Beards are back in fashion. Recent surveys show that most men want to grow their beards and achieve a rugged look. Depending on the style, beards can complement short and long hair. However, maintaining a good beard requires effort. Simply growing out facial hair is not enough. From trimming and shaping to using special beard growth and maintenance products, grooming is an extensive task. Also, avoid making the following mistakes that can hamper beard growth and maintenance. Not understanding your beard growth Your beard growth depends on two things, genetics and grooming style. Some people can grow a thick beard, whereas others struggle with patchy growth and bald spots. This will affect your grooming style for sure. If you use a straight razor the first few times while letting the beard grow out, you’ll notice a slightly thicker and better growth with each session. But if you use only a trimmer to shave off the ends and cut down the beard, then be vary of patches and bald spots that can completely ruin the look. The bottom line is that you should never become impatient and scrap the idea of growing a beard altogether. Take the time to understand the growth process and research suitable grooming styles.

One of the most common things people lose during a burglary is precious jewelry. Burglary is known to be a crime of opportunity since robbers are always looking for places where they can grab valuables without getting caught. Once inside a house, they usually pick up things of value that are easily found in obvious places. The following spots are some of the worst and unsafe places to hide jewelry and other valuables at home. Inside the freezer People often keep their jewelry in the freezer, either wrapped in foil or in a plastic box. Most people assume that no one would look for valuables in a place with food, but the freezer or refrigerator is one of the most evident places burglars will look. Also, since these appliances are easily accessible, anyone can open them and look through everything inside. Under a mattress or bed Burglars search for valuables in places commonly used for storage, such as under the bed or mattress. It is a common belief that these places provide excellent hiding spots for items such as jewelry since they are out of sight. However, this is not the case, as such places have become predictable hiding spots and are easily accessible to burglars.

Tick infestation is a grave concern that endangers humans and their furry companions. A single tick in one’s home could signal the beginning of a severe infestation. While commercial sprays and chemicals effectively keep ticks at bay and prevent an infestation, natural and eco-friendly alternatives exist. One of the most efficient natural solutions is cultivating specific fragrant plants that naturally repel these pests. Here are some that stand out as effective tick repellents. Lavender Lavender is a plant that is aesthetically pleasing and has a sweet, soothing fragrance. However, ticks do not particularly love this fragrance, which keeps them away, as the scent of lavender is a natural repellent. One can grow lavender in their garden or indoors in a pot. While lavender thrives in hot and dry climates, it can grow in slightly low temperatures. Along with cultivating lavender plants, one can also use lavender essential oil for repelling ticks. Mint Mint is an herb widely loved for its fragrance and aroma. Owing to its strong aroma, it is popularly used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages and for making essential oils. However, ticks despise this strong scent and prefer staying away. Mint is relatively easy to grow in pots and open gardens.

Trust and commitment are some of the foundational values in any healthy relationship. However, relationships rarely withstand the emotional turmoil caused by infidelity. While it’s crucial to approach the topic with sensitivity, it’s also important to be aware of potential signs that might indicate a spouse is cheating. Here are a few commonly observed behaviors or red flags, according to psychology experts, that may suggest infidelity and necessitate further discussion. Guarded behavior If a spouse becomes more guarded about personal matters, especially regarding their phone, email, or social media accounts, it may trigger concerns and point to underlying issues. While everyone deserves some level of privacy, it is important to strike a balance and maintain trust in the relationship. A conversation about boundaries and expectations can help both partners feel secure. Sudden changes in communication patterns Observing alterations in communication habits is crucial. If a spouse becomes less open and honest in conversations or demonstrates a shift in the tone of their messages, it may indicate a need for further discussion. Open and honest communication about these changes is essential to understanding each other’s perspectives. Reduced emotional engagement When one partner observes a drop in the other’s emotional involvement, it may raise concerns about the state of their relationship.

The holidays are an exciting time. People get together with their close friends and family to celebrate Christmas and exchange gifts to express their love, care, and affection. But unfortunately, many seemingly well-thought-out presents are returned to the store by the receiver. Check out this list of the 12 most frequently returned Christmas presents to avoid ending up in the cycle of gift giving and returns over the holiday season. Shoes While shoes are a practical Christmas gift, they are among the most frequently returned items. This can be attributed to two reasons. First, people are often gifted styles they do not like, and second, the shoes do not fit them properly. Since fit and comfort differ by brand and style, it can be challenging to gauge what the other person may appreciate. So, consider buying a gift card from a famous shoe brand instead. Kitchen appliances Many people gift kitchen appliances over the Christmas season, which often end up being returned to the store. Practically speaking, most people already have appliances like microwaves, juicers, ovens, toasters, and blenders and do not need a second. Unless someone explicitly asks for an appliance, it may be safer to avoid buying things like ovens or toasters over the holidays.

Engaging in charitable activities and giving back to the community offers many benefits. For instance, it provides a sense of fulfillment to the giver, enhances community well-being, builds empathy, and sometimes provides tax benefits. However, donating to a noble cause requires planning. Many people make mistakes when giving to a charity, which wastes their hard-earned money and brings no long-term benefit. Here are some of these common mistakes to avoid. Relying on emotional appeals Many people visit homes and make appeals through social media, asking for donations. However, one should exercise caution, as not all requests are genuine. Certain charity telemarketers are linked to for-profit entities and retain a significant portion of the collected funds for themselves. Therefore, individuals should make informed choices and ensure their donations benefit the intended cause. It is best to verify the legitimacy of the requests before making any commitments. One way to do this is to visit the organization’s website and inquire about its activities. Not researching well Individuals must research the legitimacy of charities and their functioning before deciding. For instance, one can learn how the organization distributes the money it receives for supporting a good cause and performing administrative activities. Ideally, a charity should assign about 75% of its profits to the cause and the remaining for promotions and administration.