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What Kitchen Sinks Don’t Scratch?

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If there is one thing that you don’t want from a kitchen sink it is to have one that won’t get scratched or damaged over the years. Kitchen sinks are really put through their paces at home, with dish washing, food preparation and a fair amount of banging and scraping, so they have to be tough. There are some materials which scratch easier than others and so today we are going to take a deeper look into which are the best materials to look for, in order to avoid investing in a material which can be easily scratched.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel sinks are great for durability and they can offer great protection against scratching. It is important to recognise there is more than 1 grade of stainless steel and getting it right is important. What you should be looking for when it comes to buying your stainless steel kitchen sink, is a gauge of between 16 and 18 -this is a measure of the thickness of the steel. With this grade, you can be sure to have a great looking and scratch resistant kitchen sink.

Copper

There are so many benefits to owning a copper sink and being scratch resistant is certainly one of them. Not only is the upper super tough against robust materials, it is also great for killing bacteria and it looks incredible. There are some drawbacks of the copper kitchen sink, such as the fact that it is very expensive and you are usually restricted to a single bowl kitchen sink. In terms of toughness however, copper kitchen sinks are a great option.

Enamel

An enamel sink works perfectly in a country-style kitchen setup and it is a material which is seriously durable, especially when it comes to not getting scratched. Thanks to the solid material which sits on the cast iron base, enamel kitchen sinks are very tough to scratch. The biggest negative that can be said about this sink option is that when it does get scratched, it can quickly lead to a crack in the sink, making the cast iron below visible.

Fireclay

This beautiful option is made using moulded white clay that is then fired at a high temperature to leave an enamel-like substance. Thanks to this intense heating process, the result is an ultra strong material which has a great lifespan and which is incredibly durable against scratches. The fireclay kitchen sink material is far from cheap and does require professionals to install, but for that cost you will get a great looking kitchen sink, which will last you a lifetime. If you are looking for a double bowl kitchen sink, you may find it tough to find in fireclay, those wanting single bowl options will find a range of options.

These are the four most durable and scratch resistant materials that you are going to find on the market for your kitchen sink. Make sure that you always check to see what thickness the material is before you buy, in order to make the best choice.

How to escape snow this holiday season

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There are a lot of wonderful things about the holidays. Everyone seems to be in a good mood, there are so many different events to go to, and there are always great deals at stores. The only thing I dislike about the holidays is the snow. I am not a fan of snow or cold weather, which can kind of bring my holiday spirit down. Here are a few ways to escape the cold weather this winter.

One way to escape the cold weather is to take a vacation. Head somewhere warm and sunny and just get away from it all. Hawaii has great weather year-round. Southern California and Mexico are also famous for their sunshine and comfortable climate. If you can’t travel all the way to Hawaii or Mexico, try traveling to somewhere warmer and more affordable. Much of Nevada is warm all year, and if you avoid Las Vegas, you may be able to save money on hotel expenses.

If you can’t take the time off to take a long vacation, try taking a staycation! Book a room at a local motel and plan fun, inside activities to do. Visit a nearby bookstore, shop at your local mall, or eat out at your favorite restaurant. These activities can help you stay warm and see your city in a new light. You may even find new favorite activities to do right where you live. Your staycation may even be better than a trip out of town.

Maybe you simply don’t have the time to vacation, in town or otherwise. Many of us don’t have that option, given work-life balance. You can escape the cold and be toasty warm right in your own home. Have a movie or game night at your house. Get all wrapped up in your favorite blanket and curl up on the couch. Don’t forget your favorite slippers or fuzzy socks, and the hot cocoa. Sit back, relax, and revel in the warm, comforting embrace of cozy bliss.

Whether you stay warm by staying in, traveling to warmer climates, be sure to snap some pictures and put them on your holiday cards. I get my cards from Basic Invite. I love their personalized photo Christmas card selection. Any of their cards, with your warm, cheery vibes are sure to look perfect together.  I hope you stay warm and comfy this holiday season. Happy holidays!

Ways To Relocate with Pets

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Planning to relocate and it includes packing up your four-legged family members? Moving with pets is never a fun-filled party. It is a stressful time and it is just as stressful for your pets. Your pets do not really understand what is happening, and it is up to the pet owners to make them comfortable. Read on for some tips to make moving into your new as stress-free as possible for everyone especially your pet.

Preparing Your Pets

Consider taking your dog to your new neighborhood for walks before you move in. In order to get your dog familiarize itself with the scents of the new place, do walk by your new house. If possible, bring your dog into the new house. Another option is to try to bring something from the new house to your dog so he can familiarize himself with its unique smell.

Try not to isolate your dog in a dog crate when you are packing. Instead, include him while you pack and move boxes as this would allow him to investigate and check out the activity. An isolated dog in a crate or a room by itself while you and your family are packing, may result in your dog feeling nervous.  This could lead to stress-related behaviors such as hyperactivity, jumping or barking.

What Should You Do with My Pets On Moving Day?

Moving day is chaotic for dogs when they see strangers carting off their favorite furniture and familiar surroundings. Do assign a responsible family member to be the dedicated dog sitter. It might be less stressful for your family and your dog if you have a dog-loving friend watch your dog for the day. When it’s time to leave for your new home, pack your dog into the car last, so he/she won’t overheat. Cover the dog crate with a light blanket, so your dog won’t see the passing scenery, which can be frightening.  You can remove the blanket once your pooch has calmed down.

If you are moving long-distance, your pets will need to be crate-trained well before your move. On the day of your move, your pets should be wearing collars including up-to-date rabies tags and your new address and phone number.

Prepare Your Dog for Change

This is easier said than done, but the best way to keep animals calm when moving is to stay calm yourself.  Here are more ways to prepare your dog for the big move.

A couple of days before the move, reduce your dog’s food servings by one-third, so that he/she won’t have a full tummy when it is rocking on a plane or bouncing in a car.

Make sure the dogs are microchipped and have ID tags with your new address on them. If they escape during the move, they can easily be traced back to you.

For international move, do work with your veterinarian to find out what tests, vaccinations, paperwork, or inspections are required by your destination country.

Do assemble and tape some boxes several days before the move, so your dog becomes accustomed to the new look and sound of his home.

If you are transporting your pet in a carrier, let he/she smell and inspect it before move day.

If you are looking for reliable dog transportation services, you may want to visit Shiply, an online delivery platform that connects customers with rated transportation companies.  Instead of spending time searching for the perfect dog transport service, Shiply allows the services to come to you.  All you need to do is fill up some details on their platform and within 30 minutes, you will receive personalized quotes in your inbox.  You will be able to compare the quotes and also look at the reviews of any services for peace of mind.  

Ovulation and Fertility: Boosting Your Chance to Get Pregnant

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Ovulation and your fertility are closely linked. Your fertility waxes and wanes throughout the month (or rather, throughout your menstrual cycle) and if you know when you’re going to ovulate, you’re able to focus your attempts to conceive on the time when you’re most likely to conceive.

Today we’re taking a look at ovulation and fertility, starting with answering that key question: when does ovulation occur?

When do you Ovulate?

You don’t ovulate on a fixed calendar schedule, but rather due to your body’s menstrual cycle, which does not line up with the calendar. The menstrual cycle exists to prepare your body for pregnancy – and to reset and prepare again if you don’t get pregnant.

Ovulation occurs at approximately the half-way point, though when that is depends on the length and regularity of your cycle. Your cycle begins with your period – a useful marker that, when you record it across multiple cycles, can tell you how long and how regular your cycle is. At the same time your ovaries begin to mature eggs in small, fluid filled sacs called follicles. This process is caused by the secretion of a hormone called LH – Luteinising Hormone. At the end of the ‘follicular phase’ of your cycle, a big surge of LH causes you to ovulate. You can get tests (known as Ovulation Predictor Kits or OPKs) that test your urine for this hormone surge, telling you when you’re ovulating.

Your body temperature is also affected by your menstrual cycle, and if you take a temperature reading as soon as you wake up, before you metabolism starts heating up your body, you can chart how it changes across the month and look for the patterns that herald ovulation.

Finding Fertility

Your fertile window doesn’t start when you ovulate. If you’re only looking for when ovulation happens you’re leaving yourself with only one, or at most two fertile days.

Sperm can survive up to five days in a woman’s body after ejaculation, which means the fertile window starts five days before you ovulate. The egg is viable only for a maximum of twenty-four hours which means your fertile days end the day after you ovulate: the egg cannot be fertilised after this.

To get the full benefit of your fertile window, you need to either use a method of ovulation tracking that can predict when you will ovulate more than five days in advance (like progesterone testing) or apply what you’ve learned to your next cycle.

If your BBT tracking and OPK tests confirm you ovulate on the fourteenth day of your cycle, and your cycle is regular (ie. it’s the sae number of days each time) then you can rely on ovulating on the fourteenth day of your cycle in future. This means that you can plan on your fertile window beginning five days before that, and start trying to conceive from the ninth day of your cycle!

Different Ways to Organize Your Home

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Organizing your home is quite frustrating and overwhelming, especially if it is a bit spacious. The strategy that you choose must be compatible with the way you live, your practices, and your preferences. If you are having a hard time organizing your home, or maybe even just your room, then you can ask the specialists to do those things for you or you can follow the following easy tips.

Find convenient storage places

The place to start your organizing is by arranging your storage spaces. First, you should organize your storage spaces to have a place when you find equipment, clothes, shoes, books, and papers. Make sure to start something you can finish easily and quickly. For example, a drawer where you can put your junk is an easy way to organize your stuff. After doing small drawers, you may continue working on more prominent storage places such as rooms or maybe even a basement.

Keep in mind the 3Rs

It may sound cliché but trust me, this works. Reducing what you want helps a lot. It is one of the simplest ways of organizing your stuff effectively. Recycling junk is also a big help in organizing your things since you get to make something out of waste. It also helps in exercising your mind because you tend to be more creative in using or removing your waste at home.

Make your garbage bins visible

Disposing of your junk may be one of the things that make you feel like you should do it some other time. It leads to not leaving trash around the kitchen or living room, maybe even in the dining area. One of the perfect ways to have a more natural way of junk removal in your home is to make it more convenient to throw away. Remind the whole family that there is a space where all the junk should go. Again, it is not that hard to keep in mind that you can always leave it to the junk removal New York experts.

Enjoy organizing

Cleaning and organizing are things which you want to get over and done with quickly because you do not really want to be doing them, and you are overwhelmed with all the things that you need to organize. But did you know that everything can be fun if you incorporate it with something you find enjoyable. Try playing some music while cleaning or mopping the floor. Another thing is you might want to follow the beat of the music while tossing your junk in your bin. Everything is fun when there is music.

Organizing and cleaning your junk is something that needs a lot of effort. I know it can be very overwhelming to try to get things back in order when you feel that everything is unorganized. Start small and follow your strategies and techniques, and you will notice changes in no time!

Car Tech Advancements To Look Forward To In 2020

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Market analysts believe that 2020 will be another stable year for the US car sales industry. Based on the recent forecast, many factors like cost-effective interest rates and low unemployment rates help avoid a possible steep decline in the country’s auto sales since 2016. The sales tactics of car dealers also help in achieving a secure market. With the latest advancements in-car technology and new trends in second-hand car sales, the new year looks good for the American auto industry. Here are some of the newest vehicle developments and used car trends you can expect in the coming days.

Mainstream Cars Remains In Trend

The demand for used cars made by mass-market car manufacturers will continue in 2020. Analysts believe that mainstream passenger cars will remain the most in-demand vehicles among used car dealerships. In 2019 alone, most small and midsize vehicles displayed the biggest price appreciation in the second-hand vehicle market. Yet the high demand for pickups and SUVs also helped in withholding its market prices. With the help of credible car reviews based on feedback from vehicle owners, the sales of used cars will remain strong this year.

State Of The Art In-Car Entertainment

More car makers are introducing groundbreaking in-car entertainment for their products this year. In early January 2020, Chinese electric car manufacturer Byton announced that they tapped several industry giants to come up with a brand-new entertainment system for their cars. They included international media giant ViacomCBS to provide video content that car owners can view on their 48-inch wraparound digital dashboard, which will be installed in the brand’s forthcoming electric M-Byte SUV. Honda is also expected to showcase the future of its mobility technology during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020 in Las Vegas.

Never Ending Connectivity

In this day and age, customers demand to have a ceaseless connectivity experience. Aside from getting a strong Internet connection at home, in their offices, or through their mobile phones, people also want to stay connected while onboard their vehicles. This will help the drivers remain connected to their favorite music. It will also connect them with other people through their social media accounts. This feature can also allow them to get the latest traffic updates while on the road. Meanwhile, passengers can continue playing their preferred online games or finish their homework or office tasks while inside a car equipped with WiFi.

Aside from these new developments in new and used car technologies, other vehicle industry advancements may unfold in the coming days. These are all meant to provide better customer experience for both drivers and passengers alike. Car manufacturers will continue to come up with new technology advancements for the benefit of their customers in 2020 and beyond.

Budget Wedding Tips

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Are you getting married in 2020 and you’re struggling to keep everything straight? Planning weddings is a joyous time, with lots of fun things to think about and organise, but it can also take a toll on the pocketbook. Many times we forget to budget in certain things and we can end up going over budget without meaning to, causing financial stress and worry for just one day. If you’re worried about budgeting right for your wedding, worry no more. Here is our handy dandy guide to budget wedding planning that is sure to help you save a pretty penny while still having the most amazing day of your life. 

Order Things Online

When it comes to saving money on almost anything – not just weddings – ordering online is the way to go. Whether you’re looking for bridesmaid dresses UK or you’re in need of shoes, accessories or decor, the deals you can find online can be fantastic. Green, blue or red bridesmaid dresses can be hard to find in stores sometimes, so by going online to find these examples of colours can really help those discerning brides who want something away from the typical pastel colours that seem to be popular in bridesmaid dresses around the world. Online offers such a larger combination of colour and style as well as size so you can be sure that you’re getting a great product in all the right ways, perfect for that special day. 

Theme Over Colours

Everyone knows the concept of wedding colours, but what about wedding themes? We’re not talking about those oh so cheesy Elvis weddings or a film theme, but what if you go with a theme of a play or event? A midsummer night’s dream theme is a great idea for those who get married in the summer time, and with a variety of ways you can pull it off, it can be far cheaper than focusing on making everything a combination of colours. Having to focus on colour combinations means you might end up needing to get chair sashes or covers in various colours which can run the cost sky high, along with napkins, invitations, decorations and more. Keep it simple and go with a theme if possible. 

DIY

If you’re remotely crafty or handsy, DIY stuff for your wedding is a great way to save money and make beautiful crafts like favours, centrepieces, decorations and even your own jewelry, fashion pieces and more. Being good at DIY things can be a great skill when it comes to weddings and the fun you can have is out of this world. Consider getting your bridesmaids together to help you make stuff for the big day and make a night of it with wine, snacks and the like. What could be better?

So if you’re getting married next year and you’re looking to save time and money, why not consider some of these great suggestions to help make the day run smoother and to help save money and hassle. There’s so many great ways you can make your day special without breaking the bank, and these are just a few. Enjoy!

Best Shows in Vegas Right Now

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Las Vegas is known for many things, its gambling, its vices, its beauty, its mayhem and of course its status as the capital of live entertainment. Entertainment exists all over this great city from street performers to hotel shows not to mention the legendary acts like Elvis, Tom Jones and the Rat Pack who have graced the stages of Las Vegas. If you visit Vegas then you simply must see a live show during your time there and if you do, these are the hottest shows to check out right now.

Blanc de Blanc

Some of the best shows which have ever been seen in Las Vegas are the cabaret shows and Blanc de Blanc is a modern variation on those classic performances. The show features burlesque dancers, high flying acrobats and a little bit of naughtiness all packed in to this eventful 2 hour show. Grab tickets to Blanc de Blanc ay Sahara Las Vegas and let it all hang out for a couple of hours of fun, frisk and good times.

LOVE

The Cirque du Soleil company have really raised the bar in terms of what a live performance should be and each year they come up with new ideas and themes for their shows. The performance of LOVE is themed on the Beatles and their music and this uplifting show will leave a smile on your face for weeks. The songs are used perfectly and intertwined with sensational live performances and stunning gymnastics.

Absinthe

Originally intended as a one off performance in a  pop-up tent outside Caesar’s Palace, this show very quickly caught the public’s attention and it is now entering into its 13th year on the strip. The show is absolutely hilarious and features gymnastic feats and sideshow performers who will have you laughing off your seat. This is an intimate set up for a show which gets you close to the action, a performance which you cannot miss out on when you are in Vegas.

Cher

Over the years we have seen a great number of living legends take on residencies in many Vegas hotels, people like Elton John, Prince and Celine Dion who have lit up the night on 3 month long residencies. Currently the immaculate Cher is playing a nightly concert in Vegas and she is showing that she is just as relevant as she has always been. Amazing songs, great performances and more costume changes than you can count.

Penn & Teller

Magic has always been a popular attraction in Vegas and it is usually the entertaining Penn & Teller who have been spearheading it. Catch the magical duo as they perform death defying tricks, mind blowing illusions, carefully spliced with some good old fashioned humor and showmanship. These guys are the creme de la creme of the magic world and if you get the chance to see them during your time in Vegas, grab the opportunity with both hands.

3 Tips for Making the Transition from a Working Mom to SAHM

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Whether you’re considering not going back to work after maternity leave or have decided you’d like to spend more time with your kids before they grow up too fast, there are lot of things to consider.

Like any change in life, going from a working mom to a SAHM can be a shock to your system as well as the family budget. To make this change as smooth as possible, please keep the following tips in mind:

Look Into a Side Hustle

One great thing about staying at home is that you will no longer have to pay for daycare, gas for your endless commute, work clothes, parking and eating out with clients. At the same time, you will be down one income, so you might find that despite these savings, your new budget often stretches to the point of breaking.

To supplement the family income, you may want to get a side hustle that you can do around your kids’ schedules. For example, for decades Amway has helped stay at home moms like you to become Independent Business Owners. As a giant in the direct sales industry, Amway has sometimes been labeled as a scam. But if you know the facts, Amway is not a pyramid scheme but a reputable way to partner with a company that offers mentorship and flexibility.

Carve Out Some Alone Time

You might not have realized this, but your job provided you with plenty of alone time, including your solo time in the car, your lunch hour and time working at your desk. Now that you are a SAHM, your kids will continually ask you for help with things, to play with them, fix them a snack, read to them and more. While you have missed your kiddos and welcome the chance to spend time with them, you may quickly find you miss your time to be by yourself. Make it a point to carve out special time for yourself—every single day. This can be a relaxing bubble bath at night, taking the dog for a walk once hubby gets home, watching a show on TV that does not involve animated trains, or running to the store solo.

Talk About Expectations with Your Spouse

Speaking of your spouse, switching from a working mom to a SAHM will be a change for both of you. You may have split the chores and errands somewhat equitably, but now that you are a SAHM, your spouse may unknowingly assume that you will do 100 percent of the work. If you have other ideas about this and would prefer that he still handle at least some of the cooking and grocery shopping, discuss this prior to your becoming a SAHM. You should also not presume that your sweetie will come home after work and be willing to take over all of the duties; you are still a team and there will be some give and take until everything settles down. Just keep the lines of communication open and plan your responsibilities and tasks like you did before; only now your job is being a SAHM instead of your previous career.

Being a SAHM Can Be Very Rewarding

Making the decision to stay at home with your children can be emotionally rewarding. You will probably never miss that long commute or spending hours away from home. By realizing that this is still a significant transition and taking steps to acknowledge it and plan for it, you should find that being a SAHM is a wonderful experience for you and your entire family.

Top Destinations To Visit With Three Weeks In South East Asia

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South East Asia is one of the most popular regions on the planet for both new and seasoned travellers. When travelling through the area, it’s not uncommon to come across both older travellers and gap year students, with a whole variety of people in between. With a whole variety of countries to choose from in the area as well, it can be difficult to narrow down just one or two spots for a holiday, so that’s why we’ve developed this useful guide to three weeks in South East Asia. So get ready, book a cheap flight to Bangkok and enjoy one of the most diverse, unique and beautiful areas on earth.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the most visited countries in South East Asia. It makes sense after all, what with Bangkok being a huge hub for international and regional flights. Thailand is probably most well known for its island life and full moon parties, but the mainland has just as many awesome things to offer as the southern islands do. With a hilly northern region, Thailand is home to numerous types of hill tribes which can be visited from the likes of Chiang Mai and surrounding smaller towns. If you’re into yoga and meditation, Chiang Mai is where you want to be, with many monasteries offering retreats that can be as short as a day or as long as a week or more. For quieter island life, consider checking out Koh Lanta, although if you visit in the off season (around monsoon) the more popular islands are likely to be a bit quieter as well.

Laos

The only fully landlocked country in South East Asia, Laos is a gorgeous country with beautiful karst mountains in the north, strange sites to visit, and the famous 4000 islands in the south. Laos is a welcoming country with a lot going for it, including its famous national dish, Laap made of ground chicken with chillies, onions, mint and rice. For the most impressive of temple collections, visit Luang Prabang in the north before heading to the unique, but curious Plain of Jars in Phonsavan. Much of the country is awash with spectacular waterfalls, such as on the Bolaven Plateau in the south, a loop you can do through coffee plantations and tiny, wild villages. If you want to see an excellent example of Angkor civilization ruins, take a short trip over to Champasak – an excellent example of some of the temples you find throughout the old Angkor civilization, but without the steep entry fee Cambodia boasts, and without the crowds.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful country that runs along the coastline of the South China Sea. With its capital, Hanoi in the north and the historical Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south, the country is a great place to explore both culture and history. Probably most famous for the bloody Vietnam War, many of the remnants of the conflict remain such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, inviting visitors to explore and experience these unique Viet Cong hiding spots. The beaches along the coast are impressive, and with small, unique towns such as Hoi An and Hue offering a step back in time to the Vietnam of old, right on the coast, it goes a long way to explaining the popularity of this area. Don’t miss Ha Long Bay in the north – an impressive bay of scattered karst mountain rock formations that you can opt to explore by cruise ship. 

If you’re a foodie, you will love Vietnam – with so many amazing dishes to try, you will be up to your eyes in delicious dishes for the duration of your stay. Want to take the tastes home with you? Why not sign up for a delicious food tour or cooking class? They’re both impressive and will show you the backgrounds to delicious dishes that you can whip up right at home. 

Southern China

The Yunnan province of southern China may not necessarily be included in South East Asia, but it’s worth a visit if you will be in the area nonetheless. The scenery takes a page from the book of Northern Laos and is covered in impressive karst mountain scenery with waterfalls, streams and lakes. Not only this, but Yunnan province has an impressive mountain range, with amazing hiking and trekking available for the adventurous. Visit the provincial capital, Kunming for its impressive pagoda collection as well as its parks and general ambiance. If you’re looking to explore further into China, Kunming is the transport hub of the region, so you will be able to arrange trains, buses and flights all from the city in between exploring its unique and colourful neighbourhoods. 

So if you’re looking for a great itinerary for three weeks in the area, these spots are perfect for spending a week or so in. It’s up to you at the end of the day how long and were you go, but these countries, you will want at least a week in each – and that’s being seriously tight on time. Do yourself a favour – just go for a couple of months! You won’t regret it, we promise!