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Whether you’ve just started a family or your family is continuing to grow, the chances are that you need to find a good family car to keep everyone safe and comfortable. The needs of your family will change over time, so there’s no good time to stop looking for an ideal vehicle.

The Needs of Your Family

While babies are typically rather small, they tend to come along with an alarmingly large collection of stuff. From car seats to diapers, spare clothes, buggies, and all kinds of other supplies, your life will very quickly be taken over by all of the things you need to care for your baby.

As your baby grows, their needs will change and your car will likely have to change to accommodate them. You will always need plenty of space in the trunk of your car, as even if they outgrow buggies and car seats, your children will find ways to fill them up. 

You also want to ensure that your growing family remains comfortable. There’s nothing worse than having to squeeze into a small car that doesn’t have air conditioning or other features that make a journey more comfortable. That situation is just asking for carsickness and other issues that drain the enjoyment out of any trip, whether it’s the daily commute or a family vacation. 

Some cars also come with entertainment systems, which are a wonderful option for entertaining cranky kids on long journeys. This prevents your children from fighting or distracting the driver, which can cause accidents. 

Safety First

The most important factor to bear in mind when finding a family car is safety and reliability. Ideally, you will not get into an accident, but parents should always be prepared for every eventuality. 

Every car has to undergo safety testing before it can be sold, so find the results for the tests and only pick vehicles that have excelled. Read reviews of potential family vehicles and see if you can find a make that has a good reputation for safety, especially when it comes to the safety of anyone in the backseat.

One cause of many accidents is mechanical failure. Again, sometimes cars break down or road conditions cause accidents, but an unreliable car is far more likely to break down and crash. This isn’t just inconvenient and expensive, but it can be incredibly dangerous. 

As well as purchasing a car with a good reputation for reliability, it’s up to you to keep it properly maintained. If you suspect that your vehicle has been damaged or it’s driving oddly, then immediately get it seen by a mechanic. You should also book regular service appointments with a good mechanic to keep it well-tuned and look out for potential problems. This will keep your car running smoothly for longer. 

Finding a Good Deal

While we’d like to get the perfect car no matter what, everyone has to count the cost before making any purchase. When it comes to families, money can be tight and you have to stretch it as much as possible. Children are one of the most expensive investments you’ll have, and while parenthood is more than worth the financial cost, smart purchases will lessen the weight.

Look in local dealerships for a good deal. For example, Perth residents should find an Ottowa car dealership that can provide the ideal family car without breaking the bank. Using a local dealership means that you don’t have to bite the extra cost of time and money to transport your new car to your home. 

While new cars are a nice option, used vehicles are often much cheaper. There are benefits to a new vehicle, such as a warranty with the manufacturer, but if you shop around, you can find a fantastic deal on a used car with a respectable dealer. You might even be able to acquire a warranty, especially if the vehicle is only a couple of years old with one or two past owners. 

Take the time to shop around so that you can find what you need. This means that you won’t make any expensive mistakes and you can keep your car running for longer. Keep your family informed about the new car.

While you do want to buy a vehicle that you like the look and feel of, practicality does take priority when it comes to your family. So you will have to be prepared to sacrifice your preferred color or make if you find something that works better for your family. 

Most people think of vacations as a time to get away from it all, to relax and recharge in a new and exotic locale. But what if you could have the best of both worlds? What if you could take an action-packed vacation that left you feeling refreshed and relaxed? That’s what you can expect when you visit New York City. With so much to see and do, this world-class city will keep you on your toes from morning until night.

Here are just a few of the reasons why New York City should be at the top of your list for your next vacation destination.

There’s Something for Everyone

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a shopaholic, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in New York City. Visit the Museum of Modern Art or take a walking tour of Central Park. Eat your way through the hottest nyc dinner spots or sample the street food from one of the many food trucks.

Or if none of that takes your fancy, you can shop till you drop on Fifth Avenue or browse the unique vendors in Greenwich Village. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to love in New York City.

It’s Easy to Get Around

It may come as a shock to most, but New York City is a very walkable city, and with its world-famous subway system, getting from one side of the city to the other is a breeze. In fact, many locals get around without ever owning a car!

And with so much to see and do in every nook and cranny, you’re bound to find plenty to keep you busy without ever having to step foot on a bus or train. From the Empire State Building and Central Park to the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, there’s no shortage of landmarks and attractions to explore.

Of course, use public transportation when you need to, but don’t be afraid to walk – it’s one of the best ways to see everything this incredible city has to offer.

There’s a Lot of Green Space

While New York City is often thought of as a concrete jungle, there’s actually quite a bit of green space to be found. Central Park is, of course, the most famous (and largest) park in the city, but there are also plenty of other options for getting some fresh air.

If you’re looking for a more urban park experience, head to Bryant Park or Union Square Park. And if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city completely, take a short train ride out to one of the many parks in the boroughs outside of Manhattan.

You Can Eat (and Drink) Your Way Around the World

Cuisine-wise, New York City is a melting pot of epic proportions. You can find just about any type of food here, from classic American fare to international dishes. And since the city is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, you can bet that you’ll be eating well on your vacation.

Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a casual bite, you’ll be able to find it in New York City. Some favorite restaurants include Russ & Daughters, a world-famous Jewish deli; Katz’s Delicatessen, where you can get an iconic pastrami sandwich; and Momofuku Noodle Bar, which serves up delicious ramen.

Don’t forget to sample the local New York City specialty: pizza. You can find great pizza all over the city, but the most popular include Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn and John’s of Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village.

And if you’re looking to do some celebrity spotting, you’ll definitely want to hit up one of the city’s many hotspots, like The Spotted Pig, where you might just see the likes of Jay-Z or Jennifer Lawrence. Amazing, right?

You Can Shop ‘til You Drop (or at Least Until Your Credit Card Maxes Out)

If you love to shop, then you’ll be in heaven on your vacation to New York City. The city is home to some of the best shopping in the world, whether you’re looking for designer labels or vintage finds. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry – there are plenty of thrift stores and discount shops to keep you entertained (and well-dressed).

No matter what your budget is, you’ll be able to find plenty of great places to shop. If you’re looking for high-end designer labels, then head to Fifth Avenue. For discount shopping and thrift stores, check out Canal Street or Orchard Street.

Conclusion

Planning a trip to New York City can be an overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be. By following our guide, you can make the most of your time in the Big Apple and create memories that will last a lifetime. We hope you enjoy your visit!

Craving something sweet but cannot quite figure out what to have? Well, look no further, for we have the answer for you. Here, you will find a compilation of cookies you can try with the bonus of drinks that go well with them.

This list will have the classic and dependable chocolate chip cookie. But it is not just the classics; other types of cookies are included as well. From Christmas parties to just everyday cravings, this cookie list will be able to cover all that you may need.

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Milk

This list will not be complete without the classic chocolate chip cookie. The original cookie is always someone’s favourite. Either store-bought or made with love at home, this combination will be comforting to have.

Although, it is important to make sure that you do not munch this while it is hot- no matter how tempting the fresh baked cookies are. The perfect condition for the best eating experience is when the cookies are warm enough, then pair them with cold milk, either cow or plant based. This combination will leave you satisfied!

Maple Leaf Sugar Cookies and Hot Apple Cider with Buttered Rum 

The combination of maple sugar cookies and hot apple cider with buttered rum is perfect during the autumn season. The autumnal flavours will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside while also leaving your sugary craving satisfied.

Plus, a hot apple cider drink with buttered rum will leave your home smelling delicious with the scents of fruit and spices. It may even impress your guests if you serve this to them during their visits. Not to mention the delectable maple syrup on the sugar cookies that complement the drinks.

In addition, the maple syrup sugar cookies are simple enough for you to make a batch of them in the comfort of your home. The buttery flavour of these cookies will make your buttered rum taste better- a sip won’t be enough!

Source: pexels.com — Marta Dzedyshko

Brown Butter Sugar Cookies with Kahlua Coffee

If you are into earthy flavours, this combination should be one you should try. Although the term “brown butter” seems fancy, it is really easy to make, even for beginners. All you need to do is to get a pan and stir the butter until it turns brown, but make sure you do not accidentally burn it.

When included in the cookie batter, the normal sugar cookie taste will get elevated. In addition, it will get a strong but not overpowering earthiness flavour that will leave your sweet tooth happier. Then, you can whip up a good cup of Kahlua coffee from your favourite coffee machine.  

Furthermore, the coffee’s vanilla and caramel notes will be accentuated with the help of the delicious buttery sugar cookies. This pairing will be comforting on a chilly day, either alone or with a company, perfect pairing that can be a staple during the fall season.

Snickerdoodle Cookies with Apple Cider 

A Christmas party would not be complete without the appearance of the snickerdoodle cookies, a cinnamon spice sugared cookie that is baked to perfection. The smell of these delectable cinnamon goodness baking in the oven will make you excited for Christmas. Plus, they are quite easy to make, even if you are not a seasoned baker. 

In addition to this deliciousness, pair it with a glass of hot apple cider, and you will be filled with even more flavours to marvel at. This pairing is also perfect when you need something simple yet satisfying to serve your guests. Everyone from kids to adults can enjoy the delicious cinnamon spiced sugar cookies. While so, the adults can relax with a glass of apple cider, making the Christmas party more fun.

Orange Cinnamon Maple Doodle Cookies with Spice Mulled Wine 

This holiday season, you should also try the delicious orange cinnamon maple doodle cookies that are a twist from the original snickerdoodle cookies. These have a more seasonal taste that will make your holidays feel cosier.

In addition, the spice mulled wine is also a fantastic addition to your holidays. Even if you are not entertaining guests, this drink will be just as satisfying to sip while watching some movies. The combination of spices mixed with apple cider and a splash of brandy will leave you with a wonderful taste, especially when you have it together with the cookies. 

Source: pexels.com — Lum3n

Gingerbread Cookies with Milk  

Either store-bought or homemade, gingerbread cookies can bring joy to your stomach. The taste of peppery gingerbread cookies can leave you feeling good and keep you wanting more. Not to mention, when you pair it with a good glass of milk, the two flavours will complement each other.

The creamy fattiness from the milk, either plant-based or cow’s, will make the gingerbread cookies taste better when eaten together. Although on its own, the cookie is still delicious, with the milk adding a whole new experience.

There are many cookies and drink combinations that are simply too good not to be shared. Hopefully, this list will inspire your next baking project or your next gathering event. Good luck!

Owning a home has never been cheap, and it doesn’t seem as if it’s going to get cheaper any time soon. Not only is owning a home expensive but in many cases decorating can be very costly. If you’re looking to give your living space a new look, you may have to make some serious investments. With that said, it doesn’t always have to be expensive, and sometimes less can be more in terms of home decor. You don’t always need to make huge changes to have a significant impact on the atmosphere of your home.

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Sorting out your budget

Before you get started on any big project, it helps to know how much you’re willing to spend on it. How much are you willing to spend on renovations or new furniture? How flexible can you be? With a limited budget, you’re going to want to look into products in the cheaper range or wait until you can pick up things at a discount. Check out these TV entertainment units for sale, you could take advantage of big savings if you waited for discounts to apply.

Patience is important when working with any kind of budget because discounts and savings can happen at any time, and you can be ready to get more from them.

Start small

As mentioned before, you don’t need to go all out on decorations to make a significant impact on how your home feels. Even smaller things like rugs or pillows can change how your home feels, and you should start with that. Adding little colour accents here and there is a great way to spice up your home, and it’s a good way to experiment with new styles. You don’t want to regret your purchases after being too hasty and not trying them out.

Declutter your home

It can be hard to get a good idea of what it is you want to change if your home is cluttered. It helps to have a clear space or a blank canvas to work with, and you may even come to the conclusion that change isn’t necessary. Once you’ve taken care of all of the clutter, you might come to realize that that is the issue.

Not only that, but you can sell off all of the things you no longer want and put the money towards making your home a better place for you.

One room at a time

If you’re planning a big project for your home that’s going to cost you a lot, it might be a good idea for you to start with just one room. If you’re trying to take on the whole house but find that it’s a little straining on your wallet, you may have to put the project on hold. You would be leaving a lot of your rooms half finished. Lower the pressure on yourself and keep all of the investments to just one room at a time. Once you know what you want, you can extend it to the rest of the house.

Photo by Pixabay

Improving the air quality in your home can be very beneficial for your health. Poor air quality can be a leading contributor to respiratory illness. 

Keeping your air quality clean indoors can be challenging. The good news is that there are ways to do it if you are willing to give it a try. 

Take a look at some of the top ways in which you can go about improving the air quality in your home very quickly.

Vacuum More

One of the biggest steps you can take to make your home air quality a lot better is to vacuum regularly. Try to vacuum your carpets and rugs at least once per week.

If you can, you may want to remove excess carpeting from your home and go with hard surface flooring instead. This will reduce the number of allergens inside your home.

Remove Excess Plants

Some plants look beautiful indoors, however, when you have them in your home they can start collecting mold. 

Mold can be very detrimental to your health and if you can avoid it you should. Enjoy the beauty of plants outdoors but if you tend to have allergies don’t bring them inside.

Buy an Air Purifier

One of the best ways to improve the air quality in your home is to buy an air purifier. If you are having constant allergic reactions inside your home and you can’t move or do anything about it then the best thing to do is to get an air purifier. 

Place this air purifier in the places that are most commonly used throughout the house. An air purifier is not magic and you may not be able to get rid of all the allergens in the home but you can certainly reduce them so that you can breathe easier. You can also use a dry salt machine clear your sinuses to help you breathe better.

Open the Windows

This may seem like the most obvious advice you could ever hear but you need to open your windows whenever possible. 

Even when the weather is changing and becoming colder you need to open the windows to let fresh air circulate throughout your home. This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to let stale air out and fresh air in.

Declutter Your Home

It may seem simple but one of the easiest ways that you can improve the air quality in your home is by doing some decluttering. 

Decluttering will help to remove dust from your home. When items are closer together it can cause large formations of dust and this can cause the air quality in the home to deteriorate.

Breathe Easy

Getting good clean air is important for your health. Taking the time to make sure that the air quality in your home is of the highest quality is one way you can protect your family from respiratory illnesses. 

You can start small by using one of the tips getting here and then you can move on to others to remove allergens from your home.

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Anxiety is not just reaching epidemic levels in humans, it is affecting our four-legged friends in huge numbers too. The pandemic has made things worse as many of our pets have gotten used to having us around a whole lot more as we fought to keep the coronavirus spread at bay, only for us to return to work and be forced to leave them to their own devices a lot more.

The good news is, there are lots of things we can do to help relieve our dogs’ stresses and enable them to live as healthy and happy lives as we would want them to…

Exercise them

The best thing you can do to help relieve your dog’s anxiety is to ensure they get lots of regular exercise. Not only does this engage them in a fun activity they love but the more tired they are, the less likely they are to be troubled by you having to go out or whatever else may be stressing them out. It is also the number one thing that will help them to live a longer, happier, healthier life, so make walkies a priority. Additionally, incorporating playtime and structured activities to train your dog can further reduce anxiety and strengthen your bond.

Put them in daycare

If your dog is anxious because he is being left alone more than he would like, then sending them to a company like All Dogs Unleashed which provides doggy daycare is a good option, they will get lots of attention and they will be able to socialize with other pups, which means they are much less likely to suffer from separation anxiety, and far more likely to have fun even when you aren’t around to provide them with entertainment.

Puzzle them

Yes, you can buy puzzles and games for dogs and they are a great way of keeping them mentally engaged, thus taking their mind off the things that would usually cause them anxiety. Just make sure that, if you’re giving your dog a puzzle to play with while you are not there, that it has been certified safe for solo play, otherwise, you should always supervise your dogs when playing. Toys like Kongs that you can stuff with peanut butter are generally safe and provide hours of fun for pooches of all ages, sizes and demeanours.

Change their Diet

Did you know that their diet can play a massive part in their behaviour too? The food you feed your dog might not have everything they need in it or be filling them up. This is especially true of low-quality mass-produced pet foods. Switching to a more nutritious, fresher diet can help you to give them everything they need nutritionally and improve their behaviour, too. Read Freshpet reviews to see if this food could help your dog’s issues.

Crate train

Anxious dogs can often benefit from crate training because their crate provides them with a safe haven that is just for them. If your dog is not already trained to use a crate, consider doing so and their mental health will probably improve as a result.

Play classical music

Classical music can often be used to calm down anxious dogs, especially if it is external sounds that are causing them to feel fear, but it can also act as good company when you are out too.

Stressed-out dogs can become very unwell and none of us wants our pets to be unhappy, which is why, if your dog is experiencing anxiety, it is definitely worth trying out the above techniques to help them, and if that does not work, you should speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Photo by Pixabay: 

If you’ve just bought your first home, congratulations! This is a huge milestone in your life. But it’s also the beginning of a new chapter, and there are some things you need to do to get your new home ready for living in. This blog post will discuss some of the most important updates you should make as soon as you move in. Keep reading for more information!

Start with the basics:

One of the first things you need to do is ensure that all your utilities are set up and working correctly. This includes electricity, gas, water, sewage, and trash. If anything isn’t working properly, getting it fixed as soon as possible is important. Utilities are just the beginning; there are other essential updates you should make to your new home as well. For example, it might be time for an upgrade if you have an old heating or cooling system. Or, if your windows are drafty or single-paned, replacing them can help improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Update your home’s security:

Updating your home’s security is one of the best things you can do – not just for peace of mind but also for the safety of your family. You can do this in a few different ways, so pick what makes sense for your home and lifestyle. You might change the locks, install a security system, or add outdoor lighting. Whatever you decide to do, know it’s an essential step in protecting your new investment.

Another great way to protect your home is by creating an inventory of your belongings. This can come in handy if you ever need to file an insurance claim. Take photos or videos of your belongings, and keep a detailed list of items in a safe place. That way, if anything ever happens to your home, you’ll have a record of what was inside.

Windows and doors:

One of the most important things you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency is to check your windows and doors. If they’re old and drafty, heat and air conditioning can escape, driving up your energy bills. Replacing them with new, energy-efficient windows and doors can help save you money in the long run, you can also consider window tinting. All you need to do is find out How much is window tinting in your local area and get it installed.

You might also consider adding some window treatments like blinds or curtains. Not only do they add a touch of style to your home, but they can also help keep out unwanted light or heat. If you live in a mainly sunny area, solar screens might be a good option for you as well.

Paint:

A new coat of paint is one of the most transformative (and cheapest!) things you can do to a space. It’s also something you can easily do yourself to save even more money. When choosing a paint color, think about what kind of mood you want to create in each room. For example, light and airy colors are great for small spaces because they make the room feel bigger. Darker colors can make a cozy room feel even more comfortable. When painting your walls, always use primer! It will help the paint color go on more evenly and prevent dark colors from bleeding through light-colored paint.

These are just a few of the many things you can do to make your first home feel like your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it! Remember, this is your chance to create a space that reflects your style.

There is no doubt that we are living in troubled times. Inflation is going through the roof in literally every country around the world. We are still facing worries over a pandemic that continues mutating and may one day be totally resistant to existing vaccines. Then there is a huge amount of fear that the world will be pulled into a war because of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. If all that wasn’t enough, much of the UK is facing depravation in the necessities of life. Even so, we have it within ourselves to inspire others to keep going forward with certainty in an uncertain world. It all begins with the choices we make that can be a beacon of light in the darkness we are living in.

Live the Golden Rule: Sharing Is Caring

One of the first ‘rules’ we teach our children is that “sharing is caring.” Kids, especially those in primary grades, often have trouble sharing things like treats from home and toys they’ve stowed away in their backpacks before leaving for school. What if we, as adults, could adopt this mindset? What if we could share, out of our own need, some of the resources we still have? 

The Example Set by Cornwall

Perhaps it would help to look at Cornwall and how the pandemic affected that community. It may not be enough to say that the struggles facing this rather rural urban area led to the need for a greater number of foster carers. Instead of drowning in their own worries, there was a rise in caring residents contacting independent foster care agencies like thefca.co.uk. By seeking to share their time and family resources with kids in need of loving homes, they inspired others to do the same.

Why Cornwall Is a Prime Example of Inspiration

It helps to understand that Cornwall ranked as #7 in the top 10 places in the UK that faced major unemployment during the pandemic. This placed a burden on social programmes like food banks and, seeing no way to feed their families, many parents were unable to cope. As a result, social agencies saw a greater number of abused, neglected and troubled kids. While there are still a great number of children in need of placement, those who stepped forward to provide loving homes continue to inspire others to do the same.

Inspiration to Be Drawn from Time-Worn Clichés

Although we see many cultural proverbs as cliché, there is much wisdom that has been handed down from generations past. One of those inspirational proverbs goes something like this:

When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on for dear life.

Then there is an attempt to inspire others to battle their way through roadblocks with this old adage:

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

The reality is that we can be an inspiration by living the words we use to motivate others to action. Remember that the choices you make can be a light in the darkness and a way to lead others to the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

There are plenty of great reasons to renovate your home, whether you want it to better suit the needs of the family, to prepare for some additions to the said family, or even to increase its resale value. However, there are elements of renovations that a lot of homeowners tend to forget which can lead to some pretty big headaches down the line. Here, we’re going to look at some of the renovation mistakes you should keep in mind when you begin your next project.

Source – Pixabay License

Not getting a budget ready

You might think that the big pile of savings you have is enough to see you through your renovation and it might well be, but you should still make sure that you have a budget. Not only do you want to confirm that your plans are affordable, but you want to know how much extra you are able to throw into the project to account for any changes. Not having a budget and not knowing how much you can spend is an easy way to run out of money mid-way through it, leaving things unfinished.

Picking the first team you see

You want to make sure that you’re choosing the right team for your job, not just the most affordable team. Take a look at the past projects they have done to make sure they have the right experience for your job, and check for any accreditations and reviews that can back up their own claims.

Cheaping out on your materials

Saving money through the materials that you use for installations and renovations is all well and good. Getting second-hand or surplus materials can really help you cut down on costs. However, you need to make sure that you can recognize the difference between a deal and cheap. Buying materials that are lower quality because they cost less can lead to you needing to repair them much sooner than you would like.

Not knowing what you will do about the waste

Every renovation project is going to leave waste. In some cases, the renovation team that you choose will be there to get rid of any building material waste that is left over. However, when it comes to DIY renovations or your own junk that you have to move or get rid of to make way for the project, you should ensure that you have junk removal services at your disposal. Otherwise, you’re going to have to wait while spaces in your home are full of waste you don’t want or need.

Not cleaning up ASAP

It’s not just the junk and waste of the job that you’re going to want to get rid of. Renovation projects, especially if they involve construction, can leave a lot of dust and debris that, given the chance, can circulate all around the home. Make sure that you vacuum and wipe down everything after a job. Clean your HVAC thoroughly, too, as these appliances can really get clogged up.

Avoiding the mistakes above isn’t going to guarantee the project goes off without a hitch, but it can help avoid some issues that can be costly, time-consuming, or otherwise very frustrating.