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How To Pack The Marie Kondo Way

  

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Marie Kondo is all the rage these days thanks to her cute and inspiring hit Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. The show is all about decluttering your life. Getting rid of all that junk you’re holding on to that you definitely don’t need and only keeping things that “bring you joy”. There are plenty of awesome and effective tips in the show for how to make your home life more joyous, but there’s another way to implement the “KonMari Method” in your life: packing!

We all hate packing. It’s always so stressful to pick the few outfits you’re able to fit in your suitcase, and then even when we do decide, we usually just throw it in the suitcase with some shoddy folding and spend our vacation walking around in wrinkly clothing. But you don’t have to vacation like that ever again! Follow these simple tips from Marie and you may just start to enjoy packing…

FIND A SUITCASE YOU ACTUALLY LOVE

So many of us grab either the cheapest suitcase we can find or the most durable one we can find. And they’re all so boring! Then we drag them around, get them all banged up and, frankly, show them no respect whatsoever! But there are a lot of suitcase options out there and you can actually find one you really like! So treat yourself and go out and grab one that’s a cool color or has some cool feature that most don’t.

It may seem silly, but actually liking your suitcase can make packing, and traveling, all that much more fun!

CHANGE THE WAY YOU FOLD YOUR CLOTHES

I think basically everyone folds their clothes the same way. We fold everything into little squares or rectangles and then stack it all on top of each other. But what happens then? The stuff at the bottom is carrying all the weight and gets extra wrinkled and you end up doing so much digging around to find the shirt you want to wear that the entire suitcase becomes an absolute mess. Well… stop it! Thanks to Marie Kondo, there’s a better way to fold your clothes.

 

In her method, you actually roll the clothes into an almost triangular shape and actually line them up in your suitcase standing up. You see how much nicer that is? You can actually see every single item and all you have to do is grab the one you want! It really makes all the difference in the world.

DON’T BOTHER WITH ALL THOSE ACCESSORIES

As I stated earlier, the KonMari Method is all about what sparks joy. And, be honest, do those three extra pairs of shoes and those scarves and hats and all those other accessories really spark joy? Do you really need all of them for this 4 day trip to Nashville? That’s what I thought. And when you stop bothering with all those extra non-essentials, you’ll have more room to fit in what you really need and do so comfortably.

DON’T GET LAZY

OK… so you’ve packed the KonMari way and your suitcase has never looked more organized. Good for you! But just because you’re actually on your vacation now doesn’t mean you get to erase all that hard work and go right back to being a slob! You still need to keep things tidy while on the trip.

One easy way to do this is to fold your dirty clothes and keep them separated from your clean clothes. It will keep your stress levels as low as possible during your trip and it also makes unpacking easier than ever.

And that’s all there is to it folks! All this stuff may seem pretty simple or even obvious to some of you. But so, so many people don’t pack efficiently and it really can affect your day-to-day mood on a vacation. So if you’re like me and are a sloppy packer, start implementing these packing tips ASAP!


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Top 10 Reasons to Conceal Carry a Gun

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Top 10 Reasons to Conceal Carry a Gun

Have you ever thought about getting your concealed carry license? Then you’ve come to the right place.

A concealed carry license allows you to legally carry a concealed weapon (usually a handgun) on your person in public.

Though some states have more restrictive concealed carry laws than others, all states permit some level of concealed carry.

If you’re on the edge about whether or not to get your concealed carry permit, here are ten reasons why you should:

1. It helps you protect yourself

The most obvious reason to get a concealed carry permit is that it helps you protect yourself.

Sure, there are many other self-defense methods, like martial arts, knives, and pepper spray, but few are as effective as a concealed gun. It can help you stop a violent crime in a matter of seconds.

In addition, concealed carry can help you make up for physical disadvantages. If you are elderly or female, for example, having a gun may be the only way you can stop a larger attacker.

2. It helps you protect your family and others

On top of protecting yourself, concealed carrying helps you protect your loved ones.

As a parent or spouse, you have a serious responsibility to protect your family from harm. You never know when an attacker will strike, and it’s best to be prepared for the worst by having a gun on you.

As a concealed carrier, you may also find yourself in situations where you are the only one in a position to protect others, including strangers. You become the sheepdog that protects the sheep (regular citizens) from the wolves (criminals).

3. Violent crime is a real threat

Though violent crime in the U.S. has been steadily falling since the 1990s, it’s still a real threat.

In 2019, over 1 million violent crimes were committed across the country. That’s an estimated 366.7 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants.

The world can be a dangerous place. But by having a concealed firearm, you will be able to protect yourself and others in the event that you witness (or become victim to) violence.

4. You’ll be less dependent on the police

The average police response time to 911 calls varies by area and the type of crime, but generally, it can take up to 10 minutes for help to arrive.

In the meantime, you still need to protect yourself. And when it comes to violent crime, every second counts. A concealed firearm could be all that stands between you and death (or worse).

Besides, contrary to popular belief, the police don’t have a legal duty to protect you unless you are in their custody. Your safety is ultimately your own responsibility.

5. It helps deter violent crime

Criminals are less likely to commit crimes when they think there could be an armed citizen nearby.

By carrying a concealed weapon, you help deter crime anywhere you go. In some cases, showing your gun will be enough to stop the violence.

This is also part of the reason why the U.S. has never been invaded or subject to a tyrannical government—its citizens are armed.

6. It provides valuable training in firearm safety and self-defense

To earn your concealed carry license, you must take and pass a firearms course, which covers gun safety, rules, maintenance, and self-defense (among other things).

This is a great opportunity to gain valuable gun training. It will teach you how to properly handle your concealed firearm and how to use it in self-defense as a last resort.

And it won’t take much time. Most concealed carry classes are a one-time full-day event that you can knock out on a weekend.

7. It gives you a tactical advantage

When you conceal carry, you gain a tactical advantage against criminals. Since they don’t know that you’re carrying a gun, you can catch them off guard and leverage the element of surprise.

In contrast, when you open carry, criminals will see that you’re armed and may target you as a result.

8. It helps you save money and time on background checks

Whenever you buy a gun (perhaps with gun accessories) from a licensed firearm dealer, you are required to undergo a background check. This can take up to a few hours and cost you $25 to $50 every time you buy a new gun.

But if you have your concealed carry license, it shows that you’ve already passed a background check. So you can just show it to the dealer to have the background check requirement waived.

9. It teaches you to increase your situational awareness

Concealed carrying will help you improve your situational awareness. How? By instilling in you more responsibility toward others. You’ll learn to stay vigilant against potential threats and crimes so you can react quickly and properly.

10. It’s your second amendment right

Lastly, carrying a firearm is your constitutional right. The second amendment gives you the right to “keep and bear arms.”

That’s reason enough to conceal carry. Just make sure you also respect the serious responsibilities that come with carrying a gun.

The bottom line

At the end of the day, the choice to get your concealed carry license or not is up to you. It’s a huge responsibility, but also one that could potentially save your life and the lives of others.

Many states will also honor conceal carry permits from other states (aka reciprocity), allowing you to carry while traveling across the country.

Research your state’s conceal carry laws and then do what’s best for you and your family.

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The Different Types of White Wine Explained

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Have you tried to select a good white wine for a special meal, or as a gift, but get overwhelmed by the endless white wine options at your local winery? 

So many different bottles, with different labels and categories, can be frustrating. While you might not want to become a wine connoisseur, you wish you had a little knowledge of the types of white wine and its flavors.

The guide below will introduce you to the basic types of white wine and how to pair them with food. Knowing your white wine options and how they affect your palate will help you make the perfect selection later.

Chardonnay/Chablis

Chardonnay might be considered the “go-to” white wine for casual gatherings, rather than for a large meal. But, Chardonnay is actually a very full-bodied wine, and best paired with creamy, heavier food. 

There is a distinction between Chardonnay and Chablis. Chablis is a region in France where wine is made from the Chardonnay grape. Chablis is not usually cured in oak barrels, as is a lot of Chardonnay, so it has a much lighter taste and is often paired with light appetizers like raw oysters. 

Pinot Grigio/Gris

Pinot Grigio has really taken Chardonnay’s place as the “go-to” wine these days, due to it’s consistently dry, light, and slightly fruity flavor.

Lighter in color than Chardonnay, a Pinot Grigio can be paired with pasta and heavy salads, as well as most seafood. A Pinot Grigio stands well all by itself as well.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon white wines are on the dry side, with a tart taste. Certain varieties, particularly those from New Zealand, have a more fruity taste. Many describe the taste as having a slight hint of grapefruit or sour apple flavor.

This is a great stand-alone wine, but pairs well with cheese, and fresh seafood.

Moscato

Moscato is a sparkling white wine that is often thought of as a “dessert” wine, due to its sweet flavor. But these days, Moscato is becoming a popular dinner wine, as it pairs well with spicy foods, and even with a refreshing summer salad. And, of course, you can pair it with your favorite dessert.  

Moscato is lower in alcohol content as well, making it a good starter choice for someone new to drinking white wine.

Reisling

Riesling is also a popular dessert wine, as it is quite sweet, though not as sweet as Moscato.

Again, pairing it with spicy Asian or Indian dishes is a great idea, or with fruity desserts.  

Gewurztraminer

From a region in Germany, Gewurztraminer is a great dry/sweet combination wine and is slightly fruity. This white wine is less popular in the United States, usually because the other wines listed here are more familiar. 

If you are unsure whether to go to a dry wine or sweet one, try a bottle of Gewurztraminer and pair it with cinnamon-laden desserts, creamy bisque soups, or curry dishes.

Choosing from the Types of White Wine 

With so many types of white wine, how do you choose? 

First, decide if the wine will be paired with food, and if so, what kind of food, and work from there.

If the wine is a gift for someone else, find out if they prefer a dry or sweet white wine. If the wine is for you, choose one from each of the types of white wine, and have a tasting party!

Do you love to travel, and dream of exploring the world?  Stick with this site for content that will help you expand your horizons.

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The Sacred Aboriginal Sites in Australia

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Aboriginal sites in Australia need to be protected for they tell the history of mankind that dates back to over 46,000 years ago.

Australia’s aboriginal sites became a global focus after Rio Tinto Ltd acquired permission to blow up some age-old rock dwellings that exhibited human history dating back to more than 46,000 years ago. The company legally removed these shelters to expand their iron ore mine. For the indigenous peoples of Australia, however, these areas are considered sacred aboriginal sites that hold special meanings for them.

According to the Aboriginal Areas protection Authority, such sites provide significance to their designated locations. These aboriginal sites are interwoven with familial and communal relationships, anchoring indigenous tribes to their traditions, customs, and spiritual beliefs. These lands are both tangible and intangible, offering significance to waterways, middens, stories, songs, languages, ceremonies, and other knowledge systems.

“As custodians of the oldest living culture on earth, our people have an ancient lineal connection to country, to culture and to each other,” asserts Rodney Carter, Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council’s chairperson. “As traditional owners we have both inherited and we create cultural heritage. We create artefacts and materials, live traditions and spirituality, and imbed (sic) it all within the landscape … That is why all country is (sic) sacred,” he continues.

Australian’s indigenous peoples compose around 3.3% of the country’s 25.5 million population. This percentage comprises about 500 clans who speak about 100 native languages. History says that these indigenous peoples’ ancestors came to Australia over 65,000 years ago. Hence, they are part of the first human migration that originated from Africa.

 Jamie Lowe, the chief executive of Australia’s National Native Title Council, mentions that even these indigenous communities find it difficult to deftly explain the importance of these aboriginal sites.

Consequently, it is hard to completely register and define these aboriginal sites since indigenous traditions include the necessity for utmost secrecy of their specific locations. These aboriginal sites are considered highly sacred. Thus, it is crucial for indigenous peoples to protect it and perpetuate the high regard for these dwellings.

In fact, the exact knowledge and understanding of these aboriginal sites are consolidated, passed, and restricted by seniority and gender. Not everyone is provided in-depth information about them and the significance of each site differs from one indigenous group to another. “It must be First Nations people who get to define it,” Lowe shares.

Indigenous beliefs date back to the time when these sacred landscapes were the only things that people saw and experienced. This belief system extends to the time of the world’s creation, signifying the travels that their ancestors took including the social structure that they began to build. These beliefs remain interwoven with the current practices that these indigenous peoples of Australia have. Thus, aboriginal sites are crucial as these are sacred locations of ancient, indigenous ceremonies, as well.

It is highly essential, then, for modern society to recognize the significance of these aboriginal sites and help in the continued protection of these locations. It is because they are not merely tied to the history of indigenous peoples but of humankind in totality.

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