If your current outdoor living space is underwhelming and you hardly ever take advantage of it, you’ll spend far more time enjoying your outdoor space, if you make an effort to transform your outdoor living space. If you’re in need of a bit of inspiration in order to get started, just continue reading to discover a few effective ways to totally transform your outdoor living space.

Attract birds to your outdoor space:

Imagine how lovely it would be to be able to listen to melodic bird song when you’re enjoying your outdoor space such as your garden or deck. If you’d like to attract birds to your outdoor space, it’s a great idea to hang a birdhouse from one of your trees and to place a decorative bird bath in your outdoor space. Another way to encourage birds to visit your outdoor area is to purchase high quality wild bird food from Valley Farms.

Purchase a hot tub for your outdoor space:

If you don’t have enough room to have a swimming pool installed in your backyard, it’s a great idea to invest in buying a hot tub for your outdoor space. Which you’ll be able to enjoy all year long. If you want to ensure that you’re ready to bathe in a luxuriously warm hot tub, make sure to purchase a pair of the best toenail nippers and to treat yourself to a DIY pedicure, so that your feet will be ready for summer and lounging in your brand new hot tub.

Purchase weather resistant outdoor furniture:

You’ll be far more motivated to spend time outdoors if you have weather resistant outdoor furniture which you can sunbathe on or read a book on. If you want to host your family members and friends on a regular basis, it’s also a wise idea to purchase a weather resistant dining table and dining chairs, so that you’ll be able to invite your loved ones to summer barbecues. The reason why you should purchase weather resistant furniture is so that your furniture won’t tarnish when it’s left out in the elements such as the hot sun, rain or snow.

Ensure that your outdoor space has plenty of lighting:

If you hope to make use of your outdoor space in the evenings or to host parties at night outdoors, make sure that your outdoor space has plenty of lighting. Such as motion activated lights and solar lights.

Purchase waterproof Bluetooth speakers for your outdoor area:

It’s also worth purchasing waterproof Bluetooth speakers for your outdoor area, so that you’ll be able to play music when you’re entertaining dinner guests for barbecues or lounging in your hot tub. You may even want to listen to podcasts while you’re sunbathing on your outdoor furniture. The options are endless.

In conclusion if you are currently underwhelmed by your current outdoor lounge and want to create a functional, attractive outdoor space that you’ll want to use all year long, it’s well worth getting started.

If you are considering the idea of sending one or more of your children to a top boarding school which you can entrust with your child’s educational and emotional development, you’ve come to the right place. Simply continue reading to discover a few important facts about boarding schools, which should help you decide firstly if a boarding school is the right choice for your child and if so, which boarding school they are likely to thrive in.

Always opt to send your child to an accredited boarding school:

In order to ensure that you send your child to a boarding school that meets a high level of standards, that you’ll be able to trust with both the welfare of your child and the educational attainment of your child, ensure to send your child to an accredited boarding school. If you reside in Canada, make sure to search for Canadian Accredited Independent Schools. For a comprehensive list of boarding schools which meet the highest standards in Canada.

Select a boarding school which can prove that it is regularly audited:

For example, you may want to look further into sending your child to a boarding school which has BasicSafe software, which schools can use to ensure that they meet all of their auditing and safety requirements each year. As the welfare and safety of your child is of the utmost importance and it pays to take the due diligence which is required in order to investigate whether each of your shortlisted schools passes its audits and safety requirements each year.

Consider the number of each students in each house of residence:

Normally boarding schools are broken up into smaller houses of residences where a house parent will be in charge of monitoring the wellbeing of the students who live under their roofs. If your child has a quiet disposition they may prefer to attend a boarding school which offers smaller, more intimate houses of residence, where they’ll have an easier time settling in and finding a group of like minded friends, who they’ll consider their boarding school family. Alternatively, if your child is extroverted they may enjoy the hustle and bustle and energy of living in a larger hall of residence. Where they’ll be able to make plenty of new friendships that are likely to last a lifetime.

Consider selecting a boarding school that is within easy driving distance:

Many boarding schools allow their borders to go home for the weekends. So if your child is likely to miss the comforts of home, it’s definitely a better idea to send them to a boarding school that is located within easy driving distance of your home. Which will ensure that your child will still get to enjoy home comforts on the weekends.

So if you have been seriously considering whether sending your child to a boarding school could help your child thrive and grow as a young person, hopefully you found all of the boarding school info listed above useful.

 

Whether you’re currently considering designing a brand new home for yourself or your family from the ground up or you’re simply looking to renovate your current home, it’s well worth staying up to date with the latest architectural design trends. To discover a few trends which you may find inspiring, simply continue reading.

Cladding panels:

If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing way to decorate your home’s exterior, especially if you want to modernize your home’s exterior, it’s well worth considering the possibility of investing in cladding panels. Especially as modern day cladding panels come in a wide variety of materials and styles. For example, you can opt for large, modern slate cladding panels if you want the exterior of your home to have a fresh up to date look. As another option, if you like the look of wood for the exterior of your home, you may want to opt for 3D wooden wall cladding instead.

Remember before you start making extensive and costly changes to your home, it’s a smart idea to speak to a lawyer. If you’re in need of an on call lawyer it’s well worth reaching out to the friendly experienced team at Goulart Legal for advice.

Partitions:

While open planned living spaces have been popular for the past few decades, many individuals now find that it’s more relaxing to have separated areas for different activities. If you’re interested in enjoying the best of both worlds and being able to enjoy the benefits that come from living in a home that boasts open plan living spaces as well as smaller spaces that are cordoned off, it’s a great idea to invest in having a few custom built partitions for your home.

Outdoor living spaces:

If you live in an area which is fortunate enough to enjoy a lot of good weather, you may be interested in building an outdoor living space which features weatherproof furniture and which can be easily accessed from floor to ceiling glass walls. Especially if you want to be able to enjoy the views of your garden, even in winter. As you’ll still be able to see your garden through your glass doors from your lounge.

Hidden technology:

Most current architects will always opt to find clever ways to hide modern technology. For example they may design kitchens that hide modern kitchen appliances behind cleverly disguised cabinets. Or they may design spaces for TVs which are hidden in lounge walls. So that when homeowners aren’t watching TV, their TVs can be hidden out of the way. This is a particularly great idea if you don’t want your TV to be the central focus of your living room.

Walk in showers:

Walk-in showers or wet rooms are increasing in demand and were inspired by the luxury showers which you can find in many boutique hotels and resorts around the world.

In conclusion, regardless of whether you are interested in building a brand new home from the ground up or are just keen to renovate your home, hopefully you were inspired by the modern architectural ideas that are listed above.

 

Retirement is the point where we finally settle down and enjoy all we’ve worked for. The problem is that it can take years to save enough money. Smart planning is often not enough when markets go in the wrong direction, according to retirement experts like Robert Nico Martinelli and others.

How much money do you need?

The first step is knowing how much you will need to retire at your desired lifestyle level. While that may seem obvious, many people overlook this step.

What is your retirement lifestyle?

This is an important question because it helps determine how much money you will need to save each month or year. If you have a fairly modest income now but dream of cruising the Mediterranean every winter with your spouse for six months out of the year, don’t be surprised if it takes more than 30 years to achieve this goal.

How long do you expect to live in retirement?

While no one can predict longevity, most planners use 75 as the average life expectancy at age 65 for both males and females. Women are slightly longer lived on average than men are. This means that women should plan for about three years less than men who retire at 65.

How much will you withdraw annually from your savings?

Once you know how much money you need to retire, the next step is determining how much of that income can be safely withdrawn each year. The general rule-of-thumb is four percent, though this percentage was worked out many years ago when interest rates were higher. Today it may not be safe for retirees to withdraw more than three percent of their total investment portfolio per year, even if they are willing to reduce spending later in life or take a lump sum distribution all at once.

What rate of return do you expect on your retirement investments?

The average annualized return for stocks since 1926 has been about nine percent, according to Ibbotson Associates’ Stocks, Bonds, Bills, and Inflation Yearbook.

If you are planning on retiring in 10 or more years, you have a decent chance of seeing six percent returns at least once during your investment lifetime. If you plan to retire in less than five years, however, it is highly unlikely that you will earn the kind of return needed for successful retirement planning.

What risks do you accept?

Last but not least, figure out what risks will affect your portfolio and make sure they won’t hurt too much. Few people like risk – even if it can be managed – but we all need some level to stay satisfied—or even aggressive—with our investments over time.

The more risk averse you are, the more time you will need for your investments to grow, or the less aggressive you will be able to be. And this could hurt your returns significantly in many cases.

For example, if you want a portfolio that can see eight percent annualized returns and figure an investment lifetime of 25 years before retirement, it would take a very conservative approach to get there. You might end up with only six-percent annualized returns during the majority of that time because of payouts and market volatility throughout your journey.

 

During the golden age of the muscle car, there were many questions asked by enthusiasts like Eugene Bernshtam and other potential buyers. Here are some of the most common questions answered.

1). How much horsepower does a muscle car produce?

About 425-440 hp, usually on high octane gas. Some of the big block cars could make upwards of 500 hp. With modern fuels and tuning, this could be increased.

2). How much torque does a muscle car produce?

It is about 535 ft/lbs, again using high octane gas and compression ratios to get the most out of it. Some big block cars made over 600 ft/lb of torque.

3). How fast do muscle cars go?

They’re called “Muscle Cars” for a reason! Some will go over 150 mph, and others up to 175-180 mph. If you could get them on a road course, they’d be able to keep up with European and Japanese sports cars of the same era. This was usually not done, however.

4). How much do muscle cars cost?

They’re expensive! Depending on the model and year, you can buy one in decent shape for $35,000 to $55,000. However, this is just for a base model. If you want special options available in that era, expect to pay a lot more.

5). How big is a muscle car?

They’re about the size of a mid-size family sedan. The idea was for a sporty appearance and enough room inside for 4 or 5 people, with no excess amenities that would add weight or cost. Most have large engines under the hood and weigh around 3,500 lbs.

6). Why are muscle cars so collectible?

As time passes, the price of these classics continues to climb. This is because fewer and fewer are left in decent condition. They were affordable back then, but today their value only goes up as they’re harder to find for daily driving.

7). What do car collectors look for when buying a muscle car?

The condition of the engine, transmission, and suspension are very important. Most people will buy a base model muscle car and restore it to factory specs…or even better. Custom interior, paint jobs, engines – these can add to the value of your vehicle.

8). Are custom muscle cars better than original?

Depends. Most people want a muscle car to look like it did back in the 1960s and 1970s, so they’ll look for factory originals if possible. On the other hand, some people want power and speed with good looks, so they might consider a well-done custom job if it’s done right.

9). What are the most collectible muscle cars?

The 1967-69 Camaro SS, 1968 Shelby GT500 (especially ones with four speed transmissions), 1970 Challenger R/T, 1971 Hemi Cuda Convertible, 1969 Chevelle SS396. Some other collectible muscle cars are the 1969 Charger R/T convertible, 1966 Nova SS, 1970 Chevelle SS454 LS6, and 1971 Boss 429 Mustang.

10). Can I race a muscle car?

Yes, in stock class racing series. Events are held all over the country throughout the year, so check with your local track to see when they have an event coming up or check out this schedule. You can also find a local car club in your area or via online forums.

Everyone loves a good birthday cake, whether it’s chocolate, vanilla, or Colin the Caterpillar, but if you’re a large family whose birthdays all seem to fall around the same time of year, birthday cake fatigue can quickly set in.

The humble birthday cake may be a long-established tradition, but every now and then it’s perfectly fine to break with tradition and opt for something that your family will actually be excited to gather around and tuck into.

Here are a few suggestions for tasty alternatives to the classic birthday cake.

Pie

Pie has more variety than cake, meaning its much harder to get bored of.

If the birthday haver has a favourite pie, you can bake and put your candles in that. It might be fruit, chocolate, banoffee, custard, pumpkin, or even savoury (not everyone has a sweet tooth after all). Either way, it’ll be more special for them than an old-fashioned cake with vanilla icing.

Cheesecake

This is another option that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes.

There’s the classic New York cheesecake, or you can top it with fruit coulis, or make the filling with lemon or chocolate, or bake it or make it burnt.

If you don’t want to make it yourself, you can always order a professionally made cheesecake online. Companies like Desserts Delivered Bakery deliver fresh cheesecake direct to your front door within 24 hours of ordering. It’ll be a delicious, impressive birthday treat.

Doughnuts

For an eye-catching, deep-fried alternative to the birthday cake, make doughnuts.

Doughnuts piled in pyramid and topped with a drizzle of colourful icing and sprinkles makes a centrepiece that’s just as impressive as any birthday cake. You can make a variety of fillings and cut them into quarters so that everyone present can sample every flavour. It’ll be a birthday to remember.

Sundaes

This is the perfect option for children (though it works for adults as well), as it’s easy to set up and gives them the freedom to choose what they want.

Set up a sundae bar in the corner of your kitchen, with the toppings in separate bowls, where guests can get creative by concocting their perfect ice cream.

For toppings you can have different sweets and candies, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles and sauces. Just be prepared for the clean up afterwards.

Trifle

Trifle is filling, flavourful and easy to make look impressive.

For spring and summer birthdays, layer summer berries in jelly, sponge, fresh cream and custard on top of each other or, for autumn and winter birthdays, winter berries, ginger sponge, cream and chocolate custard.

Brownies

A plate piled high with chocolate brownies, decorate with edible flowers, sweets or fruit makes for a surprisingly attractive – not to mention easy to make – birthday cake alternative.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are simple, light and come in a variety of flavours.

In fact, just like ice cream sundaes, you can let your guests create their own cupcakes, with a simple vanilla base, then different icings, candies, sprinkles, fruits, chocolate and nuts. It’ll keep you full, and keep you, your friends and family entertained.

Chocolate fondue

Will anyone complain when the find out the traditional birthday cake has been replaced with a chocolate fountain? We don’t think so.

Chocolate fountains will keep birthday guests occupied for hours as they dip marshmallow, fruit, and savoury bites like cheese into a curtain of melted chocolate. It’s a fabulous centrepiece that will ensure any birthday party will be one to remember.

There are many alternatives to the birthday cake, any one of which will satisfy your sweet cravings and possibly start a new and exciting birthday tradition.

 

Chef Javier Burillo has some classic Italian dishes so easy to make that even an amateur can pull it off.

Chicken Parmigiana

This Italian favorite reminds us of home-cooked meals from our mothers. It has tasty layers of eggplant, tomato, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Topped with a thick layer of bread crumbs makes it even better!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kilogram chicken fillet, cut into strips 1-inch wide and 1 inch long
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 3 medium-sized eggplants, cut into 1-inch slices

Sauce:

• 1 large tomato, cut in wedges with seeds and pulp removed. Reserve the inside part of the tomato as we will use it for stuffing. If only using the outside part of the tomato, dice it finely.
• 1 medium onion, chopped finely
• 4-5 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional) 6 tablespoons olive oil

Mozzarella Cheese:

• 1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese or smoked mozzarella cheese (you can use cheddar or any other type of cheese you like)

Preparation:

1. Season the chicken with salt and set it aside.

2. Heat 4 tablespoons olive oil in a pan over medium heat until hot.

3. Dip the eggplants into boiled water to prevent them from getting brown, then fry in batches until golden brown.

4. In a separate pan, heat 4 tablespoons of oil and sauté onions until translucent, then add the garlic and tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder (optional). Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Strain off any excess liquids in the sauce to avoid it being too runny or oily.

5. Now, prepare the mozzarella by cutting it into 4 parts. Next, cut a thick slice off one of the pieces to create a lid for your cheese mound.

6. Take another part and cut it lengthwise into 2 halves, then cut each piece in half horizontally to get 4 thick slices–you are dividing each piece into 8 strips. Season the mozzarella with salt and pepper, then stuff each end of your eggplant shell using strips lengthwise, so it resembles lace, alternating one long strip with 2 short strips.

7. Dip the stuffed eggplants into beaten eggs to moisten all sides, then dredge in bread crumbs. If you use smoked mozzarella, you can skip this step.

8. Fry the stuffed eggplants in batches until golden brown on all sides, then set aside.

9. In a baking tray, place a thin layer of sauce at the bottom and place your fried eggplant shells over it (make sure to stuff the open end first before putting them together). Then spoon some sauce on top of each eggplant shell.

10. Take the chicken strips and layer it over the eggplants, then spoon more sauce over them. Add another layer of eggplants on top, followed by some more sauce if needed. Finally, sprinkle some more bread crumbs if you like your dish to be nice and crunchy or cheese if desired.

11. Bake at 180°C or 350°F for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with white rice and salad on the side. Makes 2 servings.

 

It’s estimated that vinyl record sales will reach $1 billion this year, about half of it sold in the United States. It may not be a coincidence that CD sales are at their lowest point since 2001. As for downloads? The downward trend is clear. Downloading music peaked in 2012 and has been declining ever since. Vinyl enthusiasts like Ronald Phillips New York will tell you the reason for this comeback.

This trend has been positively attributed to the high quality of sound that comes from vinyl records and the fact that it’s a tangible object. Digital songs are subject to damage or loss due to crashes or even technical issues with your computer. Expecting people to pay for songs that they can’t possibly access is not a safe bet. The thrill of digging through crates of albums is another reason people return to records, especially in New York, where it’s easy to find treasures with popular shops like Other Music and Academy Records.

6 Reasons People Prefer Vinyl

1. The feel of a record, the cover art, and sleeve notes

People enjoy collecting albums because it gives them a sense of ownership. They can hold and even smell the album, and they can read the liner notes and look at pictures of who made it. Watching DJs spin records is also an experience in itself – most people would agree that watching someone create a song on the fly is way more fun than scrolling through songs on your computer.

2. The crackle of a record

There’s an audible difference between listening to a vinyl record and digital songs online or with Bluetooth technology. Whenever you play a vinyl record, you get the crackle of old-fashioned sounds that remind us of concerts from the 60s. Many young adults have experienced listening to records. At the same time, their parents or grandparents play them – this is often a way of remembering their past and seeing what life was like before technology became so advanced.

3. The thrill of finding a rare vinyl record

You’ve probably heard people say that they prefer digital music because of the convenience of having every song they want on their phones. But what about the thrill of digging through crates full of records to find that one gem?

4. The feeling of nostalgia

More people are listening to vinyl because it allows them to go back in time and listen to an album as if they’re experiencing it for the first time – with all the excitement, anticipation, and wonder of a child.

5. Feeling closer to the artists you love when you buy their album on vinyl rather than digital

We’ve been conditioned to think that buying music only comes from having a credit card in our pockets or money in our accounts. However, vinyl records allow us to go back in time and support musicians through a method that is not as easy as simply clicking on a song.

6. The visual experience of owning an album

In the same way that you have to put more thought into what DVD to buy when there are two versions with different features, albums come in many shapes and sizes. You can choose a classic square record or a jazzy 3D album that you can open up. One of my favorites is the Moody Blues vinyl record with an impressive die-cut cover, allowing you to see different images on either side of the record.

Not all things are only American. Humans all over the world have been grilling and barbecuing for millions of years, regardless of the occasion (or even without). While they continue the tradition today, many Americans love to pair it with a pulled pork sandwich, mac and cheese, or creamy potato salad.

According to statistics, 75% of Americans own an outdoor grill or smoker, and about 61% said they use a gas grill. Unfortunately, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recorded an average of 10,600 home fires per year due to grills. According to their data, 84% were due to gas grills.

Avoid ruining your barbecue time with your loved ones by following these safety guidelines:

1. Clean the Drip Pan

A grease fire can occur when the drip pan under your cooling grids and burners becomes full, and heat reaches ignition temperature.

Depending on the design of your gas grill, the drip pan is located outside the firebox, which can help contain a grease fire. However, drip pans are removable and should be checked and cleaned regularly.

• Slide the drip pan out when the grill is not in use and cool.
• Scrape off all dried debris and grease.
• Soak and rinse the drip pan in warm water. You can use soap and a sponge for tough stains.
• Dry your drill pan with a dry cloth and place it back in the grill.
• Look for the removable drip tray at the back of your grill, and replace it when it’s full since they’re disposable.

2. Check Your Grill for Any Leaks

Though people now can grill during the colder months, most store their equipment in winter and bring it out when grilling season begins. Before grilling, check the gas lines for any leaks since this can cause propane or natural gas to build up inside the barbecue when the lid is closed. In addition, always open the lid of your grill before lighting.

3. Place Your Grill Away from Your Home

Some homeowners place their barbecue grills just outside their back door. Avoid doing this because grills too close to your house or wood structures can heat nearby materials, causing a fire. In general, place your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, trees, or other structures.

But if this is impossible to do, like when it’s raining, make sure that the area is well ventilated, and the grill has a safe distance from combustible materials. Remove accumulated leaves and other items in the grill area.

4. Always Supervise When Grilling

It is not wise to leave your barbecue unattended. If children or pets come into contact with the hot grill, it can cause injuries. Also, barbecues use high heat and open flames for cooking meat and other food, which can become dangerous when unsupervised. If you have to walk away for a while, ask another adult to watch it for you.

5. Keep the Lid Open

In addition to getting crispier meat, keeping your lid open when grilling fatty foods allows you to manage flare-ups that can cause serious injuries. Or better yet, trim any excess fat before cooking.

6. Keep a Spray Bottle Nearby

When fat drips from meat when cooking, your grill can flare up and continue until the piece of food burns away. If left unattended, this continues and can make excess smoke mass under the lid. Always keep a spray bottle on hand when grilling so you can quickly extinguish small flames before they spread.

7. If Possible, Have a Fire Extinguisher Close By

If you can, keep a fire extinguisher close by when having a barbecue. Since you’re doing it outside your house, there will be no fire alarm to warn you. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, keep a bucket of water or sand nearby instead.

In case a fire occurs, follow these home fire safety checklists.

8. Consider Using Charcoal

Gas grills are a convenient and fast way to grill outdoors. But you may be safer with charcoal, especially if you can’t keep a safe distance from trees or structures.

 

If you are a veteran, you will have the chance to enjoy a few benefits in life. From unique pension programs to veteran-backed mortgage rates. This article will explain the basics to you.

Start Saving Early

You should aim to save as early as possible. For example, if you are reading this article, and haven’t yet made a savings plan, you should change that. It’s one of the reasons that people save for their retirement in their 20s. Saving early, especially after a career in the military, is a great way to protect your future interests.

Understand How Much You Need To Save

Understand how much you need to save to purchase your new home. It is always a good idea to have money aside in general, but when you know what you’re saving towards, you will be able to gain more control over your finances.

As a veteran, you can take advantage of unique loan programs and initiatives. They are provided by veteran-specific lenders who are approved by the Department of Veteran Affairs, which has led to the VA Loan program.

This type of mortgage loan requires $0 for a down payment; you will not need as much of an up-front cost compared to traditional mortgage arrangements. You still need to pay monthly payments towards your home, which is the main thing you need to prepare for.

You will not need to save the same way as civilians would; you will be thanked for your service with this benefit. Veterans will also be able to look into other financial benefits from federal sources, as well as educational tools to reskill into other means of work. New work will mean veterans can earn more money away from the military.

Use tools like as a mortgage calculator, such as this one provided by VA specialists Hero Loan. This will help you understand how much you need for your mortgage, or at least what you could afford to borrow. Speak to a specialist via consultation to learn more about your finances.

Make A Savings Goal

Once you know how much you need to save, make a savings goal. A savings goal could be a fixed amount you set aside each week or month without fail, that is affordable. Or it could be a time or date you’ve set to reach a certain amount, with you putting in various amounts when you can afford it.

Reduce Your Expenses

Aim to reduce your expenses where possible. Look at your statements to find where your money is going. It could be for a subscription that you don’t use much, or it could be you find money is going on takeaways or parties that you could cut down on. Cutting down expenses is a great saving technique in itself.