Wedding Venue Ideas For The Kookier Couple

It doesn’t matter whether you are in the early stages of planning your wedding or whether you are more of a last minute organizer, the chances are that the venue is a key aspect of your big day. Getting hitched somewhere that is picturesque, atmospheric, photogenic and means something to you as a couple is important. This should be the best day of your life so you want it to be memorable for all of the right reasons. Just because your mum and dad are expecting you to get hitched in a church doesn't mean that you have to go down this route. It’s vital that you are a little bit selfish on your big day and you choose the elements of your wedding based on what you want.

Church weddings are great, but if you aren’t religious or your dream wedding is far from a vicar and pews, you need to think about the sort of place where you do want to say your vows. Nowadays, there are plenty of options for your special day. Read on to discover the sorts of venues you might want to consider for your wedding.

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Cinema

If you are a couple that adore their movies, you had your first date in a cinema or you are keen for a big screen and red carpet backdrop, you could do much worse than choosing an art house cinema. Forget about the massive out of town chains, and consider those kooky little art house cinemas that originate from the 1920s. The decor of these places is authentic with art deco lettering, architecture and seating making it a stunning venue for your wedding.

You could choose a big screen with a ready-made aisle for you to walk down. The Dolby surround sound can be an ideal platform from which to play your personalized music choices and the big screen is perfect to show off a slideshow of you as a couple. You might want to choose a montage of images detailing your relationship from when you first met up until your wedding day.

Cinemas are atmospheric and ooze class. You could even continue the theme with other aspects of your day. You could opt for some art deco inspired Pure invitation wedding invites, you might want to impose a 1920s dress code, and your music choices could be inspired by the flapper girls of the early twentieth century. 

Beach

If you love nothing more than being on the beach and you have fond memories of your holidays abroad as a couple, then it makes sense to look at a coastal wedding. You could choose to get hitched on the beaches of Bournemouth in good old Blighty, or you might fancy heading overseas for a more tropical affair. Consider the cost of each of these options. A wedding abroad will be infinitely more costly than one at home. This will have an impact on the guests that you will have attending your big day.

Being on a sun kissed beach and saying your vows to your partner is idyllic. If you want waves lapping at your feet, a gentle breeze cooling down the midday sun and awesome photos for memories, then a beach wedding can be perfect.

As well as your ceremony, you could hire a private section of beach to whip up a marquee and enjoy a spot of al fresco dining for your wedding breakfast. Being so coastal, you could carry on the beach theme by opting for a menu with a seafood flavor. How about scallops to start, a stunning fish platter for your main and a light dessert to finish? There are plenty of options from a formal sit down affair to a more casual beach barbecue for your guests to enjoy.

Hotel

While a little mundane compared to a beach or cinema wedding, getting married in a hotel can be the more economical choice. At this venue, your wedding ceremony, reception and evening party are held in one all encompassing space. This can leave less room for any hiccups throughout the day. Having a blank canvas in which to create your own themed wedding can also be more exciting. You could visit a range of hotels and choose the one that suits you most as a couple. Large chain hotels are brilliant for people who want a large space to decorate themselves. Alternatively, you could select a modern boutique hotel for a more exclusive vibe. Or maybe, a more traditional or historic building is more your style.

Some hotels and accommodation settings are stunning such as castles or yurts. You could stage your own knights of the round table theme, or perhaps you want a simple color coded theme. A black tie affair can be simple yet classic and ooze class and sophistication.

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Gardens

There are many classic gardens in the UK that host wedding ceremonies. All you will need to do is locate a registrar as the English country garden will be in full bloom for an excellent backdrop to your vows. It doesn’t matter whether you get hitched in the blossom filled spring, the flora laden summer or a snowy winter, the gardens will look beautiful and scenic. 

Getting married in the great outdoors can be freeing, and it is an ever more popular setting in which to say ‘I do.’ With some white chairs, a self made aisle and some simple flora and fauna, you can enjoy a simple pared back ceremony.

While a church or registry office based ceremony is still the most popular venue for weddings in the UK, they are being given a run for their money as millennials who are now getting wed, are keen to explore kookier options. Don't feel limited in your choices and investigate every single option. Home based ceremonies are not unheard of. Or perhaps you fancy getting hitched underwater, in the Arctic, at the zoo or at a waterpark.  Ensure that you utilize this guide to inspire your venue choice for your special day.

Why Choose Plastic Pipes For Your Home

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Irrespective of what type of pipework system you require, whether it be for clean water or chemicals, you need to choose the material of the pipes with a great deal of care. In general, you have two options at your disposal. For many years metal was the favoured choice, however, nowadays more and more people are opting for plastic pipes instead. There are many different reasons why this is the case. Thus, keep on reading to discover the key reasons why plastic pipes are better than metal pipework systems…

Firstly, one of the main reasons why plastic is the preferred choice for pipes and tanks from the likes of Tank Direct is because it is much more flexible. This type of material can be used with a whole host of applications. From chemical systems to agricultural irrigation systems – the list is endless. Whilst you can use metal in these circumstances, it is often not as effective. This is because metal has a tendency to corrode. In chemical systems especially, you will find that the metal weakens over time because of corrosion and rust. This can easily lead to leaks, which consequently leads to expensive repairs, not to mention a lot of hassle as well. It is also worth considering how detrimental this would be in a pipework system for drinking water. Traces of the metal can end up in the water, and this can lead to that awful metallic taste. Nonetheless, if you opt for a plastic pipework system you will not experience any of these issues. Plastic is not a material that corrodes, nor does it rust. Therefore, aside from flexibility and a much higher degree of quality, you should also factor in the longevity of this type of system. If you invest in plastic pipes you will get a lot more years out of them than you would with metal pipes, and thus value for money is assured. 

This leads onto the next point perfectly – the cost savings associated with plastic pipes for your home. As mentioned, you are less likely to require a repair if you opt for a plastic system. Moreover, your pipes will last for more years when compared with metal pipes. Nonetheless, these are not the only savings you will benefit from. Plastic is actually a lot cheaper to produce, and thus plastic pipes will cost less, to begin with. In addition to this, they are also much lighter and therefore they are easier to transport. Not only does this further indicate that they are flexible, yet it also showcases how you can save money on transport costs. 

The final factor you should consider, which a lot of people have a tendency to overlook, is the environmental benefits that are associated with plastic. When compared with metal, this is the more eco-friendly option to go for. This is important because the need to look after our planet is evident and businesses all have a responsibility to play their part. So, why is plastic the more environmentally friendly option? Generally, they reduce the user’s need to use as much energy. This is because they have low thermal conductivity, and thus they do not conduct heat as easily. Nevertheless, they are also a great insulator, meaning you lose less heat in hot water supplies. Again, this represents cost savings, yet you can also be safe in the knowledge that you are doing your bit to reduce the damage being done to our planet. 

Why You Should Have Regular Blood Tests

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Blood tests are a reliable part of your health and wellness, and they determine how well your body is working as well as diagnose diseases that might not have apparent symptoms. When it comes to your overall health, it can be confusing to know what is best. So, fortunately, your blood can provide data on your health and wellness. Here are some other reasons why it's essential to have regular blood tests.

Diagnose Disease

Prevention and early detection are two of the best ways to deal with diseases such as cancer. While they may not be perfect ways to find all diseases, many diseases can be found via blood tests, and early diagnosis can make a difference in your treatment. An excellent example of a condition that people rarely discover they have because of symptoms is Leukemia, as there is no standard screening process that exists for detecting early-stage Leukemia. Doctors often recognize chronic Leukemia during routine blood count checks done as part of a regular health check or for other reasons, such as those conducted when a person seeks employment, joins the military, is pregnant, or is about to undergo an operation. But many leukemias are not found until a person goes to the doctor because of the symptoms they are having.

Check Your Metabolism 

Diabetes is a significant health problem facing society today, and according to Dr Richard Maurer, author of The Blood Code, "your blood tests are a window into your metabolism—the chemical processes of your body." Specific blood tests can help you understand if you are diabetic, pre-diabetic, or have a healthy metabolism. 

Checking Your Liver

Your liver's job is to break down different toxins, drugs, and hormone products like a detoxification system, so it's an essential part of your body. Luckily, any problems in your liver, such as build-up, and abnormal levels of protein, iron, and cholesterol, among others, can be seen in your blood tests and could indicate potential problems with your liver.

Checking Your Kidneys

Your kidneys regulate blood pressure, pH level, mineral concentration, and water composition of the blood, they are responsible for filtering and removing waste from your blood, which, in turn, gets eliminated with water as urine. By checking your blood, you can improve the health of your kidneys and anything causing you issues.  

Blood Sugar

Having a blood sugar test measures the levels of glucose in your blood. High blood sugar levels can mean that you have diabetes or prediabetes and may need to make significant lifestyle changes to prevent you from progressing to full-blown diabetes. Eating a healthy diet, losing some weight, and getting regular exercise each week can reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes in half.

Vitamin D Levels

A blood test can also measure the levels of vitamin D in your blood, which is essential for bone strength. Older women are more likely to suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, because their skin doesn't produce this vitamin as efficiently from sun exposure as they age, and because they spend less time outdoors. If your levels are low, then eat more foods containing vitamin D, such as dairy and fortified orange juice or take a Vitamin D supplement. 

How To Take Care Of Your Aging Relatives

There comes a point when your parents start to move from active seniors into the group that needs extra care. And actually, as children, it is your opportunity to give back some of the care that you soaked up while you were little. Of course, the situation can be trickier from time to time. 

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It helps if you have conversations in advance about things like care homes, home care, and even more serious things like ‘end of life care’. It can be difficult to have these conversations, but it is easier than trying to make them on the spot at a later date. 

Needs

There will be times while you are caring for your parents you see that you are getting overwhelmed, or the rate at which they need extra care is increasing. It pays to take a step back and asses the situation. Here are some areas that you can consider:

• Medical needs
• Personal Hygiene
• Meal Preparations
• Social Interaction
• Home Safety 
• Cognitive health - for example, what is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s? It is time to find out. 

Your Ability

While we like to think we are all as strong we need for as long as we need, the truth is from time to time, we will need help. If you are going over to your parents to care for them a few times a day, how will you fit in your own life and your job? Consider your situation too.

• How is your health?
• Do you have the time?
• Do you live close enough?

Control

It is very important that until they can no longer make decisions that you allow them to make as many for themselves as they can. And, you must know that you might not like what they decide. Like stopping a medication, or trying alternative therapies. In this scenario - you are the person who supports their decisions and helps them maximize what that means. 

Finance

It shouldn’t be a factor, but the sad reality is that it is. The cost of care stacks steeply and quickly. Nurses, medications, fitting specialist items like stair-lifts or moving to an assisted living home. All costs money and that is without the standard bills like food, electricity and heating. 

You might be able to apply for a range of financial help, but you’ll need to explore these with your parents in advance too. So that you know their situation and know what applies and what doesn’t.

Home Safety

There will come a time, that the chair that has always been in the hallway is a trip hazard rather than an antique. The beautiful bedroom rug causes an accident. The safety of the home will change. It is better that you take care of these earlier on. Adding grab bars to the bath, and outside any doors with steps. Give the rooms extra light too. And keep everything within easy reach. 

Caring for your parents or an ageing relative can be emotionally and physically demanding, so you have to make sure that you take care of yourself too.

Should You Relocate For A Job?

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You’ve been offered a job - but it requires you to move to another city or state. Should you take the job or not? There’s no easy answer to this question and it can depend a lot on the job in question and your current circumstances. Here are just a few of the biggest considerations that could help you to decide whether you should relocate for a job.

Make sure it’s definitely the perfect job

Firstly, you need to consider the job itself. Is it really worth uprooting your life for? Or are you not really that passionate about it? If the latter is true, you may not want to relocate across the country for a job that may not be for you.

The salary is a big factor to consider. Ideally, you want to be earning the same amount of money or more than you are now in order to justify relocating. A drop in income could mean a drop in quality of living (although,cost of living is an important factor to consider – which is covered later).

You also need to be excited about the role and the duties that it will hold. You may have a few nerves if some of the duties seem unfamiliar, but ultimately you should be raring for the challenge.

Finally, you should research into the company, the team and the workplace. If you can, talk to people there and take a guided tour (you could travel there in person or you could organize a virtual tour). Read reviews online left by former employees to check that it’s a good company to work for. It’s possible you may be moving to a branch within the same company, but even so the running of this branch could be very different and is worth delving into.

Research into the location

Next, you need to consider the location you will be moving to. Make sure that there are neighbourhoods local to your workplace that are suitable for you and your family to live.

There should be enough things to do in the area and a good range of local facilities such as stores and transport links. It’s important that there are also schools in the area that are suitable for your kids – this is something you’ll likely want to do a lot of research into and it could involve touring schools in person.

The local people also need to be friendly. Factors such as the crime rate are worth looking into. Also try checking out community social media pages and local news websites to see what’s going on. You could even try visiting the area and talking to locals in person.

The climate and terrain could also be an important factor. What are the temperatures like in summer and winter? Are there any threats of natural disasters such as floods, forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes or sinkholes? Is there any natural beauty on your doorstep that could be worth moving for such as the sea, lakes or mountains? All of this could be worth looking into.

Compare living costs

The cost of living is another important factor to consider. While your new job may come with a bigger salary, this could all be for nothing if the local cost of living is much higher.

Property prices are the most important cost worth comparing. Many major cities are renowned for having very expensive property prices – both to buy and rent. Make sure that you’re earning enough to cover these costs.

Groceries and other day-to-day items could also be cheaper or more expensive depending on the area. For instance, a pint of milk can cost twice as much in New York as it does in Texas.

There could also be driving costs to consider. Auto insurance can sometimes be higher if you live in a certain area due to a greater rate of accidents of theft. You may even need to use your car more in a certain location, which could mean more money in fuel or even more money spent in road tolls. Alternatively, some locations may not require you to drive as much, saving you money.

View some of the local properties

It’s worth looking at the types of properties that are available in the area that you plan to move to. What you get for your money in your current hometown could be very different in another city or state – there could be less space and no backyard. You need to be sure that this is suitable for you and your family.

When it comes to viewings of properties, you can either view these properties in person or plan a virtual viewing with a local realtor via video call. Try to view a selection so that you can get a more thorough idea what homes are like in your new location.

Talk to your family

If you’re planning on taking your family with you, you’ll need to certain that it’s what they want too. Uprooting your family could have lots of consequences – your kids will have to find a new school, your partner may have to get a new job and everyone will have to make new friends. Your family may not want to make all these changes and it could interfere with their own individual goals.

If you haven’t already discussed relocating in the past, you could find that family members are firmly reluctant to move. Try to convince them to do some research with you so that they can thoroughly consider the possibility of relocating before coming to a decision. View properties together, look up facts about the location and talk about the move. List all the pros and cons and when you feel you have an idea of the full picture, cast a vote. Ideally, it should be a unanimous decision by you and all your family members to relocate.

Young kids are usually able to adjust to relocating quite easily and many not need to be consulted on what they want. However, kids over the age of 7 are likely to be impacted by the change and should be involved when deciding whether to move. When it comes to teenagers, you should be particularly careful of uprooting them without their full backing and you should also consider the impact it could have on their education.

Work out how you will move

Relocating to a new area takes a bit more planning than simply moving a few blocks down. You may have to hire a long distance moving company to help handle the move. There may even be specialized moving services required for vehicle transport or for fragile items. This will all cost you extra money that you will need to find the funds for.

Moving could get particularly complex and expensive if you to ship or fly over possessions (for instance, if you’re moving to Hawaii). Planning to buy items like furniture when you reach your new home could be more sensible in some cases.  

Remember, you can turn back

Uprooting your entire life doesn’t have to be a permanent decision. If it turns out that you and your family aren’t enjoying yourself, you may be able to quit your job and move back.

Of course, you may find that you settle comfortably into your new life and don’t ever want to return. Sometimes you never know unless you take the plunge.  

What's Missing From Your Garden?

When you look out over your garden, what do you see? All the fruits of your labor, from the time and effort you put into growing and cultivating lots of yummy vegetables and colorful flowers? Maybe you notice a few things that seem out of place here and there? If you do, there might be a couple of reasons for that!

Your garden might have quite a few things missing. The leaves of the plants you do grow might be trying to tell you that! And before you try to do anything else out there in your own backyard, it’s time to pay attention to what they’re saying. So, here are some of the most common signs that your garden needs a little more love and care. 

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A Proper Light Source

Light is one of the most important things a garden needs. If your plants don’t receive enough sunlight on a daily basis, they’re not going to grow right, and there’s a good chance they won’t grow at all. And there’s one surefire way you can tell whether or not your plants are feeling healthy enough to photosynthesis: if they’re tilting to the side, via their stems and leaves, they’re in desperate chase of the sun. That means they need more light on a regular basis! 

Thankfully, you can provide this for them. An easy investment in something like a plant grow light would work wonders here, especially if you’re using an indoor planting arrangement, such as a greenhouse or a windowsill. 

Enough Water to Go Round

There’s a good chance you’re not watering your plants enough - very few gardeners actually do, simply because they want to be cautious with the amount of water they use. However, it’s key to understand what’s under watering and what’s being conservative with the watering can, and your plants can tell you how you’re doing. 

If your plant leaves are brown, and crunch when you grip or touch them, they’re in desperate need of more water! If you haven’t seen any new leaves in quite a while, you need to give your plant more water on a daily basis - if there are no new growths, your plant doesn’t feel supported enough to keep on living! And if they’re wilting a little, they might need a top up. 

A Healthy Balance of Green and Color!

Of course, there needs to be a balance to your garden. And if there are only pale or light green plants in your backyard, there’s a chance your soil could do with a little more fertilizer. These are signs of hungry plants, after all, and you might need to spread a bit more growing material over the ground for the roots to soak up. A lack of iron is what tends to turn leaves pale and yellowed at times, but this deficiency is easily fixed. 

Your garden might be missing a few things, but you can easily remedy these mistakes. Be sure to do so soon! 

What To Look For In A New Family Car

If you look down your driveway to see an old banger staring back at you, you would be right in thinking that it’s time for a new car. The choice of vehicle stock in the twenty first century can be mind blowing. However, for the family market, there are newer SUVs, greener cars and safety features to consider. The most important thing for most families when choosing a new car is budget and working out whether to go brand new off a forecourt or whether to opt for a reliable used car from a dealership. Take a look at this guide to help you navigate the family car market. 

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Used Or New

There is always a temptation to go for a brand new car. However, with a new car comes a larger price tag. This is a cost that will depreciate the moment you drive your new set of wheels away from the forecourt. You could cushion the blow of a new car by opting for a sell car for cash sort of scheme, where you can trade in your old banger for some readies to put towards your new vehicle.

Alternatively, you could seek out the used car route. Used cars are becoming more and more reliable as manufacturers lengthen warranties. Choosing a used car can save you cash upfront initially and you will have more choice, helping you pick a vehicle that belongs to a lower insurance group.

Running Costs

If you aren’t sure what to look for when selecting a new family car, take a look at running costs. You need a car that will do many miles to the gallon so look at fuel economy. Ensure that you consider greener cars. Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular as they require a recharge rather than more expensive fuel. They are also better for the environment, belong to lower insurance groups and cost less in maintenance. They may cost more to buy initially, but these sorts of cars are great for the long term. 

Don’t forget to look under the hood of any car that you are looking to buy. If you have no idea about the mechanics of vehicles, take someone who can spot a blown head gasket or a poorly conditioned engine. You don’t want to be stuck with a lemon on your driveway.

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Safety Features

On any journey, you want to make sure that your brood is protected. While you may be a safe and defensive driver, other road users may be aggressive and fast, with very little hazard perception. Accidents can happen, and you want to make sure that the motor that you have protects your passengers. Take a look at the Euro NCAP website which rates all family cars out of five for safety features. Consider looking at cars with more advanced braking systems, blind spot detectors and hazard perception. More advanced automated safety features are becoming standard in twenty first century vehicles.

Choosing a new car can be a pleasure for some, but a chore for many. Follow this guide and ensure that you find your perfect family car.

Why It’s Important That Your Kids Learn Important Life Skills Early On

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If you have kids, then you’ll know that they can be pretty naïve a lot of the time. There’s nothing wrong with their naivety and borderline stupidity, of course – it’s actually very amusing a lot of the time. Their brains are still so very raw, and they’re taking in new information all the time – they’re bound to make mistakes and say silly things pretty often. As a parent, it’s your job to teach them how to do stuff, and it’s up to you to cut the naivety out of their everyday life. Yes, they have school every weekday, but they’ll only really get their heads filled with academic information; the other parts of life aren’t really covered.

If your child hits teenage years and still has that air of silliness about them, then that’s not too bad, but you should really start to get their backsides into gear. You don’t want a grown man or woman in your house one day that can’t do the basics in life – it sounds a little crazy, but it’s quite a common thing in many households. You’re in the position you’re in now because you were taught how to get through things. You have to now do the same for your kids. Here are a few reasons why teaching your kids all kinds of things and making them do tasks is such an important part of parenthood. 

They’ll Become More Disciplined

Discipline is a massive part of being human. It’s obviously something that you should instill in your child, but it’s something we all need in life. If you’re setting tasks for your kid, then they’re going to have lots of different jobs to get through. They’ll understand the importance of getting things done around the house and elsewhere. They may be a little stubborn, to begin with, but they’ll onboard sooner or later once they get a different perspective on life.

Their Confidence Overall Will Rise

Confidence is absolutely vital in life, and it comes from knowing what you’re doing. Sure, some kids (and adults) have a natural-born lack of anxiety, and they are able to do stuff without caring. The majority of us gain confidence from our own actions, however. If your child grows up knowing how to do stuff, then they’ll be able to handle themselves when important events come up. For instance, they’ll be able to do their own shopping with ease, book appointments at an urgent care clinic, and travel independently with minimal fuss. 

They’ll Have That Much-Needed Common Sense

Common sense is often thought of as something a person is born with. That’s not the case at all. A person because smarter and more aware of ‘normal’ everyday aspects after they’re taught about them. They become even more knowledgeable after weeks, months, and years of experience. If you see a poised and competent person going through life with relative ease, just know it’s because they learned a fair bit as a youngster. Make sure yours can become that kind of individual when they’re older.

Making Your Car Last Longer

We used to think that our cars would start to face more serious issues when they got to around ten years old, or when they had driven over 100000 miles. We’d begin to expect breakdowns, more expensive repairs and MOT fails once our cars reached this point. But, with newer, more efficient vehicles, with modern advancements and care, many get closer to 200000 miles before serious problems start. This means that as someone that drives a moderate amount, a car could last well over ten years before it starts to cost you that much money that it’s more cost-effective to replace it. 

But, only if you take care of it. Like home appliances and other significant expenses, your car is bound to last longer if you look after it, take sensible precautions, and put a little time and effort into your vehicle. Here are some of the things that you can do to make your car last for longer. 

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Get it Serviced

You should have a full service every year if you drive a lot, or at least every 10000 miles if you drive less often or for shorter journeys. A service won’t automatically flag up issues, but it will take care of things like changing your oil and air conditioning filters, refilling fluids, checking tire pressure and oiling hinges, and other openings. It might also give the mechanic a chance to spot what could be a big problem before repairs become costly. 

Different garages offer different services, so make sure you know what’s included in the price before you book. 

Drive Carefully

Better drivers find that their cars last longer. This is partly because they are less likely to be involved in a severe accident, but it’s also because their cars are treated more kindly. They are used gently, and so are less likely to show serious signs of wear and tear. Drive to the speed limit, brake slowly and in plenty of time, or even better, control your speed well so that you barely need to brake at all. Corner gently, give yourself plenty of space, and try to avoid bad driving habits creeping it. 

Keep it Clean

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Clean cars can also last longer. Vehicles that are cleaned often are less likely to rust, and the engines won’t become clogged with dirt, pollution, or leaves. Make sure you get your car cleaned frequently, and try to keep it in a secure, covered location when possible. 

Prepare for Long Trips

Before a long trip, you should also perform basic car safety checks and make any adjustments needed. This will keep you and your family safe on the road, but it will also protect your car. 

Be Careful with Replacements

It’s thought that around a third of us have at some point bought fake car parts instead of branded parts when our cars need replacements. While this can be a great way to make money, fake car parts generally don’t last as long and may not be as safe. 

Don’t Ignore Warnings

Most of us are guilty of ignoring warning lights on our dash, hoping that they’ll just go away on their own. Chances are, however, that the problem will get worse, perhaps causing more damage to your vehicle and becoming more costly to fix. 

How To Beat Menopause Fatigue & Gain More Energy!

Most women who are dealing with aging gracefully must go through menopause at some point or another. Many of the women who go through the menopausal period deal with some bothersome symptoms. Anything from bloating, weight gain, hormone changes and hair loss come up, but one of the most common is a total drain in energy. Menopause fatigue is a big deal, and it’s just not talked about enough. Fatigue is a common complaint with menopause and this is primarily because the body is adjusting to a whole new chemistry. The hormones that have gone through your body throughout your life start to adjust themselves, and this takes some getting used to!

Of course, low energy can be caused by a number of other things in your body, but unless you are suffering from things like anemia, diabetes or issues with your thyroid, you can mostly place the blame of your fatigue on menopause itself. Menopause symptoms like weight gain and exhaustion can be helped, so speaking to the Simple Online Doctor should be able to help you out. If you are feeling fatigued and it’s starting to impact your everyday life, you need that medical guidance to ensure that your get up and go hasn’t got up and gone!

Most of the time, women don’t require any treatment for the symptoms of menopause. They don't last more than a couple of years and by then, the body has got used to its new chemistry and can work just the way it always has. However, there are things that can be done to relieve symptoms - especially of menopause fatigue - and gain a little more energy. 

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Why Do Menopausal Women Get Fatigued?

Before we can understand how to gain more energy, we need to understand why the fatigue happens in the first place, so let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons that women deal with fatigue during menopause.

• Hormones. Those pesky little things! Hormones are adjusting and transitioning in your body and brain, and these rushing around your body can drain you of all of your energy. You could be calm on the exterior, and be a bouncing bunny on the inside trying to keep up. It’s difficult, and it’s hard work.
• Ignoring Fatigue. Women are superheroes, we all know that. We deal with everything while keeping calm and carrying on. When it comes to feeling tired, we brush it aside and keep on keeping on regardless of the fatigue that we are feeling. When you ignore the exhaustion, you further it, so don’t ignore it.
• Reverse Puberty. Women go through hormonal shifts during puberty as we transition into being women who can procreate. Now, it goes backwards again. When you were a teenager, it’s likely you slept as much as you physically could - which is what your body wants to do all over again. Bodies are clever old things, and even if you’re not in the mood for a nap, you’ll be napping because it knows exactly what you need.

If you find that you are dealing with fatigue, it’s important to have a moment of self-reflection and work out whether you’ve been unintentionally ignoring it for some time. When you realize that you have been putting your own exhaustion to one side and squashing it down, it’s time to embrace it enough to realize what’s causing it. So, with that in mind, you need to consider how you want to boost those flagging energy levels, and start feeling much more like yourself again. 

Let’s explore eight simple hacks to let you do just that.

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Embrace Exercise

Take half an hour at the least out of your day, and workout. Go for a class, a swim, a brisk walk - whatever exercise you fancy, get it done. You may not even want to do it in that moment, but routine is key and you need to incorporate it into your routine if you want your energy boost. Exercise keeps your heart healthy, your energy levels up and your body feeling good with all the feel-great hormones buzzing around it. Start early in the day not long after waking, and you will be energized for the day.

Calm Down The Coffee

You may love your morning Starbucks, but really you should be curbing it a little. You’re feeling exhausted and the hit of caffeine is nice and all, but it’s a temporary boost to a long-term problem. So, capping the consumption can help you to detox from it, so that you can get your energy levels up naturally. Water, for example, is an excellent tool for upping your energy levels. The more hydrated your brain, the better your body feels. Don’t allow yourself to crash after a coffee any more!

Eat Little And Often

If you want your energy levels to be up and consistently so, think about what you’re eating and how often you’re eating it. Being overweight during menopause is common, and it’s much harder to lose the weight during that period of your life. Still, you can maintain healthy eating behavior and exercise where you can. Keep a good balance through all food groups and try not to be too heavy on the restriction: you want calories little and often to remain energized.

Relax

Okay so, while we’re talking about being more energized, it does mean that you have to mind how much you are relaxing and actually embrace it while it’s happening. Sit down a while and read a book. Go and sit on the beach and watch the waves. Whatever relaxes you will help you to be more energized when you do get up to do something.

Sleep Well

You may think you’re getting eight good hours of sleep a night, but if you’re dealing with night sweats and menopausal insomnia, you’re getting sleep that isn’t consistent. You need restful sleep more than you need “sleep”, so make sure that you’re sleeping in a comfortable space where you aren’t dealing with your body clock going haywire. Sun lamps, cool sheets and comfortable bedding can really help you to improve your sleep.

Hydrate

We mentioned how good water is for the brain, but you also need to fuel your body. A hydrated body doesn't work as hard to do anything, and dehydration also leads to sluggishness and dry skin - neither of which you want to have to deal with! Where possible, choose water as your drink and make it fun with any of these recipes if necessary. Water is going to keep your energy at a high, which is exactly what you need during menopause.

Learn To Say No

It may feel hard to say no to people sometimes, but you mustn't overbook yourself if possible. If you do that, all you’re going to be doing is stressing yourself out and trying to do too much. Say no a little more often and spread out your social calendar so you’re not doing too much at once. If you find that you are exhausted, you’re probably too busy, too!

Herbal Remedies Could Help

Some people swear by herbal teas to help them with their exhaustion. Valerian root is excellent for enabling you to sleep, while black cohosh can help to curb anxiety you may be feeling. Speak to your doctor before starting any herbal remedies, and keep yourself in the right lane for your health. If any herbal remedies don't agree with you, simply stop using them!

Maintaining A Rural Property - Simple Advice For You

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Almost everyone wishes to one day escape to the country. Even for the most urbanite social butterflies, the idea of getting out away from everyone and being at one with nature can be quite peaceful. They may deny it, but almost all get this impression during a particularly bad day at the office, or when stuck in traffic.

What might be even more crazy to imagine is that actually - many act upon these thoughts. More and more people willing to settle down or simply to experience something new in life enjoy the comforting grace of the rural environment and manage their homes to that end. However, managing a home within this area can sometimes take a little extra effort to perfect. That’s not something to fear, of course. In fact, it can be thoroughly restorative. You just need to know what you’re doing ahead of time, to avoid any growing pains that can often accompany a large change in your personal situation.

Thankfully, maintaining a rural property is not rocket science, nor is it arcane knowledge only accessible to those whose families have lived in said conditions for generations or generations. With this advice, you’ll see just how true that is:

Odd Odors

It’s important to know that when in a rural property, you will smell many textured and different smells. This is in part due to the lack of pollution, allowing you to distinctly smell things in your environment without much interference. This is a good sign! However, remember that farmers need to feed their fields with manure, farm animals can have their odors if coming close to your property line, and also, your home may not be connected to a thorough sewage system. This is where septic tanks, and the best sanitary septic company in your address book can help you keep things cared for. If you do not attend to this you will surely notice smells sooner rather than later. We would recommend understanding where the septic tank is for your property (if part of a small development of houses, it could be shared) will help you avoid unnecessary odors.

Ragged Roads

Private roads that lead off from the main publicly paved lanes are often where you will be situated when living rurally. This means that it could be your responsibility, and the responsibility of those living on your lane to pave over said potholes, especially if they are bad. This can get expensive, so splitting the difference between the residents on said lane or having concrete ‘bumps’ elongated over the worst parts can save money. Ensure you know what your responsibility is to your neighbors and what the current discussions are.

Supposed Suspicion

It’s also important to ensure that you’re in good communication with those who live around you. It’s not uncommon for thieves with interest in moving in the cover of night to target rural properties, and this means that the community needs to come together to assess and identify potential threats that take place. Odd cars parked at strange times, perhaps figures moving in the shadows near the village hall, all of this should and could be reported for the best mutual care.

With this advice, you’re sure to maintain your new life in the countryside - and well at that.

Surviving Your Next Family Road Trip

Family road trips can be so much fun and allow you to create memories that you can look back on forever. However, they can also be a lot of work, and knowing how to survive them is key to having a great time. Being as prepared as possible is usually the only way to make sure this road trip goes to plan. Read on for some great tips and advice on how you can not only survive, but actually enjoy your road trip together:

Plan As Far In Advance As Possible

Have everybody help plan the trip together so that everybody is excited. What are your must do/see attractions and experiences? Come up with ideas together. Make sure you plan far in advance as this will build anticipation and make the trip even better. It’ll also give you a chance to get everything you need in place. 

Plan Your Breaks Ahead Of Time

Spend some time before you leave planning out your route so you can plan your breaks. Kids will need more breaks than you, so make sure you consider this. It’s a good idea to stick to a regular eating schedule too, as this could help you to avoid tantrums. Know where the food places are on your map. If kids need a longer break to stretch their legs, consider finding a park. In general, the driving part will probably take you longer than you’d like, but the kids will stay happy and comfortable.  

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Gadgets Will Keep Kids Occupied

As much as you’d like to picture yourselves gazing out of the window and pointing out animals, kids will need more than that to stay entertained. Download a few apps and episodes of a favourite show in advance so that you can give them that if they start to get bored. 

Let Kids Pack A Bag

Give kids the choice to pack a small bag of their own with toys and books they want to bring. This is so important if the car journey is going to be long, as kids need lots of stimulation to stay occupied. You might even want to pack a favorite blanket to encourage them to fall asleep. 

You could pack a surprise item that you only plan on pulling out if you can tell they are heading towards a melt down. The novelty will help with the meltdown and distract them, usually! 

Snacks, Drinks, And First Aid 

Do not skimp on the snacks, drinks, and other food items to keep you going. First aid is also important. You don’t want to consider what you’d do if you got into an auto wreck, but you do need to be prepared for it. Make sure you have emergency numbers, phone chargers, and anything else that will help you to get in touch with the emergency services, whatever the time or place. 

Make Sure Your Driving Schedule Is Realistic 

Your driving schedule must be realistic. Don’t rush to where you’re going - just enjoy the journey! 

Finding a Sport that Your Kid Will Enjoy

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Some kids are naturally inclined to engage with sports. They enjoy running about, they want to play in a much more physical manner and they are intrigued with professional sports on the television. But this isn’t true of all children. Some are more reserved and shy away from team sports. Some would rather sit reading a book or playing a video game. Some are completely disinterested in general. But it’s extremely important that you ensure your little ones are getting sufficient exercise. 

It’s recommended that children over the age of 6 get a good hour’s worth of physical activity on a 

daily basis and this is for a good reason. Your kids need exercise to stay in shape, maintain a healthy weight, and grow as expected. But at the same time, you don’t want to force your child into a physical activity that they actively dislike and desperately don’t want to engage with. 

The answer to this problem is to take the time and effort to find a sport that your kid actually enjoys. There are so many different options out there that there’s bound to be something that they like. It might just take a little while to find it. Whether it’s a team sport, an individual sport, or something really alternative like rock climbing, fencing, or archery - you just need to experiment to find something that ticks their boxes. 

The infographic by CiscoAthletic.com below should help to give you some inspiration and guide you in the right direction when it comes to youth sports participation!

 

Infographic Design By CiscoAthletic.com

Learning To Care For Your Oldest Family Members

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Age comes with wisdom, experience, and patience, and often makes people into the best versions of themselves. The time you spend developing your personality is incredibly important, with those who have been around for a long time often seeing far clearer than the people around them. Of course, though, getting older can also come with some less pleasant aspects. Your body isn’t made to last forever, though it will often start to show signs of degradation long before you’re done using it. In a lot of cases, this leaves families having to work tirelessly to be able to help the people they care about. To help you out with this, this post will be exploring some of the work which goes into looking after the people you love.

Who Should Care?

Before you can get started with helping your loved ones, it’s worth thinking about who should be providing care to them. Personal care can be extremely intrusive, and a lot of parents won’t want their children doing it for them, making it crucial that you’re able to seperate the work you can and can’t do. Feeding, helping them to eat, and managing their paperwork are all jobs which won’t make them feel uncomfortable. Going to the toilet and washing themselves, though, should always be left to a professional.

Finding The Right Care

Finding good professionals to work with your loved ones can be a challenge. Not only is there a shortage of qualified carers in the modern world, but their skills are tricky to learn, and this means that they don’t always meet the same standards. For extreme care needs, options like hospice care can often be the best. Not only will this make it possible for your loved one to be around people their own age, but it will also give them the support they need to have a comfortable life. In-house carers can also be very good, though getting them can be a competitive game.

Independence and Entertainment

Finally, as the last area to think about, it’s time to consider the true support you can offer to your loved ones. Independence is crucial to someone who has gone through their whole life looking after themselves. They might not be able to do everything for themselves, but this doesn’t mean that you should be taking over everything, instead working to ensure that they can hold onto the abilities they still have. Alongside this, you also need to be there to provide them with entertainment. Sitting in a chair for weeks on end can get extremely dull, and a lot of elderly people find themselves getting depressed when they don’t get enough time with people they love.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the challenge of learning to care for the oldest members of your family. This sort of effort can be a real challenge, with people often seeming completely healthy until the day that they start to need care. Of course, as time goes on, you will learn enough to make this much easier.