Skipping Stone Design

Skipping Stone Design

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Pool Maintenance 101: Everything You Need to Know About Pool Care

There’s nothing more exciting than taking a dip in a sparkling pool on a hot day! Pools provide tons of family fun. We love those pool games!

Pools offer the perfect addition to backyard barbecues. And swimming in your pool helps relax your aching muscles and provides great exercise.

But to keep your pool looking beautiful and operating at top efficiency, you need proper pool maintenance. In this post, you’ll learn essential tips for correct pool care.

Whether you’re a new homeowner and installing a new pool or want to take care of your existing pool, here’s what you need to know about maintaining your pool. Let’s dive in!

Get Your Pool Serviced Regularly

Thinking of installing an above ground pool DIY? Before you decide, know the top pool installation mistakes to avoid. Even so, it’s important to hire a professional to service your pool once a year.

You can maintain some typical pool duties on your own if you have the time or interest. But certain tasks should be left to a professional pool company.

While you can do some regular maintenance we’ll discuss in this article, professionals ensure your pool systems work properly. The systems they’ll check include the following:

  • Correct operation of pumps
  • Proper filtration of your pool filters
  • Efficient heating systems

Don’t attempt these tasks on your own unless you’re a trained professional. Know that pool specialists possess the knowledge that will ensure your pool’s efficient operation and prolong the life of your pool.

Consistently Check the Water Quality

The first step to maintaining your swimming pool is testing the water quality. To do this, you need to add the proper chlorine levels to your pool.

The proper chlorine levels fight off bacteria that could form in your pool. Ensure the levels are consistent every time you test the water quality.

This is one of the most critical things you can do for your pool because it makes your pool safe for you and your family. Make sure to check the chemicals at least once a week in the summer or when the pool is in use.

Do you live in a state like Florida when you can swim in your pool during multiple seasons? Then you’ll need to check it weekly.

You may find you want to check it twice a week. This may depend on the wildlife and natural environment surrounding your pool.

Also, check the pool’s chemical Ph levels every two weeks at least when it’s not in use. Improper Ph may build up calcium in and around your pool or cause other issues. Your pH should measure between 7.42 and 7.68.

Clean Your Pool Filter

When it comes to correct pool maintenance, a clean filter is key. You don’t need to clean the filter as frequently as you check your pool’s pH level, but it’s still important to ensure your pool works properly and looks clean.

Make sure to check the filter after inclement weather. A hurricane or heavy rainfall can bring extra debris into your pool. Otherwise, you can safely check your filter every three months.

How to Clean Your Cartridge Filter

Want to clean your cartridge filter on your own? Then follow these steps:

  1. Slip into a pair of long rubber protective gloves.
  2. Get some goggles to protect your eyes.
  3. Fill a large container or trash can with 90% water but leave room on the top.
  4. Then add a 10% solution of Trisodium phosphate or muriatic acid to the trash can. Seriously protect your skin and eyes. These are strong chemicals.
  5. Soak the cartridges in the solution
  6. Remove them when they look clean.
  7. Place them in an area to dry.

Empty All the Baskets Around Your Pool

Your pool houses a variety of baskets and collection containers. The first one to check is the container near the pump. Clean the hair and lint out of it. This may be enclosed in a glass container.

Before you do anything, turn off the pump. Then let out the pressure. Do this every couple of weeks. You may want to do it more often, especially if your pets swim in the pool.

When you’re done with the pump container, walk around the pool and empty the other baskets around such as the leaf basket and skimmer basket.

Skim The Surface and Scrub the Sides of Your Pool

We love a clean pool! But it takes a little work. Sometimes when we get busy, we forget to skim our pool. But it shouldn’t be neglected. It’s easy to see leaves scattered around the surface of our pool and ignore them.

Walk around your pool with a skimmer every day and empty and discard the leaves. You also need to scrub the sides of your pool with a brush to keep your pool siding in top condition.

See any algae forming on the sides of your pool? Make sure to scrub it immediately before it grows.

Preparing for the Off-Season

Follow these steps to close up your pool. They will keep everything running in prime condition until you reopen your pool.

  • Test the water before you close the pool
  • Remove additional water from your plumbing lines
  • Put on your pool cover snugly to keep out debris during the off-season.

Taking these steps will ensure your pool is ready to go during the season. It will also avoid potential pool problems that could put a damper on your pool fun (and your wallet).

Pool Maintenance Tips Roundup

Follow these pool maintenance tips to proper pool care and don’t forget to call in a pro to check your pool’s systems. With proper pool cleaning and maintenance, you’ll enjoy years of fun and relaxation in your new swimming pool. Marco Polo!

Looking for more expert tips about your home? Explore more content on our blog.

3 Tips For Creating A Website For Your Small Business

If you’re just starting with a new small business, one of the first things you’re going to want to take care of is setting yourself up a new website. Not only will your website we used to get in touch with current and prospective customers and clients, but you can and should also conduct your business through your website. And for those who aren’t yet working with you, a strong website can help them make the decision to use your products or services in the first place.

To help you set something up that’s going to be a true benefit for your new organization, here are three tips for creating a website for your small business.

Find The Right Web Hosting Service

Before you really start working on your website, you’re going to need to find the right web hosting service to host your website and act as your go-to if you have questions or problems with the functionality of your website and how it interacts with the Internet.

According to Allison Bowlus, a contributor to AllBusiness and Forbes.com, one of the best options for a young business that’s looking to grow is to use a virtual private server. This hosting service will give you the hosting services and security you’ll want for your website without having to pay a huge monthly fee that many startups can’t really afford.

Design For Easy Use

Now that you have your web hosting figured out, you’ll want to focus your attention on designing a great website that’s going to be easy and intuitive for your visitors.

When aiming for easy use and navigation, Kelly Main, a contributor to Fit Small Business, recommends that you start by setting up a sitemap so you can see how you want your navigation to be laid out and what pages you’ll have connected to each other in a hierarchy. This can make it much easier for you to plan how visitors will move through your website and eventually convert.

Make Contacting You Effortless

Despite all your efforts to get everything taken care of with your new website, there’s a great possibility that you’ll forget some information or not have all the details that some visitors will be looking for. In these situations, you’ll want to make it easy for your visitors to contact you.

While you can include your phone number or email address, Syed Balkhi, a contributor to Entrepreneur.com, recommends that you make this even more effortless by using a contact form or a chat service. Taking these measures can make your visitors more likely to get in contact with you when they need something, which can quickly turn them from visitors to customers.

If you’re about to start a new website for your new business, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you get everything set up correctly.

Home Exteriors: 4 Must-Know Tips for Improving Curb Appeal

Regardless of how busy the housing market gets, selling a home can be a long process. One thing that helps a lot: improving curb appeal.

As a general rule, homes with great curb appeal fetch higher prices. The secret lies in providing a good first impression. Studies show that people gain impressions of objects after a few seconds, and these initial ideas are hard to shake off.

Not sure how to improve the curb appeal of your home? Here are 4 effective tips that should help you out!

1. Clean the Exterior

Before doing anything else, you should wash your home exterior. A thorough washing – a couple of weekends’ worth – can remove years of dirt and dust. All you need is one pressure washer, a long-handled brush, and a bucket of soapy water.

If this doesn’t make your walls shine, you may want to repaint them. This isn’t a low-budget option, but it can be worth its weight in gold. If you can’t afford a complete paint job, consider focusing on the trim.

2. Manicure the Lawn

Proper landscaping is another thing that can make a big difference in curb appeal. That said, you don’t want to go overboard. A simple yard facelift will only set you back a few hundred dollars while increasing the home’s value by 5-10%.

Focus on trimming the trees, pruning the shrubs, and making sure the grass is neat. If you notice any dead patches, replace them with sod from a local department store. Pulling up weeds, removing foliage, and putting down more mulch also helps a lot.

3. Inspect Your Roof

Does your roof have curled, faded, or missing shingles? If so, that can have a significant impact on your home’s value. You may not think about your roof too often, but this is one of the first things potential buyers will notice.

This is why repairing your roof is one of the best ways to increase curb appeal. You may also be able to get away with just a thorough cleaning, which could set you back about $1,000. For more information, contact a professional roofing contractor.

4. Add More Style

Curb appeal isn’t only about repairing what you have. Knowing how to add curb appeal can go a long way toward expressing your home’s personality. Keep in mind that buyers are more likely to go for a home they can picture themselves in.

For example, most front doors are boring to look at. Why not add a burst of color by painting it red or even replace it with a rustic wood door? You can also install a gray picket fence, add a new mailbox, or lay down an interesting welcome mat.

More on Improving Curb Appeal

These days, most home buyers start their journey online. Many of your prospective buyers will decide whether to drive by your home based on what they’re able to see from the street. The above tips can help you impress them.

Want to know more about improving curb appeal? Interested in making the most out of your driveway or concrete patio? Check out our Lifestyle section!

9 Ways to Make Your Garden Fun

An outdoor garden is a great way to encourage children to spend time outside and learn about nature. If your home has the space to build a garden, then you’ll want to create one that you and the entire family will love. Although at first, a garden might seem like something only an adult would benefit from, once you start creating it, you’ll learn that there are plenty of fun garden ideas.

How can you ensure you make your garden fun?

Imagine a magical world where bright and colorful flowers fill your eyes. There’s a mystery around every corner and critters of all sorts run the paths with you. Sounds enchanting, doesn’t it?

You can build this very place for your little ones. The end result is a stunning garden that your children will never want to leave. Continue reading below to find out about a few different ways to make your outdoor garden fun!

1. Allow the Imagination to Run

A place where the imagination can run wild is a place where your children want to be. It’ll make a neat place for you as well. When building your garden, consider laying down paths that curve into unseen areas.

Build garden walls from vines and lattice to separate different sections in the garden. If you want to see what’s behind the walls, you’ll need to follow the path. When your garden has a couple of these areas, your children will become obsessed with exploring, discovering, and imagining.

2. Install a Swing or Hammock

There are many furniture items that you can add to your garden. A swing, a hammock, or even a small pool will work well. The best above ground pools can be installed and then blended into your garden’s atmosphere.

A hammock is a great way to relax in nature after running down all the winding garden pathways. If you have a seating area in your garden for the adults, then be sure to install a few swings near the seating area.

As the adults sit at the table, the children can swing on the swings.

3. Create Grow Stations

Children are naturally curious. They’ll love having different grow stations in the garden. Use raised garden boxes to grow several different things.

You can have one grow station where you grow vegetables, one for a fruit, and one for a favorite flower. Start the plants off as seeds. Plant them with your little ones, bring them out to the garden to water and tend to them.

As the plants grow, the children will love to see the progress, and getting to snack on a sweet berry at the end is always a plus as well. This is also the perfect opportunity to teach them about gardening and agriculture.

4. Build Hideaways

What child doesn’t love a good hideaway? There’s something about hidden away nooks that children just can’t get enough of.

You can create hideaways, forts, or tents with the use of bamboos and vines. Place bamboo sticks in the ground in a circle shape. Leave a small section open.

This is how your children will crawl in and out. Then, secure the tops of the bamboo with garden twine. To make the hideaway more green and full, you can plant sweet peas and other beans and plants that climb on the outside of the structure.

Over time, they’ll grow around it, making a neat hiding spot.

5. Find Ways to Invite Critters

Critters love gardens. Gardens provide shelter and food for many small creatures. You will, however, need to have a good balance of all the right critters.

Some critters are beneficial to your garden, while others can damage it. Look into the type of plants you’re growing and see what types of critters you need to attract to keep it healthy.

You can also place a birdbath and birdfeeder in the garden to bring all sorts of birds to your home. Your children will love watching the critters and interacting with them.

6. Use Tree Stumps as Stepping Stones

The more natural you can keep your garden, the better. Find a narrow area where you can place tree stumps down. Use tree stumps of all different sizes both width and height.

Place them in a line. Your children will have fun stepping on them and jumping from one stump to another. If possible, have the stumps lead to a specific area in the garden, like a small buttery garden section.

7. Incorporate Play Equipment Into the Design

Average play equipment can be used in your garden as well. If your garden is on a slope, then you can install a slide that leads from the top of the slope to the bottom.

You can also create tunnels using sheets of metal hidden under the terrain. Create a playground or a natural jungle gym inside your garden, and the children won’t ever want to leave.

8. Plant a Sensory Garden

A sensory garden is a great idea for the little ones. What flowers can you plant that’ll light up their eyes, entice their nostrils, encourage them to feel different textures, allow them to taste new things, and bless their ears with natural sounds when the wind blows through?

Find a plant, flower, or veggie that’ll help them engage in one of their senses and have a plant for each sense. This is how you build a sensory garden.

9. Lay Mosaic Tiles as Game Pieces

Mosaic tiles are bright and colorful and can even work as game pieces in your garden. Find a path and lay down a few mosaic tiles as stepping stones.

Each stone can have a bright number on it. Place them in order and create a hop-scotch playground for the little ones.

How Will You Make Your Garden Fun for the Family?

Which fun ideas listed above will you use to make your garden fun for the entire family? Take an idea straight from this list or let some of these items inspire you to come up with your own.

For topics about the home, be sure to check back with us regularly!

5 Tips for Investing in Your Kitchen

Kitchen remodels a significant investment for your home, and renovations can range from $10,000 up to $50,000 or more. If you are looking for a modest repair or total upgrade, you need to understand the budget for your kitchen renovation. Below are five tips for investing in your kitchen.

1. Determine Your Max Budget and Stick to It

Before beginning your kitchen renovation, you need to make sure you know the total amount you can spend. Everyone has a Pinterest idea of their dream kitchen, but you also need to be honest about how much you can afford on the kitchen upgrade.

If you have plans to sell your home in the future, your renovation should be focused more on an investment, which means that your budget for your renovation should accommodate items that will give you the most significant return on investment.

To stick to a budget, you need to thoroughly plan and be prepared for the unexpected that can happen, such as asbestos or lead, which need to be tested and carefully removed.

2. Do Your Homework First

Kitchen renovations can be complicated, and there are many questions you will need to ask before getting started, such as:

  • How do you plan to use the kitchen? Does your family eat out a lot? Or do you love entertaining and cooking? It would help if you designed your kitchen layout for the use of the kitchen.
  • How many people use your kitchen at a time? The layout of a kitchen is vital in design and planning. If you have a big family, you want a kitchen that feels open and can accommodate a lot of people gathering around.
  • What type of food do you eat? If most of the food you eat is a fresh food, then you do not need a large pantry, you should invest in a larger refrigerator, instead of a bigger pantry.
  • What are your kitchen must-haves? You need to know your must-haves, such as a farmhouse sink. You should budget for your must-haves first. Keep a nice-to-have items list in the back of your mind so you can plan accordingly for these items.

If you are making last-minute changes during the renovation, you will quickly increase the cost of your kitchen remodel. It is important to have a good plan and research layouts, material, etc. to be more prepared.

3. Choose Your Materials Wisely

Choose the materials on your own. Shop around for your big items that typically cost the most, such as cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances.

  • Cabinets – pricing for cabinets can vary, its essential to not make rational decisions, take your time to find quality cabinets that are in your budget.
  • Countertops – this is another item in the kitchen renovation that can vary greatly. Quarts or granite are extremely popular but are expensive. Shop around for other options that are equally as good but might fit your budget better.
  • Flooring – prices range depending on the flooring you want to install or materials you wish to use, such as hardwood or tile.
  • Appliances – get quality appliances that look nice, function, without being over the top.

4. Please get to Know Contractor Before Hiring Them

Before you decide on a contractor, you should follow things considered:

  • You know the rough layout you want for your kitchen. Email your design to contractors to give them a visual of the work you want to do. Assigning a contract a plan of your design can help with them predicting timelines and giving a more accurate quote on the job.
  • You supply the materials. Make sure you have the materials you want to use. Having them beforehand can help with the contractor completing the project on time. Providing your own materials will also save you contractor prices and can help keep your budget down.
  • You understand the scope of work. It is essential to know how much work essentials are for communicating with your contractor. For example, you might only want cosmetic updates and do not want to change the layout of your kitchen.

5. Do Some Work Yourself

If you are able, you can help save money on your budget by doing some items in the remodel yourself. Kitchen renovations can be extremely complicated, but maybe save money on the painting by painting walls and trim yourself. Also, look at replacing cabinets or doors, painting, or replacing floors. If you have some experience, these are some jobs you can do yourself to help save money on the kitchen renovation.

 

7 Simple Steps That Can Make a Huge Difference in Your Living Room

Many homeowners often use their living room as a relaxation spot whether they want to spend time alone or with their loved ones. Given this, it should allow your unique style shine through effortlessly and remain functional.

It’s ideal to focus on the living room first whenever you’re enhancing your home instead of working on all the rooms at the once. Without much ado, here are some little steps you can take today to transform your living room.

1. Introduce artwork

The artwork is one of the elements that can give an instant lift to any space. This step doesn’t require much effort or money. A large one can come in handy if your living room feels empty.

The good thing is that you can roll up your sleeve and create something stunning. Apart from that, adorn your living room with your children’s artwork.

2. Get quality furniture pieces

The furniture in each room in your home should be comfortable and durable. Bear this in mind as you shop for designer cushions and sofas. Introducing colorful throw pillows in your living room will help to achieve a more vibrant look.

At times, your living room may only need a slight alteration to the seating areas. If you can’t afford new pieces, consider rearranging and cleaning the existing ones.

3. Create a new focal point

In case your fireplace or accent wall has been serving as your focal point for a while, it’s time to switch things up. Other ways to create a focal point is to design a gallery wall and hang a large painting.

4. Use bold colors

Colors can make or break your living room design. Your best bet is to rely on bold colors that will make your home welcoming with a neat appearance. Colors like beige and cream can be used for your walls.

5. Your layout matters

It’s common for some homeowners to have attractive décor pieces and furniture but lack a proper layout. This will make their living room look unappealing. Try to get the furniture pieces that are the right size for your space.

Stick to a layout that will help you achieve a cohesive look and give enough room to move around freely.

6. Lighting fixtures

The lighting system of your living can affect mood, create the illusion of a bigger space, and accentuate other features. The latest LED models can be controlled remotely. This will go a long way to boost the security of your home regardless of your location.

Lighting fixtures come in different sizes. It’s imperative to get your lighting right and opt for the size that’s perfect for your space.

7. Keep it simple

Your living room can reveal a lot about you. Simplicity will help you achieve a balanced and classy look in your living room during each season. Remember to consider this when choosing your furniture and accent pieces. Another thing is to keep the items you rarely use out of sight.

About Author: Rabin is a popular home DIY topic. He is well known to inspire other homeowners.

 

6 Perfect Loft Ideas That’ll Transform Your Home’s Interior Design

Your lift is an open and adaptable space that can be transformed into whatever you desire. Even if you think that lifting a bed only works for dorm rooms or tiny houses, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. There are plenty of beautiful loft ideas for small homes that can get your sleeping quarters out of the way.

You can build or even buy a new loft for your space without knowing rocket science. It just takes a good eye and the right attention to detail. Read on to discover the most amazing loft ideas for your home!

1. A Floating Loft

Floating loft beds really help you make the most of any space while allowing you to add new spots in your space. You can use the added space for working, lounging, or for storage. If you have high ceilings, then you’ll especially appreciate having a floating loft to create a cozy resting area that’s totally out of the way.

2. A Storage Loft

If you’re looking for the best loft ideas for small homes, consider a storage loft. A lofted bed that features drawers, cabinets, or shelves underneath could be essential. The bed will only need to be raised a few feet off of the ground to create even more space to have books, clothes, and other goods.

3. An Office Loft

You can make your dream home office by converting it into a loft space. No matter how much square space you have, you can create an office/bedroom space in your loft area. You’ll simply need a slim desk, good lighting, and a solid chair to get to work!

4. A Closet Loft

For those boarding out a loft with high rise ceilings, you should consider adding more storage to your bedroom. You can use the space of your closet for an extra bedroom as well! Store any extra sweaters whenever you don’t have guests and save yourself space by building a closet loft.

5. A Children’s Room Loft

The best loft ideas for homes with children include a lot more than bunk beds. Elevate that spot instead by building a beautiful loft bed. Their bedroom will turn into the comfiest area for them to read, nap, and store all of their favorite toys underneath!

6. A Low Loft

Low lofts don’t require you to climb a ladder just to hop into bed. If you’re not really into heights or tend to toss and turn through the night, a low loft is perfect. You can go for a design that’s only steps from the ground so you can use that slim space for shoe storage.

The Best Ideas for Homes

Now you have the best ideas for homes that you can get working on today! No more sacrificing space for style, these stylish loft ideas can improve your space in no time. Take advantage of your place by consolidating space with a fresh and unique loft!

The Role of Endocannabinoid System and What CBD Has to Do with It

People have been familiar with the healing properties of cannabis for millennia. Before this plant became notorious due to abuse, it was known for its many beneficial properties for human health. Today, science is working to restore cannabis to its old glory, and it seems to be succeeding.

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Derivatives of this plant, cannabinoids, have been found in the human body. There comes the link between your body and the positive effects of cannabis on your health. This fact intrigued scientists, so they continued with research on cannabinoids.

On the link below, see how many of these compounds exist:

https://potguide.com/blog/article/how-many-cannabinoids-are-found-in-marijuana/.

That’s how they have discovered the endocannabinoid system. It is because of cannabinoids that the system got this name. All mammals have it since the level of the zygote. Its role is to establish balance at the cell level, and it performs this function all the time.

The role of the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered almost 30 years ago, quite by accident. Until then, scientists did not know that there is a mechanism in the human body that maintains health and balance at the physiological level. It consists of a series of receptors of two types, CB1 and CB2. They are located in all body tissues and organs.

As receptors are present throughout the body, the proper functioning of the ECS can help regulate any organ’s work. This system helps with inflammatory processes, internal infections, and boosting immunity. In general, positive effects can be seen in all organ systems.

The ‘fuel’ for ECS receptors are the cannabinoids your body makes. The production of these compounds takes place 24/7. The body regulates the secretion of these compounds in the optimal amounts. These are necessary to maintain balance in your body. When there is a stalemate, outside help is needed – cannabinoids from cannabis.

Mechanism of Action of CBD

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If you check this reference, you will see why CBD is one of the cannabinoids that attracts the most attention. This compound is an ingredient in many cannabis products on the market, and among the most sought after is CBD oil. Cannabidiol has a very beneficial effect on ECS, almost like natural cannabinoids.

This mechanism of action is not simple. CBD does not have a direct effect on CB1 and CB2 receptors. That’s a good thing. Because of that, cannabidiol is not psychoactive. As it doesn’t trigger receptors directly, it doesn’t affect your mind. THC, which is also a cannabinoid, provides a ‘high’ effect.

CBD stimulates ECS to suppress an enzyme that prevents the production of a natural cannabinoid. This cannabinoid is also known as anandamide. It helps regulate essential functions such as appetite, memory, sleep, and, most importantly, pain. Specific receptors control each of these functions. Activated receptors release neurotransmitters. These chemicals regulate mood, the wakefulness cycle, painful sensations, and so on.

Use of CBD Has Therapeutic Properties

Some people need a little help because maybe their ECS is not working as it should. The role of cannabidiol is to work instead of anandamide for a while. After some time of taking CBD, the natural secretion of endocannabinoids backs to normal.

Minimal doses of CBD give the best results in treating symptoms of many diseases. With a small amount of cannabidiol, you will become more sensitive to this compound. That’s why you feel more healing effects.

When using synthetic drugs, the opposite happens. After prolonged use, you don’t become sensitive but resistant. That is why many conventional therapies lose their effectiveness after some time. They need ‘reinforcement’ in the form of CBD.

Small doses of CBD can make your ECS work more efficiently. Start using CBD oil as a supplement to make your body stronger and more resistant to diseases and harmful effects from the environment. Optimal doses of cannabis should be adjusted to your health condition. Only then, your body is ready to fight all kinds of health threats.

Cannabinoids improve your internal health by acting on the ECS. Proper work of this system helps you cope with chronic pain, inflammation, mental disorders, and many other conditions. Still, you should keep in mind that CBD from cannabis is not a drug (at least not officially). It would help if you took it only as an adjunct therapy.

Top U.S. Cities To Ride an Electric Bicycle

Talk about the transportation of the future has usually concentrated on such things as flying cars, sophisticated rail systems and autonomous vehicles. However, a good case can be made for the electric bicycle as the ideal mode of transportation for the present and the future. There is an electric bicycle for men and for women. Sales are skyrocketing, and for good reason. The electric bicycle is affordably priced, environmentally friendly and convenient for both the city and the suburbs. In many cases, it offers a little more flexibility and freedom than a bus or subway system. In fact, the electric bike is a great way to get around cities of all sizes, from those as large as New York City to smaller towns such as Savannah, Georgia, and Ashland, Oregon. Here are some great American cities to commute in or explore on two wheels by way of electrical power:

  • Portland, OR, is the place to ride to famous Powell’s Books or relax at a trendy brewpub
  • Tuscon, AZ, offers nice weather year-round and open spaces just outside of the city
  • San Diego, CA, has the Mission Bay Park with its abundant bike paths and water views
  • Chicago, IL, has the Lake Michigan bike path that can be used for sightseeing and commuting
  • Boulder, CO, provides access to bustling Pearl Street and a lively restaurant scene

With its pedal-assist technology, the flexible electric bicycle is suitable for all ages. The bike frames are robust enough to allow commuters and others to carry some extra gear.

A Solid Choice of Styles and Features

The consumer is king when it comes to finding the right bike for each individual. A ladies electric bike comes in many shapes, styles and colors. All of the conveniences of comfort and speed make the journey in the city or suburbs more rewarding and more enjoyable. Upright handlebars, comfortable seats, strong brakes and sturdy tires combine to make a better ride. The customer can also choose between a 250 watt or a 500 watt motor. The larger motor offers a little more speed and power, but both will work on climbing the biggest urban hills. Speeds of 30 mph can be reached with the larger motor. Riders can also choose from three modes: all electric, pedal assist and all manual. Once the rider has found a suitable bike and chosen the perfect fit, the e-bike is ready to be shipped and power the person to work or play.

A New World of Biking

The days of suffering on a bike are over. There is no need to feel cramped and sore or struggle up that final hill on the way home or to work. Best of all, the rider gets to feel the weather of the day and hear the sounds of the city. The electric motor runs quiet and smooth. It’s easy to buy electric bike online with a convenient website that includes valuable information such as styles, models, colors and pricing. Consumers, whether male or female, young or old, large or small, can find the perfect fit with the Fit Tool application.

 

Top 5 Best Building Materials to Consider for Your House

He huffed, and he puffed, and he blew the house down! We all learned at an early age that it’s not a good idea to build a house out of straw or sticks. But what are the best building materials and which is right for you?

We can look at history and see what our ancestors did in order to build the oldest buildings in the world. Of course, a lot has changed in the world of architecture since the Megalithic Temples of Malta went up. So if you’re interested in modern house building materials, read on to learn the differences and why you should take them into consideration.

1. Wood Is Good

Wood is a very friendly building material as it is lightweight, easily cut to length, and can be used structurally or decoratively. It can be quite strong when treated to resist moisture and lasts a long time.

However, wood is susceptible to damage from moisture, insects, and fire, all of which can leave your building uninhabitable.

2. Solid Stone

Humans have been building with stone for ages and value it for its strength, load-bearing properties, ability to withstand fire and the elements, and natural beauty.

While modern-day contractors rarely build entire stone structures, it is popular to use it as a veneer or for the facade of a building. Stone is heavy, difficult to lift, and expensive to extract from the earth. Unfortunately, there are more modern materials that are preferred over a stone structure which makes this option look like it’s from the stone age.

3. You Can Count on Concrete

Concrete is an aggregate material made from a combination of sand, small stones, cement, and water. Reinforcing it with steel increases its tensile strength and makes it more flexible and able to support heavier loads.

Concrete is best used for foundations, walls, beams, and slabs. It is a relatively inexpensive building material and can be formed into any shape to create a strong, reliable structure.

4. The Best Building Materials Are Made of Steel

Steel became a popular building material for skyscrapers because of its ability to create a strong framework for load-bearing walls. While steel is common for commercial construction, you should also consider steel for residential construction.

Steel is a strong and versatile building medium that is easy to produce and less taxing on natural resources. Its eco-friendly quality is due to mass production from recycled steel material.

Steel is also a top performer when it comes to withstanding earthquakes and other natural disasters. Its fire-resistant and impervious to the elements when treated properly.

5. From Clay to Brick

Man discovered that clay becomes a lot stronger when it was formed into blocks and dried in the sun. Many ancient structures such as the Great Wall of China, The Pantheon, and the Roman Aqueducts are made of brick and are still standing strong today.

Brick can be an excellent building material. However, it can be very expensive to build entirely of brick. Most brick structures you see today are made of wood or concrete with a brick veneer out the outer wall.

Brick offers fire resistance and insulation but requires maintenance if you live in a wet climate.

Breaking Ground

When considering materials to build a house, don’t overlook alternative options to your typical wood frame and drywall. After all, you’ll want to build a strong structure out of the best building materials that will outlast you.

For more ideas on building your dream home that will last a lifetime check out some of our other posts!