How to Choose the Right Supplier for Your CBD Products

CBD is still a very new product and legislation is being drawn up about it as we speak. As a result, it’s a bit of a Far West situation right now in the industry. A lack of regulation means that products of questionable quality end up on the market. Thankfully, there are plenty of suppliers who value their clients and believe in offering only the best quality. You have to know how to spot them, however. Here’s how you can find the right supplier for your CBD products.

There are Transparent

One of the biggest signs of a great supplier is that they will be fully transparent about their products. Companies like blncdnaturals.com will be very straightforward about what’s in their product and will be ready to provide documentation to prove it.

Any supplier you go with has to be willing to give you a lab analysis on any product they sell. Not only will it allow you to know what’s in there, but make sure that the product isn’t over the federal legal THC limit for CBD products.

Another thing you want to know when buying CBD products is where the source product came from. This is also very important, as it will give you an idea of the level of quality you can expect. If the hemp that was used came from America, this is a major plus. Places like Canada and Europe are also great, as they place very stringent requirements on production. However, if it comes from China or they can’t tell you, you might want to think twice.

Last, but not least, you should also ask how the product was extracted. There are different extraction methods for CBD. Some involve solvents while others are done through what is called CO2 extraction. This is regarded as the best option, as it doesn’t leave traces of solvent behind. If the producer offers products that were extracted using this method, this is another good sign.

Look at their Selection

The next thing you want to do is check how wide their selection is. This will simplify things if you find a supplier you like and you can trust. Ideally, you want them to have a few oils and edible products. Some will have everything from candy, gummies, salty treats, and drinks as well. These are great if you want long-term relief and eat something delicious at the same time. These facilitate dosing too.

They Have a Good Reputation

Once you’ve found a good supplier, it’s time to ask around and see what other people had to say about them. Ask in what state they received the products and how fast they got to them. Ask if anyone had issues with the supplier and how they responded. Also, check their website for their return policy and try to contact them to see what level of service you get.

Once you’ve found a supplier that ticks all the right boxes, you can start considering them as an option. We would suggest that you start with a small order at first and go bigger as they gain your trust.

SeaWorld San Diego Has Reopened as a Zoo With Animal Exhibit

On February 6th, SeaWorld San Diego reopened again as a zoo and is ready to entertain and educate guests. Like many popular theme parks and attractions, SeaWorld San Diego was impacted directly by the public health crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to provide renowned experiences for guests, while maintaining ongoing health and safety protocols, SeaWorld San Diego navigated ongoing changes and restrictions to maintain operations throughout the temporary closure.

The reopening is the result of diligent work on behalf of the SeaWorld Management Team to make informed decisions about the most effective way to safely maintain health and safety protocols while providing memorable guest experiences. The Management team is led by SeaWorld’s interim CEO, Marc Swanson, and SeaWorld Entertainment’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Scott Ross.

SeaWorld San Diego is approved to operate as an accredited zoo, as of its reopening day on February 6, 2021. Guests can once again explore 100 acres of the park’s ground, seeing a variety of wildlife and marine animals in various exhibits. SeaWorld San Diego guests can experience live presentations that teach them about orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and more.

A new presentation, “Rescue Tails,” highlights the history of SeaWorld’s team of Conservation Ambassadors, sharing interesting and informative stories about rescuing animals and caring for them. It’s being held in the Nautilus Amphitheatre, where guests can feel safe, thanks to physically distant seating arrangements, and other safety protocols.

As required in all public spaces in California, guests at SeaWorld San Diego above the age of 2 are required to wear a face covering. SeaWorld San Diego’s commitment to protecting guests includes requiring guests to make reservations online, in advance of each visit. This helps the zoo to safely manage capacity. Ticket sales are limited each day, accordingly.

All employees and guests receive temperature screenings prior to entry. In addition to standard six-foot physical distancing and consistent use of face coverings, other bespoke barriers are in place to regulate guest distancing. Finally, guests are advised to check SeaWorld’s website prior to their visit to verify current operating hours and to see if there are any schedule changes.

By following physical distancing guidelines, wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, and adhering to all other public health guidelines, guests can feel confident in their safety and enjoy a day experiencing animal exhibits and presentations.

4 Tips For Keeping Up Business Sales During COVID

Sadly the pandemic has hit many businesses across the world extremely hard. Some have been forced to close their doors, while others continue to struggle to stay open. Unfortunately, the effects of the pandemic show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

It’s no longer an option to wait this thing out. Rather than resisting COVID, your business needs to embrace it. By making changes necessary to adapt to the times, your business has a better chance at surviving the uncertainty ahead. Take a look at some of the best tips for keeping your business afloat during COVID-19.

Reassess

The first step to adjusting to the restraints of the times is reassessing and re-evaluating. Take a look at your business model and decide whether it fits how we live our lives during the pandemic. If you’re unwilling to make changes in your business revolving around new social distancing measures, then it won’t be long until your business crumbles.

You have to make adjustments where needed. Take a look at how you’re marketing your business and whether it could be pitched in a different way that suits the needs of today. For example, if you sell restaurant supplies and restaurants are currently closed, try selling to private consumers instead. It’s all about reinventing yourself and adapting to recover lost sales.

Move Online

If your business has a physical location, then now is a great time to start considering moving things online if possible. Putting the energy into building an online store doesn’t just increase the amount of audience that you’ll reach, but you’ll also ensure your business will keep running even in the event of another lockdown.

As many as 65% of households already ordered online prior to the pandemic. Now, E-Commerce sales are in the trillions, making it one of the most promising ways to keep your business afloat.

Focus On Customer Service

Nowadays, customers expect more than ever. With businesses like Amazon that focus entirely on the customer experience, it’s no longer okay to deliver mediocre service to your customers. More and more businesses are moving towards a customer-based business rather than a service-based business. Revamp your business model so that you’re focusing on how your customer benefits from what you offer. This may take readjusting how you do things; however, it will pay off in the end. You can invest in lead generation in the Philippines to help you enhance customer experience and acquire new customers.  Give your customers a reason to choose you over the competition, and you’ll create loyal customers for life.

Stay Positive

Above all, it’s important that you stay positive. Running a business is hard— pandemic or not. The best thing you can do is put in the work every day, strategize, and never underestimate your competition—while staying positive. By staying positive, you’ll already win half the battle.

Factors to Consider When You Decide to Retire Abroad

You have finally decided to spend your retirement years in a foreign country. This is nothing new. For many ex-pat retirees, it may even be a dream come true. Your retirement should be spent in any place where you are your happiest, and if being in another country is where it is, then you should go for it.

Just the same, moving to a foreign land and spending the rest of your life there requires serious planning. There are many things you need to take care of, even before moving, to ensure that all goes smoothly before settling into your new residence. You also need to make sure that your finances are in order so that your future and your family is secure wherever you go. If you need help with your financial planning, seeking advice from experts like those from www.pensionsforexpats.co.uk can be beneficial. You should also find out more about overseas pension transfers and see how they can work for you and your retirement abroad.

Here are other factors to consider when you retire abroad.

Decide where you want to stay permanently

While your options are endless when it comes to the best retirement places, you may already have a specific place in mind. Be that as it may, you still need to research that location. Many of your friends may find it an idyllic place to retire, but you may discover that it isn’t really what you had in mind. Keep in mind that you will be residing there permanently, so you have to be comfortable in the environment and content with your new lifestyle. Consider your family too. Involve them with the decision so that everyone is happy with the move.

Take a vacation there first

Before going permanent, it might be best to test the waters first. Take a vacation in your preferred destination, preferably for a few months, and see if you can picture yourself living there permanently. Talk to some locals, meet up with ex-pat retiree friends, visit various places, and see if the climate agrees with you. All of these should factor into your decision of taking up permanent residency there.

Find out about health insurance

Your health insurance is crucial, more so if you reside in a foreign country. Your health can take a turn unexpectedly, and you and your family are caught by surprise. Your country may have offered you an excellent health insurance package, and you never needed to worry. Another country may not do the same for an ex-pat retiree like you. To lay your concerns to rest, find out what options for health insurance are available to you and offer the most coverage.

Get expert advice about taxes

Another reason to pay a visit to your potential residence is to know about their taxation for retirees like you. The best way to get that information is to talk to a professional tax advisor from the country who can provide you with what you need to know.

If you have taken all the necessary steps to determine where you want to spend your retirement years, you can be sure that they will be the best years of your life.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/rowing-single-older-retired-4537704/

Relationship Codependency – Breaking the Cycle

Relationships can be tricky – on one hand, we want to get close to someone and share their lives – but on the other hand, we don’t want to get TOO close – after all, keeping some independence and autonomy is healthy for both people. Issues such as codependency can arise when one person is the emotional and psychological support, with the other person relying on them to cater to their needs – so rather than an equal, supportive relationship, it becomes more like a parent/child dynamic – which isn’t great for either person. It can often be tough to break this cycle – but being able to identify the issue, and make changes to the dynamic, can help to make a relationship healthier and more equal.

What are some signs of a codependent relationship?

A major sign of codependence is that one partner is a ‘people pleaser’ who tends to overlook their own needs and feelings in order to cater to others – they might rely on approval and validation from those around them and feel guilty if they speak up about their own needs. A lot of this comes from a person’s upbringing, and if this was modelled to them – or reinforced for them in their family – this will just seem like part of who they are. The person who is doing the people pleasing might also feel strongly impacted by the emotions and moods of their partner – again, this is likely to do with their experiences growing up, and of a belief that it is their job to manage and soothe those around them.

What can I do if I’m in a codependent relationship?

The first thing to do is to be honest with yourself and your partner – if you’ve noticed that these issues are present in the relationship, consider where this came from – and the dynamic that you’d like to have. Relationship coaching apps such as Relish offer one-on-one Coaching that can help to deal with issues like this – often it is about finding ways to communicate with your partner about what needs to change, and raising their awareness of the situation and dynamic. They might not be aware of this issue, and may really benefit from an open discussion about how to make thing more equal in the relationship.

One important thing to remember if you are the ‘people pleaser’ in the relationship, is that it is very easy to fall back into old habits – so working on your relationship with yourself is essential too. Being able to tune into your own needs and instincts is important, as low self esteem and low self worth is common in these situations. If you are able to improve your relationship with yourself and disrupt the emotional habit of caretaking, you will see major improvements in your relationship, and with your wellbeing in general.

If you are interested in exploring therapy to address codependency in your relationship, but do not have the time or money to go to a traditional therapist, then you and your partner should explore Relish. Relish is a relationship coaching app meant for modern couples who want to address the struggles in their relationship, including struggles related to codependency.

5 Ways to Make Your Living Space Brighter

We’ve almost made it through a pretty miserable winter and spring is just around the corner. The days will get longer and you won’t have to leave your house in darkness and return in the same way. Prepare yourself for the coming dose of sunshine by pulling as much light into your living space as possible. Your home will look larger and feel fresh, and that’s a pretty good starting point as we gear up towards the season of spring cleaning. By the time you’ve finished reading this, you’ll look up and feel the dark losing its hold.

Revel in That View

If you’re lucky enough to live in a lavish house with a luxurious panoramic view out on the horizon, but that you never get to see because the walls just keep getting in your way, then consider treating your house to a see-through wall by installing Cover Glass Texas’ sliding glass doors. With a frameless glass door, you will be able to take in the breathtaking view while flooding your house with a healthy dose of sunlight.

Cut Back Your Window Cover

Don’t worry, you don’t need to live in fancy houses and spend a lot of money to make your home brighter. Simply by making your windows as clear from clutter as possible, your space will feel brighter. If you tend to opt for blackout curtains that drain the light from a room, then consider swapping your winter curtains out for some bright seasonal drapes. Natural light gives you considerable health benefits, so invite it into your home.

Let Nature into Your Home

With life beginning to bloom outside, why not spruce up your living areas with some well-placed plants? Whether you bring in a cute coffee table cactus or an elegant tree, a little bit of greenery is bound to make your room feel vibrant, fresh, and light ready for spring.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Two birds with one stone here – see your pretty face and get yourself plenty of light while you’re at it. Putting strategically placed mirrors will spread the light you already have coming into the room. Further, if you place your mirror near a window it will set the illusion that your room is bigger.

Take Your Living Space Outside

If you have access to an outside area, like a garden, then you’re already winning. Why stick to the confines of your house when a bit of outdoor furniture can have you literally living outside during those long, warm, and brighter evenings? With a patio right outside your door, you can create the feeling of one large “room”.

Whether you have money to burn or a tight budget to keep, there’s always a way of making your living space that little brighter. Now that you’re all set with some great ideas on how to beat your dark-room blues, what are you waiting for – get your creative head on and start experimenting with light today!

Should You Invest In Bitcoin in 2021?

Since its inception in 2009, Bitcoin has been the subject of millions of news articles and reports, so there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of it. You may even have considered investing in it but have been unsure about its long-term future. While all investments carry a certain amount of risk, there are regular reports of people selling their cryptocurrency for incredible amounts. On January 8th 2021, the price of Bitcoin hit an all-time high, and that’s been attracting more people than ever to start looking once again at the feasibility of investing in the most high-profile cryptocurrency.

The Hottest Investment Topic

Financial markets have been buzzing around cryptocurrency since its inception, and there are two schools of thought among financial professionals. Some believe that there will be an inevitable market crash, while more reliable people believe that Bitcoin is here to stay and that it will reach ever higher prices. The good news is that even if you have never bought Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, in 2021 it will be easier than ever, no matter where you live in the world whether it Canada, Japan, or Australia. For example, if you live in Australia, the latest country to see a growing trend of cryptocurrency adoption, thanks to the abolition of double taxation, and still don’t know where to start, take a look at this guide on how to buy bitcoin in Australia. A study of this process will let you understand that buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is easy, safe, and fast. Questions related to banking services, the choice of the exchange and storage of virtual coins are no longer complicated  Now maybe one of the best times to start learning more about crypto, because love it or hate it, but there’s no escaping its potential to change the world. And you should be definitely ready for this.

Stellar Growth

In the early days of 2021, Bitcoin exploded once again into the cultural landscape. That’s largely due to the announcement by online payment platform PayPal that they would start allowing users to buy, sell and hold Bitcoin (and a select variety of additional cryptocurrencies). While this is yet to launch, and will initially only be available to those users in the United States, it could be the biggest shift in crypto acceptance since its launch. That’s because the almost 26 million merchants that use PayPal will now have the option to accept payments in crypto, which means it will be easier than ever to spend and save. When it comes to an alternative currency, Bitcoin is rapidly outpacing gold in terms of value, and the future looks very bright for those that take a risk on Bitcoin in 2021.

Why Bitcoin?

There are plenty of options if you’re looking to invest in cryptocurrency, and Bitcoin isn’t your only choice. While Bitcoin is the most well-known, giving it a big advantage, investors are looking closer at those smaller cryptocurrencies that still have dramatic scope for growth. If Bitcoin seems like too heavy an investment, it might be worth taking a closer look at:

• Ethereum
• XRP
• Litecoin
• EOS
• Binance Coin
• Tezos

Of course, although Bitcoin has become significantly more mainstream in recent years it doesn’t mean that other cryptocurrencies will follow the same path. That means investing in a lesser-known alternative could be a risk that you simply won’t get with Bitcoin.

The Future of Bitcoin

The future currently looks very promising for the most popular and well-known cryptocurrency. While many believe that digital money is going to eventually replace national currencies, that transition is a long, long way off. Part of the problem for Bitcoin is that it is still viewed by many through the lens of its origins, where early reports into its potential highlighted the fact that it was originally used mostly by hackers and drug dealers on the dark web. That’s another reason why the announcement by PayPal helped the price of Bitcoin to soar. That legitimization has been a boon for those that have already invested in Bitcoin, and as the service becomes global, the general public will suddenly have an easy way to buy and sell Bitcoin. That’s always been a barrier to more widespread adoption, simply because members of the general public generally have no concept of mining for crypto, how crypto exchanges work, or how to minimize investment risks.

Is Bitcoin Safe to Invest in?

When you look at the more traditional investment markets, such as forex, stocks, and commodities, it’s common knowledge that there are going to be risks. Recessions and financial collapses can happen out of the blue, meaning that the money you’ve invested is gone. The valuation of Bitcoin when looked at historically, shows high levels of volatility, with high spikes followed by deep crashes. However, as more and more people start looking at Bitcoin as an investment option, those crashes are occurring at fewer intervals. Of course, for some investors, that volatility is the reason for their renewed interest in Bitcoin. While spikes can cause big losses, they can also lead to remarkable profits.

It seems as if there has never been a better time to invest in Bitcoin. It’s never been easier to get involved, and as more businesses start accepting crypto payments, more of the general public are going to get involved. Despite uncertainties, it looks like Bitcoin is here to stay, and for investors, that could be the opportunity they’ve been looking for.

Tips for Managing Your Taxi Company

Managing a taxi company is a demanding job. Not only will you need to manage a team of the perpetually moving remote employees that constitute your fleet, but you need to manage the financials related to endless transactions and expenses, not to mention business growth and fending off the competition. The taxi niche is more competitive now than ever and, with organisations like Uber here to say, managing a taxi company means staying competitive in a constantly evolving marketplace.

Consider Investing in Eco-Friendly Vehicles

People are more concerned with travel’s environmental impact now more than ever. Investing in a fleet of environmentally friendly taxis is a great selling point for your business. It is quite common for taxis to be electric or at least hybrid nowadays due to tax incentives, so it is crucial that you keep up with changing times. Electric cars are more expensive to purchase, but they pay off in the long-term because they are cheaper to run.

Find the Right Insurance

There are three main outgoing payments for taxi companies: driver salaries, vehicle upkeep (including fuel), and insurance. It is vital to your profitability that you find the right Motor and Taxi Insurance. You need to get cover from an insurance agency that specifically caters to those in your line of business. This will allow you to find a policy that will not only charge you a competitive rate but will offer you reassurance that if anything happens, you can get back on the road quickly and safely.

Create a Business Application

Investing in a mobile app is a great way to keep your business competitive. It allows you to capture customer phone real estate as well as offer them unique services like:

• The ability to track drivers
• Offers and adjustable rates to balance demand in high and low seasons
• Fixed-price journey options for common destinations like stations and airports
• A clear map of the journey and the cost that they will undertake.

Find Your Niche

Companies like Uber have an almost ubiquitous presence, so it is vital that to challenge their omnipresence, you need to create a niche to help your business stand out. Ideas for taxi business niche include:

• Having a localized focus
• Specializing in taxi services for kids
• Offering very good rates for longer journeys or airport pick-ups etc.
• Offering a car rental service
• Offering a female-only driver option
• Offering a loyalty programme
• Luxury service

Partner with Local Businesses

When you are running a fleet of vehicles, it is inevitable that at some point they will need repairs. It is a good idea to partner with local businesses that can repair your car or rent you new vehicles, like a local garage, mechanic, and rental company. This means that you will be offered more competitive rates and that they are more likely to prioritize your vehicle when getting to work – so you don’t lose too much money by having your assets sitting in a garage. While your insurance company will cover the costs for repairs, there will be other mechanic bills you will need to pay (like MOT), so it pays to have a good relationship with your local garage.

Why this year could be the one – the 2021 – to take up a cloud phone system

To say that 2020 turned workplace communication on its head would be an understatement. These days, when co-workers collaborate, it’s in a socially-distanced fashion and often with each participant seated in their home offices. The old rulebook has largely been torn up as a result of the pandemic.

Furthermore, as is clear to see from what has so far passed of 2021, the COVID crisis – and thus the necessity of working from home – is going to linger for a while yet. For reasons like these, the argument for your business implementing a cloud phone system has probably never been stronger.

What exactly is a cloud phone system?

As you have probably already guessed, it’s far from a traditional, largely hardware-based phone system – as that wouldn’t be one many different remote workers in your team could easily use in the COVID age. A cloud phone system is so-called as its functions run through online software, opening up a rich vein of exciting new possibility.

For example, as explained in a TechRadar article, because cloud-based phone systems “use VoIP for calls and communications, they can offer much more versatile performance while including a rich range of features as standard, such as analytics and integrations.”

However, perhaps the single biggest reason why your business should seriously consider opting for a cloud phone system is that, as it will be hosted in the cloud, all members of your team will be able to stay connected to it – and, thus, with each other – from their homes or even while on business trips where those are still required and allowed.

Why is 2021 an especially good time to switch?

If your business is UK-based, one simple reason to transfer your corporate phone system to the cloud is BT’s announcement, as referenced by SME Web, that ISDN phone lines will become obsolete by 2025. Therefore, if your phone system is still ISDN-based, you should follow other businesses in looking for a more future-proof solution that won’t abruptly leave your employees in the lurch when 2025 comes around.

However, another timely incentive to go down the cloud route is the continuing uncertainty about the course the pandemic will take – and, by extension, how it will affect your business. With a cloud phone system at close hand, your home-bound workers can continue to have a wide range of functions, including instant messaging, audio calling and emailing, literally at their fingertips.

A cloud phone system would also be relatively quick and easy for your business to adjust to the ever-changing times. The flexible nature of the system means that it can easily be augmented with further telecom features and services.

For example, if your business sources much of its custom through inbound calls, you could add inbound call routing to your phone system’s repertoire. That way, if you usually take calls from the traditional office but a fresh lockdown forces you to return to your home office, you could have calls instantly redirected to there, enabling you to keep easily taking calls from customers.

6 Mistakes That Dog Owners Make

Most dog owners love their furry companions unconditionally. Unfortunately, no matter how much you adore your canine, the reality is that these pets require constant and consistent care and attention in order to thrive inside your home. While you might think that you are ticking all of the necessary boxes, the reality is that there are numerous care-related mistakes that are commonly made by owners of dogs across the globe. A few of these mistakes are listed below, as well as some advice on how to rectify them.

Not making dental health a priority

Yes, dogs need to brush their teeth just like humans to avoid decay. Keep those teeth pearly white and that breath pleasant by brushing at least once a day (twice is ideal). You can also prioritize dental care by giving dog-safe chew toys, by giving dry food as opposed to wet food, and by taking your pet for routine dental cleanings at the vet.

Neglecting to find the best dog food

Not all dog food is created equal, and neither are your dog’s dietary requirements! As such, it is vital that you take the time to research which dog food suits your pet the best. For example, grain-free pet food is a good idea for dogs who are slightly overweight or those who have food allergies. A high protein dog food containing ancient grains is excellent for high-energy dogs or working dogs or for those dog owners who just want to give their pets a healthy boost. This type of dog food is available via Taste of the Wild ancient grains website.

Feeding table scraps

It can be difficult to say ‘no’ to those determined puppy dog eyes when you’re tucking into a juicy steak or a burger, and your dog is staring up at you from the floor. Unfortunately, the truth is that table scraps have been proven to cause and worsen certain conditions in dogs, especially if given on a regular basis. Rather invest in dog-specific treats if you feel obliged to dish out a yummy snack from time to time.

Dismissing socialization

Dogs that are not properly socialized from a young age may show aggression towards other dogs, animals, and even people. As such, it is important to sign your pet up for puppy socialization classes in your area or to ensure that they are exposed to other dogs, animals, adults, and children as often as possible.

Skimping on walks and exercise

Exercise is a crucial aspect of your dog’s care, so be sure to embark on walks and to play plenty of games of fetch to keep your pet healthy, happy, and free from any behavioral issues.

Not addressing behavior problems immediately

Some behavior problems, such as excessive licking as a result of anxiety (or perhaps even an allergy!) can lead to pain and discomfort for your dog, while others, such as constant barking, can make him less pleasant to be around for both you and the neighbors. Most behavior problems can be easily corrected through positive reinforcement, training, and behavior modification if you seek out the right support quickly and before the issue becomes ingrained as a habit.

You can better care for your pet now that you know precisely what mistakes to avoid. Here’s to many happy years together!