Things you should know about outdoor kitchens
Things you should know about outdoor kitchens

The idea of outdoor kitchen design has made a market for a modular outdoor kitchen in customised ways. Kitchen designs are about aesthetic beauty and functionality aimed to achieve the perfect outcome. The design can be fairly simple and can be achieved with the use of the right amount of tools and creativity. The prefabricated outdoor kitchen kits are budget friendly which makes the designing easier.

The first step in developing outdoor kitchen is precise measurements for developing the plan. Planning from a prefabricated layout design cuts down significantly on time and cost because the design work is already approved. The design includes refrigerators, customised countertops, stainless steel cabinets, dining area from materials like granite, tile, stacked stones, etc. Outdoor umbrellas are straight and symmetrical with a tilting mechanism on their tops. These can be used with a dining table or shading purpose. Patio outdoor umbrellas are widely used in the country, and they come with a perfect outdoor shade solution. Space plays a crucial role in designing an outdoor kitchen. With the smaller space, grill counter and cabinet space are preferred combined with proper ventilation. Lightning is also an important element which requires electrical work and fixtures.

Outdoor umbrellas are designed in such a way for improved functionality which makes them less laborious and straightforward. The umbrella canopy adds significant value to the outdoor space with trails that compliments different lifestyles. Common umbrella materials include wood, fiberglass, aluminum, etc. to protect them from harsh weather conditions like UV rays, cloud precipitation, sun damage, moisture, etc. With the recent advances in technology, umbrella canopies are made up of fabrics such as polyester, olefin, etc. Sunbrella fabrics are used by many US manufacturers to create durable canopies with beautiful designs that are wear resistant.

To design an outdoor kitchen the correct location of things like appliances, sink, shelter with proper plumbing, electrical and gas lines should be considered. Outdoor umbrellas can go well with the dining area that compliments the size and shape of the table. The rise in the popularity of outdoor kitchens reflects the growing interest of people in outdoor decorations.

  • Here’s what you need to know about the latest iPhones

    The new iPhone is up for grabs! Apple has steered away from big displays to make the phones ergonomic. The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max have a screen size of 6.1”, 5.8”, and 6.5”, respectively. The iPhone 11 has Liquid Retina HD display, while the Pro and Pro Max variants are equipped with Super Retina XDR display that has 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and up to 800 nits max brightness in HDR. However, it seems that Apple retained the iPhone XR’s display specifications in the iPhone 11 to cut manufacturing costs. 

    The new phones look strikingly similar to 2018’s iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR — notch and all. The phones’ colors and finishes look and feel more refined and a lot less like fingerprint magnets when compared with last year’s phones. When compared on the basis of the price, features, and specifications, the new iPhone 11 is supposedly a replacement to the iPhone XR. The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone Pro Max phones get a new matte finish and steel case that look and feel dense. 

    Camera

    Several social media leaks and pre-press releases speculated iPhone 11’s camera specifications and appearance. Apple put all those rumors to rest by introducing dual camera system in iPhone 11 and the much-hyped triple camera system in Pro and Pro Max. While the iPhone 11 has 12MP Ultra-Wide and Wide camera lenses, Pro and Pro Max have an extra telephoto lens to provide that extra depth to your pictures. 

    All three phones have a 12MP front camera with advanced bokeh and depth control. With up to 5X digital zoom, iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max cameras come with six effects, including the night mode, that lets you click the best photos in the dimmest environments. The front camera lets the Face ID perform a 3D scan, letting you unlock your phone even from a tilted angle. The cameras also have ‘slo-mo’ video recording, as the front cameras allow 1080p slow-motion video recording at 120fps. Apart from this, you can also click 8MP still Photos while recording 4K videos. 

    Technical specifications

    The iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max are fitted with the brand-new A13 Bionic processor and third generation neural engine, which the company is calling as the most powerful processor yet. The A13 Bionic can do 1 trillion operations per second with help of 8.5 billion transistors. This is 1.6 billion more than its predecessor — the A12 Bionic chipset. The highly efficient A13 Bionic when combined with lithium-ion battery ensures that iPhone 11 will run an hour longer than iPhone XR and Pro and Pro Max will run four hours extra. The iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max allows up to 20 hours and up to 80 hours of video and audio playback on a single charge. Apple is finally providing the 18W adapter, which claims to charge the phone up to 50% in half an hour. However, it comes in the box only with Pro and Pro Max variants. You also get an upgraded iOS 13 with iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max. Apple claims that the OS is packed with powerful and security-rich features designed to protect your privacy. 

    The phones have a dual sim slot, which support nano-SIM and eSIM. The new iPhones support wireless charging and even work with Qi-Chargers. However, Apple has decided to hold back the reverse charging. All the phones are IP68 rated. Apple’s official website lists that the iPhone 11 can function underwater in 2 meters of depth for 30 minutes, whereas Pro and Pro Max are waterproof at a maximum depth of 4 meters for 30 minutes. 

    Pricing and availability

    While the iPhone 11 is available in black, green, yellow, purple, product red, and white, you can buy Pro and Pro Max in green, gold, silver, and gray. The iPhone 11 comes with three storage options: 64, 128, and 256GB, whereas the Pro and Pro Max are available in 64, 256, and 512GB storage capacities. You can buy iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon network carriers. The 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB iPhone 11 is available for $699, which makes it one of the most affordable iPhones yet. Apart from this you can also trade in your old iPhone or buy an unlocked iPhone 11 for $399, $449, or $549. The 64, 256, and 512GB iPhone pro is available for $999, $1149, and $1349 respectively. The 11 Pro Max phone is available for $1099, $1249, and $1499 for the same storage options. You can also buy the unlocked version of Pro and Pro Max for $999 and $1499, respectively. Apple’s latest iPhones will be available for pre-order on September 13, and they will be available in stores from September 20 onwards.

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  • 5 easy tips to create a spectacular garden

    Someone rightly said: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” A garden is a gateway to your home in several unique ways — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Gardening is associated with better air quality, enhanced home aesthetics, and reduced stress and anxiety. However, it is a long-term activity that requires considerable planning and patience. So, if you have a spacious courtyard, here are some quick tips for facilitating a beautiful garden at your gateway:

    Enrich your soil
    The primary step to creating a beautiful garden is to replenish your soil with the essential nutrients. This means investing in good-quality compost, preferably vermicompost containing wigglers, redworms, and other soil products like coco peat and soil manure.

    Plan color themes
    It helps to plan the colors you would like in your garden and how these should be organized. For example, you could alternate between contrasting shades of light and dark or grow flowers of the same shades together. Planning the color themes in advance can help you set up a subtle yet vibrant garden.

    Weeding out is the way
    Weeds eat into your garden space and compete with other plants for food and nutrition. Moreover, they can ruin your garden’s aesthetics. Monitor your garden for the growth of weeds and eliminate them regularly to ensure that your garden is healthy and appealing.

    Make your garden appear bigger
    Some tricks can deceive your visitors into believing that your garden is huge. You can blur the boundaries between your garden and the surrounding areas, such as your patio. Consider growing plants of different, uneven sizes at your garden perimeters or growing rows of plants of different heights across your garden.

    Ensure proper drainage
    An aesthetic garden requires a proper drainage system to prevent stench and maintain hygiene. A well-planned gutter system is also essential to ensure a good harvest and adequate soil aeration. Premier gutter installers like Leafguard® study your home and garden perfectly and design a drainage system well-suited to your requirements. Leafguard® is the country’s most trusted gutter system company to prevent clogging and facilitate proper drainage.

    Final words:
    Creating a beautiful garden is a long-term but unquestionably a ‘fruitful’ goal. An aesthetic garden symbolizes warmth, creating a positive first impression among visitors. Planning, perseverance, and nurturing are the sure-fire solutions to creating a visually appealing garden. So, are you ready to set up your beautiful getaway at your gateway?

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  • How to get your Moth orchids to rebloom

    Moth orchids, commonly known as Phalaenopsis, are a popular pick among aesthetic gardeners due to their unparalleled beauty and ease of growing. The bloom season for moth orchids spans several months. However, getting them to rebloom can be tricky. Like many other flowers, Phalaenopsis bloom only once a year. This implies after your plant is done blooming, you need to work hard to keep it alive and healthy until the next blooming season unveils. Here are some indoor orchid care tips to get your moth orchids to rebloom:

    • Water and humidity – You need to monitor the level of watering and humidity closely. Even the slightest neglect on the Phalaenopsis can create some major setbacks. If the plant is growing in a free-draining blend of fir bark, you need to water it regularly. Also remember, never let the roots dry out completely.
      In cases of dry weather like the winters, increase the humidity with the help of orchid pots set on a tray of pebbles or opt for a special humidity grid. Place the pots above the water and don’t let them submerge to ensure right indoor orchid care.
    • Soil – Due to their epiphytic character, Phalaenopsis grow well in a chunky mixture of pine bark, charcoal, and sphagnum moss. This soil mix drains very rapidly and allows the roots to get plenty of air.
    • Fertilization –  As part of indoor orchid care, especially for Moth orchids, regular fertilization of the plant is necessary. Use specialized water soluble fertilizers that are formulated for orchids.
    • Light – A healthy Moth Orchid plant needs adequate light. Phalaenopsis thrive in bright lights instead of direct sunlight. They also grow well under full spectrum lights.
    • Temperature – Night time is crucial for moth orchids. These plants flourish with dropped temperatures during the night, usually about 10 to 15 degrees F.

    These easy tips to get your Moth Orchids to rebloom will help you choose an ideal spot for growing your flowers indoors.

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  • Here’s what you will find in the Texas waters during summer and spring

    If you are looking to go fishing, Texas is probably the best place for you to go try out your luck. It becomes the best state for fishing as it has almost all varieties of fish. If you are looking for a saltwater fish or a freshwater fish, you can go to Texas for fishing. The state has all types of fish for everyone’s needs. Some of the hotspots in the state are outstanding in terms of quantity, quality, and in some cases both. The ideal way to go about fishing in any part of the country is to keep an eye out for the peak times. Read along to find out what to find in spring and summer according to the fishing reports of Texas.

    Spring (March, April, May)
    Spring is fairly the best time for you to go fishing for largemouth fish, according to the fishing reports of Texas. Out of the 50 biggest largemouth fish that are available in Texas, 34 can be found in Lake Fork. The record for the biggest largemouth fish is 18.18 pounds, which was also found in Lake Fork in March. If you go to the mid-term of Spring, you would have to move to Lake Buchanan and get your hands on the blue catfish. Lake Buchanan also has a good number of channel cats and flatheads. Lake Texoma if where you would want to be towards the end of the season. The Stripers that have migrated during Feb and March start to show up in the open water areas.

    Summer (June, July, August)
    Red snapper is the primary fish to be found during the initial stages of summer in the Gulf of Mexico. However, it is an issue among the fishery officials due to the quotas and season dates. The fishing reports of Texas also state the fish to be the most wanted fish as well as one of the tastiest fish in Texas. Lake Tawakoni is the home for Channel Catfish that are found in abundance during the mid-term of the summer. West Tawakoni is also deemed as the “Catfish Capital of Texas.” The annual catfish haul takes place during the summer and it is an event you must not miss out on. August would bring in the end of the summer and Laguna Madre is the place to be so that you can get your hands on some fresh Speckled Trout. Fishing reports of Texas have shown that the “Mother Lagoon” is one of the best places for you to go fishing during this period.

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  • A quick guide to black mold exposure and how to get rid of it

    A mold infestation is something you wouldn’t wish even on your enemy’s house. It not only meddles with your home life but also puts your health at risk. Every house has a mold infestation, if you have not found one at your place yet, it either means you aren’t looking at the right places or the mold is growing in some hidden corner of your house.

    So, what is mold exactly? Molds are black spots you see growing on damp walls, wet wooden floors, drywall, cardboard, carpets, and surfaces which have a leakage. These molds spread tiny spores in the air which may cause some serious allergies.

    Symptoms of black mold exposure:

    • Sneezing
    • Coughing
    • Irritation of eyes
    • Irritation of skin or skin rashes
    • Worsening of asthma condition in patients with asthma
    • In some rare cases, difficulty in breathing

    How to treat black mold exposure?
    When it comes to the treatment for mold exposure, it is like any other kind of allergy. Following are some of the typical steps taken to treat black mold exposure:

    One of the most common ways of treating mold exposure is taking antifungal drugs.

    Another common practice is using nasal inhalers for sinuses and allergies related to mold.

    Avoiding food items which are likely to be contaminated by molds is another way of preventing mold exposure.

    Eating garlic, ginger, and other food items known to be antifungal, antiviral, and good for strengthening your immune system.

    Avoiding alcohol as it contains yeasts and mold-containing ingredients.

    Avoiding sugar, milk, bread, and other food items which stimulate the growth of the fungi.

    Tips for mold removal at home:

    Cover the area around the mold with plastic sheeting.

    Invest in a good disinfectant for effective mold removal.

    The most common disinfectants you can opt for are ammonia and bleach. Make a bleach solution or an ammonia solution with water and use it on the infected area. Pour the solution in a spray bottle for convenience.

    You can also opt for natural disinfectants like tea tree oil, vinegar, and grapefruit seed extract for mold removal at home.

    If you are unsure about going about with the mold removal procedure by yourself, you should call for the mold professionals to make your house mold free. The best thing to do if you spot a mold growth in your house is to clean it and stop it from growing further immediately. The larger it becomes, the more threats it will bring along.

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  • 4 measurement points for TV installation in your living room

    Everyone likes to have a sleek, new 40- or 43- inch TV size to make their living room cool. If you’re determined to fit in a TV cabinet or in between some objects, then knowing the size of the TV set is paramount. Calculating a TVs dimension isn’t tedious, just like tying the shoelaces.

    • Estimate
      Diagonally measure the TV from one corner to the other. Don’t think that a 40-inch TV is 40-inches wide from bottom left to bottom right; it’s 40 inches from bottom left to top right, or in the other way, bottom right to top left. Another point is the mistake regarding measurement from the outer edge of the bezel to the opposite edge of the frame. Diagonally calculate from one edge where the screen or frame finishes to the opposite one to avoid the incorrect bezel measurement.
    • Accommodation in a tight space
      Calculate the entire size of the TV, whether it’s a 40- or 49-inch TV, including the frame or bezel. The overall measurement of length, width, and depth is vital if you want to fit the TV set in an existing space. If you’re going to buy a 46-inch set, it’s nearly 44.5 inches in width and 25 inches in length. It can technically fit into the existing cabinet, which is 45 inches tall; however, it won’t give an aesthetically pleasing view. For a 45-inch-tall cabinet, buy 40-inch TV set to let some extra space.
    • Aspect Ratio
      When it comes to aspect ratio, it’s the proportion of the display image width with respect to its height. Maximum standard TVs use a screen ratio of 4:3, whereas modern TVs use an aspect ratio of 16:9, which is a widescreen TV ratio. Although the diagonal calculation would be same, the total space of the screen would not be the same. The picture of wide-screen TVs will be more horizontal instead of square. Do a simple measurement for matching the screen dimension of one standard TV to that of a newer wide-screen one. For a 4:3 aspect ratio standard TV, multiply the diagonal length of older model by 1.22 to get the screen size of a newer TV.
    • Distance as per the size
      It’s pretty critical to determine the actual distance to maintain in between the TV and the seating arrangement. After getting the right size of a TV, the final thing is deciding the distance between the TV and the seating place. For a 40-inch TV, set a 5 to 8 feet. In case of a 46-inch TV, it must be 5.75 to 9 feet.
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  • Popular last-minute cruise deals that you should consider

    Are you all geared up for your next vacation? So why not choose a lavish cruise which will be worth spending your money in? Here is a list of a few of the best last-minute cruise deals compiled for you.

    7-Night Mediterranean Cruise Starting from Barcelona
    This Mediterranean cruise starting from Barcelona and returning again to Barcelona has undergone 82% price drop in the last 36 days. Its cost has reduced from $599 per person to $86 per night. These prices are for the cruise only. The ship is Norwegian Epic which can accommodate 4,100 passengers. The main attractions of this ship are The Blue Man Group a unique performance by cobalt colored performers, The Studio Staterooms private lounge for the single traveler and SVEDKA the only ice bar you will find at sea. The ship will halt at Barcelona, Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno (Pisa, Florence), Cannes, Palma de Mallorca and then back to Barcelona.

    7-Night Bermuda Cruise Starting from New York
    This last minute cruise deal has undergone a price drop of 81%. The cruise ship is Norwegian Breakaway. The cruise is jam-packed with entertainment to the last-minute. The main attractions on board include the ice bar with sculptures featuring the New York City, Sports Complex, Aqua park and a performance of the very famous Broadway hit, Rock of Ages. The ports of call are New York, Royal Naval Dockyard, West End, Bermuda and back to New York.

    4-Night Western Caribbean Cruise Starting from Miami
    Enjoy this exclusive last minute cruise deal with a price drop of 63% where the prices of the interior have dropped from $349 to $87 per night, ocean view from $379 to $95 per night, balcony $409 to $102 per night and suite from $629 to $157 per night. The name of the ship is Carnival Victory and it can accommodate 3,427 passengers. There are numerous onboard activities available like water slides, video arcade, mini, golf and casinos and various mouth-watering dining options like Guy’s Burger joint, Steakhouse, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi and the Asian kitchen among various others. The ship will depart from Miami heading towards Key West and Cozumel and then return you back to Miami.

    7-Night Alaska Cruise Starting from Seattle
    This cruise deal is sure to be one of the best with 60% price drop in the last week and you will get the opportunity to admire the grandeurs of Norwegian Pearl, which has a passenger capacity of 2,380. Have a wonderful time with unique entertainment options like The Blue Man Group and Cirque Dreams. Relish delicious food from Ocean Blue, Cagney’s Le Bistro, The Haven Restaurant, and ModernoChurrascaria. Get an exemplary party experience with Norwegian Pearl at White Hot Party. The ports where it will halt are Seattle, Juneau, Skagway, Cruising Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria and then back to Seattle.

    5-Night Bahamas Cruise Starting from Jacksonville
    This cruise deal has undergone a 59% price drop in the last 4 days. The price has dropped from $439 per person to as low as $88 per night. You will be experiencing the serene ambiance of Carnival Elation. Enjoy a hot stone massage or simply relax in the sauna. This cruise deal is one of the best to travel with children because of its various programs on board. The ports of halt are Jacksonville, Nassau, Princess Cays and back to Jacksonville.

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  • Things you should know about REM sleep disorder

    Sleep Disorders or Somnipathy is a medical disorder of the sleep patterns of a person is severe enough to affect his normal functioning in social, mental, emotional and physical fields. Sleep disorder comprises a host of conditions like Bruxism, clenching or grinding teeth in sleep involuntarily, Somnambulism to serious disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, etc.

    For instance, one very serious kind and type of sleep disorder are the Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. REM sleep behavior disorder is one in which the patient physically tries to live the dreams as they happen. Normally one does not make any movements during REM sleep.

    However, that doesn’t mean that REM sleep doesn’t happen for an average person – in fact, REM sleep occurs multiple times in a normal person. About 20% of sleep consists of REM sleep. Usually, it is during the REM sleep in second half of the night one dreams. The onset of this disorder is gradual with the symptoms worsening with time.

    Symptoms of a REM sleep disorder normally are dreams of a fight or flight type situation and patients make violent arm and leg movements like kicking, punching and flying one’s arms around and even jumping from the bed in trying to live the dreams. The patient makes even sounds like talking, laughing screaming, shouting and even cursing. It is also called dream enacting behavior.

    The doctor takes the history in detail and evaluates the patient both physically and neurologically. He would question the patient’s sleep partner in detail about the patient behavior in sleep in detail. The sleeping partner may even be required to fill in a questionnaire. He may order a polysomnogram. This is recording your vital information and brain activity during a night’s sleep. This helps to identify the cause. It may be indicative of the development of degenerative disorders.

    Treatment involves physically protecting the patient and the sleep partner from physical harm besides medication. Medicines like melatonin a dietary supplement, clonazepam. Both are effective in reducing the symptoms. Search for other drugs is continuing.

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