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Cococozy’s Top 8 Picks For The Best Swivel Chairs COCOCOZY

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This swivel chair from Arhaus is perfect for the living room. It is super soft and comfortable. Whether you want to relax and movie or take a nap, this chair will provide you the comfort to do so. Aside from that, this chair is also easy to clean. The fabric is engineered with stain-, odor-, and moisture-resistant technology in every fiber. The seat cushions are also padded with sterilized down and feathers, enveloped in down-proof casings, to create a relaxing, “sink-into” feel.

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This swivel chair is one that will add some style and pizzazz to your living room. The retro-esque style of this couch makes this a perfect piece to add to your home. It is an eye-catcher within itself. In addition to that, the memory foam seat base provides increased comfort.

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If you’re looking for some chairs for your backyard area, this swivel chair is the one. It is modern in design and provides comfort for when you’re chilling outdoors. Whether you’re relaxing outdoors by yourself or with some friends, swivel chairs are one way to stay comfortable while keeping your home chic. Looks aside, this is also an amazingly well-built piece. Its aluminum frames feature a powder-coated finish which creates a protective, weather-resistant, rustproof, and UV-inhibiting barrier that’s 10 times more durable than paint.

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This woven rope lounge chair is a perfect piece for the exterior spaces of your home. Whether that be your porch, balcony, or backyard, this chair screams cozy and relaxing. This swivel lounge chair includes a webbing seat construction. It also has UV-resistant, water-repellent, and quick-drying fabric. This makes it the perfect chair for the outdoors, as it will last through weather conditions.

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Looking for a place to cozy up in? This swivel chair from Jayson Home is one that will do just that. Its cushions are soft and supportive, making it the perfect place to relax. The modern design and style of the chair are perfect for those who already have a home that is of this design. It will make the chair fit right in.

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This woven swivel chair makes a great accent piece for the outdoors. It allows you to sit comfortably every which way and has a super chic and boho-esque design. This chair is handcrafted and made with recycled materials. It is a super sustainable choice when it comes to furniture choices.

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Maiden Home has a wide selection of chairs for you to choose from. This swivel chair from them will fit right in with almost any home aesthetic. Its design may be on the more basic side but its craftsmanship is anything but. This chair has a deep seat, plush cushioning, and a relaxed slipcover with hand-sewn flange seams for an elegant finish.

shop this chair here
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This velvet swivel chair from One Kings Lane is an eye-catcher. Its velvet blue texture adds a sense of timelessness to the chair. This would make a beautiful piece in any living room, whether as an accent chair or just one that will blend seamlessly into the rest of the room’s aesthetic. This chair also provides comfort. Its fiber-wrapped foam fill provides optimal support, while the birch-and-steel frame ensures durability. Not only does this chair look fabulous, but it is also a reliable one.

Swivel chairs are a great piece to add to any room in the house, and even outside the house. It’s a great way to make relaxing more comfortable. If you want to read more about design and style pieces, check out this post about colorful chairs.

Feature pic: Arhaus



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Report: Real Madrid expected to target Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold

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Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Real Madrid.

The England international is believed to be at the top of Madrid’s list of right-back candidates as the Spanish club considers reinforcing the position, according to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana.

A move to the Spanish capital is expected to be contingent on Alexander-Arnold playing out the remainder of his Liverpool contract. Madrid prefer to sign him on a free transfer after his deal expires in the summer of 2025, Cortegana adds.

Talks over a new deal at Anfield are understood to be ongoing.

Alexander-Arnold will be allowed to negotiate a free transfer with different clubs once he enters the final six months of his deal in January.

Madrid’s plans to sign a new right-back were expedited after Dani Carvajal suffered a season-ending ACL tear earlier this month.

Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, and Juanlu of Sevilla have also been linked with the reigning European champions.

Madrid are also expected to be in the market for a center-back. The club could increase its efforts to add defensive reinforcements in January, with former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, who plays in Saudi Arabia, headlining the list of possible targets.

Class of 2025 Nate Ament on How Family and Competitiveness Shaped His Journey

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This story appears in SLAM 252. Get your copy now.

Growing up the youngest of four siblings, Nate Ament did everything his brothers did. It’s why when it comes to sports, soccer was the first thing he gravitated to. His older brothers played it, so he did, too. And when his third oldest brother Frederick started to pick up basketball, Nate was more than game.

By the time he was 10, the rapidly growing Manassas, VA, native realized that he was going to be too tall to stay on the pitch. So hoops it was. It started out as 1s and 2s at the local elementary school. After a two-minute walk, Nate and his brothers were on the blacktop, meeting up with Nate’s classmates and Frederick’s friends from high school. The battles were fun, but it was pride that Nate was seeking, even in middle school.

“The part that I fell in love with was being able to play a sport where you can take someone 1-on-1 and you can try to beat them, not just offensively but defensively,” Nate says. “Being able to have a matchup is being able to say, I’m gonna guard you the whole game. I’m gonna stop you from scoring on me. I’m gonna make sure my team wins. So, I really fell in love with the competitiveness of it.”

Seven years later, that will, love and determination serves as the foundation of Nate’s game, a game that has seen him blossom into a consensus top-5 player in the Class of 2025 and the No. 1 player in the state of Virginia. Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, UConn, Virginia and many, many others have stamped the five-star do-it-all wing as a future difference-maker for their squads.

Between the 3SSB circuit and his tape out at Highland High School, it’s easy to classify Ament as the modern NBA archetype. He’s a lengthy 6-9 forward who’s continuously fine-tuning the framework of his three-level scoring. The locks on defense are there, too. Mind you, with a handle and quickness to break down defenders in transition and off the wing. Size-ups, step-back treys and low-post fades, it’s all his game.

“From when I first started playing basketball to now, I knew that you just have to be consistent, always getting in the gym. In anything I did, I just knew that I wanted to be the best,” Nate says. “I just kept it consistent. I knew that I had the capabilities to be one of the best in the country. But for me, it was just important not to rush things and to stay patient with my journey, because my journey’s different than anyone else’s.”

As of late, the game has taken him from the gleaming lights of Times Square to the gold medal podium at the FIBA AmeriCup with the U18 USA Team. And to cap off a summer driven by years of commitment to his craft, he took home the Terrence Clarke Spalding MVP Award and the dub at the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 6. While he netted contested jumpers and rose up to meet the rim more than a few times while playing at the Rucker Park, memories from his days on the blacktop resurfaced. He wanted to get the best of his matchup, just like his brothers.

“They try to be the best at everything they can do, whether that’s sports, whether that’s school, life or anything. I try to do that with basketball as well,” he says. “They’re kind of my motivation. I play hard for them. Not just for my brothers, but for my whole family, just to make sure that I’m representing the name on the back of my jersey in the best way possible.”


Portraits by Marcus Stevens.



Fine-Tuning BERT for Text Classification | by Shaw Talebi | Oct, 2024

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We’ll start by importing a few handy libraries.

from datasets import DatasetDict, Dataset
from transformers import AutoTokenizer, AutoModelForSequenceClassification,
TrainingArguments, Trainer
import evaluate
import numpy as np
from transformers import DataCollatorWithPadding

Next, we’ll load the training dataset. It consists of 3,000 text-label pairs with a 70–15–15 train-test-validation split. The data are originally from here (open database license).

dataset_dict = load_dataset("shawhin/phishing-site-classification")

The Transformer library makes it super easy to load and adapt pre-trained models. Here’s what that looks like for the BERT model.

# define pre-trained model path
model_path = "google-bert/bert-base-uncased"

# load model tokenizer
tokenizer = AutoTokenizer.from_pretrained(model_path)

# load model with binary classification head
id2label = {0: "Safe", 1: "Not Safe"}
label2id = {"Safe": 0, "Not Safe": 1}
model = AutoModelForSequenceClassification.from_pretrained(model_path,
num_labels=2,
id2label=id2label,
label2id=label2id,)

When we load a model like this, all the parameters will be set as trainable by default. However, training all 110M parameters will be computationally costly and potentially unnecessary.

Instead, we can freeze most of the model parameters and only train the model’s final layer and classification head.

# freeze all base model parameters
for name, param in model.base_model.named_parameters():
param.requires_grad = False

# unfreeze base model pooling layers
for name, param in model.base_model.named_parameters():
if "pooler" in name:
param.requires_grad = True

Next, we will need to preprocess our data. This will consist of two key operations: tokenizing the URLs (i.e., converting them into integers) and truncating them.

# define text preprocessing
def preprocess_function(examples):
# return tokenized text with truncation
return tokenizer(examples["text"], truncation=True)

# preprocess all datasets
tokenized_data = dataset_dict.map(preprocess_function, batched=True)

Another important step is creating a data collator that will dynamically pad token sequences in a batch during training so they have the same length. We can do this in one line of code.

# create data collator
data_collator = DataCollatorWithPadding(tokenizer=tokenizer)

As a final step before training, we can define a function to compute a set of metrics to help us monitor training progress. Here, we will consider model accuracy and AUC.

# load metrics
accuracy = evaluate.load("accuracy")
auc_score = evaluate.load("roc_auc")

def compute_metrics(eval_pred):
# get predictions
predictions, labels = eval_pred

# apply softmax to get probabilities
probabilities = np.exp(predictions) / np.exp(predictions).sum(-1,
keepdims=True)
# use probabilities of the positive class for ROC AUC
positive_class_probs = probabilities[:, 1]
# compute auc
auc = np.round(auc_score.compute(prediction_scores=positive_class_probs,
references=labels)['roc_auc'],3)

# predict most probable class
predicted_classes = np.argmax(predictions, axis=1)
# compute accuracy
acc = np.round(accuracy.compute(predictions=predicted_classes,
references=labels)['accuracy'],3)

return {"Accuracy": acc, "AUC": auc}

Now, we are ready to fine-tune our model. We start by defining hyperparameters and other training arguments.

# hyperparameters
lr = 2e-4
batch_size = 8
num_epochs = 10

training_args = TrainingArguments(
output_dir="bert-phishing-classifier_teacher",
learning_rate=lr,
per_device_train_batch_size=batch_size,
per_device_eval_batch_size=batch_size,
num_train_epochs=num_epochs,
logging_strategy="epoch",
eval_strategy="epoch",
save_strategy="epoch",
load_best_model_at_end=True,
)

Then, we pass our training arguments into a trainer class and train the model.

trainer = Trainer(
model=model,
args=training_args,
train_dataset=tokenized_data["train"],
eval_dataset=tokenized_data["test"],
tokenizer=tokenizer,
data_collator=data_collator,
compute_metrics=compute_metrics,
)

trainer.train()

The training results are shown below. We can see that the training and validation loss are monotonically decreasing while the accuracy and AUC increase with each epoch.

Training results. Image by author.

As a final test, we can evaluate the performance of the model on the independent validation data, i.e., data not used for training or setting hyperparameters.

# apply model to validation dataset
predictions = trainer.predict(tokenized_data["validation"])

# Extract the logits and labels from the predictions object
logits = predictions.predictions
labels = predictions.label_ids

# Use your compute_metrics function
metrics = compute_metrics((logits, labels))
print(metrics)

# >> {'Accuracy': 0.889, 'AUC': 0.946}

Bonus: Although a 110M parameter model is tiny compared to modern language models, we can reduce its computational requirements using model compression techniques. I cover how to reduce the memory footprint model by 7X in the article below.

Fine-tuning pre-trained models is a powerful paradigm for developing better models at a lower cost than training them from scratch. Here, we saw how to do this with BERT using the Hugging Face Transformers library.

While the example code was for URL classification, it can be readily adapted to other text classification tasks.

More on LLMs 👇

Large Language Models (LLMs)

Bicycle Tours Venice to Pisa Adventure – Chris Cruises

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ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a trailblazer in cycling vacations and leader in active travel, is looking back to the beginning, to 1972 when its founders, Rick and Paola Malpezzi-Price (parents to current co-owners Maria Elena and Monica Price), ran the company’s very first cycling trip – Bike Across Italy – which traveled from Pisa to Paola’s hometown of Forli.

While the company has grown significantly over the past 52 years, expanding throughout Europe and into the Caribbean and South America to offer its many guided and self-guided cycling adventures, at its core, ExperiencePlus! has remained fundamentally the same since day one and the current iteration of that original tour – Bike Across Italy – Venice to Pisa – reflects that.

“This is, and has always been, one of our most popular cycling tours,” says Maria Elena Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. “We believe that travel by bike is one of the most immersive and intimate ways to experience a destination, and our classic Venice to Pisa tour is the perfect example of that. It’s an unforgettable experience.”

Taking travelers a little further than those first 25 guests in 1972, this 12-day guided trip starts in Venice and makes stops in the great art cities of Ferrara, Ravenna, and Florence, before wrapping up with a ride to Pisa’s Mediterranean coast. Along the way, cyclists enjoy gourmet meals in two of Italy’s best culinary regions – Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany – take in local markets and discover a side of Italy seldom seen by tourists. They’ll also have a chance to visit “the Hub,” the company’s European headquarters, for a light lunch and a close-up look at its operations.

Other highlights of the tour include:

  • Pedal via the Lidos of Venice and Pellestrina, natural levees that protect the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea.
  • Enjoy lunch in Chioggia, the “other” Venice of the lagoon.
  • Ride directly under the finest example of Renaissance walls remaining in Italy upon entering Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage town and home to many palaces of the Este court from the 14th and 15th centuries.
  • Discover the old port town of Comacchio and the rich bird habitats of the Po’s Delta.
  • Enjoy an olive oil tasting in the medieval village of Brisighella before heading into the Apennines.
  • Discover Florence via a guided walking tour.
  • Overnight in town of Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Climb the stairway to the Medici villa in Cerreto Guidi.
  • Spend two nights in beautiful Lucca, a former Roman town that was once one of medieval Italy’s most prosperous city-states.

“We’re incredibly proud of how ExperiencePlus! has grown over the years, but at its core, it has remained true to the values my parents founded it on,” continues Price. “While we now offer trips across three continents, the focus on delivering high-quality, immersive experiences, with a commitment to sustainability and authentic local connections, has never changed. It’s that same dedication to thoughtful travel that continues to guide everything we do today.”

Continue reading below for more information about ExperiencePlus’ classic tours.

“Get on a bike. Follow the arrows. Leave your cares behind.”

For those who like to pedal point-to-point on paved roads and explore classic cycling destinations and hidden gems only the locals know, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ classic style bike tours makes it easy. Following unique chalk arrows, cyclists explore small villages and world-class cities while traveling at their own pace, yet in the company of local tour leaders who support each guest’s ride while also bringing a deeper understanding to the area’s history, traditions, and culture.

Some of the company’s other classic style bike tours include:

  • Bike Across Portugal – This eight-day trip traverses the fascinating landscapes and villages of one of Portugal’s most interesting regions, the Alentejo. Explore the south-central lands and west coast, complete with undulating wheat fields, cork and eucalyptus trees, olive orchards and vineyards.
  • Grand Cycling Tour of Andalucía – A new take on one of the company’s favorite bicycle tours in Spain, this 13-day tour takes guests from Seville, through the Sierra to Córdoba, and then on to Granada.
  • Cycling Southwestern Sicily’s Ancient Mediterranean Cities – Spend seven days exploring the best of traditional southern Italy, traveling from Agrigento to Trapani.
  • Cycling Ancient Greece: Sparta to Kardamyli – This eight-day tour of the Southern Peloponnese starts in ancient Sparta and covers the regions of Laconia and Messinia, focusing on the Mani Peninsula, an area bursting with ancient and mythological history.
  • Bicycling the Islands of the Dalmatian Coast – Kicking off in Split, this eight-day tour explores this spectacular limestone coastline up close, including rides on two of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque islands – Brač and Havr.
  • Bicycling Provence to the Pyrenees – On this eight-day tour, guests explore classical Roman Provence, the Cévennes, and the Languedoc regions of France.
  • Bicycling Patagonia’s Lakes District – This seven-day adventure is a great introduction to Chile’s Lake District and a region of Argentina and Chile that is still unique due to its remote location and stunning natural beauty.

For the full list of classic style bike tours, click here.

For more information about any of the above tours, and for details on all ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ guided and self-guided cycling adventures in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America, visit ExperiencePlus.com.

About ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours: Founded in 1972 by Rick and Paola Malpezzi-Price, and now run by their daughters, Maria Elena and Monica, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours offers a wide range of extraordinary bicycling vacations, including guided tours in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and new self-guided tours in Italy. With a range of touring styles and tour levels, exceptional local leaders, thoughtfully designed routes, and meaningful cultural immersion, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours offers cycling vacations for every type of cyclist and traveler. For more information, visit the company online at ExperiencePlus.com. 

Who’s Got Your Back? Building Community in a Changing Medical Landscape

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I love my job. 

As physicians, we have the best job in the world. We make an impact on people’s lives like no other profession, and there’s tremendous satisfaction in working with a strong purpose. 

That’s why today’s topic is so close to my heart. More and more, physicians are struggling with increasing restrictions, bureaucracy, and administrative tasks. Sometimes it feels like medicine is changing and there is no one there supporting or looking out for us. The job can feel impossible, like there are ever-increasing pressures stacked against our ability to provide premium service. 

Whether you’re just starting out as a resident or have been in medicine for a while, I’m sure you’ve felt this. These challenges are real. Our feeling of purpose and autonomy is slipping away. We’re doing the best we can to provide informed and personalized care for our patients. But maybe your hospital has been bought out or subsidized. In situations like that, the hospital is often focused much more on the business and less on the service. 

It can be incredibly disheartening as caregivers, and we get burned out trying to keep a premium level of care while answering all the demands of a changing medical landscape. Growing pressures include the threat of lawsuits, financial vulnerabilities, increased control of administrative bodies, having every one of your decisions scrutinized, and much more. 
How can you help yourself retain autonomy and community in medicine while having enough leftover to maintain your ideal personal life? Answering this question is essential for navigating, surviving, and thriving in a changing medical landscape. That’s what we’ll look at today.

The Reality of Modern Medicine

The numbers aren’t great. A whopping 63% of doctors reported feeling some degree of burnout in 2022. Last year in 2023, that figure shrank to 48%, but that’s still almost half of all doctors. That’s way higher than it should be. 

When surveyed, 62% of physicians pointed to administrative work as their top source of burnout. But nearly 40% also cited working too many hours, a lack of respect from administrators and colleagues, and inadequate compensation as factors, too. Doctors are losing their autonomy and ability to provide the best care for their patients. 

While these numbers are alarming, all hope is not lost. Medicine can be and still be a fulfilling profession. We just need to be ready and willing to 1) find a way to seek support and 2) tweak how we identify our changing roles.

Autonomy through Community Support

Recognize the power of community and peer support to adjust to and navigate all of the changes to the industry. Staying connected and proactive in shaping the future of your profession can also mitigate and possibly reverse the challenging course that the medical field is taking, so take action now! How? Let’s look at a few options. 

Create Safe Spaces: Safe spaces are incredibly important. They could include conferences, online communities, groups of like-minded friends, or anywhere physicians can safely share experiences, offer advice, and support each other. 

If you’re looking to get connected to safe spaces, you’re in the right place. Here at Passive Income MD, we have plenty of community resources available to you. That includes our Facebook group, any of our many conferences, our Passive Real Estate Academy, and our Leverage and Growth Accelerator Community. 

I’ve surrounded myself with a supportive network of physicians, and it’s nice to rely on the wisdom of others who have been there, are a step ahead, or help you see things a little more objectively. These groups create a non-judgment culture where all of your concerns can be conveyed. It’ll be your first step to regaining control. 

Self-Advocacy: As you join communities, you’ll realize how much easier it will be to advocate for yourself. That growth mindset will help you take your career to the next level and make a profound impact on the world—whether through practicing medicine, a side hustle, or an entrepreneurial journey. 

As physicians, we should be able to advocate for ourselves and each other, politically, financially, and professionally. If nothing else, holding one of the most important jobs in the world gives us that right. And having the means to collectively advocate can lead to meaningful change in the medical landscape. 

Strategic Partnerships: Reach out to the physicians you know and build a strong network. Or, join preestablished networks who are inviting new members. But they should be aligned with your goals. Those goals could include staying in medicine full time, becoming an entrepreneur, leveraging multiple streams of passive income, or some combination of those things. 

I can’t stress the importance enough: Build and nurture your partnerships with empathy. Your network will become a foundational resource, helping you cope with and combat the challenges of medicine. At the end of the day, we’re still people. And people want to feel fulfilled. Make sure your network’s goals align with your own, and you’ll have partners who will strengthen your why—or your sense of purpose.

Strength in Numbers

Although the changing medical landscape is challenging, there’s strength in numbers. A community of individuals is stronger than any one individual. You are not alone, and together we can create a supportive environment that prioritizes physician well-being and autonomy. 

If you’re looking for a place to start, consider the aforementioned Leverage and Growth Accelerator Community. It’s an awesome community filled with amazing opportunities, such as ongoing expert-lead sessions, inspiring workshops, coaching, and unlimited resources to help you feel heard and supported in your changing role as a physician. And you can try it before you officially join with a 30-day free trial. There are thousands of physicians in our communities, and we know that you have a place here where you can thrive. We hope to see you!

And until we see you next, keep finding ways to get the support you need to regain control of how you practice medicine in this ever-changing landscape.

Peter Kim, MD is the founder of Passive Income MD, the creator of Passive Real Estate Academy, and offers weekly education through his Monday podcast, the Passive Income MD Podcast. Join our community at the Passive Income Doc Facebook Group.



How To Get More Book Sales on Amazon (2019)

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Would you like to know how to get more book sales on Amazon in 2019? Then, get the latest news on how to increase Amazon book sales with proven book marketing and promotion strategies.

And, though this video is a couple years old, the strategies shared still hold up:
🔵 How to Increase Book Sales on Amazon

🔴 Not sure where to start with Amazon Advertising for books? Watch this video series:

🟢 Also, catch the blog post about how to write a compelling book description (courtesy of PublishDrive):

🚀 And, get your hands on the Bestseller Book Launch Checklist at

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🤔 Get more perks & bonuses as a channel member. Details are at

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📚 Publisher Rocket – – get your book in front of more Amazon shoppers
so you can market less and write more.
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Rebuilding Together: Allstate Brings Hope After Hurricane Milton

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After nearly a century of helping people overcome catastrophes, we know the aftermath of a storm is an emotional time. We know putting your life back in order is a top priority. That’s why we’re ready to assist customers now and expedite claims.

Rapid Response and Support

  • In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our Mobile Claims Centers are on the ground, offering in-person support to our customers.
  • In response to Hurricane Milton, our team is moving in and setting up in the hardest-hit areas to offer on-the-ground support and expedite the claims process.
  • You can find the locations of all our Mobile Claims Centers here. Check back regularly as the locations are updated.
  • We are leveraging advanced technology, including the Allstate mobile app, to provide expedited claim services. This includes using photo and video technology for quick assessments and offering instant payments for covered claims.
  • We’re using both human expertise and advanced technology to efficiently handle the high volume of claims and provide the best possible support to our customers.

Steps to Take

  • Check to make sure everyone is safe. First and foremost, secure the safety of your loved ones, and let others know you’re ok.
  • Don’t enter your home unless you know it’s safe. There could be exposed electrical wires, standing water or a natural gas leak. If you’re worried it might not be safe, don’t enter.
  • Start the claims process as soon as possible. You can file your claim by going online, using the Allstate® mobile app, calling 1-800-54-STORM, visiting a mobile claim center, or reaching out to any Allstate agent.
  • Update your information. Use MyClaim to update your contact and payment information for faster transactions.
  • Document damages. Separate damaged and undamaged items. If it’s unsafe to keep damaged items, take photos or videos for your claims team and then dispose of them properly.
  • Make temporary repairs. If necessary, hire a qualified contractor to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep all receipts and provide them to your claims team. Take photos before any repairs are made.

Understanding the Claim Process

Depending on your policy, after you have filed your claim with us, the process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Initial Contact: A catastrophe claim team member will reach out to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
  2. Damage Assessment: An adjuster will evaluate the damages, determine necessary repairs or replacements, and prepare an estimate.
  3. Review and Settlement: Your adjuster will discuss the damage estimate and settlement based on your policy. They will finalize your claim by sending the necessary documents and payments.

Beware of Contractor Fraud

After a disaster, be cautious of contractor fraud. Most contractors are reputable, but some may take advantage of the situation. Watch out for contractors who:

  • Claim to be approved by FEMA or other agencies.
  • Come from out-of-state, especially after a catastrophe, like a hurricane.
  • Require upfront payment to schedule work.
  • Offer unsolicited services.
  • Pressure you to sign documents quickly.

If you believe you have been approached by an unlicensed or unscrupulous contractor, or have been encouraged to fabricate an insurance claim, contact your insurance company, the local police or the National Insurance Crime Bureau hotline at 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422). You may also text your information to TIP411, keyword “FRAUD” and remain anonymous if you so desire.

Additional Resources

Whether you’re an Allstate customer or not, we provide general insurance information, important government resources, and safety and recovery tips in our Allstate Good Hands Recovery Guide. 


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Best Fall Desserts To Make ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

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From pumpkin spice to apple crisp, here are the best fall desserts to make! Fall is the perfect season for cozying up with a warm cup of tea and a delicious dessert. The crisp, cool weather and changing leaves create a magical atmosphere that calls for sweet treats. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are some of the best fall desserts to make.

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This pumpkin cream cheese bread is a delicious and easy-to-make fall treat. It combines moist pumpkin bread with a creamy, tangy filling. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or enjoying all on your own. Make it today and bring the warmth of fall into your home.

Sheet pan apple pie.

Aside from the fact that this Sheet Pan Apple Pie can feed a crowd, I like that it means I get a little more crust with each bite. We love this for a classic fall dessert! Check out our Guide to Apples.

Cinnamon Glazed Popcorn Mix

Enjoy a cozy treat with our Cinnamon Glazed Popcorn Mix. It’s a blend of crunchy popcorn and rich cashews, all wrapped in a sweet cinnamon honey glaze. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s the perfect gift for friends or a special snack for yourself on a crisp fall day.

Sweet Potato Brownies

Taste the magic of autumn with our Sweet Potato Brownies. These soft, chocolatey treats are super easy to make with just five ingredients. Sweet potatoes add a healthy touch, making them a must-try. Enjoy a warm, comforting dessert in just 30 minutes.

Shortcut Chocolate Pecan Pie

Treat yourself to a delicious Shortcut Chocolate Pecan Pie this fall. It’s made with whole-wheat flour and maple syrup instead of refined ingredients. Add chocolate chips and a little brown sugar for a touch of indulgence. Enjoy a warm slice with homemade vanilla ice cream for pure bliss.

Whole Wheat Cinnamon Bread

Cozy up this fall with homemade Whole Wheat Cinnamon Raisin Bread. It’s easy to make in a bread machine and your family will love it. Soft, sweet, and perfect as a snack or dessert—enjoy it with cream cheese or on its own. It’s a wholesome, delicious treat for any day!

Whole Wheat Carrot Applesauce Muffins

Autumn calls for sweet and spicy Carrot Applesauce Muffins. They’re easy to make with honey, whole wheat, and yummy carrots! They taste just like a treat, but better for you. Soft and full of flavor, great for munching or as a quick breakfast. Plus, you can freeze them for later

Pumpkin Fluff Dessert Dip

Our Pumpkin Fluff Dessert Dip is a creamy and delicious fall treat. Made with real pumpkin and spices, it’s perfect for dipping apple slices or graham crackers. Easy to make and a hit with everyone, this dip is a must-try for Halloween or any autumn gathering. Enjoy its yummy, spicy, and sweet flavor!

Check out our Pumpkin Guide!

Homemade Maple Pecan Ice Cream

Make your own Maple Pecan Ice Cream at home! This simple recipe uses only the best ingredients for a rich, flavorful treat. With maple syrup and crunchy pecans, it’s easy to make and ready in just 20 minutes. Enjoy the taste of fall in every scoop!

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Our homemade Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a simple yet delicious fall dessert. This easy-to-make treat combines sweet apples and warm spices under a crunchy topping. Perfect for any autumn gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Don’t miss out on this must-try dessert!

Healthy Pumpkin Bread

Our Healthy Pumpkin Bread is a delicious and nutritious fall treat. It’s soft, fluffy, and packed with pumpkin and cinnamon flavor. Made with wholesome ingredients and easy to prepare, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Enjoy a cozy and comforting treat anytime!

Whole-Wheat Pecan Maple Cinnamon Rolls

Enjoy cozy fall mornings with Whole-Wheat Pecan Maple Cinnamon Rolls. Made without refined sugar, they’re a healthier treat that’s still sweet and soft. With warm cinnamon, crunchy pecans, and a creamy frosting, these rolls are perfect for lazy weekends. They’re a delicious, guilt-free twist on a classic favorite.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Taste the flavors of fall with our Pumpkin Cheesecake. This delicious dessert features a unique pecan crust and is filled with creamy pumpkin and warm spices. It’s a gluten-free treat that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying yourself.

Pumpkin Mug Cake

Pumpkin mug cake is a quick and easy fall dessert. It’s made with simple ingredients and can be cooked in just 5 minutes. This cake is moist and has a cozy pumpkin spice flavor. Top it with cream or nuts for a delicious treat. Enjoy this warm and fluffy cake anytime you want a taste of fall.

Fall is a delightful season to explore baking and savor the flavors of autumn. By experimenting with new recipes and adding your own unique touch, you can create some of the most memorable fall desserts that will delight your loved ones. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is one popular sweet treat made from fall harvest?

Pumpkin pie is a popular sweet treat made from fall harvest. It’s typically made with pumpkin puree, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a flaky crust.

What is one popular sweet treat made from fall harvest?

Pumpkin spice is arguably the most popular flavor for fall. It’s a combination of flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger that’s often used in everything from lattes to cookies and pies.

Can I use canned fruits for making fall desserts?

Yes, canned fruits can be a convenient and time-saving option for making fall desserts. For example, canned pumpkin puree is a staple for many pumpkin desserts, and canned pears can be a great addition to tarts and crumbles. Just be sure to adjust the sugar content accordingly, as canned fruits can sometimes be sweeter than their fresh counterparts.

Can I use canned fruits for making fall desserts?

Dairy-free options for fall desserts are plentiful. Consider making apple crisp or pumpkin bread using oil or a butter alternative. Many recipes can also be adapted by substituting dairy ingredients with almond milk, coconut cream, or similar dairy-free alternatives.

How do I store fall desserts to keep them fresh?

The best way to store fall desserts depends on the type. Pies and cakes are best kept at room temperature for the first few days, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, refrigerate them to keep them fresh. Cooked fruit desserts and cheesecakes should be refrigerated from the start. Always ensure desserts are covered to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors.

Are there any quick fall desserts I can make in under an hour?

Yes, there are many quick fall desserts you can make in under an hour. For example, baked apples stuffed with oats, nuts, and spices can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Another quick option is no-bake pumpkin balls, which combine pumpkin puree, oats, and fall spices for a speedy treat.

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FHA and Conventional Construction to Permanent Loans: Understanding Your Options

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When it comes to financing a new home, there are a variety of loan options available. For those looking to build from the ground up, construction loans provide a pathway to turn a blueprint into a reality. Two of the most common construction loan options are Construction to Permanent (C2P) loans, which are offered through FHA and Conventional loan programs, as well as the Two-Time Close Construction Loan. Each has its own requirements, benefits, and processes.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of FHA and Conventional Construction to Permanent loans, as well as Two-Time Close Construction loans. We’ll break down the key differences, including required inspections, down payments, and credit score requirements. Finally, we’ll discuss how owning land can impact your down payment and financing process.

What is a Construction to Permanent Loan?

A Construction to Permanent Loan, often referred to as a C2P loan, is a type of financing that covers the costs of both constructing a home and transitioning to a standard mortgage once the home is completed. This type of loan typically involves only one closing, which simplifies the process for borrowers since they only need to secure financing once.

The FHA and Conventional C2P loans are popular options for homebuyers who want to build their own home. These loans typically cover the cost of purchasing the land (if applicable), the construction of the home, and the transition to a long-term mortgage.

FHA Construction to Permanent Loans; What is an FHA C2P Loan?

An FHA Construction to Permanent Loan is a government-backed mortgage option that is ideal for borrowers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which allows lenders to offer more lenient terms.

Key Features of FHA C2P Loans

  • Down Payment Requirement: FHA loans generally require a 3.5% down payment. However, if you already own the land, you can use the equity in the land as part (or all) of your down payment. This means if the land is fully paid for and valued at or above 3.5% of the total construction cost, you might not need to bring additional funds for the down payment.
  • Credit Score Requirement: FHA loans typically require a minimum credit score of 580. However, some lenders may offer loans to borrowers with lower credit scores, though a larger down payment may be required.
  • Inspections Required: FHA C2P loans require multiple inspections throughout the construction process. These include an initial inspection of the land and plans, progress inspections at various stages of construction, and a final inspection once the home is completed. The FHA must ensure that the construction adheres to its safety and quality standards before transitioning the loan to a permanent mortgage.

Who Should Consider an FHA C2P Loan?

FHA C2P loans are ideal for borrowers with limited savings or credit challenges. They offer a path to homeownership even if you cannot meet the stricter requirements of a conventional loan. The FHA’s backing gives lenders the confidence to provide more accessible terms, making it a popular option for first-time homebuyers or those who need a more affordable down payment.

Conventional Construction to Permanent Loans; What is a Conventional C2P Loan?

A Conventional Construction to Permanent Loan is not government-backed, and therefore, the requirements for qualifying are generally more stringent than FHA loans. However, conventional loans offer more flexibility in terms of loan amounts and can be a better fit for borrowers with stronger financial profiles.

Key Features of Conventional C2P Loans

  • Down Payment Requirement: Conventional loans typically require a down payment of at least 5% of the total construction costs, though this can vary based on the lender and borrower’s financial profile. As with FHA loans, if the borrower already owns the land, the equity in the land can be used toward the down payment.
  • Credit Score Requirement: The credit score requirement for conventional loans is generally higher, often requiring a minimum score of 620 or higher. Borrowers with higher credit scores may qualify for better interest rates and more favorable loan terms.
  • Inspections Required: Like FHA loans, conventional C2P loans require several inspections during the construction process to ensure that the work is proceeding according to plan and is up to standard. These include land inspections, progress inspections at key milestones, and a final inspection once the home is completed.

Who Should Consider a Conventional C2P Loan?

Conventional C2P loans are a great option for borrowers with strong credit and the ability to make a larger down payment. They often come with fewer restrictions than FHA loans and can offer better interest rates for qualified borrowers. Additionally, if the loan amount exceeds FHA limits, a conventional loan might be your only option.

Two-Time Close Construction Loan; What is a Two-Time Close Construction Loan?

A Two-Time Close Construction Loan involves two separate loan transactions: one for the construction phase and one for the permanent mortgage after the construction is completed. This means there are two closings, and typically two sets of closing costs, though the advantage is more flexibility during construction.

Key Features of Two-Time Close Construction Loans

  • Down Payment Requirement: Down payment requirements vary depending on the lender and the type of loan used for both the construction and permanent phases. For conventional loans, down payments typically start at 5%, while FHA-backed loans may still offer the 3.5% option. As with other types of loans, land equity can be used as the down payment.
  • Credit Score Requirement: Credit score requirements for two-time close loans are similar to those of C2P loans. Conventional two-time close loans usually require a score of 620 or higher, while FHA-backed two-time close loans may be available with a score as low as 580.
  • Inspections Required: Since there are two phases to the loan, the inspection requirements are generally similar to C2P loans, with multiple inspections needed during construction. However, the lender may require more detailed progress reports to ensure that the construction is on track and the value of the property aligns with the loan amount.

Who Should Consider a Two-Time Close Construction Loan?

The two-time close option is ideal for borrowers who want more flexibility during the construction process. If you want the ability to make adjustments to your construction loan mid-project, this type of loan can provide more freedom. However, keep in mind the additional costs and paperwork associated with closing twice.

Using Land as a Down Payment

One of the major benefits of building a home is that if you already own the land, you can often use the land’s equity as your down payment. This applies to both FHA and conventional C2P loans, as well as two-time close loans.

How Does This Work?

  • If you own the land outright, the lender will typically allow you to use the full value of the land as a down payment.
  • For example, if the construction cost is $300,000 and the land is valued at $30,000, that $30,000 can serve as your down payment. For FHA loans, this would more than cover the 3.5% down payment requirement.
  • If there is still a loan balance on the land, the lender may consider the remaining equity (land value minus any loan balance) toward the down payment.
  • You’ll need a land appraisal to determine its current market value, which will be used to calculate the equity available.

Required Inspections

Construction loans require thorough inspections to ensure the building process is going according to plan. These inspections are critical for protecting both the borrower and the lender. Here are the key inspections required for FHA and Conventional C2P loans, as well as two-time close loans:

  1. Initial Inspection: This is conducted before construction begins to assess the land, building plans, and costs.
  2. Progress Inspections: These occur at various stages of the construction process. Inspections typically take place at major milestones, such as after the foundation is laid, when the framing is completed, and before drywall is installed.
  3. Final Inspection: This is performed when the home is fully completed to ensure it meets all safety and building standards before the loan transitions to a permanent mortgage.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking at an FHA Construction to Permanent Loan, a Conventional Construction to Permanent Loan, or a Two-Time Close Construction Loan, understanding the different requirements and options can help you make an informed decision. Each type of loan offers unique benefits, depending on your financial situation, credit score, and the value of any land you already own.

By carefully considering down payment requirements, inspection processes, and the role of your credit score, you can find the construction loan that best fits your needs and move forward with building the home of your dreams.