In the vibrant world of African hairstyles, some trends emerge, capture hearts, and swiftly ascend to iconic status. The Koroba hairstyle is undeniably one such phenomenon. Far more than just a fleeting fad, this captivating braided style is steeped in history, cultural significance, and boasts a unique aesthetic that has seen it explode in popularity, becoming a top trending choice for natural hair enthusiasts and protective style advocates across the globe in 2024 and 2025.
If you’ve seen the stunning "inverted basket" braids making waves on social media, adorning celebrities, and turning heads on the streets, you've witnessed the allure of Koroba. This comprehensive guide will take you on a deep dive into everything you need to know about this magnificent hairstyle – from its ancestral roots to how to achieve and maintain its flawless look.
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Do you know that a lot of lounges and properties where you book for vacations have faulty or non-working detectors? Do you know there are items you should travel with, but there's one most important item everyone should always travel with, and most people don't? Some folks just have smoke detectors in their houses but don't have a carbon monoxide detector. I heard a story of a couple who noticed they were feeling dizzy and called emergency only for them to find out there was a carbon monoxide leak in their house. They were told if they had spent one more second inside that house, they would not have made it alive. They got a carbon monoxide detector, and it hit me how many times we travel to unfamiliar properties, sleep, and just trust. Man, God is indeed in control.
If for anything, whether you're doing a road trip or staying in an unfamiliar environment, you should pack along a carbon monoxide detector and not just any one – get a good, recommended, and tested brand. This is a vital healthy travel tip for safe travel.
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)? The Invisible Threat
So, what exactly is this invisible killer? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. You literally cannot see, smell, or taste it. It's produced when fuels (like gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal) don't burn completely. Common sources in homes or travel accommodations include:
- Furnaces or boilers
- Water heaters
- Gas stoves or ovens
- Fireplaces
- Clothes dryers
- Portable generators (especially dangerous if used indoors or too close to windows)
- Car exhausts (if a vehicle is running in an attached garage, for instance)
This gas is so dangerous precisely because it's undetectable by human senses. That's why having a carbon monoxide detector is non-negotiable.
How CO Kills: The Silent Takeover
The scary part is that carbon monoxide kills you by suffocating you from the inside out. When you breathe in carbon monoxide, it gets into your blood and sticks to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. What is the problem? Hemoglobin, which is the portion of your blood that carries oxygen, actually likes carbon monoxide more than oxygen. It sticks to CO roughly 200 to 250 times more easily than it does to oxygen.
This means that even small amounts of CO can quickly fill up your red blood cells, leaving no room for oxygen. Your body's vital organs—like your brain and heart—become starved of oxygen, leading to cell damage and, ultimately, death. This happens silently, often while people are sleeping, which is terrifying when you think about vacation safety and travel health.
Recognizing the Signs: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be tricky because they often mimic common illnesses like the flu, food poisoning, or fatigue, especially when you're traveling and might be tired or exposed to new environments. That's why people often dismiss early signs.
Common symptoms include:
- Mild headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion or disorientation
- Blurred vision
- As CO levels increase or exposure time lengthens, symptoms worsen to include:
- Severe headache
- Vertigo
- Weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Collapse
- Brain damage
- Coma and death
Notice how easily these could be mistaken for jet lag or a bad meal, especially in an unfamiliar property. That's why you can't rely on your body to warn you.
If you or someone else has these symptoms, you should consult a doctor right away. If your symptoms are bad or getting worse, call 999 and tell them you could have been exposed to carbon monoxide.
I recently received this book that I have to tell you about, especially if you're like me and always looking for that "something more" in life. Michael Finnerty wrote a book called "The Cheese Cure." In a lot of ways, it felt like it was designed particularly for me and you.
You know how I often talk about feeling that "flatness," that nagging unrest even when things are going well? That relentless question, "What can I do?" – even now, as I'm pouring my energy into learning about building wealth from every angle. Well, Michael Finnerty, the author of this memoir, perfectly articulates that exact feeling at the start of his story. He was a highly successful journalist, working for big names like The Guardian, seemingly living the dream. But beneath the surface, he was hollowed out, disconnected from anything tangible, and utterly drained by the abstract, often cynical world of media. He felt like his life was moving too slowly and empty and just left him wanting more – exactly how I've often felt, especially when my own wealth-building ventures feel like they're not making headway.
Then, one day, something significant happened that changed everything for him. He was at Borough Market in London, drawn in by its vibrant energy, the genuine buzz of real people doing real things. He found himself utterly captivated by a particular cheese stall, mesmerized by the passionate cheesemongers and the sheer physicality of their work. In a move that truly resonated with my own desire for significant change, he took a radical leap: he applied for a job as an apprentice cheesemonger. Can you imagine?! Leaving behind a prestigious career for... cheese.
The bulk of the book is about his fascinating journey into this entirely new world, and honestly, it’s where the "cure" really takes hold. He dives headfirst into the very real, often pungent, world of artisanal cheese. He describes the incredibly hard, physical work – the long hours on his feet, the bone-chilling cold of the cheese room, the sheer weight of lifting those massive wheels of cheese. It’s a complete contrast to his old desk job, and he finds a strange, profound therapy in this physical reconnection with his body.
You know how I often talk about feeling that "flatness," that nagging unrest even when things are going well? That relentless question, "What can I do?" – even now, as I'm pouring my energy into learning about building wealth from every angle. Well, Michael Finnerty, the author of this memoir, perfectly articulates that exact feeling at the start of his story. He was a highly successful journalist, working for big names like The Guardian, seemingly living the dream. But beneath the surface, he was hollowed out, disconnected from anything tangible, and utterly drained by the abstract, often cynical world of media. He felt like his life was moving too slowly and empty and just left him wanting more – exactly how I've often felt, especially when my own wealth-building ventures feel like they're not making headway.
Then, one day, something significant happened that changed everything for him. He was at Borough Market in London, drawn in by its vibrant energy, the genuine buzz of real people doing real things. He found himself utterly captivated by a particular cheese stall, mesmerized by the passionate cheesemongers and the sheer physicality of their work. In a move that truly resonated with my own desire for significant change, he took a radical leap: he applied for a job as an apprentice cheesemonger. Can you imagine?! Leaving behind a prestigious career for... cheese.
The bulk of the book is about his fascinating journey into this entirely new world, and honestly, it’s where the "cure" really takes hold. He dives headfirst into the very real, often pungent, world of artisanal cheese. He describes the incredibly hard, physical work – the long hours on his feet, the bone-chilling cold of the cheese room, the sheer weight of lifting those massive wheels of cheese. It’s a complete contrast to his old desk job, and he finds a strange, profound therapy in this physical reconnection with his body.
What really got me, though, was his sensory awakening. He learns to truly smell the complex aromas of different cheeses, to feel their textures, and to taste the myriad of flavors Рfrom the nutty sweetness of a perfectly aged Comt̩ to the earthy bloom of a creamy Camembert. He details how cheese is a living thing, constantly evolving. I remember a part, perhaps around page 78, where he meticulously describes turning a wheel of Comt̩, the precise humidity, the patient waiting. It's all about respect for the craft. As someone who appreciates the story behind food, like my love for tasting Jollof rice from different African countries Рeach with its unique flavor, but all part of the same delicious heritage Рhis deep dive into the world of cheese just clicked with me. He makes you understand why, for him, cheese became "soul food." And you know me, if the food isn't sweet (and by "sweet" I mean tasty and authentic, not just sugar), no matter how good it looks, I'm not eating it.
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Standing proudly at Coronation Park, Port Glasgow, are the magnificent 10-meter statues by artist John McKenna, affectionately known by locals as The Skelpies. These imposing figures, officially titled "The Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow," are a powerful homage to the town's rich shipbuilding heritage.McKenna's work, completed in 2009, captures the essence of the countless local men and women who dedicated their lives to the bustling shipyards. More than just steel and concrete, these statues embody the spirit, hard work, and legacy of a community that shaped maritime history. Next time you're near Glasgow, make sure to visit Port Glasgow and witness these incredible testaments to a bygone era.
I recently got some Oriflame products, and I’ll be sharing my thoughts on them with you over time. This is not a paid collaboration; as always, I share my honest opinions about products I use on my blog.
Today, I’m reviewing the Oriflame Milk and Honey Gold Nourishing Hand and Body Cream (250 ml).
I like scented creams, largely because of my mom—she loves them too. However, she has oily skin, and what I’ve noticed about heavily scented creams is that they often focus more on the fragrance and less on actually nourishing the skin.
With this product, the scent is lovely—pleasant and soft. The texture of the cream is smooth and feels good when applied. But the scent doesn’t last long on the skin. Also, while the cream is quickly absorbed, it tends to leave my skin feeling dry. It doesn’t moisturize deeply, and the texture is quite light. After applying it, I often find myself needing to use another cream to actually keep my skin from feeling dry.
Here’s what the website says about the product:
This rich and indulgent, delicately scented hand and body cream is formulated with luscious, organically sourced extracts of Milk and Honey. It intensively hydrates and nourishes for beautifully soft, smooth, glowing skin.
– Intensive 48h hydration
– Instantly boosts skin moisture by 59%
– Clinically, consumer, and dermatologically tested
The site also mentions that it contains beeswax, a natural wax emollient produced by bees and valued for its hydrating and protective qualities. It’s often used in skincare to relieve chapped skin and add a soothing barrier.
But based on my experience, the hydration doesn’t last more than 30 minutes. This is my personal opinion from using this product. It leaves my skin feeling dry and uncomfortable. I wouldn’t recommend it for people with dry skin. While the scent is beautiful, it fades quickly and doesn’t last.
This cream costs £12 and I will not buy it again.
As a tourist, you should always be careful of your surroundings, but business travelers are also targets for travel scams. Business travelers are a very profitable target for scammers since they can use high-limit corporate credit cards and make many reservations at once.
The key to avoiding these problems is to learn how to spot them, whether they are international credit card fraud or flight fraud. We put up the most recent travel safety tips to help you recognize trouble, both at home and abroad.
How many people are impacted by travel scams?
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are often the targets of online fraud because criminals are getting better at it, especially when they utilize AI in phishing scams. A report by UK Finance indicated that small and medium-sized businesses in the UK lost £59.2 million to fraud in 2021, which is a 35% increase from 2020. The survey also revealed that 80% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have been asked for personal information and money without asking.
You might not think so, but travel scams are more widespread than you think, especially when you plan business trips online. A study by McAfee Corp found that 30% of the respondents asked said they had either been a victim of an online travel fraud or knew someone who had. The same research found that 14% made payments through fraudulent platforms, and 18% experienced identity fraud.
How do travel scams affect those who travel for work?
There are both easy and complex ways to scam someone. Phishing emails and fake booking websites could trick business travelers. One typical approach is to construct a fake website that appears like a trusted site, but the URL is slightly different.
Digital criminals are also good at making fake invoices that appear like they originate from real suppliers. These invoices have a recognizable corporate logo and a registered office.
Some criminals can pretend to be a representative from a corporate travel agency and call your team to ask for payment information for a trip that is coming soon. But your company's travel policy should make it clear what the rules and budgets are for business travel, as well as which websites and platforms are okay to use. You can prevent these frequent phishing scams by only using reputable, approved sites like Booking.com for Business.
5 reasons why virtual cards are good for business travel
What are cards that are not real?
A virtual card is a digital version of your real bank card that you keep on your device. Virtual cards, especially for corporations, can exist without a real card. You can use it to pay for things in stores or online without having to touch anything. A virtual card has all the same information as a real credit or debit card, such as the
- Name of the cardholder
- Number on the credit card
- CVV
- Billing address
- Expiration date
The difference is that virtual credit cards give online stores changing information; therefore, the verification code is different every time you use a virtual credit card. The 16-digit number is only valid for a single transaction at a specified amount.
After big storms, mold and other things that are left behind might be bad for your health.
One effect of climate change is that heavy rainfall and rising sea levels cause severe floods. When water rises quickly and rushes inside structures, it can cause instant injury, such as people drowning, suffering injuries while trying to find refuge or escape, or getting hypothermia after being in cold water without shelter or heat.
Flooding continues to damage communities in both obvious and less obvious ways long after news trucks leave and the public goes on. One of the less obvious dangers is that people are more likely to have breathing difficulties, including asthma and allergic responses. You can take efforts to lower the chance of flooding or the health hazards to your lungs once flooding happens, which is a good thing.
How does flooding cause problems with breathing?
Flooding can transport water that is polluted with heavy metals, pesticides, biotoxins, sewage, and diseases that live in water into structures. Some harmful substances stay in the dried sediments that are left behind. When you move or clean, this becomes minute airborne dust. The harmful compounds, metals, and biotoxins in that dried flood sediment are now in the air you breathe, which could be bad for your lungs.
Flooding doesn't have to completely cover buildings to cause respiratory complications. They looked at a lot of properties after Hurricane Ida and found that water got in through roofs, windows, and ventilation ducts. Some of these homes were more than 100 miles from the shore, where the storm hit hardest.
Mold development can also be bad for your health.
Mold is another widespread danger. It is a type of fungus that grows and spreads on wet or rotting organic materials. Indoor mold usually forms when there is a lot of moisture, which means there is an issue with water or moisture. After a flood, wet things inside buildings are the perfect place for mold to grow quickly.
Mold may grow in any climate, both indoors and outdoors. It spreads by generating tiny spores that float through the air and land in other places. There are no indoor spaces that are completely devoid of mold spores, but being around a lot of them can cause breathing problems like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. So, flooding makes breathing problems worse by making it more likely that people will be exposed to higher levels of mold spores both inside and outside.
For instance, in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the average number of mold spores outside in flooded areas was about twice as much as in non-flooded areas. The highest numbers of mold spores were found inside. A study of the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the flooding in the UK in 2007 found that water damage made mold grow faster and caused more respiratory allergies.
Mold can cause health concerns in kids more than in adults. A study of the respiratory health of young children in 30 Canadian areas found that homes with mold or dampness had greater cases of all respiratory symptoms, such as asthma, bronchitis, eye irritation, and cough. Other studies show that mold can contribute to the development of asthma in kids.
What steps can you take to protect your health from flooding?
After Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans, LA in 2021, it was discovered that there were similar characteristics in both housing and flooding catastrophes that had a big effect on respiratory health. The first results show that the age of a building's roof and how many safety measures residents took after the hurricane flooded their homes were two important determinants in whether or not there was a lot of mold inside. The effect on respiratory health also changed depending on the height of the flood water, how many days a week people were home, and how many safety measures were done when Ida hit.
Based on this and other research, we have some advice for you. Some of them are things you should do before floods or severe rain, and some are things you should do after. You might not be able to stop hurricanes or big storms from flooding your area completely, but following actions can help.
Before storms, flooding, or severe rains that happen every year: Keep water from getting in:
- To stop leaks, fix the roof, clean the gutters, and seal the areas surrounding skylights, vent pipes, and chimneys. During storms and hurricanes, these parts of a building are some of the most likely to be damaged.
- Get rid of trash in the drains and empty the septic tanks.
- To keep heavy rain and floodwater from getting in, build barriers and plug up breaches in the outside walls and around the windows
- Put in a sump pump to get rid of water in the basement and backflow valves on sewer lines to keep water from coming back into the house.
It is possible that blurry vision will go away on its own or continue for a long time. It can happen in one or both eyes. Some things that make your vision blurry are small and easy to fix, while others could be an indication of a more serious problem that needs medical treatment. Knowing what might be causing your vision problems will help you know when to get help and how to keep your vision safe.
What does it mean to have blurry vision?
When your vision is blurry, it signifies that it isn't as clear or sharp as it usually is. Things could look blurry, out of focus, or bent. You can notice that your vision is getting worse over time or all at once. It could be because of problems with the eye itself or because of other health problems that influence vision.
Things that often make your vision blurred
There are a number of common conditions that can cause blurry vision. You can frequently fix these problems with corrective lenses, adjustments to your lifestyle, or medications.
Errors in refraction
Dr. Joan Miller, an ophthalmology professor at Harvard Medical School, says that "refractive error" is the most common reason for blurry vision.
By bending (refracting) light to focus it on the retina, the eye usually makes a clear picture. When a portion of the eye's optical system doesn't direct light correctly, it causes a blurred image. Some of the most frequent refractive errors are:
- When the eye is too long or its focusing capacity is too powerful, it causes nearsightedness (myopia). This makes light focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, which makes things that are far away look blurred.
- When the eye is too short or doesn't have adequate focusing strength, it might cause hyperopia, or farsightedness. This makes light focus behind the retina instead of directly on it, which makes things that are close by look blurry.
- Astigmatism is produced by a cornea that isn't formed uniformly, which causes light to focus unevenly on the eye. This makes it hard to see clearly at all distances.
- Presbyopia, commonly known as "aging sight," makes it harder to see things up close. As you become older, the lens loses its capacity to change shape, which makes things like reading harder.
Eyes that are dry
When your eyes don't make enough tears or when tears dry up too rapidly, you have dry eye. This can make your eyes hurt, turn red, and make it hard to see well. Here are some things that can make your eyes dry:
- Getting older
- Changes in hormones
- Eye surgery
- Some medications, such as antidepressants and antihistamines, might make the symptoms worse.
- Spending too much time in front of a screen or in wind, smoke, or dry air, can also make the symptoms worse. Autoimmune illnesses, like Sjögren's syndrome, can also make the symptoms worse
- Diabetes and parkinson
You can feel better by using fake tears, taking breaks from screens, and utilizing a humidifier. Sometimes, you may require prescription eye drops or surgery to stop tears from draining.
Eye Strain
Eye Strain
Reading, using digital devices, or focusing on a subject for a long time without taking breaks might make your eyes tired and make your vision blurry for a short time. Headaches, dry eyes, and trouble focusing are some of the other symptoms.
The "20-20-20 rule" says that every 20 minutes, you should look at anything 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This will help keep your eyes from getting tired. Using blue light-filtering glasses, lowering the brightness of your device, and making sure you have the correct lighting may also assist with symptoms.
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