PRETTY YOUNG THING

Image from Pixabay

Your Driving Style

Yes, your driving style has a huge impact on the health of your car. If you have a habit of accelerating quickly, slamming on the breaks every time you see a red light, fighting the gear stick, not paying proper attention, then your car is going to need new parts much sooner than it would if you were calmer. Not to mention the need to refill your fuel tank more often. You should be gentle with your car and drive carefully, non-aggressively. You should also do things like adjusting your style according to the weather conditions. If it is very cold for instance, you can’t just expect 0 - 60 in 5 seconds flat.

Tyres

You should check the PSI for your tyres and ensure that they are inflated to this amount. Having under or over-inflated typoes is not a good idea. Underinflated types can, over time, affect your car’s suspension and can negatively affect other aspects, too, like braking, steering and fuel consumption. Overinflated tyres can be damaged far more easily and will increase your braking distance. They are also more dangerous in cold, icy conditions. This is a very easy thing to get sorted yourself. Most petrol stations have air and water for your car.

Check the Oil

 Ensuring your car has enough oil is essential to its everyday running. Having a low oil supply means that your car will have moving parts that are rubbing against each other with no lubrication. Over time this will cause a whale range of issues, such as a breakdown and expensive repairs. You should also get an oil change every so often. If you can do it yourself, it can be done as part of your service.  

Serving

You shod take your car to regular service appointments. Usually, once a year should suffice unless you drive a lot of miles, then once every 12,000 moles. A regular car or  Van Service is essential to the healthy running of your vehicle. A trained professional will check a lot of the details of the car, such as the braking system, the exhaust and other operations. If you need them to do an oil change, they can do this for you. A regular service will be able to pick up any issues before they become an issue, and in the long run, this will save you money.  

Pexels Image - CC0 Licence

Build in a Utility Room

Utility rooms are one of the most useful additions a homeowner can make to their property. Maybe you’ve got a lot of storage needs on your hands, and you feel like you need a whole separate room to take care of all the mess? Well go ahead and build one!

A utility room doesn’t even have to be placed where your boiler already is; if you’ve got a cupboard under the stairs with it in, leave it there, and design your utility room somewhere else. Use it to keep your washing machine and dryer out of the way, and build in plenty of cupboards for miscellaneous storage. It’ll free up a lot of room elsewhere, particularly in bathrooms and the kitchen! 

Rethink Your Kitchen Layout

Speaking of, the way your kitchen is currently set out might be holding you back a little. Maybe the kitchen island is too big and gets in the way? Maybe the cupboards are at the wrong height? Maybe the stove itself slants a little? No matter what you dislike about your kitchen, rethinking the design could go a long way to improving the function of your house as a whole. 

So sit down and draw out your kitchen, and think about the ways this layout doesn’t work. Refine it, and move things around until you’re happy with the way it looks, and then consider getting your kitchen redone. If you come up with a design of your own that you really, really like, you can use Bespoke Kitchens services to make this dream become a reality. No cookie cutter mold kitchen for you! 

Add in Another Bathroom

Do you have an upstairs bathroom? Do you have a downstairs bathroom? Do you have both? Either way, maybe it’s time to build another bathroom? Most people tend to go for a simple WC downstairs somewhere - this allows a better flow of traffic throughout the house, as if someone is showering upstairs, you can quickly use the facilities downstairs.

This is also great for big families, and if you like to have guests around a lot. If there’s another bathroom to use downstairs, then you’ve only got one room to clean up when everyone goes home! 

Your home can be made much more convenient with a few simple additions here and there. If you’ve got the budget, go wild with it!

Unsplash

Being a new mother is a beautiful experience, but it can also be pretty stressful. To ease those stressful moments you’ll need lots of self-care tips. All of these tips are both effective and super simple.

1 . Rest is crucial

When you’ve just had a baby rest is absolutely essential, your body needs time to recover and heal. That’s all well and good but it can be tricky when your baby is keeping you up half the night! If you can, sleep when your newborn is sleeping. Doing so can help you to get back some of those hours you missed during the night. It can be useful to purchase some black-out curtains, so you can sleep easier during daylight hours. Sleep apps can also be helpful to get some shut-eye.

If you can’t get any sleep in the day, at least practice restful activities with your little one. For example, you might want to lay down with your baby and listen to some relaxing music.

2. Plenty of healthy foods

Getting the basics right is a vital self-care step. You’ll want to eat plenty of healthy foods from nutritious veggies to rich whole grains and healthy proteins. Focus on foods that boost the mood including fatty fish, oats, and berries. Eat to keep your immune system strong, and challenge yourself to up your vegetable intake. 

Equally, allow yourself tasty treats now and then, when we eat our favourite foods this gives our endorphin levels a great boost!

3. Be realistic 

After you’ve given birth you’ll need to be kind to yourself, you should avoid being overly critical and ensure that you set realistic expectations. Before you fell pregnant you might have been used to being more productive. Don’t expect to feel fully energised and recovered immediately. You should set yourself realistic goals about what you can do each day. At this stage, it’s all about small steps.

4. Get support

Never be afraid to ask others for help, being a new mother is hard and it’s okay to lean on others. Ask your friends and family for support. If you lack a support network consider joining parenting groups for new mothers. Often, community groups can be a great source of support. From pregnancy tips to advice after you’ve given birth, mothers' communities are a lovely space to share knowledge.

5. Meditation 

When you need to relax, meditation can be the perfect activity. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to do, simply download a mediation app and follow the guidelines. There are plenty of meditation apps that you can choose from including Mediatopia, HeadSpace, and Buddhify.

6. Activities that bring you joy 

Looking after yourself is about practicing small activities that bring you joy. You might not have lots of free time, but a quick fifteen minutes is better than nothing. Take a micro-self care moment each day, you might like to dance to your favorite songs, take a walk or write in a journal. Set aside extra time in the week for a longer self-care session.

New mums have lots to organise, from decorating the baby’s room to shopping for healthy and nutritious foods. It’s important to ask for help, allowing you more time to focus on your self-care. If you are looking for top-quality baby supplies Foryourlittleone has everything you need.

Image credit

Hi there. If you're reading this, then it's likely that you are either about to embark on a long journey or have just returned. You might be wondering how to keep your trip fun and affordable. The good news is that there are many travel hacks for both before and after your trip. With the Internet at your fingertips, here are the top ten tips on making travelling more enjoyable without breaking the bank.

Travel With People

If you are a solo traveller, travelling with friends or family can be a great experience. Exploring new places with others is always fun, but sometimes travelling with family and friends can be expensive. You will want to be on the same page as those travelling with you regarding expenses. Everyone should contribute equally and fairly, but if one person isn't willing to share the costs, they need to travel on their own next time.

If everyone is willing to split the expenses equally, then come up with a budget. Make sure everyone knows what they are spending before buying plane tickets or hotel rooms. Suppose you want to save money on food while travelling, pack your snacks instead of eating out every meal. You can also get drinks from local grocery stores and bring them into restaurants that allow outside food.

Pack Light

Avoid over-packing to save money and time. Pack what you need or use daily, like clothing items. Make sure your luggage weighs less than 50 pounds if you plan to carry it onto the plane with you. Also, pack essentials that are easy to access just in case your checked bag gets lost! This way, there will be no need to stand in line at the airport.

Have All the Proper Documents

Documents for travel to a country other than your own: Make sure you have a passport and visa if needed. You should also be able to show proof of return transportation, as well as enough money to last through your trip. In addition, bring your driver's license or student ID card with you if accepted at customs upon arriving in the destination country.

Check other countries' requirements for travel documents such as European Union visas before travelling abroad. The laws of the country you are visiting will apply to you while there, so make sure that your documentation is correct or risk being detained at customs upon arrival or even arrested during your visit.

Check for Discounts

If you have a specific destination in mind, several websites will help guide the way. Some of these sites offer recommendations for activities and restaurants, while others can provide valuable insight on things to do in certain areas. However, it is essential to note that many of these sites may also indicate the average price range per person or per day.

Travel During Off-Seasons

Travelling in the off-season can be a great way to save money. Many places have low rates in the winter and fall, so you can still enjoy your favourite vacation spots without spending too much. For example, travelling during November is very cheap when going to Florida from New York because the locals leave for their holidays at home. Travelling during the off-season will also give you more time to explore new places since it won't be crowded and there may be many other tourists.

Try New Things

If you've been to a place before, try something different this time around. Go sightseeing in the morning and afternoon rather than at night, or make all your plans for later on in the day so that you have more options open to do things when it's less crowded. If possible, consider going somewhere new altogether. Don't forget about day trips and weekend getaways. Sometimes it's nice to just hit the road for a few hours or even days, depending on where you're going.

Shop a Little Bit

When travelling, you want to make sure that you are not overspending. Knowing what things cost in the area where your destination is located will help cut down on expenses ahead of time. You can also plan accordingly and have a budget for yourself so that if a fee comes up at the last minute, it won't be an issue. It is also important to remember that you do not have to go out for every meal. Instead, save some money by bringing your fresh packed food and having a picnic or enjoying the local cuisine in less expensive ways.

Research the Best Accommodation

There are a lot of different standpoints when it comes to listing the best accommodations. Some people look for luxury, while others prefer affordability and simplicity. Also, some may want to stay in a compromise with many entertainment options, while others need peace and serenity instead. Whatever your preferences might be, you should do your research on what accommodations are available in your desired location. In this way, you will have a better idea about the amenities and services that each option offers and how much it costs.

Research What To Eat

When travelling, it can be hard to not go overboard on food and drinks. Be sure to pack some snacks or water during outings from home or make a list of local places with more affordable options for you before starting your trip. If there are any dietary restrictions you need to keep in mind while running errands during the day, then do more research online.

Take Pictures and Videos

For some, travelling is a way to escape from your everyday life and have fun. Of course, there are different ways of having fun while you're on vacation, but one that stands out for everyone? Whether it's an Instagram worthy sunflower field in France or just your best friend sitting by a pretty lake with an ice cream cone.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that even if you don't have to pay for the travel, there are still costs involved. For example, your budget will be affected by how much time. If you're travelling abroad, it can also cost quite a bit of money because of changing foreign currencies. However, if you plan correctly and are prepared for the costs of your trip beforehand, it can be great fun to travel on a budget.

Image credit

A home is a place where you want to feel relaxed and comfortable. But, unfortunately, it's also the place that you spend the most time in, so it must reflect your tastes and preferences. 

There are many ways to make your home more personalized and unique, but these methods can be costly when considering all the factors involved. As such, they may not be an option if you're on a tight budget. However, there are still some upgrades you can make without breaking the bank.

Hire a Landscaper

Before you do anything else, one of the most critical projects to undertake when updating your home is landscaping. Hiring a landscaper can be an expensive undertaking. Still, people consider it never to be updated again and only adds more value to your property with time. 

Landscapers can create the perfect space for you and your family. Then, depending on what suits your needs best, they can work with your existing yard or build a brand new one from scratch. 

Your landscaper will be able to tell you exactly how many plants, trees, and flowers you need, as well as give an estimate of cost so that you know what to expect. You can get the best variety of trees at Sydneytreecompany.com.au where they will also give you the best advice on how to plant and nurture them.

Renovate Critical Rooms

Renovate critical rooms like the kitchen and bathroom, which can be pricey. But when it comes to lasting in a home, renovating the most important rooms is worth every penny you spend in return for a more beautiful living space that will increase your property value if you need to sell. In addition, the more you spend on upgrades, the longer your home will last.

Buy New Furniture for Each Room

While buying new furniture for your home can be expensive, it is often the best way to create an upgraded look inside. If you are in a rental, consider buying new furniture in a neutral colour. That way, if you move in the future, it will be much easier to sell or take with you when you leave.

Switch Your Appliances to Energy-Efficient Ones

One lasting yet straightforward way to upgrade your home is by switching your appliances. For example, if you're replacing an old device anyway, replace it with a model that uses energy-efficient light bulbs in the house. Then, to save even more money on each month's electric bill, choose LED lighting, which costs less to operate than incandescent or CFL lights. 

Another way to upgrade your home is to switch the appliances you use every day. For example, a clothes dryer uses almost as much energy as having five televisions turned on at once. If it's possible for you to line-dry instead of using the dryer, that's one way to save money and help the environment.

Declutter Everything

Decluttering your home is the first step to upgrading your home. If you are decluttering, make sure that everything is out of your house or apartment. Do not try and box up things because it will only come back to haunt you later when you need an item for some reason and cannot find it anywhere in storage.

Conclusion

The essential element of your home is you. You can decorate your house with whatever colour, furniture, or accessories that make you feel good. Check out local shops for great finds to add personal touches to upgrade your home on a budget. It does not have to cost much money, but it doesn’t mean they are not lasting.

Image from Pixabay

High-Quality Oil   

In order for your car to run at its optimum, it needs to be well lubricated. It needs oil that can easily flow through all the moving parts. Standard oil is better than no oil, but this is far thicker than a high-quality oil which performs better under stress and friction. Basically, the thinner the oil, the better it is at keeping your car lubricated. Meaning it will run for longer without needed a part replaced. You could even try synthetic oil as it has been specially formulated for cars. 

Alloys

Alloys are a great upgrade to a car, even without thinking about how the car runs. Due to the fact that alloys are made of aluminium and nickel, they weigh a lot less than their steel counterparts. This means is that the car becomes lighter and therefore uses less fuel. In addition, alloys cause your suspensions less stress, and that makes your car much easier to handle. So, that is another great reason to upgrade to alloys or get Platinum Wheel Repairs. By installing alloys, you will be able to drive longer and further as you get far more miles out of your tank.

Get Rid of the Junk

Yes, doing a spring clean of your car is a great way to ensure that there is nothing heavy inside that you are carrying about with you everywhere you go. The heavier your car is, the less distance it will go in a full tank. So, check the back seats, the passenger seats, the google compartment and most of all, the boot. So many people have a lot of rubbish in their boots. Not only is this weighing our car down, but it is all very annoying for all the shopping trips and not being able to put your bags anywhere. Also, if your car has seen better days and is becoming more and more expensive to drive, maybe it’s the car itself that is the rubbish you need to get rid of. Getting a new car would be better for you and the environment.  

Replace the Filter

As long as you get your car regularly maintained, this will be something that happens as a matter of course. However, not changing the air filter will result in your car breaking down. A car needs air to breathe. A clogged air filter does not allow air into the engine, which means it can get choked up, overheat and stall, and basically not work. This is clearly something you want to avoid, especially if you regularly drive far away from home.

Image Credit: S. Hermann & F. Richter from Pixabay.

Winter is getting closer and closer. That typically means getting your winter wardrobe ready, alongside getting wood for the fireplace. It doesn’t mean that you’re ready to curl up around the fire just yet, however. You might have a few more things to look after.

Most of these will revolve around your house or apartment. After all, you wouldn’t want the cold weather coming into the house. You mightn’t know how to get your home winter-ready. Countless people have been in this position before.

Thankfully, that’s led to more than a few tips and tricks for making a house winter-ready. Some are quite commonly recommended.

How To Get Your Home Winter-Ready

Insulate Your Pipes

Your plumbing system will put up with a lot during the year. As the weather gets colder, they run the risk of freezing over. If they do, you’ll naturally need to get a professional to fix them. While getting a local plumber in Sydney will be easy to do, you mightn’t want to be in this position.

Insulating your pipes is the best way to do this. You should do so with any exposed pipes inside and outside your home. If they’re left uninsulated and freeze over, they could burst. That’ll lead to a significant amount of damage around your home.

With pipe insulation being quite affordable, it’s the much more financially-friendly approach.

Clean Out The Gutters

If you’re wondering how to get your home winter-ready, cleaning out your gutters will be one of the first things you think of. After the autumn, they can be full of leaves and other dirt. If these are allowed to freeze over during the winter months, they’ll damage your gutters.

That could then have a domino effect on other areas of your home. As much effort as cleaning out your gutters will be, it’s worth it compared to the cost of replacing them at some point.

Block Out The Drafts

It’s not uncommon for a property to develop a draft. It’s not a pleasant feeling, however, so you’ll want to get rid of it. The draft will usually come in through cracks or holes around your doors and windows. Going around these with a match or light will help you identify where they are.

Once you’ve found them, you can use a sealant to block them off. It should be as simple as that, so you shouldn't have a problem fixing the issue.

Wrapping Up

If you’re not sure how to get your home winter-ready, the process could seem overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. There’ll be specific places that you’ll have to look at and check. Knowing what these are and how to address them is much simpler than you’d think.

If you find that it’s too complicated for you to fix, there’s no shame in hiring a professional. It’s what they’re there for, after all. Outside of this, you should be able to get your home winter-ready by yourself.

With most tasks being minor, you could do it yourself. That’ll make the process much more affordable.

https://unsplash.com/photos/LSYSeTfEe4k 

Losing a loved one can have a severe impact on your mental health. The sudden loss of someone you expected to be there forever, whether it’s a friend, family member, pet, or even a celebrity, can hit you harder than you think, even if you feel okay at first. While you will always have the memories of who they were, it also helps to have a place or event where you can celebrate them your way. If you want to pay tribute to a loved one, here are some ideas for you to consider. 

Traditional Memorials 

Although many people have embraced non-traditional memorials, there are still plenty of reasons to use cemetery grave markers or plaques to remember loved ones who have passed away. This gives you a designated place to visit and pay your respects, and it allows others, whether relatives, friends, or co-workers, to do the same. 

Even if you opt for cremation rather than burial, you may be able to place markers at the site where you scattered ashes, but this will usually depend on where it is and any laws in the area. 

Plant A Garden 

A memorial garden with their favorite flowers is another great option for remembering loved ones. Although traditional settings are good, there is something about the care and attention you pay to a garden that keeps you coming back. 

Rather than being a place for you to pay respects, you can use the garden as a way to continue their legacy, especially if they loved gardening, and you used to spend time in their garden with them. The more care you put into this garden, the more it will flourish, and gardening itself has numerous mental health benefits that will help you grieve.  

Create a Memory Quilt 

Memory quilts will make sure there is something of them with you at all times. If you’re adept at sewing, you can take t-shirts and other items, including photographs printed on fabric, to create something you can wrap yourself in once the temperature drops. 

You don’t need to be an expert at patchwork, though. You could find someone who will do it for you, especially if you don’t have the skills yourself. While it might feel right to do it yourself, you want professional quality to make sure it will last. 

Celebrate Every Year

There is often no better way to remember someone than to mark a date on the calendar that you celebrate every year. The celebrations are entirely up to you, and you can make them as large or as intimate as you like. 

Whether it’s just a few friends and family members to a full-blown memorial event, perhaps to raise money for charity, there are plenty of options there. Pick one that feels right to you. 

Memories

The memories of your loved ones will never fade, and these ideas will help you celebrate their life and legacy whenever and wherever you want. They can help you come to terms with loss and start the healing process, however long you need to take. 

Home comfort

Preparing for storms creates a lot of uncertainty and tension in a family. Storms are scary for everyone, not just the kids. 

As you start to think of covering every eventuality to protect your home, it’s easy to forget about home comforts. From cutting the trees to preparing bags in the case of evacuation; feelings of fear can overwhelm you pretty fast. It’s understandable. However, looking out for each other as a family in storm season makes everything a little easier. 

Start making your comfortable safe space and get everyone involved to find comfort in the fear of storm season.

Start off with these simple yet comforting suggestions: 

Games, Games, Games

When preparing for the storm, think of some family-orientated activities to see you through the worst it. From board games to charades and cards; making a storm into a time for family bonding is a great way to ease the tension. 

To get the kids involved with storm preparation, let them choose the games and put them into a safe space. This is a great way to keep them busy while you prepare the more serious things such as the hurricane shutters. As they are getting ready to, it will help them to understand what is happening. By focusing the attention away from the storm with games, the feelings of fear will not disappear but it will distract everyone with a little fun!

Comfort Foods

Let medicine be food! 

While canned goods are always essential, cooking family favourites and storing them is a great way to find a little peace of mind as the storm begins. Homemade food is one of the greatest comforts! 

To get the kids involved, teach them how to prepare food during storms so that they know what to do. Cooking together is both rewarding and a great family bonding time while you prepare.

When thinking about stock-piling, think of healthy, nutritious foods first. Healthy snacks like dried fruits and nuts keep for long periods of time.

Emotional Check-Ins

Storms take an emotional toll on everyone in the family home. 

Before, during, and after storms hit, you can do an emotional check-in with all of the family. This can be in secret where everyone writes their emotions down on paper and puts them in a box or more open in a sharing circle where these emotions are said out loud. You can prepare blankets and pillows as home comforts to make them feel cosier.

If your children are not willing to take part, having some time one-on-one to talk about it is a great way to connect, check-in, and share feelings. Remember to share yours too. 

Storms can bring families closer together. The great home comfort during this season will be looking out for each other, trying to keep spirits high, and getting through the challenge as a family unit. With these simple yet powerful suggestions, you’ll find the next storm season a chance to bond.