Hearing loss is not a new condition. People have been suffering from this for centuries.

Hearing aids and various devices to assist hearing has a long and fascinating history. Look here for hearing aid reviews of modern devices.

Up until the 16th century, it was commonly believed that those with hearing loss were severely disabled. As a result, they were discriminated against. This discrimination continued until a Spanish monk named Pedro Ponce taught a nobleman’s deaf sons how to read, write, speak, and understand math.

Early Hearing Devices

Hollowed-out animal horns were used as early as the 13th century, followed in the 1500s by wooden devices designed to mimic the ears of animals known for their acute hearing.

In the 17th century, the first modernized ear trumpets began to find greater use among the hearing impaired. This first trumpet was quite unwieldy, measuring some 2 feet 8 inches.

The late 18th century saw the invention of collapsible ear trumpets made as one-offs for each specific client. In 1800, the first commercial collapsible ear trumpets began production under the direction of London’s Frederick C. Rein.

Rein also sold hearing fans and speaking tubes. These devices amplified sounds but were still extremely bulky and not very portable. He became a pioneer in the world of hearing devices and even created a specialized acoustic throne for the King of Portugal, João VI, in 1819.

His closest non-electronic forerunner to modern hearing aid devices was Rein’s ‘acoustic headband’. A strap across the back of the headpiece concealed the devices themselves.

At this time, assistive hearing devices would be hidden in furniture, clothing, and accessories to be as discreet as possible and hide the fact that the device’s owner had hearing difficulties. Rein’s devices became increasingly popular and remained so up until the advent of the telephone and microphone in the 1870s and 1880s.

What About the First Hearing Aid?

The first hearing aid was designed using technology originally invented as part of the telephone because it enabled the control of volume, frequency, and distortion of sound.

The first electric hearing aid was invented in 1898 using an electric current to amplify weak signals.

1913 introduced the first commercially manufactured hearing aids, however, they were still cumbersome and lacking in portability. In the 1920s vacuum-tube hearing aids were produced with the ability to turn speech into electric signals and then the signal itself was amplified.

World War II ushered in the miniaturization of hearing aids. The transistor invented in 1948 replaced the vacuum tubes in previous models of hearing aids. These were much smaller, needed less battery power, and had less distortion.

The 1970s saw the creation of the microprocessor and multi-channel amplitude compression. The microprocessor brought miniaturization to a new level allowing in-ear aids to be easily worn, making the devices both practical and portable. Compression ushered in the use of digital technology.

From there, hearing aids evolved at a steady clip. The 1980s saw the creation of high-speed processors and microcomputers. The 1990s saw the appearance of the first all-digital hearing aid.

21st Century Advances

This century has seen digital hearing aids dominating the market with an incredible amount of technology within each tiny device. All hearing devices are now fully programmable, and in 2004 the first hearing aid utilizing artificial intelligence was introduced.

This launched several new inventions and innovations as the hearing aid industry leapt towards the forefront of modern technological advances.

By 2006 a Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid became the world’s smallest Bluetooth device and was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the best inventions of the year.

2008 saw the first-ever fully in the ear hearing device which can be worn constantly for months at a time. 2010 saw the first hearing aid for babies, followed in 2011 by the first waterproof hearing aid.

Advancements were now gathering pace rapidly, and in 2014 the first fully-streamable hearing aid and internet-capable hearing aid became available to buy.

In 2019 a sophisticated AI-powered hearing aid was introduced that includes health monitoring, mobile app functionality, and even fall detection – perfect for elderly wearers.

Then in 2020, a more natural sound was gained with the introduction of unique Microphone and Receiver In-Ear (M&RIE) technology.

Looking Forward

Modern devices now feature wireless streaming, Bluetooth connectivity with other devices, on-the-go charging, assistive AI sound balancing, multi-directional microphones, health monitoring and even combined microphone and receiver in the ear technology.

This technology now includes so much that further advances seem unlikely for some time. But with advances in artificial intelligence coming at an alarming rate, there may well be further improvements and enhancements available any time soon

It is human nature to desire change frequently. We get bored looking at the same things and following the same routine every day. Traveling is the answer to many of our complaints about monotony. It brings you out of your busy schedule and presents an opportunity for a mental repose.

However, not everyone can afford to travel much unless they are smart with money. There are more expenses tied up in traveling than you can imagine. From transportation to emergencies, you have to set aside money for all. Hence, you must save your pocket as much as you can from getting dented. But how? Look at this list of ways we have compiled to help you do this.

1) Choose accommodation wisely

It is no surprise that accommodation makes up a large portion of our travel expenses. Hence, we should make accommodation decisions wisely. Paying too much for a fancy hotel would be a waste of money if you spend the entire day outside. All the extra charges for a poolside and gym would go to waste. Similarly, you would not be wise to settle for a local hotel if you wish to enjoy indoors with a great view. For example, a person traveling to the USA to connect to nature should stay at North Carolina cabin rentals instead of a busy hotel. The breathtaking mountain views will be worth the money if their expectations are met.

Sharing accommodation is a solution for people with opposite circumstances. You can try sharing a dorm or hostel room if you plan on spending more time outdoors. Many online services connect you to people who wish to share accommodation. Using this tip will allow you to pay for only half of the accommodation expense.

Be sure to know all amenities that your hotel provides. There might be a free pool and spa service available at your hotel. Paying to get it done from somewhere else would waste your money. Similar is the case with food. Most hotels provide complimentary breakfast to their customers. Hence, make sure you know what services your hotel offers.

2) Travel offseason

All local businesses tend to increase their prices during the peak traveling season. They trick the tourist into paying more than the actual cost of the service. An advantage that traveling offseason will provide you is lower prices. Local ventures do not have much demand during shoulder season and off-season. A decrease in sales leads to reduced prices. You can benefit from this by paying less for tours, accommodation, and other touristy activities.

However, remember that the weather and atmosphere will not be optimal during the offseason. You will have to make an active effort to enjoy and make the most out of your vacation.

3) Spend your time like a local

You will only be able to gauge the true essence of your vacation spot when you act like a local. Your trip will be much more happening if you spend time with the residents. For example, having tea at a local shop with strangers will be cheaper and more insightful than you think. You can also shop for souvenirs from vendors instead of fancy malls. These pieces will be full of history and culture. They will also be light on your wallet.

Moreover, couch surfing is a helpful modern concept. It allows you to use other people’s homes for sleeping arrangements. It will cost you much less than booking a hotel for yourself. Couchsurfing also means that you will be living in the heart of the city you are visiting. You can act like a true local here and spend the day just like your host spends it.

However, these benefits can soon turn into danger if you are not using this service safely. Make sure you choose the host wisely to ensure safety. Meeting them beforehand might give you a better idea of their intentions.

4) Carpooling

Carpooling benefits many people at once. You can take advantage of this service to save money while traveling. Carpooling services connect you to people who want to travel to the same place as you. The fuel prices can be divided amongst the people in the vehicle.

This service is especially beneficial to those taking road trips to their vacation destination. Road trips require a lot of fuel refills that can be a burden if you are the only one paying. You can easily find people online who want to make the journey with you. The divided fuel costs will be more affordable for all.

5) Hold yourself accountable

It is easy to lose track of where you are using your money while traveling. You can keep a book where you record all expenditures to hold yourself accountable. Adding expenses to the book will help you remember how much of your money you’ve already spent. This shock value will encourage you to stop wasting money on unnecessary activities and products.

Budget calculators are another way to do the accounting for you. These are available online and help you keep a record of your budget. It highlights areas of your budget that need improvement. It also gives you clarity regarding your spending habits. Using a budget calculator will keep you on the right track to saving money.

6) Pack carefully

Packing is one of the most significant steps before traveling. It should be done with great attention, especially when trying to save money. Packing too much can lead to your suitcase exceeding the luggage weight limit. You will then have to incur an extra baggage fee.

Packing less can be a problem too. You might forget necessary items at home if you try to cut down too much. Things like chargers and glasses are needed while traveling. The only solution will be to buy these products abroad. Your carelessness might add to the unnecessary expenditure. Hence, you should find a middle ground when packing. See tips online to help you with this. Also, make a checklist of all the necessary things to ensure you do not forget any.

Conclusion

Uncertainty goes hand in hand with traveling. You can not make sure everything will be perfect even if you plan months before the trip. Having this mindset will be beneficial for the peace of your mind. It will also encourage you always to keep some grace in finances when things do not go as planned. Also, remember that the success of saving money depends highly on your motivation to do so. You might have to learn the art of letting some things go to keep your pocket full.

Emergencies do not wait. If you’ve ever gone through a financial struggle, chances are, you have run to a few friends and family to borrow money to sort out the financial problem. However, people do not always provide the financial help we need. So, what happens when you are financially stressed? What possible options can you explore? Well, if you have a bad credit rating, an online payday loan could be your only solution. 

Online payday loans are quick cash loans that come with high interest since they are considered high risk to the lenders. An online payday loan can get you out of that tight spot fast by quickly solving your financial problem. The truth is, online payday loans have their upsides, but certainly, they are not for everyone. If you need to sort out an unannounced financial challenge, you can always get a payday loan at Timesunion.com. Read on to find out the pros and cons of payday loans.

The Pros of Online Payday Loans

• Online Payday Loans Have a Fast-Processing Time

Unlike traditional loans that require a long period to be processed and verified, online payday loans have a quick processing time and ideally, will take less than 24 hours to get the amount you have borrowed in your account. Some online payday loans will process your loan in less than five minutes. Since payday loans are designed for emergencies, they will always have that sense of urgency. When choosing an online payday vendor, consider working with one that has a simple application process and fast payout especially if you are dealing with an emergency.

• The Qualifications Are Simple

 One thing you will love about online payday loans is that they are pretty easy to qualify. Compared to traditional loans such as mortgages and car loans, online payday loans are very lenient and almost everyone can qualify for a loan. All you need to do is prove that you are at least 18 years of age, have a social security number, proof of residence, and a source of income. Some payday loan vendors will also ask you about your current debts. 

• You Can Set Your Loan Limit

Ideally, online payday loan lenders determine your loan limit amount by checking your monthly salary or income. This means that if you have a bigger salary, you can borrow more and if your monthly income is not very large, your loan limit will also be lower. This is a great advantage because it ensures that you will not borrow more than what you are able to pay every month.

• You Get to Use the Money on Anything

Getting a payday loan online gives you the freedom to use your money as you please. Want to go shopping? No problem. Want to settle your rent arrears? Your lender will not dictate what you should do with the money you have borrowed. This flexibility of online payday loans gives you peace of mind as you will not need to explain how you will use your money and why you are getting the loan. 

• Online Payday Loan Lenders Do Not Check Your Credit

If you have bad credit, then you will greatly benefit from online payday loans. This is because payday loan lenders do not check your credit and therefore you do not have to worry about your loan application getting rejected because of your poor credit score. Once you meet the vendors’ requirements and you submit the required documents, you can rest assured that your payday loan will be approved no matter how bad your credit is. The truth is bad credit can make your life difficult but with an online payday loan, you can quickly sort out that financial problem you have.

• You Do Not Need Security

Compared to other loans such as car loans, online payday loans do not require security and therefore you will not need to provide your personal property. In the event you do not pay, the lender will not seize your personal property. However, you need to know that if you default, the lender can forward your details to debt collectors or can pursue legal action in order to collect the balance. 

The Cons of Online Payday Loans

• Online Payday Loans Can Be Expensive

Because payday loans are riskier to the lender, they tend to be more expensive. Ideally, for every $100 borrowed, the cost of the loan will be between $10 and $20 and if you default or you are not able to complete the payment within the first payday, additional fees are added to your loan. Ensure that you apply for a manageable loan that you can pay within the given period to avoid persistent and late-night calls from debt collectors.

Boiler servicing is frequently overlooked, and far too many people do not have their boilers tested regularly. So whether you’re busy and forget to schedule your service or are not convinced that it’s necessary, here are some reasons why you should call your plumber.

You Can Detect Boiler Issues Early

It’s easy to forget that your boiler isn’t only used in the winter. Because you use hot water daily, your boiler may be experiencing problems; you may notice them more when winter arrives.

By having your boiler serviced every year, your engineer will be able to identify and tell you any problems with your boiler before they cause significant damage. No matter how tiny, issues with your boiler will worsen if you leave them for an extended period.

It’s Less Expensive Than Replacing Your Boiler

The average boiler service cost is less than you think, and it will undoubtedly cost less than replacing your boiler entirely.

Regular checks or maintenance will keep your boiler running smoothly, and because you’ll be able to fix any problems as they arise, your boiler may be less likely to break down in the future. In addition, a healthy and well-maintained boiler would most probably last longer than a boiler with no service, saving you money on the cost of purchasing a new boiler.

It Will Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills

Servicing your boiler can be expensive, and some people may think it’s a waste of money; however, a boiler service can actually lower your energy bills.

During a boiler service, the engineer will perform all necessary checks as part of your servicing to ensure that your boiler operates correctly, saving you money over time. The boiler’s model and age will determine how energy efficient it can be. However, improving your boiler’s efficiency will mean using less energy to run, resulting in lower energy bills.

The Warranty Covers You

If your boiler is under warranty, then it’s important that you have your boiler serviced every year. If you don’t service your boiler for more than a year, it may void your warranty, which means you won’t be able to claim money for repairs if it breaks down. Check the terms of your boiler’s warranty, and if it requires an annual service, make sure you schedule one on time – you don’t want to be caught off guard.

Be Ready for Winter

It is advised that you have your gas boiler serviced before the wintertime arrives. Nothing is worse than turning on the heating at the beginning of Autumn, only to discover it is flawed or broken.

Preparing your home for winter and keeping your boiler in good working order keeps you and your family safe and can also help you save money because you won’t be paying for higher fuel usage due to an undiscovered fault. A qualified engineer will perform necessary checks to ensure that your boiler continues to function regardless of the weather.

Increase the Life of Your Boiler

A well looked after and safe boiler will most likely last longer than an unserviced boiler, leading to significant savings. In addition, regular maintenance and expert checks will ensure your boiler is running efficiently and, as previously mentioned, can help identify and correct minor issues, potentially increasing the life expectancy of your boiler.

If your boiler is approaching its average lifespan of 15 years, it will no longer operate as efficiently as it was brand new. Newer model gas boilers have many features that can help improve efficiency, making them more cost-effective.

This can make relatively new boilers less expensive to operate while lowering your carbon footprint. Even a brand-new boiler requires regular service, so make sure to schedule one every year to meet any legal requirements.

Of all of the rooms in your home, your living room should be held in high regard. It is the place where you host guests and wind down in the evening in front of a movie. To gain the most privacy while you spend time relaxing, you should consider getting new blinds from abcblinds.com.au. Furthermore, because of its significance, it can sometimes be tricky to decorate beautifully to your ideal standards. If you’re stuck on how to create a lovely living room then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the hottest interior trends for you to pick from for a living room to be proud of. Check out our ideas below!

1. Add A Rug

A rug will as warmth and coziness to the room, making it feel more homely. It can be a feature all on its own or fade into the background depending on your design aesthetic. If you’re looking for some texture then opt for a fluffy faux fur version, or if you prefer something sleeker and more minimalistic look for a white rug with a geometric pattern. If you already have a rug you love but it’s looking a little worse for wear, take it to a company that specializes in rug repair and they will be able to give it a new lease of life.

2. Add Paneling

Whether your design vibe is cottage core or hotel luxe, paneling is back in a major way. You can create the panels yourself with some wooden strips, cut into two long pieces and two shorter pieces to create a rectangle shape. Hot glue the pieces together and secure the rectangles to the wall with nails or more hot glue. Be sure to map out their locations evenly for a professional look. Paint over the paneling and voila! Your living room will have a totally new look.

3. Create A TV Unit

It’s likely you have a TV in your living room and it may even be the focal point of the area. Make sure it’s just plonked on a sad-looking table and give it a proper home. If you’re pretty handy with power tools you can either DIY a smart new unit or if you’d prefer you can have a professional contractor make you one. Make sure it has a cupboard underneath to hide all of your cables and TiVo box and then have shelving on either side for styling small décor items such as candles and framed photos. It will instantly elevate the room and give it a more high-end feel.

4. Reupholster The Couch

Replacing a couch entirely can be expensive, so a good quick fix is to reupholster the seating suite you already have. You can buy couch covers online, or use the services of a professional upholsterer to create a totally custom look with your fabric of choice. It will look like you have an entirely new couch set and the room will be transformed. All you need to do is complete the look with cute complimentary cushions and throws.

Which of these interior ideas have inspired you? share in the comments!

Most people enjoy clear skin after outgrowing their teen years. However, there are a few that experience breakouts way into their 30s and later. Adult acne can be very frustrating and uncomfortable. Like teenage acne, breakouts in adults are mostly caused by clogged pores. The pores may be clogged due to excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria. However, certain conditions may worsen your acne, like:

• Hormone fluctuations
• Increased production of cortisol due to stress
• Outdoor pollution from dirt
• Damage from UV rays
• Use of oil-based products for acne-prone skin
• Over-washing your face, which causes the skin to produce more oil
• Conditions such as PCOS
• Genetics

How to Prevent and Treat Acne

Here are a few ways to prevent flare-ups if your skin is acne-prone;

1. Exfoliate using gentle products like mandelic acid and glycolic acid: these gentle exfoliators do not strip the skin of all the oil or cause irritation. They are also safe to use on sensitive skin.
2. Unclog pores at least once a week by using a purifying face mask: this will help unplug stubborn dirt, dead skin and oil from your pores making them appear smaller. Make sure to use high quality products with good ingredients, like the ones among the Blue Lagoon skincare products, for example. Frequency of application depends on your skin’s needs, but it should be done at least once a week.
3. Use spot treatments on the affected area: it is important to deal with the spots on your face that are causing inflammation. There are many spot treatments available but most of them contain benzoyl peroxide that is very effective in killing the bacteria that causes the breakouts. Always be careful with the product, as it is a little harsh.
4. Avoid heavy creams: heavy creams tend to clog the pores, increasing the risk of experiencing a breakout. Go for lightweight creams, moisturizers, and gels to allow the skin to breathe while still providing nourishment.
5. Keep your stress levels under control: stress causes the body to produce hormones such as cortisol, which increase oil production in the skin. Regular and long-term stress may cause excessive oil production, as well other negative effects.
6. Never go to bed with makeup on: give your skin some time to breath by removing all makeup before heading to bed. Wash and pat dry the face before applying your usual night cream.
7. Keep your diet in check: your skin may react badly to some food types, such as dairy, fried foods, and caffeine. Determine foods that cause breakouts and try to avoid them. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet also helps keep the skin supple and healthy looking.

Lastly, do not pick at your skin! Instead, visit a dermatologist to examine the breakouts to determine if there is an underlying condition. The dermatologist will also help create a skincare regime to prevent future breakouts.

If you’re a homeowner, you probably want your house to look as attractive as possible. However, you also want to make changes and add features that will allow it to function more efficiently.

Some people might not think of a home’s functionality when they first look at it, but energy efficiency matters. An energy-efficient home can definitely save you money on your utility bills every month, and those savings add up quickly.

Whether you’re looking into home improvement loans or decide to use some of your savings to improve your house’s energy usage, there are several ways you might go about it. We’ll talk about some of them in the following article.

1. Programmable Thermostats

Most homeowners understand that if you don’t run the furnace at a higher temperature during the winters, you’ll save money. If you have the thermostat set too low, though, you’ll be walking around shivering in January if you live in a cold climate.

You can upgrade your home with a programmable thermostat. You can set it at a particular temperature during the days when you’re at home, and you can set it to a lower one when you go to bed in the evenings. You’ll be in bed under the blankets at night, so it’s an ideal time for you not to have the furnace working so hard.

You can also program the thermostat to drop down to a lower temperature during the day if you work outside the home. There are even smart thermostats now where you can change the temperature with an app when you’re out of the house.

2. Insulation

You may not realize how much warm air you’re losing during the winter due to poor insulation. Your attic or basement are likely places where warm air is escaping.

You can have an HVAC company come in and do an energy assessment. They’ll look for places where you’re losing warm air when you’re running the furnace. Then, they can use spray foam that will seal up all those cracks and crevices.

You just pay a one-time fee. The foam hardens once they spray it into place, and from that point forward, you will save money on your heating bills.

3. Light Bulbs

Switching out your light bulbs is something you might take for granted, but maybe you’re doing it too often. The old-fashioned type of light bulb is not nearly as long-lasting as a light-emitting diode bulb, sometimes abbreviated as LED.

They can last 20 years in some instances, and they are way more efficient than the old-style incandescent bulbs. Also, LED bulbs do not cost anywhere near as much these days as they once did. You can usually get a six-pack for about $10.

Once you do, you’ll save money each year on your electric bill. If you’re not sure whether LED bulbs are worth it to buy, just look for the Energy Star logo on them. That means they’ve been tested for their long-lasting quality.

Simple Home Improvements Can Save You Money

Saving money by making changes around the house is something that any homeowner will want to do. You will save some significant cash on your electric bill by replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED ones. Getting an HVAC company to insulate your attic and basement with spray foam is also worth it.

You can get a programmable thermostat and set it to a lower temperature when you go to bed or leave the house for work. You might even get one that connects to a smartphone app, so you can change the temperature that way whenever you’d like.

Of course, considering the scope of the project in advance and sourcing your own tools can help unlock your autonomy when performing work in the home, such as finding the best retailer for a large range of bathroom wall cladding and installation accessories.

These are simple changes, but they can save you money and make your home much more energy-efficient.

Home repairs can cost thousands of dollars every time. It’s something that homeowners want to avoid, but still inevitably happens. Regular maintenance is the key to preventing expensive house repairs or replacements. Every time you notice a crack in the ceiling, a hole in the wall, or a worn-out electric cable, have it evaluated and assessed immediately by a professional before it gets worse. 

Always remember that regular maintenance can prevent many costly repairs in the long run, especially if you have invested time and money early on. You can find out more information about this with some additional reading references online.

If you’re aiming to decrease your household expenses, here are some ways to maintain your home to avoid costly repairs.

• Check For Water Damage

You should be wary of leaking pipes because it can damage your home’s flooring, walls, and ceilings. This is the reason why pipe and home inspections are required to be scheduled even once a year.

If in any case that leaks would happen, find and turn off the shutoff valve. Once you do, water should not flow from any taps in the house. Inspect the bottom of your water heater to determine if mineral deposits have formed. Then, check the bottom of each sink cabinet for leaks. Also, check for water damage in the ceilings above the upper-level restroom area. If you’ve observed indications of a leak, contact a professional plumber to have it evaluated and checked.

• Clean The Gutters

Overflowing gutters are a nuisance. Branches, pine straws, and leaves can block the gutters and downspouts resulting in the diversion of rain water to the walls and foundation. This could cause structural damage or basement flooding if not resolved immediately. If you feel confident tackling issues yourself then there’s no reason why you can’t get the parts and do it yourself. Click here for a full range of cast iron guttering and pipe supplies.

Carry out periodic visual checks. Grab an umbrella, walk outdoors during a rainstorm, and examine your gutters. You should schedule gutter cleaning a couple of times during the fall and even once a month throughout the year, depending on your home’s foliage.

• Maintain HVAC System

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) refers to the different systems used to move air between the interior and outdoor spaces, to heat and cool both residential and commercial structures. Without maintenance, your furnace and air conditioning (AC) could malfunction unexpectedly.

Scheduling a six-month maintenance can prevent your furnace and AC from breaking down. During the routine maintenance, an HVAC professional will lubricate all moving components, tighten electrical connections, empty the condensate drain, check refrigerant level, and clean coils or fittings. These steps are crucial since these issues can reduce system efficiency and induce premature component wear and tear.

Notably, ignoring an old filter and not replacing it can make your unit work harder to provide a consistent airflow, thus increasing your energy consumption and wearing out your air conditioning’s capacity. By replacing the filter regularly, you can prevent these costly repairs from piling up. 

• Repaint The Walls

Often than not, homeowners overlook their walls, if you start seeing signs of peeling or stripping of paint on your walls, don’t disregard them. Seek the help of a professional painter to have it checked and estimated for repainting. 

To prevent this problem from happening again, have a repainting or retouching schedule once a year to be able to retain its beauty and to lessen your expenses from more costly repairs.

• Assess Your Home Siding

Your house’s siding is important because it serves as your home’s cover, shielding it from hazards while adding visual appeal. Water can get past damaged aluminum, vinyl, or wooden siding, causing insect infestations, rot, mold, and interior damage. Individual siding repairs are inexpensive and easy to do, but replacing the entire square footage can cost you a lot.

That said, you should always check for holes or cracks in the siding and missing caulking around doors and windows. Early detection of problems can save you thousands on costly repairs.

Warning

Do-it-yourself (DIY) home repairs may seem like a good idea to save costs, but it can put you and your family’s safety at risk. In addition to safety issues, those who perform their own home repairs run the danger of creating more damage and additional repair costs. 

While certain home repairs can be done by eager individuals, attempting complex projects without training can be expensive and dangerous. So, professionals should handle complicated house repairs. Faulty work could lead to higher repair costs than if you’ve just employed a professional from the start. Remember that saving costs while risking your life to injuries and accidents is not worth it.

Even if DIY is your life’s philosophy, avoid these home repair cost-cutting tactics. No matter how many DIY home repair programs you watch online, some repairs and renovations are better left to the experts. The following are some house repairs that are best handled by professionals:

• Electrical Repairs
• Basement Renovation
• Plumbing Issues
• Gas Appliance Installations

Conclusion

Owning a house is a terrific investment opportunity, but keeping up with the necessary maintenance is a difficult undertaking. This is particularly true if you fail to provide your property with the maintenance it requires to stay in good condition.

Start performing minor repairs and maintenance early and be keen on tell-tale signs of damage so that you can do something about it before it worsens and be costly in repairs. For sure you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars out of pocket unexpectedly, especially if you have a limited budget for your household expenses. So, it’s good to be wary and wise!

 The UK is known for its famous landmarks. These are a huge draw for tourists from around the world, with a whopping 2.8 million visitors heading to the Tower of London alone.

From Buckingham Palace to the Angel of the North, the Liver Birds to Giant’s Causeway, there are plenty of famous sites to see whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

You might have visited them in person, but could you say with confidence where the most popular landmarks are located?

Alternative landmark locations

Jackpotjoy, the online bingo site, recently conducted some research to find out exactly how far off the mark we are when it comes to knowing our main attractions. The results were eye-opening. Despite living here, it turns out many Brits don’t actually know where many of the top landmarks in the UK are located.

Here’s how the landmarks we know and love look on a map:

And this is where survey respondents think these landmarks are:

As you can see, there are some interesting results on this replotted version.

The sites to see

When asked, almost half (46%) of those asked didn’t know where Stonehenge is located. This ancient site in Wiltshire has baffled scientists and historians for centuries. No one knows for sure where the Stone Circle came from – although there are theories – making this a fascinating landmark.

Additionally, a surprisingly high 15% of Brits had no idea that Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are in London. Officially, Big Ben itself isn’t the clock we see, but the bell that chimes on the hour and it’s the sound we hear that brings in the new year.

With around 350,000 visitors each year, Sherwood Forest is a popular spot. That’s probably why a reassuring 74% knew that it’s locate din Nottingham. However, the legendary stomping ground of Robin Hood was slightly less familiar to the 16% of Nottingham residents who had no idea that the forest was in their neck of the woods.

Similarly, while just over half knew that the Giant’s Causeway is in Northern Ireland, around one in 20 of those asked placed this historic site over 300 miles away in Bristol.

What do you know?

So, would you be able to locate some of these leading landmarks? Perhaps you’ve been but can’t quite place them? Or maybe you’re a fan of the country’s main attractions?

It might be time to take a road trip…

If you have a little Picasso in your house then you probably found yourself wondering what to do with all of the artwork that comes in. You never want the kid to feel like you don’t value their work or you don’t care about it, but you can’t keep it. The following are a few tips on how you can handle all of the artwork that comes from your kids without having any negative effects.

Enjoy the Process 

Parents need to instill in their kids the attitude of not being attached to the final creation. Instead, they need to champion the joy of making art. Enjoying the process. This will make it easy for kids to understand that not all they have made can be kept, some will have to be discarded.

Use Your Cameras 

It might sound intuitive but most parents are neglecting the simple act of recording and taking pictures of their kids’ artwork. This not only captures the end art piece but it helps in storing a fun memory on your devices. With the presence of virtual storage systems, you will not have to worry that the digital file will get lost. In addition, having the digital image of your kids’ art helps in decluttering your kids’ workstations, creating more space for newer ideas.

Giving Art Away

As much as they are your kids, they are also part of a bigger family unit. Some of your relatives do enjoy your kids’ creative ideas as much as you do. You can send a few of the art pieces to their grandparents, aunts, and uncles but you need to allow the kids to be involved in choosing which artwork to be sent out.

Art Boxes

Not all kids will be receptive to the idea of either discarding or giving their art away, some will want to keep it all for themselves. For this type of child, you will have to come up with an art box. This is a box that they get to store their art in. The trick is you pick a container that can only hold so much so that they can’t keep everything and they do have to decide what gets kept and what doesn’t. They will find out that older art is easier to get rid of than obviously what they have just created. Then it’s pretty easy to take stuff out of the bottom and decide to get rid of it while creating space for new work.

Scrapbooking

This can be a fun way of creating art from your kids’ artwork where you get to turn kids art into book. There are two ways you can do this. You can either go for the old scrapbooking design of sticking the pieces on the pages with glue which might turn out to take up a lot of space in the house. Or after you have finished your scrapbook, you can send it out to a publisher who can then print the art pieces and design an actual book.

Love sport but bored of the same old games? Let me introduce you to padel, a cool new racket sport that’s taking the world by storm. It’s simple, fun and definitely one to get the heart pumping! But what is padel and how do you play it? Let’s take a look at some of the padel basics.

What is padel?

Padel was invented in Mexico in the late 1960s and was initially very popular in Spain and Latin America, spreading into the US and across Europe. It’s becoming increasingly popular now in the UK – the UK Padel Federation was launched in 2011.

Padel is like tennis in many ways. It’s usually played in doubles on a court about 25% smaller that a traditional tennis court, with scoring the same as in tennis. The rackets however are solid, and the balls slightly smaller. The main difference however is that the walls of the court are solid and balls can be played off them as in squash.

What do I need to play padel?

The basic equipment for padel is fairly straightforward – you’ll just need padel rackets and balls – but getting to grips with padel isn’t just about the equipment. What you need for padel as much as anything is strategy, so take some time before you start to familiarise yourself with the rules and some of the key shots. Read up too on tips for working the walls of the court – if you’ve only ever played tennis before then this is where you’re going to need to be a quick learner.

Where can I play padel?

As well as equipment, you will of course need to find somewhere local to play padel, as it’s not yet mainstream enough for every local sports centre to be set up with padel courts. If you’re not sure where to play padel, then padelpadelpadel.com has a full lists of all the padel venues in the UK, so you should be able to find somewhere near you to give it a try.

What else do I need to know about padel?

The most important thing to remember if you’re playing padel, just like with any sport, is to have fun! Padel is a great option for families and friends alike, and combines the challenge of a high octane game with the enjoyment of learning a skill, so why not find yourself a padel court and give it a go this summer?