Kids are known to be picky eaters, they tend to get bored of a typical lunch preparation too soon, be it a simple sandwich. So, here are some fun non-sandwich lunch ideas that you can prepare for your kids to keep things interesting for them.

Let us begin with muffins. You can prepare mini muffins out of cornbread batter. There are some gluten free mix batter available which can be used. Whisk melted butter, sugar and add eggs to the mix. Add buttermilk to make cornbread extra moist and tasty. Time to put dry ingredients. Add some cornbread flour, baking soda and salt to the mix. Add the mix in two batches and whisk well. Add one tablespoon batter into each mini cup of a non-stick mini muffin tray. Cut hot dog centers. You could use meat of your choice (or the one that your kid loves). Make sure they fit and are inserted well in the center of batter. Bake them good. Serve them with a dipping that would well complement these mini muffins.

If your kid is sensitive to gluten, it can be difficult for you as well for your kid to pick something out of the gluten-free batch which is relishing. Well, fret not! There are a couple of easy ways that you can make for your kid without messing with their digestion. It requires little or no pre-preparation. All you need to do is collect some gluten-free foods and present them in a way that it looks colorful and hence edible. This will keep your kid interested. Grab some boxes that contain compartments of equal size. Place cubes of cheddar cheese nibbles in one box. Cut pieces of strawberries or berries in another compartment. Keep the rolled slice of turkey in a separate compartment. Gluten free crackers are available in stores, you can include them as well in the box as well. Let your kid do the mix and match with the flavor.

Pizzas can save the day if your kids are bored of taking the same old sandwich or waffles to their lunch box. You can bake pizza for lunch. Knead a dough the traditional way using the traditional ingredients and make a flat bread out of it using a rolling pin. Once done with this, add pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, meat and vegetable toppings that your kids love. The twist here is, once done with spreading the toppings, roll up the bread and cut them into equal parts. Place the rolls vertically in a baking tray. Bake them like you would bake a pizza, that is, in a preheated oven at 350 degree Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes.

Home appliances have a vast variety; there are so many things when it comes to home appliances. Out of all the home appliances, some of them are useful while some have limited use, some are big like refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, while some are small like baking and cooking appliances. When it comes to buying them, it becomes difficult to decide which one to buy first.

If you are someone, who is moving out of your house or is purchasing a new house, you are going to need many of these appliances. Home appliances have broad categories, so you can just narrow it down according to your usage and needs.

Given below are different houseware items that are essential for every home.

1. Versatile vacuum

A vacuum is essential as floors will get dirty all the time and if you have kids, pets, or a lot of people coming and going, then you will undoubtedly need a vacuum. There are a lot of varieties of vacuums, but you can buy any based on your needs and your budget.

For single people and couples, small vacuums would work. They are affordable, and you can also check for them in the sale appliances rack. But if you have pets or kids and your floor gets dirty quickly, then you can opt for a good vacuum that will last for years. The need of vacuum also depends on your type of floor you have, for example, if you have hardwood or linoleum floors then you can totally skip a vacuum and go for manual cleaning solutions like a broom or mop.

2. Basic kitchen utensils

The kitchen is one of the most important areas of the house, and you need it the most. When it comes to kitchen appliances, you should start with the necessary things you will need to cook food. You can stock your kitchen with basic supplies you will need and later on, you can add on things that will make your work in the kitchen easy. Start off by getting basic utensils like spoons, knives, bowls, a cutting board, spatula, pots, pans, and vegetable peelers. These appliances are not very expensive, and again you can buy them from the sale appliances section during sales and offers.

3. Dinnerware and glassware

Whether you know how to cook or don’t, your food should always look presentable. Dinnerware is important when you have a get-together or party at your place. Buy the best and affordable sets of plates, bowls, and silverware and let the compliments keep coming in. A basic set of glasses are also a must when it comes to buying glassware. You can also get these for cheap if you grab the sale appliances at a cheap appliances sale.

4. Basic small appliances

Small appliances are fancy and they ought to fulfill most of your daily necessities. You can buy these after a while once you have settled in your new house. But before buying all this, always measure the space on your countertop, because these appliances will take up a lot of the area on the countertop. Mixers, juicers, coffee makers, and toasters are some useful appliances you might need to add to your kitchen. You may consider buying sale appliances to save money.

5. Laundry Essentials

Laundry is an essential part of a home. Along with detergent, fabric softener, you will also need a laundry basket and a hamper. If you regularly iron your clothes, then you will even need an iron. If you need an iron, look for stores which have discount appliances sale, you will get good things there at low prices.

The key to shopping for home appliances is to buy keeping in mind your kitchen requirements and most importanly your budget.

Crossover SUVs are a perfect melange between regular cars and SUVs. With a blend of off-road capability and utility, crossover SUVs are on the list of every car fanatic. So if you have also planned on buying one, then here are some of the best crossover SUVs in the market.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring FWD
This car aims to blend sports car features into a normal one perfectly. It has a sharp steering coupled with a poised chassis. The automated emergency braking and a six-speed auto drive make it stand out in the crowd.

2017 Jeep Renegade
With a four-wheel antilock brake system and front or all-wheel drive, Jeep Renegade has ranked second in the best crossover SUV list. It has two removable glass roof panels and airbags in many areas. This model is mainly known for its safety measures.

2017 Hyundai Tucson
The car is named after a desert town in America. If you are not satisfied with the touch screen infotainment, then there is the satellite radio to fulfill your desires. The 164-hp 2.0-liter four is six-speed automatic, and the 175-hp 1.6-liter turbo four is seven-speed automatic.

2017 Honda HR-V
The 2017 Honda HR-V is not only an attractive, sporty car but is also within budget. Unlike other cars, the rear seat is spacious. Some safety features are absent. However, to substitute those features, it has a backup camera along with 17-inch wheels.

2017 Fiat 500X
The 2017 Fiat 500X is a cheeky model with a spacious interior and all-weather capability. It has multiple settings that would suit different driving situations. With an airbag occupancy sensor and nine-speed automatic power, the Fiat 500X has won many hearts.

2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE FWD 4dr
The angled headlamps and the perfect bodywork of the Toyota RAV4 XLE FWD 4dr are what attracts attention. It also has an infotainment system of 6.1 inches. The automatic air conditioning and the active safety features have made it rank amongst the 10 best crossover SUVs.

2017 Lexus NX 200t
The perfectly chiseled body of this model is an attention seeker. With a six-speed automatic and 235-hp 2.0-liter turbo four, it has standard features. The all-wheel drive feature is, in most cases, optional. The cruise control and electronic stability are unmatched.

2017 Ford Escape
The stylish interior backed up by the sporty look has made Ford Escape every adventurer’s favorite model. The steering is rubbery. The Safety Canopy System of the model is a unique feature. The touch screen of 8 inches and the voice recognition feature is also an added feature.

2017 Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax has a whole lot of fun-to-drive choices. The riding feature is smooth. It has power mirrors, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and many other tech features.

2017 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is the perfect companion on your next adventurous trip. It also has a 6.2 touchscreen and a Bluetooth facility. The emergency braking and very adaptive cruise control features are remarkable.

With the widespread prevalence of GPS (Global Positioning System) on all smartphones and car systems, people no longer need physical maps. They can get directions to any place in the country at the touch of a button. These days, navigation apps come with additional features like suggestions about which route to take and scenic getaways on the way. These features have made these apps and websites exceedingly popular. The best part is that they help you get directions for free.

Let us examine the best apps which help you to get directions for free.

Google Maps
The accuracy of the Google Maps app is unmatched. The dynamic people at Google are dedicated to mapping every public road in the world, and they do a great job as well. The app will not only guide you, but also tell you how to avoid traffic, how to avoid tolls, how to take scenic routes instead of highways, and give suggestions about getaways nearby. It is very user-friendly and allows you to plot the fastest route between two points. It also provides various transit options, flight times, and walking distance. If you want to avoid looking at the map while driving, you can activate voice control to get directions during your journey.

Apple Maps
When the Apple Maps app was first launched, it was ridiculed and called a poor imitation of Google’s superior navigation service. However, this app has made a great comeback after it fixed several glitches that made users angry. It now allows you to link the app with Siri and receive instructions. The techies at Apple are trying hard to make this application the next best thing. Apple Maps app has an intuitive interface. Along with that, it is very detailed and well-designed.

Waze
While retaining the primary features of other map apps, Waze has changed the game by allowing other drivers to share real-time updates about the weather conditions, traffic snarls, speed traps, and other untoward hurdles they may face while driving. The app also allows you to connect your Spotify account to ensure that you have a great playlist while you drive. Waze is credited as one of the best apps to get directions for free.

MapQuest
MapQuest enjoyed the first-mover advantage for a long time as it was launched in 1996. Initially, the app had many bugs and was not very precise. However, recent updates have brought about considerable improvement in the user interface and features. The app allows you to calculate fuel costs, and at the same time, it shows you directions as well.

Back pain may be caused due to many reasons including degenerative diseases, accidents, injuries fatigue and more. These factors may lead to long term or short term back pain. While resting for some time can offer back pain relief in a way that you don’t put any pressure on the spine, a little bit of exercise can help in achieving a great solution. This is only possible because the back is a complex of muscles, the spine, ligaments and tendons—all of which enable one to move. So, restricting motion altogether may lead to further spasms and cramps. Here are a few exercises that you can do for back pain relief.

Stretch the legs

No back pain treatment is complete with stretches that can help the entire body unwind and stretch the aching muscles. These stretches can also assist in removing stiffness and are great for back pain relief. You can lie back on a mat and stretch your legs as you flex your toes. Bring your knees back up towards your abdomen before you repeat the stretch. Do this a few times a day and gradually increase the number of sets you practice the same.

Neck and shoulder stretch

Another method of back pain relief is with the help of stretches that will flex your neck and shoulders. You can sit upright and bring your head downwards, as close to the chest as possible. This exercise should help you feel the stretch in the nape or the back of the neck. The relief will spread through the rest of your back, eventually.

Hip stretch

Another good form of exercise for back pain treatment is the hip stretch. For this, you will need to stand with your feet apart. Make sure that the distance between the two feet is the same as your shoulders. Then, take a step back with one foot and bend forward with the other leg straight. You should feel the pull and stretch in the outer hip.

Conclusion

All the above exercises should be carried out with great caution, and one should do them slowly. Wear comfortable clothing so that you can move quickly and let your body breathe at the same time. As soon as you feel any sharp pain, you must stop the exercises immediately.

If you have a puppy, then you must be certainly concerned if your pet is getting enough nutrition or not. There are so many pet food brands on the market that it is easy to get confused with what to buy and which brand is offering the best puppy food. Nutrition is important for the healthy growth of your puppy. Lack of nutrition can lead to several health conditions for your little pet.

What nutrition is good for your puppy?
Whether it is human or animals, a well-balanced diet is needed to maintain good health. To maintain the development and growth of a puppy is a lot of hard work. If you don’t pay attention, your puppy may be deprived of essential nutrients. Puppies are very sensitive to the dietary deficiencies. Hence, it is very important that the puppies get healthy food during their initial years. So let’s find out the best puppy food that will let your pet grow healthy.

What should be the minimum nutrient content of puppy food?
Best puppy food is a properly balanced meal which is a combination of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, fat minerals and water. Any brand that says that they make best puppy food must give 445 calories per serving. As per the chart provided by the American Association of Feed Control Officers (AAFCO), the best puppy food must have the following:

Nutrient Percentage

Protein 22%

Arginine 0.62%

Histidine 0.22%

Isoleucine 0.45%

Lysine 0.77%

Leucine 0.72%

Methionine + Cystine 0.53%

Phenylalanine +Tyrosine 0.89%

Threonine 0.58%

Tryptophan 0.20%

Valine 0.48%

Fat 8%

Calcium 1%

Phosphorous 0.8%

Sodium 0.3%

Chloride 0.45%

Some of the best puppy food brands that are known for their balanced nutrient contents are Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage, Taste of the Wild, Holistic Select, Wellness and Blue Buffalo.

Best puppy food must be rich in minerals, amino acids, fat, and protein. Apart from this, you also need to make sure your puppies get enough Omega 3 acids for healthy skin and proper development of eyes and brain. If your puppies are large breed, then you need to make sure they do not get any developmental diseases related to orthopedics. Usually, large puppies are prone to hip dysplasia which is a condition related to abnormal growth rate when they are deprived of essential nutrients in their diet. The diet meant for large breed puppies needs to be balanced in calcium and phosphorous because overeating calcium and phosphorous can make large breed puppies prone to orthopedic diseases. Also, the best puppy food designed for large breed puppies needs to be low in calorie and fat content.

Every nutrient in your puppy’s balanced food has a purpose and is essential for the healthy growth of your puppy. The nutrients keep the puppy away from serious health conditions related to heart, kidney, and other vital organs. The nutrients in the best puppy food help to build muscles, maintain the muscle tone and also repair the muscles. The nutrients also build healthy teeth and bones and make puppy active. When your puppy eats nutritious food, it gets the stamina to fight off infections. The protein in the diet helps the muscles to grow and function properly. Fats play an important role in providing energy and helping the brain to function normally. Fat also helps the skin and the hair to be healthy and shiny. The carbohydrates provide enough energy for the puppy to be active throughout the day. The minerals in the food are essential for the muscle contraction and the conduction of the nerve. The vitamins along with the minerals develop the puppy’s immune system and maintain the metabolism. Also, they together repair the damaged cells and help in regenerating and maintaining the normal function of the cells.