How to Save Time Finding a Soulmate Online

By

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July 9, 2020

Finding a couple online can be very time consuming and difficult if you’re not going about it the right way. That’s why it’s important to be informed about the potential ways that you can prepare yourself beforehand to provide yourself with a better chance to meet couples. Users of Meetwild.com shared their personals life hacks on how they save time when they’re looking for a couple. Use some of these methods to prepare yourself, and you will have a wonderful time finding a few people to keep you company.

Do a Little Research on Available Dating Sites

The first step that you should take when you’re finding a couple online is to do some research on the website. Not all dating sites are created equally. Some websites don’t have a section where couples can meet couples, and others that do have those sections lack the capability to make those dates a reality. So, the first thing that you have to do is research the population of the site that you’re thinking about joining. Double-check and make sure that people come to this site so they can find their couples. If they don’t, then it’s worth it to go to a site that does value this sort of dating interaction. The second element that you should examine is the communication format available to you on the website. Do they have video, voice, and text messaging? You need to decide how you want to communicate with other people and then find a website that supports those efforts. That is just part of the overall research that you need to do, though. Check pricing and other elements of the dating site, too.

Set a Time Limit for Online Communication

The one thing that people tend to do is hang on to a relationship that is no good for them for too long. You might invest a lot of time in sending the right message or trying to set up the perfect date only for it to fall to pieces. However, when you go into a date with a specific time limit on communication, then you’re prioritizing yourself, something important to do on a date. You determine how long you communicate per day, how long they have to respond to you before you move on to the next partner, and many other things, too. This step is all about determining how much your time means to you as an individual and making sure your potential partners care for it, too. Click here to find the best tips in this regard.

Automate the Process of Communication and Searching

Another thing that you can do is to automate the various processes of communication and searching. When you are searching, you have to set the criteria for yourself. For example, think about the age range, culture, job type, and distance that you would like to see on your dates. Consider what you think is acceptable for all of those elements of a date and then set about searching using those parameters. Going back to the idea of using the proper dating site for you, it’s necessary for you to consider using a site that facilitates a good search. You don’t want to have a choice of looking for partners in a certain proximity and that’s it. You need to get as specific as possible. For communication, you need to regulate the steps that you’re going to take when you’re on a date. Do you want to chat first and then see where things go? Would you prefer a video chat to start? Decide on these things and make them part of a larger process to get through the dating process quickly.

Create Letter Templates

After you’ve found a potential couple to date, you need to have a quick method to reach out and get to know them. To do this, you can make a letter template that lists everything they need to know about dating you. Most of the time, that could be something as basic as your preferred methods of communication, date nights that you’re open, and what parts of the relationship are set in stone. This will save you a lot of time because you can reply to several people at once instead of investing a lot of time. While this might come off as impersonal to some people, it will help you root out the people that aren’t good enough for you.

Think Up Questions in Advance or Use the Well-Known 36 Love Questions

The 36 love questions are a famous way that people can begin to find partners based on specific answers that they give to these questions. While it may take a bit of time for you to go through all of the different questions, they provide a lot of insight into the kind of person that you may potentially date.

Still, if you’re not happy with the questions that are included in that personal inventory, then you can come to the dating site armed with your own questions. After all, you might have some parts of your dating lifestyle that are far more specific to you than you would find otherwise. Most importantly, you cannot be afraid to ask people about the things that matter the most in your relationship. Do they want to spend time getting to know you? Do they want to get right down to the physical aspect of a relationship? These questions matter when you’re dating people either online or in-person, so make sure you are set with them before you start dating.

There are many different ways in which you can find couples. However, there are some shortcuts that you can take that will help you greatly when you’re trying to meet people online. You have to know the kind of partner you want, and you must learn what sort of person you’re talking to before things get too deeply involved. As long as you spend some time planning out the kind of interactions you would like to have, you should have a good time when you’re looking for couples.

3 Reasons Why WordPress is the Best Solution for E-Commerce

By

Billy Voss

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July 9, 2020

E-Commerce allows people from all over the world to sell their goods, to promote their products, and users to be able to purchase things that are seemingly out of their reach. Nowadays there are a lot of different platforms where you can set your e-commerce site up, but not all of them offer the features you need. Lately, most business owners, as well as users say that WordPress is the best solution when it comes to choosing the right platform.

If you want to start your own website to sell and promote your brand, you are probably looking for a platform that will allow you to use it with ease, and something that will be user-friendly as well. One of the worst mistakes people make is setting up a website that is too complicated for users and ending up losing their sales because of that. In this article, we are going to give you some of the best reasons why you should choose WordPress and we’ll tell you how this platform is the solution to your new shopping website.

1. Layout

When you build your e-commerce site, the first thing you want to do is to attract customers. However, no matter how many people you get to click on your link, if the website is not functional and appealing, your potential customers will just close it and walk away.

WordPress gives you the opportunity to choose between hundreds and even thousands of different themes, so you will have no problem finding the one that shows your best colors. When choosing the theme, you need to look for one that is specifically designed for e-commerce. You cannot go with just any theme because you want to promote your products and have a layout where people will be able to browse with ease.

The great news is that there are layouts that are made for online stores, and some of them are free for you to install. You can even conduct surveys and see what your customers like the best. If you don’t want to risk things, you can just ask your friends to test things out and help you with the decision.

Remember that layouts and plugins go hand in hand, so you should choose the theme considering the plugins and vice versa. The menu needs to be visible and easy to access. It should also have all the necessary information, so spend some time customizing this part.

2. Security

When you set up a website that does not require your users to enter their personal information, you should worry about cybersecurity only for yourself. In these cases, you need to make sure that someone does not take your site down, and they don’t hack it or change your password.

On the other hand, when you have a shopping site, you have to protect both your information and your customers’. If your site gets hacked, your customers may lose their personal information, they can get their identity stolen, and their bank accounts will get compromised.

Because of this, you need a platform that will offer security and give you different features to make sure every information is safe. When it comes to WordPress, you have different layers of safety features. First of all, the platform itself is encrypted, and your data is really hard to get stolen. You need to always install the latest updates to make sure that the platform itself can protect you and your website.

You should also add some plug-ins that will add an additional layer of security. Some plug-ins are free for you to download and use, and others require an inexpensive sum to be installed. Look for the ones that give you all the things you need, and that offer unique features.

3. Plug-ins

There are thousands of different plug-ins you can add to your store, but you need to be smart when choosing the right ones. If you put too many of them, then your site may become slow, and it will start lagging. When a site is not fully loaded for more than 3 seconds, chances are, users will just close it and go somewhere else.

To make sure that does not happen, and to choose the right things you should install, you should look for plugins that offer several features in one. According to Xansibar.com, the all-in-one systems will give you features including the ability to add or remove images, manage your inventory, schedule things like emails and promotions, and much more.

As we mentioned before, some of these plugins are free for you to install them, and some need to be purchased. When choosing one, you should first make sure that it is safe to download and use. Look for plugins that have high ratings and that have been installed by many people.

You should always get an SEO one that will help you keep your content perfect, and that will ensure that your articles show on the first page of Google. Users say that Yoast is one of the best ones, but you may want to check several different ones before you choose the right one for you.

Don’t overburden your site with widgets that are not going to be useful. You don’t need the weather widget, no matter how cute you think it looks. It will just make the website load slowly and your customers will not get any happier. Always install something that will help you keep your site more secure, and if you are not sure which features are the best for you, you can always ask the professionals or talk to people who are in the same field.

WordPress offers a lot of different features when it comes to plugins and widgets, and they are all neatly listed by rating, downloads, or brand. So, if you are in doubt, just use the sorting feature and see which ones are recommended and used by others.

This platform is available on all devices, so you won’t have to carry your laptop around, just to see how things are going. It is also extremely easy to install and use, and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to find your way around it. You can also let your customers rate and review your shop, so you can show others why they should make a purchase in your store. Spend some time checking the features around, and once you start using WordPress, you will never go back to another platform.

Screen Printing Options for Custom-Designed T-Shirts

By

Iva Aris

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July 9, 2020

Everybody likes to get a t-shirt when they go somewhere. It’s fun. Everyone has it, and its somewhat cool. But when you are going to make your own T-shirt, the options can throw you off. You walk in and say I want a shirt printed, and then the menu of the different styles of printing makes you want to walk out.

That’s pretty much how I feel at Starbucks. I want a coffee, and I have no idea what all the options even mean. Even the way they do the sizes doesn’t make sense, but I digress.

If you can navigate through those different printing options, you can make some really cool stuff. People always enjoy it, and we even have the phrase, “Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.”

Years ago, there was a massive flood in Houston, and I remember a group made T-shirts and were helping with the recovery. Though I was helping with healing as well, I couldn’t stop asking people where they got the shirts and how I could get one. It’s silly, I realize, but it’s true, and if I thought about it, no doubt other people did as well.

Here is a quick breakdown of the different printing options that you have. But first:

What is a screen print anyway?

Screen printing is a cool way of putting ink through a stencil directly onto a t-shirt so that the ink lies on top of the shirt instead of actually having the shirt’s fibers soak up the ink. Shirts are done one at a time. The shirt is laid out, and then the stencil is placed over the shirt. On top of the stencil is a layer of ink that gets brushed through the stencil onto the shirt. It’s pretty fun. (image needed)

So now that you know what screen printing is, here are the options:

Not in any specific order.

1. Spot Color

This is the most common printing type. The way this one works is that one specific color is put directly on the shirt. So if you have T-shirts that just need to say a couple of words such as a yellow shirt and you want black ink to stand out, then our stencil is made of the words, and then the ink is put on top it just shows the words. Pretty straightforward. Spot color can have one or two colors, but that’s really about it. Anything over two colors and you’re getting into a different style of print such as Simulated Process.

2. Simulated Process

If you have a sophisticated design that can’t be produced by just one color or two, then what you need is a Simulated Process. Halftone dots are used to create photo-realistic images. What is really happening is a blend of Spot Color printing. If you think about the Spot Color process, image numerous stencils with different colors in order to achieve the artwork. These can work great on light-colored shirts or even dark colored shirts.

3. CMYK

When it comes to printing, CMYK, which stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (yes, I realize black is spelled with a B), is where a full photograph is broken down into the four colors. By blending these four colors, every possible color variation can be made. There’s really nothing that can’t be printed because when it’s broken down to CMYK, all possible colors are available. This style works best on white shirts.

4. Specialty Inks

I include Specialty Inks as an option, but really these are inks that have glitter attached, gels or metallic inks, etc.… They make the shirts stand out a lot more, but its really the Sport Color or Simulated Process or printing. These are pre-fabricated inks, and most print companies have numerous kinds.

5. Embroidery

Since embroidery has to do with putting artwork on clothing, I include it. Embroidery is when you stitch something onto a garment with thread. These are pretty common for hats and for polo shirts, but aside from that, you don’t see embroidery too much on clothing. Since embroidery is stitched, it’s not like printing in any way as far as what design it can have. If you get into a super complex, it won’t always work because stitching layers thread on top of itself. So stitching complex designs wouldn’t be something people would want even if the machines can do it.

A small comment on graphic design

You can pick the best print style that’s cost-effective that you like, but if you don’t have a good design, then no matter what, it’s not going to look great. Some companies want you to upload your design or turn in your design, but if it’s a graphic artist who does not check, it could look really bad. Some designers charge a lot for their designs, and some don’t charge anything for designers to come up with a killer design.

For an incredible gallery of what the possibilities could be for custom screen prints, check out the gallery at Texas Ink in Houston. They do all the graphic design and the printing in the house for their clients.

There are numerous ways you can get custom shirts by doing it online or going into a store, but either way, the options mentioned above are pretty much the same options everyone has.

In this article, we are mainly talking about T-shirts, but it could be any style of apparel from Dri-Fit clothing to polos, sweatshirts, pajamas, and the idea.

Wrapping it Up

So it’s up to you, but who doesn’t love a T-shirt? For your next family outing, or the next get-together, or business trip, consider getting some custom printed shirts or even hats that will make it memorable and fun. The price for one color Spot printed T-shirts is not that much, but their excitement is well worth it.

5 Common Mistakes People Make When Hiring Web Designers

By

Billy Voss

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July 8, 2020

If you ever need a website for your business, then a web designer is the person to hire. In today’s world of digital transformation, being a business owner, and not owning a website is a mistake to avoid.

That’s because the internet offers every business the chance to explore another venue; a venue that is far more commonly used than anything else.

On average, people spend up to 4 hours of their time on the internet. And what do they do? They watch videos, surf, and they might be interested in doing business with you.

But how would they find you if you don’t have a website? This is exactly why you need to hire a web designer. But like most hiring gigs, there are a few mistakes to avoid during the process.

In this article, we are going to tell you all about those 5 common mistakes.

1. Paying Too Little

Paying too little is a mistake that every business owner makes whenever they decide to hire a web designer. That’s because designers know their value and they will rarely work for anything but that value.

So, when ten designers reject you because you offer them far too little than what they expect, you’ll turn your attention towards hiring people with significantly worse quality.

But this is only one side of the table. Sometimes, you’ll find a sweet deal online that’ll build you a website for $500. This, by all means, sounds excellent and is definitely worth the price.

But what about the level of service you’ll be getting? Do you really think that the website will look good or be fully functional if you pay $500?

Well, I guess it depends on the type of website, but even blogs need to run properly. So, instead of paying too little for bad service, why don’t you pay the amount the designer asks?

2. Not Asking For Their Portfolio

You’ll quickly realize that every mistake on this list is connected with the previous one.

And that’s why you should never pay what the designer asks before asking for their portfolio.

Experienced and professional web designers will always attach their CV or their online portfolio. This is how they freelance and clients in the real world.

A designer’s portfolio is their bread and butter. A person will rarely hire anyone based on word of mouth, and that’s something you shouldn’t do as well.

So, whenever you’re being approached by a couple of potential web designers, make sure to ask for their portfolios to see their level of work and expertise.

3. Paying Too Much

Sometimes you have a huge budget and you want the best website. You want to be the coolest guy with the coolest website. Don’t get us wrong, have a modern website that meets the standards of the current design trends is great and all, but you should be wary as to how much you’re paying.

You might think that building such a website costs significantly more than an ordinary one. And while it does, to some degree, always know how much you should be paying and never overpay.

On average, websites can cost anything from $1,000 to $25,000. But the only way for you to avoid this mistake is to know the value of your website.

If you need an eCommerce store, then you’ll pay more money. But if you need a blog, then don’t expect to pay $10,000.

Web design firms, such as S9, will give you a quote before moving further with negotiations. They will also talk extensively on the subjects of capabilities and features so they can formulate a price.

Never settle for what a designer asks and always ask for them to elaborate on why you’re paying a certain amount.

4. Website Maintenance

Oh boy, where do we begin with this one? Website maintenance is probably the most important aspect when owning a website. That’s because it involves security, maintenance, and updating your website.

People charge a lot of money just to maintain websites, and for good reasons. Namely, every business that owns a website will at some point need to change things up.

But if they have no idea how to do it, then they’ll have to either call the designer back or hire another one.

When in this situation, it’s always better to negotiate for annual website maintenance with the person that’s built your website. Why is this better? Well, that’s because the person knows the ins and outs of their code.

They know how to access and style each heading and each div element. But not only that, they know how to fix any potential problems with the code because they’ve written it. While others will also know the answer to the issue, it’s safe to say that it will be significantly more time-consuming.

So, if you want to avoid a very costly and time-consuming mistake, make sure to always negotiate a fee for future maintenance gigs with your designer.

5. Not Educating Yourself On the Subject Of Search Engine Optimization

Short for SEO, search engine optimization is very important for any business that wishes to market themselves on the internet. SEO is a practice that allows people to find you when browsing the online world.

It involves the use of keywords and keyphrases whenever on Google or any other search engine. Every website absolutely must use SEO as it is the only way to naturally and organically attract traffic to your website.

While there are other ways for people to find out about you, this is the least expensive one. SEO might sound very strange to you, but it is one of the most important aspects of being a business owner online.

Whenever hiring a web designer, ask whether or not they’re knowledgeable in search engine optimization. One thing to keep in mind though, a good SEO job on your site will cost you a lot of money.

So don’t expect to come off cheap.

10 Advantages of Having a Home Gym

By

Billy Voss

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July 8, 2020

Although playing sports is very important, it is true that we do not always find enough time to include this habit, essential for our health, in our daily routine. Having a private gym in your home will undoubtedly help you to generate this routine with all the comforts you need, thereby bringing numerous benefits to your health.

Sport is essential for the proper functioning of the body and mind. It not only helps you maintain the physical shape but also makes you feel good about yourself. This is because, when we practice any sporting activity, we release endorphins, which are responsible for making us feel happy. In addition, sport is a natural antidepressant, improves heart problems, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks, helps you sleep better, reduces stress and, in the long term, makes you have more energy in your day today.

That is why we will speak today about the advantages of having a home gym and some basic tips for setting it up.

Where to locate your home gym?

The best place in the house to locate a private gym depends, first, on the specific characteristics of each home and, later, on the tastes and needs of the person. There are many options to locate it, but you must always take into account the size of the room so that they are the right dimensions that allow you to train comfortably. In addition, it is important that you have plenty of space to incorporate new machines and the latest sports innovations.

A really attractive option is that your private gym has a covered part, for most of the year and another outdoors, thus being able to enjoy workouts outdoors when the weather is right. Also, if you have a pool, having it nearby will give you the opportunity to include swimming in your exercise routine or relax after each workout. Ultimately, in the end, you should have your private gym in a place that makes it easier for you to work out, while maintaining the style and elegance of your house.

10 advantages of having a home gym

As long as you have discipline with exercise, it is possible to reach that balance between body, mind and soul that we seek so much.

Among the 10 most important benefits of having gym equipment at home we have:

1. Weight control

When you have gym equipment at home it is easier to keep the weight under control. This is because there will be no excuses to implement exercise practice every day.

By staying at a good weight it is possible to minimize the risks of suffering diseases such as:

Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Sleep apnea
Respiratory problems
Cancer of the breast, colon and endometrium

2. It favors mental health

With the right equipment, mental health will also benefit, since exercising every day is a great help to minimize depression. In fact, there are many studies that certify that people who do not do much physical activity are more irritable, live with fatigue, and have tension problems. All these symptoms can be eliminated by working out.

3. Positive impact on bones

Bones will benefit in a positive way. In the case of children, it is perfect to help them increase their bone density, in adolescents it allows them to strengthen them, and in the case of adults, it manages to delay degeneration to prevent osteoporosis.

4. Heart care

The heart is involved in all the activities we do every day, and whenever we exercise it can be strengthened. By maintaining a continuous exercise routine, the heart will be able to function more efficiently, because it will pump the blood with less effort. This is of great help to minimize blood pressure and the risks of heart disease.

5. More oxygen for the brain

With the gym equipment, we can plan an exercise routine, and work constantly. This will be essential to improve the flow of oxygen to the brain and create something that scientists call “brain reserve.”

With this reserve, the brain is able to compensate for the loss of nerve cells, which is something that occurs as we get older. In addition to that, the exercise is perfect to improve memory, concentration, and stay alert.

6. Exercise at your own pace

Possibly in the gym, you have a personal trainer or you already have a routine to do in mind, but when you go to the gym you can notice that equipment are being occupied by someone else. This will never happen to you at home. You will have the freedom to choose the time and equipment whenever you want, without limitation to use them.

7. Internet access

In addition to exercising, with the internet it is possible to create new routines. You can place television and choose the new exercises that you will implement in your physical activity. And after finishing your workout you can just turn on your laptop and find the necessary equipment from the comfort of your home, while drinking a protein shake, at stores with online offer like jetcube.co

8. Controlled odors

When you exercise with so many people in the gym, people’s smells and sweat can make you uncomfortable. In addition to that there are people who do not carry their towel and leave the machines full of their sweat and smell. With your own at home you will not have to share or smell strange things in the environment.

9. Goodbye laziness!

When you manage to have gym equipment in your own home, laziness can easily disappear, since you will feel motivated to complete your series of exercises because you have all the necessary elements for physical activity. By moving to the gym room at home, you can start your routine without wasting time.

10. No noise

Many times the noise caused by machines and the background music is somewhat loud for your taste. When working from home, you can choose whether to do your routine with some music or not. Basically you can control the rhythm and intensity of the noise according to your tastes and needs.

Conclusion:

Last but not least, having a spa at home means finishing your routine with the perfect moment of relaxation. Resting in a sauna or Jacuzzi after a good exercise session is a pleasure that is totally worth it!

With all this, there is no doubt that having a private gym at home only brings benefits. It will allow you to gain quality of life and improve your health while reinvesting the time you have left in your family or any other leisure activities.

5 Things You Need to Know About Buying a Coffee Maker

By

Billy Voss

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July 8, 2020

For those of us who like coffee, we really know how important it is in our lives. In fact, it could be said that our day to day revolves around this delicious drink. The day starts when we drink our first one. If there is one drink that has stood out worldwide, despite all cultures, it is coffee. Especially in modern society, where coffee serve as gasoline for human beings, a way to socialize, and even an art form. A few simple roasted beans made into drink have become the basis of our daily life.

Thus, buying a new coffee maker to meet our demands for this liquid gold is not a trivial task. You should ponder and take into account some important factors before making the purchase.

How does the espresso machine work?

Once the ground coffee is placed in the pot and lightly pressed, the machine does the rest of the work. Basically it heats the water so that it reaches a lot of pressure (12 -15 bars) and makes it go through the pot where the ground coffee is. As the water is at a high temperature and pressure, coffee extraction is very fast.

The only task is to press it. If you press it too much, you will have very thick coffee. If, on the contrary, you leave it very loose, it will too much like water.

Regarding grinding, it is important that it has a fine grind.

Types of espresso machines

Within the group of espresso machines we have three types of machines, according to Cuppabean.

-Semi-automatic: extraction must be controlled manually.

-Automatic: the extraction of it is done by the machine. In other words, you load the pot, lightly press the coffee, press a button and the machine does the rest. In this group are usually the, so fashionable, capsule machines. , instead of working with ground products, they work with capsules (which is basically ground coffee and vacuum packed so that it does not lose properties).

-Super-automatic: the machine itself grinds, presses it, and prepares it at the touch of a button. For more information on super-automatic espresso machines, you can click here.

If you are still not sure which type is best for you, before proceeding to the things you need to know, this website can help you narrow down your choice.

Things you need to know

1. How much do you drink?

If you have a single cup in the morning to kick off your day with energy, a coffee maker that brews one by one would be the ideal model. However, If there are several at-home who drink it and more than one, perhaps one that prepares several cups at a time, like Italian coffee makers, it would be advisable, so as not to be preparing one followed by another and making a good tank at once.

In this sense, if you drink several, you can also opt for drip machines, which prepare a good tank and are electric. They are the typical ones that we see in American movies. They have a very simple operation and low prices. For more information click here.

2. Brewing temperature

If you like the good taste of coffee, the brewing temperature is another factor that you should consider before buying, since the correct temperature for an ideal preparation is usually around 80 degrees and some machines they do not reach such degrees. So, you must make sure that the machine you buy can prepare at this temperature, which, in general, all of them usually indicate it clearly on the box. If the model you like does not indicate it, or does not reach those degrees, it may be a good reason not to buy it.

3. Cleaning process

Something that has such frequent use and that is also to consume, you need to have perfect hygiene. For this reason, you also have to take into account how easy it is to clean since it is something that you will do practically constantly. Do you have time to dedicate it to it? Are you going to be able to keep it in good condition, require the cleaning it requires? You need to choose one that suits your lifestyle and not the other way around.

4. Stainless steel or glass jug

In addition to aesthetics and design, there are other differences between a glass jug and a stainless steel one. The most important, it could be said, is the time they keep it hot once it is made. While a glass mug holds hot coffee for about 20 minutes or so, a stainless steel mug can hold it almost three times as long, also roughly.

Something that comes great when the one who gets up first prepares it and can leave it hot for the next to drink it, if he gets up a little later, and thus he does not have to reheat it or make one again.

However, a glass jug allows you to see how it is being made and also enjoy its aroma during the process. If for you the smell and seeing it before tasting it is something important, or not, it is something that you should also consider before choosing between a metal or glass jug.

5. Special characteristics

Another thing to consider when choosing the new one is what kind of features you want.

For example, if the first thing you do when you wake up is drinking coffee, a programmable machine that has everything ready as soon as your alarm clock rings, maybe what you need. You can also take into account, if after making coffee you have to clean it immediately, or not, in case you do not have time in the morning and what you do after drinking it, dressing and grooming, is running away without time for anything else.

Conclusion

Today there are all kinds of machines with different characteristics, prices and designs to be limited to one that does not fully satisfy our demands. It is a relatively cheap investment, but of great personal importance to all of us who enjoy coffee. It is worth taking a few minutes to go through these things you need to know and then make a good purchase.

5 Annual Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips

By

Billy Voss

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July 8, 2020

Having a pool at home is a total privilege, it is having at your disposal a place to cool off and have fun at all times, especially now the heat is becoming more unbearable every day plus the public pools are closed due to the pandemic. But at the same time, we must also bear in mind that having a swimming pool is a great responsibility, it is not only a matter of filling it with water, it requires maintenance and care if we want the fun to last.

One of the main maintenance that must be done is the quality of the water that it contains, since if it is not completely clean we expose ourselves to infections and subsequent discomforts, and one of the crucial points is to prevent the water from turning of a greenish color since this is a more than evident sign that the water is not at all suitable for our use.

There are professionals who can be in charge of maintaining it, but if you are one of those who prefers to carry it out, either because of a matter of trust at work or because you like to personally take care of these matters, here we bring you tips that will facilitate your annual maintance.

1. Use of covers

Placement of solar cover during the summer and protection cover during the winter. The placement of both types of covers prevents organic matter from the outside to fall into it (pollen, leaves, pollution, soil ), which means that less chemical is consumed and the useful life of the filter and material is extended to the avoid much of the dirt. In this way, we also save on maintenance time in both winter and summer. The placement of solar covers during the summer prevents the evaporation of the water by around 60%, which represents a significant saving in water.

This means savings in water and also a disinfectant since if you use disinfectant, it prevents the pool from consuming more chemical than necessary. In the case of heated swimming pools, the placement of this type of cover when it is not used helps to maintain the temperature of the water, which translates into savings in electricity consumption.

Winter cover: Covering it in winter we save on maintenance costs, chemical product and save a lot of work because it is protected from dirt from the outside.

2. Regulate the pH value

Measure the pH value with an analyzer. The optimal value must be between 7 and 7.5. If it is below, use a pH booster and, if it is above, use a pH reducer. Add the product directly on the water and never through the skimmer. To dose correctly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. There are other substances that should also be controlled to avoid any damage to our skin and body and among them, we have the level of chlorine, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, the level of magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate and sulfate. The test strips will help you measure the substances contained in your pool in a very fast way, the elements that you can measure with it are the PH, the chlorine and the cyanuric acid, the best thing is that you can get them in any store that specializes in swimming pools.

3. Disinfect water

Apply quick disinfection chlorine, whose function is to destroy microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, germs). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosing and note the volume of the pool. The optimal level of chlorine should be between 0.5 mg / l and 1.5 mg / l, so, once applied, wait a few hours and analyze the water again with a pH and free chlorine analyzer to verify that the levels are correct. Keep in mind that the better you maintain the pool, the longer it will take before you need pool resurfacing. Still, don’t delay that job for too long either. Visit poolresurfacingpalmsprings.com to see how resurfacing is done.

4. Prevention of algae

The formation of algae causes a green coloration and makes the surfaces slippery. The longer it takes to eliminate them, the more complicated it will be to make them disappear, so it is convenient to apply an algicide as prevention. This way you will make the water transparent and avoid bad odors. Add weekly the amount indicated by the manufacturer to protect and prevent effectively. If algae have already formed in your pool, it is most likely not just applying the algicide, you will need to add an additional supply of chlorine.

5. Filter maintenance

To keep the filter clean we have to backwash and clean and disinfect the sand once a year before the start of the summer season. It is also important to remove the calcium from the filter (several times a year depending on the hardness of the water). On the other hand, it is recommended that every 5 years (depending on the use and characteristics of the water) the filter be changed if it is made of siliceous sand. The filter is the kidneys of the pool, so you must take proper care of it.

Tricks to save

We compiled a series of tricks and tips so that you can save on the maintenance.

-Do not empty it during the year to refill it in summer. This requires conserving water in winter, but, in addition to being cheaper than refilling it, you will avoid spending thousands and thousands of liters each year filling it. To preserve it, you must prevent it from freezing and getting dirty, so place floating plastic elements on it to prevent it from freezing.

-Use an automatic cleaner, since you will save 20% of water when washing the filter.

-Periodically check the installation. In this way you will minimize damage, and eliminate the risk of breakdowns, so you will save the costs derived from a possible problem, leak or repair.

-Use efficient pumps. These are used to bring the water to its filtration in the treatment plant. Efficient ones spend less.

-Install a timer. It is a very effective alternative to avoid unnecessary energy expenditure. In this way, your program and limit the filtering time.

-To light, it, opt for LEDs, as you will save 80% on electricity costs.

Conclusion:

If you have it or are considering building one, now you already know the maintenance you will have to do and the best tricks so you can save money.

Gym Equipment Advancements

By

Daniela Meyer

-

July 8, 2020

connected-fitness-home-fitness-equipment — Source: coleofduty

It is easy to take modern exercise equipment for granted and forget the old-school gyms with little more than free weights. The remarkable advances in machinery and technologies are easily lost amid the overall rapid progress in technology everywhere. Looking at how these changes have occurred may reveal some trends about where fitness facilities are headed in the future. Such an examination may also identify available tools that may have been overlooked and deepen an appreciation for the progress in physical fitness gear.

Early Developments

Prior to the 20^th century, the use of machinery in the field of physical fitness was minimal. One notable exception was Dudley Allen Sargent’s work while he was the director of Hemenway Gymnasium at Harvard University. Mr. Sargent developed variable weight resistance and pulley machines that truly were ahead of their time. Otherwise, medical therapies using mechanized equipment did exist but sought health benefits rather than physical development or fitness. These early steps paved the way for progress from crude beginnings all the way up to websites like mypowerlife.com.

Gym Equipment Developments

Rapid innovations in physical fitness equipment began to appear after World War II in gymnasiums around the world. In 1957, his celebrity status as a bodybuilder helped Harold Zinkin develop weightlifting machinery known as the “Universal Gym”. This equipment incorporated stacks of weighted plates arranged so that the amount of weight being lifted could easily be adjusted. Additionally, an arrangement of different adjacent stations allowed gym patrons to conveniently switch between upper and lower body weight training exercises.

The next innovation to hit health clubs was the phenomenon known as “Nautilus Machines”. While built on somewhat similar principles as the Universal Gym, Nautilus weight systems incorporated advanced linkages that transfer resistance more consistently. These machines rapidly invaded school gyms and professional sports facilities around the globe.

Specialized Equipment Developments

Weightlifting, while still a staple of the gym, has been joined by a host of new machinery to augment workouts for everyone. This diversification in equipment includes the addition of the treadmill as a cardio exercise activity. The treadmill has a long and storied history outside of physical fitness but was first employed at the gym during the 1960s. A gym favorite, treadmills have advanced to include adjustable angles to simulate uphill walking or running.

Another introduction in the 1980s brought the stair climbing simulator to the gym floor. These machines have also been improved to include customizable speed and resistance to tailor the workout intensity.

The elliptical trainer or cross-trainer machines joined the gym collection in the early 1990s. This equipment varies somewhat between manufacturers and designs but most ellipticals include linkages that engage upper body muscle groups. This design allows for the distribution of effort to most major muscle groups of the body improving the overall efficiency of the workout. An advantage these machines offer is their low impact placing less strain on joints and ligaments.

Additionally, the advancements of machines that Measure body composition have given valuable information to gym goers. In the past, the only information available was an individual’s weight. Now that individuals can measure things like body fat and the composition of their entire body, they can focus on exercises tailored to their needs.

Home-based Gym Equipment Developments

A general trend of increasing interest in fitness through the last decades of the 21^st century spawned demand for exercise equipment that could be used in homes. Some would-be fitness buffs were put off by the public nature of gyms and the cost of gym memberships. Several equipment manufacturers began developing and selling equipment to address this demand. Among these were the NordicTrack brand and Bowflex machinery (a product of Nautilus, Inc.). These machines created a new market for at home workout equipment and enthusiasts. Here are the best portable home gym equipment according to JaquishBiomedical.

Gym Atmosphere

An improvement to the atmosphere of the modern gym is due to an increase in strength-based training programs, like lifting weights or performing bodyweight exercises, which are some of the most beneficial workout options. According to NBC News, building muscle improves mental health, self-esteem and cognitive abilities. Focusing on building strength can also help you lose weight, build a leaner figure and tackle daily activities like carrying groceries or climbing stairs with more ease. If you’re committed to lifting weights, should you choose a home gym or head to the nearest fitness center? Gyms offer a range of equipment, including squat cages, benches and barbells. You can also find a spotter to help you lift or even hire a personal trainer to teach your proper form. However, some gyms frown on serious weight-lifting and ban key exercises like deadlifts or clean-and-jerks. Most serious lifters either join a lifting-focused gym or build up a barbell collection at home.

According to Scientific American, heading to the gym with a buddy makes you more likely to stick with your work-out plan. Gyms today offer lots of social benefits, including group classes, regular meetups with other exercisers and advice from staff and patrons on proper form. The atmosphere can turn negative, though, if you find a club where poor manners or poor form reign supreme. If you’re an introvert, you might prefer to exercise in the privacy of your own home, where you don’t have to interact with anyone.

Computer Technology Developments

Microprocessors entered the market through consumer electronics equipment late in the 1980s as personal computers became a popular product. Exercise equipment manufacturers soon began incorporating the features made possible with computer hardware and software. These allowed for tracking performance over time and logging workout data.

Today, the rise in the popularity of wearable technologies is playing an important role in fitness equipment. The advent of the internet and connected devices capable of data collection and communications enables a rich layer of features in exercise routines. Exercise equipment now routinely includes blue-tooth connectivity for cellphone, smartwatch and fitness band technologies. These devices track important health metrics such as heart and respiration rate.

Like many other areas, fitness equipment has benefitted from rapid technological advancements. The trends for future improvements in exercise machinery and technology appear to be toward highly personalized and customizable fitness routines. Continued progress will undoubtedly result in better health outcomes for those who take advantage of these improvements.

What is the WoW Classic Boost and What Are Reaping Benefits That Come Along With?

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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July 7, 2020

WoW (World of Warcraft) is an online multiplayer game which has certainly left its mark on the online community, the game is known for scenic views and extraordinary gameplay which the players from around the world seriously adore. The game presents itself as challenging, riveting, and at times stuck at certain iterations for the new players.

Where the game is at?

WoW launched back in the day with a lot of promise to engage the players in a better strategy equipped scenario and pleasantly themed role-playing title. But the audience wanted more and the success of the game among the internet was clear evidence of that. So, keeping it in review the Blizzard Entertainment released another iteration of the game which is WoW Azeroth which was yet another milestone achieved dearly by the game. If it wasn’t enough the WoW party released another title known as the WoW classic which is known to be the most riveting and challenging of them all.

Currently, the players seem torn on which title they should begin their journey with but in the end, it is all the same. Whether you begin with WoW or WoW classic one thing is for sure and that is you will be dearly enjoying each and every aspect of it.

Why beginners have a hard time with the game?

The game itself is pretty far fetched and provides a great deal to the audience. There are different arenas, maps, worlds, and characters that can be customized by the players in order to continue playing the game. But for a beginner, this can be an overwhelming scenario where they have to deal with all this and focus on winning with the artillery that is no good and they got for next to nothing. This is a strategy-oriented game with a keen focus on warlike tactics, so if you want to win and don’t be stuck later on at a particular mission then you must have the skills, talent to develop a strategy and superfluous artillery to knock the enemies down.

That is why a beginner might have a hard time grasping the prospects of the game while making their way up the ladder. That is where the WoW classic boost service comes into play; professionals will be taking over your game and helping you in raiding, completing missions, unlocking achievements, and building your specific ranking, to begin with.

The WoW classic boosting service allows the players to emerge out as the next best version of themselves. For an instance, leave all the mess behind, no more hiding in the shadows so a pro player doesn’t crush you, always having the least powerful weaponry to fight the war and failing during raiding or completing other such aspects. When you have the game boosted the only thing that you will have left yourself with is a clear path to success and your hands wielding the weapon all the way to the end while crushing your enemies and completing legendary loots in between.

Various WoW classic boosting services you can choose from

Dungeon clear—Choosing this service the pro players on your game will clear out every dungeon there is
Raids—this is something many beginners struggle with, all the raids will be completed and at a cheaper price
Power leveling—Power up your characters and have them marching on bigger conflicts and challenges
Reputations—get your hands on whatever reputation that you like
Mounts—Some of the rarest mounts can be retrieved using this service
Farming—Get the best of farming under that one adjustable price
Gold—Get the desired amount of gold in the game using this service

Why go with WoW classic boost? What are the benefits?

There are many companies out there and third-party vendors that are known to do a pretty impressive job at boosting all the goals that you have mentioned to them, one such example is the Ifcarry. It is a great third-party vendor out there that provides a luscious boosting service for the game. Some of the most endearing benefits that come across via boosting are termed as follows;

Variety of services—you can get your hands on a variety of the services covered by the boosting companies, there are a variety of areas that need to be covered within the game and sought out at close proximity for great rankings and power leveling. You will certainly get them covered with this service.
Talented boosters—the companies out there who provide access to the boosting service has the most tenacious and amazing boosters in their clutches. These professionals know each and every detail of the game and can provide you with exceptional service through and through
Direct communication—say you want a more hands-on experience with your boosting instead of simply waiting away in the shadows for the boosting to be over, the direct communication service is something you can go with. It allows a booster and the client to be in direct communication and collaboration with each other, a great chance for you to delegate the professional on the type of boosting you require.
Safe and instant service—the boosting service provided to you via these third-party vendors is instant and completely safe. You won’t have to stay in lines, watering yourself off with anxiety to get the service it is instantly provided to you. The safety of this whole setup ensures that it is not only convenient but comes with a 100% client satisfaction rate or else you can have your money back
24/7 customer support—many dedicated boosting companies out there will also provide you access with their customer support. Thus you can get in contact whenever there is a problem with your newly boosted game or you simply want to troubleshoot something. Rest assured you will be dearly entertained.

WoW classic boosting is picking up pace in the rest of the world, there are many professionals out there providing the services and many users acquiring it to go the extra mile. So, what are you waiting for? Want to be a pro in the game? Then ask for your boosting service right away.

Shakshuka: Everything You Need to Know and a Healthy Recipe

By

Daniela Meyer

-

July 7, 2020

Shakshuka-Updated-photos_ — Source: freshoffthegrid

Shakshuka is easily one of the most versatile dishes ever invented. It is inexpensive,
healthy, and easy to make, not to mention that it falls right in the class of comfort foods.
If that was not enough, you can make it with ingredients likely already in your fridge and
have it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
And the icing on the cake? This meal is a one-pan wonder that eliminates the need for
countless dishes- and subsequent cleaning.

But what exactly is shakshuka?

Shakshuka is a famous Israeli dish consisting of a thick sauce of tomatoes, peppers,
onions, garlic, and various spices topped with poached eggs. Mostly, it is eaten with an
accompaniment of bread or other starches. Check out SpiceWorldinc.com for bread recipes.

The word shakshuka means ‘mixed up’ or ‘jumbled up,’ which is ample description of
what it is. Over the years, different methods of preparing the dish have emerged,
ranging from vegetarian to meat variations.

What are the origins of shakshuka?

While shakshuka is a staple meal in Israel, it has its origins in the Middle East and North
Africa, likely from Tunisia and Yemen. Historians, however, believe that it dates as far
back as the Ottoman Empire, where it consisted of meat and vegetables.
It is believed that this dish was taken to Israel by Jewish immigrants from North Africa
who, without much to spend, relied on it for sustenance. Gradually, as new ingredients
such as tomatoes and peppers were introduced from the west, the dish evolved, and
variations of it spread worldwide.

In Italy, for example, there is a similar dish known as ‘eggs in purgatory,’ and in Mexico,
you will find ‘huevos rancheros.’ Present-day Turkey enjoys ‘menemen’, a meal with
eggs scrambled in with tomatoes, peppers, and spices.
Because of its simplicity and use of ordinary, everyday ingredients, shakshuka has
spread its tentacles to breakfast tables all over the world. The specific ingredients might
vary with where you are, but at its heart is the comforting goodness of fresh, healthy
ingredients.

When is the best time to have shakshuka?

As mentioned, on simshomekitchen.com, this dish is so versatile that you can have it for
breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In Israel, it is found in most breakfast tables, but this is not
cast in stone.

While you can have it at any time, shakshuka is sure great for those cold, winter days
when you need something hot and spicy to warm you up. Not to mention healthy,
hearty, and comforting and a great addition to a vegetarian diet.
Might you have had a few too many at that office party? There is no better cure for a
hangover than eggs in a thick tomato sauce with plenty of veggies or meat.
If you love to host, a beautifully done shakshuka can be the perfect centerpiece in a
family dinner.

How to make shakshuka

One thing that makes this dish great is its adaptability. You can add whatever
ingredients you want, or leave those that you don’t like. For instance, if you are not that
keen on vegetarian food, you can add minced beef or sausages.
You can also add vegetables like spinach and asparagus with goat cheese or feta. You
can add a variety of spices or have it mild.
Depending on how many people you are cooking for, you can add and reduce
ingredients as you see fit. Whichever way you like it, you cannot go wrong with
shakshuka.

Here is our favorite (traditional) shakshuka recipe:

Ingredients:

● 4 tablespoons olive oil
● One onion, diced
● Four garlic cloves, diced
● One green bell pepper, chopped
● One red bell pepper, chopped
● 2 teaspoons paprika
● ½ teaspoon cumin
● 2 teaspoons sugar
● 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or add as needed)
● 1 800g (28 ounces) can whole peeled tomatoes
● Six large eggs
● Small bunch of coriander/ parsley/ cilantro chopped
● Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until
translucent.
2. Add peppers and continue stirring until both ingredients are soft, then add garlic
and other spices. Cook for another two or three minutes.
3. Pour the tomatoes and stir them in a mashing fashion using a large wooden
spoon. Add the sugar and continue stirring.
4. Add salt and pepper and allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Do not
skimp on the simmering time as you need the sauce to thicken enough to support
the eggs.
5. Using the large wooden spoon, create ‘wells’ in the sauce and break the eggs
into each well.
6. Turn the heat down, cover the pan and cook for a few more minutes until the
eggs are done to your preference.
7. Garnish with the cilantro/coriander/parsley and serve with your choice of bread.
The most popular options are pita, nan, or challah.

Notes:

● A typical shakshuka is prepared with runny, poached eggs. If this is the
consistency you are looking for, be careful to take them off the heat early enough
as they will continue cooking. You can also leave the pan on longer to cook them
some more.
● Although traditionally this dish is served with a side of bread, you can also have it
with couscous or rice, as well as other starches such as roast potatoes and
quinoa.
● If you are the adventurous type, do not be afraid to try different mix in ideas such
as chicken, shrimp, eggplants, or chickpeas.
● If you are having your shakshuka for breakfast, you can prepare the tomato
sauce the previous night to save time. All you have to do in the morning is add
the eggs.
● Shakshuka is not the ideal candidate for leftovers, as the eggs will continue to
cook when heated. But, if you have some leftover anyway, no reason that you
can’t re-heat it the next day and even add some new toppings.