Moving Home? Here’s How To Save Money Before You’ve Even Received The Keys

November 15, 2017 by 1 Comment
moving day

photo credit CubeSmart

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or not, buying a property is a major life moment that comes with huge excitement. Nonetheless, it’s also probably the biggest financial decision of your life. This is why you must take a responsible approach along every step of the journey.

Homes don’t come cheap, and there will be various other costs to consider once you’ve moved in. Reducing the costs throughout the process can free up more cash for future upgrades and additions. Here are just three simple ways to make it happen.

Get The Property Checked For Damage

Unless the property is a new build, there’s a good chance that something will be wrong. Those issues could be quite minor now, but overlooking them can allow the damage to grow. Meanwhile, some homeowners may try to sell their properties without disclosing issues that they are highly aware of.

Small checks will be made to tick the legal boxes. In truth, though, you must go the extra mile by surveying the land as well as the property itself. Being aware of any potential issues may save you from buying a home that isn’t fit for purpose. Even if the issues aren’t serious, it can put you in a stronger position when it comes to negotiating on the price.

There is always a possibility that surveys will come back without any noteworthy issues. Although this may feel like you’ve wasted money, it’s better to have that emotional security than not.

Hire A Moving Firm

After spending thousands on agents, surveys, and the property itself, you’ll want to save money. Therefore, taking on the expense of a moving firm can seem pointless. On the contrary, it’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

First and foremost, the time saved will compensate for any additional costs encountered at this moment. More importantly, it ensures that your possessions reach the destination in good health. This’ll save you a lot of money in the long run. Experts at https://www.mybekins.com/location/sarasota-fl-movers/ will show you the options. Aside from the financial benefits, it’ll work wonders for your sanity.

Taking the DIY option may sound appealing, but petrol and other hidden costs mean that you’re better off with the professional touch.

Find Better Service Deals

Once you’ve moved in, the list of potential money-saving investments is huge. This can include adopting eco-friendly items and improving the insulation. However, you can successfully start the savings ahead of moving day.

The choice of energy provider can make a world of difference. Likewise, running a quick price comparison could reduce the cost of your broadband or TV bills. Visit https://www.highspeedinternet.com/providers to learn more about the best options for your location. On a similar note, finding better deals on items like home insurance will work wonders.

Those savings aren’t only instant. They’ll also continue to follow you for months or even years, ensuring fantastic long-term results. If that doesn’t leave you smiling as you collect the keys, what will?

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What is lurking in tap water, and how can you make it safe to drink?

November 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Failing to drink enough water can have serious detrimental effects on your body. This is why it’s so important to make sure that you have access to plenty of this vital fluid. But, you also need to make sure that the water you are drinking is clean and fresh.

You may have seen a drinking fountain or water bubbler, in the office block where you work. These devices are there for a reason. They help to ensure that everyone has access to water that tastes good and is safe to drink.

    1. Why is the water from the tap not good enough?

Many people do drink water straight from the tap, but it’s not the best thing to do. When you see what can be present in tap water, you can understand why.

  • Chlorine that is used to treat the water at the water treatment plant.

  • Dirt that collects in the water as it’s pumped to your home.

  • Pesticides and other additives that can get into the water as it travels along water pipes, on its way to your domestic water supply.

Do you really want to drink any of these things? The good news is that there is a way of making sure you get only clean water in the glass that you fill.

    1. How do drinking fountains and water bubblers help?

Drinking fountains and water bubblers can be used to filter water. This means that the water you get from them is good to taste, and safe to drink. Of course, these types of filtration unit are most often used in large buildings, such as office blocks.

There are different types of filtration system that you can use in your home. Counter top units are one of the most affordable choices. They do not need to be plumbed in and they can simply be placed on the counter top in your kitchen, and attached to the tap. The downside of this type of system is that it takes up valuable space. The amount of water you can filter at one time is also relatively small.

You may prefer to invest in an under sink system, for which plumbing is required. The system is hidden away, and you are able to filter more water than you can with a counter top system.

Whichever water filtration system you choose, it can help make sure that the water which comes from the tap is safe for you and your family to drink. Substances such as dirt, chlorine and pesticides are filtered out. All that is left is pure water. This means that the drink you get tastes fresh, and not of chemicals. You can enjoy several refreshing glasses of water each day. Doing so helps to keep you hydrated which in turn helps to keep your body healthy. You can see just how important it is to make sure you have a plentiful supply of clean water in your home.

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New Video Games and Apps for Kids- and the kid in all of us

November 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Got gamers? Us too. These are a few of the titles that have our kids (OK, and maybe us as well) occupied during rainy days and cold nights.

Lightseekers from TOMY is an app that you can play with by using just the app, or by connecting toys or trading cards with it.  Using “Connected Play” , a “proprietary technology platform that integrates video games and smart action figures” with Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence with trading cards and figures and more into the app experience. Use the figure as a controller to the game, which is a fun and pretty unique experience. I’ve not done that before, and it was pretty neat.
No portal needed in which to put the toys, you just need the app and your tablet and that is that. They interact with each other and the app via bluetooth. The interactive trading cards brings features into play and into (virtual) reality as you use them as well.  The game gets better as you use it, based on feedback, reviews, gameplay, and more.  Starter packs available for about $40 at stores like Toys R Us.

For the fans of the Nintendo 3DS, there is Metroid Samus Returns. Bounty hunter Samus Aran is back to finally rid the planet of the menace that is known as Metroid. A “part two” (if you will) of the 1991 Game Boy classic game, Samus Returns has new moves, upgraded weaponry, and of course foes that just won’t quit. It’s a great game for fans as well as those who have never played before.  The game is $40 and for the 3DS family only.  There are amiibo for the game as well, Samus Aran as well as Metroid. The 2 pack is about $30.

The LEGO NINJAGO Movie has been widely anticipated, fans have been eagerly awaiting it’s arrival. As eagerly awaited has been the The LEGO NINJAGO Movie Video Game, which is based on the brick flick.  Fans will have tons of fun battling enemies as they take on the persona of their favorite Ninjago heroes- like Kai, Cole, Zane, or Master Wu – as they fight to defend their homes from Lord Garmadon and the evil Shark Army.  Available for about $40 and for many gaming platforms.

For fans of LEGO, you will want the newest LEGO Dimensions. Already in Wave 9, some of the latest buildable interactive toys are the Beetlejuice Fun Pack, Team and Fun Packs based on the popular TV shows Teen Titans Go! and The Powerpuff Girls.  These are toys you place on a portal and then they appear into the game you are playing- but unlike other similar figures, in true LEGO form, you have to build these. According to my  little gaming expert, the packs themselves give you the most “DLC”, or basically downloadable content given to you per set then some other games. There are also so many licenses you can choose from, which means there are a bunch of universes and characters to choose from, making game play that much more interesting.

In the fun and exciting Nintendo game “Monster Hunters”, you take on the role of explorer, warrior, and zoologist as you traverse the world around you.  While you travel, you will hunt and care for eggs, which you will hatch, as well as bond with a variety of monsters you meet along the way. The scenery is quite varied, from a desert to the tundra, make your way along, battling and finding quests as you go, befriending monsters with different skill sets and even customizing your own unique monster. Use these monsters as a team that will have powerful attacks and combinations. Compatible amiibo figures also available for an additional price. $40 at most retail outlets.

Mario and Luigi are back once more to battle familiar bad guys to save BeanBean Kingdom, rescue the Princess, and even Bowser in the new Mario and Luigi SuperStar Saga & Bowser’s Minions. Yes, that’s quite the mouthful of a title, but the game is still super fun. The storyline takes place in one of Mario and Luigi’s more classic adventures- but as you play, you find out some details of what really happened and some details you might not have known.  New attacks, familiar friends and foes, and fun puzzle solving are what this game is all about. Great for fans and newbie alike, this is a great game for all abilities and ages. Compatible amiibo available for additional price, the game is available for $40 at most retailers and online.

 

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5 Ways to Spend Your Time When You’re Alone

November 7, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Time flies by when you are chilling out with your squad. The harmless banter or the recollection of the funny incidents that you shared with them in the past is enough to keep the atmosphere fun and exciting. However, things are often different when you are all by yourself.

Different people have different hobbies/activities that they like to engage in to kill time when they are alone. For you, it could be making crisp apple donuts, for someone else it could be going for a walk outside. Here in this blog, I will share my personal 5 things that like to enjoy when I am in my own company:

1. Binge Watching

Who needs cable when you have Netflix or Amazon Prime? I don’t usually watch TV, but when I am alone and have a lot of time to spare, then it’s always fun to watch my favorite TV series back to back. For instance, I am planning to binge watch Breaking Bad once again, right from the first episode, first season. If you have your own personal favorite TV shows, then you are sure to enjoy watching that as you lay in your bed and munch on popcorn or chicken nuggets (whichever you fancy). It’s definitely a treat.

 

2. Hosting a Party for One

While it’s true that you enjoy partying the most when there are dozens or hundreds of people around you. However, partying all by yourself is also a special experience that I strongly recommend you to try at least once in life.

What I personally like to do is that I turn on some peppy/party music and crank up the volume. 

Maybe you can turn on the TV, find a dance show and just try to mimic the moves on the screen. Knowing that no one is watching me allows me to just be natural and enjoy the moment. It’s super fun, I am telling you.

3. Spending Quality Time with Bae

We all have close friends that we love to hang out with all the time. However, your girlfriend also deserves some quality time. So, this is what I like to do- when I am alone I either call up my girlfriend to come over or just go to her place.

We then do all kinds of fun things, like making cookies together, go swimming, or maybe just watch a movie. It’s super fun every time.

4. Playing Online Casino Games

I recently got into online gambling and let me tell you- it’s not what you may think. Many people have a skeptical take on online gambling. Some believe it’s all a scam, others think it’s unsafe and risky. However, truth is that not only there are a plethora of reliable and widely recognized casino platforms on the Internet, they allow you to make some serious bucks if you are good at the games.

For me, online slots games are my buzz at the moment, one slot in particular beach life is worth checking out. I have made some decent money through my gameplay, but more than that it’s a great way to pass the time.

5. Reorganizing My House

Sometimes when I am by myself, I like to use the time for something productive. So, I reorganize my house, repair broken items as needed, or maybe clean up a little. After all, who wouldn’t love to live in a clean and organized house. It always gives me a feeling of satisfaction, so maybe it will give you too.

So, these were some of the ways I like to spend the time when I am alone. What are yours?

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4 Tips to planning a Greek holiday on a budget

November 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Any serious traveler dreams of seeing the Greek islands. After all, who is not enticed with the blue and white aesthetic of the beautiful Santorini, or the cliff side beaches in Zakynthos? Most people think that you would need to prepare a lot of money just to enjoy a vacation getaway in this beautiful archipelago.

 

But that is far from the truth. While it will be more expensive than a vacation in your country, there is a way to travel to Greek while still on a budget. Check out some tips you can follow so that you can start planning a trip to Greece soon without having to break the bank.

 

  1. Book as early as possible – if you’re already experienced in traveling, especially abroad, then you know that the earlier you book your flight and accommodation, the better deal you can have. Especially if you plan to go there during the summer, the more expensive it will be. So start your search as early as now. Find good deals on accommodations. Look for travel blogs that give tips on places to stay other than the famous hotels in the area. You might be able to find affordable hostels and the like. If you plan to travel around the islands using a plane, you would also need to book early as they can be sold out if you wait until the last minute to buy.

 

  1. Get a package deal on your ferry tickets – a great way to save money on your travel expenses is to look for package deals. There are many companies that offer traveling from one island to the other using ferries, as many consider these the most economical way of transportation. There are companies offering a tour of five or even eight islands on just one ferry ticket! That’s a great deal and you also will not have a hard time planning your itinerary as you can just find out which islands you will go to and research on the best sights and activities to do there. Check out this  Greek multi-island hopping holidays with HostelBay Fast Ferry Pass to get a good package for your island hopping.

 

  1. Go there during the off-season – the great thing about Greece is that the beautiful Mediterranean weather makes it an ideal location throughout the whole year. So unless you can only travel during the summer, it would actually be a good idea to explore the islands during the off-season. Not only is it cheaper, you also won’t have to battle with both tourists and locals who are also on vacation. It might get too crowded in some tourist sites which might make it less enjoyable for you.

 

  1. Eat like the locals – Greece for sure has a lot to offer when it comes to local cuisine and delicacies. You might be tempted to try some famous restaurants in the area based on reviews you’ve seen online, but you might find the price may be too steep for your budget. Try to befriend the locals and ask them for suggestions on where you can eat. If the locals go there, whether it’s just a street food stall or a hole in the wall restaurant, you can be sure that you will enjoy the food.
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Packing Tips for Ladies Who are Planning a Luxurious Getaway

November 3, 2017 by Leave a Comment

When you’ve booked premium vacation rentals in an exotic place, you will need to pack accordingly. After all, you’re not off to a safari adventure, nor are you going to Europe flitting from museum to museum. You’re also not backpacking your way to a rundown beach. You’re off to a luxury holiday and you need to make sure you bring your glam stuff with you to make the most out of your stay.  

For the ladies, here are some tips that can help you decide what to pack for your vacation:

  1. Forget the labels and prioritize the fit. Just because you’re on a premium vacation doesn’t mean all your clothes need to feature snobby labels. The point is to relax, so you need decent-looking clothes that fit you nicely.
  2. Stick to the classics for your wardrobe. Fashion trends can be a finicky issue and what’s cool where you come from may not be considered stylish where you’re going. You will also obviously want to take pictures, and you don’t want to wear something that can looks foolish in just a few years, like 1980s shoulder pads.

So what this basically means is that you may want to go mainly with sheath dresses when you want to go out of your rented villa to have a fun night in town. Dresses are great because they’re very versatile, and you can adhere to any sort of dress code using the right accessories. For more casual occasions, you will just need nicely fitting tops.

 

  • Black is always a safe choice. It’s no coincidence that all ladies need a little black dress in their closet. For a premium vacation, you need at least one in your travel bag too. You won’t look out of place wherever you go, and it’s a classic style that will never go out of fashion. Black seems like a much dressier option, so it’s more suitable for luxury vacations.

 

Pair even just a basic cotton dress with heels, and you’re ready for a fancy restaurant in the evening. Put on some simple ballet flats with it, and you’ll just look chic exploring the town during the day.

 

  • Don’t forget your accessories. Leave the expensive jewelry at home. Despite the improved security in rented villas, you’re still travelling to another city and you don’t want to lose something you value too highly.

 

You do need to plan for your activities. Swimsuits will of course be mandatory, since most luxury villas have pools and beach vacations are always nice. But you’ll need cool sunglasses and a floppy hat if you’re planning to stay a few hours on the beach. In fact, just bring great sunglasses especially if you’re staying somewhere tropical. They also tend to compliment your outfits. Scarves are also a good idea for nighttime strolling, when the temperatures become cooler.

  1. Consider the right footwear. Since you’re going on a premium vacation, you may as well bring along your footwear with the highest quality. But it’s still a vacation, so you should make sure your heels are comfy. Stick to neutral colors for your shoes so they’ll match any outfit you wear.

Of course, if it’s a vacation you can’t wear heels all the time. That’s hardly relaxing. Try to bring along leather ballet flats and dressy flat sandals. Not only will they keep your feet comfy when you need a timeout from heels, but they also look great whether you’re wearing a dress or a pair of trousers.

The real key to proper packing is to make sure you dress up for your plans. Consult your schedule, and then make sure you have a planned outfit for each activity you’re hoping to do. When you know what you’re going to wear for what you plan to do, the more you will relax on your vacation.

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Win New GRAB-AND-GO BITES

November 2, 2017 by 45 Comments

The Gluten Free Bar (GFB), a leading brand for fun and flavorful gluten-free snacks, is paving the way in the growing gluten-free “cluster” category with its new line of GFB Bites. Available in six different flavors, including Dark Chocolate Coconut, Coconut Cashew Crunch, Chocolate Cherry Almond, PB+J, Dark Chocolate Hazelnut, and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, the Bites are available on shelves at club, grocery, mass merchandise, natural foods and supermarket stores nationwide with a suggested retail price of $4.99 to 5.99 per bag.

Each bite-sized treat is non-GMO Project® Certified, Certified Vegan, soy-free, dairy-free and Certified Gluten-Free. What really sets GFB Bites apart in a crowded functional food category is taste; the Bites balance just the right amount of soft and chewy texture with crunch and flavors that make them a completely unique snacking experience. Without compromising on ingredients or honest nutrition, the protein-packed Bites were developed with meaningful flavors, such as tart cherry, dark chocolate, toasted coconut, sun-sweetened fruit, and various nuts that provide flavor depth and protein function.

gluten free snacks

“We’re two brothers who get along well with each other, but not with gluten,” said Elliot Rader, Co-Founder and Partner at GFB. “Our goal is to create fun and flavorful gluten-free snacks for everyone – after all, eating is something we do each day so let’s enjoy it. The development of Bites has been an exciting transition into the cluster category. We basically combined the nutrition of a protein bar with the decadence of a truffle. No other cluster in the category does this and we’re excited to share the Bites with our customers.”

As pioneers in the gluten-free cluster category, GFB has created a product perfect for all snacking occasions: fun family road trips, a quick and delicious breakfast with your morning coffee at work, and much more. GFB Bites can be found at leading regional stores, top national stores, and popular health food stores.

One of you can win 4 free vouchers for these products. To enter, use the RC Code below. Ends Dec 1, 2017. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Sustainable Forest Management: kratom & coffee

November 1, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Many major commodities that we use every day are often responsible for deforestation and ecosystem destruction. Coffee and palm oil production are widely known to result in forest clearances that amongst other things, may wipe out the last wild orangutan apes. It doesn’t have to be this way – let’s look at two examples of how farmers in South East Asia are managing to look after their natural world while making a living from cash crops.

Kratom

Mitragyna speciosa (also known as kratom) is a tree that grows in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. It has been used for Millennia by the peoples living there as a medicine for treating ailments such as diarrhea, inflammation and opium addiction. It is also known for its stimulant properties and is used at social gatherings instead of marijuana (indeed, it is more socially acceptable to chew some kratom than smoke a joint), and has stimulant properties so manual laborers can toil in the fierce jungle heat.

Kratom products have started to be sold in the West in the last five years, and scientists have become quite excited as to this cheap, safe and readily available alternative to medical treatments for opiate addiction. As the industry has picked up, so different harvesting techniques are coming about. One kratom blog explained, “some kratom trees are destroyed when harvested by irresponsible farmers, which can cause terrible damage to the rainforest and jungle. Some cut branches down from the trees and then pick the leaves, whereas the responsible farmers pick the leaves from the tree without cutting the branches down.”

Not all firms do this. The same company above stated, “All the leaves sourced by us, including those used in our legally approved cosmetics, are taken from the tree without cutting down branches. Our farmers do not kill the trees or bring fertilizers into the jungle that destroy the ecosystem.”

While coffee was once the big cash crop, farmers are looking for new markets to sell forest products at a premium, and the leaves from the Mitragyna tree are one very important source of income for many. In the North America and much of Europe it has become increasingly popular to buy kratom powder online in recent years.

Coffee

Coffee is another major cash crop that is essential to many developing world economies. Traditionally coffee bushes were grown under the rainforest canopy with the trees above sheltering the coffee leaves below. High yield strains were developed that needed full sun and as a result coffee production has become synonymous with rainforest destruction.

The Rainforest Alliance has come to the rescue of some communities and forests. The organization shows how they prevent forests from being clear cut: “On Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms, coffee grows in harmony with nature: soils are healthy, waterways are protected, trash is reduced or recycled, wildlife thrives and migratory bird habitat flourishes. In addition, hundreds of farms we work with have adopted climate-smart techniques that sequester carbon. Most importantly, farm communities learn the importance of protecting their natural resources, and they acquire the tools and resources to do so.”

Unlike their mass production rivals, coffee farmers can sell their beans at a premium and can make more money from less work. They live better lifestyles as a result.

In harmony with the environment

The take-out from this article is that it often makes more sense to look after the environment than to destroy it for money. You can’t eat money, and in destroying the planet you destroy the very thing that feeds you. Do look at the ethics of the ingredients of coffee before you buy – paying a little more may mean that someone can work fewer hours and still get their kids an education while living in balance with the forests in which they live.

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