Light fixtures for your garden
Light fixtures for your garden

Outdoor lighting fixtures can not only enhance your house’s exterior, but if done right, these can upgrade your entire home space. Garden lights can highlight specific features in your house’s outdoor area and also provide illumination for your walkway or others areas of the yard. Whether you want to use outdoor lights for decorative purposes, security reasons or both, you can do so for any house style, size, and budget.

Plan your initial landscape lighting setup
Sketch out your ideas for garden decoration in terms of needs, function, and budget. Do you need outdoor lights just for highlighting the walkway? Or do you wish to make the gazebo in your garden the focus of your home exterior? Perhaps you wish to revamp your entire backyard from dingy to fabulous? Make a list of whatever you desire in terms of your garden lights and plan a budget.
If you want to hire a professional to upgrade your garden, you can share your ideas and plans with your choice of landscape designer and watch the transformation unfold. If you wish to design your own backyard or garden, you can buy all the light fixtures as per your ideas and budget and hire an electrician to install the lights.

You can install solar lights, which may be expensive to buy than other high- or low-voltage garden lights. But the installation costs are low and the operational costs are negligible in the long run. You can discuss the option to use solar outdoor lights with your electrical contractor and install a combination of different types of landscaping lighting fixtures.

Simple ways to use garden lights in your home
Here are simple ways to create a beautiful garden with the use of outdoor lights.
– If you have a lot of planters in your garden, you can replace a few with ones that come with a built-in lighting system. For a small garden, you can buy one such big planter and use it in a corner as a focal point.
– For a mystical effect in your outdoor area, try light cubes or single light fixtures that you can place under a tree, in the middle of a rose garden or with rocks and pebbles near a fountain.
– You can create an instant magical look in your garden with the use of stake lights. The installation is simple as you need to just push them into the soft ground. These are available in different colors and shapes such as flowers, balls, and lanterns. If you have an elevated area in your garden, you can highlight it using stake lights, lanterns, or a combination of small lights in different colors for a dramatic cascading effect.
– Use fluorescent lights to create circles in the garden. You can place small statues or decorative pieces inside these illuminated paths.
– You can use underwater lights for any water features in your garden such as a pond or a waterfall. Use spotlights to illuminate your garden around the water features.

  • 5 food items that combat inflammation

    The ideal approach to control inflammation is not through medicines but through a proper diet. The immune system battles anything inside the body that it perceives as remote. For example, an attacking microorganism, plant dust, or substance. The reaction leads to inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s safe reaction. It sends signals and warning so that the immune system can handle it. Lack of sleep, anxiety, hereditary qualities, wrong eating habits can lead to inflammation.

    Causes of inflammation
    There are several factors that can cause inflammation. This includes certain foods. In order to fight inflammation, they should be avoided. Artificial food items like animal products, refined flours, and sugars lead to inflammation. They increase weight, cause joint pain and exhaustion. They also kill the probiotic microbes in the stomach. They are also associated with a large group of diseases, ranging from coronary illness to diabetes.  In order to combat inflammation, there are a number of food items that can be included in your diet.

    Food items to combat inflammation

    • Tomatoes: Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, potassium and lycopene. Lycopene is a cancer prevention agent with amazing anti-inflammatory properties. It is very beneficial for reducing pro-inflammatory compounds related to several types of cancer.
    • Olive oil: Olive oil can decrease inflammation. It has antioxidants which have several health benefits. The main anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by the antioxidants. Since oil is used in cooking most of the dishes, switch to olive oil. It is also beneficial for the overall health.
    • Green vegetables: Green vegetables like spinach and collards fight inflammation. They have high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, iron, and calcium. They are a vital part of the balanced diet. They should be included in at least one of the three meals in a day. They have fibers that improve the digestive system and the immune system. A strong immune system can defend the body from infections due to external factors.
    • Fruits: Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and orange also help in combating inflammation. They are low in fat, calories and high in antioxidants. Fruits should be consumed on a daily basis. The vitamins obtained through fruits cannot be obtained from other sources.
    • Fatty fish: Salmon, tuna, and sardines are rich in calcium, selenium, and vitamin D. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 acids can help deal with arthritis and prevention of heart disease.

    Therefore, to lessen inflammation in your body, choose a healthy diet. Find a proper eating arrangement that restricts your diet to anti-inflammatory food. The above mentioned food items should be part of your daily meals.

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  • 4 simple tips to better manage asthma flareups

    Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes the airways to become restricted due to inflammation, which then triggers excess mucous production. 1 in 13 people are affected by this condition every year. There is no cure for asthma, but individuals can manage it to the point where symptoms become negligible. Given below are some useful tips on nutrition habits, lifestyle changes, preventive care, and effective prescriptions for asthma management:

    Treatment for asthma
    Prescriptions are the first line of treatment for asthma. Xolair® prevents common allergens from triggering asthma symptoms in patients who don’t respond positively to inhaled corticosteroids. Nucala® and Fasenra® both belong to a class of biologics designed to inhibit certain internal responses that trigger inflammation. Tezelpelumab, marketed under the brand name Tezspire™, specifically targets alarmins released by the lungs that trigger inflammation and lead to an asthma attack. Zyrtec® is an antihistamine that provides relief from indoor and outdoor allergies, which may aggravate asthma symptoms.

    Suggested nutrition for asthma
    Studies indicate that vitamins A, C, D, and E help lower the risk of asthma flareups. Egg yolks and salmon are excellent sources of vitamin D. Also, an apple a day can certainly keep asthma symptoms at bay. The fruit contains selenium, an anti-inflammatory compound shown to ease swelling in the airways. Cantaloupes and carrots are good sources of vitamin A and help promote healthy lung function. In addition, foods rich in antioxidants prevent cell damage and promote better respiratory functions. Assorted berries, dark greens, and leafy vegetables are a must-have to better manage asthma.

    Effective lifestyle changes
    Not getting adequate rest also increases the risk of infections and common allergies. A proper sleep routine plays a crucial role in boosting immunity. Daily exercise can help keep inflammation under control. In fact, any form of physical activity will promote better lung function. Light consistent exercises will also improve cardiovascular health in the long run. Also, stress triggers an increase in cortisol levels and heightens the risk of flareups. One must practice relaxation techniques, mindful breathing, and alternative therapies like yoga and meditation to better manage stress.

    Preventive care tips
    There are several environmental factors and pollutants that aggravate the symptoms of respiratory disorders. Smoke, mold, pollen, dander, and any other type of allergen can easily trigger asthma flareups. The only solution here is to actively limit exposure by wearing protective masks and avoiding going to heavily polluted areas. Vaccination is another effective strategy to lower the risk of common cold and viral infections that can worsen the symptoms of asthma.

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  • 4 benefits of landline phone services

    Landline phone services can be useful in emergencies and in general. If you’ve been tempted to join the mobile only movement, you would have found that there’s more than what meets the eye where landline phone services are concerned. From 911 calls during natural disasters to accurate location tracking to good transmission quality, landline phone services provide many perks which go unnoticed by most users. If you need a reason for keeping your landline phone services or you’re considering installing a new landline phone, read on to find the benefits. The top four benefits of landline phone services include the following.

    • Accurate locations: GPS tracking can identify your location but can’t say which floor you’re on. It relies mostly on satellite data. Hence if the information is incorrect or the location is inaccurate, then emergency services might miss out on you. This can pose a problem during natural disasters. A landline phone service, however, routes your location directly to 911. It lets the caller know your location and floor as well. High altitude buildings can benefit from landline phones.
    • Better voice quality: Unlike cell phones which will switch off during power outages or give a poor reception during certain weather conditions, a landline phone will never compromise on voice quality. You will always be able to get crystal clear audio reception. This will benefit those who have a hearing problem. Additionally, landline phones work during power outages as long as the cord connects to the other landline or to a VOIP service with battery backup.
    • Improved cell phone reception: If you have a cordless phone service, you can place your cell phone near the base of it to improve signal reception. This in turn will enhance the voice quality of your cell phone reception. Additionally, you obtain access to your wireless service with Bluetooth technology. This will let you make wireless calls to other services using cordless phones.
    • Affordable rates: The best reason to keep your landline phone service or to get a new one is that landlines are much more affordable than cell phone services. Cordless phones tend to have longer battery life in comparison to cell phones while wired landline phones have no caps on the call duration or battery life. Most landline phone services offer free local calls and the setup for the hardware and equipment is a lot cheaper when compared to cell phone services. There is also no fear of disconnection due to power outages.

    Comfort is another factor to consider. You can easily pick up your landline phone and nestle it between your head and shoulders and go hands free. Also cordless phones are wireless and come with various tech features such as backlit displays, caller ID displays, storing call logs, etc. Technically, they are more convenient than cell phone services. Hence it can be clearly seen that the advantages of landline phones far outweigh that of mobiles and you should opt for landline phones.

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  • Creative Patio Designs Can Add Life to Your Backyard

    If you have some spare space in the backyard of your home, there are many ways to make the best use of it. All that you have to do is look for an interior designer who can creatively convert the patio into a dining area or a place where you can have some recreational activities or as a place where you can relax with your family. The interior designer will have to come up with suitable backyard patio designs so that the place could be converted into a work of art.

    Even Modest Space Is Enough:
    While designing the patio, emphasis should be on giving it a natural look and it should also be compatible with the exterior of the building. The designer should make careful planning so that available space is optimally utilized. On the other hand, even the modest space available in the backyard can be developed into an enchanting landscape where you can relax comfortably.

    Planning Holds The Key:
    The creative backyard patio designs professionals consider the total area available and the facilities or utilities to be provided in the proposed development of the patio. In addition to this, the designer should also consider the furniture to be provided on the patio, lighting and water facilities, type of construction if any, and your budget. The patios can be developed using bricks, concrete, stone and so on. Some of the designers are of the opinion that bricks can be effectively used for creating works of art. However, the choice of material to be used for developing the patio largely depends on the patio design and the compatibility with the exterior elegance of the building.

    Some of the other things that you need to remember are
    Do your homework: Instead of totally relying on the interior designer, you should do your homework first. Make a sketch of your concept of converting the open space into an attractive patio. Visit the homes of your friends or relatives who have patios in their backyards. You can also browse the internet to choose from a variety of plans for the patio. Now, discuss your design with the interior designer. This may help the interior designer put life into your dream patio design’.

    Landscaping: Landscaping work like construction of pathways, decks is an essential part of patio designs. The backyard patio designs should include details of such works to be carried out. It should also include details regarding the type of plants you want, provision for watering the plants and such other allied works. If any gazebo or pergola is to be constructed, then the design should also include details of such works.

    Patio furniture: As in the case of the interior of the house, the patio too becomes beautiful and comfortable when you add the right furniture. Furniture manufacturers have introduced varieties of exclusively designed patio furniture’ which offers abundant comfort. These furniture items are available at affordable prices too.

    Look For An Able Interior Designer
    That backyard of your building can be converted into an attractive place where you can not only relax but also rejuvenate. This can be accomplished only with the assistance of an able interior designer.

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  • Here is how you should buy used ATVs for sale

    ATV or an All-terrain Vehicle is specially designed for off-road trailing. Buying a used ATV can be a tedious task as there are a plethora of brands that manufacture ATVs of varied sizes and purposes. Here are a couple of pointers that will help you avoid pitfalls and narrow down your selection on buying the best-used ATVs for sale out there.

    • Look for rust and cracked welds
      When buying used ATVs, the first thing you need to check is the outer condition of the vehicle. Rust is a strong indication that the quad is damaged and rusted. Finding cracks in the welded frame of the ATVs requires close visual inspection.
    • Tires say a lot about the wear and tear of the ATV
      Used ATVs for sale are most vulnerable to having smooth tires with worn-out treads. Once the ATV tires develop cracks, it is dangerous to ride the vehicle. If the seller has not changed the tires, bargain and reduce the price of the resale so that you can use that money to replace a complete set of tires.
    • Inspect the shock absorbers
      The shock absorbers are of no use if you can feel wet oily spots around the top of the shock. Oil leakage dramatically reduces the machines stability and handling capability.
    • Check for engine leaks
      One of the important things to look for in used ATVs for sale is the engine leak. Wipe a clean rag around the head and valve cover gaskets of the engine. The gaskets need to be replaced if the rag shows fresh oil stains upon cleaning the area.
    • Inspect the CV joint
      A used ATV will probably have an unbalanced CV (constant velocity) joint. To examine if the ATV that is put up on sale does not have the same, grab the tire with both hands and rock it in and out to see if there is any play. The CV joint might have a worn out ball bearing. CV joints with worn out ball bearings will have a sloppy steering and unstable turns.
    • Brake pads matter equally
      Brake pads are so thin that it is difficult to make out its real thickness and differentiate if it’s worn out. The new brake pads are about 1/4th inch thick while the work out ones would be 1/16th. Check for caliper leaks and brake rotor for deep grooves.

    Buying used ATVs on sale will help you save thousands of dollars over the price of buying a new one. While buying used ATVs, choose to buy ATVs manufactured by popular brands such as Yamaha, Bobcat, Kawasaki, Honda, etc.

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  • 3 Best Credit Cards with a Low APR

    It is a known fact that an outstanding balance on a credit card which is not cleared beyond the due date is bad. A high rate of interest is charged on these balances, which may eat your money with each passing day. Over a period of time, your credit card balance could lead you into bankruptcy and you could be in deep trouble.

    Therefore, it is best to choose a low APR credit card which will make it easier for you to carry the balance month on month. This is especially true if you have a habit of carrying an outstanding balance every month. Here are the best credit cards with low APR that you may consider.

    Barclaycard Ring® Mastercard®
    This card is known as the first social credit card which is built around a user community that shares financial tips amongst members. It has a low APR on purchases as well as cash advances. There is no annual fee or foreign transaction fee. However, there do have a balance transfer fee. There is no sign-up bonus. The card has 0% APR on balance transfer for one year from the opening of the account. You may also get access to your FICO score through your online account.

    Discover it® Chrome
    Considered as one of the best credit cards with low APR, Discover it® Chrome has a low purchase APR as well as a low balance transfer APR. The credit card comes with a 0% introductory APR period and has a cashback rewards program too. Cardholders who pay the balance in full every month may benefit from this program. The card has a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfer for a period of 14 months. Neither does it have a balance transfer fee nor an annual fee. There is also no late fee charged for the first late payment.

    Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
    This card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases as well as balance transfers for a period of 21 months. There are numerous benefits you may avail of the card which include exclusive deals at retailers and perks such as a 24/7 access to personal concierges in order to book flights, hotel rooms, as well as concert tickets.

    Doing a study on all low-APR credit cards before deciding to apply for one will help you save a substantial amount of money in the long-term.

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  • 3 essential features every smartwatch should have

    Smartwatches are all the rage these days. Traditional watches only tell you the time, but smartwatches present the world at your fingertips. From fitness tracking to navigation and GPS, they come with unique features you just can’t imagine. But since there are so many options available, picking the right one can get tricky. To help you in your search, we’ve put together some essential features you must have in your new smartwatch.

    Alerts and notifications
    This is the most basic feature to look for. You should be able to check notifications without accessing your phone. Many smartwatches vibrate when you receive an email, have an upcoming meeting, or when there’s something that needs your attention. This feature will not only keep you updated but also fetch you a great deal if you resell your smartwatch on sites like Trademore in the future.

    Calling and texting
    The call and text feature allows you to use the watch to respond to incoming calls and messages. It’s a great feature to have when you’re in an important meeting and just need to know who the caller is and hang up with an automatic “I’ll call you back later” note. Some smartwatches even have built-in cellular connectivity.

    Smart navigation
    You no longer need to stare at your phone or tablet to view maps. Some smartwatches use vibrations to tell you where you need to turn or stop, making navigation easier. However, such features can demand a hefty price. So, if you’re on a budget, don’t forget to check out the smartwatch collection at Trademore.

    If you can’t decide, here are some top models with the best features to consider:

    Fitbit Sense
    Fitbit is one of the leading brands in smartwatches. They have different models, each offering unique features. One model that stands out is the Fitbit Sense. It’s a sleek and attractive smartwatch that comes with comprehensive fitness features. It also boasts a massive battery life that can last for six days. The watch has GPS and is entirely waterproof. 

    Apple Watch Series 6
    Apple offers some of the most coveted smartwatches in the market. The Apple Watch Series 6 has a colorful look and comes with smart charging. It also offers innovative health tech, such as oxygen and heart rate monitoring. You can get a second-hand piece for a discounted rate on Trademore.

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  • Knowing more about digital technology

    The massive technological jump in digital media can only be seen with great awe. If you look at the advances in digital compression and transmission, you will be amazed. Technology has done wonders in several ways.

    • Digital TVs have taken over
      High-definition broadcast has become a standard practice and after LCD, LED and Plasma, 3D television was also introduced. All these developments have increased the options and offerings for the buyers. The analog television broadcast has almost become extinct, and you can find digital televisions everywhere. Top manufacturers like Polaroid TV have come with innovative products, and you can expect more and more innovations in the immediate future.
    • Limitations of analog TV no longer exist.
      Before the digital switchover, analog television was reigning, and it was resource hungry as far as the amount of bandwidth needed to carry a single channel. Normally, it was between 6 and 8 MHz based on the kind of video being utilized. This made a constricting effect on the number of channels that could be transmitted. All these limitations no longer exist because of the introduction of digital TV, and you will never have to worry about bandwidth when you buy products such as Polaroid TV.
    • Effective reuse of analog technology
      The digital revolution became successful in reusing the current analog spectrum more effectively. What does it mean? An 8 MHz carrier utilized for analog broadcast can easily be converted to Digital Video Terrestrial, and it equips to carry three high-definition channels or 9 standard definition channels and one SD channel for the same quantity of bandwidth. You would need more than 70 MHz of the frequency spectrum for achieving the same thing with the conventional analog standard. Apart from squeezing the added number of channels into less space, digital television brings many more advantages. Highly sophisticated products like Polaroid TV bring high clarity pictures, and they do not suffer from ghosting or other related issues associated with analog systems. Polaroid TVs also offer benefits such as enhanced digital sound, subtitle support, electronic program guide and many more.

    Today, you can find that the TVs are sold with an integrated digital decoder. Traditional televisions can make use of a separate set-top box. The technological improvements are taking place at an unbelievable pace, and you can find the changes in the products launched by leading makers like Rea TV. Digital technology has brought in unimaginable improvements in the television industry as compression techniques offer unlimited possibilities. There are a lot of options in the market like Sceptre TV, Seiki TV, Sigmac TV, Silo TV, Sunbrite TV, Sylvania TV, Upstar TV, Westington TV, Quantum TV, etc. you can choose from.

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