15 Fabulous Ways to Smarten Up and Soothe Your Living Space

As a proud homeowner there is nothing quite like updating your lovely living space from time to time. Your home should be a place where you feel completely at ease and relaxed after a busy day at work. Whether you are putting your feet up on the comfortable sofa or taking a long, hot bubbly bath, your home needs to be your serene sanctuary of calm. When it comes to home improvements there are a number of different updates you could make around your home. If your goal is to make it smarter and more soothing, the following sprinkles of inspiration should bring you one step closer to having the dreamy dwelling you have always wished for.

1. The Power of Plants

Never underestimate the power of plants when it comes to transforming your living space. Not only can plants make you feel calmer, but they add a smart vibe to your home. Consider an indoor wall garden to bring a pop of color to the interior of your house. These succulent walls are much more unique that regular potted house plants and they will make your space much more interesting and appealing. Plants inside the home also make the air much cleaner, which can help to reduce pollution.

2. Outdoor Overhaul

The outside of your home can often become neglected during the cooler months, but now the sun is starting to shine it might be time for a little makeover. Plant a pretty flower bed and add some growth treatment to your grass; this will make your garden pop with beautiful bright shades. You might also want to invest in some new garden furniture to complement your newly styled backyard. From comfy sofas to loungy hammocks, you can choose your furniture based on your personal tastes.

Image

3. Soothing Scents

Choosing a signature scent for your home is an excellent way to boost the sophistication levels right away. Finding an amazing aroma that makes you feel soothed and relaxed is essential for every homeowner. Whether you use an array of scented candles around your abode or you invest in beautiful incense sticks that exude your ideal aroma, there are so many ways to inject a signature smell into your smart and sophisticated living space.

4. Cool Kitchen Additions

Your kitchen is probably one of the most heavily used rooms in the home, so you need to make sure it is practical and smart. Whether you use it to host dinner parties or you enjoy some alone time with your coffee in the morning, you could make some much needed changes to make it work better for you. You might want to invest in a new smoothie maker or add a vase of fresh flowers to the countertop. These small additions will make your kitchen feel more like home right away.

5. Wonderful Workspace

Working from home is never easy when you are living in a cluttered and messy environment, so now might be the time to give it a much needed overhaul. Whether you work in a separate office space or you simply have a desk in the corner of your dining room, there are many ways to make it feel more productive. Declutter your workspace and make sure your seat is comfortable too, as this will effective your motivation levels.

Image

6. Amazing Artwork

Even if you’re not too hot on the artwork scene, you can easily grab some inspiration online. Adding artwork to your home is one of the best ways to smarten it up in an instant. You don’t have to spend a fortune on artwork either; your local home store will have an array of artwork to choose from, so why not head there and get some wonderful wall art today?

7. Digital Detox

Even though technology is at the forefront of everybody’s mind at the moment, it is important that your home isn’t overburdened. Although home assistant systems are funky and large smart TVs are attractive, it doesn’t always help your mindset. Make at least one room in your home completely digital free and see how that makes you feel. You might love the idea of escaping to a quiet corner that has no screens or methods of communication once in a while!

8. Happy Hobbies

Your home should be the perfect place for you to carry out or practice your hobbies. For example, if you love arts and crafts you should create a dedicated space in your home for this type of activity. Discover whatever type of activity is soothing to you and make a point of incorporating it into your home in some way. If baking is your thing you might want to step up your kitchen utensils and stock up on some essentials in your cupboards for your next creation!

9. Noise Control

Although this might be out of your control sometimes, it is important to make your home a place of peace, quiet and calm. If you have kids or roommates you might want to set some ground rules so that you know you can always feel relaxed when you step through the front door.

10. Neutral Shades

When your home is made up of mostly neutral colors, it is definitely the best remedy for a calming environment. If you are constantly staring at bright and bold tones, you might find it quite difficult to relax. Similarly, it is much more difficult to accessorize when you don’t have a blank canvas to work with. Repaint certain rooms in your home and you will soon find a way improving the soothing atmosphere around you.

11. Cozy Comforts

Cute and cozy comforts make your home feel like yours instant. There will always be an area in your home that makes you feel completely at ease from the moment you walk in the room, so you definitely need more of this in your life. Whether you love looking at a certain piece of artwork or a specific smell relaxes you, these small home comforts will make the world of difference when you add them into your home.

12. Clever Deep Cleaning

Is there any feeling better than seeing the results of a deep clean at home? When you spend the time spring cleaning every inch of your house, it can feel extremely rewarding. Don’t forget to do the less obvious places too, such as the top of cupboards and closets; these are always areas that are missed. Try to use natural cleaning products wherever possible as this will help you to keep the air fresh and clean, rather than polluted with toxins from strong substances.

13. Beautiful Blinds

If you want to improve the privacy throughout your home new blinds and curtains are an excellent way to do this. Blind and curtains don’t just have to act as a practical use in your home, they can also be super chic and stylish. Although you might not think they add much to a room, they can really enhance your windows or doors if they are a feature in your home. Head to your local home store and order some made to measure blinds for a chic new addition to your home décor.

14. Blissful Bedroom Touches

Your bedroom should always be one of the most relaxing places in your home. If you don’t feel an instant sense of calm the moment you walk through the door, you are definitely doing something wrong in there! There are many ways that you can make your bedroom more calming from scented candles to luxurious sheets. One of the best things you can do in your bedroom is to remove as many distractions as possible. If you often struggle with your sleeping pattern, you might find that adjusting the temperature, changing your duvet or adding a blackout blind might help too.

Image

15. Savvy Space

There is nothing like having a good old clear out when you feel claustrophobic in your home; even if you have a large living space you might not be making the most of it right now. Think about how you could rearrange the furniture and make more use of the corner and nooks inside your home. You might be surprised at how much space you have when you have a little declutter and rearrange throughout your home.

So get stuck into this fun filled home improvement project and you will be on your way to having a chic, sophisticated and soothing home environment. You will soon be one step closer to living in the amazing abode you have always dreamed of. With just a few simple and smart updates your house can be transformed from basic to beautiful in just a matter of minutes! Keep your own personal style in mind at all times and don’t be afraid to stick to the interior designs you love. Your home should be so personal to you, so the most important thing is to be relaxed and comfortable. As soon as you have made these changes you will notice a huge improvement in your overall mood; when your home is clean, clear and smart your mind will be too!

Upgrade Your Car With These Practical Additions

You use your car every day, so it makes sense to try and make it as practical as possible. On its own, it’s probably only capable of taking you from A to B, and then to C, D, and E as you act as a taxi driver for your kids. 

But, with just a few little additions, you can upgrade your car into a more practical beast. Now, you can do a whole bunch of things that will benefit both you and your family. 

Image source

Get a bike rack

Bike racks are very practical as they let you use your car as a way of transporting your bikes from place to place. If you’ve ever gone anywhere with your kids, then you know how valuable this is. They always want to bring their bikes, which is impossible if you don’t have a good bike rack. But, now that you’ve armed your car with a great rack, you can take their bikes wherever you want. So, no more screaming kids on a family day out!

Attach a towbar

A towbar gives your car the ability to, well, tow things behind it! While this might not seem all that beneficial, it’s surprisingly useful. Top-quality towbars will be strong enough to pull another vehicle behind you, which gives you an excuse to buy a caravan for your family holidays! On a more realistic level, a towbar lets you pull small trailers behind you - which can be very handy if you’re doing something like clearing out your home and need a way of transporting all the rubbish. Regardless of how you use it, it will definitely add a new level of practicality to your car.

Get a USB charger

This is such a simple addition that makes your car so much more useful. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare; you’re driving for a long time, and your phone runs out of battery. You don’t have a portable charger, so you’re resigned to your phone dying. But, if you add a USB charger to your car, it gives you the ability to plug your phone in and boost the battery. There are ones that fit in the cigarette lighter and can charge multiple devices; super practical.

A digital assistant

You know those things like the Amazon Echo that have been growing in popularity the last year or so? Things like that are basically digital assistants that provide you with all the information you request. Mainly, you use them in the home, and they can be pretty useful. But, you can also get them for your car as well. By adding one to your vehicle, it makes it way more intelligent. Essentially, you’re driving with a co-pilot all the time! If you need directions, you can ask the assistant. If you need to accept calls, you can do it via the assistant - and so on. It allows you to do things you previously couldn’t, so your car is more practical. 

Add any of these things to your family car if you want to give it a bit of an upgrade. They’re all relatively low-cost, and they definitely make your car better. 

Tips To Train Your Puppy

One of the most joyous, loving, loyal additions to any family unit is a dog, and puppies are just the cutest darn’ thing in the world. However, your new bundle of joy needs love, play, your attention and most importantly training. One of our best friends and housemate for many years has great experience at training rescue dogs and puppies, and his mantra for a long-time happy dog is ‘A happy dog is an obedient dog’. 

Image Source

Training through play

Dogs love to play, it’s their favourite thing to do. Be it fetching a ball or stick, tug-of-war on a rope, jumping for a toy, rolling over or, something more productive in terms of training, even learning to sit and stay - if you can make the training task you are trying to achieve become a game, your dog will enjoy this activity and learn from it. Play is a treat for a dog in itself, so if you can use play as a treat rather than using treats to get your dog training through play, then you’ll have a healthy and obedient dog in no time.

House training

Dogs need to learn where it is allowed for them to go and do their business and where it is not allowed for them to do this. This really is the trial and error part of dog training, as they’ll never learn they can not wee or poop on your lovely carpet or floor until you tell them otherwise. Many owners will pick their dogs up during the act and physically move them to the garden or pet toilet area until they learn this is the place to do it. Others will tell off their dog at the scene of the crime, so they learn that this is not ok. In both of these well-known approaches, it is key that you praise your dog when they are weeing or pooing in the right place! 

Another house training to consider is where you want your dog to be allowed to go or not go in your home. This is completely down to you as the owner, but don’t just rely on gates or objects blocking their paths to these areas - you must teach them where they can and can’t go.

But, admittedly, sometimes the teaching or house training process can be very frustrating. Particularly in the early training stages, your dog may still end up pooping in your yard or anywhere around your property. Don't give up. Instead, continue to train them, or better still, hire a dog training expert to do that for you. Another expert you can consider hiring is someone to scoop the poop from your yard. Yes, professionals are devoted to that task, and you can find them on many online platforms, such as https://scooptroop.com/. 

Dog obedience school

As well as your owning training methods, and the tips above, you should also go to a dog trainer or a dog obedience school. Here you will get professional help from trainers with years of experience behind them, in all forms of training and will all types of dogs. What’s great also is that this is a place your dog can meet and play with other dogs in a controlled safe space, but do make sure they don’t pick up any bad behavior from fellow dogs.

Training your dog takes time, care, strategy and your unwavering love and attention - but with these tips, you can make the most out of training your dog and reap the rewards which are a happy dog and happy family!

Making the Most of Your Backyard Space

Image source

If you are looking for a favorite spot to relax on summer evenings, look no further than your own backyard. All it takes is a bit of planning to create your own bit of heaven at home.

Layout and Building

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a postage-stamp sized patio, it can best be utilized by a bit of planning and organizing. Basically, you need a place to sit, a place for food and a bit of shelter. Install some kind of flooring, whether you use brick, concrete pavers, plank decking or poured concrete. A shelter is a good idea if you can swing it. Build a wooden pergola, add a sunshade or even use a patio umbrella to protect from the sun and rain.

Furnishing

You can choose something as simple as a couple of chairs or as elaborate as a wood, iron or wicker seating group complete with an outdoor dining table. It all depends on the area you have available and the kind of use it will receive. Look at the variety of patio furniture Kennesaw GA has available for choices you will love. Choose colors and finishes that will complement your home and yard.

Amenities

Depending on the type of space you have and the usage your new patio will get, you may want to install anything from a small hibachi for grilling to a fire pit to a full outdoor kitchen. A wet bar may suit some people. Provide a way to serve food for parties or evenings with the family. Opening a pass-thru window from the kitchen may be a space-saving option.

However you serve it up, a patio can increase the usability and enjoyment of your home. A few additions can create a comfortable space to entertain and enjoy time with your family. 

Build A Garden Pond In These Simple Steps

Image

Now that the winter is finally gone for good and the weather is warmer, it is time for many of us to turn our attention away from the house and towards the garden. As soon as the temperature starts to rise we are gifted with sprouts, colours and blooms from the garden and this can be a wonderful thing. Today we are taking a look at a fun project that you can try in the garden this year to add a fun feature and also to pull in some wildlife to the space: a pond. 

Mark it out 

The first step for creating a cute little pond in the back garden this year is the mark out where you want the pond to be, what size it will be and what shape it will be. It will all depend on your personal preference whether you make a small pond or a large one, and you can always take some inspiration from people online as to the design and the shape of the pond you want to make. The best way for you to mark out the space is with some string and this will ensure that you stay within your boundaries while you plan it out. 

Above or below?

One of the things you will want to consider is whether you are going to build a trench for the pond or whether you are going to build it raised from the ground up. This is something you need to think carefully about because a raised pod will take a lot more work for you to create. As long as you are happy with putting the time into it, a stone raised pond can look stunning in any garden. Have a think too about the depth of water, make sure to buy Grundfos CR pumps to keep the water clean, and keep the water fairly shallow if you want a wildlife focused feature.

Add liner 

Once you are happy with the depth and size of the pond it is time to add the liner. Liner will prevent the water from seeping into the soil below and it will ensure that the pond stays full and stable. You can buy liner from any garden center and even the most basic one will be ideal. 

Add water 

Now that the pond is ready, it’s time to add the water. If you have any bog plants which you want to install in the pond, make sure that you know whether they should go in before or after the water as it can vary depending on the type of plant you use. 

Add wildlife

Now the fun part! If a family member has a pond, see if you can ask for some frog spawn. As well as this you can buy fish for the pond, pond snails to keep the water clean, and other small creatures. There’s no need to go overboard because over time animals will find their home here. 

Be Prepared for your Medical Imaging Appointment

Image source

Medical imaging is an important diagnostic tool that is improving all the time. It can be intimidating, though, especially if you're not sure what to expect. Whether you're having a simple CT scan, an ultrasound, or digital x-ray imaging, there are a few things you can do to be ready before your imaging appointment.

Talk to Your Doctor

Make sure to get a clear idea of what's going to happen and why. When your doctor tells you you need to have imaging done, ask what they're looking for, and how they will be looking for it. The answer might be complicated, and might involve other options; there are an increasing variety of digital imaging technologies, and more being invented all the time. If you're still having trouble understanding, go to the internet. There are other people out there who've had this procedure done for the same reason. 

Talk to Your Imaging Techs

You might be encouraged to make your appointment online, or you might not even be required to make an appointment, but don't be afraid to call and ask a real live person for clarity. You might need to do some prep work; drinking or fasting or avoiding certain foods. Make sure to get a checklist of what you need to do in order to be ready for your appointment. And of course you want to be absolutely certain your insurance will cover this procedure, and how much you will be expected to pay. Have your insurance information at the ready when you make the appointment.

Be Patient

Answers very likely won't be instantaneous, no matter how much you wish they were. The techs on the day probably won't be able to interpret your results, and you'll have to talk to your doctor again before you know what your results really mean. Imaging technology isn't a magic bullet, it's a complex and subtle tool in getting you the diagnosis that will help you get healthy. 

Equipment Every Modern Police Department Needs

Image source

In today’s ever-evolving world of policing, departments constantly have to upgrade their procedures and equipment. Providing your department’s officers with up-to-date equipment allows them to feel more secure on an already stressful job.

Police Shields

Ballistic shields protect officers during riots and SWAT raids. As these scenarios unfortunately become more frequent, departments across the globe have adopted police shields to better outfit personnel. Even civilian members of the public can find a reliable ballistic shield for sale to provide personal protection.

Protective Vests

Weapons pose a direct threat to the lives of officers if in the wrong hands, making protective vests a must for any department. Vests primarily come in two forms. Ballistic-resistant vests protect vital organs of the torso against firearm ammunition. Stab-resistant vests, utilized primarily by correctional officers, protect against knives and other types of melee weapons. Some protective vests can combine both features to safeguard officers from a variety of threats.

Body Cameras

More and more departments nationwide are adopting officer-worn body cameras to not only convey transparency and accountability to the public but also to document evidence easier than relying on testimony alone. Body cameras can also allow department heads to provide better feedback on officer actions.

Equipment To Aid in Arrests

A wide range of equipment exists to protect officers as they make arrests — all without drawing a firearm. Tasers, stun guns and pepper spray can safely immobilize suspects without violent force. For car chases, placing physical barriers or road spikes on pavement can slow down or stop a pursued vehicle before it endangers the lives of pedestrians and other drivers.

As threats to officers continue to increase each year, police departments must adapt to evolving ideas of fighting crime. By investing wisely in equipment upgrades, you can ensure your men and women in blue continue to serve their communities to the highest of standards in safety and ethics.

Reasons to See the Dentist

Image source

Many things can become neglected in a person’s life. Car maintenance is a big one. People neglect to get their oil change, forget to rotate their tires or don’t check their brakes. Health is another area people neglect things. They ignore a constant pain they develop or skip their annual health screening. One of the most common areas, however, that people neglect is their dental health. Many people in the country haven’t been to a dentist in years. Here are three reasons to see a dentist.

Routine Check-Up

While routine check-ups may seem like something you can skip, they are very important. By seeing a dentist regularly, you can ensure your teeth and gums stay in good health. Also, you can stay ahead of any problems that develop. Unfortunately, many people skip their routine check-ups and then wonder why they have teeth problems years down the road. It’s helpful to know that a company like Park Slope family dentistry can take care of you before your dental problems get out of hand.

Tooth Pain

Another sign that it’s time to see a dentist if you have chronic tooth pain. Do you have a tooth that you avoid chewing on because of the excruciating pain it causes? Are there teeth that hurt whenever they are exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks? These are signs of a problem in the tooth. It could be as simple as a cavity that needs to be filled or it could be something more serious. If you’re dealing with tooth pain, see your dentist right away.

Swollen Gums

Another indicator that it is time to visit your dentist is if you have swollen gums. Swollen gums can be a sign of infection in your teeth or gums. This might be an easy fix or could require something like a root canal. It’s a good idea to check it out before the problem becomes more serious.

Tooth problems are no fun. Be sure to see your dentist regularly and visit them if any problems develop.

3 Ways To Get Your Car Vacation Ready

(source)

Hoorah! Summer is on the way, and with it comes vacation time. And if you're using your car for a road trip, driving it to the airport, or simply using it for the occasional family day trip, you should start to get your car ready early.

Here are some useful tips for you.

#1: Ensure your car is well-maintained

If your car suffers a breakdown, or worse, gets involved in an accident, then whatever you are doing during your vacation time might be cut short. To keep your family safe on the road, and to ensure your car doesn't have a meltdown under the summer sun, then you need to make sure your car is fit for purpose.

Two things to look out for are your tires and windscreen. Especially when driving in hot conditions, both can be affected by the temperature. The hot surfaces of the roads can cause your tires to blow if air pressure is low or they already have signs of wear and tear. And should your windshield already have a chip in it, know that the damage can spread when the glaring heat of the sun causes your glass to expand. Replace your tires if necessary, and replace or repair your windscreen with the services of AGD or similar if you notice any damage. 

You might also take your car to your local garage for professional advice and a service. Especially when you're not particularly car-savvy, they will make sure your car is ready for your summer vacation.

#2: Start loading your car with your emergency supplies

In the event of an emergency, you might struggle to cope if you have forgotten something vital, so start loading your car ahead of any journey you take to ensure you have everything you need to hand. 

Emergency supplies should include anything that will help you should your car break down. As examples, you should bring jumper cables, something to inflate your tires, a flashlight so you can see in the dark, flares, and the necessary fluids for your car. You should also pack blankets and spare warm clothes to keep you and your family warm should you be stranded overnight, and plenty of water to keep everybody hydrated. Remember your phone charger too, as you might need to get in touch with the police and a breakdown service should your car suffer a fault. 

Another important item is a first-aid kit. This should include everything you need in the event of an accident or injury, as well as items for sun protection and insect bites. You should also include any medications that are relevant to you and your family.

#3: Get your car ready for fun 

Finally, and especially if you are going on a long car trip, you need to have plenty of entertainment items for you and your family. This might include music CD's (if you're going old-school) or added playlists to your phone if you are able to connect it to your car. You should pack books and magazines into your car too, as well as travel games, be they something you purchase from the store, or a list of those games which might only need a few pens and pieces of paper to play, such as hangman and tic-tac-toe. You might also install a DVD player in your car, as this can give your kids hours of pleasure as they watch their favorite family movies. Add as many entertainment ideas to your car as possible, as this way, you will avoid those insufferable two words, 'I'm bored' from your children.

We hope you have a wonderful summer vacation!

Private School Doesn't Have to Drain Your Finances

Image Source

It may seem like a struggle to come up with money to pay yearly tuition for your child's private school education, but it doesn't have to be. There are luckily ways in which you can ease your family's financial burden while still giving your child the benefits of private education.

Save Early

If it is important for you to send your children to private school, start saving while your children are still very young and not yet attending school. For example, if you live in the King County area of Washington State and want your children to be able to attend Sammamish private schools, look up the tuition cost for the private schools in your area and make it a goal to save a specific amount based on your research before your children are school age. The earlier you start saving, the better, so as soon as you know that you want to save money to put toward your child's education, put a certain amount of your income each month into a savings account to be used only for this purpose.

Research Financial Aid Options

Financial aid for private school tuition is available to qualifying families in many states. Aid is awarded by the state and sometimes even by the specific educational institution itself depending on need and other factors. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is one institution that awards financial assistance in the form of grants and scholarships to young students who excel academically or artistically and are in need of aid. If you apply for types of financial aid that your child may qualify for, you may be able to receive assistance that will help you save thousands of dollars every year on tuition for your child's private school education.

By utilizing some planning and resources, you can set aside adequate finances for your child's education as well as save money on tuition. This way, you may be able to pay for private school without breaking the bank.

Signs Your Family is Ready for Pet Ownership

Image Source

There will come a time when most children will ask if they can have a dog. You may be concerned about the challenges of being a dog owner presents, but there are ways to tell if your family is ready to deal with them.

Are You Allowed Pets?

The first thing you have to consider is if you are allowed to keep pets where you live. If you have your own home it will not be a problem, but it could be if you live in an apartment complex, for instance. You will know from when you moved in whether pets are allowed or not. There are some states that ban certain breeds too, and you should check this out before buying any family dog.

No Allergies

As much as they may love the dog, if a family member is allergic to them they could suffer a great deal. It is worth getting the family checked out first, especially very young children and older people. Most kids will outgrow the allergy and it could be a case of just waiting another couple of years. This will seem like a lifetime to your child, but it will soon pass and then they can have the dog they have been dreaming of.

Image Source

Can You Afford It?

On a day-to-day basis, dogs are not expensive to keep, but vets bills or pet insurance can soon add up. You have to be honest with yourself about whether you have the spare money to pay for these things, or your pet could be unwell and you not be able to pay for their treatment.

They will also need toys to play with and their own bed to sleep in and this are the sorts of thing that will soon mount up.

Do You Have The Time?

A dog needs you to devote some time to it if you want it to stay healthy and happy. They have to be bathed, groomed and played with as well as ensuring they get plenty of exercise.  Some people get around the exercise problem by using on-demand dog walking services. Then they know that even if they are out all day, their canine friend will get the walk it needs with someone who understands dogs and will know how to care for them.

Does Everyone In The Family Agree?

Does everyone in your family agree that it would be good to own a dog, or is one of your children frightened of them? Although owning a dog could be good in helping them to get over this fear, it could also create a lot of stress and anxiety for them. Children will not always relate their fears to anyone, and you should ask each family member if they have any problem at all with your buying a dog.

Adding a new member to the family should be something that everyone is happy with, and that is really the last hurdle to decide if your family is ready for pet ownership.

Organization Tip: Maximize Your Garage's Vertical Space with Car Lifts

Photo Credit

When we talk of car lifts, the first thing that comes to mind is under chassis repair, change oil, camber alignment and every other thing a mechanic does under your vehicle.

However, the use of a car lift is not limited to auto repair garages. This is the new way of maximizing the vertical space in home garages. For families with 2 or more cars, the issue of parking and storage becomes a concern, especially if you have a small garage. You would not want to leave your beloved vehicle parked outside, subjected to the elements of nature and/or the possibility of theft.

A four-post car lift is the usual choice for home garages. It provides that extra space, easy to install and is cost effective too. You may think that the cost of the lift and its installation is expensive, but think about this - it is more expensive to renovate your existing garage or build a new one! 

If you find this is a good idea, you can shop around for the car lift that would suit your needs. Best Buy Auto Equipment has a wide array of car lifts from trusted brands and manufacturers. They can help you choose the right car lift, then deliver and install it for you. 

Increase your garage space and keep your vehicles safe and secure inside your garage with a car lift. This is the most practical decision for home organization you can make this year. 

5 Amazing Spring Cleaning Tips For A Happy Home

Photo from Pexels

Declutter and Clean 

A house full of stuff you don't really need is easy to accumulate in a busy household. A simple rule of thumb; if you haven't used something in the last six months- throw it away.  Of course with the exception of essential goods, weather-related clothing and seasonal items like holiday decorations. Separate out your items and be strict about it. Consider donating items that you no longer need instead of throwing them away and throw away anything that is broken or un-fixable. By taking this ruthless stance, you'll soon find out just how many unnecessary and redundant items you are hoarding around your home. Once you get rid of all these things your room is guaranteed to feel fresh and have a whole new lease of life. 

Clean Your Outdoor Spaces 

Cold weather can lead to many of our outdoor spaces around the home neglected. Now that Spring is here, take some time to give some of the most important structural parts of your homes the once over. Small things like gutter cleaning, outside window wiping and leaf sweeping are simple yet effective ways for you to make sure that the outside of your home looks just as good as the inside. 

Give Your Carpets a Deep Clean 

Carpets in your home are notorious for attracting dust, dirt and hair no matter how often you hoover. This build-up can be especially bad in areas of your home with high traffic such as bedrooms, lounges and dining rooms. 

A deep and thorough clean will help bring back your carpets colour and revive its texture. Consider using a heavy-duty, high-performance vacuum cleaner or hiring a professional cleaner every few months will allow you to make your carpets look almost as good as the day they were laid.

Clean your Oven 

Bicarbonate of Soda is the cleaning saviour of many homes. Multi-functional, eco-friendly and non-toxic, it’s a great way to clean all around your home without the guilt. In particular, oven cleaning can be a difficult, tiring and time-consuming task but bicarb is great for cutting cleaning time in half Add a few teaspoons of the powder to a spray bottle of distilled water for a super powerful oven cleaning solution. The bubbling and fizzing actively eats away at any grease and grime to leave you with squeaky clean and gleaming surfaces.

Get Your Fridge Sparkling 

Just like oven cleaning, none of us cleans our fridges as much as we should. However, opening your appliance to find it smells less than pleasant is not ideal. Food, spills and water can often build up and can be difficult to tackle when left for too long. Remove stains easily with a hard bristle toothbrush and an iron scouring pad. The toothbrush bristles are fine enough to really get into those hard to reach nooks and crannies and a scouring brush is perfect for blasting away tough patches. Keep any residual smells from returning with a natural remedy. Place two cut halves inside of your refrigerator door to keep it smelling great for quite some time. 

How To Bounce Back From A Driving Mistake

Image via Pexels

Perfection is never more of a myth than when I comes to our driving habits. We may manage to convince ourselves that we are safe, precise drivers, but anyone who has ever opted for black box car insurance knows that there's usually quite a bit of room for improvement when it comes to most people's on the road technique. And it's an undeniable fact that accidents and road traffic violations happen all the time. As fallible humans, sometimes we simply make a mistake, whether it's a relatively minor one or one which has more dramatic consequences. Although this is inevitable itd what happens afterwards that counts - how you handle things after making a big driving mistake. 

Heading The Wrong Way Down A One-Way Street

As we all focus more and more on what our satellite navigation systems tell us, and less on reading the physical street signs around us, we are seeing more and more comedic and even serious situations caused by sat nav driving mistakes. Going the wrong way down a one-way street has to be one of these. There is no way to hide a mistake like this - and things can turn serious quickly when you're faced with oncoming traffic. All you can do is quickly activate your hazard lights and reverse as quickly and safely as possible, or if the road is clear, do a three point turn and continue in the correct direction. 

Running A Red Light

Due to impatience or just plain bad timing, you may have run through a red light. If you were already in the middle of an intersection when the light turns red, usually this is fine and won't activate the cameras for a traffic violation. In some states, there is a grace period of a few seconds after the light has turned red. There are clear legal guidelines on the images which are required to be captured, so depending on state requirements,you may be able to fight a California Vehicle Code 21453 a vc for example. A good legal counsel is a must for this driving offence. 

Hitting A Parked Car

In situations with lots of vehicles and a confusing navigation such as an unfamiliar parking lot, you may have managed to hit a parked vehicle. Perhaps it's just a very minor scratch or it could be a big dent in the bodywork. You may well be tempted to simply drive off if there's no one around in a moment of panic. But this ‘dent and run’ treatment is illegal and can land you in a lot of trouble, even for very minor damage to the other car. Surveys have found that male drivers are more likely to commit this offence with female drivers owning up, while younger drivers are least likely to feel guilty over the damage caused. If this happens to you, first of all don't panic. Park your own vehicle somewhere safe where it isn't obstructing traffic and likely to cause another accident, and use your phone to photograph the damage to the other car and your own. Take down details - the make, model and registration of the other car and the circumstances which led to you hitting it - things like slippery road surfaces, adverse weather conditions or how the other vehicle was parked are all important. Leave a note for the other driver with your name and contact details and a brief description of the incident. Never leave without giving your information as this could result in a charge of criminal damage. Be aware that even if you and the other driver decide to resolve any damage privately rather than making an insurance claim, you may still be required to notify your insurer of the incident or risk invalidating your policy- details will be contained in the small print of your original contract. 

The Basic Ways To Take Good Care Of Your Precious Car

Picture source

Vehicles wear out over time, but that doesn’t mean you should simply shrug and let it happen. If you want to reduce the cost of car ownership and enjoy your vehicle for much longer then you need to take its care into your own hands. There’s a lot you can do to be a proactive car owner. These are the basic ways to take good care of your precious car. In turn, you’ll be able to keep it looking and feeling brand new for many years.

Keep it well-maintained

Maintaining your car is essential to taking care of it in the long-term. You should take it to a mechanic on a fairly regular basis so that it can be serviced, but you should also master the art of self-maintenance. You don’t want to spend a fortune to fix up your car every time it breaks down or something becomes faulty. Learn to check the tyre pressure, oil levels, and other important components of your vehicle. If you can become a DIY car expert then you’ll be able to keep it well-maintained and reduce costly visits to your local car mechanic. It’ll benefit you in the long-run if you want to keep using the same car for years to come.

Spruce it up

Not every car-related job has to involve maintenance or other practical tasks. Taking good care of your precious car is about making it a vehicle that you actually want to drive. You don’t simply settle for a house that’s functional; you take time to design it well so that it looks and feels comfortable. You should do the same for the vehicle that you drive every day. Make it into something that reflects your personality and feels inviting. You might want to check out CalTrend for custom seat covers. That could give your vehicle a trendy aesthetic that reflects your personal preferences whilst also making your car much cozier. You might also want to spruce your car up by giving it a fresh paint job. Get creative with your vehicle.

Clean it

One of the simplest but most effective ways to take care of your car is to just keep it clean. Your car must endure dirt, grease, acid rain, bugs, and many other forms of weathering on a daily basis. If you don’t wash it frequently then that grime is just going to build up. Obviously, you want your vehicle to be aesthetically pleasing, but that isn’t the only reason to keep it clean. After it’s worn away the paint, dirt starts to wear away at the metal, and that can lead to rust. If the important elements of your vehicle start to corrode then you’ll be driving a vehicle that’s functionally impaired as well as visually displeasing. Make sure you keep your car clean on a regular basis if you want it to look nice and run well. If you can keep it in the garage rather than on the driveway then that’ll be helpful too.

5 Ways To Teach Your Employed Child To Be Financially Smart

https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-s-white-button-up-long-sleeved-shirt-1037913/

If you are reading this, congratulations! You have successfully given your child the foundation to be a productive member of society - a college degree, moral upbringing, and a lot of encouragement and support to let them reach for their dreams.

Now that your child is about to receive his/her first paycheck, what advice would you give them to be financially smart with their money? Here are 5 ways to do it.

1.  Keep all payslips.

Keeping all payslips until the end of the fiscal year can be used as reference when checking for discrepancies. Was there a change in pay rate? Were the deductions justified? Was the amount reflected in the pay slip the same with the amount credited in the payroll bank account? These are just a few things your employed child should be aware of.

2. Regularly check if mandatory deductions have been credited to the respective agencies.

Withholding tax on salary, social security payments, government health insurance, etc. are but a few of the mandatory deductions being taken out of an employee’s paycheck. They should regularly check if these deductions are being forwarded to the respective government agency. It is their money, it is for their future use, so it is only right that they monitor these remittance payments.

3. Advise them to arrange for an Automatic Transfer of Funds in the bank that handles their payroll account.

This is the easiest way to ensure that they save money. Make an arrangement with the bank to automatically transfer a certain amount, let’s say 10% of their pay to a savings account. It will teach them to make do with what is left with their pay after putting aside some savings.

4. Pay off loans first before splurging.

It is always so tempting to buy designer clothes, shoes, and bags, a new smartphone, or another high tech gadget when they have cash on hand. Remind your child that his/her cash flow should follow this equation: 

Cash from Income Payment minus Savings and Loan Payments equals Spendable income.  

There may not be much left, but this scheme will pay off in the long run. They will have savings in the bank and their loan (if they have any) will be cleared in a short period of time.

5. Share their blessings.

Let your child learn the habit of giving back. Small tokens of appreciation, volunteering their time, and helping out with non-profit charitable institutions are some ways to give back and share their blessings. It is not that we, as parents, expect to be “paid back.” Simple gestures to let us know they treasure they gift we have given them is enough. 

Motivate them to participate in community volunteer activities - soup kitchens, donation drives for the needy, or helping out in a local shelter for the homeless/elderly is a good way to start. “What goes around comes around,” so encourage them to spread kindness and love, and it will come back to them a hundred-fold. 

These 5 tips will definitely help your child to secure a financially healthy future. For the parents,  you can rest assured that your children will lead a good life.  

Easy Ways to Boost your Own Fitness Level

Boosting your fitness level doesn’t need to be difficult. When you know the steps that you need to take, you will soon find that it is easier than ever before.

Increase your Weight Training

If you are worried that strength training is going to make you look bulky then think again. Building muscle will help you to burn way more calories when you are at rest. The more muscle you have, the easier it will be to maintain, and this can be a major bonus. If you want to help yourself then you need to try and practice doing some simple bodyweight exercises. You can do these at home or you can even go to your local gym if you want, but either way, it is a fantastic way for you to really boost your confidence and your results.

Fitness Community

You will be far more likely to stick to your fitness plan when you have someone who can hold you accountable. It doesn’t matter whether you have a workout buddy or whether you plan on joining an online community because it can really help you with your confidence and it can also help you to stay committed too. If you don’t have a fitness buddy or someone who you can work out with then it’s always a good idea for you to sign up to a class. When you do this, you can then feel assured knowing that you have people to set the pace. This is also a fantastic way for you to meet new people too.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/active-adult-athlete-body-416778/

Cross-Train

People who are in shape know more than anyone that you have to keep your body guessing. If you keep on doing the same workout every single day then this will have a detrimental effect on your fitness level and it will also make it much harder for you to see results as well. A lot of people find an exercise that they love and they stick with it. This is understandable, but you will be increasing your risk of injury if you do this. You may even find that your performance suffers as a result too, and this is something that you want to avoid at all times.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-holding-black-dumbbell-1229356/

Stress

Stress can keep you stuck at a certain weight. It can also cause you to gain weight too. Fit people tend to get ahead of the stress that they are under by trying to manage it in healthy ways. They take a walk, or they even meditate. It is very easy for you to try and do this yourself, and it can also help you to boost the results you get through working out as well. If you want to do something more intensive than walking, then hiking is a fantastic option and it will help you to burn way more calories as a result. If you want to get started then look into some canes for sale, as this will give you the support you need when walking over uneven terrain or even on long walks in general.

How Do You Cope With A Roadside Breakdown?

You’re driving down the road on your latest vacation, or you’re just heading home from work, when suddenly a tyre bursts on you, or your fuel gauge starts lighting up, or there’s some weirdly colored smoke coming out of the hood of your vehicle… No matter what warning sign your car is producing, you’re going to have to pull over and take a look. 

So, you might be able to fix the issue then and there, say change a tyre or get another car to help out with the jump leads. But sometimes, you’re going to have to deal with a roadside breakdown, and who knows how well that’s going to go?! 

But it doesn't have to be a disaster - here’s just a couple of things you can do to make sure that the next time you have to pull over for vehicle maintenance, you won’t be stranded and panicking. 

(Source)

Pack an Emergency Kit First

Whenever you’re getting into the car, you’re playing a game of chance: is today the day you’re finally going to have a breakdown? After all, it can happen at any time, even when you’ve recently had a service and thought you were completely fine! 

Technology has a habit of suddenly going kaput on us, and you should always have this thought in mind. Because if you don’t, you won’t have an emergency kit in your car for when the worst does occur and you have to pull over in the middle of nowhere. 

So whilst you might have a bit of spare oil in the back, and be sure to grab some from http://www.eliteautomotive.vegas/elite-services/diesel-services/ if you don’t, you’re going to need some specialist items as well. 

You’re going to need a flashlight at the very least, just in case it’s dark, or you can’t see properly when you pop the hood. You’re also going to need some water back there, in case it’s hot out, or some gloves and scarf, for when you have to wait on the side of the road in the freezing cold. And make sure you’ve got your breakdown assistance company’s number written on a bit of paper back there as well.  

Stop Ahead of Time

If you ever suspect a problem with your car, be sure to pull over as soon as possible, or as soon as it’s safe for you to do so. Hopefully somewhere where there’s phone signal, or near an SOS box whilst you’re on the highway. Don’t let the steam from the engine start billowing out before you make the decision to stop. 

Stay Out of the Car

And once you have pulled over, make sure you stay out of the car, and wait on the roadside where you’re both safer and a lot more visible. You can wave down help from here, and you won’t suffer from smoke inhalation, or any overheating either. 

Coping with a roadside breakdown doesn’t have to be a disaster; simply know what you’re doing. 

Make Buying A Used Car Stress Free With These 6 Tips

When public transport just won’t cut it anymore, buying a car seems like a savior in comparison. You don’t have to worry about your personal space being invaded, someone sitting close by eating a tuna salad, or babies crying within arm's length of you and so on. Your own car is likened to your own mobile home. It should be comfortable, protect you from the elements, and if your budget will allow, provide a few luxury gadgets for you to engage with on your journeys. But above all, your own car means freedom and saving time spent waiting for the bus/train to arrive, and last, but not least it also means you can give back to the world by helping your family and friends when they need you the most. If you’re not too interested in the idea of buying a brand new vehicle, a second-hand car could be your ticket to freedom that won’t leave you strapped for cash. Whether scouring for cars online or taking a look at used vehicles from local dealerships, here are a few essential tips to use to your advantage when buying a second-hand car which gives you some structure on what to assess when buying and what to use to your advantage when haggling.

Test Drive

Photo by Dids

Taking your potential car for a thorough test drive could help you to weed out any problems sooner rather than later. Use your test drive as a time to figure out if the car is, of course, comfortable to drive, but also listen out for any mysterious knocks and bags that sound out of the ordinary. It’s essential to turn down the music system, and if possible drive somewhere that is quiet. If you notice that the gear stick is getting stuck, the brakes feel spongy, or the clutch is exceptionally high, save a mental note of the issues, and a real note when you get chance to write it all down. This will come in handy later on to negotiate down the price of the car if you choose to buy it later on. Or alternatively, lead you to another second-hand vehicle where there appears to be little to no work to have to tend to.

What’s Included?

While maintaining your poker face, and not appearing too interested in a car that you may very well of fell in love with at first sight, if the vehicle you are looking at is from a sales lot, query precisely what is included with the car. This could mean a full service, a few months warranty, or maybe just an air freshener. Either way, it’s handy to know, and again will help you make your decision when the time approaches to assess if the car is the right fit for you.

Warranty

Another note to be wary of is if a warranty is included, assess what this entails to avoid having to pay for urgent issues that could crop up from the car. For instance, does it cover engine, gearbox, mechanical issues or more? Also, who will the warranty company be? Checking there is a legitimate warranty in place for your car, will provide you with peace of mind for the months following your car purchase.

Under The Hood

Providing the car has been switched off for a while, giving the fluids under the hood a chance to settle, you can pop the lid and take a look at how the car is performing inside. Whether checking the level of oil in the engine (plus the color and consistency), the hydraulic fluid, and the engine coolant. If any of the fluids are particularly low, or there is liquid on the floor underneath the car, this could be a warning sign that one of the fluids are leaking. If this is the case, be sure to bring it to the owners/car salespersons attention.

Car Paperwork

Unlike new vehicles, second-hand cars will sometimes arrive with a pack of history kept and passed down from the original owner. This should entail receipts for car repairs, service history, and whether the car has been in an accident. The premise of checking the paperwork is to give you an idea of what the future of owning this car might look like to avoid any stressful pitfalls that could have been avoided. For instance, regular issues that keep occurring, for example, headlamp positioning problems, issues with the electric locking system that recur throughout the car's history and so on. Keeping your wits about you when looking at the vehicles past will enable you to paint a better picture of the car you are thinking of buying. This will help steer you in the right direction of whether buying a particular car is the right decision, or whether it may amount to more stress in an attempt to rectify the reoccurring issues.

Running Costs

Choosing an old car with a large engine may initially look, sound and drive amazing, however, it may not be the most affordable option, not just in terms of buying but also in running it throughout the time you wish to own it. So don’t shy away from asking the owner or salesperson what the gas usage is like on the car you’re interested in, how much it costs to service, and how much you can expect to pay for simple upkeep for the vehicle such as an oil change from Telle Tire and tire changes. This will help you arrive at a conclusion on whether you can afford the car you wish to buy and help you to avoid straining your finances.

The Price

In most cases, unless stated otherwise, there is usually some room for negotiation involving car sales by private owners and car salespeople. Now that you’ve collected all of your information about a particular car you wish to buy, you may want to try pushing down the price or alternatively asking for some extras. You can do this by identifying issues you’ve noticed about the car that were not mentioned in the advert, also don't forget to mention similar cars you’ve seen for sale at a better price. The key is, to be honest about what you’ve found out about the car and see if the seller may budge the price tag. If they do,  you’ve saved yourself some extra money and relieved some of the stress it takes to buy a car. Where some sellers may be unwilling to budge on price, you can always ask if they may give you an extended warranty. In this situation, the worst thing any seller can say is no.

Picture by Pixabay

So there you have it, a few tips to help you with buying your second-hand car in a stress-free way. The general idea is to collect as much information about the vehicle that you are looking to buy. This is to see if it’s worthy of taking care of you on the roads, to make sure that it won’t cost you a lot of money in the future for issues that were overlooked, and that you’re getting a fair deal. Taking steps towards making the right decision for buying your second-hand vehicle, will provide you with happy months and maybe even years to follow.