Working from Home 101: 8 Must-Have Devices for Your Home Office

June 25, 2020

Maintaining productivity and motivation when working from home can be a challenge, especially without the usual bits and pieces you would use in the office. Recreating an office feeling in your home need not be complex or involve excessive expense, as long as you know where to invest your hard-earned funds. When in doubt, start with a few of these must-haves.

1. Under-Desk Elliptical

From a scientific standpoint, stimulation in the brain can be directly linked with physical movement, which explains the growing trend in office-friendly workout equipment. An under-desk elliptical makes exercise an option at any time of the day without getting in the way or forcing you to part with your computer screen. With a range of settings and resistance levels, these nifty devices can also deliver a serious workout, track caloric burn, and improve your posture in the process.

2. Uplift office desk

No matter where you are working from, an uplifting desk is a great idea. We all know that sitting for a long time can be bad for your back and your legs. An uplifting desk can be a good solution for this problem. It takes just a few seconds to go from sitting to standing and you can just continue to work. This will not just boost your productivity but also improve your mood and increase your energy. People who sit more than six hours per day show more signs of psychological distress than those who sit less. Since work can sometimes be stressful enough, this is definitely something to think about.

3. An Intelligent Printer

Despite the astronomical growth of digital devices, the paper is still a necessary medium of communication for many of us, making a printer a handy addition to any home office. A new printer may not sound like a particularly exciting find, but a quick catalogue search is enough to grasp the value of modern technological upgrades. According to Ink Station, switching to a duplex printer (a printer which prints on both sides of the page by default) is a great way to help preserve paper, which saves you money and time while also reducing your environmental impact.

4. The Perfect Chair

You might think of a chair amongst the most basic of office tools, and you would be right, but there’s nothing basic about the level of comfort and support to be found in this modern design. Anyone who has spent a working day in an uncomfortable chair knows the value of the right fit, and the Kinn Chair promises just that. The design of the chair takes inspiration from the natural shape of the human spine, and its frameless construction allows it to offer complete support throughout your working day. With an addition like this, you can look forward to days of endless comfort in your home office – just don’t fall asleep.

5. WiFi Connectivity

WiFi is absolutely essential for most office workers, and it can be painful adapting to a sub-par internet situation in your home. Avoiding the struggle of navigating black spots and dropouts starts with an investment in the right type of WiFi router. One size does not fit all, and if you live in a space which is larger than a studio or one-bedroom apartment, consider swapping the single router for a wireless mesh system that guarantees more effective coverage of your space. Otherwise, if you’re confident that there’s nothing wrong with your WiFi router, make sure to position your computer close to the device for the best possible connectivity.

6. Mood-Boosting Speakers

What could be more inviting than a room full of your favourite tunes? Music is a great motivator and productivity booster, and one of the benefits of being at home is that you have the chance to swap your headphones for nifty wireless audio equipment. Of course, there is a huge range of different price points for quality speakers, and you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for an immersive audio experience, but these devices are also becoming more affordable and mainstream all the time. Before you make an investment, It would be wise to take your living situation into account, particularly if you’re living in close quarters with other newly-homebound workers, in which case you should probably steer clear of that fancy new model with the extra bass.

7. A Patient Coffee Mug

For many of us, that first, morning coffee is much more than just a habit; it’s an enjoyable way to start the day on the right foot, and that doesn’t have to change now that you’re working from home. Sure, you might be missing that fancy office coffee machine, but a new gadget like a self-heating coffee mug is a great way to treat yourself and bring your daily caffeine fix into the 21st century. With the ability to keep your coffee at your specified temperature until you’re ready to enjoy it, this mug is ideal for working parents, as well as anyone whose morning coffee is often waylaid by meetings and phone calls.

8. “Play Time”

You might think that this is not very important since we are talking about the home office. You are wrong. No matter where your office is, you still need to have a space to relax. When it comes to home offices, going out can distract you and it can take a long time to go back to work. For this reason, you should make a small space in your office where you can rest for a little while. That corner should have everything you need and like to do in your free time. Lazy boy, a good book or a video game or a good cup of coffee, it’s your choice.

Working from home can be a pleasure or a pain, and the difference likely lies in how well you equip your space. We all need a comfortable work environment to thrive and maximise our productivity, and a few extra creature comforts in the mix can’t hurt. Stay focussed on delivering the best work you can and before you know it you will have acclimatised to your new office.

Valorant New Multiplayer Game Boosting Service

Дмитра Врачарић

June 24, 2020

Valorant is a new title in the world of the multiplayer universe and it only released in 2024, but despite this, it has thousands of players playing the game every day, and the number seems to be getting intense with each passing day. Valorant is a fresh and easy to play the game but often the multiplayer battles ranging from a few players to a diverse and number oriented team of players getting on the opponents. The stats such as the map and the gameplay are all neat and tidy, but still, it is a lot to take in for the beginners and the players that have simply started with the game.

Given that the game only came in the year 2024, the gameplay is quite tight, and the overall exploration is also not that easy. Unlike other multiplayer titles, you won’t find various resources hanging around; whatever you get in this game, you will have to work hard. That being said, what is the ultimate remedy that the beginners can try or go out with?

Exciting features of the game Valorant

For a game that came only recently, Valorant definitely has a lot to offer. First of all, the gameplay is exceptionally innovative and a lot different from the other RPG (role-playing titles) out there that serves the multiplayer universe. The game exposes the players to an advanced and digitally dystopian era in which the fight between good and evil has been taken to the next level. The gameplay seems extremely difficult at times, while at others, you are left on your own to bring out the exceptional decision-making skills within you to advance yourself within the game.

The game is seriously tricky and offers a bunch of elements that can also help at times, such as your friends sharing insight with you on how to tackle a specific play and what to do strategy-wise to progress further in the game. Some explorations about the game also reveal that during the gameplay, the conditions can change for the players like a turmoil such as the players that had the best weapons and other resources were switched with the ones who didn’t have the suitable gadgets at all although the change is for the only fraction of some time but still can prove to be an extreme gamechanger.

So, the game is not your casual hit and win type of title, it goes a step ahead and tests the very mettle of the players to achieve higher ranks and get at their absolute best within the game. It is challenging; it is riveting and has got some extreme features overall that make this game stand out from the other multiplayer titles.

Boosting Valorant online

It is the boosting service, raising literally means to improve the overall experience of the game for the user and thus presenting the player with multiple elements that they won’t otherwise be able to get it started. In the boosting service, a professional player helps you to achieve your objectives in a particular game. Think of the service as an online and easy to attend to things that you can get deep into, thus having to either use the service once or carry on with it constantly.

Other than boosting the game can provide you with an edge of having stable resources and weapons to play with without having to change between a load of them just because your ranking was not that great. You will get a chance of fully absorbing the extreme level map that this game has, and you are only not welcome at first because your level or gaming stats are not that great. You will get to work ahead of this block or restoration while also getting a chance to compete with high end or otherwise the professional players, which is not something that you would get to cherish while merely starting with the game.

Extended benefits of boosting the game

The Valorant boost will allow you to cover various aspects of the game, which would mainly include the maps you can check on ifcarry, boosted exploration, more astounding gadgets, and other variety of stuff. Some third-party boosting vendors might also provide you with the money-back guarantee that is, if you don’t like the service, then you can have your money back.

Boosting not only is cost-effective but also provides you with other various added benefits such as you can sit back and relax while letting the professional do all the work for boosting your online game and getting everything pre-built and unlocked by only offering a small amount of money. Some boosting services also provide you with the capability of tracking the current progress that the booster has made with your game.

Continually tracking it might help you get around your order, and this way, you also have the chance of knowing that when it is going to get completed so you can come all-ready and super psyched to play your favorite game. If you think that boosting is illegal or will get your gaming account suspended, then be assured that it is only a hoax, and there is no such thing whatsoever. Not only your gaming account will not be interrupted, but also you won’t have to go for boosting the game from the beginning every single time there is something new to promote for.

Plus, all of the progress that you had before boosting and after boosting will be available and synced with your gameplay, which you can easily access by punching in your credentials of the game.

Boosting is also a great initiative with the help of which you come around the community of such profound and diligent professionals. They are ready to help you out, no matter the problem that you stumble across in the game. What are you waiting for then? Go and buy your first Valorant boosting service right now and enjoy the game right away.

6 Useful Keto Diet Tips and Secrets for New Beginners

Gordan Himerdooff

June 24, 2020

Social media today is all about the trends, and when it comes to diet tips and secrets, the keto diet has been on the top. But not all the information said is true and might not suit up to the beginner’s lifestyle, as everyone has a different way of trying and implementing the recommendations.

Remember, the Keto diet isn’t a diet, but a way of eating as seen on drjohn.org. It works towards weight loss by putting the body in a state of metabolism called Nutritional ketosis. It is a phase where the body turns fat (already existent fat, ready to burn and to produce energy levels and have weight loss) as a source of fuel and not carbs. Eating a Keto diet will ensure the body gets fat to burn as a fuel with limited carbs to ensure it does not get turned to glucose and finally stored fat. So, it will be better if the start is made with a complete overview of the Keto Diet, with the tips and secrets, that are well-suited for the beginners.

Six useful Keto Diet tips and secrets

1. Say Goodbye to Temptations

Source: Home ⋆ Melissa ♥ Healthy Lifestyle

Yes, it is easiest, and the hardest tip as getting rid of foods to avoid is not easy. But it will be easy to stick to goals if the fighting back temptations are continuous. Start today and get rid of the following from your fridge and the pantry:

Sugar (Candies, pastries, ice cream, honey, etc.), Legumes (Lentils, Beans, Chickpeas, etc.), High-sugar fruits and starchy vegetables (Apples, bananas, sweet potatoes & potatoes, oranges, etc.), Grains (Wheat, pasta, corn, cereal, etc.), Low-fat dairy and Milk (Cow’s milk except for the heavy cream, low-fat cheese, etc.), Seed & Vegetable oils (Canola, soybean, grapeseed oil, etc.), Processed low carb food (check the label for ingredients like sugar, starch, and artificial ingredients).

Getting rid of all can’t be possible with the family around. However, one can try and make sure to avoid the certain above-mentioned or at least store it at a place which is out of one’s reach.

2. Every Portion counts

Even the primary focus is not the calories and the portions, but to maintain a better Keto Diet, it is important. Losing or gaining weight still won’t be possible with Keto Diet if the consumption is high. Remember, fat is a lever. However, it is fortunate that with time, hunger and cravings get reduced with this regime, making one tend to eat less. Eating foods with low carb helps one to control the weight naturally, but if one doesn’t find it working, there is a need to pay attention to it.

3. Eat but only when hungry

Appetite-suppressant, this is what the Keto Diet acts as, and the ones following it does not feel hungry often. So, one needs not to eat when they are not hungry, and they must keep hitting upon their protein goal when the hunger strikes.

4. Protein intake to be maintained adequately

Protein intake, adequately and not excessively, is required for a proper Keto Diet. The level should be maintained so that the muscle mass can be maintained (with weight loss, both muscle mass and fat get reduced) when there is a low intake of carb food, in specific during the weight loss. If one wants to calculate their protein need during a keto diet, multiply the ideal body weight (in pounds) with 0.55-0.77 (1.2-1.7 kg). Like for 130 pounds as ideal body weight, the intake of 71-100 grams protein will be helpful.

5. It’s not just about eating

Managing diet and food concentrations, it is just beginning. For maximizing the Keto benefits and remaining healthy, there are many other ways too. One can start with keeping their magnesium, electrolyte, sodium levels stable, and also supplemented. Drinking water is also important. Drink half the body weight in ounces with another sufficient amount before bed; it is called the best way to drink enough water.

6. Getting support

The implementation of new means and ways in the eating pattern is not that easy. But do not worry, you won’t need to do it all alone. Social support can be used as an advantage as there are hundreds and thousands like the Keto diet followers, who are waiting there to collaborate and help. One can easily enter such communities of people belonging from all stages of the journey and share the struggles, questions, accomplishments and alike, to make the life and diet easier and for getting the desired results. Many pages are available. Check the success stories, give them a little inspiration too, and receive and support all those journeys towards Keto Diet.

Benefits of Keto Diet success tips

It helps to get sufficient weight loss.
It helps to reduce the appetites or the cravings.
Keto diet also helps to increase and maintain energy levels.
One can have an increased level of good HDL cholesterol by following a Keto diet.
Blood sugar, as well as the insulin levels, get reduced.
It helps to lower the blood pressure and also works effectively against the metabolic syndrome.

The Keto diet is like a therapeutic for varied brain disorders.

Even after seeing so many advantages associated with following a diet pattern, it is not necessary that one will leave the temptations to follow the tips mentioned above and secrets, but it is important to try. Remember, the above list is not specific; it can change as per the wants. Anything which can help in maintaining the ketogenic diet is an add- on to your book. Stick to it and follow the diet.

It is understandable that with carbohydrates ruling over as a major part of our diet, it is not our fault that the carb urges will be strong enough to give in, but as long as one remembers their goal, with proper implementation of the keto tips, one will remain healthier and better focused towards the following of a diet pattern ahead.

What Are the Advantages of Listening to the Radio?

Billy Voss

June 24, 2020

The first radio was invented in the late 1800s and the first radio station dates from the early 1900s. It is said that the oldest and probably the first officially acknowledged station was Rádio Clube de Pernambuco. Ever since then, people have been using the AM and FM frequencies to get informed, listen to some music, and even learn something new.

Here we are going to talk about the advantages that come with listening to some music and informational stations. You will learn more about the benefits of relaxing with some chilling music in the background and how you can even save some time by listening to your favorite station.

You won’t feel alone

This is the number one reason why people listen to the radio. There have been several surveys on why people listen to it, and most of them said it’s because they don’t want to feel lonely when they are sitting in an empty apartment or when they are driving.

If you are driving somewhere, especially if you have to spend more than a few hours behind the wheel, it is always better and safer to put the radio on and sing along with your favorite tunes. This will help you be more focused on the road; you won’t get sleepy and you will feel like someone is keeping you company.

People who live alone say that some days, they feel lonely, and some nights, they get scared. When you put the radio on, you will feel safer, and when someone else chooses the music for you, it elevates the stress of choosing what you want to listen to at the moment.

When we feel scared or lonely, we usually choose slower songs that may even be melancholic. However, listening to upbeat tunes can lift your mood up and can make you feel happier and more energized.

You will feel more relaxed

When you listen to the radio, you will be able to just go into your own world, daydream and just forget about everything that’s going on around you.

As suggested by Chillout Radio, the right songs can help you fall asleep better, and they can help you focus on your meditation. However, you should be careful about the station you choose, as something electronic or hard rock music can make your heart beat faster, and if you are feeling anxious, you may get agitated.

Choose a station that plays soft and relaxing tunes and something that will promote positive thoughts. Nevertheless, this all depends on your personal preferences, as some people feel more relaxed when the music is louder and when the beat is faster.

If you are not sure which type of songs help you feel better, you can test several stations out, and give different types of music a chance.

Escaping the pressure

Some days we feel like there is too much pressure on us from all sides. You may have a bad day at work, or have an argument with your partner, and you need a way to relieve stress fast.

The best way to do that is to put the headphones on and go for a run. Medical experts suggest that you should not hold a grudge and you should not let all those negative feelings take over. When you do nothing to escape all the pressure around you, you may risk getting high blood pressure, and other serious health conditions.

Most people cannot focus on their tasks when they feel stressed, so if you want to be able to finish your work with ease, then you should listen to the radio while you are working. Experts suggest that when you play some soothing music while you are at work, you will be able to stay focused and to complete any given project with ease.

However, some people say they get distracted if music is playing in the background, so you should check if this is something that helps you. If you notice that you get distracted by the lyrics, then you can find a station that plays acoustic music that will make just beautiful background noise.

Information

Nowadays we get most of the information online, but what happens when you have a busy day and you don’t have time to find out what’s happening in your country and the world?

The news on the radio is usually short, but they will keep you updated with the newest information about the world. When you listen to the radio while you are driving, you will also get information on what the traffic is like, if there are any streets if you should avoid, and if there is maintenance on some roads.

Another great information that we always need is the weather forecast. We rarely check what the weather is going to be like, but this is something you should know, especially if you plan on traveling somewhere.

When you listen to the radio, you don’t have to waste time googling all this helpful info, and you will hear it while you are driving or when you are relaxing after a long day of work.

The great thing about the stations nowadays is that there are thousands of them all over the world. You are not limited to listening to stations that are in your country only, because you can access pretty much every station online. Most of them are free for everyone to listen to, and some of them require you to pay an inexpensive fee. So, before settling to one station only, you can check several of them out and choose the one that plays your favorite playlists.

These are some of the advantages of listening to the radio. It is also said that kids should be exposed to different genres from an early age because music can spike their creativity, it can make them more communicative and it will help them learn new words and phrases.

Some studies even suggest that music can help your plants grow and that it makes flowers bloom faster. If you are not listening to music daily, you should start doing that as soon as possible and see how it affects you!

Can You Use Kratom for Depression and Anxiety?

Billy Voss

June 24, 2020

Mitragynina speciosa or Kratom — Source: anxietyhack

Almost every person will have to deal with symptoms of depression or anxiety at least once in their lives. Statistics show that millions of people have been diagnosed with these conditions, and there are not many things that can help with coping with the symptoms. Because of that, people are looking for more natural and different ways to get healthier and to feel happier. One of those things that can help in a natural way is Kratom.

Here we are going to give you more information on what Kratom is, how it is used, and how it can help you cope with different mental health conditions.

What is Kratom?

This Mitragyna speciose tree originates from Southeast Asia and even though it has been used for centuries, it is becoming really popular in western culture now. The reason why people choose it is that there are a lot of health benefits of this plant.

The main benefits that people have from the Mitragyna speciose tree include:

It is used as a pain reliever
It can help battle an addiction
It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
Kratom can help you focus on your work and studying
It can make you feel more energized and motivated

One interesting fact is that the tree is in the coffee family, so it has similar properties as the coffee. It can be used to make people energized and to relieve stress. It acts as a stimulant and depending on the strain, it can make people more focused and euphoric.

When users take lower dosages of the product, they will have these feelings of happiness and euphoria. However, when people take high doses, it has the opposite effect. It makes people relaxed and it can even help you sleep better.

Because of these versatile effects, people have been using it to help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even though there is still not a lot of modern-day researches and studies done on this plant, natives have been using it for a long time. If you are interested to buy a product that contains Kratom, you should know that it is pretty affordable for everyone, and there are a lot of online stores that will deliver it to your home.

Strains

There are three main colors or strains of Kratom and even though they have similar effects on people, they are all different depending on the condition you want to cope with.

The white strain is the strongest one and if you are a beginner, you should not start with this strain. This is something that is used to make you happier and give you a lot of energy throughout the day.

The green strain is used when you want to be able to concentrate on your daily tasks because products that are made with the green type are used to help you focus better. This type is not as strong as the white one, but beginners should still use it with caution.

If you are looking for something to help you with your mental health condition, then you should try the red strain. It is said to help with the symptoms of depression and anxiety and that it can help people feel happier and more relaxed.

It is also used as a pain reliever and if you are suffering from a condition that makes you feel pain in any parts of your body, then you should try the red Kratom out. However, you should be careful with the dosage, as different doses are used for different conditions.

There are other types as well, but they are usually a combination of the three main strains. Kratomrack suggests that Maeng Da is one of the best choices on the market, but this type is also one of the strongest ones. You should always do a lot of research before deciding which color or type is the one for you and if you are trying it for the first time, you should always ask for expert advice.

How can it help with your condition?

This herb is also referred to as a natural opioid and it contains mitragynine. This indole-based alkaloid is used in low doses to help people feel better. When it is dosed correctly, it can make people feel energized. The reason why people choose this plant is that even though it has sedatives that cause feelings of relaxation and euphoria, it still does not act the same way as opioids.

We know that when you take opioids, they can cause addiction. The difference between Kratom and the actual opioids is that the herb is natural and it does not cause that strong addiction. It is also used to help recovering addicts and it is used in many medical facilities.

This plant binds with some of the receptors in your brain, and it can help with your pain relief. Because of this, it is known to show anti-depressant properties. It can also help with the symptoms of anxiety because it can slow your heartbeat and it can make you feel more relaxed.

The most important thing here is to pay attention to the strain and the dosage. Since different colors help people in different ways, some of the strains can be less effective than others. The dosage has to be correct because different doses are used to treat different conditions, even if they come from the same strain.

Have you ever used Kratom to cope with depression or anxiety? How has it helped you? Before trying this medicine, you should always consult with your doctor or a professional that can help you decide on the right dosage.

Depending on the strain, you should start with smaller or larger doses. The dosing also depends on your condition and other personal information. You should also check the possible side effects and start slowly. Kratom is not legal in all countries around the world, so don’t forget to check this information out before you decide to purchase some.

Always be safe when trying new products for your symptoms and remember that these things take time to make a difference.

5 Smart Tech Upgrades to Help Sell Your Home

Дмитра Врачарић

June 24, 2020

If you’re planning to put your property on the market, it’s important to note that smart technology and intelligent automation are some of the most effective ways to attract buyers. Labor-saving devices, energy-saving updates and smart modern solutions are incredibly appealing – and when potential buyers see them already installed, they can more easily imagine a life of comfort in the property they are viewing. If you’ve invested in a few smart upgrades to make life more comfortable in your home, you’re likely to be much more successful when it comes to selling. Their inclusion may even serve to increase your home value. In this article, we explore how you can use tech to make a property more desirable.

1. Smart Thermostats

This is a relatively recent development in home climate control. Smart thermostats allow you to keep on top of your energy usage – thus saving money and protecting the environment. Most have a display that reveals your daily usage and helps you to continue to a goal. Smart thermostats can also help you to ensure that the temperature of your home remains comfortable, enabling you to change their settings from any location. For example, if you’ve been out all day in the middle of winter, you’ll likely want to return to a warm house. You can adjust a smart thermostat remotely – which means that you can make sure your home heats up before you arrive at the door without the radiators had to be on all day.

2. Accessibility

The more inclusive your home feels, the quicker it is likely to sell. If you can provide an alternative to stairs, your property is expected to fetch a reasonable price. These home lifts by Lifton are effortless to use and will complement your decor perfectly. You can also install automatic door opening devices for internal and external doors and garages, allowing quick, easy, hands-free access to all areas of the home.

3. Security Upgrades

Easy-to-use, high tech security is hugely appealing to many house hunters. It means that you can keep track of the comings and goings around a property even when you’re away. Today, it’s easy to get your hands on specially designed locks with personalized codes, individual access, biometric solutions, smart vital fobs or even smartphone-integrated access. Not only can you carefully manage access to your property by setting up systems or any other access resources to different members of your household, but these kinds of solutions do away entirely with the need for a physical key that could be easily lost, stolen, or broken. Many of these locks also allow you to grant access remotely, so if a trusted guest arrives at your property before you do, you can easily let them in.

Changing the locks is made more accessible too, as many smart locks can be reprogrammed if their security is compromised. This saves a great deal of time and stress. A smart doorbell is another exciting innovation that provides enhanced security. Many of these devices have inbuilt cameras, microphones, and speakers. Using an app that connects your doorbell to your chosen method, you can monitor the feed from the camera on screen anytime, wherever you are. Many apps of this kind will allow you to change the settings on your doorbell remotely and take still images and recordings. You can remotely access the feed from a doorbell camera to see who is calling while you’re out. Another popular feature of the smart doorbell is the option to keep it continually running like CCTV. Furthermore, you can talk to any visitors via the device, permitting couriers to use parcels in a particular place or asking trespassers to leave.

4. Bathroom and Kitchen Fittings

Self-cleaning, self-closing, self-washing toilets are efficient and highly hygienic. You can also get automated or sensor-based showers and baths too. For accessibility purposes, bathrooms can be fitted with specialist lifts. These fittings are high for the elderly and people with disabilities. Digital smart taps can be installed to control the temperature and flow rate of water, allowing you to set your desired heat for a bath. This is ideal for families with young children and babies, helping them to ensure that the showers they run are a safe and comfortable temperature.

Many fittings of this kind are available in both high and low flow rate varieties to suit your home perfectly. You can install some high devices in the kitchen, too. We particularly love self-cleaning ovens, many of which burn off dirt by heating their internal space too much higher temperatures than usual. This saves a considerable amount of time, effort, and cleaning fluid and makes your kitchen far more comfortable. You can even find smart dishwashers and washing machines that connect to your household WIFI. They enable you to order more perishable items like dishwasher tablets, automatically dry their contents, notify you of required repairs and will allow you to change their settings and switch them on remotely. These appliances can also determine the right amount of water and temperature needed to wash a particular load, which is another easy way of saving money and reducing your energy usage.

5. Lighting

Voice or sound-operated light fittings are excellent for several reasons. Not only are they a more comfortable option for those with limited mobility, but they can also help to prevent the spread of bacteria as no surface needs to be touched. You can also install motion-activated light fittings that only illuminate a space when it is being used. Again, this helps to prevent the spread of bacteria as no physical switch is required to operate the lights. Still, it can also reduce your electricity bills and your environmental impact. Automated blinds are great too. You can raise or lower them remotely, allowing for greater freedom and natural temperature control. This is another option that can make life easier for those with reduced mobility, but it can add a touch of luxury and convenience for anyone.

Long Distance Moving Checklist

Daniela Meyer

June 24, 2020

Moving House Checklist — Source: imsrelocation

Long-distance moving is entirely different from a move across town. If you leave something behind, you won’t be able to return to your old home to retrieve any items you forgot to pack. For a long-distance move, everything must be done right the first time around.

Here is a guide for creating your checklist and a way to control the preparation time involved:

– Create a moving checklist that matches up to your unique circumstances. You can use this guide that we did in collaboration with MyLongDistanceMovers.com to get you through each step of the preparation process.

– Populate a moving-calendar with things to do and personalized tasks that match up to your exact relocation circumstances.

– Sort your move-related tasks into a list of most important to least important. Make sure you have written the jobs down that you need to complete first.

– Get an idea about what the moving timeline needs to contain, by creating your long-distance checklist.

A long-distance move shouldn’t be stressful. However, it requires a lot more planning in advance than moving locally or just down the street. Here is a list of the items that should be included on your moving checklist.

1. First Decide What Items You Will Be Moving

If you have been living in your home for many years, you may have many accumulated items that are no longer in use or no longer want them. Any type of move is an excellent way to throw away, finally, sell, or donate. You want to avoid having to fork out extra money for things that you no longer use. This process should be implemented before you move onto anything else.

2. Use Up All Your Perishable Items

Another essential item to add to your list is the items that you cannot take with you to your new home. This list usually contains bug sprays, household cleaners, paint, frozen food, and other perishable items in your refrigerator.

3. Make Sure You Have Packing Supplies Ready

It is essential to plan by ensuring you have all your shipping tape, packing materials, and boxes in order. It will be a waste of your valuable time if you have to put an end to your packing just because your boxes ran out. Many big-box home-improvement stores or office and stationery supply stores have a range of different packing materials and boxes on sale.

4. Ensure That Your Furniture Is Going To Fit

If your furniture pieces are bulky and large, make sure that you have taken the measurements of the new home and the doorways to ensure that all your furniture is going to fit through a door and into the house. If you cannot get to the new home before the move, ask your realtor to take the measurements for you, or your new landlord if you are renting. It would be pretty frustrating to get to another town or city to discover that your favorite sofa or your beloved piano is not going to get through a doorway.

5. Start To Pack

Packing is a crucial item on a moving checklist that belongs to both local and long-distance moves. Start packing as soon as you can. To minimize any inconveniences, it is recommended to always start with the items that you use the least frequently. Think about seasonal things or clothing, your silverware, and holiday decorations. Make sure that you clearly label each box, and if possible, mark the box so that it coordinates with the room that you would like it stored in your new home.

6. Make Arrangements With A Reliable Moving Company

Any moving checklist for a long-distance move must include finding a reliable, insured, and professional moving company. Once you have signed a contract with the moving company you have chosen, make sure you contact them to make the final arrangements for your move. This includes confirming the date, the cost, and times. It is also essential that you have made the necessary arrangements to pay the movers and keep cash on you to tip your movers. 10 to 15% of the overall cost is suggested as a generous tip. Trust us, it is not worth it trying to move all your possessions across the country by yourself, or even worse with the wrong company that does not have your best interests at heart. Find the right long distance movers, such as Mayflower Movers.

7. Change Your Address

Another essential item that should feature on moving checklists is to make sure you have changed your address and any other necessary details with any company that you do business with and the post office. This list usually includes credit card companies, insurance carriers, brokerage, and any institution you bank with.

8. Contact All The Necessary Utility Companies

You want to make sure that your family will have water, heat, and lights when you move into a new home. At the same time, you need to make the necessary arrangements to transfer the existing utilities into the name of the new owner or make arrangements to have your utilities disconnected.

Now that you have sorted out everything on your long-distance moving checklist, there are a few more things you will need to do a couple of days before the big day:

– Deep clean your apartment or home a final time. This will include inside all the appliances and every surface. You can also hire a professional cleaning company to tick this item off your list.

– Clean out your cupboards and fridge. If you have any items that are still unopened, you may want to think about donating it to a charity.

– Fill your vehicle up with gas or check into your flight and have your boarding passes printed.

– Ensure you have removed any valuable items from your car if you are storing it in a garage, or place items that you do not want to go with the movers in your car.

– Check the weather forecast to ensure there are no major storms on the way that might interfere with the move.

– Make sure you have drawn cash to tip your movers or as a backup if you run into an emergency.

Advantages of Using a Ring Light

Daniela Meyer

June 24, 2020

Lighting is extremely important if you are producing video content on a consistent basis. With high quality and bright LED lighting, you are able to almost instantly improve the quality of your content.

Ring lights have long been used for photography for beauty and makeup artists. However, due to the rise in social media, it is becoming an extremely commonly used item for content creators, influencers, or just people who want to look good for their at-home video calls.

It doesn’t matter what kind of content you create whether it’s a makeup tutorial, an unboxing video, or business video calls. A ring light is the most practical way to illuminate your set. Although cameras have greatly improved over the past decade, the best ring light can significantly enhance the quality of your photos.

The best options not only have a good effect on your content but also reduce the appearance of unwanted shadows. This can be achieved with the correct setup which is unique for each purpose.

This article will cover all the basics and advantages of using a ring light, followed by things to look out for when purchasing one.

Advantages of Using a Ring Light

Eliminate the Harsh Shadows

The light from the ring light is perfect for headshots as your face can be dead center of the light. This completely eliminates any hard shadows and almost instantly increases the quality of the portrait.

Fun fact – Ring lights were originally designed for dental and medical purposes. However, due to their popularity, they are now used across a wide range of industries such as beauty and photography.

Due to the nature of their design, they are perfect for emphasizing details and getting that clear and crisp content.

The “Catchlight” and “Halo” Effect

‘Catchlight’ is described as a small glimmer of light that shines through the eyes of a subject. This effect is likely to come from any front light source in portrait photography. It appears in the image as the shape of the light source. A softbox will produce a square or rectangular light while an umbrella will look like a star.

Meanwhile, a ring light will show as circular light in the subject’s eyes, commonly called a “halo” light. Since our eyes are circular, this gives a very natural shape. Some portraits and fashion photographers will purposely use a ring light just to achieve that beautiful glow.

Better Photo Quality

As you may already know, the quality of light can greatly affect the final image from a hard point to soft wash. Since ring light shines in virtually all directions, the quality of light is softer and not too sharp.

Photographers commonly take advantage of this lighting source for photo-shoots, beauty blogs, and flat-lays, just to name a few.

Selfie lights are a new device that you should also know about as they are extremely popular among social media influencers and content creators. It is basically just a mini-ring light that clips onto your phone for extra ‘selfie’ lighting. It could be a good product if you have a limited budget and you are just starting off in this space.

Try visiting Luvo Store for further information as it is our go-to destination for ring lights.

How do I use a ring light?

Ring lights are one of the easiest lighting sources available for both amateur and professionals. They generally come with everything you need to get started immediately and there is no need to purchase multiple accessories to get the result you are looking for. Simply unfold the stand, screw on the ring light, plug it in, and you are good to go!

LED Ring Lights VS Incandescent Lighting

If you are just getting into lighting then choosing the perfect ring light for your unique situation can be quite difficult, so let’s start with the basics. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode which is one of the most energy-efficient light sources in comparison with traditional incandescent lighting. This means that your ring light will last much longer in comparison with traditional incandescent lighting.

In fact, LED lights have an average lifespan of 50,000 hours. That’s a long time! To give you a better idea of how energy efficient these lights are, if you use the ring light for 10 hours a day it would take 14 years for the ring light to blow.

What are the key specifications to look for?

Lumens – Lumens are a form of measuring light output (brightness). Therefore, the higher lumen value, the brighter the light will be.
Kelvins – Kelvins are a form of measuring the color temperature of a light source. This can range from cool white light to a warm yellow glow.

Some ring lights have adjustable temperature controls, so you can simply turn the dial and change the light from cool to warm. This feature is especially useful for makeup artists and beauticians, as it is the perfect tool to really highlight their work.

The higher the Kelvin number is the cooler the light will be, and the lower the Kelvin number is the warmer the light will be. A ring light will a Kelvin range of 3200K (warm) to 5700K (cool) would be ideal for almost every situation.

Watts – Watts is a form of measuring power consumption. With traditional incandescent lighting, the higher the watts the higher the brightness. However, this is not the case with LED light sources as that rule does not apply. For example, a 10W LED bulb can be brighter than a 14W LED bulb from another manufacturer. This may be possible because one brand may be more energy-efficient than the other. This would mean that the 10W bulb uses less power but still has a brighter output of lumens. That is why it is suggested to only mainly review the Lumens and Kelvins when choosing an LED light.

So if you have an online presence, you should definitely consider purchasing a ring to help you create more professional-looking photos or videos. While professional ring lights may be considered too pricey for most, it is definitely a worthwhile investment for those who are looking to increase their digital presence.

Interior Design Tips to Help You Create the Perfect Living Room

Daniela Meyer

June 23, 2020

Your living room is where you go to unwind and allow your creativity to flow. In this space, you’ll want to create a nurturing environment that also expresses your personality. It’s also important your living room is functional because it’s usually a hub of activity – the beating heart of your home. It’s difficult to achieve everything you want to when decorating your living room, especially when you’re on a budget. You can often feel dissatisfied with the finished product as a result. Don’t worry – we’re here to help you with any interior design dilemmas you might have. These are our tips on how to create a living room that is practical, aesthetically pleasing, and expresses your personality.

Flooring

The floor is the canvas upon which the rest of your living room is built. It’s important to choose something sturdy and functional for day-to-day living, but also creates a nurturing environment and can be mixed and matched with different aesthetics or color schemes. You should also select flooring which has a timeless appeal because you’ll have it in your living room for a long time. Even the materials with a short lifespan will last five years on average. Carpeting is a popular choice for lounges because of the comfort quality it brings to a room. However, a carpet does confine you to one color scheme and it’s also not practical when it comes to foot traffic and spillages.

We recommend solid hardwood or laminate flooring for the living room instead. Wood floorboards are ageless, unaffected by the interior design trends. They also look beautiful when paired with a rug which you can change out at any time. Browse the selections on an online wood flooring store to see for yourself and gain some inspiration. The same applies to laminate flooring; a cheaper alternative to wood which achieves all the same effects. Both these materials are also very durable and practical, so you can easily clean up spillages and keep everything looking nicer for longer. Visit this website to find the perfect flooring for your living room.

Walls

Walls make up the base of your living room along with flooring. It’s essential to get these both right when decorating so everything else ties together nicely. Our main advice for your walls is to avoid getting patterned or printed wallpaper. Not only can these make an otherwise relaxing living room feel cluttered, but they also look dated and gaudy very quickly because wallpaper fades in the sunlight and interior design trends are constantly flitting from one thing to another. Once again, you should choose something which has long-lasting appeal and quality.

We recommend painting your living room with a pastel or neutral palette. Dark and bright colors like navy or red will make your room appear smaller and dimmer because they absorb sunlight. Colors like white and ivory, on the other hand, reflect light and bounce it across the room. This creates the illusion that the area is bigger and brighter than it actually is. These are perfect shades for your living room. Bringing sunlight into your home will make it feel much cozier, whilst the neutral hues will provide you with a perfect canvas to decorate the space however you like. You’re not limited to certain styles like you would be with patterned wallpaper.

Plants

If you want to spruce up your living room without investing in too many hefty expenses, then you should try introducing some greenery into the area. Buying some potted plants costs less than new furniture and can make as much of a difference to the appeal of your lounge. Plus, this is a different opportunity for self-expression. Have you ever thought about what your favorite plants say about your personality? If you think of yourself as a bohemian, perhaps invest in some succulent terrariums and flowering cacti; while minimalists will probably like how tropical shrubs look against a sleek background. Plants also make living rooms a much more nurturing environment. Not only do they improve air quality, but there’s also something spiritually rewarding about caring for another living being in your home. It’s impossible to make a mistake when it comes to greenery and interior design.

Themes and Furnishings

Before decorating your living room, you should have a specific theme in mind. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a mismatched jumble of furniture and ornaments. This doesn’t create an aesthetically pleasing finished product, plus it can make a room look chaotic rather than relaxing. If you’re struggling to settle upon a theme, search for inspiration online. What styles do you keep gravitating towards?

Do you want something with a Mediterranean ambiance, or would you prefer a lounge with the coziness of a British cottage? If you chose the 2nd option, a Chesterfield sofa from Chesterfield Sofa Company will be the perfect piece to achieve the British look to your living room. There are thousands of aesthetics to choose from, but it shouldn’t take long to find one that truly reflects your personality.

From here, you can start choosing furniture with the reassurance that everything will be tied nicely together by this theme. For example, if you like the modern aesthetic, you’ll probably choose furnishings with bold prints and unusual shapes. However, if you’re more artisanal, something like a patchwork sofa and upcycled coffee table would suit you better. Don’t fall into the trap of following fashion trends. Instead, cultivate the perfect living room by choosing the furniture that reflects your individuality.

Accessories

Your lounge needs more than just wallpaper, flooring, and a few pieces of furniture. To give it a real sense of character, your room also needs accessories. This could include things like decorative plates and unusual ornaments for the surfaces; or throws and cushions for the sofas, which bring an element of coziness whilst also tying together the color scheme. These minor touches are not only inexpensive, but they’re also what complete a living room. It’s like adding seasoning to your food; things are just a little bland otherwise.

By following these interior design tips, you can create the perfect living room which feels like your heart and your home in one.

8 Things to Do Before Your Vehicle Gets Towed

Billy Voss

June 23, 2020

If your car ever breaks down or if you meet an accident and your vehicle is no longer working, then it is highly probable that you will call a towing company to get help moving your car. However, before you jump to a conclusion and call a towing company, you should know about a few essential things. The tips we are about to discuss will help you determine how you should deal with your situation before calling and a tow truck and what you should do after the truck arrives.

Tips for practicing before getting your car towed by two-trucks:

Call your insurance agent before calling the tow truck company: there is no doubt that we all panic whenever our car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. All we want to do is to call the towing company and get out of the situation. However, a smart thing to do before calling the towing company is to call your insurance agent even if it is way past calling hours. Your agent will advise you on what to do and which towing company to call (for safety and affordability reasons). Sometimes your agent will also send the company’s repair services to help you out. For more information about the towing service, click here.
Rely on roadside assistance rather than autonomous service: If you don’t own insurance or don’t want to call insurance, ensure that you always have the contact info of the tow-truck services on your phone. Always keep the number of those companies which are trustworthy and fraud-free. The roadside assistance can reach you more quickly than other autonomous services. However, if you’ve met an accident, then you should mention it when you contact them because some companies don’t include towing services after accidents as it becomes a police case.
Source: Geyers Towing & Transport
Prepare the car to get towed: the first preparation happens before leaving home. Ensure that you are putting tow rope and a flashlight in the car before going for any journey. But, once you leave and face an accident or a breakdown of the vehicle. You should take pictures of the car (if met an accident) and take all the value before the truck arrives out of the car.
Ensure that you deal with the truck that you called: sometimes when you contact towing service, and they say that they will reach there in 20 minutes, but after five minutes of waiting, towing-truck approaches the car. There is a 99% percent chance it is not the service you contacted, but it is just some random roadside truck who saw the opportunity and came to claim it. If you have second thoughts about the truck, then ask for all the documents before handing them your car. But, if you think that the truck and its driver are shady, proceed with care like locking yourself in the car.
Source: NearSay
Tell towing service exactly where you have to go: you have two options; either go home or to a mechanic’s car repairing garage. Because it is your car that is being towed, so decide where you want to go. A driver who is trustworthy and honest would not insist you drop off the vehicle to a particular place, but if the driver does ask, call the cops as soon as possible:
Ensure to properly go through the documents before paying and signing it: before allowing your car to be towed, you should read the document and the prepared receipt, made especially for your situation. The contract will include all the information like the time of towing, model and number of your car, name of the driver, drop-off location, and the amount of towing. If you find that any of these things are not right, then don’t sign on the contract, don’t pay in advance and don’t let him tow your vehicle. Never agree or sign on anything which is vaguely written or doesn’t specify all the things clearly.
Source: Admiral
Ensure that the mentioned price is acceptable: when you contact your insurance company for assistance, ethically, they should suggest affordable tow services to you. The real cost will be determined according to the location of where you are stuck and where you want to go/dropped off. But, on your part, you need to have a screenshot or list of towing rates with you. So, if any towing service charges you more, you will know about that, and should not hire that company –call some other company. You are also not obliged to make cash payments to towing companies; because drivers have to agree on any mode of payment by law. If they are not willing to accept other modes, then there can be something fishy going on there. Also, beware when a driver argues that all the towing costs will be covered by the insurance company; needless to say, this statement might be right, but he doesn’t know your insurance and can’t be sure that they cover towing expenses.
Safely keep the towing documents: if the tow truck damages your car while towing or you have to claim expenses from your insurance company, you can use those documents. Those documents are going to work as proof for you whenever you need it. You can use them whenever you deem them useful or whenever the need for towing documents arises.
Source: HomeGuide

These tips may vary in situations, and they can help you in many cases. Getting a car towed is a serious business, and everything regarding it should be done with complete caution. Towing rules are similar in every state and jurisdiction, but some regulations may vary from place to place. Although reading about towing rules can seem like a tedious job but, familiarizing yourself with those rules before you leave home (especially for longer journeys on a car) will deem useful. Ensure that you always have a list of tow truck service’s contact numbers like 24 hours towing on your emergency contacts or in-car, so whenever you face car problems, you always have help nearby.