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Pros and Cons of Using Rainwater Harvesting Tanks for Irrigation

The use of water tanks for harvesting rainwater used on irrigation and other purposes is a common practice and is done to reduce the use of groundwater. Rainwater harvesting systems are widely used in agricultural areas and in places where groundwater is scarce. It is also used as a backup water supply during a water shortage or drought.

But like all other things, there are advantages and disadvantages to harvesting rainwater. It is crucial to weigh its pros and cons to avoid long term damage to your crops. Understanding its benefits and risks is also vital to ensure that you won’t spend too much on something that won’t help you in the long run.

The Advantages of A Rainwater Tanks

Source: cool house inspired ideas

Maintenance

Using a rainwater harvesting system can save you time and effort in maintenance. The overall cost of the operation is much lesser than water purifying and pumping systems. Once the system is installed and starts operating, you no longer need to invest more money for maintenance.

If you are going to use the rainwater that you collected for the sole purpose of irrigation, you do not need to spend money for purification. In terms of irrigating your agricultural lands, installing a rainwater harvesting system will be your best choice.

Reduce Water Bill

Since rainwater is free, expect a decrease in your water bill once you start using your rainwater system. Irrigation requires tons of water, which would result in a skyrocket of your water bills.

Aside from irrigation, you can use this collected rainwater for other non-drinking uses that can help further decrease your water bill. By saving tons of dollars from water bills, you can have the capability to use the saved money for something that can give you a return of investment.

Water Conservation

Collecting rainwater will reduce the use of groundwater as well as help decrease water wastage. As a result, it can help with the conservation of groundwater, which is usually used for drinking. When the human population increases, the demand for water increases with it.

Rainwater harvesting system not only helps with groundwater wastage but also helps with the reduction of wastage in rainwater. Rainwater that is not collected on water reservoirs gets wasted. Imagine how many tons of water go to waste every year. However, with the help of this system, rainwater wastage will decrease by half, if not more.

Source: unsplash.com

Multi-Purpose Usage

The rainwater harvesting system is not only useful for irrigation. There are many places that, despite having adequate rainfall, still experience water shortage. As a solution to their problem, a rainwater harvesting system is installed to help cope up with the demands of the community.

The water collected by the system is used for non-drinking functions, while the available groundwater is collected for drinking purposes. By doing this, the people living in that area will have an adequate water supply.

However, before purchase, make sure that the size you choose is just enough for your needs. Heritage Tanks, among others, offer different tank sizes that can be chosen to suit a specific purpose.

The Disadvantages of Rainwater system

Rainfall Dependency

If you live in a place where rainfall is insufficient, your system will be a complete waste of time and money. A water collecting tank is only useful in areas that have adequate rainfall. Even in regions that experience unpredictable rainfall all year round would find this system unusable.

If you want to install a rainwater system as irrigation for your agricultural lands, then make sure that you are situated in an area where rainfall occurs frequently. If not, then think of another way to help you with the irrigation system.

Installation Cost

The installation cost for rainwater harvesting tanks can be very expensive. The cost of installation will depend on the technology used and the size of your system. Installing a rainwater harvesting system costs almost the same as installing solar panels. Hence, not everyone is capable of converting to use renewable energy.

Possible Chemical Mixing with the water

Some of the roofing used in building rainwater tanks may seep in chemicals that can harm your plants. Insects, animal droppings, and dirt can also accumulate in it, which will pose harmful risks to your agriculture.

Source: flickr.com

Limitation

The size of the storage may affect the amount of rainwater collected. During rainy seasons, the size of your water tank may not be able to sustain all the water, which will end up wasted. You will have excess rainwater pouring through the drainage and rivers.

Opting for larger water tanks to sustain all the rainwater during this season will require a bigger space. If you have a wide area to install your extensive rainwater harvesting system, the next problem you are going to face will be the cost.

Takeaway

Everything has advantages and disadvantages, even rainwater harvesting systems. What’s important is that you know how to balance and factor out what is best for you. A lot of people use rainwater storage tanks all around the globe. Whether it is for irrigation or not,  so far, it benefited them in many ways.

Concrete VS Fibreglass Pools: Which Is Better?

With summer rapidly coming up, you’re probably thinking of putting a pool in your backyard to cool you, your family, and friends off throughout the hot and dry months.

Choosing the right swimming pool for your home is a huge deal. It will most likely be the biggest investment for your home and once decided it would be a very costly task to go back and change it. But before you do, have you given thought as to what materials you want to use to build your pool?

Two types of pools are most common in homeowners backyards and they are Fibreglass and Concrete. Concrete pools have always been the most popular choice due to its ability to last for many years and being able to custom build and design the pool that suits you. In recent years fiberglass has become increasingly popular and it is no surprise why. Fiberglass has significantly lower costs, much quick installation, and is an extremely durable material. Before making your decision, let’s take a look at some advantages and disadvantages of both fiberglass and concrete pools.

What are the advantages and benefits of a fiberglass pool?

Source: azpools.net
  1. They are easy to maintain- fiberglass pools have a gel coat surface which makes it much easier to prevent algae and bacteria build up in the pool. Because they are easier to maintain means fewer chemicals are needed which in turn will mean fewer expenses all round.
  2. Quick installation- One of the most appealing things about choosing fiberglass is how quick they are to install. The majority of the work is completed in the factory before it arrives for installation which means generally speaking your pool will be installed in as little as 1-2 weeks. However concrete pools can take anywhere from 3-6 months sometimes longer to be completed.
  3. Heavy-Duty- Fibreglass pools are made from very strong building material. You will find that almost every fiberglass pool company will have a lengthy warranty due to its ability to last for many years and companies have no problems in backing this up. The material fiberglass is incredibly tough and is also able to flex which can uphold earth movements without cracking.
  4. Warmer in temperature- Homeowners who have owned both Fibreglass and Concrete pools have said that fiberglass pools seem warmer. The material fiberglass heats up quicker compared to concrete and also retain heat for a longer period which in turn heats the pool.
  5. Non Abrasive surface- All fiberglass pools are made with a non-abrasive surface which means there are no sharp edges, only smooth standing, and sitting areas. This is fantastic for the whole family especially children as you won’t need to worry about scratches on fingers and feet.
  6. Portable and moveable- Did you know that your fibreglass pool can go with you when you move houses? That’s one particular quality that not many homeowners are aware of: fibreglass pools are easy enough to install, and they can be dug up and reinstalled in a new site just as quickly. If you, your builder, and moving crew plan things well and execute the move properly, it will save you money on buying an entirely new shell and the whole rigmarole of building your pool from the ground up.
  7. Long-term service warranties- While fibreglass pools are easy to maintain in general, many come with service warranties covering a period between 25 and 35 years. This comes in handy if you’re concerned about the formation of spider cracks on the surface and other issues.

What are the disadvantages of choosing a fiberglass swimming pool?

Source: Alibaba.com
  1. Limitations for certain shapes and sizes- There is only really 1 downside to choosing a fiberglass pool and that is the limitations you have with choosing a particular shape, style, and size. Because fiberglass pools are made in the factory by a mold you can only choose from the shapes and sizes that are already there. Most of the time you can still find exactly what you are looking for as manufacturers have an extensive range available. There are also add on options available such as swim out and pool lounge areas that can be built into the design.
  2. They can be cumbersome to transport- As stated previously there are limitations to the size of fibreglass pools for residential use not only because of the size of your backyard, but there are government regulations about the maximum size that can be shipped overland. Not only that: you will need a crane to lift it up (depending on its size) to move it from transport vehicle to building site.

What are some advantages of a concrete pool?

Source: Findit.com
  1. Versatility with shape design- The most common reason that someone will choose Concrete over fiberglass is the flexibility with shape and design. According to Barrier Reef Pools, when choosing concrete it means you can build and design the pool any way you wish. Concrete pools are also made on-site so you can discuss with your builder the exact landscaping and design to ensure its exactly what you are after.
  2. Strong material- Concrete pools have been around for many years and are very durable which means you don’t need to worry about your pool being damaged by things such as sharp objects.
  3. Appealing in appearance- Because you can design a concrete pool any way you wish in can also appear more appealing, especially with the fact you can choose your own aesthetics such as pebbles and tiles.

What are the disadvantages of a concrete pool?

Source: Pinterest
  1. Longer to build and install – concrete pools can take anywhere from 3-6 months to completely installed whereas fiberglass is all done in as little as 1-2 weeks
  2. Harsher surfaces- many people with concrete pools choose pebbles or stone which can be rough on the feet. Quite often people complain of grazes and cuts, especially children who love to run amuck in the pool
  3. More expensive to run- most concrete pools seem to have more absorbent surfaces that allow for more water absorption, this means the area becomes a great place for bacteria such as algae to grow. We have found that homeowners of concrete pools tend so spend more money on chemicals because algae can grow much easier compared to fiberglass
  4. Expensive long term upkeep- concrete pools requite ongoing Maintainance and care, sometimes after 15 years, they may even need to be reconditioned. The amount of maintenance that needs to be done will all depend on the type of surface the owner has chosen.

Other Points to Consider

Regardless of what type of pool you’re putting into your backyard, there are a few things you need to consider seriously before buying your pool and having it installed.

  1. Is your building site level? Remember: swimming pools are normally built on level sites, so you’d better plan well if you live on a slope or if your home is located on uneven terrain. Putting a pool in this case will cost more as your builder will need to either fill or flatten the area to level the surface for installation. One particular workaround is to build an above-ground pool using a fibreglass shell: in the long run, it will cost less, look really good, and enable you to retain the natural look of your home environment.
  2. What’s your terrain like? Knowing if the foundations can support a pool is critical no matter what type you finally decide to get. For this, ask your professionals such as leisurepools.com.au to check on the quality of the soil within your area. Areas on a high water table or places where the soil is too sandy, too loose, or very rocky are not ideal spots for putting in a pool.
  3. How big a space are you using? Especially in cities, you really have to make do with a small amount of space and that also applies to installing a swimming pool in your yard. In which case, fibreglass pools would be the best bet as some models are just big enough to suit smaller spaces.

So which is the best Fibreglass or Concrete?

Source: Pools R Us

When you look at all the information comparing both fiberglass and concrete it is no surprise that in recent years it has to lead to over 50% of Australians now choosing a fiberglass swimming pool. Fiberglass pools offer an amazing and extensive range of different shapes, styles, and sizes. Here at Barrier Reef Pools, we have been transforming homeowners backyards across Australia for the past 30 years.

Fiberglass has become increasingly more popular due to its longevity, durability, and the quick installation process.

Anti Aging – What is it and How Can You Benefit From It?

Anti-aging is one of the most significant specialities in the medical industry. There has been a lot of buzz regarding this sector in the industry for a long time. As the days go on, people like you and me keep aging. They always want to halt or even reverse the signs and symptoms of aging. Changing the signs of aging can let us enjoy a longer and more active life over the long haul. As it is now possible to bring back our youthful skin, we are pretty much guaranteed that at some point, we have to use anti-aging products from trustworthy companies like exoskinsimple.com, so that we can get back our youthful skin.

Anti-aging occupies a more substantial portion in the industry than organic skincare products, face creams, relaxing spa treatment, etc. Who doesn’t want to look younger, despite their age, with a beautiful external complexion? But, does anti-aging mean to look younger than the age only? Well, let’s read more.

Anti-aging Medicine

Medical science has been producing anti-aging medicines that are dedicated to expanding the lifespan of human beings. This will likewise add youthfulness and health to that expanded lifespan. Despite what people know about anti-aging, the real anti-aging revolves around a combination of medical technologies and therapies that are used for the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age-related disability and disease.

There are some people in some corner of the world who still don’t believe in anti-aging. They think that it is merely fiction or fantasy. The truth is, it is now a reality, and more and more people are trying to get the hang of it every single day. People understand what it means, and as it is accepted as a medical specialty, there is no doubt that it will continue to grow advanced in medicine and pharmaceuticals. This will help people to let go of the useless skincare products for good.

Source: MaxLiving

Anti-aging Program

An effective anti-aging program should include a series of causes of aging, such as physical, psychological, spiritual, and emotional. The program should consist of a completely holistic approach to halt and reverse the causes. Thorough body detoxification is something that an anti-aging program should focus on at the very beginning of the course. This detoxification will help the individuals to set their mind at the point where they think that the key is to complete the anti-aging procedure.

The one mistake most individuals tend to make is that they go and make use of the anti-aging programs directly. Even most physicians or dermatologists make the mistake of prescribing their patients to use anti-aging programs at the initial stage. In reality, if you don’t go through body detoxification, no good will come to you. Mark these words if you want. Without detoxification, even the latest high-tech anti-aging medicine and supplements may not work for you. To achieve complete health or pure long term anti-aging, make sure you detoxify your body first.

International Anti-aging

More and more people are looking for anti-aging solutions as they are becoming old. The buzz is getting louder and louder every single day all over the world. Nobody wants to grow old, weak, and sick. Nobody wants to become mature and slowly watch their body and mind deteriorate.

Aging leads our hormone levels to decline at a rapid rate. As the hormone levels decrease, it makes us look old as our skin loses its elasticity. If your body is full of toxins and chemicals, then there is no doubt that it will sooner than later begin to develop degenerative disease and illness, which will eventually lead you to amplify the aging process.

If you fail to conduct whole-body detoxification immediately, the chances are that you will have to bear unfortunate consequences. Once your body starts reacting to the harmful synthetic compounds that you have been reserving inside your body, no anti-aging program supplements or creams will help you to improve the results.

Source: Hirslanden Hospital Group

Where Do Toxins Come From?

The food that we eat regularly, the air that we breathe, the pollutants that we consume are the reason behind the toxins that accumulate in our bodies. Toxins inside the body can irritate our organs, which becomes the ultimate reason for more severe illnesses, including cancer.

How Many Toxins Do You Have in Your Body?

People who never conduct detox cleansing may have a body that is overwhelmed with toxins. On average, a person is likely to absorb around 150 pounds of toxins every year. The fact is, most of these toxins are dispelled. But, those that remain are the fundamentals of the severe illnesses you have.

The more toxins you have inside your body, the quicker you are likely to become old. As simple as that. It will also have an impact on weight loss, wrinkle reduction, and general health and wellness. Some symptoms begin to show up when your body is vulnerable to toxins.

  • Aging Skin
  • Bad Breath
  • Digestive problems
  • Poor Blood Circulation
  • Reduced Stamina
  • Weight Gain
  • General Body Bloating
  • Anxiety and Depression, etc.
Source: MD Anderson

How to Detoxify Your Body?

Health and wellness detox programs are likely to come in handy when it comes to detoxifying the body. Here are some suggestions for you:

Complete Body Detoxification with Holistic Detox Product

There are a lot of products available in the market that will help you detox your body. These products come with 100% natural ingredients that will prompt your body to set up its normal detox process.

Source: primax

Healthy Foods into Your Diet

One of the most significant approaches to increasing the effectiveness of your annual cleanse is by reducing the number of unhealthy foods from your diet. Try to live on a diet that has a lot of healthy foods such as raw vegetables, green tea, enough protein, and a small number of carbs.

Take care of your body by following these detox guidelines so that you can let go of your aging symptoms. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is all that it takes for a person to stop maturing. Hence, follow the guideline that is mentioned above and see what magic happens to your body.

8 Skincare & Makeup Tips For Dark Skin

Source: lorealparisusa

Skin is the biggest organ we have and it is essential to take really good care of it. For this, it is needed to keep it healthy from both inside and out. The proper care will improve the look of the skin and reduce signs of aging which is something that we all aspire. With just a few and fairly simple things you can do, your skin will be very thankful and you will see the results. Stay tuned to check out what you can do to make your skin glow.

1. Be kind to your skin

Dark Skin
Source: medicalnewstoday

There are different complexions of skin, and this is very important to be aware of when you are picking the products to use on your skin. Darker skin tones tend to be more prone to damage by the elements as well as the strong products, so be very cautious when picking what goes on your face. It is best not to use products that are too aggressive such as peelings of different kinds, soaps, and cleansing gels if there is no need for this. Keep it mild and simple, and use products designed for your skin type.

2. Hydration is the key

Source: stylist

Water is very important for the functioning of the whole body, so it is essential to keep this fluid up and drink water even before you feel thirsty. Your skin needs to be moisturized and it is good to use the products that are made you’re your completion. For hydration, you can use different creams, gels, and serums depending on personal preferences and needs.

3. Sun protection is important

Source: stylist

There is a common misconception that the darker the skin, lower levels of SPF and sun protection is needed; this is so untrue since all skin types and colors are prone to developing redness after exposure, dark spots and even melanoma. In order to prevent this from happening to be sure to protect your face and neck with the sunblock of preference. This is due to be done in all seasons, not only during spring and summer. UV rays may damage your skin and cause dark spots that don’t want to fade away; these rays are responsible for increasing the speed of aging and breakage, so protect it sooner before later.

4. Care about it

Source: luxurylotusspa

Proper skincare is very hard to achieve with so many products available on the market. When picking the products to use, check the ingredients, and if the specific product is for your type. By choosing the proper products you are decreasing the possibility of irritation, allergies, and any other side effect of using products your skin does not like. Choose the routine you prefer, even though it may pass a few months before you find the one that is just right. Do not forget that the routine may change from season to season.

In order to get the products that are dermatologically tested and are suited for the type of skin, go to theskinspot.com. Here you can do the quick skin test and find the products to nourish your skin in the proper way.

5. Keep it healthy from the inside

Source: naturalfacetherapy

You have probably heard this so many times, but it is always good to state it, a good and healthy diet will lead to a healthy look. One of the best things you can do is to detect the foods that are causing the breakouts and try to avoid them in order to prevent further development of acne. Different people may have different triggers and these can be greasy foods, cow milk, sweets, or gluten. By knowing what can make your body misbehave and cause oily spots and breakouts you can avoid these in order to keep your look fresh and healthy. By eating foods that are filled with vitamins and minerals you are improving the state of the whole body.

6. Proper foundation and concealer are essential

Source: today

When it comes to the makeup, there are a lot of those on the market, Be sure to get the one that is made for your skin type as well as in the shade that completely matches your skin. It is a personal preference if you love more or less coverage foundation, but be sure to pick the one that is mating if you have oily skin or the one that is hydrating if you have skin that is dry. Check for the color of the foundation on your face rather than on the hand since the undertone and shades do differ; in addition to this find the brand that has many shades in order to get the perfect match.

Concealer should be full coverage and in the shade that is a bit lighter than the foundation. Again, get the one that is flattering your color and undertone.

7. Highlighter needs to highlight not blind

Source: pinterest

This is if not one of the best tips that can be given; highlighters come in many shades and types, they can be moose, loose powders, pressed powders, and liquid. Choose the one of preference and be aware that the color should flatter your own, so try to match it with the undertone you have. If you have a pink undertone, try the pink-toned highlighter; if you have yellow undertone go for golden tones and if you are neutral in the undertone, be free to play with colors and pick the one that makes your skin glows and makes you look healthy.

8. Be brave and colorful

Source: allwomenstalk

Do not be afraid to experiment with colors and wear bold ones on your lips, nails, cheeks, and eyes. Some colors will flatter your face and undertone and make you look stunning, while others may make you appear not healthy and sort of grey. Do avoid the colors that make you look unhealthy and use the ones that make you look bright and shiny.

Conclusion

It is quite easy to follow this advice and get the best of the products you are getting for you. Be brave and do not be afraid to experiment with different types of products and colors that you are using. Do not forget that makeup is there to enhance your natural beauty and pick products that will nourish your skin rather than make it suffer.

How to Improve your Home-Selling Value? By Upgrading your Garages

Presentation and attention to detail are some of the critical ingredients of increasing the value of your home. Real estate sellers know how crucial it is to present your home as a property with significant value before listing it on the market for potential clients.

Aside from indoor facilities such as the kitchen and bedroom, the quality of house garages is one selling point home-sellers may overlook. This is essential for clients who consider space and storage capabilities and use garages for certain activities.

Not only that, but garages are also an expensive investment and are a prominent part of the house. Read further as we list down key points and tips in improving your garages and increase the value of your property.

Repair and Replace your Garage Doors

Photo by Unsplash

Homeowners may overlook garage doors during renovations, and this significantly affects the home value. Taking time and effort to improve the designs and functions will increase value and profit as you try to sell the house to clients.

You can purchase locally or online from websites like agradeservices.com.au. Doing repairs or total replacement may be expensive, but these upgrades are proven to provide a good return on investment. Alternatively, you can opt for DIY home improvements and designs that match the architecture and overall design of your house.

Use of Modern Garage Technology

Throw in some extra home value by installing different gadgets in your garage. You may start placing insulation inside the garage, regulating its temperature, and attracts clients who prefer energy-saving homes.

You may also want to add sensors and anti-theft systems that improve the home’s safety and security measures. Overall, the more technology and systems installed in the garage, the more it would add to the home’s overall value, and thus can be sold at a higher price.

Adding Elevated Storage Spaces

Photo by Unsplash

Regardless of the space of your garage, there will always be limits in storing items. Make use of all space by adding elevation. This is a simple upgrade that you can do yourself and bears an impact on improving the value of your home.

Start by purchasing plywood and some screws, and make use of the walls to create brackets that other homeowners may use to put various objects with. The use of walls for storage frees up more space on the ground and adds up the home value.

This is a very cheap trick that can be made for a few hours, and the materials can easily be purchased at your nearby hardware store.

Clean and Organize your Garage

Source: Bykerk Southbelt Storage

This is a no-brainer tip for all homeowners, and while this may not add value to your house, a clean garage is better than a dirty one.

Presentation contributes to sales, and clients may be planning to remodel the garage for another function once bought. Take time to clean and organize your garage to make sure you can impress your clients.

Coating your Garage Floors with Epoxy

Epoxy works wonders in maintaining the quality of garage floors. Coated floors will last longer and can handle friction better than uncoated floors.

With epoxy, floors won’t be damaged easily, and cleaning is effortless since it’s water-resistant and dust-proof. This cheap flooring upgrade gives you elegance and an excellent impression to buyers.

Tidying up Outside Spaces

Photo by Brandi Ibrao on Unsplash

Sometimes, buyers would think twice if the premise around the house is dilapidated. First impressions matter, and it forms even before they walk inside.

The same idea goes with garages as well, don’t let buyers be discouraged because of cracked floors and crumbling driveway. Remember that the first thing buyers see aside from the driveway is the doors of the garage.

Adding Solar Panels at the Roof of Your Garage

Source: Modernize

Going solar significantly improves home value and will impress your buyers. Installing solar panels saves energy since the solar panels generate electricity used in the garage.

And why stop there? You might as well retrofit your house to be dependent on solar energy. This is a good investment option and attracts buyers who prefer saving electricity. There are also some cases where homeowners are off the grid and have been using solar energy for electrical consumption.

Adequate Lighting Installments

Photo by Ambitious Creative Co. – Rick Barrett on Unsplash

Hiring an electrician to install lighting can also be a good idea. Garages can be dark and unsafe without proper lighting, so installing bulbs and motion-sensitive lights can make your garage look appealing, safe. This can help encourage buyers to consider your property.

Takeaway

Houses are your investments, and increasing value through proper staging takes a lot of time and effort. However, all of this can be worth it. Clients may focus on the insides of your home, and garages are included in the package. Who knows, they might say yes because of the great impression you gave them through the proper staging of your home garage.

5 Signs It is Time to Move From an Apartment to a House 

Source: thespruce.com

People tend to get emotionally attached to the apartments they live in. This is nothing unusual considering that we spend a lot of time in them when we get married, have kids, and then enjoy the sweetest things with them. This is why we start to love every spot on the floor that stayed after dropping toys a thousand times a day, and the small lines that say – my son had so much fun that day! However, sometimes families simply overgrow the apartment and realize that it is time to move to a house. Here are some of the indicators that it is time for a change.

1. You can’t move freely

Source: unpakt

If you are living in the same apartment for years, then that means that you have changed a few jobs and got married which only adds the things needed in the home. Lots of books, furniture, clothes and everything else that we need every day seem to make our space smaller and smaller all the time. While some people prefer minimalism, that is not the case for most people. We tend to buy the things that we like which can truly be a lot after a while. So, if you started noticing that wherever you go, you trip on something or get bruises, it is definitely a time to move.

2. Your family needs an upgrade

Source: apartmentguide

This can mean a better neighborhood, bigger yard, more rooms, and a bigger kitchen. If you have been working on your career for years and that has finally started paying off, then it is time to treat your family and yourself with the comfort that you deserve. Home should be spacious and comfortable, so when you start looking for the proper home, take those things into consideration.

Sometimes we simply need a change of the environment because we have outgrown the one we are in at the moment. If that is the case with you, then you should definitely go for it and find a suitable replacement. A change is good and can mean the beginning of something optimistic and positive. It can completely turn your life around. Leading a stressful life can lead to numerous complications and should be avoided.

3. There is a new job that you like

Source: moving

If you just got the opportunity to switch jobs and the new one is pretty far from your apartment, you can think about finding a house that is near the job. Life can sometimes give us some unexpected opportunities and even though you may start being anxious about it, you can try instead to open your mind to the new opportunities and look at it as an opportunity to prosper. Of course, it is important to confirm everything about your job first so you can be sure that it is yours before you start making arrangements.

4. Living in the suburbs is your dream

Source: pacresmortgage

Cities are noisy, with lots of crowded areas and even though we like that when we are young at a certain point that starts to change. We start thinking about the importance of a garden and how nice it is to be able to go outside and breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the silence and the opportunity to actually know your neighbor’s name. This is almost impossible in the cities where you can live somewhere for years and not even know who is living next door.

If living in the suburb is your dream, you should definitely look into it and fulfill that dream. Life is too short and it should be enjoyed. Find a house that suits the needs of your family, make sure that there is a good school nearby and start making arrangements. You will be enjoying your new incredible home in no time.

5. Your family needs more freedom

Source: medium

Living in an apartment requires following certain rules. It is necessary to adjust to your neighbors and to prevent your kids from making excessive noise. However, most of the parents know very well just how difficult it is to do that. On one hand, kids need to have plenty of space to play and on the other, some neighbors want to rest in the afternoon. It soon becomes pretty clear that it is not something you want to do every day and be tense all the time simply because your kids want to play.

If this is the issue you are dealing with for a while now, then it is the time to find a better home for your family and simply release the tension. It is a paradox, but once you let your kids play freely, they will be quieter. It is because they won’t need to challenge you all the time. Besides, you will be more relaxed. The energy spreads, both good and bad, so do everything you can to help yourself feel good.

These were a few most important signs that your family needs to move to a house, but there are numerous other reasons. Whichever your reason is, if you feel you need a change, that is a reason valid enough to do something about it. Find your dream home and a moving company that will transfer all the things to the wanted location, the rest will be much easier. According to MovingB.com  it is necessary to get organized and do everything gradually. Make a list of tasks and make sure you commit to the plan responsibly.

Packing your whole life and moving to another location is not easy and can be pretty stressful if you force yourself to do everything at once. Instead, make a checklist and do one thing at a time. Break down all the tasks and it will be easier for you to track what has been done and what is not, so you can proceed to the next one. After everything is done, the only thing left for you to do is to enjoy yourself with your family in creating some wonderful memories!

7 Cool Ways to Customize Your Car

Source: funender

Having a personalized car is always good, but summer is the best time for that, those few months when we travel more and have the opportunity to show off our vehicle. Decorating a car with style, elegance, and a reasonable price is not easy, but thanks to various products in the market, it is not an impossible mission. In this article, we will provide you with some tuning ideas to mark your personality on wheels without leaving penniless.

How to tune your car?

Car tuning involves improving performance beyond factory standards. The first step is to increase engine power, which requires several other enhancements. Those are changing the transmission to deliver more power, changing brakes to effectively stop faster vehicles, harder suspension and larger tires for stability, reinforcing the chassis while facilitating the entire vehicle, etc. Failure to do so will result in a powerful engine that will not be able to carry that power adequately because the other assemblies won’t be able to withstand it.

When you make a beast out of an ordinary car, you will want everyone to know, at first glance, that it is not just an average car! Complete visual remodeling is car styling and is closely related to tuning. Many add-ons for performance also affect visual experience. Spoilers are used primarily to increase aerodynamics, but also give the car an aggressive look. Besides being an attractive detail, the tail at the rear end serves to increase stability at high speeds. Large aluminum wheels, which adorn every sports car, are lighter than ordinary steel, which relieves the unit and reduces unshakable mass.

Every engine can be tuned because many trade-offs have been made during design and production. Starting with the price-quality ratio, adjusting the power to the size and purpose of the car, and especially the cost savings of manufacturing, where the same unit is fitted to a large number of models with certain modifications.

Higher power means more load on aggregate assemblies, more significant wear and tear on moving parts, and less service life, making “civilian” cars one of the essential features as opposed to sports ones. Ferdinand Porsche has defined the nature of sports cars: “The car-racing unit has to endure the race, take the honorary lap and immediately break down. If the engine is still running, it means that the maximum has not been extracted from it and that it can give better results.”

Pushing the factory limits of a car does not mean that you will reduce your car’s life to “one race.” 

The following are some of the basic types of tuning, without going into the many technical details. You should bear in mind that the best results are obtained by combining some adjustments, and that depends on the desired results.

1. Customized car plates

Source: jalopnik

Are you thinking of customizing your car plates? You can do it in such a way that they resemble the real license plates, with sizes and colors very similar to the real ones. You only need to write the text that you would like to appear on the license plate, occasionally reduced by the dimensions of the design or the registration system you have chosen.

You can create license plates from many countries and territories in the world, both standard and personalized license plates, as well as historical or unrecognized territories. 

A new list has been released by CarReg private number plates where you can search and buy very short private number plates online.

2. Chip Tuning

Source: racechip

It is the simplest and cheapest form of tuning available mainly to newer cars where the electronics control all the parameters of the unit’s operation. The process consists of removing the chip, reprogramming it, or replacing it with another. The new chip has other control parameters (mixture ratio, ignition angle, etc.) that directly affect the performance of the unit. That can increase power, reduce power consumption, change power distribution, and many other changes to accommodate tuning upgrades.

3. Air filter

Source: pexels

The high-flow filter will not have much effect on improving the driving performance of the car; it can even diminish it. The fantastic sound that comes with incorporating a sports filter can trick many into increasing power and making the engine “sing.” Increasing the amount of air in the mixture should be accompanied by a higher amount of fuel and vice versa. If the ratio of gasoline is disturbed, the engine power is also reduced due to worse or incomplete combustion.

4. Exhaust system

Source: parkmuffler

Increasing the amount of mixture inside the cylinders necessarily entails changes to the exhaust system, which now needs to remove more exhaust from the engine. Just changing the back of the pot can be done enough because of the characteristic sound it produces, but it is only the last feature when it comes to the exhaust tuning.

When the exhaust valves are opened, the high-pressure gases exit the cylinders, and if they encounter any obstruction, they create a back pressure that loads the piston and the entire engine. The perfect combination would be a sports exhaust that produces very little gas resistance. The specialized factory branch has been working on creating some resistance used at lower rpm. At high rpm, any back pressure is undesirable.

Only after changing the branch can the pipe diameter and the rear pot be changed depending on the cubic capacity and engine power

As the amount of the mixture increases, a sufficiently high flow rate to the compression space must be provided. With engine head interventions, the desired effect can be achieved in two ways. It is less expensive by installing a sports camshaft that has “sharper” cams and results in a deeper opening of the intake and exhaust valves, creating more significant space for gas flow. Another way that requires more intervention and money is to inflate the head and install larger diameter valves through which the engine will be able to “breathe” more readily. The best results for extreme pitching are achieved by combining the two operations.

5. Nitro kit

Source: rvinyl

The use of nitro oxide is the most popular form of tuning and increasing engine power. Its application enables faster combustion of larger quantities of fuel. Nitroxide has a much higher percentage of oxygen than ordinary air and accelerates the combustion of the mixture. Nitrogen has two functions – to prevent instantaneous explosions generated by oxygen and to draw away some of the heat released by combustion.

6. Turbo Kit

Source: humbleperformance

It is one of the more natural ways to get a desirable amount of horsepower. It can be installed in almost any engine but requires a high level of expertise and quality parts. The turbine is most often tied to the engine exhaust, but there are still mechanical and electro-turbines. At the other end of the turbine is a high-pressure compressor that pumps air into the engine. That is where we return to the beginning of the story, and the basis of the increase in engine power – more mixture (fuel and air) means more pressure on the pistons when combusted and more power. In addition to the turbine, it is also necessary to install an air intercooler because of the high demand, the air is heated, which reduces performance.

7. Interventions within the engine itself

Source: pirelli

There is a lot you can and need to change inside the engine when you start tuning. When you increase the number of horsepower by all the methods outlined so far, many of the parts inside the engine need to be replaced with better quality ones so they can withstand the extra power. In addition to higher quality materials, you can improve performance by using lighter parts (pistons, piston rods, etc.), as well as increasing the compression ratio and engine volume. These interventions are among the most expensive because of the cost of components and the level of expertise required to perform them.

How to Raise Money From Investors

Source: forbes

One of the biggest reasons why people do not venture into entrepreneurship is lack of capital. It is also one of the biggest reasons why people go out of business. Suffice to say, capital tends to be a big driver of businesses in several ways.

That should not, however, be a premise for failing to start a business or going out of business altogether. You can always look for financing options to get the much-needed capital. One of those options is to raise money from investors. Raising money from investors is a skill that can be learned. That is what we will be looking at in this article. We shall be discussing the important things you must know.

An Interesting Gender-Based Insight

Source: kevinsmithgroup

Studies shows that businesses run by females tend to succeed more than those run by males. This may be subject to debate but some studies have shown that. It has also emerged that businesses run by females tend to be downplayed yet being potent enough to succeed. This here presents an interesting dynamic – how investors can actually consider this gender element.

Thus, when looking to seek out investments take time to comb through the prospective investor’s investment portfolio or history. It might be in your best interest to know the investment habits of a respective investor. As much as biases are not good most investors tend to have gender-based biases when deciding on whom to fund.

Pitching Is Inevitable

Source: businessnewsdaily

Supposing you have been given the platform to speak with an investor you will have to or be required to pitch your business idea. The time you will be given to do that pitch varies from investor to investor. What we can advise you to do is that always have one-minute pitches ready.

If you actually get more time that will be a bonus for you. Most investors have no time to entertain you for long given their busy schedules. The important thing is for you to have a comprehensively constituted yet compact pitch – well rehearsed so that you can deliver it any time.

Must-Haves For Your Pitch Content

Source: fnews

Your pitch is usually the key to your getting funded. It is also vital to also have a business plan handy as that will be necessary for further evaluation of your business idea. More information about business plans can be found on this website. In your pitch clearly show your business’ unique value proposition.

Your financials must be well presented i.e. turnover, gross margins, net profit and so on. Investors are so keenly interested in those details. If any, point out notable accomplishments your business has attained – it beefs up your credibility.

High-Risk High Potential Businesses Stand A Good Chance

Source: business

Investors usually want to fund businesses that have two key attributes namely, high risk and high potential. This means that if your business does not wield these qualities getting funding might be a long shot.

Essentially your business must exhibit the quality of being scalable into a big brand as time ensues. That is what investors want to invest in – businesses that will bring about huge returns on investment. If your business is high risk yet high potential, it is even possible to get funding from angel investors.

Raising Money Is Not A Once-Off Thing

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Bear in mind that raising funds from investors is not a once-off thing. You might have to take a stepped approach which is cumulative in nature. What we mean is that you raise a certain funding amount to use to take the business to a certain level. Then once it gets there you then set out to raise more funds in pursuance of another level you want to reach.

The beauty of this approach is that if you do reach all those levels you set out to reach the valuation of your business will be getting bigger and bigger. This would mean that getting investors to fund you becomes far easier as you move ahead with each new level attained. This also means that you can end up getting investments from several different investors towards just that one business.

You can try a fundraising campaign that can instantly reach out to a whole bunch of potential investors. If you were able to raise some capital through this campaign, you can now use it to take your business up incrementally. This makes the process far easier and faster than ever before because crowdfunding being used in the same manner as a business is becoming more common today. Get a few fundraising ideas by checking out fundraisingexpert.com.

Know The Various Funding Options And Terms Available

Source: Warengo

When approaching investors you must be well versed with these options. There are several of them, for example, angel investors, venture capitalists, and crowd funding just to mention a few. When talking about investments we can mostly look at angel investors and venture capitalists.

Angel investors are not always easy to find, they are investors who are more concerned with helping people to set up businesses. When they fund someone they do not necessarily need to be paid back or they might not want paybacks with interest. Managing to get an angel investor to invest in your business will be a jackpot.

Then there are venture capitalists – they want their money paid back and with interest. Their thrust is to fund you to get definite and guaranteed returns on investments. When approaching investors you must know the type of investors they are so that you know how to discuss with them.

What Is In It For The Investor?

Source: techglows

Most investors want an offer from you in exchange for the capital investment you are asking from them. Actually, they usually want equity or a stake in your business. Demands or conditions may vary as some might simply want principal repayments with interest. Whichever the case may be you must be ready to negotiate.

It is important to know the implications of offering up equity that is too high. For instance, offering up a 60% equity in exchange for a capital investment might not always be a great idea. This is because you would not be having a say in key decision making. Thus, when approaching an investor know what to offer and be ready to negotiate.

You must also consider that most investors want to invest when you have injected or contributed something of your own. This shows that you believe in what you are doing and are willing to take risks. Try as many options as possible; never give up! Once you master these skills, you will be able to get funding for any kind of business!

A Guide to Purchasing Moroccan Babouches

Source: lonelyplanet

If you ask any native Moroccans, what are the most popular traditional slippers found in morocco? I guess the first name they might say is the ‘Moroccan Babouches’. Some of the movie geeks might even say these are Aladdin’s most favorite shows. The term Babouche comes from French, which in fact comes from Persian (Papushie flat shoes). In Moroccan Arabic, here we are speaking of Balgha.

You’ll find an endless variety of souvenirs to purchase during your trip to Morocco, particularly in large souks such as Fes and Marrakech. The Moroccan leather slipper, a traditional Moroccan leather slipper, gives a fun gift to friends and relatives. You may also purchase a pair of babouches, because they are both sturdy and user-friendly.

The manufacture of Moroccan slippers is a continuous procedure, also known as ‘babouche.’ It starts when raw animal skins are collected and handled (cobbage skin, cow skin, and camel skin), cleaned, dried, and died until the right amount of softness for what is called ‘Balgha.’ There is thong that must be clarified here that there are two types of Babouches, the traditional Moroccan slippers that pass through the craftsmen ship of a talented artisan and the others are the ones made from the machines. Among these the hand made products find more popularity among purchasers because they perfectly fit.

Today, we are going to present to you the guide that we did with artisanat-shop, on how to purchase Moroccan Babouches, let’s get started.

The Best of the Sorts

Source: lonelyplanet

The first thing to remember while buying a pair of babouche is that you want to wear it outside or indoors. Indoor babouche is supposed to have a softer sole, while outdoor babouche is supposed to have a harder sole on the bottom.

Finding the Right Pair of Moroccan Babouche

A successful babouche may take a few years to replace. You will note that tourists not only love the babouche, but that many people take it indoors and out. If you don’t know the price of the babouche, you can ask local people or visit the shops where local residents sell.

A Perfect Suit

First, you’re going to want to try a couple of your beloved babouche. You cannot take the same steps as your sneakers or sandals as you pick the scale of your babouche. The main thing is to choose the correct style to choose a pair without any garbage, which blends comfortably into your shoes. Slings are meant to be stiff when first used, but gradually expand and over a period of time forms into the shape of the foot. A pair of babouches “worked-in” should look like personalized feet.

Source: moroccotravelblog

The Best Theme Style

Second, find all the paint and design choices for your indoor / outdoor babouche. Many flat toes and some with toes pointed. Some of them have a simple matte color range, while others have rather complicated sticking and style.

The colors and designs of the slippers used by locals can even be analyzed in order to determine the current trends. On my last visit to Fes, I bought a pair of brown pointed babouches with a single stick on which I saw a new fashion trend among the citizens of Morocco. You’re going to decide whether you want to head down the design road or choose something that’s calling you! Shopping for the correct babouche pair can be a nice experience! We are guessing that you love shopping or even if it’s just going there to have look around!

Soft and Easy going

As slippers might be the most popularly used product at home. And because of them being comfortable, easy to move around with, and if you can find your self a pair that molds to your feet. This the best feeling of being at home and I think most of you might agree with me. And if you have to ask my opinion on this! I might suggest that the Moroccan Babouches are the choice in this aspect. A Babouche pair have a thick soul even adds to the comfort.

Source: mosaicnorthafrica

Finding a good product distributer

I have already discussed it in the previous section that if you are making up your mind to buy a pair of Babouches then the hand made products from these talented artisans is the best choice but if you have to go about buying a product from some company’s then wee have some suggestions for you. Among all artisanal-shop, Fez and Marakesh. Moroccan Leather Babouche, is reinventing conventional Moroccan babouche slippers in a streamlined and modern theme. Hamid and his wonderful team have been making slippers for Bohemia for more than ten years at their workshop in the Medina in Marrakech. Each of their slippers is custom made with their aged techniques. Because this is need from every customer that they need to be made at home with these soft, supple leather slippers.

Their Odor

It is to be noted that a genuine traditional Babouche has been passed through a natural process of crafting and you might find a dreamlike odor to it. This is one of the most important selling points of this product.

Source: theculturetrip

Get a measure of your foot

The first step is to measure your foot against your oriental slippers or your preferred Babouchescuir type. If you don’t have a pedometer at home, we have the best solution. First of all, it’s essential to wear socks or be bare feet. Then take a sheet of paper and position the foot flat below the big toe and one at the end of the heel.

That is then measured in centimeters, 1 cm added, and then 0.666 divided the gap between the two axes. You simply round up to the nearest millimeter with two measures in order to obtain the correct value with France/The European Union.

Please bear in mind that their oriental slippers, sandals and boots are crafted by craftsmen of good quality goatskin or calf leather in Morocco. It is likely that the leather would feel rigid at the first test, relax in time when wearing the pair.

5 Working From Home Productivity Tips

Source: 1-grid

Working from home has so far been reserved only for freelancers and has been pretty much out of people’s minds. Simply, the world way not ready for working from home. The fact is that we love to socialize and spend time with people while working. It was somehow the vision we all had in mind. However, in the light of recent events when people were forced to stay at home in quarantine because of the coronavirus, people started wondering how would that work. Well, people are adaptable and learn quickly. We are here to help you out to organize better if this is all new to you. So, let’s dive in!

1. Help people understand your work

Source: cnbc

Just a while ago, the first thing that would come to people’s minds when the work from home would be mentioned is that it is just sitting the whole day in pajamas and drinking coffee. While some people do sit in their pajamas and drinking coffee, that is far from what else they do. If you want to avoid being interrupted a hundred times a day and being frustrated, then you will need to talk to your family and explain your working hours and that you need to be fully concentrated.

Simply put, create a schedule and place it on the door, if you are lucky enough to have a separate room for an office. This will prevent them from coming to you all the time to ask you things. We all know that productivity drops with the speed of light after every question that someone asks, so do everything you can to prevent that from happening.

2. Get a suitable chair and desk

Source: parade

Considering that you will work every day for at least 6-8 hours, and let’s face it – some days, even more, you will need a comfortable chair and a quality desk to be able to work. Productivity is closely related to the position you sit in. If you are constantly leaned forward and in an unnatural position, you will start to feel the pain sooner or later. You should know that this is an investment into your health because all the experts and doctors will tell you what it means to constantly put the pressure on your back.

In order to avoid this, invest in a good chair that will support your back and the desk big enough for your laptop and all the things that you will need during working hours. If you are not sure how your desk should look, check out this guide theconsumer.guide for choosing a computer workstation. It will help you to make the right choice and improve your posture, so you can be productive.

3. Turn out the notifications

Source: flexjobs

Being a member of Viber groups, getting your notifications from Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, answering emails, and being interrupted by your family member will leave you exhausted at the end of the day. Set your phone to silent mode and let your friends know your schedule, so they avoid calling you during your working hours. This may be weird at first, but it will save your sanity and help you finish the planned work faster.

Every time you get interrupted, it will add up to the time you will spend in your home office. Be strict about the way you handle your time. It is the only way to be able to do anything besides work and actually enjoy every segment of your life. Working from home may blur the lines between work and family time, but it is up to you to handle it as much as possible.

4. Take breaks

Source: entrepreneur

The experts recommend taking breaks every ninety minutes to take a walk, look away from the screen, or simply stretch your legs. It is necessary for relaxation, better functioning, productivity but also for getting some new ideas. It will help you to feel refreshed and continue with some new energy. It doesn’t have to last long. It can be five minutes or just a walk to the kitchen to make coffee or tea, to take a glass of water, or to have a snack. Find a way to set a structure, so it is easier for you to deal with all the obligations you have. It is the only way to tackle all the tasks you have.

5. Create a routine that works for you

Source: nbcnews

It is not easy to switch from working in an office to working at home. Even though some people may have told you that this is the time to do what you want, the reality is completely different. You need to follow a certain structure to be able to live a fulfilled life and be productive. If your job allows you, work in the evening or early in the morning, if you are not productive enough during the usual hours.

Every person is different, so take advantage of the period when you feel most productive and work then. You will probably work much faster than when you force yourself to catch up on all the tasks. Set a schedule and try to stick to it. Of course, some flexibility is necessary, but learn to set the priorities, instead of pushing yourself to do everything at once.

These are the essential tips for being productive when working from home. Of course, you will find your own ways to organize your days, but these tips will help you ease yourself into the process and feel proud because you manage to finish everything on time. Make sure you remove all the clutter from your office and your desk. Every little thing impacts our ability to work, so make sure you arrange your working space the way you want to, so you can get inspired and productive. Working from home means that your working space doesn’t have to be conventional. Add a few candles, some inspiring image, a quote, and listen to music when your energy drops, so you can achieve the best results.

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