If you follow my Instagram page, you’ll know that my dog gets a starring role in many of the pictures I post. Aside from raising my human children, raising sweet pups that always have my back is one of the things I am most proud of.

If you are thinking of bringing a puppy into your life or already have wheels in motion to do so, it’s the ideal time to start thinking about training. If you are not sure where to start, here are my top tips for what to have on your radar.

Keep feeding time calm

Young puppies need to eat regularly and well to keep up their energy. If a young puppy misses just one meal, it can seriously affect its health. One of the best ways to keep them fuelled up is to set regular meal times in a calm and safe environment.

When it comes to picking what to feed your puppy, choose a specially formulated puppy food that is high in protein and good fats to give your four-legged friend the best start in life. For meal times, it’s a good idea to keep kids out of the picture and distractions to a minimum so your adorable bundle of joy can concentrate on their dinner.

Socialising

Dogs are sociable creatures and learn a whole lot of life skills from playing with other dogs. This means it’s important to start introducing them to other dogs of all ages and sizes as soon as you safely can (i.e. once they have had all their vaccinations).

If you have friends or family who have dogs of their own, that’s a great place to start! Check out local parks to see if they have dog areas or find out if there are any local groups where dog owners get together. You can often find breed-specific groups too.

To chew and not to chew

It’s no secret that puppies like to chew on things, and while using their mouths to gnaw and play is normal, it can easily become a troublesome and painful habit. When puppies are playing with littermates or other dogs, they quickly learn when a play bite becomes a painful bite. You need to react in the same way when playing with your pup. Stop playing and even act hurt when a nibble becomes too hard.

Make sure your pup has access to chew toys they can chow down on. This will help them with teething pain and has also been shown to reduce anxiety in older dogs and puppies. By giving them a clear outlet for their natural chewing instincts, your shoes, walls and furniture are more likely to avoid the chomp.

Short and sweet training sessions

You can start training your pupper from a very young age, but it’s always good to not make your training sessions too long. In the beginning, spending 5 – 10 minutes is the perfect amount of time. Any longer, and your doggo will lose interest. Rewarding good behaviour with treats is always helpful, but it’s more important to always make sure to verbally praise your furry friend too. This means that as your relationship grows, a verbal reward will be just as good as a tasty snack.

Always end training sessions on a high. If you and your new friend have trouble with a certain command, change things up and end with a command they do know. This way training will always be something they look forward to.

Toilet training

When training puppies, toilet training is the first thing that jumps into people’s minds. After all, how long do you want to be picking up puppy-sized poos and mopping up accidents for, really?

Establishing a consistent routine from the get-go is one of the best things you can do to set yourself and your pupper up for toilet training success. This means serving meals at the same time and following them up with a walk outside. It’s also helpful to head outside after your puppy wakes up from a nap or has a lot to drink.

Puppy pads can also be helpful, especially if you live in a flat or when your puppy is very young, and their bladder is not that strong. If you decide to use puppy pads, ensure they are always in the same place and actively take your puppy to them the same way you would take them outside.

The old-fashioned way of toilet training was to scold your dog and rub their nose in any accidents they had. Please don’t do this! Positive reinforcement will always be better than ranting and raving about mistakes. Treat and praise your puppy when they go in the correct place.

Puppy classes

Lastly, consider puppy classes. These are a great way to do a lot of the above tips! Socialise your furball, meet other puppy owners, do some basic training and get the benefit of working with a professional. I would highly recommend this option if it’s available in your area.

Armed with this info, I hope you are even more excited to start creating a lifelong friendship with your dog. Remember that training should be fun! It’s a great bonding experience for you and your puppy and will help show you just how amazing they are!

It’s time for a family holiday, so what better way to spend it than going camping?

We’ve looked at what you need to keep in mind when travelling and what requirements your family-friendly camping destination needs. This includes different factors, like the overall weather conditions of your destination. While the Sunniest Cities in Europe Index is an excellent way to find the best weather conditions for your camping trip, there are also some other factors to consider.

Preparing for Your Camping Trip

Travelling with kids always means you need to put in more effort to ensure the family holiday remains a fun experience. This means you need to consider your budget and ensure you have the financial means to support the trip. If this is your first family camping trip, it’s best to start small. This helps your kids get comfortable with the idea of camping without being away from home for too long.

Glamping, glamour camping, is also an excellent way to ease kids into the camping scene. It might not follow the traditional spirit of camping, but it gives children the outdoor experience without removing them too far, too fast from their comfort zone.

Planning your itinerary allows your family to do family activities and keeps them from becoming bored. However, keep in mind to not overfill your day with activities. Allow your family also to have some break times between activities and in the morning and night. This allows them to enjoy the rest of the day properly.

Choosing Your Destination

It’s essential to ensure any destination you choose isn’t too remote from civilization. Travelling with kids is never easy. You want easy access to essential services, like hospitals and police stations. While you might not plan on using these services, having them accessible adds another layer of security on your trip.

Depending on the size of your family and the children’s ages, you might want to start close to home. Go away for a weekend—not more than a few hours’ drive. Ensure there are different activities you can do. This includes hiking, canoeing, kayaking, cycling and wind-sailing. Not only do these campsites tend to be more well-travelled and safe, but they also allow the kids to experience the outdoors and connect to nature.

Choosing your camping destination depends on what you’re planning to do during the trip. If you and your family love surfing, Bournemouth might be the place for you. Or, if you want your kids to experience different activities like hiking and canoeing, The Wye Valley might be better. Pick a spot that caters to your family’s interests.

In this article we explore the different ways your family can come back stronger after a divorce…

A divorce is rarely good news for anybody concerned and, in many cases, it can quite literally tear families apart. As well as the emotional distress associated with divorce, for many there are also many other repercussions such as financial hardship, a loss of friends and the need to navigate co-parenting.

So once you’ve got everything finalised with the help of your family law solicitors, have a read through our tips for rebuilding your family – and your life – after a divorce. Let’s come back stronger than ever!

Easing Financial Complications Post-Divorce

For many women, especially those with children, one of the biggest changes following a divorce is that of income. In many cases, even in 2022, married women with children work part time or not at all in order to be primary carer for their kids; thereby relying on their husband’s income.

After a divorce, while a father will be required to provide financial help for children, it can still be hard for single mothers. This can mean that women can find themselves living within drastically reduced circumstances.

If there are young children involved, it’s often simply not possible for the mother to return to full time work in order to increase their income. The good news, however, is that these days, there are lots of work from home options available as well as opportunities for freelance work. Have a think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy and then take a look at sites such as People Per Hour to find available jobs which will fit in with your existing commitments.

Start Socialising as a Single Person

Often, when a couple is married, friendship groups will become intertwined. Unfortunately, following a divorce, people often find themselves ‘taking sides’ which, in some cases, can leave one half of the couple feeling alone at the worst possible time.

While it may be impractical to go with traditional methods of meeting people, for example, going to the pub, you may find that there are groups and events within your local community which are geared toward people in your situation. These groups can help give yourself and your children an opportunity to find new friends and to rebuild your social network.

Ask for Help

We all cope differently when it comes to major life changes such as divorce and, if you find that you’re struggling, there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for professional help. A specialist therapist can help you to sort through the many different emotions which you’ll be experiencing after your divorce and to help you to achieve clarity when it comes to forging a new path for yourself and your family.

As well as helping you to make peace with your new circumstances, therapy can also be really useful in helping you to smooth the transition for any children involved.

Rediscovering Yourself After Your Divorce

When you get married or become a couple, I becomes we and, as such, being part of that couple will, at least in some part, define your identity. After a divorce, this can leave you feeling incomplete and confused – and faced with having to create a new you.

First, have a think about the years before you met your former spouse – who were you? What did you like to do? What were you good at? There’s a good chance that you’ll realise that, while there were things that you loved about being a couple, there were also a great many things that you loved about your life before you became a wife.

By taking baby steps, start to reclaim those things that used to define you. For example, maybe you used to enjoy swimming but stopped because it didn’t fit into your married life.

A complete reinvention is usually impractical, particularly if you have children but, by taking back control of your life and getting back to who you used to be, you can emerge stronger and happier, which will have a positive impact on your family.

Getting Back into the Dating Scene

After a divorce, getting back onto the dating scene is probably the last thing that you feel like doing. You may also have concerns about introducing somebody new to your children. This is perfectly natural and, while we’re not suggesting that you dive head-first into a new committed relationship, dating can have a number of benefits including:

• Getting you out of the house and enjoying adult company
• Making new friends
• Drawing a line under your former marriage

Starting to date again for no reason other than to have fun and possibly make new friends can help to dissipate the feeling of there being ‘a gap’ in your life. As well as perhaps changing your mindset and opening yourself up to new possibilities.

Building Your Family Back After a Divorce

For a lot of people, men and women, divorce brings with it a significant amount of change; from perhaps downsizing in terms of accommodation to having to make new friends. It’s perfectly natural to find these changes unsettling – in fact, it would be strange if you didn’t.

For this reason, it’s incredibly important to practice self-care. Often we’re so concerned about taking care of those around us that we forget to take care of ourselves. When friends offer help, take it – and if you feel unable to cope, don’t be afraid to see professional help. When our lives are uprooted, rebuilding them takes time and patience – but you will get there.

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Photo by Mohammed Hassan from Pixabay

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Kids need to have varied interests. As they grow up, they’ll face many questions about their identity and who they want to be. Hobbies can sometimes help them to find many answers to these existential questions.

Unique hobbies can also help kids establish a stronger sense of character for themselves. After all, while it can be nice to partake in the same activities as peers, having something entirely their own can help your kids touch base with themselves too.

Alternative hobbies provide lots of enrichment. Some may generate more intrigue than others, though. We’ve listed some of the ones that might appeal to your kids most.

Scooters

Bicycles and skateboards used to be all the rage with children and teens. However, things have become a little more elaborate regarding these types of hobbies.

Thrilling trick and stunt scooters are now on the scene, giving kids using them a new lease on life. These affordable products come in various prices, styles, sizes, and customisable options. Many tricks can be performed, and thus plenty of room to grow with the hobby and nurture it over time. Safety is also the priority, with improved innovations around stability, grips, and handling.

Stunt scooters can also be upgraded over time – we recommend making sure a Neochrome Stunt Scooter is on your must have list – allowing kids to add inflexions of their own personality to their hobby. After enough commitment, your children become athletes, all whilst enjoying a hobby that’s slightly different from the usual.

Coding

It’s not an original opinion to say that many kids are potentially spending too much time staring at their screens. Still, not every parent will consider how they could use this to their child’s advantage.

Some research shows that kids who learn to code are also skilled at problem-solving in other areas of their life. If your child ever feels like their interest in tech alienates them somewhat, knowing that they have a myriad of transferable skills to draw on could give them a boost.

Additionally, coding jobs are becoming more common and pay remarkably well. Even if it’s too soon to think about employment, if kids have a hobby that has the potential to give them real prospects, it can boost their engagement and self-confidence. Coding is the future, and if your child can be part of that, it can be very exciting!

Collecting Bullion or Stamps

Bullion and stamp collecting can be an engaging hobby that will capture a child’s interest. Not only are these hobbies fun to engage in but they provide opportunities to explore history and culture as well. Stamp collecting (also known as Philately) can be like taking an exciting global journey without leaving your house.

Each stamp represents a country and era – often depicting significant events, notable people or unique cultural symbols – providing a snapshot into everyday life around the globe. Bullion collecting involves precious metals like gold and silver. This hobby can introduce children to basic economic concepts and investment techniques while teaching them about the worth of precious metals in today’s global marketplace.

Even though this hobby might appear mature, it can be fascinating to track how metal prices change over time. Companies such as thegoldbullion.co.uk provide numerous bullion options and educational resources that allow kids to get started investing. Both hobbies are not only entertaining but can stimulate intellectual curiosity while possibly becoming lucrative investments over time.

Photography

Many kids today take selfies and post them on social media. Despite their interest in these types of pictures, they may not go as far as to call it a ‘hobby’.

Of course, there’s more nuance in the photography world beyond the selfie. Social media makes things interesting, too, as professionals in the industry are either anxious or galvanised by it. Irrespective of their feelings, things are changing, and so is how younger people engage with the hobby.

After all, if your child gets into photography, they can have an online platform to showcase their work. They also have various digital tools to help them manipulate the images they capture. Your children might be interested in a certain subject or mode of photography, too, causing them to branch off and develop their art in specific ways. Ultimately, there’s a lot of potential in using photography as a hobby.

In the financial market, leverage can boost one’s income. While this is possible with relevant experience in trading psychology, proper analysis and understanding of the market trends are essential. Are you a trader looking to secure your fund or a newbie wanting to know more about margin trading and leverage management?

Well, I’m sure you know that the best trader is the one who understands price action. Leverage is simple because you can get it anytime from your broker whenever you qualify for it. That’s why margin trading requires deep knowledge of price charts like trends, candles stick, and chart patterns with risk management.

However, brokers can offer you free tools to learn more about trading and place a greater position. But that’s not why we are here! Before you venture into margin trading and the concept of leverage management, there are a few terms you need to understand. They include the following;

• Trading margin call
• Purchasing trading power
• Close position/ Open position
• Risk management ratio
• Bull & Bear Market
• Volatility and ROI

Today, leverage has become increasingly popular among traders. While there are pros to using this strategy, the disadvantages are endless if you’re a less experienced trader. In this article, we will explain the leverage management tips to scale through. Not only is that, but we highlighted some of the tricks.

5 Effective Leverage Management Tips

Before you apply for margin from any brokerage, risk management tricks are something you should be willing to practice. In contracts, banks will lend you money by involving credit risk measures to ensure you pay back. But in leverage and margin, you need to set aside different payback methods for yourself. Without further ado, below are the five leverage management tips for experts and beginners.

• Organize a Calculated Risk

The first step to maximizing your profit and minimizing the risk is determining the amount you’re willing to lose. This is how the trading margin works; for example, your volume is about $30,000, and you want to place a trade. You need to estimate the percentage of your loss or profit, either 10% or 20% of the fund.

• Select Your Leverage Carefully

Leverages are a good way to start your trading psychology. In forex or crypto, staking high doesn’t guarantee a potentially high return. This means you need to know the kind of market to enter and the risk management ratio. An example includes; 1:30, 1:500, 1:2000, and many others, to mention a few.

• Use Lower Lots Size

Lots size is one thing you should be willing to know. Although the bigger your lot size, the more your ROI, but it can be dangerous too. Logically, your volume should determine the kind of lot size to use. So, don’t over leveraged by placing a big lot size on a small amount of money to trade.

• Think Of Different Fees and Cost

There’s no doubt that margin trading is complex. In fact, you can incur further losses along the line. Your broker can come up with different maintenance fees, interest rates, and other charges. This way, you must protect your account at all costs by limiting your trade and being disciplined.

• Train Yourself by Using a Demo Account

Trading with a live account can look juicy because of the profit you see. But don’t be deceived as it’s not the right place to start in the beginning. However, train yourself by using a demo account before going live. Even if you’re a seasoned trader, follow market trends and updates to know the right analogy.

Is It Good To Calculate Margin And Leverage?

Leverage management is good, and it needs to be calculated before placing a larger position. Moreover, when your capital is not enough to trade, and the market goes wrong, loss and huge debt might turn in. So, always calculate the margin, know the cash requires leveraging on a position and take the risk.

What’s The Best Time to Request Leverage?

Of course, the right time depends on your trading experience. Perhaps you might consider a sell or buy limit and focus on the plan B options. Here, you must ensure you have enough funds to be a source of motivation to place in a larger position. Nonetheless, avoid trading when you’re in a state of emergency.

Final Verdict

Like an expert would tell you, margin trading is the best strategy to become a successful trader. On the flip side, there are many risks associated with this methodology. So, maintain a low-risk level, understand the rules, use a stop loss, and measure your result in the long run.

If you live in a place where you need a heating and or cooling system most of the year, you will have to change your air filter from time to time. If you have a 20x20x1 air filter, the frequency with which you need to replace it will depend on how often you use the HVAC system, the quality of your air filter, and the type of material from which the air filter is made.

How often do you use this filter?

If you use your HVAC system daily, the air filter will wear out much more quickly. Every time you run your air conditioner, air filled with debris runs through it. If you don’t replace your filters regularly, You can cause the system to overexert itself. When this happens, you will have higher energy bills and will probably feel less comfortable.

A dirty filter can cause a backup in your system. The nuts and bolts of an air conditioning system can become corroded and that can cause an HVAC system to fall apart. You should replace your air filter at set intervals to avoid having expensive repairs done in the future.

What kind of air filter do you have?

One thing that will determine how often you will need to change a filter is the material that your air filters are made of. Some materials are of a higher quality and will last longer than others. You should consider the longevity of a filter before you go to buy at filterking.com.

Fiberglass Filters

Most HVAC systems will come with a fiberglass filter. They are considered the most basic kind of filters because they will only capture very large dust particles in the air. If you have allergies, it is not a particularly effective type of air filter.

Fiberglass filters are very inexpensive and will not cause much strain on your HVAC systems because they are very light. However, if you get this kind of filter, you will need to replace it about every month. This can end up costing more money in the long run.

If you forget to change the filter, dust will just keep building up, and soon air will not be able to get through your HVAC system. When this happens, you will get less cool air in your home but you will have higher energy bills.

HEPA Filters

HEPA filters are the ones most often recommended by the government for people who suffer from allergies. They are known for their ability to capture 99% or more of dust, mold, and pollen that causes allergy attacks. All HEPA filters have a very high-quality rating.

If your 20x20x1 filter is a HEPA, you will only have to replace it about every 6 to 12 months, but it is one of the more expensive filters money can buy.

UV Filters

These kinds of filters use powerful UV rays to destroy things like mold spores, allergens, and viruses. It is great for people with allergies or people with weak immune systems. However, you should know that it will not be very effective at capturing regular house dust. UV filters are amongst the most expensive kinds of filters and will last up to a year.

Pleated Filters

Pleated filters are made from many different materials and folded into pleats. Pleats add surface area to a filter. The more surface area a filter has, the more effective it will be at capturing particles in the air. Pleated filters are good at capturing mold, pollen, and dust but might not be effective in blocking viruses. A pleated filter should be replaced about every 90 days.

MERV Ratings

Another thing that may affect how often you need to change your filter will be its quality rating. The HVAC industry uses a system called Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or MERV. A filter’s MERV score will depend on the size of the particles that it can capture and its rate of efficacy. Filters are rated on a scale of 1 to 16. Filters with a score of one are the very least effective and those with a score of 16 are the most effective.

Most air conditioning companies will recommend having a filter of anywhere from 8 to 13 for a home HVAC system. If you go lower than that, your HVAC system will not capture very small particles and you may be susceptible to allergens and viruses. If you get a filter above a 13 MERV rating, it may not work in your system. Your air conditioner will have to work harder to push air through the filter. However, filters with a high MERV rating will last a long time.

Breathing healthy air can mean the difference between feeling bright and energetic and feeling lethargic when you are in your home. Choose your filters wisely. If you get a good air filter, your home can be a clean and comfortable sanctuary.

When we think of family’s vacation, we don’t usually think about benefits, but rather stress and costs. Cost of taking a kid on a vacation – The survey found the average is around $4000, you can start that vacation by making money on Top Online Casinos. Research also indicates that vacation time should be a great way to spend time with my children. From bringing families into our busy world to helping our young children grow smarter, it’s worthwhile to plan a family vacation. Tell me the greatest advantage to letting my family travel to the USA.

Reasons why you should take family vacations

Family holidays are memories for a lifetime

Many say that family is extremely crucial because we can do many activities with family members during our vacations. It is true. The family is an important element in our lives to make our lives happy and great. A beautiful family memory can be captured by photos of the family holidays. It’s unique for families that participate in dancing and singing together. In addition, it’s possible to enjoy any celebration with family, especially with a kid during family holidays.

Family holiday is a great way to the family bond

Family lives become busy and family finds less time for one another. Your child should have strong ties to his or her family. It’s possible to go together and have a vacation together. A family holiday is ideal for spending time with families and strengthening their relationships.

Family vacation help you to get closest to family members

During your family holiday your family can spend many hours together. Most often family trips are planned on weekends when family members do not have work at their place of work. Taking family vacations is the best way to bond during the family dispute process.

Quality time with your family during family vacations In a family holiday all the children do different activities. This will give family members an easier connection. However, parents can spend time with children during family vacations. They can enjoy a fun-filled activity for the children.

Family holiday or family vacation acts as a stress buster

This family trip will relieve all the stress from our everyday lives. This is a good way for the families to have a relaxing holiday together. Choose a place to visit that everyone will enjoy.

For memories and experiences with your children

Each child wants an unforgettable memory of family vacation. Family holiday brings back family memories and stories to children for a lifetime. It’s a great way to reconnect with your child.

What is the importance of vacation for kids?

Studies have shown taking off time at work is good for health as well as mental health. Tourists are fewer likely to develop heart disease or other complications, a more positive attitude in life, and a greater desire for goals.

Travel increases children’s social awareness

Upon leaving their home country, the child can begin to learn about another country. They see how a person’s lives differ from those in their own community, and it may take some conceptual understanding. The students discover a world completely different from the one of their own and learn the different ways that human beings experience life. It can be helpful for the kid to understand that while we are all different and may look different, we can still be one. Travel also helps children to understand empathy. Many people do not know the blessing of having the roof over the head, wearing clothes on the back of their shoulders and food on the stomach.

Travel teaches children to be more adaptable

According to the report, educators also believe traveling is beneficial for the children. Travel is a way for us to get out of our routine and comfort zones and face unexpected challenges. Sometimes the situation, including flight delay or luggage loss, is positive. Other positives include discovering a snorkelling place or a local market. It often involves traveling in the same direction. Children learn how they can cope with unusual circumstances without losing their temper – or how ready they are for changing their plans when they find a new opportunity.

You’re More likely to Truly Relax

Traveling can be incredibly helpful for everyone including parents. Traveling together with family might help you move things faster on a typical travel route. Children’s curiosity and fascination with every little detail push your mind to look over your surroundings and take a look into things that may be missing otherwise. And although kids seem to have a great sense of energy, they can last several hours before stopping and resting. If you travel with children that have an earlier bedtime, do nothing other than rest after the bedtime.

You get to act like a kid again

The excitement children experience along their way is infectious. They are young people. It’s going to make me think of my world radically differently. Travel with kids gives you an excellent reason to do all sorts of activities that you never want to do. You can become Jedi knights or dress like princesses, cuddle with animal companions, jump in an ocean wave or drive an inflatable vehicle. Family holidays give kids an insight into who you are. Instead of directing your child, you play in what child experts call the “child state”.

Adventures Grow Kids’ Self-Confidence & Self-Concept

It is no simple pleasure. This will help to strengthen a teen’s self-esteem and self-worth. Kids learn new things by spotting things that interest them and putting them through their paces. All of these things help children develop their own senses. When children try new things, they gain more confidence. Self-confidence refers to confidence in completing work efficiently.

Adventures Grow Kids’ Self-Confidence & Self-Concept

It is no simple pleasure. This will help to strengthen a teen’s self-esteem and self-worth. Kids learn new things by spotting things that interest them and putting them through their paces. All of these things help children develop their own senses. When children try new things, they gain more confidence. Self-confidence refers to confidence in completing work efficiently.

Stone is a popular choice for countertops because it is durable and stylish. In this guide, we will discuss the different three different types of stone that are available, as well as the pros and cons of these worktops. It is important that you choose wisely as they are a big investment that will be with you for a long time to come. Read on to find out more.

Stone kitchen worktops and the benefits of using them in your kitchen

When it comes to choosing a material for your kitchen worktop, there are many options to choose from. However, stone worktops offer a number of unique benefits that make them an ideal choice for any kitchen. First of all, the stone is extremely durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat damage. This makes it an ideal material for areas that see a lot of use, such as kitchens. In addition, stone worktops are easy to clean and maintain. They also have a natural beauty that can add elegance and sophistication to any kitchen. If you’re looking for a durable, low-maintenance, and stylish material for your kitchen worktop, the stone is an excellent option to consider. Here are some of the advantages

• Stone kitchen worktops are durable and easy to clean
• They come in a variety of colours and styles to match any kitchen design
• They are heat and scratch-resistant, making them the perfect surface for cooking and baking
• Stone worktops can increase the value of your home
• They are a natural material that is environmentally friendly and sustainable

Consider what type of stone you are planning to use

How do you choose the right type of stone for your worktops, and what should you consider when deciding?

Before you choose you should think about how you will be using them to make sure you get the right surface for your needs. For example, if you are looking for a worktop that will see a lot of action in the kitchen, you will want to choose a harder stone such as granite or quartz. Softer stones like marble may be more suitable for areas that don’t see as much use. You should also consider the colour and style of your work

Think about what type of stove and other kitchen appliances you want as this will have an impact on colour and stone types.

For a more modern look, consider using darker stones such as granite or quartz. For a traditional kitchen, light-coloured marble might be a better option.

Quartz stone worktops

While many people assume that quartz countertops are made entirely of natural stone, they are actually manufactured using a combination of 90% quartz and various resins, polymers, and pigments. This blend creates a durable artificial rock that is resistant to cracks and pores. Quartz countertops are available in a wide variety of colours and designs, making them a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodels. In addition to their visual appeal, quartz countertops are also non-porous and easy to clean, making them a low-maintenance option for busy households. Whether you’re looking for a new kitchen countertop or simply want to update your bathroom vanity, quartz is an excellent choice.

Granite stone worktops

these are great if you are looking for something that you can reliably put hot pots and pans on without causing damage.

They are also very easy to keep clean but the surface is a little porous, meaning that bacteria and dirt will penetrate it unless you keep it sealed properly by regular use of sealant

Marble stone worktops

These are classic choices that can add a touch of luxury to any kitchen However, it is also a very porous material that is susceptible to staining. If you spill something on marble, it can seep deep into the rock and be difficult to remove.

For this reason, marble countertops require special care and maintenance.

If you’re considering marble for your kitchen, be prepared to wipe up spills immediately and avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbers. With proper care, a marble countertop can last a lifetime.

But if you’re not willing to put in the effort, you may be better off choosing another material.

In conclusion

Stone worktops are a popular choice for kitchens because they are durable and stylish. In this guide, we have looked at the pros and cons of three different types of stone- quartz, granite, and marble. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider how you will be using the worktops before making a decision. If you are looking for a durable and low-maintenance option, quartz may be the best choice. If you want a classic look, marble might be a better option. And if you need a heat-resistant surface, granite could be the right choice for you.

Whichever type of stone you choose, make sure to take proper care of it to ensure that it lasts for years to come.

The long school summer holidays are nearly here and the Met Office has predicted a hotter than average summer with heatwaves likely in July and August.

With the rising cost of living in the UK, many families will be wondering how to entertain their kids during the summer break but if this is you, don’t worry, the great news is that there are plenty of fun things you can do as a family that don’t cost a lot. Here are our top activities to try out with your kids this summer.

Bike Rides

Family bike rides are a great way to get everyone out of the house and enjoying the fresh air together. Kids often find walks boring unless there’s another activity involved but bike rides are more fun and mean that little ones can travel greater distances without getting tired. Cycling is great exercise too!

Cooking

During the school holidays, it can feel like you’re constantly preparing meals and snacks so why not get the kids involved? Older kids can help with meal preparation and cooking, and you could ask younger kids what meals they’d like to eat and draw up a healthy meal plan together. Even very little ones can get involved with basic recipes and everyone loves a bit of messy baking!

Go For a Picnic

Make the most of the warm weather and go for a family picnic. You don’t have to go far – your local park will do nicely. Take along a ball or some other outdoor games for after all the food has been eaten and wear your comfiest summer clothes like practical women’s shorts to catch the summer sun. Oh, and don’t forget your picnic blanket!

Make Slime

Kids love slime and it’s easy to make at home. This is a great one for rainy days when the Great British weather isn’t cooperating with your plans. As a bonus, if you get your kids involved in making the slime, it teaches them about science too!

Go Camping

Not everyone can afford a family holiday abroad but there are lots of amazing places to explore here in the UK and camping is a great way to get away together as a family and enjoy some quality time away from work and screens.

Paint Rocks

Rock painting is something that kids of any age can get involved with and enjoy. All you need are some smooth rocks, which can be collected when you’re out and about and a few different colours of paint and the rest is up to your imagination! Painted rocks can be used as an ornament for kids’ bedrooms, to brighten up the garden or as a paperweight for all their artwork over the summer.

Family Film Night

Everyone loves a family film night. Why not make it a regular event and take it in turns to choose a movie? Get cosy with pyjamas and popcorn and let them stay up a little later than normal to make it even more exciting.

In Summary

As parents, we want to give our kids the best possible summer with lots of fun experiences they can enjoy that will be lasting memories as they grow. The good news is that you don’t need to splash lots of cash or go very far to have fun with your kids this summer.

When we expand our families, everything in our lives expands with it – the shopping bill, the house, the car. *Sigh* Yep, you read it right, a new car usually comes alongside the expansion – but for many, the idea is daunting to find the right car that will achieve the shopping trips, the playgroups, the doctor appointments.

Car manufacturers bring out new cars all the time and all claim they’re the next “best thing to buy” with different variations of engines that will suit all of our needs. But how do you know if it is the perfect family car for you?

And then there’s the question of whether joining the electric revolution is a viable notion…

It could be easy to be enticed into buying an electric family car when it looks to have the right dimensions – but does it have the essentials you need for it to be useful in your everyday life?

Keeping practicality in mind – as well as the latest technology – Hyundai’s flagship electric car is a refreshing vision of the future. Dubbed the IONIQ 5, this is an electric crossover that should definitely be considered for a family car for those looking for their first EV, especially since it has collected several accolades since its launch, including both World Car and Electric Car of the Year for 2022.

The Korean manufacturer has put a lot of thought and numerous hours into ensuring that the people sitting inside the car are comfortable and well pampered, not just surrounded by hi-tech mumbo jumbo. Not only does the Hyundai IONIQ 5 interior introduce smart living concepts, but it is also a car with a progressive clean design. With its bold and distinctive character lines, it makes quite an eye-catching statement.

So, let’s dive in to find out why the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is an ideal option for families.

Electrifying Exterior

Firstly, you might be wondering what a crossover car is? Well, in this case, you’ll find a crossover between a hatchback and an SUV, with the IONIQ 5 combining the looks of the former and some of the added practicality of the latter.

That being said, the retro-modern Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a crossover that is built on a platform specifically designed for electric vehicles. This resulted in a car that did not need the requirement for an engine bay or any extra transmission tunnels – meaning that it could provide plenty of legroom space, especially for the middle passenger in the rear seats. Not only that, but the Hyundai IONIQ 5 range also offers a 527-litre boot (with the seats up), and an additional 57 litres of storage space beneath the hood, great for fitting in the pushchair and any other luggage.

With a flat and lengthened floorboard, Hyundai has also introduced a sliding centre console below the armrest between the front two seats, creating enough room to store a baby changing bag. This sliding console allows 140mm front and rear travel.

Comfort is the key, especially in the new Hyundai car, as the front seats are electrically adjustable while the rear seats can be manually reclined and slide backwards and forward up to 135mm, perfect for both the kids and grown-ups.

Intelligent Interior

Sometimes as a parent, we want to get into the car and not have to stress over what all of the random gadgets car manufacturers have added. However, the Hyundai IONIQ 5’s cockpit is clean and uncluttered, with a dual 12.3-inch display (one a multimedia touchscreen and the other is a digital driver’s console). Innovatively, the magnetic dashboard gives a unique option to clip a parking ticket or a photograph on it, alongside an eight-speaker Bose music system and smartphone connectivity.

Furthermore, the new Hyundai EV comes with a unique Vehicle to Load (V2L) technology that can supply up to 3.6 kW of power. There is one V2L port located at the charging channel, which can charge high-power electric equipment like small refrigerators for any food or bottles or camping equipment if you’re going on a staycation, all without switching on the vehicle. There is also a second power outlet underneath the rear seats for charging mobile gadgets.

This Hyundai electric car is equipped with advanced driver assistance system features like Driving Assist with Lane Changing Assist function, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and much more. There are also additional safety features like seven airbags including a driver seat’s centre-side airbag and eCall or an SOS call facility.

Getting from A to B will be Easy

Anyone new to electric cars would be forgiven for being a little confused at all the numbers relating to their power, battery capacity and how long they take to charge, as their respective units of measurement all contain a reference to kilowatts (kW). For battery capacity, an EV is measured in kilowatt-hours.  In short, this tells you how much electricity can be stored in the battery pack.

There are two types of EV battery capacity options available for this electric Hyundai car. When equipped with the entry-level two-wheel-drive (2WD) and 58 kWh battery, its maximum driving range on a single charge will be around 238-366 miles (depending on driving settings), according to the WLTP standard. If you desire a car that has a higher battery span, the IONIQ 5 73kWh can provide you with 398 miles on City mode, or 286 miles using a combination of the driving settings. This could be perfect if you need an electric car that doesn’t need charging all of the time.

Thanks to the bespoke architecture created by the brand, the Hyundai IONIQ 5’s performance offers 800V ultra-fast charging capabilities for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 18 minutes – great if you have the kiddies and don’t want to sit around waiting to get back on the road.

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It doesn’t stop there with the IONIQ 5, with Hyundai making great inroads elsewhere in its range with other EVs, as well as hybrids for those not quite ready for the changeover to pure electric. Whatever you choose, remember to think about the long term, and make sure you’re getting a vehicle that will work for the next few years.