Family

When photobooks first came into the market, the first thing that came to most people’s minds was a photo album. While the two serve more or less the same purpose, the choice of materials, design, page style, and cover options significantly differ. If you plan to gift your loved one with a photo book to mark a special occasion, there are a few things you need to know about them.

Photo books Vs. Photo albums

Even as you browse through Mixbook’s collection of photobooks, understanding what differentiates them from regular photo albums is essential.

Type of paper

Of all the distinctive features that differentiate the two, the type of paper used is the biggest. For photos printed on albums, Kodak photo papers with a slight sheen and are protected by a UV coating will do the trick. It will take semi-gloss, linen, or pearl press paper to print the photos on them for photo books. Of the two, press papers are the best since they allow you to write on them.

Customization

Album photos are printed directly on photographic paper supported by a premium substrate, causing the papers to be rigid. This means that once an image has been printed, an album cover can protect it against dust, moisture, and other substances.

Since a photo book’s pages are printed directly on press paper using advanced construction technology, it will be difficult for foreign objects to destroy the photos.

Page style

You might have noticed that photo albums rely on flatly-laid pages. That means there is no space or binding that interferes with the flow of a spread each time you flip through the pages. It only allows you to get creative with two-page layouts.

Photo books also rely on the flat lay style, but the only difference is that there is a small space or “gutter” between the two pages in each spread. That is a classic style that most creative photography enthusiasts will love.

The Finishing

When you place both of them on your hands, you will notice that the photo albums are relatively heavier than the photobooks. If you are looking to save space on the shelf, a photo book will be a better option for you.

Pages available

Photo albums can have up to 50 spreads, which means they can host up to 100 pages. But for photo books, you can make use of up to 70 spreads or 140 pages. That means there is more room to accommodate more photos. With more pictures, more love is going to be spread.

Browse the vast collection of photobooks from Mixbook

Whether you are a fan of photo albums or want to try your hand in customizing a perfect photo book for your loved one, Mixbook’s templates will be there to guide you through every step. The primary goal of choosing photo books over other gifts is to get those unforgettable memories off the screen and into your home or to your recipient. Visit Mixbook to learn wonderful ways to keep those treasured memories.

 

Every parent wants to find the right balance between paying attention to what’s going on in their teen’s life, and not being too interfering. A lot of parents can worry that their teen will think they are being nosy or aim to shut them out should they push too much. However, it’s very difficult to distance yourself as a parent and let them have their own routine without worrying.

While it’s important to step back and allow teens to make their own mistakes and learn from them, there are also those critical times when your interference is key to helping them on a better path.

So are there times when it’s okay to step into your teen’s private life?

When You Suspect Dangerous Behavior

Most teens can be unruly and rebellious during these key years, and it’s likely they’ll fall into bad situations when out exploring with friends or even exploring by themselves. However, when situations which can be frowned upon turn into seriously dangerous situations, you should speak with your teen. This might be them hanging around in dangerous locations, getting involved with the wrong crowd, or finding themselves at the center of crime.

When You Suspect Substance Abuse

Teens will naturally want to try new things like alcohol, smoking, or even drugs. Substance abuse is when this curiosity becomes dangerous, and addiction is likely. If you find an indication of substance abuse or unhealthy habits, you should speak to your teen.

When You Suspect Mental Illness

Mental illness can be prevalent in young people because teenage years are such a pressurized and significant period of their lives. If you have any suspicions that your teen is suffering from mental illness, stepping in as a parent as soon as possible is key to them finding the help they need. You may want to consider a treatment center like igniteteentreatment.com and discuss options with your teen to aid them in their recovery.

When Their Education is Being Affected

If your teen’s teachers have expressed their concern over the behavior of your teen, or perhaps bad grades despite exceptional behavior, there could be an underlying reason for this, and it shouldn’t be ignored by a parent. You can work with your teen’s educational facility to work through any problems which could be affecting their grades.

When They Are Spending Too Much Time with Technology

Telling your teen to stop spending so much time staring at a screen may sound like a cliché, and your teen may not react well to it, but technology becomes a problem when it’s affecting your teen’s life or self-esteem. Social media, in particular, is a big issue, as social media addiction is always possible. Not only that, but a teen spending too much time online can affect them negatively.

You may also need to step in if they have unsafe online practices, such as failing to protect personal information or browsing the wrong sites. Educating them on healthy browsing practices is always key.

Knowing when to step in or not step in should be decided after observing key behaviors in your teen and always staying aware as a parent.

 

It is always said that getting married means falling in love with the right partner and living a happy life. However, that is never the case, especially when not prepared to face the challenges of marriages. For this reason, the existence of a marriage counselor helps in solving marriage problems and restoring relationships between couples. That said, here are the situations that call for a marriage therapist.

When There is Lack of Communication

Mostly, many relationships are affected by a lack of interaction between partners. When there aren’t any talks between couples, it is high time to schedule a counselor meeting. Here, there will be the introduction of new communication approaches crucial for the marriage. Notably, a counselor helps in restoring communication.

When There is Misunderstanding

Besides lack of total communication, couples can be engaging in negative talks that always leaves one partner judged and disregarded or getting the urge to leave the conversation pending. It also includes inappropriate tones and yelling, which can be devastating. In this case, a counselor comes in handy to facilitate productive and smooth communications between couples.

When You Fear Talking To Your Partner

One partner can fear bringing up issues ranging from sex to irritating habits of the other partner. Such fears can impact the marriage hence requires the professional help of marriage therapists. Sessions with a counselor help the affected individual become clear of different topics while enabling the other partner to understand better what they need.

When Affection Turns to Punishment

Typically, marriages have a misunderstanding that can be solved when the two discuss it and find an appropriate solution. But when the husband or wife seems to become punishing through denying perfections, a counselor may help. The motive is encouraging couples to find effective means of solving issues rather than punishing the other partner by denying them the warmth they deserve.

When You Are Keeping Secrets

Though each partner needs to have their privacy, it doesn’t mean keeping secrets from each other. When there are untold issues or discussions that one or both partners are staying away from, it means something isn’t right. Among other secrets, it is essential to visit a counselor to resolve such instances.

When You Have An Affair

Affairs are among the most common causes of a failed marriage, hence resolving the problem earlier. Essentially, it is vital to call a counselor sooner immediately when fantasizing about an affair. Desiring something different makes it possible to begin other marriage problems such as keeping secrets, frequent arguments, and becoming uninterested in the marriage. Though some marriages can work after an affair, it is vital to seek professional help earlier.

When There is Financial Dishonesty

Also referred to as financial fidelity, it is the act of spending money without the other partner’s knowledge. It also refers to one partner taking control of finances more so when the spouse asks about monthly budgets and bills, savings, and other money issues. Consulting a counselor helps solve such matters fast and get a free and equal contribution to money usage.

When You are Living Separate Lives

When husband and wife turn from living as married couples to roommates, it is time for a counselor to intervene. This is often caused by a lack of intimacy, communication, or feel they can’t live together. With a counselor, it helps them understand each other and talk it our hence restoring the marriage.

When There is Change in Sex Life

If the bedroom life seems to shift significantly, it is a sign that things aren’t right in the relationship. Though it isn’t unusual for sex changes once in a while, some adjustments can be sudden and severe to the other spouse. An increase in intimacy signifies the other partner is trying to justify some mistakes made while the reductions indicate stress or lack of interest. Irrespective of the changes, scheduling sessions with a counselor is vital.

When There are Recurring Arguments

Sometimes, the relationship can have one or more issues for months without getting a definitive solution. Notably, most marriages have one argument that never ends. But when the fight becomes the center point for significant misunderstandings, it is high time to include an expert. Whether it is family finances, child-rearing, or sex, a counselor can help solve such problems. Elimination of such arguments can help in achieving various relationship goals.

Most spouses wait longer before consulting a counselor to help in resolving various marriage problems. But when misunderstandings are handled on time, both spouses can get the peace they seek and help maintain the marriage successfully. As such, it is essential to consult a marriage expert sooner for better results.

 

Funeral services can cost you a lot of money. According to the latest statistics, a typical funeral director service today costs around £4,078. Some parts of the UK charge higher than the national rates. For example, in London, you’re likely to pay twice the national average price.

If you want to save money on your funeral costs, you can avail of the direct cremation service. It will only set you back£1,600. Alternatively, you can organise the funeral to reduce your expenses. You can expect the rates to go up continuously in the next few years. Thankfully, there is a way you can get around this issue.

Today, you have two options if you want to save money on your future funeral needs. One is to purchase pre-paid funeral plans. Your second is to open a cash ISA account.

What is a funeral plan?

A typical UK prepaid funeral plan can cost anywhere between £3,000 and £5,000. You have the option to pay in instalments, depending on the funeral plan provider. Some companies allow their policyholders to stretch out the payment over a 12-month period.

The funeral plan typically covers the casket, funeral ceremony and other fees. Many individuals prefer availing of a funeral plan because it provides them peace of mind. If you want to spare your loved ones from the stress of handling funeral preparations, a funeral plan will work great for you.

What are cash ISAs?

Cash ISAs primarily work as an ordinary savings account. Any UK resident aged 16 years and above can open a cash ISA account. Today, a cash ISA is one of the best ways to save money. Taxpayers who earn below £45,000 can receive a savings interest worth £1,000 each year.

If you are a higher rate taxpayer who earns around £45,001 to £150,000, you can earn £500 of savings interest each year. If you earn more, you won’t receive any allowance.

You can set up a cash ISA account at any bank in the country. There is no setup fee. It is ideal for individuals who pay taxes using their savings.

Which option is better?

While the cash ISA sounds like a good investment, a funeral plan is still the better choice because the cost of funeral services tends to inflate each year. Experts estimate an annual £2,000 increase.

Your savings from your cash ISA account might not be enough to cover your funeral expenses when the time comes. By choosing to invest in a funeral plan, you can lock in the current rate of the funeral director service provider.

There are hundreds of companies that provide affordable funeral plans. Find one that offers the most suitable deals for your funeral needs. More importantly, make sure that the company is certified by the Funeral Planning Authority.

Try to invest in a funeral plan as early as you can because the prices tend to increase quickly. By availing of a plan today, you can secure better rates and feel more at ease knowing that you’re prepared for the inevitable.

Vacation may be the only time you get to wind off and relax. Your career or business may be too demanding such that you look forward to vacation. This is a time to forget any stress as you bond with your family. As much as holidays can be fun, the obstacle is when you find yourself short of cash, and you have to cut your journey short.

Finances are highly crucial towards enjoying your stay. Are you planning to go to Hawaii, or Los Angeles or your dream destination? How do your finances look? Below are some brilliant ways to ensure that you have enough funds for your entire stay.

• Plan in Advance

Identify with a rough estimation of how much you will need for the vacation. Plan a year before as it works well. Once you have an estimated budget let’s say around $1200, divide it into 12 months will give you $100 monthly. This is what you will need to save every month for the next year for you to actualize your idea.

• Be specific in terms of your Travel

Where do you plan to stay? How much will you spend on the room? Will you be sharing with your friend or family member? All these questions help you work on a plan that will motivate you to save for your next vacation. This requires you to be disciplined on how you manage your money. Also, in a bid to save money, go for a destination that will not hurt your pockets. Find hotels or vacation rentals that have reasonable rates and ones that you can afford. Also, try booking your preferred hotel directly so that there is room for negotiation.

• Open a Specific Savings Account for Vacation

Open a specific savings account for vacation. Not everybody has the discipline to keep saving every month. However, you can set automatic payments into the account such that you won’t even realize when money gets into the account.  You can open an account that enables your money to earn interest.  By the end of the year, you will have saved money as well as gained some more which will help you go for that deserved vacation. You can open an account at your local bank as well as an online bank.

• Cut Down on Expenses

Minimizing your expenses will help you save your way towards the trip. Be careful not to apply for numerous credit cards as you may find yourself in financial debt making you unable to save for the vacation. Also, such debt may push you into a financial hole making your credit rating drop. Applying for loans will make creditors have authority to access your credit report which is in the form of an inquiry. Every time that happens, your credit rating drops. To avoid such occurrences, there are ways on how to remove credit inquiries from your credit report. (https://creditrepaircompanies.com/credit-inquiries/)

• Find Ways to Get Extra Income

How much do you need that vacation? Get a side job that is manageable to supplement your full-time job. This could mean sacrificing a few hours during the weekend. The positive side is that it will totally be worth as you will travel to your dream destination knowing you deserve it. You could do some online jobs or simply do some babysitting job.

A strategy is what will determine if the above tips will work in your favor. Have a detailed plan of everything before starting and track your progress. You can even have an accountability partner who is saving for the same as it is easier to keep track and motivate each other.