Before you go to buy a used laptop, please keep in mind the following essentials. Just do not buy a second-hand laptop because it is cheap; buy it because it is a bargain for what it is worth. You have to first analyze the need and use of your laptop. Evaluate the activities that you do most and understand what is the basic minimum RAM or CPU usage that you require. The purpose of the use of your laptop is essential to determine why you are buying a used laptop. See if it has the advanced features that you are looking to buy. Checking the battery of the used laptop is essential. You do not want to be hooked to the power charging cable to use your laptop for work. If you plan to use the laptop unplugged, it is essential to see if the battery in the used laptop is in good condition. If you are looking to play games, a used laptop is not necessarily the best choice. Inspection of the used laptop you are buying is essential. You would have to examine the frame, case, and chassis of the laptop. A thorough inspection of the sides of the laptop is also necessary to recognize cracks that could cause possible disintegration. Irregularities should be inspected for missing ports, part, or hinge. The screen of the used laptop also has to be thoroughly examined. It is necessary to see that the screen does not flicker or has cracks. If the screen has loose connections that cannot be repaired or a faulty backlight, then the cheap cost of the used laptop can be very expensive. The screen might also bear dead or stuck pixels and the same if unnoticeable can make the picture look a little impaired. The keyboard and the trackpad of the laptop should be checked as they are the most used parts in the laptop. The CD drive and ports on the laptop should be checked to understand the functionality of the laptop. It is also important to see that the used laptop has an updated version or a genuine version of windows on it, as proper software is necessary to enjoy the laptop unhindered. The connectivity of the laptop can be demonstrated by connecting the laptop to the internet connection. Check if the laptop connects to the WIFI. It is also advised to buy a reputable brand as this will determine if you can find faulty parts or can get the same easily repaired. It is also necessary that after the thorough inspection of the laptop, one should not pay too much for a second-hand laptop as it may not have a warranty.

Some people are incredibly proud of the homes they have built. Most home builders concentrate on the indoor and outdoor look of their house. The outdoor landscaping enhances the overall look of the house. Border edging is a significant part of landscaping and completely changes the look of the space. Here are five unique and beautiful border edging ideas that you can consider for your house.

• River rock edging You must be familiar with river rocks. They are small and large pebbles that look great as edges for your ponds, patio spaces, and pathways. Since these river rocks have smooth edges, they do not hurt the feet, and you can happily walk over them barefoot. These pebbles are cold to touch and therapeutic too.
• Layered stones If you want to create a raised bed outside your house or in your garden, opt for layered stones as they are perfect for border edging. These are simple rectangular stones placed on top of each other to create a border for a raised bed. Such edges look neat and precise. Another advantage is that these borders prevent soil erosion.
• Flagstone edging A lot of families personally love flagstones. These are flat rectangular or square stones used along bedding planes. These stones are rusty and are low maintenance. You can add a single layer of the stone as a border or stack one on top of another to create a tall border structure. If you want your outdoor landscape to look pretty, consider flagstones.
• Red brick edging These redbrick edgings are one of the most used border edging ideas in traditional houses. Red bricks are strong and easy to fix; they are weather-resistant and low maintenance too. Redbrick borders look great in large houses.
• Faux stones These stones are manmade, and they come in a variety of materials. These affordable, lightweight stones give a look and feel of real, natural stones; and they are also easy to maintain. You can buy these faux stones in a variety of shapes and colors. All these stones come with wire anchors to help them get fixed to the ground. Give these a try.

If your outdoor space is not as perfect as you want it to be, the lack of edging could be the reason. Have a look at the above -mentioned border edging ideas and implement them when you renovate your outdoor area. You will love the difference they bring to your house.

Studies show that one in six Americans experiences hearing loss, but nearly 80% of them do not take any steps to rectify it. Non-treatment of hearing loss is now being linked to dementia, other cognitive disorders and a marked 30-40% higher decline in thinking abilities. Hearing aids are medical devices used to assist people in their daily lives and are generally expensive. Thus, it is essential that you understand the different types of hearing aids available to choose the right one which would best fit your budget and your requirement. As a pioneer in the market of hearing aid devices, Starkey has been delivering consistent service and quality products for the last 50 years and is considered as one of the most reliable brands in America. Starkey hearing aids’ prices vary according to the technology and the capacity of the device. The wide array of hearing aid devices offered by Starkey include: A. As per the technology used:

• Muse iQ: Courtesy the latest technological advancements in the sound quality of this series, Starkey hearing aids’ prices for this model are quite high.
• Tinnitus: Starkey’s patent-pending Multiflex Tinnitus technology has been specially developed to prevent ringing in the ears.
• Muse: It is customized to fit your unique hearing needs and is Starkey’s first model compatible with rechargeable batteries.
• Z series: These machines offer wireless products featuring next-generation 900sync™ technology.
• 3 series: They are reliable, delivering high-performance and are virtually waterproof.
• X Series: These hearing aids are specially designed to improve speech understanding in noisy environments and to make listening easier.
• Ignite: Starkey hearing aids’ prices for this model are the most affordable as they are one of the initial models of Starkey. They have both wireless and non-wireless hearing aids.

B. As per design:

• Hearing amplifiers (AMP): Generally considered as a convenient start for those who experience mild hearing loss, Starkey’s amplifiers are specifically designed for first-time users looking for hearing solutions. They are very small and fit invisibly in your ear canal.
• Receiver-In-Canal (RIC): Available in micro and standard varieties, these are simply perfect for most first-time hearing aid wearers as they are small, discreet and quick to fit. Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, RICs also have the advantage of being available in a variety of colors and is the perfect single-sided hearing loss solution. These can be customized to be directly connected to your iPhone.
• Completely-In-Canal (CIC): Barely visible in the form of a tiny removal handle outside the ear, these are also available in a variety of colors to match your skin tone and are perfect for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
• Behind-The-Year (BTE): This is the most common hearing aid design available in a set or for a single-sided hearing loss around the world and Starkey gives you three options: Mini, Standard, and Power. These are very reliable machines for moderate to severe hearing loss with easy to use buttons and dials, which are suitable for all ages. These can also be customized to be directly connected to your iPhone. Starkey hearing aids’ prices in this category are comparatively more affordable.
• In-The-Canal (ITC): These machines have to be custom made for each person to ensure that it fits discreetly in your ear canal. They are most suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
• In-The-Ear (ITE): Customized to fit in the outer portion of your ear, these machines are perfect for mild to severe hearing loss and are much easier to adjust.
• Invisible Products (IIC): Using the latest SoundLens Synergy technology, these machines are completely invisible as they are tiny and fit snugly in the ear canal. Starkey hearing aids’ prices under this category are understandably high.

When it comes to your favorite four-legged friend, you have to ensure that your dog gets the best. Be it the environment your dog lives in, the people he/she is around or the food he/she eats. You have to make sure that your dog gets no less than what your own kid might get! Recently, there have been multiple instances of pet owners reporting that their pets are developing food-related allergies. It is possible that your dog has been eating the same food for the past three to four years and suddenly develops an allergy toward it. In such a case, you must get them on the best dog food for allergies. Here are a few points to consider while purchasing the best dog food for allergies to take care of your loving pet.

Most common allergens

The most commonly reported allergens by pet owners in the country are as follows: -Beef -Dairy -Chicken -Lamb -Wheat -Fish -Soy -Corn As you can see, these are all protein sources used in making dog food. Surprisingly, these are items that dogs are not known to be naturally allergic to. It just so happens that our pets are constantly exposed to such items and develop allergies. In such a case, you will be able to give your dog the best dog food for allergies only once you know what the underlying issue is.

Hypoallergenic ingredients

Now that you know the common allergens, what are the common hypoallergenic items that you can look for in your dog’s food? Here are some pointers for deeper insight.

Limited ingredients

When you are still in the stage of trying figure out which allergen is bothering your pet, purchase food with limited ingredients. This will help in easier pinpointing of the best dog food for allergies.

Novel ingredients

You could also try giving your dog food that contains novel ingredients. In other words, try looking for products with lesser common ingredients like buffalo, pheasant, kangaroo, and millets. They might not be allergic to these foods.

Prescription- or vet-suggested diets

As the name suggests, these products are typically prescribed and sold by veterinarians. These are generally rich in the common hypoallergenic substances and should help curb the problem. Prescription-suggested foods can also prove to be the best dog food for the allergies your pet is facing.

Allergy or intolerance?

Food allergies and food intolerance are two different scenarios that your pet might be facing. A food allergy is like any involuntary autoimmune response that the body is responsible for. This is a way of your body deeming a certain substance as harmful. In such a case, it might not be very difficult for you point out the symptoms and pick the best dog food for allergies. A food intolerance situation is different. It is more a digestive problem as the body is unable to digest the particular food. This is an inability that cannot be cured. You will have to work around it. In either case, it is important that you get your pet examined and take the necessary precautions while picking the best food for the allergies your dog faces. It is always better when you understand the problem and work toward preventing it.

Is doog food always the cause of allergies?

Contrary to popular belief, food might not always be the primary cause for allergies in your pet. Reportedly, only 10% of the allergies found in pets are because of their diets. In any case, always ensure that your pet gets food that works around the allergy. It should always help them and not worsen the situation. In the end, what matters is that your dog is healthy and sprightly. If you believe they have any symptoms like skin rashes, hives, itching, paw biting, nausea, and diarrhea, take them to a vet. You should consider feeding them with a commercial dog food that has been tested and specially designed to control such issues.

The importance of a disciplined beauty regime becomes all the more evident with the progress of the age. With age, skin tends to become delicate and more susceptible to damage due to sun exposure and pollution. Best firming skin creams tackle common problems like dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and outright sagging of skin, especially in the facial region. While a balanced diet, proper rest, and exercise help your skin improve, timely intervention using professional skincare products is vital. Certain hormonal changes also affect the quality of your skin. Do not ignore these needs and begin using the best firming skin creams to retain the soft and supple skin you always had.

Maintaining youthful skin

Some people feel that firming creams are only for middle-aged or old-age groups. However, experts cannot insist more on the importance of an early start. Skin damage tends to start in the late twenties or early thirties. Don’t wait till it is too late because those fine lines are hardly visible or are easily hidden under makeup. An early start can go a long way in maintaining youthful skin. Best firming skin creams are for anyone, young or old if they are dedicated to retaining or restoring the charming qualities of their skin.

Reversing skin damage

The special formulations of best firming skin creams can not only reverse damage but also offer your skin daily protection and ensure minimum damage in the future. Skin creams with collagen, peptides, vitamin E, vitamin C, green tea extract, calcium, and essential amino acids add suppleness.

Under-eye care

For some people, fine lines under the eyes often called 'crow feet' are a major concern. Some best firming skin creams are specially formulated to target under-eye regions. One of the good products to try is Patricia Wexler M.D. 3-In-1 Eye Cream which sells for $32.50 approximately.

Specialized ingredients

The best firming skin creams have antioxidants and skin-restoring ingredients, exfoliating agents like salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA), retinol and niacinamide. These agents are key in the cream’s anti-wrinkle properties, hydrating qualities that restore skin moisture, reduce open pores and result in a supple skin with an even skin tone. If you have extra-sensitive skin or serious allergies, it is strongly advisable to check with your cosmetologist before making any change.

Dynamic skincare

The best firming skin creams should make fine lines disappear, gently exfoliate the skin and reverse sun damage. Anti-wrinkle properties are a must-have. The cream should also work on the skin tone. All these features when blended perfectly in quality skin-firming creams, translate into great results.

Affordable creams

Some good products in an affordable price range are Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer for $20.99, L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Double Lifting for $17.99, and Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum Fragrance-Free for $24.99 approximately. Stores like Target, Walgreens, and Rite Aid often have a good range of best firming skin creams. Special combo deals and discounts are also available on Amazon, eBay, and brand-specific websites.

Luxury firming creams

In the luxury spectrum, some products are highly recommended for excellent results. If you are willing to make a good investment in your skincare routine, then try the best firming skin creams like Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Day Cream for $74, Nu Skin AgeLoc Tru Face Essence Ultra $188, Z. Bigatti Re-Storation Skin Treatment Facial Lotion for $155, IS Youth Complex for $148, Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream for $128, and Artistry Luxury Creme for $368 approximately.

Long-term benefits

Paying for luxury products has visible results. Good skin and a glowing face can add boost your self-confidence and esteem. Some users claim that smile lines around the mouth, sagging wrinkles below eyes and wrinkles around the neck have visibly reduced after regular use of best firming skin creams. Invest in the right product now and jumpstart your skincare routine!

Calculating the price of a tax preparation service can be daunting as there is no set price for the same. The tax professionals use a variety of methods and ways to set a price for their services. This makes it difficult to calculate and compare the costs of different tax preparation services. The price of the tax preparation service increases as the financial situation and tax return becomes more complex. These tax preparation services often use different pricing methods for their services. Those who want to compare the prices of different tax preparation services can directly ask the companies the pricing method they use, or how the companies determine the prices. Companies generally tell the estimated price for tax preparation as well, however, it is generally difficult to get an estimate from any company unless the tax professional sees the tax issues of the client. Some methods that the tax preparation service providers use are mentioned below.

• A fixed fee for every single tax form or schedule
• A fee that is based on the previous year's fee along with an additional fee charged for any changes in the situation of the client's tax
• A minimum fee for tax return along with an additional fee based on the complication in the client's tax situation
• A value-based tax preparation service fee
• An hourly fee for the time spent while preparing the tax return
• A fixed fee for every item in data entry

A certified public accountant or a CPA advises that people should expect an average of around $273 for the current tax year. This amount generally includes the state and federal returns. The average fee usually drops to around $176 when the tax deductions are not itemized. This is because the itemizing of deductions is a time to consuming as well as a complicated process. Those who don't have a complicated tax situation can expect the tax preparation services to be less than normal. Those who have a very simple and basic tax situation can get their return files for free as well. However, this is subject to some income limits. The income limits can be learned from the IRS free file guide. To calculate the cost of your tax preparation services, you can browse the internet and research about the inclusions in the tax preparation fee. Sometimes, there are extra charges for electronic filing, phone calls, or office visits included in the fee. Some firms charge an additional fee for the audit protection. To be more precise with the calculations, such details should be addressed.