Author: Victoria

4 Reasons Why Gifting Wine Without Alcohol is a Boss Move

Posted by Victoria on in Current Events

Have you ever thought about giving someone wine that’s alcohol-free? If not, it’s because you probably think it doesn’t taste very good or serves no purpose. Actually, that’s not at all true. As it turns out, non-alcoholic wine is a fantastic gift for many reasons. It’s even better if you present it in wooden wine boxes because it elevates the level of sophistication. Let’s take a look at why giving wine that doesn’t contain alcohol is a boss move.

1. It’s Inclusive

You might be surprised by the number of people that don’t consume alcohol. Sometimes it’s simply because they don’t want to drink and drive. Other times it’s because they are recovering from an addiction. Yet another reason is because they just don’t like the taste of alcohol. What’s great about giving someone non-alcoholic wine is it’s inclusive and allows everyone there to partake.

2. It’s Thoughtful

If you have an awareness that someone at a dinner party doesn’t consume alcohol, for whatever reason, it will not go unnoticed if you choose to bring wine that’s non-alcoholic. It will demonstrate your thoughtfulness and concern for others. While this isn’t the reason or motivation for choosing non-alcoholic wine as a gift, it’s certainly a byproduct. Using wooden wine boxes for the gift will also demonstrate thoughtfulness. There is more information available at the www.ekanconcepts.com website.

3. It’s Delicious

Since you can find non-alcoholic wine that tastes amazing, you can feel confident that most people will enjoy it. There are an increasing number of alcohol-free wines on the market that are incredibly delicious. You will probably end up winning over a few folks that end up buying the same type of wine that you gifted. Although non-alcoholic wine is lacking in alcohol, it doesn’t have to be lacking in flavor.

4. It’s Healthy

One of the detriments of wine is problems that can occur from overconsumption. While it isn’t typically a problem when consumed in moderation, too much regular wine can cause a problem. Non-alcoholic wine is healthier in many different ways. One interesting way is that you can serve it at a dinner party and not have to worry about guests driving home under the influence. You can essentially give anyone a gift of non-alcoholic wine without worrying about overconsumption.

Whether you are buying a gift for a birthday party, anniversary or holiday event, non-alcoholic wine is appropriate and will be appreciated. Don’t worry about anyone being disappointed because they wanted to consume a beverage with alcohol. There’s always an opportunity to drink regular wine. If you’re attending a dinner party, regular wine will flow freely for those who can partake.

8 Traits You Can Share and Compare With Family Members Using DNA Testing

Posted by Victoria on in Technology

Human genetic traits can be mapped in both individuals and entire families. Quality DNA testing has the ability to take a close look at the individual physical characteristics that make you and your family members alike or different. Below are a few of the traits you can determine through DNA tests.

1- Skin Pigmentation

The level of melanin or skin pigmentation is often determined by the traits displayed within your DNA. Family members can share this trait, but it can also point to variances within a family. It can fun to explore the wide range of cultural mixing that can happen within a family.

2- Eye Color

Your DNA can point towards the eye color you are designated and will pass along to your children. It’s also partially determined by the genetics of your partner. Find out how many family members share your exact eye color.

3- Hair Color and Type

Getting DNA testing can show not only the color of your hair but the type of hair and whether it’s thin or thick. Does everyone in your family have blonde hair, yet you have course brunette locks? You might be able to find the source of the brunette coloration through a past relative.

4- Freckles

Your DNA also shows whether you have the genetic trait for the development of freckles. How many of your family members have freckles? You might be surprised at how far back this genetic trait runs.

5- Earlobe Type

Earlobes are one of the most unique features humans have on their bodies. Some families tend to have large and elongated lobes. Others are small and rounded. Other earlobes tend to stick out more than average. How many of your family members share your same earlobe type?

6- Taste Perceptions

The way we gravitate towards how things taste and our preferences can be seen through DNA tests. Our traits for liking salty, sweet, and even taste aversions can be detected through our genes. You can share your personal taste preferences with family members and see the similarities or differences.

7- Male Hair Loss Patterns

The trends of male pattern baldness and thinning hair is something that can be seen as typical from family to family. Do you notice a trend for the males in your family? Can you easily predict the male hair loss for the younger members of your family?

8- Finger Length

The length of your fingers is also a genetic trait that is discovered through DNA tests. It’s already in genetic code whether you will have short, stubby fingers, or long and thin ones. How many family members have identical finger size to your own?

DNA testing and comparisons can be a fun thing to do with you and your family members. If you want to learn more, www.crigenetics.com is a helpful website with lots of information and resources.

5 Myths You Will Hear About Water Filters

Posted by Victoria on in Current Events

Many myths and misconceptions surround modes of water filtration processes. And water filters are top of the list when it comes to water purification processes. Most times, these myths and misconceptions stem from a lack of adequate information or knowledge about the water filters.

In most instances, people ignore to get the proper education on what water filters are and how they work. It is these myths and misconceptions that are bound to make you have a false attitude on using this water filtration process. Here are some of the top myths you want to be wary of to have a better understanding of water filters.

1. High-maintenance

Many people consider water filters to be high-maintenance. But there is no truth to this. In as much as they need little maintenance, this is only always necessary at longer intervals and not as frequently as you may think. Most water filters are usually designed to have at least six months of service life. After the six months, you then have to replace them with new cartridges. So, if you consider changing your water filters twice every year to be high-maintenance, then you are probably right. But if not, then you can always maintain your water filters without much stress.

2. Too expensive

This is perhaps the most common myth that circulates water filters. The idea that water filters are too expensive is a laugh. It is, however, true that some models might be a little pricey. But most models are reasonably priced. The overall price of water filter you are looking for depends on many other factors like the brand or type of filter you intend to buy. The price of a good water filter is not necessarily indicative of its quality. As all of them filter water just fine.

3. Bottled water is cheaper

It is true that bottled water is more affordable. But this is only on a short run basis. But on a long run basis, it is actually more expensive. And you get to find this out if you compare the numbers. Just calculate the overall cost of bottled water your family consumes in one year, and compare it with a one-time water filter investment plus its maintenance costs. You will think twice about opting for bottled water instead.

4. Only experts install them

This is not true. You should note that not all water filter systems require an expert’s assistance. In fact, it is the commercial water filtration systems that require the assistance of an expert as they are slightly more sophisticated and complicated to install. However, for the filters designed for domestic purposes, you find that they are easier to install. You even find that some water filters come with DIY installation labels which show just how easy they are to install.

5. A water softener does the same job as a water filter

Not true. In fact, this is bluntly false. Water softeners may have almost similar installations as the water filters. But they work to achieve different purposes. Water softeners work only to address water hardness issues. This only means that they do not address any of the contaminants you find in the water. However, in situations where the water source is reliable and clean, and the water hardness seems to be the only pressing issue, water softeners are a great option.

6 Questions You Need To Ask Before Undergoing DNA Testing

Posted by Victoria on in Technology

One fun fact about DNA is that everybody’s genetic makeup is about 99.9% similar. And it is only the 0.1% that actually differentiates and makes us unique in our own way. Our DNA is what makes us who we are, and this small percentage is what constitutes our different traits like eyes and hair color, our skins, height, and even diseases. Doing DNA testing for ethnicity is what can help us tell the difference in these traits even where there is a dispute over paternity or ancestry. These are usually the two main reasons why most people take DNA tests.

However, there is a lot more to taking a DNA test that you may not yet know about. And these are what this article aims to address today. By helping answer some of the questions, you may have about DNA testing.

1. Is a DNA test right for me?

This depends on why you want to take the DNA test in the first place. However, it is good to take the DNA test so you can be better informed about your body and how it functions. In most cases, an expert recommends that you seek professional genetic guidance and counseling before going for a DNA test. The main reason for this is because many people take the tests for specific life-altering situations. So, it is best to have a professional prep you for whichever results you may find from the test.

2. What types of samples are needed for the test?

In most instances, it is the cheek or buccal swaps that are needed. The buccal swabbing procedure is quick and painless and involves the rubbing of a cotton-like swab on the insides of a patient’s cheeks. There are also other ways of collecting samples for DNA testing. Blood samples, for examples, are required for determining prenatal paternal tests. Tissue samples are also possible in cases of a diseased body.

3. What is the DNA test for?

DNA tests can be for many reasons. These tests can help determine different diseases like:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Hereditary thrombophilia
  • Alpha-1 antitrypsin disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease

These are but a few of the diseases that DNA testing can help you detect. The testing is also used to determine prenatal parental cases and other health-health related issues.

4. How long do I have to wait for a DNA paternity test?

A paternity test usually takes between 1 and 2 business days for the tests to be completed and the results posted. However, the process can even go faster, and you get same-day results. This, however, is usually at an additional fee.

5. Can a DNA test predict my future?

Unfortunately, no. These tests cannot diagnose you with a certain disease. They only help inform you of your genetic risks, not the overall risks. It is crucial to note that DNA tests are not always the sole determinants of a disease. You also need to consider other factors and variations like family history, gene variations, environmental factors, and life choices before you make a conclusive determination.

6. Who can access my DNA results?

There is a law called HIPPA that protects all patient’s medical information from being shared by doctors, hospitals, or even insurance companies. So, rest assured that your information is safe and will only be available to the medical personnel handling your case and you.

5 Web Hosting Pitfalls You Should Avoid

Posted by Victoria on in Technology

New and growing businesses make web design mistakes as they launch their online presence. A website is essential in gaining and retaining clients, enhancing relationships with clients, and establishing credibility. Every business needs to avoid these web hosting mistakes whether they are launching a new website or they already have an existing website.

1. Missing H1 tags on the home page

Imagine the experience your web visitors go through when they visit a website that has an elaborate color scheme, attractive background picture, and an appealing font. Your visitors will feel like they are walking in a beautiful garden as they are browsing through such a website. Unfortunately, most businesses fail to incorporate an H1 tag, which explains why visitors cannot find their sites in search engines. Visitors will first look out for the H1 tag to know what the webpage is about before visiting it.

2. Large media files and images

Amazing imagery adds beauty to your website. However, you should not make the mistake of incorporating large videos and pictures because they reduce the web speed, which lowers rankings. Besides, some search engines reward websites that load quickly; thus, you might be missing out on such rewards. Web hosting services scan websites to check out for large images and videos so that you don’t make this costly mistake.

3. Your website is not mobile friendly

Some businesses still make the web hosting mistake of designing and developing a website that is not mobile friendly. You don’t want to develop a webpage that cannot be used on different types of mobile devices or one that has a bad mobile experience. Failure to have a mobile-friendly website is one of the worst mistakes you want to avoid.

4. Popups

Every business wants to develop a user-friendly website. Unfortunately, they make the mistake of having several popups on their websites. When your site visitors keep getting elaborate and creative popups before they even access the primary content, they get bored and move to the next website. The mistake negatively affects user experience, which translates to adverse effects on your search engine optimization. Consequently, it is time you reassessed your company’s popup strategy; more so, if you have noticed a reduction in organic traffic.

5. Lack of a clear call to action

One of the biggest web design mistakes you can ever make is missing a call to action. You need to have a clear call to action, telling consumers how to feel, what to do and where to go. A call to action communicates to your customers the step they should take next, and it ought to be written in a persuasive command that is attached to a button or link. Additionally, avoid the mistake of getting creative with your call to action or complicating it.