in this issue · how the type of car impacts auto insurance premiums what you drive affects how...

Volume Issue • July 2016

In This Issue:Message from the President/CEO How to Start Investing With Limited FundsYou don’t need a lot to get started investingPlanning for Medicaid or Long-Term Care InsuranceThe benefits of planning for Medicaid or choosing long-term care insuranceCareers That Can Help You Pay Back Student LoansSix jobs that will help you pay for your educationHow the Type of Car Impacts Auto Insurance PremiumsWhat you drive affects how much you pay for insuranceRoth IRA Investing TipsMaximize your retirement savings with these Roth IRA strategiesWhich Brands Lease the Most?A unique look at leasing5 Books to Enjoy on Your Beach VacationDive into these books this summer while you’re having fun in the sunGet Rid of Your Dark Circles With These Surprising Natural RemediesWays to banish dark circles without resorting to chemicalsNatural Remedies to Relieve SunburnSoothe a sunburn with these holistic remediesPlan a Vacation to Jackson Hole, WyomingWhat to do, where to stay and what to eat in Jackson Hole

Message from the President/CEO

Welcome to the very first edition of our CNB online newsletter! We believe it isimportant to stay in touch with our customers and community and this new E-newsletterwill enhance our ability to do just that. We have many exciting things that happen atthe bank and in the community that I am happy to share with you here. For example,last month we completed our Relay for Life Campaign, "Hunting for a Cure,” in honor ofCNB’s own Diana Dolan. We were able to crush our goal and raised over $14,000thanks to our staff, board of directors and customers! In June, The United StatesPostal Service unveiled a new Carlsbad Caverns postage stamp and our communitywas able to welcome the President of the United States and his family to Carlsbad andthe Caverns!

We are enhancing our products and services all the time. We recently added signaturepads at New Accounts and Customer Service and we have plans forfuture expansion of the real estate department with the construction of a new officeinside the bank! As the mortgage leader in our market, it is exciting to compliment thateffort and also to allow for future growth! I hope everyone had a great 4th of Julyweekend and should you have vacation or travel plans for the summer, be safe!

Jay JenkinsPresident & CEO

Carlsbad National Bank • 575-234-2500 •https://www.carlsbadnational.com/Default.aspx

How to Start Investing With Limited FundsYou don’t need a lot to get started investing

It may seem intuitive that investing gives you the best benefit if you start early, but many people put off the task if they feel they don’thave enough information or money to start off the “right way.”

The good news is that you don’t need a lot to start investing, and there are many simple ways to begin. So, take the adage “There’sno time like the present” to heart, and follow these tips for making your first forays into the exciting world of investing.

Even if you only have a few hundred to a thousand dollars toinvest, you should start now. Investments that are generallyconsidered the safest, like bonds, are slow-growing and taketime to make a big impact on your bank account.

Riskier investments, on the other hand, can experience big upsand downs while still maintaining an overall upward trend overthe span of many years, so people holding these investmentscan earn big bucks if they have the time to stick with them overthe long haul. The farther away you are from retirement age, themore you can afford to take big investment risks hoping for bigrewards to match, because you have time to recuperate yourfunds if an investment goes south.

“The key, really, is simply to open an investing or retirementaccount and regularly transfer money into it, preferablyautomatically from your paycheck so you don’t forget or getside-tracked,” stated Kimberly Palmer, author of “GenerationEarn” and blogger for U.S. News & World Report.

Now that you are inspired to start investing right away, you haveto plan your strategy. Careful consideration at the start can helpyou avoid the potential disappointment and headaches that comewhen minimum deposit restrictions, fees and other costs catch you off-guard. Starting safe with investments in a 401(k) is a greatway to begin. This lets you avoid the time commitment required to learn about the stock market, and it can give you the confidenceyou need to go forward to riskier investments in the future.

“Assuming you have a 401(k), save time and put your money into an index fund that mirrors the stock market (like an S&P 500 indexfund),” states Personal Finance Expert M.P. Dunleavey for Betterment.com. “Or if index funds aren’t available in your 401(k), use alow-cost target date fund (keep the expense ratio at 0.5 percent or lower).”

Index funds are an especially good choice for people investing only a few hundred dollars, because many — particularly individualretirement accounts — have initial investment minimums as low as $250.

“After your initial investment, you can add as much money as you like, as frequently as you like, with no additional costs orcommissions,” according to a December 2015 article by The Motley Fool. “You can purchase index funds directly from mutual fundcompanies, so there are no commissions to pay to a middleman.”

If you want to dive right into the stock market, you have to strategize to find the right way to invest your small sum because manybrokers deal only with large accounts. The first thing to learn is the difference between the types of stockbrokers.

“Stockbrokers come in two flavors: full-service and discount,” according to Investopedia.com Writer and Co-founder of SecondSummit Ventures Chad Langager. “As the name implies, a full-service broker provides much more in the way of service, but it onlydeals with higher-net-worth clients.”

With many discount brokers, you can open an account with a minimum of $1,000, but you should understand that you will receivefewer services than someone working with a full-service stockbroker would. Another option is to forgo a broker and tackle themarket yourself.

“You also could purchase shares directly from a company through direct stock purchase plans,” says Langager. “Some of theseplans have a minimum investment amount restriction, which ranges between $100 and $500.”

Now that you know the basics of investing with a small sum of money, cash in on your momentum and get started investing rightaway. And remember, if you need any advice about your particular financial situation, your local financial institution is your bestresource.

Carlsbad National Bank • 575-234-2500 • https://www.carlsbadnational.com/Default.aspx

Planning for Medicaid or Long-Term Care InsuranceThe benefits of planning for Medicaid or choosing long-term care insurance

With advances in medical care, many retirees find themselves in the fortunate but complicated situation of attempting to stretch theirsavings for many more years than they originally planned.

Many also worry that money set aside for family members will be depleted if they need to move to a nursing home or receiveat-home care. You can help ensure that you and your family members are well taken care of in the future by spending time nowforming a plan that addresses if and how you will use Medicaid and if you would prefer to use long-term care (LTC) insurance.

Medicaid is a welfare program that helps people pay for theirmedical care. Only people with assets and income below acertain level qualify, and the benefits only cover certain types ofcare and medical expenses.

“Medicaid compliance requires a person to relinquish eitherincome and assets or control over that income and assets,”states Lawyer and Certified Financial Planner Daniel A. Timinsin an April 2016 article in Kiplinger. “However, the majority of myprospective Medicaid planning clients are in their sixties orseventies, in good health, appear cognitively solid and haveample assets.”

These people want to get a head start on organizing their assetsbefore they face the potential of losing control over them. Thispractice, known as Medicaid planning, has been controversial inthe past, with some people viewing it as method of hidingwealth. As long as no laws are broken, however, Medicaidplanning is simply a smart way to take advantage of all of thefinancial tools available to the elderly. It is similar to the waysavvy savers make deposits into more than one retirementaccount each year and then make withdrawals in a certain orderin retirement, maximizing contributions and minimizing taxation.

“Congress implicitly accepts this result through rules that protect spouses of nursing home residents and permit others to qualifyafter spending down and transferring some of their savings,” states ElderLawAnswers.com. “To plan ahead and acceleratequalification for Medicaid is no more unethical than planning to avoid taxes.”

Furthermore, early planners may find they don’t want to rely on the care provided by Medicaid and would rather open savingsaccounts to help pay for a nursing home privately or purchase a long-term care insurance plan that will help them live in the mannerthey wish later in life. By planning ahead, it is possible to choose between a variety of options, rather than having one chosen foryou by default in your elder years.

Medicaid is primarily a state-run program with different levels and types of coverage in each state. In many states, the primaryfunction is to cover stays in nursing homes, so people who wish to remain in their own home may find it too limiting. Homeownersshould also be aware that Medicaid can be costly for heirs.

“If you receive care and your spouse remains in your home, some states may force your heirs to reimburse the costs of your carefrom the sale of your home when the community spouse - the one who stayed in the home - dies,” states Janet Arrowood forInvestopedia.com.

Furthermore, not all nursing homes accept Medicaid patients, so your choices may be limited. In this manner, LTC insurance canprovide greater flexibility. It also allows you to purchase the exactly policy you want, without having to qualify for certain income orasset limits. On the other hand, there are many benefits associated with Medicaid, such as the fact that it covers costs without awaiting period, while many LTC insurance plans have an elimination period.

“Medicaid does pay for your stay in a facility for as long as you need the care,” states Arrowood. “LTC insurance, on the other hand,does so only if you elect the lifetime option and chose a benefit level high enough to cover a lifetime of costs.”

Both options offer distinct advantages, so talking with your financial planner before committing to either is wise. Your financialinstitution can help you select the best LTC insurance policy or plan how to become Medicaid compliant by transferring your wealthto your beneficiaries.

Two common ways of doing so are with an outright gift or an irrevocable trust. With either method, the transferred assets won’t beconsidered for your Medicaid eligibility after five years.

Start creating a plan for your elder years now by examining the Medicaid coverage details for your state athttps://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid-chip-program-information/by-state/by-state.html and be sure to consult your financial institutionto go over your best options.


Careers That Can Help You Pay Back Student LoansSix jobs that will help you pay for your education

A college graduate from the class of 2016 will leave school with $37,173 in education-related debt, Student Loan Expert MarkKantrowitz estimated in a May 2016 report for CBS News.

Up six percent from last year, that average is only expected to grow. But it doesn’t have to be insufferable. While it may be too latefor the 2016 grads, future college students should take notice that there are certain jobs that can help an individual eliminate studentloan debt by simply being hired.

1. Teachers – According to the Federal Student Aid website (https://studentaid.ed.gov), teachers at public schools can get up to$17,500 in student loans forgiven when they instruct math or science classes five years in a row at a secondary school designatedas “low income” by the government. Special education teachers are awarded the same if they work for five years at a federallydesignated low-income elementary or secondary school.

Another option on the education career path is teaching at any public elementary or secondary school, which can qualify you for upto $5,000 in loan forgiveness.

Furthermore, teachers with Federal Perkins Loans can get all of those loans forgiven if they are employed for five consecutiveyears at a school that serves low-income families; they teach special education, math, science, foreign language or bilingualeducation; or they live in an area where there is a shortage of teachers.

2. Civil servants – After 10 years of service at any federal,state or local government agency job, you can have the balanceof your loans erased.

“The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgivesthe remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repaymentplan while working full-time for a qualifying employer,” the FSAwebsite stated.

3. Volunteers – While their career role may not technically be a“job,” certain volunteers with Federal Perkins Loans can get up to70 percent of their loans paid once their service is completed.

“Didn’t get to study abroad in college? Join the Peace Corps andtravel the world while also qualifying for student loanforgiveness,” wrote Senior Associate Editor at The Atlantic MattVasilogambros.

AmeriCorps volunteers also qualify under the PSLF Program.

4. Employees of a nonprofit – Similarly, people who work forcharitable organizations qualify under the PSLF Program, butonly if the nonprofit is tax-exempt through the IRS and is neithera labor union or partisan political organization nor a specified religious group.

5. Those working for the good of the public – Get all of your Federal Perkins Loans forgiven if you work as a public defender,nurse, emergency medical technician, firefighter, or law enforcement of corrections officer; if you serve in hostile zones in any branchof the military; or if you are a social worker for families in low-income and high-risk areas.

6. Various other job titles, depending on where you live – There are a number of state-specific loan forgiveness programsacross the United States.

For instance, if you work in the health care field in many states, you can get some of your loans paid back. Eligible borrowers caneven receive up to $160,000 in California from the California State Loan Repayment Program, according to a University of SanDiego article, “60+ Ways to Get Rid of Your Student Loans.”

Meanwhile, working as a veterinarian, in a veterans’ home or in any STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) jobcan take money off your loan balance in various states. And these are just a few examples.

There are also instances where simply moving to a different state or town can get your loans forgiven. Vasilogambros highlighted aprogram in which you can capitalize on the need of the city of Niagara Falls, New York, to attract young people, and receive $7,000in loan forgiveness over two years. But wouldn’t qualifying thanks to the job that you secured with your college-earned degree makeit all the more satisfying?

Stop by to find out more about the student loan options we have for you, and we’ll figure out exactly what you need.


How the Type of Car Impacts Auto Insurance PremiumsWhat you drive affects how much you pay for insurance

When you’re buying a vehicle, there are many aspects to consider — comfort, fuel economy, technological features. — but oneconsideration that is often overlooked is potential auto insurance rates. And this oversight could be a very costly one, depending onthe vehicle.

There are a variety of factors that go into determining a carinsurance premium, even when it comes down to the vehicletype itself.

Size – It’s a common misconception that smaller carsoften have lower insurance rates due to the fact that theyhave better maneuverability and ability to avoid apotential accident. In actuality, the opposite is true.

“Statistics prove smaller, sportier cars are driven at higherrates of speed by younger, riskier drivers. Becausethey’re involved in more accidents, they’re moreexpensive to insure,” reports Kelly Blue Book’s websiteKBB.com.

Does that mean larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs arecheaper to insure? Not necessarily. Bigger vehicles meanthere is a larger potential to cause damage to othervehicles in the event of an accident, which inflates liabilitycosts.

Price/status – KBB.com states that the cost of a vehicleis the first and primary consideration for most insurancecompanies when setting the price of the policy. Insurers’rationale is typically that the more expensive the car, the more expensive it is to repair — namely when it comes to replacingparts, especially on foreign luxury vehicles, or when an entire vehicle is “totaled.”

Engine size – Speed comes back into play here, as the more horsepower a motor has, the more likely the car will be drivenfaster, leading to a higher risk of accidents. If motor size is not an important factor to you when choosing a vehicle, KBB.comrecommends opting for a vehicle with less horsepower.

Likelihood of theft – This factor is somewhat arbitrary, as there can be any number of reasons cars get stolen, from overalldesirability to demand for rare parts or even demand for common parts. Unfortunately, it’s those more desired vehicles thatcan carry with them higher insurance premiums.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) most recent Hot Wheels report chronicles the most stolen vehicles in theUnited States. Honda Accord and Honda Civic were the top two most frequently stolen, respectively, in 2014. The list wasalso inundated with sporty imports due to their high desirability and to the fact that many are convertibles, and soft tops arerelatively simple to break into.

Age – When it comes to used versus new in the fight for lower insurance premiums, you may be surprised that there is noclear-cut answer. It’s commonly believed that new vehicles will just cost more due to the fact that they’re new, but theadvanced technological safety features and structure of new vehicles drive down those costs. Cars can now more easilyavoid accidents before they occur and can also better protect their occupants if an accident does happen.

On the other hand, used vehicles aren’t always cheaper, due to their likelihood of theft.

“Newer cars may be more desirable but are actually targeted for theft far less often, as they are often equipped with anti-theftdevices and GPS tracking systems,” auto information research site DMV.org discloses. “Also, car thieves tend to target oldercars because they can easily disassemble them and sell their parts for profit.”

With so many varying factors affecting insurance rates, you are not likely to find one single vehicle with the lowest possiblepremiums. Instead, speak with your insurance provider for more information and guidance.


Roth IRA Investing TipsMaximize your retirement savings with these Roth IRA strategies

When it comes to retirement savings, starting early and investing smartly can add up big time. So if you already have a Roth IRA,you can feel great about meeting that first goal. Now you can get technical with your investment strategies to maximize your return.

With a Roth IRA, your contributions are after-tax. This meansthey are not tax-deductible, but they provide tax advantages inother ways. Roth IRAs give investors tax-free withdrawals,provided that they meet the required criteria, such as a minimumage of 59½.

Your Roth IRA can make use of a variety of investment securitytypes, but these securities are not all created equal. Tomaximize savings, you should use securities that make the mostof the tax status of the Roth IRA. So it isn’t ideal to use ones thatare already tax-exempt, like municipal bonds. Slow-growingsecurities, like low-interest-rate CDs and stocks, are also notideally suited to a Roth IRA, but fast-growing stocks can be agood idea.

“Real estate investment trusts are also good for Roth IRAs,”according to Fool.com writer and co-writer of several Fool booksSelena Maranjian. “You can also do quite well just investing in abroad-market index fund or two, or a target-date fund, in yourRoth IRA. Such a simple approach can be very effective.”

Once you pick the right securities for your Roth IRA, you shouldbe sure to max out your contributions each year. For the 2016tax year, the contribution limit is $5,500; however, if you are more than 50 years old, the limit is $6,500. This provision allows peopleclose to retirement age to catch up on their savings.

You may not qualify to contribute up to the limit, depending upon your adjusted gross income and your tax filing status. The IRS hasa table to help you determine your limit athttps://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Plan-Participant,-Employee/Amount-of-Roth-IRA-Contributions-That-You-Can-Make-for-2016.

“Don’t skip years, either,” states Maranjian. “It’s easy to think that a single missed year won’t matter much, but if you made those$5,500 annual contributions for just 24 years instead of 25, you’d end up with $535,000 — about $60,000 less!”

Another strategy you may want to take advantage of is a Roth IRA conversion, which entails moving money from a traditional IRAinto a Roth IRA. You will have to pay taxes on the money when you make the conversion, but there are some circumstances in whichthis is preferable, such as if you expect your income level and therefore tax rate to go up substantially in the next few years andwant to take advantage of the lower rate.

“Since converting an IRA can result in taxes, some people may hesitate to do so during a period when they aren’t making muchmoney and have limited discretionary funds,” says Personal Finance Writer Maryalene LaPonsie in an article for U.S. News &World Report. “However, low-income periods can be a good time to convert to a Roth IRA.”

Regardless of your current income level, you should talk to your financial institution or adviser to determine the best time to make aRoth IRA conversion and to determine the ideal securities to include in your Roth IRA.


Which Brands Lease the Most?A unique look at leasing

Everyone has an opinion on whether you should buy or lease your next vehicle. Leasing a vehicle gives you a new ride every 24–48months, with controllable payments, but only financing allows you to truly own your vehicle after all is said and done.

A March 2016 article in Car and Driver magazine used researchfrom IHS Automotive to determine which brands have thehighest lease rates.

Smart, Maserati and Infiniti are at the top of the list with 80percent, 74 percent and 64 percent, respectively. Followingclose behind are BMW, Jaguar and Lexus with 57 percent, thenLincoln and Mercedes-Benz with 53 percent. Rolls Royce andAudi check in at 51 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

You’re probably thinking, ‘Lease a Rolls Royce?’ But a newWraith can be yours for around $30,000 down and $4,000 permonth for 48 months.

Overall, the small luxury sedans (think BMW 3 Series, InfinitiQ50 and Audi A4) make up for about 60 percent of these leases,and more than 50 percent of all luxury sedans are leased. Whyare leases for luxury sedans so popular? It’s the convenience ofhaving a new car with smaller upfront costs.

“Luxury brands make the bulk of their profits from them,”according to the magazine. “Turn in the old car, throw down afew grand, and poof! There’s a new Mercedes E350 wearingyour old license plate. Many off-lease cars are remarketed ascertified pre-owned; leasing one perpetuates a cycle that keeps profits humming and monthly checks outflowing.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum, leasing an Alfa Romeo, a Ferrari or even a Mitsubishi is a rare occurrence with 1, 4 and 8percent of all models leased out.

Leasing is also far more common in the Northeast, with New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, RhodeIsland and Massachusetts accounting for seven of the top 10 states with the highest leasing percentages. Michigan holds thehighest rate, at 59 percent. Florida and California (tied at 32 percent) and Ohio round out the top 10. Arkansas holds the designationas the state with the lowest lease rate, only 2 percent, and Alaska and Oklahoma each check in with only 4 percent of all newvehicles being leased.

Leasing is always a good option if you don’t have a large amount of capital to pay upfront. But if you’re looking for a new vehicle, orif you simply want to know how much car you can afford, stop by and see what financing options we have for you so you can shopwith confidence.


5 Books to Enjoy on Your Beach VacationDive into these books this summer while you’re having fun in the sun

Beach vacations are a time to relax and enjoy life, while taking in the sun and the sea. It’s because of the beach’s relaxingatmosphere that makes it the perfect place to enjoy a good book this summer.

While you are enjoying your time with your toes in the sand, consider reading one of these five books that are perfect for your beachvacation.

“The Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon

There’s nothing better to fight the heat than a book that takesplace in Scotland. “The Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon is one ofthe most popular novels in contemporary literature, and for goodreason. This novel is set in the Scottish Highlands in 1945, whenClaire Randall, a former British combat nurse, finds herselftransported back to the Highlands circa 1743. It is a time ofintrigue and rebellion, which causes a multitude of problems forClaire, the least of which is being forced to marry Jamie Fraser,a young Scottish warrior.

“Truly Madly Guilty” by Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty has had multiple top-ranked books on New YorkTimes’ Bestsellers List for good reason. Her novels offer ahumorous outlook on everyday life, while providing a sense ofsuspense that cannot be beat. Her newest book, “Truly MadlyGuilty,” will be released on July 26, just in time for your beachvacation. Moriarty’s perfect combination of humor and spot-onobservations about modern life will leave any reader entranced.

“Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson

For a classic beach read, look no further than Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island”. This novel might have been published in1883, but it still offers modern day readers the perfect escape from the real world. The book follows young Jim Hawkins as hetravels the seas in a series of swashbuckling adventures. While it might be geared more towards a younger audience, even adultswill find pleasure reliving the exciting adventures of pirates, treasure and the sea.

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Kid” by J.K. Rowling

The beloved “Harry Potter” series might have ended with its eighth book, but author J.K. Rowling is looking to offer series loversanother glimpse into the world of magic through “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”. Though this book is a play script, rather than atraditional novel, it allows readers to delve into Harry Potter’s life after he graduates from Hogwarts. Set for release on July 31, thisplay is the perfect way to stay relaxed while sitting in the sun.

“Me Before You: A Novel” by Jojo Moyes

Quickly becoming the love story of the current generation, “Me Before You” focuses on the life of Louisa Clark, an ordinary womanwho has an ordinary life—until she begins working for Will Traynor, a man who once had everything at his fingertips, only to lose itall after an accident. This novel has recently been made into a film of the same name, which makes it even more appealing for abeach read. After all, there’s nothing better than reading the book after seeing the movie to discover the differences between thetwo.

Relax even more during your beach vacation and take the time to read one of these great books. Each of these books offers its ownliterary adventure, making them the perfect way to let your mind stress-free while on vacation.


Get Rid of Your Dark Circles With These Surprising Natural RemediesWays to banish dark circles without resorting to chemicals

For many Americans, dark circles are an unfortunate way of life. Many suffer from them because of genetics and find that very littlehas any effect on those huge bags under their eyes.

But the good news is that there are a few different natural remedies you can use that could diminish the appearance of your darkcircles, leaving you feeling brighter and more confident as you go about your day.

More pillows and a cold compress

RealSimple.com reports that oftentimes, dark circles are causedby vascular issues. If this is the case for you, try doubling up onpillows overnight if it’s comfortable. This allows your head toremain higher, so blood is less likely to build up under your eyeswhile you sleep. In addition, RealSimple.com recommendsapplying a cold compress to your under-eye area for about fiveminutes in the morning, to help constrict the blood vessels andde-puff your eyes.

Protect your eyes from the sun

The sun, while most welcome after a cold and dark winter, canbe damaging to your skin in a number of ways. One of thedownsides of too much time in the sun is hyperpigmentation,which darkens your skin in certain areas. Allure.com explainsthat your under-eye skin is particularly sensitive because it is sothin; protect yours by wearing oversized sunglasses and awide-brim hat, and staying out of the sun when it is at itsstrongest (typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the SunSafety Alliance).

Change your diet

The good news continues to grow for dark chocolate lovers. Not only is the bitter treat touted as heart-healthy, but it can also helpreduce dark circles thanks to its richness in flavonol, according to RealSimple.com. The publication also recommends foods rich inomega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, as they can help improve blood flow to the skin and brighten your under-eye area.

Allergy relief

Dark circles and puffy under-eyes can be a byproduct of seasonal allergies. If this is the case for you, take some precautions to helplessen the severity of your allergy symptoms. MayoClinic.org explains that pollen levels are at their highest during the morning andwhen it’s windy, so avoid going outside during these times if possible. Additionally, you might try some naturalremedies—BestHealthMag.ca recommends butterbur in particular, and WebMD.com adds bimmine to that list.

Curl your eyelashes

You might not use an eyelash curler in your daily beauty routine, but if dark circles are a recurring issue for you, it might be time toadd one. Allure.com explains that your eyelashes can cast a shadow on your under-eye area, making your dark circles appear evendarker. Curling them not only takes care of this problem; it also helps make your eyes look wider and more awake, which detractsfrom your dark circles.

Remove your makeup before bed

Sleeping in your makeup can make your eyes water, which can make for puffy eyes in the morning, according to WebMD.com.Make sure you remove your makeup each night, but don’t scrub; instead, use a gentle eye makeup remover and try not to apply toomuch pressure or rub your eyes too hard. LaurenConrad.com recommends coconut oil as a natural, skin-friendly eye makeupremover; simply rub a small amount of melted oil over your eyes and wash your face as usual.

Dark circles can be a huge confidence kicker, but with a few natural remedies you can be on your way to a brighter, more confidentyou.


Natural Remedies to Relieve SunburnSoothe a sunburn with these holistic remedies

Summer is a time of fun in the sun, but sometimes this fun can have negative consequences.

If sunscreen isn’t applied well enough while you are outside, it can result in a nasty sunburn. Even if sunscreen has been applied,sunburn can still happen. So what can be done to help relieve the itching and pain? To help soothe sunburn, keep these five naturalremedies in mind.

Witch hazel

Witch hazel is a known natural astringent, capable of providinglong-lasting anti-inflammatory relief. Prevention.com suggestsusing this remedy often on the inflamed area to reduce theamount of pain and swelling caused by the sunburn. For smallerareas, simply dip cotton balls into the liquid and dab it onto thesunburn gently. If the sunburnt area is larger, moisten a clothwith the witch hazel and lay it over the burn.

Diluted apple cider vinegar

There is a simple apple cider vinegar mixture that can reduce thepain of sunburn drastically. Because of apple cider vinegar’sastringent qualities, it is the perfect natural solution to soothesunburnt skin and is incredibly easy to make. Combine one cupof apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. Pour the mixtureinto a spray bottle and spray the affected area to cool the burn.

Aloe

Many people know of aloe’s ability to soothe burns, but theytypically turn to the store-bought gels and oils rather than thenatural source. Instead of heading out to the store to purchasealoe, consider using your own aloe plant. Simply break off a leaf of the plant and squeeze the gel-like liquid onto the sunburn. Then,gently rub it in until it is evenly spread across it. The relief should be almost instantaneous. If you don’t happen to have an aloe plantaround, WellnessMama.com suggests looking for an aloe gel that has no preservatives to reduce the amount of chemical exposure.

Peppermint oil

If the sunburnt skin isn’t blistered, the Farmer’s Almanac suggests applying peppermint oil to the sunburn. The holistic nature ofpeppermint will cool the skin, reducing the amount of pain the burn causes. Use a peppermint infusion for the best relief results,rather than a concentrate.

Lavender

Lavender is a useful herb to have around the house, as it can be used in many ways. Not only is it known for its calming influences,but this plant can also be used in many ways to sooth sunburnt skin. Add lavender oil to a cool bath to soothe a large sun-burntarea. The lavender oil can also be mixed with water in a spray bottle to create a calming remedy. Just mix together one cup of waterwith about 20 to 25 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle, then spray it on the affected areas.

Sunburn can be painful, but you can easily fight the pain with these helpful natural remedies. Using these natural resources willsoothe the burn, while giving you peace of mind.


Plan a Vacation to Jackson Hole, WyomingWhat to do, where to stay and what to eat in Jackson Hole

Located in the valley between Wyoming’s Teton Mountain Range and Gros Ventre Range, Jackson Hole got its name from themountain men who had to descend down steep slopes to reach it.

Today, the land is much more easily accessible, but it still possesses the fascinating wildlife and natural beauty that the earlytrappers first admired years ago.

What to do

One of the best places to appreciate Jackson Hole’s scenicsurroundings is Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, a 1,106-acrerefuge located within Grand Teton National Park on the southernend of Phelps Lake. Once a private vacation retreat for John D.Rockefeller Jr. and his family, today the preserve’s views of themajestic Teton mountains can be enjoyed by everyone. Planyour trip at https://nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/lsr.htm.

There is also plenty of wildlife to take in—both in real life and instill life. You can see animals in their natural habitat at the25,000-acre National Elk Refuge, or see them beautifullydepicted at the National Museum of Wildlife Art that overlooksthe refuge. Learn more about these destinations athttp://fws.gov/refuge/national_elk_refuge/ andhttp://wildlifeart.org/.

If you are traveling in the wintertime, you are probably looking tohit the slopes. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is often held up asthe best ski resort in all of North America. Whether you are acasual skier who wants to stick to the intermediate slopes or athrill-seeker who wants to take on the famously steep Corbet’sCouloir, there is no better place to be than Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Head to http://jacksonhole.com/ to learn more.

Where to stay

The Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole has much to recommend, beginning with its location, which is close to the Jackson Holegondola for the winter and near Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks for the summer. There is also the impeccable service,which includes a winter staff that will buckle your ski boots for you. To top it all off, the hotel’s Westbank Grill has been called the“go-to spot for steak in Jackson” by Eater.com. For booking information, visit http://fourseasons.com/jacksonhole/.

If you want to experience the history of Jackson Hole, get a room at The Wort Hotel. A downtown Jackson establishment since1941, this gem combines rustic aesthetics with modern amenities. Plus, the hotel’s Silver Dollar Bar and Grill is also a great spot fora stiff drink and a hearty meal. To reserve a room, go to http://worthotel.com/rooms/rates-and-reservations/.

Where to eat

The region’s most iconic restaurant is the Snake River Grill, which treats locals and vacationers to a world-class fine diningexperience. Patrons might experience sticker shock when they first glimpse the menu or extensive wine list, but this is oneexpensive eatery that is actually worth the money. View the menu at http://snakerivergrill.com/.

If your palette or wallet wants a break from fancy fare, head to Café Genevieve, a historic Main Street eatery that raised its profilewhen it was featured on the Food Network television show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” This no-frills establishment specializes indown home cooking, with specialties that include steak frites and fried chicken and waffles. See their current menu athttps://genevievejh.com/.

Another unpretentious yet delicious option is The Bird, an old school kitchen and bar known for having the “best burger in Wyoming.”Of course, with 21 burgers on the menu, it may take a while for you to figure out which one earns that prestigious title! Get moreinformation at http://thebirdinjackson.com/.

If you’re still hungry after all of that, stop by Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream in downtown Jackson to finish your evening with a scoop ofhuckleberry. See the latest flavor combinations at http://moosjacksonhole.com/.

There is a whole lot to see, experience and taste in Jackson Hole. Let these recommendations be your guide as you indulge in thebest that Wyoming has to offer.


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