How do you know if you need new tires on your car?

June 6, 2018 by 1 Comment
  1. Everyone knows that car tires need to be replaced at some point. If you do not replace the tires on your vehicle when necessary, you will find that your car does not handle as it should. You could also be putting yourself, and any passengers you may have, in danger. The problem is that not everyone knows how to tell if the tires on their car need to be replaced.
  2. The big brand models, such as Goodyear tyres, are hard wearing, but you still need to buy new ones at some point, so when should you do this?

Examining the tread on tires

It’s important to examine the tread on your car’s tires on a regular basis; once a month, or more often if possible. If the tread is less than 1.6mm in depth, then you need to buy a new tyre. If the tread is less than 1.5 mm in depth, it’s not legal to drive the car until the tyre is replaced. Not only is it illegal to drive a vehicle with severely worn tires, it’s also very dangerous. The tread helps to keep your car on the road. Once it wears away, you lose that ability to grip the road and you do not have the same level of control over the vehicle.

Checking the sidewalls of tyres

The sidewall of a tire is prone to damage; after all it can take a lot of punishment. There should not be any significant damage to the sidewall, such as bulges, cuts or cracks. If any of these are present, the tire has to be replaced. You may be able to see this type of damage, if it’s obvious. However, there could be damage to the sidewall that is not immediately recognizable but which could be dangerous. If you hit an object hard, such as when you reverse into a curb, there could be internal damage to the tire. For your own peace of mind, it often pays to have the tires on your car checked by a professional, if you have any doubts.

Protecting your tires

If you spot any of the signs we have discussed, it’s time to get the tires on your car replaced. You can make sure that this happens as infrequently as possible be taking certain steps:

  • Keep tire pressures at the recommended level.
  • Drive at or under the speed limit.
  • Keep braking to a minimum; only do so when necessary.
  • Make sure that the wheels of your vehicle are correctly aligned and balanced.

All of these measures can help you preserve the condition of car tires for as long as possible. Make sure that you keep a careful check on the tires, so that you can see when their condition is deteriorating and when they need to be replaced. Doing so helps you to continue to drive safely and legally.

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The Top Sea Kayaking Destinations that You Need to Visit

June 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Throughout Europe, there are a plethora of amazing destinations that you can visit to enjoy sea kayaking! These coastlines all offer completely different sea kayaking experience and here we are taking you through our top destination picks that we think you need to visit for your next sea kayaking holiday.

Isles of Scilly

If you are looking to go sea kayaking in a warmer climate, you will absolutely love visiting the Isles of Scilly. Here, you can enjoy a sheltered lagoon where you can paddle in pretty much all weather conditions. However, the real fun begins for thrill seekers when the weather is great as you can take to the Atlantic Ocean where you will uncover stunning reefs filled with sea life. Just remember that you will need a different type of kayak when you are heading to the Atlantic Ocean instead of a sheltered lagoon, so make sure you read this guide by Best Kayak Reviews for all the information that you need to make your next kayak purchase.

 

Norway

If you are looking for a sea kayaking destination that is a little bit different and unique, then why not visit the Norwegian fjords and islands? We would recommend that you visit the Lofoten Islands where you will discover mountainous archipelago, sparkling blue seas and stunning mountains, so you can combine your kayaking trip with hiking too.

 

Sardinia

Sardinia is on the bucket list of place to visit for many people anyway, but you may not have released that it is actually also a fantastic place to go sea kayaking. Near to Palau and La Maddalena you will find islands which dominate the northeast corner and are filled with eye-catching sea-weathered granite sculptures. What’s great about visiting Sardinia for a sea kayaking adventure is that you can enjoy short, laid-back trips or you can instead choose to go on longer expeditions – the choice is completely up to you!

 

Croatia

Croatia is another hot holiday destination on the rise and you will probably have heard rave reviews from people who have visited this country. You can go island hopping across many different, quiet island coats and on the shores of Croatia you will find limestone cliffs, empty beaches and some of the most beautiful waters that you will ever have laid your eyes on. When you go sea kayaking here, you will also get a unique and beautiful view of the city of Dubrovnik which is filled with history and culture.

 

Brittany

If you want to combine a great sea kayaking holiday with delicious food and wine, then Brittany is the top choice for you. When visiting Brittany, we would suggest hiring a car as this will give you access to plenty of its amazing beaches including the Cote de la Granit Rose in the north and Le Golfe du Morbihan in the south.

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Woodloch Resort and Folds of Honor Expand Their Five-Year Partnership

June 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Since its original opening in 1958, Woodloch Pines, an award-winning, all-inclusive family resort located in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, has always remained committed to honoring those who serve and defend this country’s freedom, many of whom have been and continue to be loyal guests. Hence, it was a natural fit when the Pocono resort’s championship golf course, Woodloch Springs, teamed up with Folds of Honor five years ago to host an annual golf tournament. The nonprofit organization provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States Armed Forces. Since its inception, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 16,000 educational scholarships to military families.

On Monday, July 9th, Woodloch Springs will host the fifth annual Folds of Honor Golf Classic. The tournament kicks off with a shotgun start at 11:30 AM, and the $145 cost per golfer includes: golf fees, cocktail hour, dinner featuring a military keynote speaker and a special memorial gift. To date, the Folds of Honor Golf Classic has raised over $60,000 to support families in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

In addition to this year’s annual golf tournament, the family resort is excited to announce that it will host its first-ever Folds of Honor Weekend fromNovember 2-4, 2018 to further support the foundation and its efforts with a portion of Woodloch’s revenue being donated. During Folds of Honor Weekend, guests can look forward to:


In addition to the activities mentioned above, on the evening of Sunday, November 4th, Woodloch will host its “A Night of Heroes” event to further benefit Folds of Honor. The cocktail party will feature a special Folds of Honor guest speaker, and guests can enjoy tasting stations, a cash bar and silent auction and raffle.

“Our goal is to provide scholarship opportunities for the children and spouses of our local heroes. Supporting this event helps to ensure that their legacy lives on. May we never forget that freedom isn’t free! We hugely appreciate the support of everyone involved in this tournament as they continue to honor all who have given the ultimate sacrifice in our community,” remarked John Pillar, PGA, Director of Golf at Woodloch Springs.

To obtain more information about Folds of Honor Weekend, please visit www.woodloch.com. To learn more about The Folds of Honor Foundation, visitwww.FoldsofHonor.org.

 

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PALACE RESORTS PARTNERS WITH THREE-MICHELIN STAR CHEF, MASSIMO BOTTURA @PalaceResorts #ThePalaceLife

June 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Bringing the world’s best Italian cuisine  to Moon Palace Cancun, reinforcing the brands’ commitment to offer unmatched culinary offerings & award-winning chefs to its luxurious resorts

mexico hotels

Palace Resorts, the company that sets the standard in five-star, all-inclusive resort accommodations – proudly announces a joint partnership with world-renowned Chef Massimo Bottura to bring TheOsteria Francescana Experience to the Mexican Caribbean. Known as one of the Top 50 Chefs in the world, Massimo Bottura will bring his culinary talents to Moon Palace Cancun for only two exclusive nights, on August 18th and 19th 2018. Proceeds from this upscale dining experience, in partnership with the Palace Foundation, will go to Food for Soul, Massimo Bottura’s non-profit organization that creates and sustains community kitchens around the world to raise awareness on the issues of food waste and social isolation.

The message launched by Bottura’s organization and sustained by the Palace Foundation sheds light on the contemporary issues of food wastage and food insecurity as two sides of the same coin. With over 800 million people undernourished, still one third of the food produced every year goes to the landfill. Instead of viewing surplus ingredients as waste, Bottura sees them as a gift we can all transform for a greater good.

Palace Resorts prides itself in continuously delivering the most remarkable and one-of-a-kind experiences to its guests. As the leader of the luxury all-inclusive space, Palace Resorts has proven its commitment to elevating the brand’s culinary offerings by partnering with some the world’s greatest brands. Now having the privilege, to align with one of the top culinary masters in Italian gastronomy, chef Massimo Bottura, the company continues to demonstrate how it sets itself apart from the competition by bringing elite culinary experiences from around the world, right to its guests.

“As we continue to position ourselves as the leader in the luxury all-inclusive space, Palace Resorts continues to form strategic alliances with brands that take us to the next level,” said Jabib Chapur, Vice President of Food & Beverage for Palace Resorts.  “In this case, partnering with Massimo Bottura was a natural fit given that both brands share a love for top-tier culinary experiences, along with a passion for giving back, to communities. Bringing these events to Moon Palace Cancun is a testament to our commitment to bring guests unique culinary experiences from all over the world, right to their vacations, while at the same time, raising awareness within communities that need a voice.”

“The spotlight is on chefs today so they need to use that energy to promote change. Reaching out and getting everyone in the community involved is the first step to making change. But it’s not only about chefs: everyone can do something, because we’re all in this together. Cooking is a call to act”. Massimo Bottura, chef & patron of Osteria Francescana, declared.

Palace Resorts is committed to offering world-class epicurean experiences at each of its properties, designed to exceed expectations and enhance the guest experience. Just recently, the brand welcomed of the world’s best culinary masters, world-renowned three-Michelin-star Chef Joan Roca, owner of Spain’s celebrated El Celler de Can Roca, in Girona, Spain.

 In 2017, the brand announced an exclusive partnership with Certified Angus Beef®, making it the first and only hotel chain in Cancun, to offer the highest quality of beef at all ten of its properties.  And, just recently the brand announced an exclusive partnership with the world-renowned pastry chef, Antonio Bachour. Named one of the ten best pastry chefs in America, Bachour’s partnership with Palace Resorts features an exclusive menu selection exclusively curated by him and are featured at all ten of the brand’s oceanfront properties in Mexico and Jamaica.

In addition, the brand has taken a step further in its commitment to perfecting its culinary offerings by launching its own cooking school and pastry shop. Here, chefs have access to ongoing educational seminars, additional training and can stay up to date on the latest culinary trends.

The Osteria Francescana Experience will take place at Moon Palace Cancun on August 18th and 19th 2018. Ticket prices are $600 (11,859.81 MXN).

For ticket information and bookings, please visit: www.palaceresorts.com, call (998) 193 1993, or email experience@palaceresorts.com.

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6 Religious Gift Ideas for Special Occasions

June 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Christmas angel reading in a book telling a story on a background for a greeting card.

When celebrating an important religious milestone, like baptism, confirmation, First Communion or any other religious holiday, you have to think about an appropriate gift. A religious gift may be a great idea. However, you need to make sure that the gift you choose suits the person’s taste and personality. It is not enough to choose a rosary or a framed prayer. You should consider their preferences in order for the gift to be memorable.

One of the most important religious celebrations is the Confirmation of a child. It’s the moment every child is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and straightened in his Christian life. Confirmation gifts for boys, for instance, range from books to wallets, from journals to picture frames. This article on TenGiftIdeas can help you find personalized religious gifts to offer for Confirmation.

  1. Keepsake Box

This religious gift is appropriate for several religious events in your life, like First Communion, Confirmation, Baptism and Christening. Therefore, this silver-plated keepsake box is perfect for anyone who has a religious celebration coming up. The box is simple and elegant, a perfect gift to be treasured for several years. The greatest part about this keepsake box is that you can fully customize it. Around the silver cross in the center, you can ask the manufacturer to engrave a religious text or your relative’s or friend’s name.

  1. Glass Photo Frame

This also makes a lovely faith-inspired gift. The frame features an amber fused glass cross, complementing the religious theme. You can frame an appropriate prayer according to the religious celebration or a confirmation or baptism photo. The best fit would be including your favorite Bible verse and develop your own graphic if you feel artsy.

  1. Glass Angel

Another popular religious gifts would be a glass angel decoration. This could work hand in hand with a Christmas celebration when you put up the Christmas tree. Furthermore, you could also offer a glass angel as a gift for a baptism celebration. The angel could be placed in the newborn’s room to keep him or her safe. Whenever looking at it, the pale amber glass angel ornament will remind your friend to count their blessings and be grateful for everything they have.

  1. Book of Prayers

Almost everyone has a Bible at home, so consider finding an appropriate book of prayers to offer as a gift. In case your friend or relative is a book lover, this will definitely be a perfect fit. Make sure the prayers and religious stories in the book are appropriate for the religious event you celebrate. The prayers should not only signify your love for them, but also your wish for love of Christ to grow. Learning more about the life of saints or the New Testament will help your friend nurture their gratitude and say a prayer. The best way to thank God for what you have is by reading about all the wonders that Jesus realized together with the 12 Apostles.

  1. Mother’s Love Angel Figurine

You can place this cute little figurine on your kid’s nightstand in order for them to remember that their mom is just like an angel, always there to protect them. We all think that mothers are angels without wings, present by our sides in moments of joy and fear. Therefore, this religious gift is the perfect fit especially if you want to show your love for your little one, teaching him or her about religion while preparing them for their First Confirmation. This could also be a great gift for your little godson or goddaughter. After Christening, you can offer this little angel figurine as a gift since a godmother is considered to be a spiritual mother.

  1. Confirmation Glass Picture Frame

If you do not only collect moments but also pictures, make sure you frame a picture from your son or daughter’s confirmation. They will be really happy to know that you have immortalized that special moment and kept it as a memory. Since a photo speaks a thousand words, this one will surely be a great gift. Besides the word “Confirmation”, you can ask the manufacturer to personalize the frame and to engrave the date and your kid’s name.

 

Finding the perfect religious gift for a religious celebration is easier now after seeing this list. You can find appropriate religious gifts for your dear ones, nurturing their love for Christ and making them count their blessings and feel grateful. Make sure you choose an appropriate gift that suits your friend’s or relative’s taste.

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How to Choose the Best Low Light Cameras for Travel

June 1, 2018 by 1 Comment

Using smartphones to capture images in low light will probably show disappointing results. Shooting with a simple Smartphone’s camera will provide you with poor quality pictures. While traveling, there are many views of evening or night times that one would want to capture. For high-quality images at these circumstances, one should be using a low-light compact camera. A camera with advanced optics and sensors will make you able to capture more realistic results in low light. So, you should be using the best low light cameras for traveling to capture exactly what you see. Here, I am providing you with some tips to consider. They will surely make you able to select and buy an amazing camera to capture fascinating photos during your travel.

Flash using Cameras:

Try to look for the cameras which show amazing results without using flash. Most of the time, flash usage in low light ruins the beauty of the scene. There are many low light cameras with a harmonized system which deliver beautiful results without using flash. So, select the camera after checking its low light result without flash.

Blur images:

Capturing handheld pictures in low light may result in blur images and pictures. Look for the cameras which have large aperture lenses to achieve sharp results. Also, the presence of an intelligent IS in a camera makes you able to shoot handheld fascinating pictures without any kind of blurriness.

Camera’s Size:

During traveling, carrying a lot of luggage is a much difficult task to be done. So a camera that you are going to buy especially for a better traveling experience should be smaller in size. Moreover, it should be easy to handle as well. A big sized camera will take more space in your bags and will also be much difficult to carry. Thus, you should prefer a smaller and lighter camera for traveling.

Higher FPS:

The best camera for traveling would be the one which has settings with higher frames per second. By higher FPS, you can click a number of pictures quickly. You can either select the better one later or it can also help you to make GIFs. But don’t always use your camera in a higher FPS mode. It will fill up your SD card with a lot of pictures much faster.

LCD screens or Viewfinders:

The cameras used to have small viewfinders before. They are actually useful in finding close up views of a scene. But now the cameras with large LCD screens are much better. Some cameras also allow rotating or folding out the monitor. It helps you to take better images by holding a camera higher or lower than your face. Folding monitors can definitely give you a better angle of whatever you are shooting.

Conclusion

All features explained above are very essential. But the best thing to look in a camera is its battery life. A camera that is specially used for traveling must have a longer battery life. Moreover, a spare battery should also be there with you during long travels.

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How to Clean a Garden Umbrella

June 1, 2018 by 1 Comment

Garden umbrellas can be quite convenient in offering that well-sought shade in the garden. They ensure that you enjoy the warmth of the sun without necessarily getting a sunburn. Not only are they convenient in providing shade in a garden setting the can also be used to provide shade in outdoor patios. Some even say that they are a fashion statement to complete the outdoors décor. The charcoal gray patio umbrellas are particularly a favorite when it comes to making statements.

This means that the Umbrella needs to be kept looking pretty and tidy. For this regular cleaning is essential. So the question begs, how do I clean my Outdoor umbrella without damaging it?

For starters, it is advisable that you clean your garden umbrella regularly. The recommended span between each clean is at least once monthly. However, umbrellas that are placed under trees or shrubs may require cleaning more often because of the dirt and debris that accumulates from the trees.

So, to begin the cleaning process, it is important to note that the canopy and the umbrella stand or base and frame need to be cleaned differently.

Related- 10 Best Patio Heater Reviews and Comparison Chart 2018

Cleaning the Umbrella Canopy

For non-removable fabric umbrella canopies, move the canopy from the sun into a shaded area so as to prevent the soap from drying up before you complete cleaning it.  

  • Begin by taking the canopy and laying it on a protective surface
  • Then dust off or vacuuming any loose dirt on the canopy. Avoid using a hard bristle brush as this pushes the dirt deeper into the fabric.
  • Next, pour in a quarter cup of laundry detergent into a gallon of luke-warm water.
  • Then use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub the fabric in a circular motion.
  • Leave the detergent on for about fifteen minutes. This will give the detergent enough time to work on and loosen the dirt
  • Eventually, rinse it out thoroughly. It is recommended that you use a hosepipe or sprayer to rinse the canopy
  • Move the umbrella under the sun to allow it completely dry.

For umbrellas with a removable fabric, carefully remove the canopy from the frame, shake it thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and dust. Check the umbrella for any washing and drying instructions. Wash the canopy according to the given instructions and dry accordingly before replacing the canopy on the stand.

Cleaning the Umbrella Frame and stand

The main types of frames found in garden umbrellas are wood and aluminum. The two have different ways of cleaning. However, most umbrellas come with the manufactures instructions on how to clean the frames. These instructions must be adhered to for the longevity of the umbrella.

Wooden frames – usually a mixture of a mild dishwashing detergent and water will do the trick. Dilute the detergent as much as possible then dip a soft cloth inside the water. Squeeze out any excess water.

Next, use the cloth to gently wipe the frame and stand. Then completely rinse out the cloth in clean water and repeat the procedure. You may opt to rinse the material out a second time and wipe the frame again to ensure that all the detergent has been removed. Leave it to dry under the shade.

Aluminum frames – begin by gently removing any surface dirt before using a soft cloth to gently wipe the frames and base with a mild solution of water and dishwashing detergent. Thoroughly rinse the cloth before wiping the frame again to remove any traces of detergent.  

For water spotting or calcium build up, clean by wiping it down with a solution of one part vinegar to nine parts water. Again use a well rinsed out cloth to wipe it down. Ensure all the traces of the solution are rinsed out. Let the frame dry in an airy shaded place.

Finally

Because of their nature of being exposed to the outside elements, garden umbrellas accumulate dust, dirt, and other elements. So, if you want to keep your umbrella in tip-top shape, you must ensure that you clean it regularly. This will also ensure that your umbrella lasts longer. And don’t forget to give it a clean before tucking it in for the winter season.

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Life is short, live your life to the fullest

June 1, 2018 by 1 Comment

perfect vacation

Life is short and we never know when it will be our last day, so my motto is and has always been to live your life to the fullest. This is why I focus so much on happiness – isn’t that what life should be all about? I believe so. I get a lot of questions about why I write about travel so much and the answer is simple: travel brings me joy and that is what I am constantly in search of.

 

Many people struggle with focusing on happiness and I get it. You go through your busy day that is filled with work, bills, struggles, and negative people and it is easy to get brought down, but I believe that we should work each and everyday to rise above the hard things, the negativity, and the stress in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel and choose to have a great day, no matter what. If you focus on that each and everyday, you will begin to really enjoy life and learn to live it to the fullest. I have a few things that I do each and everyday that brings more happiness into my life and I wanted to share it with you all. Here are my best tips on things you can do to live your life to the fullest:

 

Not Caring About What Others Think

It is so easy to fall into the trap of caring what people think about you, especially with social media being the center of the universe right now. Sometimes I observe people who are actively going through their Instagram or Facebook feed just to talk about others lives. What they are wearing, who they are with, how much weight they gained while they were pregnant, etc. Why do we do this to ourselves? All this does is bring negativity into our lives and opens the book to allow other people in your life to judge, as well. Stop judging others and stop caring about what others think about you. You will be so much happier when the only person you are trying to impress is yourself!

 

Doing What You Love

Life is too short to be stuck in a 9-5 job that you hate. Yes, going out on your own and doing what you love could be risky and stressful, but what happens if it works out? It could change your happiness forever and I believe that (in most circumstances) that is a risk that I would be willing to take. Even if you do not go off on your own, make sure you are in a job that you are really passionate about. Travel, if that makes you happy. Start a family, if that’s what you want. Just focus on your happiness, no matter what.

 

Treating People With Kindness

Inc. says, “Treat everyone with kindness–not because they are kind hearted, but because you are. One of the greatest gifts we can give another is kindness. If someone is in need, lend a helping hand. Don’t do it only for the people you like and respect–that’s easy–but also for the ones who drive you crazy and those you don’t even know. True kindness lies in the act of giving without the expectation of getting something in return.” You never know what someone might be going through, so please just suck it up and treat everyone with kindness.

 

Documenting Your Happiness

A great way to be intentional with your time is by documenting your day and your happiness. Write down a few things that you enjoyed that day, talk about how you can make the next day better, and if something didn’t go the way you wanted it to, try to find a silver lining.

 

Giving When You Can

I believe that giving is a great way to make each and everyday more positive. You cannot find anything negative about helping someone in need, seeing a smile on their face, and doing good in your community. It just puts a positive spin on your day, no matter what. Try to volunteer your time, donate when you can, and help others out!

Maintaining A Healthy Body

To live your life to the fullest, you need to create a strong, healthy foundation for yourself and the only way you can do this is by taking care of your body. Respect your body by eating healthy, working out, and finding help when you need it. A lot of people in this world do not get to do the things they love because they are dealing with debilitating pain on a daily basis. If this is you, get help so that you can enjoy your life! In New Jersey, AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine is on a mission to add health, balance, and success to your life. They believe that “Achieving maximum health is more than the absence of an illness. Authentic human health also includes the fulfillment of potential — potential for healing, creativity, wisdom, love, friendship, family, career, spirituality, physical fitness, leadership, and more.” Dr. Alfieri, as well as his staff are prepared to give you the best care through the use of chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and pain management physiatry services. The doctors at their Monroe Township facility are certified in multiple disciplines and work together to find the best solution for you when it comes to your pain and general health. If you are suffering with pain, do something about it so that you can live your life to the fullest. AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine could be the next step to help you get your body feeling great again!

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