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Buying A Bedsheet Online? Here’s How You Do It

As a person about to buy bed linen online for the first time, you are a bit apprehensive about buying the wrong bedsheet or not being satisfied with the purchase. Here’s how you do it correctly:

Choose between fitted or flat

While most of us have traditionally used flat bedsheets, fitted ones are in steady demand too. The latter variant offers ease of use and convenience when making beds – although it needs a bit of practice to make the bed, you will find that a fitted bedsheet saves a lot of time. You just need to snap it on all sides of the mattress and move on. But if you are not comfortable with the idea of the fitted sheet and don’t like how it cannot be folded into the neat square that you are accustomed to, then you are better off with the flat bedsheet, whether single or double in size.

Pick cotton – it’s the best material for bedsheets

You will be left amazed – and a little confused – with the sheer variety of bedsheet fabrics on sale online. You are sure to find sheets in cotton, silk, satin, cotton-silk, cotton-jute, pure jute, bamboo charcoal blended with cotton, hemp fibres blended with cotton or jute, cotton-satin, microfiber, even lace. Though you have the liberty to choose the material that feels the softest, we recommend choosing cotton because it does not cause skin or respiratory distress. It is the best material to regulate body temperature – the sheet doesn’t overheat during use.

Shop: DAY2DAY DOUBLE BEDSHEET – RED

Look for a high thread count

Whether you shop for your bed linen from an e-commerce site or from the linen brand directly, you must check the product details before paying. The first thing to check is the thread count for the fabric. The thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads of that fabric present in one square inch of the material. This is normally measured for cotton bedsheets; a higher thread count represents a softer, more dexterous and tighter weave. Egyptian cotton sheets have the highest counts in the world (between 800 and 1000), but you can also choose sheets with counts between 300 and 500.

Choose your favourite colours and designs

Another advantage of shopping online for bed linen is that you can browse multiple brands at once. Since you will use the bed linen yourself, it should have colours and designs that appeal to you the most. You can set filters for the colour, design and price points, and the site will show you products that fit these parameters. This makes for easy browsing instead of going through each item in the catalogue. Also check if pillow cases are included, if there is a matching comforter, and what the price points for the product are. If necessary, you can compare prices for the same product across different sites to get the best deal.

Shop: LA PIAZZA HYPO-ALLERGENIC QUEEN BEDSHEET

Check the returns and refund policy

This is vital, but most people skip this step completely. Do check the brand’s returns and refund policy before you place your order. Most online stores allow you to exchange or return bedsheets within 15 to 30 days of accepting the package. However, you cannot use the item or wash it, and you must retain all original packaging and tags while placing the returns/exchange request. Once the product is returned, it is first inspected for its condition. After this, the brand initiates the refund on the product, or facilitates an exchange for another one. However, you must be cognisant of how the brand processes the request before you buy the product – this prevents future disputes and the process goes along smoothly.

5 Types Of Mutual Funds You Should Have For A Balanced Portfolio

If you are planning to start investing in mutual funds, or considering your diversification alternatives after being regular with your mutual fund investments via SIP, you will be pleased to know that you mutual funds themselves offer various opportunities to create a balanced and diversified investment portfolio. This saves you from the hassle of learning about and dealing with newer investment instruments that you may be unfamiliar with or which, may not be easy to manage online.

On the other hand, when you opt for different types of mutual funds such as tax saver mutual funds, large cap mutual funds, mid cap mutual funds, and small cap mutual funds, apart from debt mutual funds such as PSU mutual funds and low-duration mutual funds, you can continue to invest in them via SIPs or one-time investments basis your preference, track their performance online, and manage your buying and selling online.

Types of mutual funds

Equity mutual funds
Debt mutual funds (PSU)
Debt mutual funds (low-duration)
Gold mutual funds
Tax saving mutual funds

Key features of different types of mutual funds

Type of mutual fund	Key features
Equity mutual funds	These include large cap mutual fund, small-cap, and mid cap mutual funds that are linked to the equities or stock market. When you opt for the best mutual funds across large-cap, small cap mutual fund, and mid-cap, your diversify your portfolio and balance your risk exposure. Typically, equity mutual funds offer higher potential in terms of returns as compared to other mutual funds, subject to market risk.
PSU debt mutual funds	These mutual funds invest your monies into PSU or government related bonds and securities, thus protecting your investments from market volatility that is typical of equity-linked mid-cap and small-cap funds. These mutual funds are a great way to balance and diversify your portfolio or when you have a risk appetite that ranges from medium to low These mutual funds typically deliver attractive returns when you hold on to them for 5 to 7 years.
Low-duration debt mutual funds	These type of debt mutual funds are not linked to the stock market. These are linked to corporate bonds and securities.They offer insulation for short-term investments against market volatility that makes investing in equity mutual funds, especially low-cap and mid-cap, often challenging. They can be used for investments as short-term as a few months.
Gold mutual funds	Gold mutual funds are linked to the gold performance market. They serve as a hedge against equity linked mutual funds, especially when it comes to mid-cap and low-cap mutual funds, which experience greater volatility in case of a dynamic equities market environment.They are crucial from a portfolio diversification and balancing perspective.
Tax-saving mutual funds	As the name suggests, tax-saver mutual funds offer tax benefits on the investment made, as well as returns.These are ideal when you need to meet your tax-saving goals without investing in long-term instruments since the minimum investment tenure is 3 years. The best tax-saver mutual funds offer a mix of equity and debt exposure to ensure some level of insulation from market performance.

Watch: Want to know why Small Caps can be a beneficial addition to your portfolio?

When you should opt for different types of mutual funds

Equity mutual funds – When you want to grow your investment portfolio
Debt mutual funds (PSU) – For balancing a highly equity-linked mutual funds portfolio
Debt mutual funds (low-duration) – If you have spare cash to invest but also want to keep liquidity for immediate use

Gold mutual funds – When you need to diversify and balance your portfolio with gold as a hedge
Tax-saving mutual funds – Ideal for saving tax on investment and returns without making long-term commitments such as 7 years and 15 years

30 Most Commonly Used Words And Terms Used In Life Insurance

Life Insurance Terms You Should Know

A life insurance policy is a contract between the policyholder and the insurance provider, wherein financial protection or investment options (in some cases) are provided to the policyholder in exchange for monthly premiums.

You may know nothing about Life Insurance – so here we will discuss the most commonly used terms in Life Insurance

30 Common Life Insurance Terms You Must Know

Policyholder: The person who purchases the life insurance plans and pays the premium. He is the owner of the policy but may or may not be the life assured.
The life assured: Life assured is the individual, primarily the breadwinner, who is insured to cover the financial risk of his untimely death.
Agent: A professional advisor who can help you find the most appropriate policy at the most reasonable prices after charging some fees from you.
Sum assured or insurance coverage: It is the amount that the insurance company promised to pay on the death/Insured event of the policyholder during the policy tenure. This amount is paid to the nominee and is chosen by the policyholder at the time of purchase.
Annuity: This is when the death benefit is paid out in installments
Nominee/Beneficiary: The legal heir nominated by the insured to whom the insurance company will pay out the sum assured and other benefits in case of an unforeseen eventuality. The nominee can be the policyholder’s wife, child, parents, etc.
Group Coverage: Life insurance coverage purchases by an employer or organization provides coverage to their employees as supplemental life insurance coverage.
Policy tenure: The duration for which the insurance plans provide life insurance coverage ranges from 1 year to 100 years or whole life in which the life coverage is until the policyholder is alive.
Hazard: Any condition that can lead to a loss
Maturity age: Maturity age is the policyholder’s age at which the policy ends or terminates. For example, if life insurance is purchased with coverage until the policyholder is 65 years old, this will be the maturity age.
Insurable Interest: This is proof that the beneficiary would suffer financially if the policyholder died. For example, a wife who is economically dependent on her husband will have to prove her insurable interest.
Premium: The fees or payment that the policyholder pays to the insurance company – which could be monthly/quarterly/bi-annually/or annual to keep the life insurance plan active.
Joint Life Insurance: Life insurance plans that are jointly held by multiple policyholders – typically couples.
Premium payment term or mode or frequency: This can be as per the policyholder’s convenience. It can be Regular Premium Payment wherein the premium is paid throughout the policy term, Limited Premium Payment wherein compensation is paid for a certain pre-fixed number of years, or Single Premium Payment wherein a lumpsum premium is paid only once.
Riders: These are add-ons or additional paid-up features to extend the scope of the fundamental life insurance policy. These can be added at any point in time, and some of the most common ones are:

Accidental Death Benefit Rider
Waiver of Premiums
Critical illness Cover
Accidental Total and Permanent Disability Benefit Rider
Hospital Cash

Non-participating Life Insurance – A life insurance plan that does not have any cash value, and provides no investment structure; for example, a term insurance plan, is a non-participating life insurance policy.
Death Benefit: The amount paid out by the life insurance company to the nominee in case of the policyholder’s death.
Face Value: This is another term used for the policy’s death benefit
Survival or Maturity Benefit: If the policyholder outlives the tenure and completes the pre-defined number of years under the procedure, the promised amount is paid out, especially in a guaranteed return plan or income return plans.
Free-look Period: Normally, a 15-30-day period when the policy is purchased, the policyholder may choose to return the purchased policy.
Grace Period: An extension of 15-30 days given to the policyholder to pay the renewal premium for his policy on time after the premium payment due date. If the payment of premium is not before the end of the grace period, the policy may stand terminated or lapsed.
Surrender Value: An amount paid out by the insurer to the insured if he decides to discontinue the plan before the maturity age.
Paid-up Value: If the insured cannot pay his premium after a certain period, he can convert his policy into a reduced paid-up policy, with a reduced sum insured which is the paid-up value.
Revival Period: After the grace period is over, the insurance company provides a revival period during which the policyholder can continue paying a premium and activating his policy. This is done after the prior approval of the Underwriters.
Lapsed Policy: Termination of a policy due to non-payment of the premium amount.
Underwriters: Professional experts evaluate the risk involved in insurance as soon as the insurance policy begins, and the evaluation ends with the settlement of the claim. Only the underwriters can approve the policy to be issued and the claim benefit to be paid out to the nominee.
Universal Life Insurance: This is the policy wherein the insured can adjust the premiums paid according to changes in his financial income.
Tax benefits: Any premium paid towards the life insurance is eligible for tax exemptions and deductions under Section 80 (C) or Section 10 (10D) of Income Tax Act, 1961, with the maximum amount of Rs.1.5 lakh.
Exclusions: These are circumstances or situations which the insurer prescribes in the occurrence of which no claim or benefit will be paid out to the policyholder.
Claim Process: If the policyholder passes away during the policy’s tenure, the nominee needs to file a claim following a stringent pre-defined process to receive the death benefit as mentioned in the policy.

Conclusion

The above glossary will help you understand life insurance definitions, phrases, most common terms, and concepts. You will be better prepared to take the next step in comparing policies and purchasing the most lucrative and beneficial one without any trouble or misconceptions.

The Right Nutrition For A Healthier You

Our body requires proper nutrition to function effectively without any discomfort. Most of our nutrition comes from food. But sometimes it is not enough. In our busy days, we are unable to meet all our vitamin and mineral requirements through our food. These deficiencies can cause a lot of issues and ailments in the body. An easy way to avoid these nutritional deficiencies is to take some nutritional supplements. But there are many different supplements on the market, and it is important to choose the one which will be the most effective.

Wellbeing Nutrition Nutritional Supplements

Wellbeing Nutrition sells effervescent tablets, which are chock full of nutrients essential for the body. These tablets have to be dissolved in a glass of water and then consumed. Some of its advantages for use are:

No hassle of swallowing- users do not have to swallow a big pill with a lot of difficulty. All choking hazards are removed by this tablet which can be consumed easily with some water.
Added hydration- many people often find it difficult to consume enough water throughout the day. But the effervescent tablets automatically encourage the consumption of a glass of water on a daily basis.
Tasty- liquid medications and pills can often be very bitter. But the effervescent tablets are very tasty and flavourful, and there are a variety of flavors for customers to choose from
Better absorption- the effervescent tablets are all completely bioavailable. This means that the tablets get fully dissolved in water, and the body is able to absorb maximum nutrients from the tablet.

Some effervescent tablet nutritional supplements from Wellbeing Nutrition are:

Skin fuel – skin fuel is a special nutritional supplement for the skin. It is full of collagen peptides that are important for the skin to remain firm and smooth. This skin fuel is also high in anti-oxidants and contains Hyaluronic acid for smooth, even tone skin. The skin fuel is available in Blueberry and Mint flavor tablets that can be consumed by dissolving in water.
Daily Greens– this nutritional supplement is created by blending together 39 different kinds of green leafy vegetables and herbs. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. The daily greens tablets can be dissolved into a drink and consumed without having to go through the time and effort of individually purchasing and preparing so many different veggies.
Prebiotic and probiotic– Wellbeing Nutrition believes that gut health is essential for the external as well as the internal well-being of the body. Their prebiotic and probiotic supplements improve digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body. If taken with permission from a doctor, they can help with common digestive ailments like gas, constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
Grandma’s kadha– this water-soluble tablet is produced by blending together nearly 13 different herbs and spices. This old ayurvedic recipe boosts immunity and protects the body from cold, sore throat, and other common ailments. But Wellbeing Nutrition recommends that Grandma’s kadha tablets should be dissolved in warm water and consumed to give added benefits.

Complete organic nutrition

One of the major advantages of the nutritional supplements from Wellbeing Nutrition is the fact that their products are completely organic. All organic natural products are used to ensure that no unnecessary toxins or chemicals that enter the body. Most of their products are actually based on plant extracts or compounds drawn from organic materials. Even the flavoring used to make the drinks taste good is prepared from completely natural sources.

Wellbeing nutrition also cares for the environment along with the human body. All their packaging is either sustainable or recyclable. They source their products from the best sources all around the world to provide their customers with absolute organic nutrition.

While trying to fulfill our career dreams and personal responsibilities, many of us often skip out on taking care of our bodies. But there is no need to compromise on our health anymore. With easy to carry, affordable, and convenient supplements available on the market, anyone can now find the time to take care of their body. A healthy body is essential for sustained productivity, and nutrients are essential to keep the body happy and healthy.

Check your credit score for free at LazyPay website or application

LazyPay has achieved cult status among the modern workforce and is being touted as the go-to instant credit app. The various online functionalities of LazyPay increase the financial literacy of the users. One such vital component of maintaining optimal financial health is to understand the working credit score. LazyPay has introduced an imitative where new prospective users of the app can know their credit score and also understand the factors that influence it.

Why is credit score so important?

A credit score is a statistical data that denotes an individual’s ability to repay the money that was borrowed. It is vital to maintain an excellent credit score if you are planning to go for a big-ticket home loan or a credit card.

A credit score between 350 and 499 is considered poor, and most loan applications are rejected.
A credit score between 500 and 650 is considered an average credit score, and remedial action can be initiated to increase the credit score. Some actions are to restructure credit card debt, make periodical payments in previous debt obligations, and minimize credit card usage.
A credit score of above 650 translates into excellent credibility of the customer in the eyes of the financial institutions. Efforts should be made to maintain a good credit score by maintaining financial discipline.

Checking Credit Score on LazyPay App

LazyPay understands the importance of maintaining top credit history for its users as well as the general public. LazyPay offers three product variants such as Buy now pay later, instant personal loan, and EMI.

LazyPay is a subsidiary of PayU and has the sound Foundation to imbibe financial prudence practices in the lifestyles of the users.
Users of LazyPay can log on to the website using their mobile number and get their credit score in a matter of minutes.
Before applying for instant credit at LazyPay, users should evaluate their credit score. Knowing and modifying the credit score is the best way to put a firm footing in the credit market.

What are the advantages of getting a free credit check at LazyPay?

Sound financial planning involves taking the right steps when making debt repayment of previous loans and avoiding the incidence of later charges on credit card accounts. These things cause damage to your credit history, and it’s quite an uphill task to mend your credit history when things hit rock bottom

For example, going for massive credit card purchases just before applying for instant credit at a banking financial institution or a private lender can make your credit score nosedive.

Financial Discipline

Maintaining the optimal credit score through the use of responsible financial practices will enable you to cultivate an excellent credit score in the long term. The free credit score check at LazyPay enables individuals to be responsible for their financial actions and set their priorities straight before making multiple loan applications.

Making better decisions

Financial decisions regarding spending of additional funds acquired through instantaneous loan apps should be made on a sound statistical knowledge of the credit score. A free credit score check enables you to understand your present position in the credit repayment spectrum and helps you to make the right decisions leading to money savings.

Modification of possible errors

Sometimes even the credit agency is wrong regarding your financial transactions. Since the credit history plays a pivotal role in your long-term financial planning, every individual must undergo a free credit score check in LazyPay to correct any discrepancies that are noticed in tabulating your credit history.

LazyPay helps its users get an error-free view of their credit score and provides the requisite tools to put in an application to correct any wrong entries at the centralized Credit Union Agencies such as Experian and Equifax.

LazyPay personal loans are a huge hit among the GenZers as they provide hassle-free instant funds at the tap of a single click. To sanction personal loans, the loan executives of LazyPay have to factor in the influence of credit score. Maintaining an ideal credit score is the best thing to do for those who are entering the workforce in recent times.

Download the LazyPay app, get your credit limit and enjoy making those purchases like you never have !!!

Vacation at Luxurious Club Mahindra Munnar Resorts and Eat out at These Restaurants in Munnar

Nestled amidst the panoramic natural sceneries, Munnar is a refreshing escape for travelers looking for tranquillity and peace. So frequented by tourists, this beautiful hill station in Kerala has some of the best Munnar resorts, showcasing a splendid display of hospitality. Munnar tourism is popular all over the world, so to meet this demand, there are a vast number ofthings to do in Munnar. If you are visiting with your family or even a solo backpacker on a mission to explore, the places to visit in Munnar will not cease to amaze you. How to reach Munnar should not be a tedious task as the town is well connected via road, rail, and air.

As is the case on any holiday, food along with good hotels makes or breaks the trip, and in this lush green paradise, you will find amazing restaurants in Munnar along with a few hand-picked Munnar resorts, such as the Club Mahindra property. Plush and luxurious in every way, a stay at this star property of the popular timeshare will enhance your vacation experience.

Club Mahindra Munnar

A family holiday to this pristine property will solidify your choice of stay for any future travel endeavors. One of the best Munnar resorts, it is usually sold out and works best when booked well in advance.

Accommodation Options

There are several varieties of room options at Club Mahindra Munnar, and you can select one, depending on how many people are visiting. These room options are as follows;

Premium room – 2 adults
Deluxe room – 2 adults + 1 child
Superior studio – 2 adults + 2 kids
Signature 1 bedroom – 4 adults + 2 kids
Two bedroom suite – 6 adults + 2 kids

All the rooms are fully equipped with the best of the amenities such as air-conditioning, heating, tea/coffee maker, toiletries, kitchenette, and much more. The linens are thoroughly sanitized, and of good quality fabric, so you can spend quality time there.

Resort Facilities

The resort has many activities and facilities on the premises, which range from workshops, theme nights, swimming pool, aqua aerobics, and more. In case you do make some time after visiting the glorious tea plantations and other popular sites, the resort will keep you occupied with these activities. During winters, they also host a bonfire and barbecue night, offering the truest experience of Munnar at night.

Travel Desk

If you want to lay back, relax and have someone plan your trip, make a trip to the travel desk. You can book your excursions in advance as well as last-minute at the resort, and there will be no price difference for the same. Whether it is outdoor activities, adventure, or basic sight-seeing, the personnel at the travel desk will help you out. Even airport transfers shall be arranged if you need. This is one among the greatest facilities of Club Mahindra and is provided in all the resorts.

Restaurants

There are two posh restaurants at this lovely property, and both have dedicated cuisines you can indulge in. Barbecue Bay has various barbecue dishes on the menu that you can sink your teeth in, and The New Tea room has the A La Carte options. If you don’t feel like going to restaurants, you can use Gourmet Express for in-room dining services. There are many other quaint local joints in Munnar if you decide to venture out, but these three dining options will cover everything, ranging from local delicacies to international dishes.

Spa

Kerala is known for its authentic massage therapies, and the in-house spa called Svaastha spa is the perfect place to get peace and self-care. Wellness for the mind, body, and soul is their mantra, and you will get just that. A variety of worldly therapies to choose from will allow you to leave all the worries of the world behind while you are spoilt with some much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation.

Munnar is an ideal destination to embark on a memorable holiday with your family. You will get lost in the beautifully pruned tea plantations, greenery, misty mountains, and mind-boggling sites. Staying at Club Mahindra Munnar will only enhance your stay in leaps and bounds.

Painful Sex? Here’s Why You Need To Get Yourself Checked

It is a common problem and a frustrating one – every time you have sex, you experience pain down there. You have now begun to dread the idea of sex. What should be an act of love and pleasure has turned into one that causes soreness, light bleeding, and pain – and it is frustrating for your partner, too.

What causes pain during sex? There are a few probable causes, and all of them must be checked by a doctor:

* Endometriosis: It is a condition that causes inflammation of the pelvic floor muscles and some amount of tissue scarring. These result in pain during sexual intercourse, because the muscles involuntarily clench or tighten to protect the area from a foreign object such as a penis. The tightening can make intercourse difficult, and forced penetration may cause extremely painful spasms. There is no cure for the condition, but pelvic floor physical therapy may relax the tense muscles.

* Vaginismus: Doctors believe that vaginismus often happens due to the fear of penetrative sex. An otherwise healthy woman may experience pain during intercourse because of involuntary clenching of the vagina and pelvic floor muscles at the moment of penetration. Women who enjoy oral sex or intimacy may still suffer from this condition, and have little or no control over it. The partner may find it difficult or impossible to penetrate the vagina when this happens. Forced entry can cause injuries and localised bleeding.

* PCOS: This is a hormonal disorder that causes cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual periods, heavy or scant bleeding, heavy white discharge on non-period days, pain in the lower abdomen, and reduced fertility. It also causes vaginal dryness, which leads to pain during sex. Women suffering from PCOS find it difficult to get pregnant, have satisfactory sex, keep their weight under control, etc. The disorder has no cure, but hormonal replacement therapy may help.

* Uterine fibroids: Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that adhere to the uterine wall. There is no single explanation for why they occur, but scores of women have them. They can cause pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal dryness that leads to painful sex, abnormal white discharge, and problems in conceiving. Women with fibroids who get pregnant may even be advised to terminate the pregnancy in order to remove the fibroids first, because the tumours almost always impact the growth of the foetus.

The above-mentioned conditions are only a few reasons why women experience painful sexual intercourse. Apart from the symptoms listed above, most of them cause changes to the menstrual cycle. Infrequent periods, heavy bleeding, blood clots in the discharge and severe cramps during the period are common symptoms. If you suffer from these symptoms, you must arm yourself with the best sanitary pads in India, such as Nua sanitary pads. They are highly absorbent, have a wider back to prevent leakages, and are 100% toxin free so you won’t suffer from pad rash. Having soft sanitary pads and good panty liners to combat discharge and abnormal period flow are key to feeling comfortable even as you take treatment for your condition. The above conditions are also exacerbated by stress, a diet lacking in nutrients and inactivity. Your doctor can prescribe medication and lifestyle changes. You can also enlist a nutritionist’s help in charting out a daily diet plan for you, based on the doctor’s recommendations for what you can or cannot eat.

Eco friendly gifting ideas for nature lovers

A recent Deloitte UK report on consumer attitudes towards sustainability revealed that sustainability issues are a key driver for almost one-third of the consumers. The report also revealed that 60% of consumers had reduced their consumption of single-use plastic in 2021.

These are all extremely encouraging developments, but there is also a caveat as with all big changes. Expense and lack of knowledge about sustainable alternatives are two of the top reasons given by consumers for faltering in their eco-friendly goals.

Access and privilege are important considerations that determine consumer choices. We understand that, and in the spirit of helping consumers make more green choices this year, we have curated a list of eco-friendly gifting ideas for nature lovers.

Easy to Care for Plants

Plants make for the best environmentally friendly gifts. And it doesn’t even matter if the receiver is really a nature lover. There are so many options to choose from- a hanging plant, a creeper, a bonsai fit for small spaces or a pot of handy herbs like rosemary, thyme, mint, or oregano. Plants filter the air, add a pop of green to the home, can be used daily for skin care (think aloe vera) or garnish (think coriander or mint), and so much more.

Donate Money to Protect a Natural Habitat

Instead of giving a gift that will be used and thrown away eventually, donate money to adopt a habitat, cluster of trees, or a patch of land in your friend or family member’s name. This eco-friendly gift idea has a direct, measurable impact, and will reap benefits for the earth for decades to come.

Bird Feeder

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has found a serious decline in the number of birds such as song thrush, skylark, and house sparrow across the UK. While all these studies and statements may sound alarming, there is a perfectly easy way you can help. Gift a bird feeder to the nature lover in your life and watch them support and protect an entire family of small birds. Bird feeders also provide a safe place for nesting and act as a perfect place to put out food and water.

Flower Press

A flower press is a call back to the days of school nature walks and picnics. And there’s no reason why you can’t revive this hobby in adulthood. Use a flower press to preserve foraged wildflowers and leaves, and enjoy your two gifts in one by framing said wildflowers in a pretty frame.

Adopt a Threatened Species

Surprise your best friend, who cries every time she reads about the local shelter overflowing with strays, with the gift of adoption. Actually, a certificate and a symbolic adoption by donating funds to preserve threatened species, but just as heartwarming. Wild Australian Koalas and dolphins are just two of the many animal species you can help save with your funds.

Compost Kit

Got friends or family members that love tending to their garden day and night? A compost kit is the best environmentally friendly gift for the green thumbs in your life. Composting is good for soil fertility and puts biodegradable household waste to good use. Various micronutrients present in compost also help keeps pests away from your kitchen garden. Great for both newbies to the composting lifestyle and composting veterans who are looking for an easy, fuss-free solution,

Zero-Waste Toiletries:

Most mass-market bathroom and feminine hygiene products are made from plastic or come in plastic packaging. These include shampoos, toothbrushes, soaps, earbuds, body wash, etc. Gift your friends and family zero waste toiletries to ease their way to a plastic-free lifestyle. Choose organic soaps in natural colours and bamboo toothbrushes that will look great in a minimalist space.

The Choices We Make Matter

As we said earlier, switching to an eco-friendly lifestyle comes with some growing pains. We do hope, however, that with these eco-friendly gifting ideasfor nature loversand lifestyle product swaps, you and yours can take the first steps towards a greener, kinder, more environmentally friendly life.

Mineral Water and Winter Immunity

Winters have never been an easy time for those with lower immunities. In fact, even for healthy individuals, traditionally winter has been the season to stock up on foods that up one’s immunity. Right from chywanprash to laddoos, there are a host of traditional foods prepared across homes in India to fight off winter infections and strengthen the body’s immunity.

This need for building immunity in the winter season has become even more pronounced as we combat a pandemic for the second winter in a row. While vaccinations and safety protocols are key to fighting off the pandemic, the role of robust immunity in avoiding severe infection and related challenges cannot be ruled out.

Hence, it is important to invest in foods and nutrients that up your immunity through the season. Interestingly, while traditionally the focus has been on foods, experts are now realizing the role of drinking water, especially mineral-rich water with regards to building immunity. But before we get down to discussing the same, let us understand the types of water and mineral-rich water.

Types of drinking water

Features	Tap Water	RO or Distilled Water	Packaged Water with Added Minerals	Mountain or spring water with naturally-present minerals
Safe	Not too safe since the source and pipeline may be contaminated	Safe since harmful TDS such as industrial pollutants, toxins, chemicals are removed using unit-based purification systems	Extremely safe since harmful TDS are removed using safe and stringent purification processes that meet international standards	Pristine and safe since the source where the water is bottled is checked for its geophysical properties to ensure it is free of any harmful TDS
Purification Process	Local administration-led purification. It typically requires further at-home purification	Highly effective purification processes, especially useful for treating hard water. However, they clear the water of harmful TDS as well as essential TDS such as minerals and salts.	Safe purification processes at bottling plants; high-level of focus on ensuring the innate goodness of water isn’t lost during the purification process	Minimum purification to ensure retention of natural pristine qualities of the region
Purity Quotient	Below average	High but comes with a rider	Excellent	Excellent
Health Impact	Can cause water-borne illnesses	Not recommended since it robs the water of essential minerals, leading to long-term negative impact on health	Recommended for good health since it contains added minerals in the right quantities, which impacts immunity, as well as physical and mental health	Recommended for good health since it contains naturally-represent minerals, usually in good quantities, depending on the source

Mineral water health benefits

Now that you have a fair of how mineral water offers an obvious advantage over other types of drinking water, let us get down to how mineral water actually impacts our health. First, let us understand the key minerals present in packaged drinking water with added minerals. These are:

Sodium
Manganese
Calcium
Zinc
Phosphorous

Of course, these are only the top minerals and there are several other minerals present in small quantities in such packaged drinking water.

Now, each of these offer benefits that impact our physical health, mental health, and up our immunity. Let us learn about each of these in detail so we can learn how consuming mineral water through the winter season, and all-around the year, can help impact our health and immunity in a positive manner.

Physical health benefits of minerals

Minerals such as calcium and sodium play a significant role in regulating blood pressure levels, blood circulation, and smooth functioning of the heart and liver among other organs. Calcium also ensures bone strength and good dental health.

Mental health benefits of minerals

When it comes to mental health too, minerals and salts are crucial. Zinc and magnesium can be linked to sound mental health. Their deficiency can lead to mood swings, anxiety and depression. Certain minerals and their deficiency have always been linked to chronic mental illnesses among senior citizens, especially men.

Immunity-related benefits offered by minerals

Most importantly, minerals play an active role in upping our immunity. For instance, those such as zinc are effective in cell multiplication while others such as manganese help balance inflammation as an immune response. Almost all other key minerals present in drinking water play a small but significant role in ensuring our immune systems runs smoothy.

Conclusion

When it comes to building good health and immunity, consuming the right kind of water is as important as consuming the right kind of foods. This is because certain minerals are better absorbed by the body when had with water rather than as part of foods. More importantly, since we consume regular on a consistent basis, it becomes an effective medium to get adequate minerals in small quantities on a daily basis for maximum effectiveness. Hence, drinking packaged water with added minerals is just the thing to consider when it comes to immunity-rich consumption in winter.

Why Thread Count Matters in Bed sheets

Climbing into the bed to get a restful sleep is a moment most people look forward to. As you prepare to drift into a peaceful sleep, you want everything in our bedroom to your liking. You give great attention to all the details, from temperature to a comfortable mattress to a soft pillow. If you can consider one other aspect to create a soothing environment in your bedroom, it is the suitable double bed sheet.

However, selecting the perfect bedsheet is a task easier said than done. Firstly, you will find myriad options in colors and patterns. There is a possibility that you will like so many that it will become difficult to buy one. Secondly, bedsheets these days come in a variety of fabrics. From cotton to silk to polyester, you will find that the options are endless.

Let us look at one other detail you should consider before buying a bedsheet – the thread count. Here is a breakdown of what it is and why it matters.

What is thread count?

Thread count refers to the horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. Generally, a higher thread count is considered to signify a better quality of the bedsheet. However, a lot also depends upon the type of fabric.

For instance, the thread of linen is thick. As a result, a lower thread count linen bedsheet may be a lot softer than a similar thread count cotton bed sheet. On the other hand, a silk thread is so lightweight that often it is expressed in weight instead of thread count.

Why does thread count matter?

Thread count is perhaps the most talked-about selling point of bedsheets. Here is why you should consider it too.

1. Durability

A bed sheet is meant for relatively rough use and should sustain multiple washes in the machine. When you select a double bedsheet with a lower thread count, the fabric can give away after a few washes.

So, what makes this difference? You can test this yourself. Hold a lesser thread count bedsheet against light and try to see through it. You will notice that the light can easily pass across. On the other hand, a bedsheet with a higher thread count will be more opaque.

Thus thread count translates into the thickness of the fabric. A bedsheet with a higher thread count will last you a long time and retain its sheen even after multiple washes.

2. Softness

A bedsheet with a thread count lower than 100 will not be soft to sleep on. It is believed that bed sheets with higher thread counts are softer. However, it is not always true.

You may find that a bedsheet with a thread count of 600 is not as pleasant to sleep on. It could be because it has two thread count with three yarns twisted together.

Thus, you may want to check the fabric type, yarns and weave to make the correct decision.

3. Temperature

Do you often wake up in the night due to night sweats? Did you know that your bedsheet could be to blame?

A higher thread count in cotton bed sheets means a tighter weave of threads. This close arrangement of yarns traps the heat inside and doesn’t let it escape. If you are looking for cooler sheets, opt for a thread count under 300.

Whether the sheet sleeps hot or cold also depends upon the type of thread. For instance, a thicker yarn like flannel will have a lower thread count but will sleep hot.

In Closing Although thread count is one of the most important aspects to consider when buying a bedsheet, it is not the only one. You may want to examine other factors like the fabric type and number of yarns to determine the softness and durability of your sheet before making the optimal choice.