Lifestyle

 

Buying a brand-new car is a significant decision that you need to consider seriously. You are spending your entire savings to afford one. If you decide to opt for financing, you will shoulder that responsibility for the next several years. Therefore, you need to pause for a while before you consider buying a new car.

You might also want to look into used cars. You might think that they are not worth it, but they could still be a great choice. If you are in doubt, these signs will tell you that a used car is the best choice for you given your financial circumstances.

You still have other monthly expenses

You need to pay the cost of the vehicle over the next several years and include the cost of your monthly fees. If you have other recurring payments, you cannot afford to add a car loan to the list; otherwise, you will exceed your budget. You can suspend your plans to buy a new car, or you can settle for a used car which might fall within the amount you can afford to add to your monthly expenses.

You are still using a credit card to keep up with the bills

When paying bills, you need to pay them in cash since it means that the transaction is over. However, if you decide to use a credit card, it is like paying a loan with another loan. It is not a healthy practice, and it shows that you are not yet financially stable. If you add a brand-new car loan to the recurring expenses, you will be in more trouble than you already are. Try to change your attitude regarding bill payment. If you want a car, you can consider a used vehicle and see if it allows you to remain consistent with the payment without using your credit card.

You need the car now

Whether you intend to open a new business, or you already have a growing family, you need to purchase a vehicle now. Unfortunately, if you are still incapable of paying for a new car, you have no choice but to stick with a used car. The goal is to address your immediate need but also avoid placing yourself in deep financial problems.

Used cars are an excellent choice

Do not feel terrible about your decision to buy a used car. If you checked the models and you asked your mechanic to assess every detail of them, you will not regret your choice. The car will continue working in excellent condition for many years to come. Besides, if you are unhappy with the car you chose, you can resell it and get a new one later.

In the end, it is how you use the car that will determine if it will last long. Even if you buy a new model, but it is the wrong car, it might malfunction soon.

Check out used cars Utah offers if you reside in the state and find the best match for your needs.

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You can now check how many hours you spend each day on your phone. You might feel surprised to see your average screen time each week. You do not notice how quickly time passes by. If you feel alarmed by your latest average, it is time to do something about it. These tips will help you reduce your phone use.

Do not use your phone while eating

It is common for some people to use their phones when eating. They either watch movies or receive updates via social media. Others even continue working on their phones. If it is time to eat, you need to drop everything else and focus on your meal. You may also take the time to catch up with family and friends. You can resume your phone use later when you finish eating.

Reduce your non-work screen time

It is understandable for some people to use their phones all the time because they are doing work over the phone. They send emails, respond to messages, create drafts, prepare presentations and research using their phones. You could be among them and you already spend hours on your phone. Therefore, you need to reduce your non-work screen time. Try not to browse Facebook while you are working.

Set an alarm

If you want to cut your phone use, you can set an alarm. Once it rings, you need to stop whatever you are doing. You can resume your work when you have had a rest from your phone.

Do not use your phone when you are about to sleep

When it is time for you to relax, you need to stop using your phone. You can set the alarm and place the phone on your bedside table. Finish everything that you need to do outside the bedroom; otherwise, your brain will keep telling you that the bedroom is a place where you can keep working using your phone. It will eventually affect your sleep.

Take up another hobby

Perhaps, you are spending your time on your phone because you have nothing else to do. Make sure that you maximise whatever free time you have. Enrol in a crash course to learn something new or find a place where you can practice a hobby. When you have a lot on your hands, you will forget your phone.

Read an actual book

If you love reading, you can do so using a real book and not an e-book. Sometimes, you use it as an excuse for using your phone. The truth is that you spend a couple of minutes browsing an e-book and you are back to social media apps in no time. To avoid this excuse, you need to use a real book for reading.

With these tips, you will gradually reduce your screen time. It might be challenging at first, but you can do it. You can also purchase cell phone radiation protection if you do not want to get ill because of radiation caused by constant phone use.

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So,you’re in search of the perfect wedding gift idea but you’re not quite sure which one you’re going to commit to yet? It can be easy to become indecisive when comparing gift ideas because you want the gift to be cherished and appreciated. While it really is the “thought that counts,” if you put a lot of thought into gift selection then you should wind up feeling like you made the right choice.

Plus, the gift recipient is going to be much happier than if you were to give them something generic and meaningless. With that said, if your goal is to put a smile on the face of your loved one on one of the most significant days of their life, here are five unique wedding gift ideas to help you achieve that:

1. Pottery Mugs

Regular mugs are great, but they really can’t compete with the elegance and exquisiteness of handcrafted pottery. You can come up with some amazing customizations with the help of a company like Deneen Pottery Mugs. In fact, they can add any picture, logo, or another form of graphics into the mug’s design.

2. Custom Bath Towels

Most people don’t even know that you can have bath towels printed with custom designs. This is an easy and simple way to give a gift that will be used and seen often. This is a good gift to give to a couple before they go on their honeymoon because there’s the humorous implication that they’ll probably be taking plenty of showers, so the towels will be put to good use.

3. Cookware Set

Newly married couple loves to cook, especially if they have little ones to feed. Even couples without kids like to prepare romantic meals for each other. Thus, a luxurious cookware set is a commonly overlooked yet perfectly applicable wedding gift idea.

4. Extravagantly Framed Photos or a Picture Album

Anything that contains sentimental photographs or portraits is always an ideal wedding gift. You can go for a single extravagant frame or a collection of separate, smaller frames. Either way, you’ll be giving the perfect gift because your frames will be used as home decorations for years to come.

5. A Vacation in a Box

This is one of the most exciting gift ideas on this list and it is one that’s sure to shock, surprise, and satisfy the recipients. The idea is simple – you take a box or suitcase and insert some plane tickets, hotel reservations, and a few city guides or maps of the destination; basically, you’re giving them everything they need to go on a vacation.

Custom Gifts Tend to Leave a More Lasting Impression

While pre-made gifts can certainly be appreciated and loved, there’s something special about giving somebody an item that you personally participated in the design of. Something as simple as a mug can become incredibly sentimental simply because it’s the only one of its kind. Thus, it makes sense to invest the extra time, effort, and funds into finding something, unique, interesting, and truly one-of-a-kind.

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Do not change who you are to find love. You cannot love yourself if you are not truly being yourself. Love starts on the inside; it opens you up to receive the love a partner has to give. Highlight who you are. Perceived imperfection is something two people can bond over. If you are direct with yourself, you can be intimate with a date. Confidence is just a true understanding of who you are–a pride in your story.

Gaining self-esteem does not start in the mirror. One must first close their eyes, delve into their collective memory, and figure out who they are. What is my story? No other person–not your parents, your siblings, your friends–can tell your story. This is an amazing aspect of life. Your story is a once in a lifetime event, it has made you who you are, and you get to share it. Whether your life story is that of a fighter, a lover, a victim who overcame, there is a character out there right for your next chapter.

Look in the mirror but do not fixate. All you are checking for: are there any stains on my clothes? Are my teeth free of the spinach I ate for lunch? Hair, makeup, etc., are okay? Lastly, stare into your eyes. Who is looking back? By this point, you have affirmed your story, know your worth, and are ready to introduce a new character to the tale.

Make the first date in a public setting. It can be a mall, a restaurant, or a bowling alley, as long as there is a crowd. The illusion of being part of the crowd provides relief; an individual does not feel up on stage performing a solo in choir. If there is the inevitable moments of silence between the two of you, focus on the crowd noise, it is the safeguard from constantly thinking awkward.

Try to take a breath, and listen more than you talk. There is no opportunity for connection if you have your next words mapped out before they are finished speaking. Little questions build to more intimate questions. The routinely asked: where are you from? Do you have siblings? What do you do for fun? These are not yes, no, one word answers. These simple question are you or them casting a line and hoping for a spark. You listen to their answer, and you cannot believe they love an older sibling the way you do–that you both have nieces and nephews. You are building an intimate bond, or perhaps there is just no chemistry, and that is okay too.

If you don’t want a second date, just be direct while still in public, and no love lost. However, if the small questions built into large questions, and you clicked deeply with the answers, agree to another public date. Later dates are were the new questions dig deep. As the Buddha said: “life is suffering.” At this point, you have dipped your toe, you know if it is the right time to discuss life’s tribulations. If you connect over loves and great pains, then the new thing you two are growing may be ready to flower. You should have a clear sense whether you would feel safe and comfortable alone with them. If the relationship does progress into an intimate relationship make sure you use protection. There has been an increase in STD rates in America for the past 10 years. To prevent contracting an STD get tested regularly and have a discussion with new partners about their sexual history.

Author Bio: Paige Jirsa– I work with https://stdtestingfacilities.com/, which provides users same day STD testing in a discrete and proficient manner.

 

Art does not just enhance kids’ creativity, but other areas too including emotional, social, and mental development. Children take pride in their artwork and so do the parents. This is why their artworks are typically seen displayed all over the house including on the fridge and walls. Aside from this, there are other things that you can do with your child’s artwork. Here are some of them.

Get a tattoo

If you have been planning to get another tattoo, why not pick one of your kid’s drawings as the design? This will make them happy and proud as they will see their artwork etched on you all the time. When they grow up, it will still be there, and it will serve as a memory of their younger years and how you were proud of them as a parent.

Use as cards or gift wrap

There are several holidays and special events to attend all year round, and that also means giving out presents. Instead of always buying new gift wrapping, use your child’s art for wrapping the gifts. This will give them joy, while you save money and help preserve the environment through recycling at the same time. Use the smaller artworks as greeting cards. Families and friends will appreciate them.

Turn it into jewellery

If you are not into a tattoo, another way to immortalise and make your kid’s artwork into another decorative piece is by turning it into jewellery. Handcrafting jewelry from children’s artwork is not something new, but the output is always unique because the design is from your own kid’s work and imagination. There is no limit to what type of jewellery you want, and that includes a necklace, ring, earrings, charms, and bracelets.

Use for keyrings

Instead of buying a key ring or key chain; have one personalised using your child’s work of art. It works the same way as turning it into jewellery. Your child will beam with happiness, and they will be more confident with their work knowing that you take pride in the result.

Make a digital collage

Do you find it difficult to throw away your child’s artwork? You are not alone because other parents feel the same. However, since kids love drawing and making more art, the artwork can pile up, and you will have to let go of them at some point. You can still keep a copy of their work without having to worry about the clutter. Scan their art and resize them into smaller images so you can turn them into a collage. You may also print the collage and put it in a frame for display.

Create a photo book

Select your favourite pieces and turn them into a photo book. It will keep things organised in your house while preserving the works of your little one. It’s something worthwhile looking into, especially when your kid grows up.

Your child’s art doesn’t just need to stay on the fridge or the wall of your house. Be more creative in showcasing your kid’s work.

With the prices of almost everything going up, it’s vital for families to find ways to cut costs, while still ensuring that they live comfortably. Saving money doesn’t mean that you need to tighten up on expenses to the point that you no longer enjoy your life. It means focusing on what’s important and eliminating what’s not as this will help make your life easier. Here are simple ways to save money at home.

Get everyone on board

Everyone in the family must be aware of the plan and be committed to doing it. Having everyone on board is a vital step in ensuring that it will be successful. Let the family members know the reason why you are doing it and that you expect them to be with you through it. Brainstorm ways how each member can contribute to this.

Plan a weekly meal

Cooking food at home will save you a lot of cash compared to dining out or calling for deliveries. Planning the entire meals for the week will not only ensure that the family has a balanced diet, but it will also prevent purchasing items that you do not need, which will add to your expenses. List all other things that you need in the household such as toiletries and shop once a week. Be sure to stick to the list and avoid getting items that are not there.

Maintain the house

Keeping the house and your things properly maintained is one way of saving because this prevents premature repairs and replacements that will cost you money. However, things can break and wear out after some time no matter how you take care of them. If there’s a need for replacement, make a smart purchase to ensure that you are not wasting cash.

For instance, if your old sofa is beyond repair and you need to purchase a new one, compare your options before deciding. You will find sturdy and high-quality pieces that are affordable. Kuldea is a convenient place to find sofas and other home items as it puts together furniture offered around the market for easy comparison.

Review subscriptions and memberships

Over time, you may have subscribed to various services that you have already lost track of and no longer need. Check your magazine, cable, and other subscriptions and see which ones to end. If you have a gym membership and you only go there once in a while, it may not be a practical choice. Opt for a transient gym fee where you will pay when you visit. Better yet, look for alternative exercise options that will keep you healthy without spending any money, like jogging around the neighbourhood or following workout video tutorials at home.

Saving money doesn’t have to affect your quality of living negatively. It will even make it better because you learn to set your priorities and enjoy the things that matter. With your discipline and dedication, you will get used to it, and it will become part of your lifestyle.

Whether it is for a birthday, anniversary, or just because you love them, fragrance is a classic gift for all partners. Men’s cologne can be as varied as women’s. All men should have a look for a perfume or cologne which suits them, and one of the easiest ways to find a match is by looking at their personality. Let’s take a look at some of the different personalities the special man in your life might have, and the scent you should buy them to match.

The Perfect Gentleman

If you have a perfect gentleman in your life, you are often whisked away with bunches of flowers and little love notes to let you know how much he adores you. Such a classic guy needs a scent which harkens back to a bygone age of chivalry.

Choose something with some deep notes of spice and a little hint of alcohol like whisky. These are strong scents and have been loved by men and women alike for generations. As such, you are able to buy original fragrances for men online which perfectly match this much-loved corner of the male scent market.

The Career Man

He is good at what he does and he is sure to go far in his chosen career. Whether he is a doctor, an engineer, a musician, or anything else, the career man is confident and ready to take on anything his job might throw at him. Echo that confidence with a woody perfume to help him feel like he can get through anything.

Choosing a cologne with extracts of cedar, sandalwood, or even rosewood for a very rugged scent which is undeniably masculine. While most colognes have some wood in them somewhere, you want to find a scent which is nicely balanced to bring wood to the forefront for maximum impact.

The Adventurer

If you know someone who is always on the go, traveling to distant lands and always keen to get out and try a new sport, then you need to find a fresh and sporty scent to match their free-loving attitude. Luckily, there are many scents out there which make you think of the great outdoors as soon as you take a sniff of them. Even the freest of guys can learn to appreciate a good perfume!

Look for something with notes of grass, sea salt, or even tea. Fresh and natural is the key here. You could even mix a little wood in there by choosing a cologne with pine; a scent universally considered to be quite refreshing.

Men deserve a fragrance which matches their personality and helps them to be the best they can be. The right scent can truly do that. Since women love to experiment with different perfumes and how each one makes them feel, it is high time we started encouraging the men in our lives to think the same way. Think about the one you would be buying scent for. What do you think he would like the most? Start searching for the perfect scent for him to wear today!

 

You need to think twice before you decide to buy a bespoke suit. It is more expensive than the suits you find in malls that are ready to wear. You also need to wait for some time to finish the creation of a bespoke suit. Your tailor will make several tweaks until the suit fits you like a glove. It is not just a piece of clothing, but a work of art. You need to know the answers to these questions before you can have the best suit ever.

What are the differences between made to measure suits and bespoke suits?

You might always hear these words, but you do not know what they mean. Bespoke tailoring means that the garments that you will wear came from a bare canvas using the measurements obtained from you. The pattern will then come from the measurements. The cut-out pattern will be the basis for cutting the fabric that you also choose. Made to measure suits, on the other hand, rely on standard patterns that are not necessarily appropriate for you. There will still be changes based on your measurements, but you cannot go beyond the standard patterns available.

Why is bespoke better than made to measure suits?

Bespoke suits are customised clothing that is perfect for your body. You will be the only person to wear that suit since no one else has the exact pattern, detail, and measurements. It might be expensive, but you deserve to wear something that you can call a masterpiece. It is an elegant and luxurious-looking piece of clothing that you would not mind paying a lot for.

Is it possible to replicate a preferred design?

Yes. You can even bring a magazine to show the sample of the suit that you want. The tailor will give suggestions on what would be suitable for you, but you will still decide what to wear in the end. You can tweak the details based on your preferences. As long as you provide a reasonable request, your tailor will most likely make it happen.

Is it possible to choose fabrics?

Yes. It is another feature of bespoke suits. You can decide which fabric you will be comfortable wearing. Some materials cause allergic reactions. Others are not suitable for the weather. Apart from the fabric, you can decide which style, colour, design, and pattern to have.

How many times is it necessary to provide the measurements?

The good thing about bespoke suits is that you can request adjustments until you feel satisfied with the fit. If it requires several tweaks in the process, your tailor will not complain since it is a part of the amount that you paid.

How long will a bespoke suit last?

The answer depends on you as the wearer but given the quality of the fabric and the craftsmanship of the tailor, you can use the suit for a long time. You can say that it is worth whatever amount you are spending.

Now that you know the answers to these questions, it is time to get started.

 

Rapid industrialisation and development around the world are paving the way for widespread adoption of modern building techniques such as using structural insulated panels or SIPs. Conventional construction uses timber frames as the foundation for walls, roofs, and walls. SIPs, on the other hand, are pre-fabricated boards with built-in foam insulation produced in factories and delivered ready for installation.

Although SIPs were invented in the 1930s, traditional timber-frame houses are still more popular. The main reason for this is the rapid changes in building techniques influenced by current trends within the industry. What fuelled the invention of SIPs was the desire to create energy-efficient structures. SIPs were mass produced in the 1960s and met with much success until the 1970s when there was an ongoing energy crisis.

When the energy crisis was eventually resolved, using SIP panels slowly became outdated. It was not until recently when there was a renewed consciousness to build eco-friendly buildings that SIPs once again came into the limelight.

What makes SIPs an excellent building material?

The sheathing material used in fabricating SIPs is typically oriented strand board, but some manufacturers make panels with sheathing made with steel or plywood. Oriented strand board is preferred because it can be made using recycled wood and pressure treated for durability and strength.

The foam insulation core of a SIP is responsible for its thermal performance, thus making it an excellent material to achieve energy efficiency. When building with SIPs, contractors save time and money on labour and an entire building can be erected in as little as two weeks.

A building made with SIPs has not only high thermal performance but also has excellent load-bearing capacity. To improve the fire-retardant characteristic of a SIP construction, gypsum boards are installed in the interior panels before adding a decorative finish.

The growing market for SIPs

The market for SIPs is growing steadily because of the increasing demand from the construction industry. SIPs are not only used in building residential and commercial buildings but also useful in constructing cold storage facilities such as warehouses.

The primary driver for the growing market for SIPs is the demand to construct energy-efficient buildings which result in the reduction of energy consumption. The SIP market is currently segmented according to how these panels are applied.

The main areas of SIP application include building walls, roofing, and cold storage facilities where roof and wall construction take the most significant chunk of the market. Aside from implementation, the SIP market is further segmented according to insulation foam type, and sheathing material used. Currently, oriented strand board and expanded polystyrene panels are the most commonly produced type of SIPs.

Although there is no denying that SIPs are superior over other types of building materials, the lack of awareness and expertise of builders hinders its widespread adoption. As more builders, architects, and engineers involved in the construction industry use SIPs more extensively, the general public will be more aware of their benefits and perhaps choose them over conventional building methods.

My good friend Raj Dharampuriya began with a single house which he was renting out and now he has over 8 properties which he rents out to a wide range of tenants. This is something which I have an interest in doing and so I spent a few months with Raj Dharampuriya to see how he managed the whole affair and what challenges there were to face. At that time Raj Dharampuriya was having all sorts of problems with the tenants in one of his apartments, a nightmare for any landlord. For me it was a good experience to watch, but for Raj I can’t imagine that he enjoyed it very much. Raj however handled the whole thing very well indeed.

The Issue

The issue for Raj Dharampuriya was that his tenants were having late night parties, they were allowing trash to build up outside and they were causing a nuisance to the neighbors. In such a situation Raj knows the importance of maintaining a good relationship with his neighbors and it was actually them who contacted him to resolve the situation.

Step 1

The first step which Raj undertook was to visit his tenants and give them their first strike, a warning that this kind of behavior wouldn’t be tolerated and that steps would be taken if it continued. Raj had made a very smart decision some time ago when he asked for a bond of 3 months rent to be paid, which came to around $1200.

Step 2

Unfortunately just a week later the complaints were coming in again and Raj had to go out and see his tenants again. Under law a landlord cannot just show up unannounced but the issue was that if Raj gave notice that he was coming, the tenants would tidy the place up and then it would put Raj in a tough spot, having only complaints to go off. And so instead of this he called up the neighbor who was complaining and asked if he may go to see them, and talk about the issue. This meant that Raj was able to catch the tenants red handed with trash blocking up the stairwell. Raj could easily have called the police on his tenants as the trash broke city laws and the late night parties were tantamount to noise disturbance. The problem is however is that if Raj had to do this, it looks bad on him and neighbors will remember what happened. There was also a risk that the tenants would destroy the place and then leave.

Step 3

Armed with photos of the trash in hand, Raj went to see his tenants  for the final conversation. Doing this conversation he showed them the photos and threatened them with legal action, as well as telling them that their bond would be lost if they continued in this way. He gave them an official letter of the complaints and told them that one more event and they would be given their notice to leave. Somewhat surprisingly, after the threat of losing their bond was offered, they were quiet as mice for the next 3 months before they left.

I like the way that Raj handled this, instead of going straight for legal action, which would have been a real pain for him, he managed to get the result which he wanted, without too much upheaval.

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