Budget Camping Tips

Camping is one of those leisure activities that not only requires time, but equipment and tools as well. While it may seem like your wallet is getting a break from choosing to camp over getting a hotel somewhere, it can still rack up quite a few expenses. However, there are ways to bypass many of those costs and keep the experience on the cheaper side.

1. Sometimes just getting into the wild can make you feel like you are miles away from home. Nearly every state in the country has some kind of national park or recreation area, so choosing to go camping in an area nearby would save a lot on travel costs. As long as there are no skyscrapers or highways, you will surely be able to feel like you are much further away than you actually are.

2. Another way to save some money for camping trips is to buy used equipment. Many second hand stores sell things like lamps, pots and pans that you can take with you on your trip and not worry too much about wearing them out or scratching them up. If that idea doesn’t appeal to you, the other option is to buy items that you know you can use again for more than just one camping trip. It would be helpful to create a designated storage area to keep you equipment and have it last you for the whole season, or even several seasons.

3. Buying multipurpose items in bulk is a great way to not only trim down your inventory, but your expenses as well. For example, a single pot can be used to make all your meals and boil water, as long as you are able to clean it out in between. Also, buying a family size pack of ground beef can be used to make a variety of different meals. Taking as few things as possible and minimizing your items can also make it easy to pack up when you are ready to go home.

4. Several national parks have a few days a year in which entry and camping registration is free. This is usually over the holidays, which can make your trip a festive one especially if it is over a long weekend such as Labor Day. There may be some other areas with their own special deals, so it might be a good idea to research the places you are thinking about spending a night or two. However, take into account that over holidays and free pass days it is normally much more crowded, so staking your spot early would probably be a good idea.

5. Solar equipment is growing in popularity these days and for good reason, too. If you manage to find some solar lamps, flashlights or lights to bring with you on your camping trip, think about how much money you would save on batteries. Select large retail stores are known to sell some of the smaller lights to put in the ground for just a few bucks, and that might be a great way to bring some illumination to your campsite.

6. Sometimes even just looking around your home may help when packing for a camping trip. Some of your regular household items can be disguised as one thing, but completely compatible for another use. For example, an old shower curtain might make a great tarp for under your tent, and bringing all that extra lint in your dryer may serve as great tinder for your fire. Not only would this reduce your list of things that you need to buy, but you may get an extra use out of something you might usually throw away anyway.

Regular Car Maintenance

We understand cars are expensive, and we aren’t just talking about the upfront costs that come with purchasing a vehicle. Regular car maintenance is definitely necessary, but it is not cheap. To maintain the value of your car and to avoid further depreciation it is important to service your vehicle regularly. Keep track of the services you have done to your car so you know when to have it serviced next. Not only going in when you think your car should be service, but also having your car checked every year by a professional is important. Continue reading Regular Car Maintenance

Posted by / April 16, 2017 / Posted in Auto

Why is sewing so good for us?

There are so many benefits from sewing that it is difficult to list them all. People enjoy sewing for different reasons, and at different stages in their lives. Making your own clothes and craft items for the home has never been more popular, thanks to the proliferation of websites providing ideas, patterns and instructions for almost anything.

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Make do and mend

Although this phrase was popularised in World War Two, it remains relevant today, when more and more people are feeling challenged by financial issues. If you invest in high quality clothing, you need to be able to keep it in good condition, so knowing the right way to sew on a button, replace a zip or take up a hem is as important today as it ever was. Making alterations to a size or style is also preferable to hitting the shops every couple of weeks.

Making your own clothes

In addition to saving money, making your own clothes is a good way to ensure that you and your family have a unique and up to date wardrobe. It is easy to find beautiful dress fabric online and create something really stunning for a special occasion.

It’s not only people who want to save money who make their own clothes. According to the Belfast Telegraph, the young daughter of Jennifer Lopez is taking after her seamstress great grandmother by sewing, and recently made a unique dress for the superstar.

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If you are considering sewing, why not explore the vast range of fabrics available online, from companies such as http://www.quality-fabrics.co.uk/?

Feeling good

Sewing makes you feel good too! One aspect of this is the satisfaction gained from the achievement of creating something beautiful and unique, whether it is an evening dress or a decorative wall hanging. Having a tangible result to show for your effort is often a reward in itself.

The hand-eye coordination that is needed for sewing helps to keep your brain active and can take your mind off everyday worries. You may prefer to sew alone and have plenty of time to yourself, but many people enjoy the social aspects of joining a sewing circle or quilting group. This can be particularly beneficial for older people who are socially isolated and those living with dementia. Making new friendships can enhance every aspect of their lives.

What professional footballers eat

Skills are improved through training, with players getting better day by day, but to achieve your optimum performance and success on the pitch, you need a diet that will provide you with the nutrition and energy to excel.

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According to Player Scout, the right diet is as important as your training regime. If you fuel your body correctly, you’ll see more gains for the same amount of training, and it will ensure you perform at your best and minimise the risk of injury.

Seven days before the game

Reducing your intake of carbohydrates at the start of the week and then gradually increasing it helps to maximise the levels of stored glycogen available during the match, which serves as a readily available source of energy.

Two to three days before the game

Consuming plenty of soups, especially those containing chilli, ginger, and turmeric, helps thin your blood, which in turns delivers more oxygen to your cells. Increasing oxygenation helps to prevent lactic acid formation which causes muscle fatigue and pain.

The day before the game

The evening meal before a game should contain more carbohydrate than usual, but don’t overload. The ideal balance is grilled chicken and fish with either sweet potato or jacket potato and green vegetables like spinach, which is high in carotenoid antioxidants to enhance visual abilities and sports performance.

Six hours before kick off

On match day, you need to take into account the weather and what clothing would be best, considering the range of strips available to you, such as Adidas football kits from https://www.kitking.co.uk.

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Aim to eat within 30 minutes of getting out of bed and avoid wheat based or high fibre products. An omelette and fruit salad provides the optimum balance of carbohydrate, fat, and protein, and these are easy to digest to avoid bloating.

Four hours before kick off

You want starchy carbohydrates and low fat options at this point, to fuel power. Chicken with quinoa and roasted vegetables or a jacket potato with tuna or salmon are ideal choices.

90 minutes before the match starts

Tropical fruits including banana, papaya, pineapple, and mango are the best final nutritional hit to have before kick off. They contain a modest amount of fibre, which helps prevent the sugar rush associated with other fruits, and this rush is best avoided because it can lead to lethargy.

Great movies for the big screen in your home

Cinematography is a big part of movie making and involves the art of photography. The word comes from the Greek ‘kinema’ which means movement or motion and ‘graphein’ meaning to record. Cinematography is used to refer to the artistic process of making films. We all love a good film and it’s great to watch an epic on our modern day, huge flat screen smart TVs. Especially a film that has been noted for its impressive cinematography. Here we take a look at some of the films that have won Oscars for their exceptional cinematography. You may want to add some of them to your watch list.

Titanic – 1997

This epic tells the tale of the sinking of the Titanic as it happened during the midst of a blossoming love affair. A teenage aristocrat falls in love with a handsome but poor artist and their tale is bound to become one of heartbreak and tragedy. To watch amazing films in your own home cinema, see Home Automation.

Braveheart – 1995

It’s easy to see how this movie had the potential to look incredible on the big screen. Epic battles and action adventure telling the story of Sir William Wallace on his quest for revenge. When his bride is murdered for assaulting an English soldier who tried to rape her, he swears vengeance and begins a revolt against King Edward I of England.

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Schindler’s List – 1993

Cinematic mastery occurred in this harrowing tale of the Holocaust. Directed by Steven Spielberg, Oscar Schindler is a brash businessman who gradually becomes increasingly concerned for the welfare of his Jewish workers under the Nazi regime in occupied Poland.

Dances With Wolves – 1990

An American Indian epic following the life of Lt. John Dunbar as he’s exiled to a remote Civil War outpost. He falls in love with a Native American woman and befriends the tribe, much to the disgust of his military colleagues. The wide, open plains were captured perfectly in the cinematography of this movie.

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Out of Africa – 1985

The scenery was always going to big and epic when setting a movie in Africa. The story tells of a Danish plantation owner who engages in a passionate love affair with a big game hunter in 20th century colonial Kenya.

Gandhi – 1982

Directed by Richard Attenborough and starring the magnificent Ben Kingsley, this movie shows us the life story of the legendary man that was Gandhi. A man of non-violence, through his patience and resolve, he managed to drive the British out of India. Such a big story needed some big screen cinematography.

Apocalypse Now – 1979

Set during the Vietnam War, a Captain is sent on a daring mission to assassinate a renegade colonel in Cambodia. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and an impressive line-up including Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando and Robert Duvall.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind – 1977

Another epic from Mr Spielberg, this sci-fic classic follows an average working man, who, after an encounter with a UFO, feels a strange draw to a certain area of landscape. When he gets there, amazing things happen.

5 Profitable Business Ideas for Social Entrepreneurs

We continue with profitable business articles for entrepreneurs. In this case, we will propose 10 profitable business ideas for social entrepreneurs, that is, responsible for society. To start a profitable business with any of these ideas is necessary a social motivation and if you have it will be very easy.

As always, in this article we show you the first 5 profitable business ideas for social entrepreneurs:

  1. Sell Used Furniture: By reselling used furniture, you’re keeping them out of the rapidly growing landfills all over the world. To supply your business at low cost, you will use sources such as auctions, classified ads or rebates. For starters, you can sell them from your home and if all goes well, you could expand to a small store. To maximize your impact as a social entrepreneur, you can buy items in good condition to sell them directly and articles in worse condition and sell them after repairing them. Putting these items up for sale will earn you benefits and save space in landfills at the same time.
  2. Fundraising Consultant: If you have great sales, organizational skills and a good team, you can work as a consultant helping nonprofits improve their fundraising. You can charge a percentage of the fundraising projects for which you are consulting and you will be able to work from home, so the initial cost is very low with this makes you can be close to your family and enjoy the process of helping to the community at the same time that you make a living.
  3. Socially Responsible Investment Advisor: For all those entrepreneurs who are looking for an advisor to start their investments, this niche market could be the key to success. In the long run, it is more than just a simple marketing strategy, the socially responsible real estate investment company helps customers put their money in investments representing companies that have a positive impact on research in the world. In the commercial practice of individual companies and investment companies within certain assumptions, an in-depth knowledge of what distinguishes these companies is required. Increasingly, people are looking to support socially responsible businesses, so this approach is good business for you and your customers.
  4. Importer of Third World Products: Help artisans from countries with economic difficulties to import their products and sell them in your country. Your clients will be helping to support the roots of community development and the economic independence of people in one or more developing regions around the world. You can make wholesale purchases of handicraft items that can then be sold online, in a store or both. You can also become a distributor, selling retail products to stores. You will have a smaller margin, but it is more than compensated in volume.
  5. Charity Auctions Service: These profitable businesses are similar to the fundraising consultant, and consist of helping charitable organizations earn more money. This business can do it in a very specific way by organizing the events planning for charity auctions and accommodation. You’ll be approaching local businesses to donate prizes for auction events, so you’ll have the ability to establish relationships with other profitable business owners as well as sales skills. To facilitate the auction, you’ll need to hire a licensed auctioneer or get a license, so keep that in mind when calculating your costs. This is a fun way to help non-profit communities and is not a bad way to make a living.

5 business ideas specializing in the singles market

Timpik. Sports App

Like many big businesses, Timpik emerged from a need: the one found by its founder, Camilo Lopez, when for work reasons he had to move to Madrid from Granada and realized that he had no one to play football with. That way he created an app that would serve as a meeting place for all those people willing to play sports, but without partners so that they could join. “I would not say that they are solitary people, but people who for different reasons do not have specific friends to play with,” explains Andres Lozano, CEO of the application.

Rapid expansion

Despite being a hundred percent digital tool, its methods of dissemination are more traditional: word of mouth is what works best. In addition, they contact different clubs to publicize their platform and disseminate it among their partners, thereby increasing the influx of their facilities. Simple systems, which are paying off: at the moment, have already registered about 190,000 people (about 3,500 new every month), with about 18,000 active users and holding an average of 3,000 matches of the paddle and 1,000 football each month. To start this business, $400,000 were needed, mainly from equity and a loan of $150,000 from the Andalusian Agency for Innovation and Development (IDEA). “It is a profitable company,” says Lozano, who acknowledges that annual turnover is around $170,000, with a profitability of 60,000. However, at the moment there are no major strategic changes, as they consider that there is still a little-digitized environment in society, which would stop any new project. “We want to grow little by little and consolidate that profitability,” he concludes.

Gruppit. Leisure club

A growing and the very active segment from a social and cultural point of view. This is how Rafa Serra, CEO, and co-founder of Gruppit, defines the sector of singles to which his platform is directed, in charge of organizing events, excursions, and trips with the aim that his clients know “people of his sociocultural profile with whom to share hobbies And carry out their preferred activities. ” A type of clientele quite volatile, since the personal conditions of each one change a lot over time. Hence, their challenge is “to offer a product that is maintained in time”, since they are not only addressed to singles, but to people who at a certain moment want to perform activities alone, without their partners or friends. Its hubs are located in Madrid and Barcelona, where they have physical offices, but also have a public relations team in other cities, such as Valencia and Milan. In addition, it is a purely digital business, as communications with its users are produced by social networks, web, app and weekly newsletters, and with online marketing campaigns to publicize your AdWords and Facebook services.

Reduced investment

As it was a service business, the investment required to start it was not very high and was borne by the founding partners themselves. After more than 10 years of operation, at present they invoice three million dollar direct and four million indirect ones, reason why, as Serra recognizes, it is a profitable business, that employs 15 people and that already has an expansion project In the medium term, with a view to incorporating the business model in other countries.

And why not. Travel agency

I can do what I really want when traveling and know the destinations that my environment does not want to know or I can even be the person I really am for a week or two a year. ” With that philosophy, Santiago Rey founded Yporquenosolo, an agency that organizes trips around the world in small groups with a single requirement: anyone who wants to register has to do it alone, without friends, family, couple … And is that freedom that It contributes not having a known to the side is for King one of the keys to his business, since “when people travel alone and knows that the rest of the group does it in those same conditions, the environment and the treatment between them is more Open and comfortable “.

Prescribing Customers

In its beginnings, the novelty of the business meant that it appeared in many media, which allowed to make known the company. Now, in addition to the work of dissemination through social networks, word of mouth is their best channel: “Take care of your customers and let them promote your company”, recommends Rey. And even though they have physical agency, between 90% and 95% of their customers hire travel through the Internet.

Although travel agencies tend to disappear, Yporquenosolo takes advantage of being the first company to cover this niche market and in the boom of this way of travel: “This year we expect to bill between 1-1.5 million dollars. Our forecasts, if our politicians allow it and the world becomes a little sane, is to reach a turnover of 2-2.5 million dollars over the next three years, “augurs Rey.

Enotumismo. Wine tourism company

Single people are less reluctant to travel alone, to meet people, to have fun with new friends, “says Enrique Lopez, founder of this agency that brings people together to enjoy wine. “We are clear that we are not a marriage agency; We just want to have fun meeting new people and visiting wineries, “he says. “Enotumismo is different; Is the opportunity to satisfy your curiosity about wine, discovering new areas and wineries, and at the same time expanding your range of friends.

This company came about thanks to the success of another of Lopez ‘s projects, El Cavino, which brings together people who want to make the Camino de Santiago visiting several wineries. With an initial investment of 50,000 dollars, they carried out this initiative in early 2015 and after several trips realized that many people came to these events alone, which gave them the idea of creating a line of business directed exclusively at that Independent public.

Although it is a recent business, it has two tricks in its favor that makes Lopez have a “total confidence” in its product and “expectations of short-term growth quite hopeful”: more and more people are choosing to become independent and not to live with anyone else, without wanting to compromise or who separates; And tourism focused on wine has not stopped growing in recent years, even with the crisis. Two components to which we must add the differentiation of its offer since neither is a travel agency to use nor a social club, so abundant today: “I think we offer a very original service,” Lopez said.

Accommodation for students

Many students come alone, are very young and have difficulty renting, since the conventional lease requires a minimum duration that is usually greater than their study period, “says Angel Cervera, executive director. “In addition, they need to have everything resolved from the first day.” Hence the idea of creating this platform that facilitates this adaptation to students from other regions that travel alone in our country.

Social plumber

In addition, Aluni.net serves as a social channel for these newcomers, as it offers rooms in shared flats with other young people, which favors integration. In this line, the company organizes weekly activities (trips, dinners, parties, excursions) that make it easier for students who have come to the United States alone to meet many other children their age. A business that emerged in 1998 with an initial investment of a family of about 3,000 dollars, which was sufficient, since subsequently, it was enough to reinvest in the company the benefits that were being obtained. So far, business success figures speak for themselves: they have housed about 20,150 students, and in some periods of the year they have to manage 1,500 accommodation at the same time. A consolidated business that has not been altered by the economic crisis, to such an extent that, as Poole admits, it benefited them: “In times of great unemployment, students decide to extend their studies, doing masters, learning languages, etc. And the owners who were in a hurry, decide to rent rooms. “

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Cable Internet Connection

Today big companies are fighting for your Internet business.  These include big phone companies, satellite operators, and cable television providers.  It seems that increasingly we are hearing about the good reasons people use cable Internet. These reasons are very real, but there are also reasons some consumers do not like cable.  Let’s take a look at both the advantages and disadvantages of using a cable Internet connection.

Just to clarify the subject, a cable connection merely means that your Internet signal is sent over the same cable that you use to watch television.  Most cable TV companies are also cable Internet providers.

Advantage:  Faster Connection Speeds

Many consumers feel that the greatest advantage of cable is that it provides the fastest and most trouble free Internet connection available. They feel this way because an Internet connection using a cable modem generally promises a greater level of bandwidth than DSL (which uses a telephone line) — and more bandwidth translates to faster speed.

For years cable providers have been offering download speeds up to 30 Mbps.  Most DSL services, on the other hand, are unable to provide download speeds greater than 10 Mbps. To add insult to injury, cable companies have recently started offering ultra packages featuring download speeds up to 100 Mbps!  These companies boast that, at 100 Mbps, it is possible to download a complete two-hour feature film in about two minutes!

Advantage:  Excellent Customer Service with Fewer Service Interruptions

Another advantage of a cable connection is that cable companies generally provide excellent customer service and very little down time.  If you have a problem with your Internet connection, you can usually get a solution with a simple phone call.  Most of the customer service technicians working with Internet customers are extremely intelligent and know their business.  And, because the cable coming into your home is usually buried underground, there are less things that can go wrong.  As a result, service interruptions are very infrequent.

So even though cable companies generally provide the fastest speeds, excellent customer service and the fewest service interruptions, there are also disadvantages to using cable Internet.

Disadvantage:  Cable Internet is Not Available to Everyone

Just because you have cable television doesn’t necessarily mean that cable Internet is available to you.  Why?  The answer is that not every cable infrastructure is designed to offer 2-way transmissions using a cable modem. As time moves forward, however, this is proving to be less and less of a problem since Internet service is the largest major profit center for cable providers.

Disadvantage:  Speed Limitations Due to Competition from Your Neighbors

Another disadvantage is that cable providers frequently place speed limitations on residential customers, resulting in a lower bandwidth.  As a result, your actual speed may not be as fast as promised.  Companies do this for a number of reasons.  One is that cable customers share their bandwidth with other cable customers in their neighborhood and speeds can fluctuate based on the volume of individuals sharing the cable bandwidth at the same time.

Cable companies also offer telephone service known as VoIP (which means voice over Internet protocol).  This service allows subscribers to place and receive phone calls using their Internet connection instead of a standard analog phone line.  While this service is generally cheaper than analog service and frequently offers free domestic long distance and very reasonable International rates, it also uses broadband – thus competing for your bandwidth.

So, when you boil it all down, is cable the right choice for you?  Millions of cable users love their fast, trouble free Internet connections.  Others, however, point out that what is delivered is not always what is promised.  They feel that cable service suffers during peak usage hours due to the heavy neighborhood demand put on their local cable.   Perhaps it is time for you to try cable Internet and decide for yourself.

Guest author Bob Brownell enjoys writing about a variety of topics, including technology.  If you enjoyed his article on cable internet, you might be interested in learning more about broadband options in your neighborhood.

How classroom layout impacts learning

It’s not just the actual learning materials that can support students in their studies. The design and layout of the classroom can also enhance their learning, so it’s important to think about how you use the workspace and plan an effective layout.

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We all know that a clean and clutter free work area is far more conducive to productivity, and the same rings true for classrooms. We can do a lot to work with the physical element of schools and make it easier for pupils to learn and keep them focussed on the work.

A study by researchers at the University of Salford School of the Built Environment discovered that there are five elements that can have a significant impact on how well a student learns when it comes to classroom design. These are colour, choice, complexity, flexibility and light and should be key considerations when planning bespoke education buildings.

Colour

In order for students to learn effectively they need to have the right type of visual stimulation, so it’s essential to choose the colours that work best for them. The most effective layout has been found to be light shades on the majority of walls, combined with a bright feature wall.

Choice

School environments are under increasing pressure for space, with an additional 750,000 places required by 2025, which makes getting the right mixture of furniture even more important. For instance, ergonomic chairs and tables and accessible storage will support pupils.

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Complexity

Alongside colours, getting the amount of visual stimulation right is also crucial to keep students focussed and engaged. Personalising the space with pupil’s work can encourage them and gives a sense of pride and achievement.

Flexibility

When working on bespoke education buildings, such as those designed by http://www.educationspaces.co.uk/, flexibility is essential in order for the space to work effectively. It’s beneficial to have the ability to use the space in different configurations or to have a varied floor area that gives the scope to engage in a wide variety of activities.

Light

Large amounts of natural light are more beneficial for learning environments, but you need to be aware of the issues of glare, such as sunlight hitting whiteboards and other reflective surfaces. Where necessary, introduce high quality light sources, as opposed to fluorescent bulbs, which can reduce attention levels.