Could You Save A Life?

It’s very unlikely that you’ll ever find yourself in a situation where you need to leap into action to save somebody’s life, but nobody knows what’s around the corner. One minute you could be driving to work or doing your grocery shopping. The next you may be facing a scenario where your actions could make the difference between life and death. If you encountered an emergency situation, would you be able to save a life? 

Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs when blood flow to the heart is disturbed, preventing oxygen from flowing around the body and reaching the organs. If somebody collapses suddenly, their breathing is abnormal, and they’re not responding to you, it’s likely that they may have gone into cardiac arrest. At this point, you’re dealing with an emergency situation, and it’s wise to seek help as soon as possible. Call for an ambulance and prepare to do CPR or use life-saving equipment like the Zoll AED Plus. The aim of CPR is to get the heart beating again. If you don’t know how to do CPR, the operator on the emergency line will guide you through it. CPR is made up of a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. In most cases, cardiac arrest is caused by ventricular fibrillation, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. If the heart rhythm is shockable, it is possible to get the heart pumping again using a defibrillator. If you’re not near a medical surgery, you may find that a defibrillator is available at a local library, dental office or community center. 

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Fainting and dizziness

It’s very unlikely that fainting will prove fatal, but there’s always a risk that somebody who feels dizzy or lightheaded could fall and sustain serious injuries. If you come across somebody who appears to have fainted or you spot someone who feels very weak or dizzy, encourage them to sit down carefully and stay with them, reassuring them all the time. Dizziness is often linked to low sugar levels or exhaustion, so it’s often beneficial to eat something sugary and drink water. Raising the legs and lowering the head can also increase blood flow to the brain.

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Car crashes

More than 32,000 people died in car crashes in the US in 2015. Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and scratches to life-threatening spinal and head injuries. If you suspect somebody may have a spinal injury, don’t attempt to move them, as this could make the injury worse. Call for help, and stay with the casualty until paramedics arrive. If the person is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound using a cloth, a dressing or a piece of clothing. If you don’t have anything with you, you could use your hands as a last resort. This will help to stem bleeding. Head injuries can cause dizziness and confusion, so try and keep the casualty talking until help arrives.

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Trips and Falls

Trips, slips, and falls can happen at any place, anytime, without warning. Sometimes, there is no apparent reason for a person to fall, but negligence is to blame in many cases. Uneven ground, items left in walkways, and slippery floor surfaces can all cause a person to fall, and often accidents could have been prevented if appropriate action and warning signs were put in place by those in charge. If you come across someone that appears to be injured from a fall, it is essential to check the ground before you approach them to ensure you are alert to any surrounding dangers. You should not try to lift them, but instead, call for assistance and speak to them calmly to provide reassurance while you wait for medical help to arrive.

Most of us don’t wake up in the morning expecting to be in a situation where we could save somebody’s life later that day. The reality is that accidents happen and we never know when we may be required to act quickly to help others. Although experts usually arrive swiftly, those first few moments could be crucial, and hopefully, this guide will maximize your chances of saving a life. 

Why Your Home Lacks Character

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We can’t all have period properties from the Edwardian or Victorian eras. There wouldn’t be enough homes to go around. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t work with what we’ve got and add a bit of character to spice up our living quarters.

Here are some of the reasons your home lacks character and what you can do about it.

You Left The Kitchen Spot Lights In Place

Recessed spot lights built into the ceiling have been a favorite of home designers for the last twenty years or so. But despite their chic appeal and minimalist appearance, they’re draining homes of their character left, right and center.

To really add a bit of character to your home, you have to do it the old fashioned way - with chandeliers. And we’re not just talking about chandeliers in the living room or the entryway. We’re talking about chandeliers everywhere, including the downstairs washroom. Chandeliers have an uncanny ability to lift an entire room and make something that once seemed sparse, open and full of light.

You Bought A New Build And Left Everything Beige

If there’s one thing that home builders know, it’s how to appeal to the widest audience possible. And while their strategy might be effective for shifting homes, owners rarely get what they want. Beige homes are boring homes, and almost by definition, lack the character that people seek.

If you want a new build, but not the beige, instead of buying from a home building company, look into designing and building a new home so you can get all the character you want, right from the start.

Hiring a contractor for interior house painting will help get you solve the problem of a lack of character in your home. Many Victorian homes had moody paint jobs, focusing on darker colors like sapphire and crimson. Other period homes have an airy feel, enjoying pinks and light blues. Which you choose is up to you, but whatever you do, make sure you get rid of the beige.

You’ve Got Awkward Spaces In Your Home

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Every home has an awkward space which doesn’t quite seem to have a purpose. Perhaps there’s an area near your back door between the kitchen and the garden which is just empty. Maybe you’ve got a large communal room with a corner that doesn’t have anything in it. Whatever your situation, awkward spaces are an opportunity to generate character and to create something a little out of the ordinary.

The current trend is towards converting these spaces into “nooks” - places for retiring from the main body of the home, having a cup of tea and a good read. But you can make empty corners into anything, even storage areas for your favorite memorabilia.

You Don’t Use Wooden Displays

Pine dressers might be out of fashion, but they were a staple of homes in the past. Wives needed somewhere to store all their crockery and dry foodstuffs, and the pine dresser was the perfect solution. Even today in period homes, many still retain the original pine dresser as a kind of pantry substitute.

Use your pine dresser for storing sugar, tea, biscuits, herbs and spices, grains, nuts, and seeds. Pine dressers’ airy, recessed shelves can also help make rooms seem bigger.

3 Ways To Maintain Your Boat

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Taking care of a boat can be a lot of work, and if you are new to the hobby, there is a lot to learn. One of the hardest things about owning a boat is maintenance. Here are three ways to make fixing up your boat easier on yourself.

1. Engine Parts

Engines in all machines go through a lot of general wear-and-tear, and boats are no exception. If you are not a mechanically minded person, the safest option is to hire outside help when you are having engine problems. However, if you are confident in your abilities, discount boat parts are relatively easy to find, for the savvy shopper.

2. Crack Repair

If you find that there are cracks in the body of your boat, you should repair them as quickly as possible. The bigger the crack, the more dangerous it is likely to be, and the harder it will be to fix. There are several options for sealants that are easy to apply, but for the larger cracks, you will want to purchase more heavy-duty methods of reparation.

3. Polishing

Boats look the best when they have a shiny or glossy exterior. However, that type of exterior is not permanent, and you have plenty of work to do if you want to maintain that look. The simple maintenance tasks include washing and waxing, and while these are generally effective, sometimes there are more specialized treatments that you will need to use if you want to keep your boat looking its best.

With so many things to keep track of, both relating to your boat and your everyday life, it can be easy to forget things sometimes. These are only a few simple tips that you should keep in mind, but hopefully, they can spark a memory of something else that you need to do.

Tips on Choosing the Right Storage Unit Provider

 

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A recent study found that removing clutter from a home can reduce the amount of housework a person has to do by over 40 percent. If you are tired of kicking items out of your way to get around your home, now is the time to do something about the clutter. As you start to clean out your home, you will need a place to put items you don’t want to get rid of.

Renting a storage unit is the best way to get the room needed to store your items. With all of the different storage unit providers on the market, finding the right one can be difficult. Here are some things to consider when trying to choose a storage unit provider.

The Security Factor

Before you select a storage unit to rent, you need to take the time to visit the various options in your area. By visiting the storage unit establishments in your area, you can get an idea of what each one has to offer. When assessing personal storage units Canon City CO, be sure to look at the security measures in place.

Ideally, you want to choose a facility that has secured gates and cameras in place. With these security systems in place, you can rest assured your possessions will be safe. Paying a bit more for a highly-secured facility will be worth it.

Getting a Good Deal

Another factor you need to consider before renting a particular storage unit is the price. Finding a mix of both value and size will not be easy. Calling around and getting quotes from the storage unit suppliers in your area is helpful. With this information, choosing the right storage unit will be a breeze.

By weighing all of the storage unit options in your area, you should be able to find a great deal on the space you need.

3 Benefits of a Wooden Cutting Board

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The modern world is a time of convenience and fast-paced living. More innovations to improve the quality of life exist than ever before, but at the same time people are more stressed and their time-constrained more than ever by the burdens of modern jobs. The emergence of restaurants and prepackaged sandwiches and frozen meals has increasingly lured busy people into a trap of cheap, unhealthy convenience. Even with the many fast food options and prepped meals available for those less skilled at the culinary arts, most people enjoy a home-cooked meal on occasion. One of the vital tools in any kitchen regardless of whether its user is a beginner or an expert is a cutting board. Cutting boards can be made of different materials, including wood and plastic. The traditional wooden cutting board does possess benefits over the cheaper plastic cutting board. Here are three of them. 

1. Customizable

One of the best benefits of wooden cutting boards is their customizability. They can be etched with special designs or cut on different shapes. They can be bought customized from retailers like the one found at https://www.lotechsales.com/. Furthermore, wooden cutting boards come in a variety of options like edge grain and end grain, as well as being made from many different types of wood. 

2. Durability

Wooden cutting boards also tend to be durable with long lives. Wood, when cared for properly, is a sturdy material that can last for years. A wooden cutting board can, therefore, last for years if treated correctly. It is reliable and able to withstand heavy daily use. There is no need to constantly replace your cutting board when you have a wooden cutting board so long as you are careful. 

3. Maintainability

Wooden cutting boards also possess the benefit of being easy to maintain. They are easier to clean than plastic cutting boards, which are actually hard to remove bacteria from once they begin to collect little nicks and valleys. In spite of what some people may claim, wooden cutting boards do not hoard bacteria. On the contrary, they have antibacterial properties and actually kill microbes. 

Wooden cutting boards are beautiful, customizable kitchen tools that add to most decor rather than detracting from it. They are useful and possess many benefits over plastic cutting boards, including longer lives, being easier to clean and maintain and naturally killing off possibly harmful bacteria. So the next time you find yourself in need of a new cutting board, consider purchasing a wooden one for the long haul. 

5 Tips To Living Independently

One of the stages you would have to pass through in this adulthood journey is moving out of your parent’s home and settling down on your own. Truthfully, it’s as liberating as it is confusing because there would be so much you would be faced with in this new aspect of your life. So, here are five tips you should consider to help you ease into your new-found independence.

1. Think positively

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It is easy to feel lonely and confused when you leave your parent’s home. After all, that is the home you grew up in and felt safe. Being away from your parents is quite a big step, and not having them around can put you in a foul mood. You should not dwell on these things. Instead, think about the advantages that come with starting a life on your own. Think about the beautiful journey you are embarking on and the lovely people you will meet on the way. You should commend yourself for taking such a big step! Not many are so brave.

2. Spend wisely

Now that you are on your own, you have to try to spend your money wisely. You should shop for groceries at relatively cheaper outlets,  let go of expensive hobbies, and avoid any debts. Creating a budget is the best way to ensure that you are staying on track with your finances. Try also to save and invest money for unexpected situations. For example, assuming that you have car troubles and you need to use services like Ship a car direct to get a new car delivered to your location, you will need substantial savings to make this happen. Not having such financial reserves can feel like limits have been placed on your independence, but do not be dismayed as there’s nothing wrong with asking for support.

3. Practice self-care

Being on your own does not mean letting yourself go. You should use your independence as a chance for you to discover yourself. Treat yourself to the activities you enjoy, like reading or listening to music and dancing. If you enjoy fixing old cars, then get an old car and start a project and you can work on it on weekends to relax. Cultivate healthy eating habits, and engage in activities that positively impact your physical and mental wellbeing. 

4. Use your social media carefully.

The various social media platforms are a great way to connect with your friends and family, but truthfully there are some dangers. These social apps want you to be safe, so they have made many security features available for you to use, and you should do so.

5. Interact with your neighbors

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Being independent does not mean shutting the world out, as indeed, it is great to be a part of the community. By doing this, you will meet more people and make new friends, which will come in handy along the way. 

Living alone, or independently, is a big step to take. It can be challenging, but with these five tips and your friends and family’s support, you would enjoy every moment of it.

Best Responses To Questions Kids May Ask About The Corona Virus Crisis

How do you explain to a child about the coronavirus crisis? It is difficult enough for adults to get a full grasp of the pandemic, what more for a child who is wondering why he or she cannot go out and play. Here are some of the questions your little one may ask, and the best responses you can give.

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Question: "What is a Corona Virus?"

Response: "A Corona Virus is a germ. You know what germs are, right? But this one is different because it can make people sick very quickly. The germ comes from people who have it in their bodies already."

Question: "Why can't I go out and play? 

Response: "We are doing our best to keep you healthy and free from the virus. We cannot see it, so the best we can do is to stay home. We do not know where it is. It is an invisible enemy. So to avoid getting sick, we should stay home. Only Mommy or Daddy can go out to get food and other things we need."

Question: "Mommy, why do you have to wear a mask when you go to the grocery?"

Response: "Mommy needs to do that to protect me from the virus. Remember I told you, we cannot see it? A mask protects Mommy's nose and mouth from inhaling the virus so I don't get sick. I also wash my hands thoroughly after I get home before I touch anything else. Mommy and Daddy are being very careful so that we don't get sick."

Question: "When can I go back to school? I miss my teacher and my friends."

Response: "Right now, there are still people who are getting sick, so your school will be doing online classes for now. You can still see your teacher and your friends. You will still be doing your lessons, sing songs, and learn art. The only thing different is that you will be using the laptop to do these things. It will not be forever, only until things get better."

Question: "Can I visit Grandma and Grandpa?"

Response: "Sure you can, but not as often as we did before. Once a week will be fine. But you will have to wear a mask and a face shield when we take you to visit your grandparents."

Question: "Can people die if they get the virus?"

Response: "Yes. People may die if they get the virus. These people are those who are already sick of something and then they get the virus. But if you are healthy and strong, you may only feel sick for a while and then get better. Now, do you understand why I keep telling you to eat healthy food and finish your veggies? It is because I want you to have a strong body to protect yourself from the virus."

Question: "When will the virus go away?"

Response: "Many people like scientists and doctors are working to find a cure. Do not worry, they are doing their best. Let us pray for them so that they may find the solution to get rid of the virus." 

These are just some of the questions a young child may ask. As parents, you must learn to choose the right words that your child will easily understand. Be honest, but also be careful not to overwhelm them with information and cause anxiety. Reassure them that all these things that are happening are only temporary.

Keep their little minds busy with other things. Encourage them to be creative through art. Get new books, especially on topics they are interested in. Keep them interested in learning new things. You can get your child a small plant that they can take care of. You can sit outside in your patio at night and gaze at the stars and the moon. Teach them about the planets, the solar system, asteroids, and galaxies. There are so many ways to keep a young child curious and hungry for new knowledge! 

My 4-year old grandson busy drawing the earth, sun, moon and other planets

Being on lock down has its perks too. Some of you may have been given a work from home set up by your employer. That's good because you get to spend more time with your child and you get that chance to personally see to it that your family is safe. 

We have been on lock down since March 16th. That's a total of 126 days to this day. Some restrictions have been lifted, but the rising number of cases is still getting everyone worried. My family and I follow strict sanitation procedures - wearing a mask (and face shield if possible), no shoes or slippers in the house, washing hands, avoid touching our faces when we are outside, and practicing social distancing. Prayers do help a lot too!

Before I end this post, let me share with you a photo of my grandson's drawing. He drew the earth, and then grabbed a red crayon and started coloring a part of the earth red. When I asked him what the red color is all about, he said, "This is the people on earth with coronavirus." And this kid is just 4 years old! 

That red area, according to my grandson is, "People on earth with corona virus"

Stay safe, and stay home as much as possible. Let us listen to the experts' advice and be vigilant always.

Hot Tips for Choosing a Commercial HVAC System

Of all the components of a building, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is its heartbeat. Whether the climate is cold, hot or humid, a system that does not work well or that breaks down will make the residents uncomfortable, if not outright miserable. When choosing a new or replacement HVAC, consider these three cost-focused factors for great results.

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Installation Expertise

You should work with an installer who has experience with a variety of project sizes. The specialist will be best able to determine what is best for your environment, including sizing the system to work efficiently with your building; they will also be more likely to do the job correctly from the start and finish on time. This is essential since neither you nor the installer wants to encounter unplanned obstacles during the process. An experienced company will provide an honest financial estimate with clear benefits outlined for each upgrade and will stick to those costs.

Long-Term Maintenance

With that in mind, consider not only the initial price, but also the long-term maintenance projections and reliability history of prospective systems. Note that paying more upfront could lead to one with lower unexpected outlays as a result of fewer potential breakdowns, and you will get a system that accepts a range of industrial air filters Richmond VA for ease of routine maintenance. Further, costlier systems should be built to higher standards with more durable, higher tolerance parts and incorporate the latest technologies that make that maintenance easier.

Operating Efficiency

Those newer, expensive technologies also guarantee lower operating costs through high-efficiency operation. Pay attention to the cooling and heating efficiency ratings: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, respectively. Look for the highest efficiency ratings you can afford. You know you are on the right path if you lock onto Energy Star award products, the efficiency evaluation-system promoted by the EPA.

When planning for a commercial HVAC installation, you can roll the dice, or you can look at both the short-term and long-term picture. If you do the process right, you will find it to be a cool experience.

  

3 Smart Tips To Buy A House In A Different Country

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Are you thinking about buying a home in a foreign country? There are many reasons this might seem like a great idea. For one, you might want to move home and start afresh in a new place. Or, you may be looking to broaden your investment portfolio with some overseas assets. Your reasons for buying this house don’t really matter. What matters is that you spend your money wisely and acquire something that suits your needs. 

Instantly, you run into a few stumbling blocks when buying a house abroad:

• You don’t know the housing market
• You have no sense of what a reasonable price is 
• You can’t see the house and walk around inside

Thankfully, all of these problems can be dealt with if you’re smart about your approach. So, follow these tips:

Get to know the housing market

Spend time researching the foreign market you’re interested in. It’s easy to be lured in by a house that looks like it comes at an amazing price. You compare it to houses in your country, and it seems like a bargain. You make an impulse purchase, only to realize that the house actually wasn’t great value compared to the rest of the foreign market. So, do some Googling to find average house prices in the area you’re looking at. Look at various listings to understand what people are listing homes for, and you should soon realize what a good deal looks like. 

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Take virtual tours

You can’t make it to a foreign country to physically view the properties you’re interested in. Yes, you might move there in the future, but it costs a lot of money to fly out, view a house, then fly home. Plus, you probably have lots of things to take care of at home as well. Instead, there are services like Meriton virtual tours, which allow you to look inside properties for sale. It’s a virtual tour of a home, showing you how everything looks and all the different measurements, etc. This does a great job of helping you understand what a house looks like on the inside. You don’t have to leave your home country, so it works brilliantly. 

Work with local estate agents

Finally, you should also team up with estate agents in the area. Effectively, this helps with the first point as they can tell you all about the local real estate market. Secondly, you can send the agents to view properties for you. Look at the virtual tour first, then send them in to make sure everything is as depicted. In essence, they provide a second opinion and can send video footage to you. It helps you get a more accurate view of whether or not a home is suitable for your needs.

In summary, these three tips will give you a better understanding of what houses are worth buying, and which ones are rip-offs. Investing in overseas properties can be such a genius way to spend your money. The only downside is that you can easily make mistakes. These tips will prevent you from making all the common mistakes usually associated with this purchase. 

Remember To Take These Three Steps Immediately After You Are Arrested

No matter what the criminal allegation or charge might be, the prospect of being placed under arrest is a daunting one for anybody. Nevertheless, the justice system operates in a generally consistent manner and much of the same advice can apply to anyone in this situation. Before getting sidetracked by the stress and pressure of an impending trial, try to stay calm. Focusing on the points outlined below can be a source of great relief and comfort.

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Understand Your Options

There are often several different possibilities on the table for a suspect upon being locked up. Though these will possibly include a plea deal and robust defense plan, those are hardly the only choices a person in this situation will need to make. For starters, it is important to get out of jail as soon as possible if such release is allowed by the court. Look for a trusted and reputable source for bail bonds near me Cleveland OH, or a similar service in whichever jurisdiction is appropriate for the case.

Understand Your Choices

At that point, it is smart to begin searching for a qualified legal team or an attorney with direct experience in the area of law most closely aligned with the likely charges. Start the search online, but supplement it with advice from trusted friends and family to get the best idea of which firms are available.

Understand Your Next Steps

Although experts will be handling the legal arguments, every defendant should be invested in his or her own case as much as possible. This means understanding what the future will hold and how each of the possible scenarios could play out.

While few among us would volunteer to go through an arrest, such scenes play out in communities around the world every day. If that describes you or someone you know, keep the guidelines above in mind.

5 Tips For Hosting A Successful Dinner Party

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Dinner parties have always been a great way to entertain family and friends, providing the perfect environment to get together, enjoy good food and have a great conversation. But for many people, dinner parties are also quite stressful, with a lot of pressure put on the host to ensure that evening runs smoothly for all attendees. So how can you be sure to throw a successful dinner party? Here are our top five tips. 

1. Plan Plan Plan 

Dinner parties can end up quite complex, especially when you start to increase the number of guests you are catering to. Try to plan dinner parties as far in advance as you can to give everyone plenty of time to book childcare at home and to sort out their own diaries, while you plan the menu and your own home preparations. 

2. Do discuss dietary requirements

There’s nothing worse than pulling together a fantastic menu only to be put on the spot when someone reveals their intolerance to a key ingredient. Regardless of who you’ve invited be sure to ask them if they have any dietary requirements or serious dislikes to any foods so that you can plan a menu that you know your guests will love. 

3. Think outside the box

The food is a big focal point at dinner parties, so give everyone something to talk about by thinking outside of the box and preparing a menu with some exotic flavors that your guests may never have tried before. Why not head to South India with this sambar recipe or take a trip to Morocco with a slow-cooked tagine? Don’t be afraid of bold, new flavors, just find a reputable recipe, and follow it. 

4. Choose a menu that can be prepared in advance

Your guests want you to be present at your own dinner party, so try to avoid recipes that will have you slaving over the stove all evening when you really want to be socializing with your guests. The key to spending minimal time in the kitchen is in creating a menu that can be largely prepared in advance and requires less overall effort. For starters, opt for something cold that you can plate up ahead of time, for main courses consider things such as curries, stews, and tagines that can be slow-cooked during the day and that don’t require any elaborate plating, and for dessert go for something that can easily be reheated or that have already been left to set in the fridge. 

5. Make it as self-serve as possible

Finally, to reduce your workload one further, try to ensure that as many aspects of your dinner party are self-service. For example, set up a drinks table with all the things your guests could need to make themselves their own drinks and when it comes to food, choose big sharing platters and allow people to serve themselves at the table. This more communal and relaxed style of dinner party takes a huge amount of stress off your own plate while giving guests the freedom they want to be able to get a drink when they like and to put as much as they do or don’t want on their own plates.

How To Care For Your Winter Boots To Make Them Last Longer

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When it comes to purchasing a good pair of boots you will wear for winter, there are a few factors to consider and these would be the choice of material, style, and insulation. 

Boots primarily used for outdoor activities should be insulated, with sturdy construction and if possible, made of materials that would keep moisture out. However, we have no command over the weather and a sunny day in the winter can suddenly turn into a day with freezing rain and leave you and your boots soaking wet. This can happen to anyone, so how can you dry your boots? Here are some effective ways to get the moisture out of your beloved boots.

1. Thoroughly dry the exterior of the boots using paper towels or rags. Pat dry instead of rubbing. This method would absorb the moisture better. Then stuff the interior of the boots with crumpled pieces of old newspaper. However, you will have to replace the crumpled paper every two to three hours or so.

2. Place your wet boots in an area in the house where it gets good air circulation. Do not leave them out in the garage. The moisture in your boots can freeze and cause more damage. 

3. Do not subject your wet boots to a high heat source. It is tempting to use a hair dryer to do the job quick but this would do more harm than good, especially if you are dealing with leather boots. 

4. A more efficient and convenient way to dry your boots is to purchase a boot dryer. Cozy Winters has a wide selection of boot dryers and other top of the line products to provide your family (and pets!) cozy winters! (no pun intended). Boot dryers work by providing a gentle heat source to dry the inside of the boots. Cozy Winters boot dryers have different models from different suppliers, all tried and tested for quality and performance. These portable machines not only dry your boots, but they also provide a UV light that kills bacteria. We all know that bacteria thrives in high moisture areas and you don't want that, right? Check them out and choose which ones would work best for you and your family. 

These are just 4 simple ways to care for your winter boots to make them last longer. Don't let the weather and wet boots stop you from having fun!

13 Ways To Find The Right Used Car For You

Every year, around 40 million used cars are sold in the USA alone. Unfortunately, lots of those cars are sold for inflated prices to unsuspecting buyers who don’t know how to ensure they get the right car for the right price. With some know-how and advance prep, you can dodge the scams and cowboy dealers, and score a great deal on a great car. 

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1. If you don’t like the idea of owning an older car, remember that you don’t need to buy a very old car to get the savings. A car that is only a year old is still likely to be significantly cheaper than a brand new car. While luxury brands tend to hold their value better, other vehicles will drop in price over the first year. Keep an eye out for year old models you like to save some cash on a relatively new vehicle. 

2. Choose the right car to save more money on your purchase. If you’re smart about the car you buy, you can get the car itself for less, and save on the running costs later on. For example, look for a smaller car with a smaller engine. These are cheaper to insure, and can be a lot cheaper to run, depending on how you use the car. Petrol is cheaper from the pump than diesel, but diesel is more efficient. If you can drive a manual car, you could save even more, as automatics tend to be more expensive. 

3. Play to car dealership targets. Dealers have quarterly targets to hit, so if you time it right, they may offer you a better price in order to secure your sale. Go towards the end of the quarter, but not too close to the end. If the dealer has already hit target, they’ll be less bothered about locking in your sale, and won’t discount the car or offer freebies to get you to buy. Visit around March, June, September or December to get the best deals as targets loom. Weekends and the days just after payday are bad times to shop. Dealers will be busier, so will be making more sales and have less time to spend with you. 

4. If you’d rather buy from a private owner, look around for what kind of prices cars are selling for. If you’re seeing average asking prices going up, hold off going car shopping for now. Strike when you spot prices starting to creep down again to get a better price. The time of year can help you get a better deal too. For example, people are less likely to be buying a convertible during the winter. 

5. Before you go out to look at any cars, create two different lists to make sure you get everything you need. One list is for the things your new car absolutely needs to have. This could include things like having a spacious backseat for a car seat, or being cheap to run. Make a second list of things you would like the new car to have, but that you can live without if they push the price up too much. This could be things like a built-in navigation system, or room in the trunk for a lot of suitcases for vacations. 

6. Make sure you budget for costs other than the car itself. You’ll need to pay for car insurance, fuel and be prepared for repairs. Do you need a parking permit to park near your home or work? 

7. Don’t just look at the car dealer nearest you. Before choosing a car dealership to buy from, visit a few and make a note of the prices of any cars you like. You can shop around for the best deals. If you find a better deal on a car, but prefer another dealer, you could use it to negotiate a cheaper price. 

8. Never accept the asking price. Go to your dealer with a figure in mind, some knowledge of the car’s value and a lower price from another dealer, and haggle. You could push for a lower price, or try and get something like a warranty, a service plan or a full valet thrown in for the price of the car. Study the car before you buy it. If you spot superficial issues, like small dents or marks in the paintwork, you could use this to try and get some money off too.

9. Give the car a very thorough check before agreeing to purchase it. Check the mileage. Is the car in good condition? Has it had any repairs made and have they been made well? If the car has been in an accident, make sure there aren’t any doddy repair jobs leaving the car in a dangerous state. Gaps in the body panels are a giveaway of questionable repair work. Check the engine and the oil for signs of leaks. Make sure that everything like the lights work before you agree to buy it. 

10. Make sure you take a car you’re considering for a test drive. Does the dar drive smoothly and feel nice for you to drive? Is there enough room in the car for things you need, like space for a dog crate in the trunk, or  car seat in the back seat? Are the passenger seats roomy enough? Make some basic maneuvers like parallel parking to check the clutch and the brakes are working correctly. Test the handbrake, and check all the doors and bonnet. Do any features like the radio work properly? Make sure this car is the right one for you, and that you’ll be happy driving it for the future. 

11. Would you prefer to buy from a professional dealer or from a private owner? Both ways have pros and cons. If you buy from a dealer, you’re more likely to have better protection if there’s a problem with the car after purchase, such as via the warranty. However, a private owner is likely to accept a cheaper price on the car, so could save you a lot of money on the price of the car. 

12. If you have the option, buy your car with a credit card for some extra protection in the event of a problem. A credit card can be used to claim back the cost if the car is wrong and your dealer is unable, or refuses, to refund you. 

13. Dealers will often try to cushion a lower price on a vehicle by selling you a lot of extras that you don’t actually need. Try not to be tempted by extras that you don’t want. Adding a warranty can be worth it, but don’t be sucked into buying unnecessary services plans or luxuries like an upgraded car stereo. Do some research first so you know whether you can find these kind of items cheaper elsewhere. Only agree to extras that you actually want, and be sure you’re paying a fair price for them when you do.

Organization Tip: Maximize Your Garage's Vertical Space with Car Lifts

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When we talk of car lifts, the first thing that comes to mind is under chassis repair, change oil, camber alignment and every other thing a mechanic does under your vehicle.

However, the use of a car lift is not limited to auto repair garages. This is the new way of maximizing the vertical space in home garages. For families with 2 or more cars, the issue of parking and storage becomes a concern, especially if you have a small garage. You would not want to leave your beloved vehicle parked outside, subjected to the elements of nature and/or the possibility of theft.

A four-post car lift is the usual choice for home garages. It provides that extra space, easy to install and is cost effective too. You may think that the cost of the lift and its installation is expensive, but think about this - it is more expensive to renovate your existing garage or build a new one! 

If you find this is a good idea, you can shop around for the car lift that would suit your needs. Best Buy Auto Equipment has a wide array of car lifts from trusted brands and manufacturers. They can help you choose the right car lift, then deliver and install it for you. 

Increase your garage space and keep your vehicles safe and secure inside your garage with a car lift. This is the most practical decision for home organization you can make this year. 

The Basic Ways To Take Good Care Of Your Precious Car

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Vehicles wear out over time, but that doesn’t mean you should simply shrug and let it happen. If you want to reduce the cost of car ownership and enjoy your vehicle for much longer then you need to take its care into your own hands. There’s a lot you can do to be a proactive car owner. These are the basic ways to take good care of your precious car. In turn, you’ll be able to keep it looking and feeling brand new for many years.

Keep it well-maintained

Maintaining your car is essential to taking care of it in the long-term. You should take it to a mechanic on a fairly regular basis so that it can be serviced, but you should also master the art of self-maintenance. You don’t want to spend a fortune to fix up your car every time it breaks down or something becomes faulty. Learn to check the tyre pressure, oil levels, and other important components of your vehicle. If you can become a DIY car expert then you’ll be able to keep it well-maintained and reduce costly visits to your local car mechanic. It’ll benefit you in the long-run if you want to keep using the same car for years to come.

Spruce it up

Not every car-related job has to involve maintenance or other practical tasks. Taking good care of your precious car is about making it a vehicle that you actually want to drive. You don’t simply settle for a house that’s functional; you take time to design it well so that it looks and feels comfortable. You should do the same for the vehicle that you drive every day. Make it into something that reflects your personality and feels inviting. You might want to check out CalTrend for custom seat covers. That could give your vehicle a trendy aesthetic that reflects your personal preferences whilst also making your car much cozier. You might also want to spruce your car up by giving it a fresh paint job. Get creative with your vehicle.

Clean it

One of the simplest but most effective ways to take care of your car is to just keep it clean. Your car must endure dirt, grease, acid rain, bugs, and many other forms of weathering on a daily basis. If you don’t wash it frequently then that grime is just going to build up. Obviously, you want your vehicle to be aesthetically pleasing, but that isn’t the only reason to keep it clean. After it’s worn away the paint, dirt starts to wear away at the metal, and that can lead to rust. If the important elements of your vehicle start to corrode then you’ll be driving a vehicle that’s functionally impaired as well as visually displeasing. Make sure you keep your car clean on a regular basis if you want it to look nice and run well. If you can keep it in the garage rather than on the driveway then that’ll be helpful too.

Make Buying A Used Car Stress Free With These 6 Tips

When public transport just won’t cut it anymore, buying a car seems like a savior in comparison. You don’t have to worry about your personal space being invaded, someone sitting close by eating a tuna salad, or babies crying within arm's length of you and so on. Your own car is likened to your own mobile home. It should be comfortable, protect you from the elements, and if your budget will allow, provide a few luxury gadgets for you to engage with on your journeys. But above all, your own car means freedom and saving time spent waiting for the bus/train to arrive, and last, but not least it also means you can give back to the world by helping your family and friends when they need you the most. If you’re not too interested in the idea of buying a brand new vehicle, a second-hand car could be your ticket to freedom that won’t leave you strapped for cash. Whether scouring for cars online or taking a look at used vehicles from local dealerships, here are a few essential tips to use to your advantage when buying a second-hand car which gives you some structure on what to assess when buying and what to use to your advantage when haggling.

Test Drive

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Taking your potential car for a thorough test drive could help you to weed out any problems sooner rather than later. Use your test drive as a time to figure out if the car is, of course, comfortable to drive, but also listen out for any mysterious knocks and bags that sound out of the ordinary. It’s essential to turn down the music system, and if possible drive somewhere that is quiet. If you notice that the gear stick is getting stuck, the brakes feel spongy, or the clutch is exceptionally high, save a mental note of the issues, and a real note when you get chance to write it all down. This will come in handy later on to negotiate down the price of the car if you choose to buy it later on. Or alternatively, lead you to another second-hand vehicle where there appears to be little to no work to have to tend to.

What’s Included?

While maintaining your poker face, and not appearing too interested in a car that you may very well of fell in love with at first sight, if the vehicle you are looking at is from a sales lot, query precisely what is included with the car. This could mean a full service, a few months warranty, or maybe just an air freshener. Either way, it’s handy to know, and again will help you make your decision when the time approaches to assess if the car is the right fit for you.

Warranty

Another note to be wary of is if a warranty is included, assess what this entails to avoid having to pay for urgent issues that could crop up from the car. For instance, does it cover engine, gearbox, mechanical issues or more? Also, who will the warranty company be? Checking there is a legitimate warranty in place for your car, will provide you with peace of mind for the months following your car purchase.

Under The Hood

Providing the car has been switched off for a while, giving the fluids under the hood a chance to settle, you can pop the lid and take a look at how the car is performing inside. Whether checking the level of oil in the engine (plus the color and consistency), the hydraulic fluid, and the engine coolant. If any of the fluids are particularly low, or there is liquid on the floor underneath the car, this could be a warning sign that one of the fluids are leaking. If this is the case, be sure to bring it to the owners/car salespersons attention.

Car Paperwork

Unlike new vehicles, second-hand cars will sometimes arrive with a pack of history kept and passed down from the original owner. This should entail receipts for car repairs, service history, and whether the car has been in an accident. The premise of checking the paperwork is to give you an idea of what the future of owning this car might look like to avoid any stressful pitfalls that could have been avoided. For instance, regular issues that keep occurring, for example, headlamp positioning problems, issues with the electric locking system that recur throughout the car's history and so on. Keeping your wits about you when looking at the vehicles past will enable you to paint a better picture of the car you are thinking of buying. This will help steer you in the right direction of whether buying a particular car is the right decision, or whether it may amount to more stress in an attempt to rectify the reoccurring issues.

Running Costs

Choosing an old car with a large engine may initially look, sound and drive amazing, however, it may not be the most affordable option, not just in terms of buying but also in running it throughout the time you wish to own it. So don’t shy away from asking the owner or salesperson what the gas usage is like on the car you’re interested in, how much it costs to service, and how much you can expect to pay for simple upkeep for the vehicle such as an oil change from Telle Tire and tire changes. This will help you arrive at a conclusion on whether you can afford the car you wish to buy and help you to avoid straining your finances.

The Price

In most cases, unless stated otherwise, there is usually some room for negotiation involving car sales by private owners and car salespeople. Now that you’ve collected all of your information about a particular car you wish to buy, you may want to try pushing down the price or alternatively asking for some extras. You can do this by identifying issues you’ve noticed about the car that were not mentioned in the advert, also don't forget to mention similar cars you’ve seen for sale at a better price. The key is, to be honest about what you’ve found out about the car and see if the seller may budge the price tag. If they do,  you’ve saved yourself some extra money and relieved some of the stress it takes to buy a car. Where some sellers may be unwilling to budge on price, you can always ask if they may give you an extended warranty. In this situation, the worst thing any seller can say is no.

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So there you have it, a few tips to help you with buying your second-hand car in a stress-free way. The general idea is to collect as much information about the vehicle that you are looking to buy. This is to see if it’s worthy of taking care of you on the roads, to make sure that it won’t cost you a lot of money in the future for issues that were overlooked, and that you’re getting a fair deal. Taking steps towards making the right decision for buying your second-hand vehicle, will provide you with happy months and maybe even years to follow.

Health Insurance And Annual Limits

When taking out an international medical insurance policy there is a lot to take into consideration. Not only do you need to be sure that the policy is right for you in terms of cover and benefits, but you must be fully aware of all of the terms and conditions that are in place. One of these conditions will be an annual limit. All global health insurance plans have an annual limit in place. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this…

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What is an annual limit?

This is the maximum amount of money an insurer will agree to cover you for per year. For example, if your annual limit is $60,000 then the insurance company you use will only cover medical expenses up to this amount. Anything in excess of $60,000 you will have to fund yourself. 

Why is it important to carefully consider your annual limit?

A lot of people make the mistake of underestimating medical expenses when it comes to taking out international health insurance. However, you could easily find yourself in a situation where you are faced with a massive bill. 

Let’s say you suffer a serious injury or illness whilst on vacation or even in your current place of residency. You go to the hospital only to discover that you cannot get the treatment you require there. As a result, you have to go to a hospital in a nearby state or even a different country. In the end, you will need to pay for the care and support you received in the country you were in whilst you were taken ill, as well as the cost of an air ambulance and treatment in the location you received the necessary help. 

This could easily amount to costs in excess of $60,000 – if that was indeed your annual limit. As a result, it is pivotal to consider your annual policy limit with a great amount of care to ensure you do not need up in such a scenario. 

You also need to have a high annual limit if you have an existing health condition. Let’s say you have hearing loss. You are going to be likely to need checkups throughout the year and hearing aid devices. You need to ensure that your policy is going to cover all of this. 

All in all, your policy’s annual limit is just another factor you need to consider when you are looking for the right worldwide medical insurance policy. You should analyse your policy with a scrutinizing eye before agreeing to it. Many people rush into buying international health insurance and unfortunately it is something they live to regret when they discover they are not covered to the level they had expected.