The Shaker of Salt

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A basement is an excellent addition to any home, offering extra space for the kids to hang out, a home office, or even a games room. To keep your basement as a useable space, you will need to make sure that it is properly maintained. Basements have the potential to receive all sorts of damage caused by water if the rest of your home isn’t properly maintained.

Sump Pump

If your basement is lower than the water table, you will probably find that groundwater naturally finds its way into your basement. Obviously, this is something that you won’t want to leave, as it could eventually damage your home. In this situation, a sump pump is an ideal solution. A sump pump will pump away the water that has gathered in your basement, and allow you to drain it off elsewhere, where it won’t be able to cause any damage to your home. You will find that sump pump prices vary so you should be able to find one that suits both your needs and your budget.

Keep Your Gutters Clear

Cleaning your gutters may seem a little strange when talking about maintaining basements, especially as they are at opposite ends of the house. However, a blocked gutter can quickly cause problems throughout your home, and in particular in the basement. As the lowest point in your home, your basement is especially susceptible to damage from a blocked gutter, or from downpipe that’s not doing its job correctly.

Blocked gutters can cause water to leak down the side of your home instead of being channeled away from it along the gutter and then down through the downpipe. Over time water leaking down and gathering at ground level could penetrate through to your basement. Even if an actual leak doesn’t occur, if left unchecked it could lead to damp and mold forming on the walls of your basement. Damp and mildew are not only unpleasant to look at it, but they can also cause your basement to smell of damp, and the mold could spread to your furniture and other items in your basement. Black mold can be harmful to your health and can be responsible for a range of health problems, so avoiding mold forming by preventing the cause of it is the best course of action to take.

To prevent problems with your gutters, they will need to be cleaned at least once a year, and maybe more depending on how clogged they get. If trees surround your home, you will find that the guttering gets blocked up by leaves and twigs more quickly, so a more regular clean is a good idea.

Keep it Dry

Aside from water leaks, smaller amounts of water and moisture can also have an impact on your basement too. Make sure that you don’t dry your laundry in the basement, as this will add extra moisture to the air. If moisture still seems to be a problem, you may want to use a dehumidifier.

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iPhones are easily the most popular phone in the world and people everywhere use one every day to take photos, connect with loved ones and even simply play games.

The iPhone is a technological marvel for many of us and it does things which many of us never thought a phone could do. But this little piece of tech isn’t perfect.
Today we are taking a look at some of the most common iPhone issues which come up and how we can work to solve them this year. We can sue these simple Phone Remedies to get our phones up and running again without the need to head for a repair center or genius desk.

Wifi won’t connect

One of the most common issues which can be gave d by our phones is that it won’t connect to a WiFi network. When anything like this comes up it is a good idea for you to hard restart your phone and try again. You can do this by holding the lock button and home button together until the phone restarts. Once it has restarted the connection pathway will refresh and you should be able to connect. If not, look at the bottom of your WiFi page for HTTP proxy and set to auto settings.

No update

Sometimes you will hear of a new update being or for your phone, but for whatever reason the phone won’t give you the regular option to update. If this happens to you you need to plug your phone into your computer and force restart it. Once you have done this you should see the update option come up on your phone for you to click. If this doesn’t work try restoring your phone to remove data and this should help.

A cracked screen

iPhones are stunning pieces of technology but they are no Nokia 3310. When you drop an iPhone the chances are the screen will crack because it is made of glass. There’s nothing worse than using a cracked phone and this is why you can use it next tip to help you fix it. There are DIY kits out there which can help you fix it, but taking it to a professional will get you better results and soon enough you will be back out there with a shiny new screen.

Data is lost

It can be more than a minor inconvenience when you lose all of the data you have on your phone, and this is why it is important that you have iCloud backup set up to save all of your data. When you have this you can sync your device to the iCloud and it will release your data back to your phone. If you don’t have this option you can head to the apple store and they will likely be able to help you.

The camera doesn’t work

One of the things which iPhones are known for us having amazing cameras, and you will likely want to use it all the time. If it isn’t working you might have some restrictions set up on the phone. Head to settings – general and turn on the camera. It’s such a small setting and one which you might not even realise exists but it can impact your usage.

Battery draining

iPhones are amazing in the technology field and they have some of the best graphics and apps of any type of mobile device. But with this comes a cost, and the battery power you have on your phone can often suffer from this. When your battery is draining quickly it is important to make sure you don’t have lots of apps running in the background and turn on power saving mode on your settings.

Water damage

A bit of steam here, a drop of rain there, or a full drop you phone in the bath situation. All of these things can be awkward to deal with and it can have an impact on your phone. The first thing you should do if your phone is wet is to pour some rice into a Tupperware box and place your phone inside. Place the lid on and leave overnight. Rice should absorb the water and hopefully your phone will be restored. If not, you can contact the Apple store and they will be able to suggest some things to you.

There are a lot of simple issues with phones that can be solved easily so make sure to always try and do it yourself before you head to the Apple store!

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You keep a clean, neat and tidy home, right? You ensure that the place feels neat and spotless yet cozy and welcoming for your family and visitors alike. The last thing you’d want is for your home to look unkempt or untidy or, worse still, unwittingly be home to hidden dangers which could compromise your family’s health and well-being. Yet, while you run a tight ship, sometimes even the most fastidious of us can neglect the aspects of household maintenance which are a little less obvious and a little more hidden  away. Don’t worry, everyone neglects these! However, for a house that is truly clean, happy and healthy, make sure your maintenance schedule includes…

Your HVAC servicing

Your HVAC keeps your home at just the right temperature all year round. However, when your HVAC isn’t serviced and filters aren’t changed your AC system can become both a breeding ground and a delivery system for all kinds of nasty bacteria including potentially fatal legionnaires disease. The good news is that servicing is cheap and affordable, and you may be surprised at how easy it is to handle it for you. For example, some plumbers are also fully licensed HVAC technicians.

Checking your attic insulation

Your HVAC keeps your home at just the right temperature all year round. However, when your HVAC isn’t serviced and filters aren’t changed your AC system can become both a breeding ground and a delivery system for all kinds of nasty bacteria including potentially fatal legionnaires disease. The good news is that servicing is cheap and affordable, and you may be surprised at how easy it is to handle it for you. For example, some plumbers are also fully licensed HVAC technicians.

Checking your attic insulation

In this gorgeous spring weather, you’re probably not even thinking all that much about your attic insulation. Nonetheless, it’s best to inspect it at this time of year while you have some natural light on your side. Check for damp patches which could indicate a leak in your roof and also be sure to check for signs of bite marks, burrowing or animal droppings as these can be signs that your home either has an infestation or is vulnerable to one.

Checking your smoke detectors

Smoke detectors save lives… But they need to be in proper working order to be effective. According to the USFA your smoke detectors should be checked once a month to ensure that they are in proper working order and your batteries should be changed at least once a year.

Checking the seals around your windows

You’ve invested heavily in stunning top of the range double glazed windows. Yet, while they look fantastic and do a great job of keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer, a window is only as strong as the seal between it and the wall. Over time the sealant around your widows can deteriorate, letting in a slight breeze which undermines your home’s energy efficiency. Make sure that you check your window seal and reapply it when necessary.

Clearing the yucky stuff out of your gutters

I know, I know. Gutters are just… Bleugh! Even the word “gutter” sounds like something which should never be touched by human hands. Nonetheless, when guttering isn’t kept free of dead leaves and less obvious things like toys or even birds’ nests it can lead to flooding in your yard and even compromise the integrity of your home’s foundations.

Make sure you don’t neglect these 5 oft-forgotten aspects of home maintenance and you’ll always enjoy a perfectly clean and happy home.

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Your home should be your sanctuary and the place you feel the safest, but there are often hidden dangers in residential properties. Although you can’t always see them, you should take steps to ensure these harmful toxins aren’t present in your home…

Lead paints and pipes

Although the dangers of lead are now well-understood, this wasn’t always the case and many older homes still have lead pipework and/or lead paint inside them. Exposure to lead can cause a myriad of health problems, such as mood disorders, developmental issues, migraines and headaches, difficulty concentrating, abdominal pain and/or joint stiffness and discomfort.

If you’re unsure whether there is lead present in your home, contact a reputable specialist who can confirm whether there is any lead paint or pipework present and remove if it necessary.

Carbon Monoxide

Known as a ‘silent killer’, carbon monoxide can make you very ill, very quickly. Unfortunately, the gas is odorless and colorless, so you may not realize you’re being poisoned until it’s too late. Often causing fatigue, nausea, dizziness and other flu-like symptoms, carbon monoxide can cause you to lose consciousness and exposure may even be fatal in some cases.

Appliances, such as gas heaters and stoves, are common causes of leaks so it’s essential that only qualified technicians carry out appliance repairs and services. Your home should also have working carbon monoxide alarms which will alert you if a leak occurs.

Asbestos

Commonly used in construction, many homes still contain asbestos in some form or another. Old ceilings, floor tiles, insulation and roofs often contain asbestos and this can be particularly harmful to your health. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious and/or fatal illnesses, such as asbestos and mesothelioma, so it’s important to get certified asbestos testing and removal carried out in your property. It’s the only way to be sure you’re safe.

Mold

Unfortunately, mold can be difficult to completely remove and it’s likely that there’s already mold present in your home. Most commonly found in areas which are poorly ventilated, mold can make you feel very unwell. Coughs, sinus congestion, chest infections, and asthma can all be caused or triggered by the presence of mold, but there are various specialist products and services which can help to minimize and remove mold from your property.

Salmonella and E. Coli

These bacteria are responsible for many cases of food poisoning but they can do more than cause vomiting and gastrointestinal symptoms. In severe cases, contracting salmonella or E. Coli can be fatal, so food handling and storage should always be taken seriously. Keeping raw meat separate from other foods, maintaining high hygiene standards, cooking food thoroughly and using separate utensils, storage containers and cookware to prepare raw meat can help to minimize the risk of ingesting the bacteria and may prevent you from becoming unwell.

Now you’re aware of common household toxins and the harm they can cause, it’s time to take action. However, some household toxins can be particularly dangerous when they’re disturbed or moved so getting specialist help and assistance is always advisable.

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We all love our kids unconditionally. But sometimes they can drive you a little insane. Most of the time it will be just at that crucial point where you need quiet or concentration. Even just five minutes to yourself in peace. However, a lot of the time, the reason why they are driving you mad is that something disastrous has happened in their lives. This may not be on the same level as what you would think to be devastating, but their worlds end. This will be down to certain home repairs. So let’s see if we can all relate, here are some of the home repairs that will need a quick response to save your sanity when it comes to your kids.

The TV Breaks

You can end up having a love/hate relationship with your TV. Sure it’s there when you need some peace, but then you worry that your kids watch too much of it. But, when the TV breaks it is like nothing you’ve seen before. Children don’t know what to do with themselves, and they declare that they are bored. Oh no! So the best advice would be to get an engineer round right away. It may just need some wiring. You may have to replace the TV. But you do it, no matter what the cost because whether you love it or hate, you sometimes think you need it.

Video consoles or smart devices breaking down

The xBox has a blinking red light, your phone or iPad smashes to the floor. These things are important assets to some children and families, and right or wrong these things are in our children’s life. We may worry more than we should about how long they spend on them. But when these things go wrong it’s in your best interest to get them sorted. This is when taking it to a specialist or looking into a iFixYouri Smart Device Repair would be advisable. Everything in moderation but technology is taking over, so you may as well embrace it.

The oven stops working

One of the worst things that can rock your sanity is a hungry child. They go from fine to starving in 0.3 seconds flat, and you know about it. So the oven breaking is one of the worst things that can happen in your home. Some people have emergency cover for things like this, where an engineer will come out to quickly resolve the issue. If you haven’t it might be worth checking these covers out as they can be a lifeline at dire times.

The power goes out

Everything can stop when the power goes out, that means phones can’t be charged, video consoles can’t be played, food can’t be cooked. Everything! While mostly these things are temporary, it would be handy to have an emergency box to hand for these cases. Things like candles and torches will come in handy. Don’t forget a takeaway menu, just in case everyone goes a little hungry.

No hot water

Finally, the last home repair that would need quick attention would be the hot water going off. No child wants to take their evening bath in cold water. Neither would we for that matter. So get a plumber out as soon as possible to try and resolve the issue. You will thank yourself later for saving your sanity.

Let’s hope preparation is the key to avoiding some of these disasters in the home.

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Do you often find yourself browsing through home decor magazines, Pinterest and Instagram at the beautiful homes and wishing yours could look that nice? You might have written off the idea thinking it’s out of your budget, but there’s plenty of ways you can get a gorgeous looking property without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas.

Paint the walls

Paint is inexpensive and can massively transform your home. Remove fussy, peeling old wallpaper, give the walls a sand down and paint them in a light neutral color. It will make your home look clean, fresh, modern and spacious. Paint skirting boards and doors in a brilliant white to finish the look, and your home will look completely different. A beautiful blank canvas for whatever else you put in there.

Make your own decor

Making your own decor is a great way to get unique, inexpensive pieces and have fun in the process. You could use a vinyl cutting machine to make your own art, vinylcuttingmachineguide.com has a rundown of some of the best models. You could sew your own cushions and curtains, you could paint your own artwork or design prints using Photoshop. If you already have a creative hobby, find a way to utilize it and make yourself some beautiful pieces for your home. Another option would be to upcycle furniture, you can find old pieces cheaply and bring them back to life with some paint and new hardware.

Shop for second hand bargains

We live in a ‘throw away’ society– people often get rid of things that are perfectly good just because they no longer like the style. This however can be great news for you, as it enables you to snag some second hand bargains. Check out classified listings, eBay, Craigslist and Facebook marketplace also often have awesome items that don’t cost a lot. In some cases they’ll be next to new, other times they might just need a little smartening up.

Rummage the sales

Why pay full price if you don’t have to? When the sales are on, do some research and see if there’s anything you want or need at a heavily discounted price. It’s a great way to get the look of a high end home but without being too hard on your wallet. End of line clearance stores are another way to get huge prices off the retail price for a product that’s perfectly good and brand new.

Add plants

Plants make your home look well cared for, and add a pop of colour without being fussy. Plants have been shown to make us as humans happier and more productive too. If you’re not very green fingered, faux plants will give the same effect and last forever. Buying plants when they’re small and nurturing them until they’re bigger will cost you less. You can find them cheaply from places like Ikea.

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We cringe at the thought of germs and parasites all around us and inside our bodies. What we do not know, is that some of these parasites play the most important part in our bodies and help in balancing the ecological balance of the Earth. But where there is good, there is bad as well.

Where some parasites are beneficial for your health and ensure effective functioning in your body, there are some parasites from whom you should stay away. Some harmful parasites can cause infections which can be very difficult for you. If you ever doubt that you have caught the infection, it is important that you identify the symptoms of that infection and start the treatment as soon as possible.

But, the most important thing to adopt in life is, to take precautions in order to stay away from them in the first place. There are certain things you can do on the daily basis which will help you to stay from these harmful parasites; have cleaner surroundings and an infection-free home.

Vaccination

Vaccination is the first step towards a healthy life. It is an important step which should be taken by children as well as adults, but is avoided by many people due to carelessness or lack of awareness. People usually believe that vaccinations are only for children but, in reality, adults also need regular doses of vaccination like tetanus. A proper vaccination will help you to stay
away from many long-term and harmful diseases and create a healthy and stress-free future for you.

Keep Your Pets Clean

People are most likely to catch germs and parasites from their pets. Some harmful parasites like roundworms and hookworms can infect your pets and get to you eventually. Make sure that the food you provide for your pet is clean and hygienic. It is very important that they drink clean water. You should also make sure that your pet also gets proper vaccination. Pets can be messy and a little unhygienic for your house; so give them regular baths and also wash your hands after playing with them.

Hygienic Surroundings

Healthy surrounding and a clean body are very important if you want to stay away from harmful parasites and to get bacteria out from your house in order to protect yourself and your family from their harmful effects. You should make sure to shower daily and keep your hand sanitized. If a family member is unwell, make sure that they take proper medication and guide
them to take precautions to avoid spreading of the infection. Also, it is important to clean your house regularly; vacuuming the carpets, removing the stains, and most importantly, keep your fridge free from expired and unhealthy food products.

Take Precautions Traveling

You should take proper precautions while you are traveling or maybe even when you are eating from outside. Avoid drinking local water and drink water only from sealed bottles. You should also use insect repellent creams or sprays in order to avoid getting infected. Once you come back home from your vacation, it is important to clean everything (clothes, makeup, toothbrush, etc.) before you put things back to their places.

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Are you feeling down? Did your last relationship take out everything you have and leave you feeling empty? As human beings, we are emotional islands and when we are going through a tough phase, this
can have a devastating effect on our state of mind and everything else we do. Refreshing ourselves is not just about going on a weekend trip or splurging on an online shopping site. It is to be done by attending to your deeper sense of self – a bit of introspection is the best thing you can do to give yourself a lift. And this could mean new spiritual and emotional experiences that you have never tried out.
Stan Millhouse from Psychic 2 Tarot explains that learning a new skill or trying a new activity can be a constructive way to lift your spirits after going through a breakup. If you want to do something that can shed more light on your own inhibitions and personality then a tarot
reading session or a conversation with a psychic is worth trying out.

Gain Perspective With A Tarot Reading Session

The tarot card deck comprises of many symbols, each dealing with a specific topic and aspect of your life. You can have an open-ended conversation over a tarot deck or approach seeking answers on certain
topics – depending on what you want. The tarot session can give you a perspective on your life that you have not explored before. You will be able to see how past experiences and choices have shaped where you are today and this gives a sense of what lays ahead. A tarot reading session is positive experience – it does not drag you down with a revelation of inevitable happenings, but it opens your mind to the capacity and power you have within to make the best possibilities become a reality. You can connect to the most reputed tarot readers by phone or engage with them personally.

The Mystical Powers Of Psychics

Psychics have a powerful talent that they have been using to alleviate the pain of humanity for generations. If you have lost someone dear, a psychic reading session can help with the grieving process. Tune into your spiritual side, open your mind and find assurance that your loved ones will always be by your side, watching over you. Psychics can also help you unravel your deepest fears and uncover your hidden talents. Most people who go for psychic readings report an uplifting mood and they are able to hit their
daily routine with more enthusiasm and a feeling of contentment.

Find The Right Experts

Always stick to reputed platforms when it comes to activities like psychic readings and tarot card sessions. Opt for a free trial if you are doing it for the first time and keep the meeting short. If you feel like the conversation is very generic, stop it. Psychics and tarot readers should not be up-selling their services – you should have a natural conversation where you do not have to reveal many details.

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If you are a blogger then you’d probably have an idea what this article is about. If you are beginning your blogging journey then fashion and lifestyle may be the best shot you’ve got to start with and gain optimum traffic within months or weeks. Fashion and lifestyle blogs are all about day to day chores and guides to tackle the problems faced. Fashion blogs essentially deal with the latest and upcoming trends and fashion updates in the segment. Whether you are beginning with your own blog or you wish to start writing for someone’s blog, fashion and lifestyle blogs can prove to be the easiest, to begin with. Here are the top 5 topic ideas that you can use for your blog:

1. Tips To Look Younger

This could be the easiest one amongst all. You can already find a million articles and blogs about avoiding aging tips on the internet. You don’t need to bring freshly brewed content every time you write an article. You can fetch ideas from the already existing blogs and present them with a fresh perspective. One of the easiest topic titles can be about anti-aging tips, which is pretty commonly understood and has a very high readability score. You can get ideas about how to avoid premature aging or decrease the aging rate very easily. You can include anti-aging products, a few habits to inculcate, and some tips on how to effectively use these products for better results. There you have a perfect content for your first blog about tips to look younger.

2. Dressing Up Tips

With the fashion blogs being flooded with articles on dressing tips, you can score a few readers out of the lot. People love to know how to dress properly and what to include in their wardrobe to improve their style statement. The article doesn’t need to be too informative or formally framed. A simple informal article concerning what to wear, when to wear, how to wear, how to pair, and how to match the color scheme can be sufficient to gain you an optimum number of readers. You can choose from the titles like tips to pair your shoes with your dress, tips to select a fur coat, list of accessories you can pair to boost your style statement, and a lot more alike. The topic needs to be as simple and basic as possible. Readers do not like to go through a guided tour. What the reader desires is actually an engaging article that brings interest while reading.

3. Health Issues Concerning Your Lifestyle

We all know what are the health issues that we face due to our unhealthy habits. Take note of these problems and frame an article about it. Yes, it is that simple and easy. You won’t even need to do research before you write. Your article can include any of the sleeping problems, unhygienic habits, eating habits, and not to forget the alcoholism. Or you can include all of these in just one article. There is more than you can think of to write about the health issues that concern your lifestyle. Simply laying out what you’ve experienced and suffered in a proper format is more than sufficient.

4. Buying Tips For Your Apparel

Another frequently used topic idea is buying tips. You can write about what to look for when you buy a pair of shoes, or a pair of denim, or a shirt, or for that matter any of the apparel product that you can think of. Practically speaking, you know what you do when you are buying apparel for yourself. You look for the latest designs, the quality of the product, you try it before you buy it, and finally, you make the payment and purchase the product. That’s all you need to explain in your blog.

5. Types Of Apparel Products And Their Classification

This one is my favorite. You already know what are the different types of products available. There are shirts, trousers, gowns, caps, belts, shoes, and the list goes on. Write something about these products. You can write about their classification as well. Types of shirts, color options for shoes, texture differences in materials used, all of these are classifications of apparels. Or you can choose your own ground to classify these products on whatever basis you like.

Having said that, one thing that you should always keep in mind is that you shouldn’t be offensive to anyone. Prefer your own writing style over any imparted one. Write as if you are communicating with a person standing in front of you. This way, it would be easier for you to decide the topic and write about it.

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Education unlocks the power of wisdom. When combined with foster care, it can transform the lives of the fostered children. Children, who due to any circumstances cannot stay with their biological parents are relocated with foster parents by the court. With the entry of professionals in the job, foster care has improved potentially. The job of a foster carer is emotionally,
financially, and socially rewarding. It is far more beneficial to children who are fostered with such responsible individuals. With proper care and optimum upbringing, these children can live a prosperous life. A few examples of how foster care can help with quality education are:

1. Foster Care Has The Uplifting Atmosphere
   Foster parents try to provide for the children, the best they can. The children are always encouraged to pursue what they want. This type of atmosphere can uplift their morale. Having said that, the children can utilize their maximum potential. Lisa Witter from PerpetualFostering.co.uk confirms that your marital status, background, sexual orientation, race, or gender will not hold you back from becoming a foster parent. This broad mindset can further enable the children to look into matters irrationally. A good foster parent can actually boost the ambitions of a child.
2. Foster Parents Are By Their Side
   There are times in every student’s life when they need counseling. Foster parents are always standing next to their children. There can be stress due to studies, or a problem with any subject, or any other issue that a child may face. Foster parents, with their intense experience in caring, can guide their children out of trouble. Moreover, children have plenty of resources to engage in extracurricular activities to help with their academics. Fostered kids are usually bullied and face social stigmas. Having someone who can protect them against these socio- cultural tortures, is all they need. With an understanding mindset and a lot of patience, foster parents can help the children cope from all these problems. Thus, further enhancing their potential to study.
3. The Children Have The Opportunity To Explore
   As it is already mentioned, foster children have plenty of resources. With optimum resources and the right guidance, a child can explore his opportunities to the maximum. They are provided for their education, clothing, sports, and almost everything necessary for a healthy lifestyle. They can master sports, or pursue higher education. Or they can do something more creative and artistic in nature. For example, they can pursue their passion for music if they wish to. In a nutshell, the children can follow their passion and gain access to related education (knowledge and skills). All this is possible because the children have access to all the resources they need, and of course, they have a caring parent-like figure by their side.

Foster parents can help their children in more than just one way. It is important for the parents to understand that they have the utmost responsibility to give these underprivileged children a good life. By supporting their children with care and love, they can turn their odds around.