make sure you equip them with a pet lifejacket as well!

They’ll be happy you thought of them!

9. Pop-Up Dog Tent

Not all dogs do well in human tents. It’s okay, it just means they need their own!

You don’t want your furry friend out there in the elements but you know they have a tendency to bring mud and dirt in. Some dogs can even tear holes in the floor.

Instead, get a small pop-up dog tent just for them. Pawhut makes a fantastic dog tent to keep your pet out of the elements and away from pesky insects!

10. Pet Carrier

Sometimes, it’s necessary to carry our smaller four-legged friends. If you have a pet that enjoys or needs to be carried, a pet carrier is one of the most important pet-travel accessories you can buy.

Pet carriers come in all different sizes, colors, and designs. You can carry your pet around in a baby Mei Tai style carrier, a backpack, a satchel,  a hand-carried basket, etc. There are a surprising number of choices.

Enjoy Your Time

Regardless of whatever pet travel accessories you bring on your trip, make sure you get the most out of your time with your furry friend.

It always seems like time flies by so fast we never had time to appreciate the small moments. 

Plan a trip today with your companion and cherish every second of it!

A personal loan is a crucial stepping stone to improving your credit. Personal loans provide you with excellent ways to make major purchases and consolidate debts.

If you’re wondering whether you should apply for a personal loan, you’re in the right place. Personal loans are used for a broad range of options. This guide will give you five reasons why you should consider applying for a personal loan.

1. Consolidate Debt

Imagine you have outstanding credit card debts or multiple loans that are overdue. In such moments, a personal loan will come in handy. Things become easier by combining all your outstanding balances.

When lenders owe you lots of debts, you pay high-interest rates. The process is tedious and inconvenient, and some payments can get lost in the shuffle or overlooked.

Consolidating enables you to handle one payment with a defined end term at a fixed rate. Besides, debt consolidation loans have high approval rates.

2. Boost Your Credit Score

It’s another great reason to apply for a loan. Imagine you have no credit or bad credit score? Your credit history has a significant effect on influencing your score.

Be sure you understand what impacts your credit score. Your credit history has an impact of 15% on the entire credit score. By taking the loan and paying regularly, your rating will rise.

In the future, it gives you better chances of applying for larger amounts. The personal loan will repair or boost your credit score by creating a good credit history.

3. Home Improvement

Whether you are seeking to install solar panels, new roof, swimming pool, remodel your kitchen, or redo your landscaping, consider a personal loan. The loan fits people without equity or not seeking a home equity credit line.

Home is the largest asset for many people. You want your home to have certain features according to your comfort and preferences. You can also buy major home appliances.

4. Medical Bills

Frequent trips to a hospital can quickly accumulate expenses. For example, the cost of IVF may be up to tens of thousands of dollars. It’s more if you’re underinsured or uninsured. Your good insurance may refuse to cover your accumulated expenses.

Do you know insurance companies don’t cover everything in health? When your bills are taken to collections, they hurt your credit score. A personal loan comes with benefits as you can pay all services related to health.

Do you know lenders don’t have the right to take physical assets whenever borrowers cannot make payments on unsecured loans? Unsecured loans are approved without collateral. Rather than pledging assets, a borrower qualifies for a loan depending on income and credit history.

5. Higher Education

Young adults don’t usually pay their education in full. A student loan is a superior alternative if you’re seeking to pay for school.

Some student loans are based on income. They are easy to approve even without scores or with bad credit scores.

Final Thoughts on Why You Should Apply for a Personal Loan

Now you got the answers on why you should apply for a loan. The five guidelines mentioned above will help you in making the right decisions.

Are you in need of a quick unsecured loan? Stop looking. Give us a call or visit our website for a quick response and loan approval.

Did you know that 82 percent of marketers report higher open rates when email marketing gets personalized? Of that, a full 75 percent argue that personalized marketing also leads to better click-through rates.

Clearly, personalization represents an important part of your digital marketing toolkit. You want to throw it in there with all your video marketing, SEM, and Search Engine Optimization Packages for use at different stages of your business growth.

But it can also represent an intimidating proposition.

You see, personalization involves one-to-one marketing. This means creating and implementing a strategy that individualizes content through automation technology, data collection, and analysis.

But how do you make this happen in a way that doesn’t eat up your time, destroy your marketing budget, or leave you burned out? That’s where we come in. We understand personalized promotions inside and out.

And we want to give you insights that you can take into your own future marketing campaigns. Read on to learn all about the benefits of personalization and how to use this marketing strategy to your company’s advantage.

The Benefits of Personalized Advertisements

According to Valve+Meter Performance Marketing, individualized marketing comes with countless benefits. These include advantages such as:

• Increased consistency across marketing channels
• Increased revenue
• Improved customer experience
• Ramped up brand loyalty

Let’s examine these benefits further to see how personalized marketing can give your company a home-court advantage.

The Advantage Your Company Needs

Today’s consumers interact with brands in more ways than ever before. These involve a variety of channels from mobile to social to email. With a personalized marketing approach, you create a more consistent, customer-centric vibe.

Personalization strategies help you appeal to the right customers in the right places. In other words, this approach lets you recognize and respond to customers via their preferred channels.

The result? Ramped up ROI. (And a happy dance from you.)

Customer experience remains a marketing buzzword and with good reason. To make the sale, you have to earn your customer’s trust.

How do you do this? Through personalized interactions that let your customers know that your brand cares about what they want and will go above and beyond to keep them happy. Of course, this starts with individualized attention.

Companies who go the extra mile when it comes to treating their customers like valued individuals earn greater brand loyalty. Why does brand loyalty matter? Because return customers spend 67 percent more than first-timers.

Road Blocks on the Road to Personalization

Of course, personalized marketing, like any other strategy, comes with a unique set of challenges. Your ability to recognize and overcome these will directly impact the success of your marketing efforts.

Here are some of the biggest challenges today’s businesses face when it comes to personalization:

• Implementing smart segmentation
• Creating a single customer view
• Finding the right technology
• Dedicating enough time and resources to the actualization process

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? That’s okay. Just don’t let these roadblocks discourage you from giving one-to-one marketing a try.

With the right know-how, you can easily surmount these obstacles and ramp up your company’s marketing success rates. Let’s dive into why these factors can sabotage your best-laid marketing efforts and how to avoid this.

Personalized Marketing Pitfalls

Smart segmentation represents more than a trend. It can boost your campaigns’ performances in massive ways. But many marketers struggle with the basic concept.

They focus on simple clustering or broad segments, both of which result in basic segmentation strategies that don’t perform as desired.

When it comes to creating a single customer view, many marketers fail miserably. Why? Because they have trouble linking data with individual customer profiles.

They fail to see the right common threads across channels, and they cannot piece data together so that it points to a single, unified customer profile. As a result, their attempts at personalization look and feel anything but personal.

Outdated technology won’t do your company any favors either. Why? Because automation and data collection remains key to personalization, and you need cutting edge tech to provide this.

Many companies also fail to allocate the right resources to their personalized marketing efforts. For example, they don’t understand that this type of marketing requires a devoted team.

But one thing’s for certain. A lack of dedication to the process will ensure dramatic failure.

Personalized Marketing Best Practices

Now that we’ve taken a look at the benefits and challenges associated with personalized marketing let’s dive into surefire ways to achieve success.

Do you already have a personalized marketing platform? If not, it’s time to get one.

And if you do? Then, spend some time comparing it with other platforms to make sure you’re getting the most value for your money. The world of marketing continues to advance at a lightning pace, so don’t get left behind.

Your next step involves establishing ways to capture data about your customers. In most cases, this just requires a few simple steps. For example, you’ll need to add a handful of code to your website pages.

Once you do this, start collecting essential data about your customer’s behaviors and interests. This data should include everything from purchase history and time on site to click-throughs and abandoned shopping carts.

Congrats! Now you should have a valuable body of data to analyze.

When you take the time to capture data, build the capabilities to analyze it, and develop sites that can adapt, you’ll feel amazed by the results, especially when these processes get fully synchronized.

This is also a prime time to start running A/B tests to gain new insights into how well your personalization efforts are working.

Based on your data and analyses, you’ll sit in a much better place to make future marketing decisions. What’s more, you’ll now be able to act based on the needs of individual customers at different steps along the buyer’s journey.

Get Ready for Skyrocketing Sales

From here, the sky’s the limit when it comes to personalized marketing campaigns. Some of our personal favorite techniques include targeted emails, custom video messages, product recommendations, and social media marketing.

Ready to learn more about effective marketing strategies that’ll skyrocket your business sales? Read on for the full Dishh now.

There is an average of 16,000 car accidents on any given day in the United States. Thankfully, most of those accidents are only property damage. With that said, one-third of all traffic accidents do involve some sort of personal injury.

Teenagers are especially prone to car accidents, with hundreds being injured every day.

Car accidents have the power to rattle even the most seasoned drivers. Even minor accidents can turn into chaotic and heated affairs. It is especially important in the immediate aftermath to remain calm. When you are calm and collected, it will be easier to know what to do so you don’t end up making matters worse.

Keep in mind that there are steps you can take right after a car accident to help protect you and your interests.

Read on, and we’ll walk you through the most important things you need to do following a car accident.

Stop

Whenever your car makes contact with another vehicle or person, you need to stop. If you flee the scene, even if you were the one who got hit, it is still considered a hit-and-run.

Most states classify hit-and-runs as either misdemeanors or felonies. Hefty fines and jail time are common punishments for people who commit hit-and-runs. Plus, your insurance company will most likely cancel your policy after a conviction.

If you can’t stop at the scene of the crime due to traffic, then stop as close as possible.

Call the Police

In most states, it is against the law to not call the police when a car accident involves personal injury or property damages exceeding $1,000. Not sure if your accident warrants a call to the cops? Do it anyway to be on the safe side.

Police can help expedite the process of exchanging information between parties. They will also check to make sure that everyone is safe and the area where the car accident took place is not dangerous to other drivers.

If you end up exchanging information on your own, be sure to get the other driver’s name and address. Also, write down the phone numbers of everyone involved in the crash, including any witnesses. You should also get the other driver’s insurance information as well as the make and model of their car.

Aside from that, it is advisable that you keep conversation to a minimum with the other party. Anything you say can later work against you and hurt your case.

Also, it is imperative that you NEVER apologize. Even if you think that you are the one at fault, remember that you do not have all the information yet.

You should never say “I’m sorry” because the other party may interpret it as an admission of guilt.

Give an Accurate Account

After the police have arrived, the investigating officer will want to speak to both drivers individually. When it is your turn to speak to the officer, make sure that you recall the events exactly how you remember them.

You never want to assume, exaggerate, or guess any of the details. If there is something that you are not sure about, tell the office that you are not sure.

Also, do not eavesdrop on the officer when they talk to the other driver. This is not the time or place to interrupt or chime in, even if it sounds like the other driver is not giving an accurate account of what happened. You will have your turn to give your side of the story.

Always write down what happened as well. It is a good idea to keep a pen and notepad in your car. Our memories become less clear over time and you want a written account while the events are still fresh in your mind.

Take Photos Of The Car Accident

The attorneys at Rinehardt Law Firm recommend taking “as many photos, videos and audio clips as your phone can handle.” Try to start taking pictures immediately after you’ve completed the steps listed above.

Take photos of all the damage to your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, and anything else that seems relevant. If there are any visible injuries, definitely take photos of those too.

Receive Medical Attention

If you or anyone else involved in the accident appears to need immediate medical attention, do whatever you can to get them help as soon as possible. When the police arrive, they can also help arrange for an ambulance to come.

Bear in mind that even if you feel fine, it often takes a couple of days after the car accident for you to feel the effects of an injury. Even if you feel okay, it is still a good idea to consult a physician.

Consult Your Lawyer

Talking with an experienced lawyer is the best way to protect yourself and your rights following an accident. Because statements with insurance companies are often recorded, anything you say can be used against you later.

A car accident attorney will know how to accurately give information to your insurance company while still ensuring that you have legal protection. They can also help you receive full compensation for any damages later on plus extract any hard-to-get evidence that can help your case. If you don’t have a lawyer, find a solicitor as soon as possible.

Notify Your Insurance Company

When you contact your insurance company following a car accident, they will let you know what information they need from you for the claim process. This is also a good time to find out what medical benefits your insurance policy contains.

Car Accidents Can Happen to Anyone

A car accident can happen to even the most careful of drivers. That is why it is so important to have these steps memorized so you know what to do when the time calls for it.

Have other lifestyle concerns? Check out our blog for more!

Is your business still relying on an outdated phone system at this time? It could be making life more difficult than it has to be for both your employees and your customers.

Rather than using the same system that you’ve been using for years now, consider installing a high tech phone system in your office. You’ll enjoy a whole host of benefits when you put a high tech system into place.

Let’s check out a few of the ways in which a high tech phone system will improve your business as you move forward.

Makes It Simple to Add and Subtract Phone Lines

If you only have five or ten employees working for your business, adding and subtracting phone lines may not be a huge issue for you. It’s easy enough for you to add or subtract lines on the rare occasion that you need to do it.

But if you have, say, 500 employees working for your business, adding and subtracting lines is suddenly a daunting task! You might have to employ someone specifically to deal with the addition and subtraction of phone lines in your office.

A high tech phone system will make it simpler than ever to add and subtract lines. Most systems can accommodate thousands of users, and it’s not all that difficult to add a new user to the mix or take an old user away.

You can also move phone lines around without much effort so that your employees are never out of touch for very long.

Helps Employees Communicate Better

In 2019, there are a bunch of different ways that coworkers at a company communicate throughout the course of a day. They communicate by using:

• Phone calls
• Emails
• Chats
• Voicemails
• Text messages
• Video chats
• Conference calls

Does your current phone system take this into account and allow people to use all of these methods to stay in touch?

If it doesn’t, it’s time to do something about that. NEC phone systems are designed to take full advantage of all the different options people have when it comes to communicating these days.

Additionally, most high tech phone systems allow people to forward calls, voicemails, and more straight to their cell phones when they’re not at work. This means that they won’t have to be in the office to keep tabs on what’s going on in their professional life.

Allows Customers to Connect with Your Company Easier

When customers call your company to ask a question, place an order, or file a complaint, how easy is it for them to get through to someone? If you use an older phone system, it’s a huge hassle for them to do it.

This won’t ever be an issue when you have a high tech phone system on your side. Customers will be greeted by an automated attendant that will connect them with the employee or department they’re trying to reach. They’ll also be told if they’ll need to wait a few minutes to get someone on the phone.

This will leave people with a better impression of your business. And as an added bonus, you’ll be able to monitor things like wait times to make sure your employees are fielding calls fast enough and catering to your customers’ needs.

Keeps Your Phone System Safe

Did you know that phone systems can be hacked just like computer systems can?

If your phone system is ever hacked, it could put your company’s communications at risk. It could expose confidential information as well and turn into a big headache for you if that information gets into the wrong hands.

You could also lose a lot of money if hackers are able to gain access to your phone system. There have been times when hackers have run up gigantic phone bills on behalf of businesses—and left the businesses themselves to pay for them.

The security of your business phone system should be of the utmost importance to you. Installing a high tech system will keep your phone lines secure and reduce the chances of your system getting hacked.

Gives You a Chance to Update Your System Over Time

If you look at the business phone systems that were in place even just five years ago, most of them are already outdated. Technology is changing so quickly that it’s hard to keep a phone system current.

A high tech system will help you and your business stay on the cutting edge, though. Unlike older phone systems that couldn’t be updated, today’s systems can and should be updated on a regular basis.

By working with the right phone company, you can find a system that’ll work wonders for you both today and well into the future.

Costs Less Than You Might Think

There is obviously going to be a cost associated with installing a high tech phone system for your business. Some companies are paying upwards of $1,000 per user for phone systems.

But you can install a phone system that works better for your company for less than you might think it would cost. The key is finding a company that will provide you with the best hardware and software for your specific business for a fair price.

Shop around and look for companies that specialize in working with companies that are the same size as yours. You can have a system installed that works within your budget and allows your company to reap the rewards listed here when you do.

Install a High Tech Phone System Today

Your business could be trending in the wrong direction right now thanks to your stubbornness with regards to your old phone system. Stop using that system and upgrade to a high tech system.

Your employees and your customers will be much happier with the new communication arrangement. It might even end up helping your bottom line in a big way if you go with a system with all the right features.

There are many ways to help make your business more successful, and you can talk to a merchant services agent or take a look at our blog for more tips on making your business more profitable.

Are you working up the courage to apologize for your mistake? No one wants to admit when they’re wrong, but a sincere apology can clear the air and get your relationship back on track.

A sincere apology means you need to own up to your mistakes without blaming the other person. Saying those words, sometimes over and over again to reassure your partner, is a good start. 

Following up with other more creative ways to apologize reinforces your point. It shows you want to make up for your mistake.

Try these creative options.

1. Write a Sincere Note

Apologizing verbally can help, but the words are gone as soon as you speak them. A handwritten apology note lets your partner keep the words forever. It also takes more thought than just saying, “I’m sorry,” so it can be one of the most meaningful ways to apologize.

Make sure the apology is sincere and says what you’re sorry for. Include ways you plan to change in the future and how you plan to make up for the incident this time.

2. Cook an Apology Meal

When you mess up, it’s your job to make amends. One way to do that is by cooking up a meal of your partner’s favorites. It shows you care and that you’re willing to make up for your wrongs. And a belly full of favorite foods puts everyone in a better mood.

Lacking skills in the kitchen? Make reservations at your partner’s favorite restaurant or bring home carry-out as a surprise.

3. Give a Meaningful Gift

You don’t want to rely on material items every time you mess up without making changes to your behavior. But a sincere apology gift is one way to say I’m sorry while showing how much your partner means to you. Consider the things your partner likes or might enjoy when choosing your gift.

Why not say you’re sorry with a special piece of jewelry? Jewelry shops like Alexander Sparks offer everything from necklaces and bracelets to rings. 

Or buy tickets to a fun event or activity your partner enjoys. The experience gift gives you a chance to spend quality time together to help repair the damage done to the relationship.

4. Clean Up Your Mess

What did you do that warrants an apology? How can you clean up the mess it made now? You can’t always erase the mistake you made, but you may be able to make it better.

Say you forgot your partner’s birthday. Plan a special birthday celebration after the fact. Or maybe you started a home renovation project but didn’t finish, and you’re partner just wants it done. Pick up the paintbrush and get moving on the project.

5. Apologize with Physical Touch

Don’t underestimate the healing power of a long, sincere hug after you apologize. Unless your partner needs some time and physical space, wrap your arms around your love after you express your regrets. A massage is another way to apologize with touch. The relaxing effect may also help your partner calm down after the disagreement.

6. Use Humor

Before you crack jokes about your mistake, think about how your partner will react. Comedic relief only works if the person on the receiving end is open to it. Joking about the mistake when your partner isn’t in a laughing mood can make the situation worse.

You might make up a silly poem about how you messed up. Or create a play on words using a gift with a fun attached apology note. You might write, “Please forgive me for putting my foot in my mouth,” attached to a gift card for a pedicure or a pair of fuzzy socks.

7. Say It Through Music

Create an apology playlist to let the lyrics tell your partner how you feel. Mix in a few favorite love songs or your special song. If you’re a creative person, write your own apology song. Then perform it for your partner to show how sorry you feel.

8. Plan a Day of Your Partner’s Favorites

Put your partner first by planning a day of favorites. Take your partner to favorite spots or meaningful places where you’ve shared happy memories together. Stop at your partner’s favorite restaurants, or plan a vacation to your partner’s favorite spot. This apology method also shows that you truly know and care about your partner.

Favorite Ways to Apologize

What are your best ways to apologize to your partner? Keep reading the blog to find other relationship advice like falling in love with your spouse again.