Why are SUV crossovers the most sought after cars
Why are SUV crossovers the most sought after cars

A sport utility vehicle or suburban utility vehicle (SUV) is classified as a light truck vehicle, but are operated as a family vehicle. The term ‘SUV’ refers to a large vehicle which is basically designed to be used on rough roads but it is often used on highways.

Whereas, crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is built on the features of SUV. Crossover combines SUV’s features. Here are some basic reasons why SUV’s are most sought after:

Comfort Zone: Unlike normal cars, SUV’s offers great space and comforts and enables a comfortable ride.

Fuel economy: The best model of these vehicles offers excellent fuel economy. On a long trip in your SUV, you would save fuel by taking less space in traffics and parking lot. The Chevrolet Traverse is one of the good examples for fuel savings.

Safety: Usually, during crashes bigger vehicles tend to be safer than smaller vehicles. In comparison with the normal cars, crossovers have gained top safety pick status from the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Favorable to adverse road conditions: During heavy rains or storms it becomes an obstacle for a driver to encounter on the highway. Whereas an SUV can just drive over drifts, or through them.

Versatility: SUV Crossovers offers third-row seating facilities which give the drivers extra cargo space. This makes SUV more versatile than normal cars. Honda Pilot is one of the highly ranked 3-row SUVs with comfortable seats and tons of cargo space.

Mileage: There are lots of crossovers with best gas mileage. For example, Nissan Rogue (28 mpg). This Nissan is rated at 26/33 mpg in cities and highways making it as one of the more efficient compact crossovers.

SUV crossovers by offering lots of features such as tall interior packaging, high point settings, third-row seatings, high ground clearance, all-wheel drive capability, and flexibility to allow configurations that favor cargo volume, i.e, fold-down rear seats sought to be the most popular vehicles after cars.

Some of the best SUVs and their features:
Lexus RX: This one is the most popular and luxurious SUVs in America. It offers gas-electric hybrid and all-wheel drive facilities. Price expected is $43,995 approximately. It has been rated four stars in NHTSA crash test rating.

Acura RDX: Similar to Honda CR-V, but upgraded with more dynamic stylings and V-6 engine. It has a compact seating for up to 5 people. Price is fixed at $36,510 approximately. And it is certified by IIHS as a top safest pick vehicle.

Cadillac XT5: This shows its leading place by its important feature, the Rear Camera Mirror System. It uses a video display which shows the image wider than you would see in an actual mirror. It is expected to be sold at $39,395.

  • Repot your orchids with care

    Orchids, like many other flower plants need care for them to bloom longer and stay healthier. The care is essential, however not difficult or challenging. It is just like any other plant in your house and needs to be attended to once every day, and some times more than once everyday. The care is require to maintain its good health and bloom.

    There comes a time when you have to repot the plant. It is also essential to know when your orchid plant need to be repotted. You must not re-pot the plant unless it’s required. Knowing when to repot is imperative and will do you great help.

    Your orchid plant would need repotting if it is growing out of it’s container. That is when you see white roots popping from spaces between the container. Repotting would also be required when you see those potting medium is breaking down. Potting medium helps the plants to grow by providing them support to their roots. When these potting medium are breaking down, its time for a change.

    When you come down to repotting the plant, start with choosing the pot that is slightly bigger in size that the previous one. Drainage holes are necessary in the pots you are using for repotting. Your pot material should support the type of orchid plant you have, for that you need to know well what plant you have and what type of pot your plant will grow best in.

    You will then need to figure out the potting medium you will be using. For most orchids, potting material is essential as they don’t grow in regular soil so avoid repotting your plant in regular potting soil. You also need to ready your potting soil by soaking it in water overnight. This is important for the soil to retain moisture.

    After soaking, make sure to get all the water away from the soil. Do this by straining the soil using a strainer or a cheesecloth.Water should be drained out completely. Now you remove the orchids from its old pot, make sure to be very careful and don’t harm any roots. Get the old potting soil off the roots gently. Remove dead roots if you find them. Untangle the ones that are tangled.

    Ready the new pot. Make sure it is clean and sterilized if its been used for orchids before. Place the plant in the new pot. Old roots going in the bottom, and the ones having enough space to grow further.

    Carefully add potting mix into the pot without damaging the roots. Make sure to not leave any air pockets as roots need soils all around them to grow. Keep adding the mix till its leveled to the top of the pot. Your plant must stand upright after you are done adding the mix. You repotting is now done.

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  • Everything you need to know about specialized carpet cleaning services

    Carpets are used in most homes and it is necessary that these rugs are cleaned regularly to keep them free from dust. There are many companies that provide carpet cleaning services. It is best to hire services of professional cleaners as they have a better understanding of the procedures to be followed. They also use proper equipment for conducting a thorough clean-up of your carpet.

    Methods used for cleaning carpets
    The simple methods that are used for cleaning carpets include carpet shampooing, dry-cleaning, foam cleaning and steam cleaning. One of the most preferred carpet cleaning services provided by professionals is the dry cleaning method, for which you do not have to wait for the carpet to dry. Special cleaning powder is made use of to cover the carpet. This powder is very effective as it attracts dirt immediately like a magnet, after which the carpet can be vacuumed.

    Steam-cleaning
    Steam cleaning, also referred to as hot water extraction, is an effective carpet cleaning method. Powerful machine is used to inject the cleaning solution on to the carpet. The cleaning brushes of the machine rotate and loosen the dirt and microbes from the carpet. It is an effective method that extracts all the dirt and makes the carpet look new.

    Household cleaners
    It is not very difficult to clean the carpets at your home by making use of cleaners available at home. Using these products is safe for children as they do not contain any harmful chemicals. In addition, you save a lot of money by not buying expensive cleaners. You must clean the carpets at least once a month. Mix equal quantity of vinegar and warm water and spray the liquid on the carpet. Leave it for at least 10 minutes and then vacuum the carpet. Bad odors from the carpet are removed by the use of vinegar and hot water. In case of stubborn stains, use equal quantities of borax, vinegar and water for impressive results.

    Reasons to choose carpet cleaning services
    The task of cleaning the carpet is a tough one and it is always better to hire carpet cleaning services from specialized carpet cleaning companies. The main reason why professional services must be utilized is that efficient cleaning services are provided. There are chances that you may end up damaging the carpet, if you do the task by yourself.

    It is better to utilize the services of professional carpet cleaning companies as they make use of proper cleaning agents in the right proportion for cleaning the carpet, and the carpets get cleaned using the right techniques. The best part is that these days, carpet cleaning companies are providing door to door services and you just need to call them to get the carpet cleaned within minutes.

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  • How to get a rewarding 5% interest savings account

    5% interest rate sounds like a distant dream for many consumers. But it is in fact a very real possibility. There are certain financial institutions that offer 5% interest on savings account.
    One of the best ways to get a high yielding interest rate is through opting for a savings account that is linked with a prepaid card. The prepaid card is just a pre-requisite to get the high-yielding savings account. Initially the minimum deposit for such attached savings account was $5000, but since July 2016 certain institutions have lowered the value to $1000.

    Here are some of the popular companies that have a genuine 5% interest savings account with a prepaid card.
    Brinks
    Netspend
    Western Union
    Ace Elite
    Control

    Other than these Momentum, Vision, Purpose, Insight, Mango, etc. offer 5% interest rate on savings account. All of these mentioned cards can vary with respect to terms and conditions.
    When you sign up for the 5% interest savings account you will receive a prepaid card. The prepaid card is imperative as it lets you move to the next step, i.e. completing the process for the savings account. In this particular program, apart from your basic details like name, address, date of birth, social security number, etc. there is no credit pull. So, no need to fret as the company won’t scrutinize your credit history.

    Although you can get multiple 5% savings accounts, you should fulfill one process at a time. This is because many cards might have a different name but they might be monitored by the same company.

    After your 5% interest savings account gets initiated, you won’t be able to use it instantly. You’ll have to pay a premium fee so that you can access it. This fee is usually up to $500, and are mostly required to be paid through direct deposits. Post activation when you start transferring the savings funds you will notice that they will first have to flow into the prepaid card. It is only then your money is eligible to be moved to the 5% interest savings account.

    You are allowed to withdraw money from this account, but like the funds deposit process even here you’ll first have to transfer the money back to the prepaid card. Then you can transfer this money to your regular bank account for withdrawal purposes.

    Since the deposit and the withdrawal procedure is a little extended, a 5% interest savings account can be a great idea to save up some finances for short term purposes. Depending on your company choice you might have an inactivity penalty. So, make sure that you use your account regularly.

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  • Top 3 affordable Bridgestone tires to improve your drive

    Established in 1931, Bridgestone is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. The company, which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, deals with bicycles and industrial equipment among other things, but is mostly known for its superior rubber and innovation in tire technology. As of today, the brand sells its products in over 150 countries, and operates just over 180 manufacturing plants.

    One of the major reasons behind Bridgestone tires’ success worldwide is the blend of quality, comfort, and affordability offered by the brand. Despite being made to a certain standard, Bridgestone tire prices are always economical with their durability adding another level of customer satisfaction. Although all their tires meet the required standards of efficiency, there are a few which offer a little extra on multiple fronts.

    Given below are 3 top Bridgestone tires that are amazing and easily affordable.

    Dueler H/L Alenza, all-season tire

    Embedded with Bridgestone’s UNI-T technology, this all-season tire is tailor-made for SUVs, premium crossovers and light-duty pickup trucks. The technology used provides excellent traction in all types of weather conditions, including snow and rain, great comfort, and quiet. The symmetric tread pattern is a huge plus, as are the large shoulder blocks and a center rib to improve responsiveness and stability. These tires can be brought at a reasonable price of approximately $160.

    DriveGuard, all-season tire

    Another Bridgestone masterpiece, the DriveGuard Run-Flat tire is perfect for drivers who prefer safety over thrill. The tire, which is equipped with Bridgestone’s Run-Flat technology, has NanoPro-tech engineered sidewall, enhanced bead core, and TPMS-enabled technology — a tire pressure monitoring system that gives dashboard alerts at critical moments. Due to the added layer of safety, Bridgestone’s DriveGuard tires can be driven up to 50 miles even in case of punctures. However, even with all the amazing features, the tire is priced at a reasonable $130 and comes with a warranty of 60,000 miles.

    Ecopia EP422 Plus, all-season tire

    If fuel consumption is your biggest concern, Bridgestone’s Ecopia EP422 Plus is worth having a look at. These tires are fuel-efficient and offer the best mileage, alongside a 70,000-mile treadwear limited warranty. It is engineered to perfection for sedans and minivans, offering great comfort. These tires give a brilliant performance all throughout the year and can be purchased at approximately $96.

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  • Smart tips for purchasing a new smartphone

    Have you decided to buy a new smartphone? It is a good decision because these devices help increase your productivity in many ways. When you keep on searching online for a perfect device, you can come many articles with titles such as 10 best smartphones available in the market.

    These sources can provide you some useful information about different types of devices, but you should never blindly follow them. Since there are a lot of options available, choosing one for your needs seems like a daunting task. The most important aspect is to take an informed decision.

    In order to take such a decision, you have to conduct your own research and internet is the best place that you can depend on for research. When you collect quality information, making a choice becomes a simple task.

    Here are some valuable tips for selecting the best smartphone:

    Know your needs: First of all, you must ask yourself how you are going to use the phone. If your purpose is primarily social in nature, you must have a good suite of social networking applications. If you want a smartphone for your business, you need a suite of office software. When you know your needs, you can easily pick the best one that goes well with your needs. Browse through the 10 best smartphones keeping this in mind.

    Be clear about your own use: It is important to know how much you will be using smartphone. You need to check the battery longevity of different devices and if you know how often you will be using it, you can make the right selection in an easy way. For long term use, you need a device with a battery that lasts for a long. It is good to inquire about all those high-tech features, but you should never undermine the importance of battery longevity. When you read articles online,  you must check the battery life and compare across 10 best smartphones available in the market. Get clear cut idea about the menus and navigation features of the best models

    You must focus on looking at how the menus and navigation system function on each device. It is not necessary to concentrate on all the applications because it invites distractions. You have to check out whether you are feeling comfortable with the device and once you feel comfortable, you can consider technological aspects.

    Check whether you can multitask: It has a lot to do with how you are planning to use the device. You have to ensure that the device you are planning to purchase can handle various functions simultaneously if you are likely to utilize the phone for different types of applications at the same time.

    Ensure that the device offers these functions

    Best devices among the 10 best smartphones offer features like sending multimedia messages, making videos surfing the Internet through the laptop with the help of a USB connection, good camera and using the device as a GPS map.

    You need to make a note of all the functions you want and check whether the new device offers all these functions. Both utility and luxury functions can be checked based on your needs. Articles such as top 10 best smartphones familiarize with the functions available in different smartphones.

    These are the most important tips that you need to follow while searching for a new smartphone. As suggested above, choosing a new smartphone is a difficult task. The first thing is to know your needs and preferences, and you should prepare a list so that nothing is forgotten. When you search for a new smartphone online, you can refer the notes you prepared to prevent undermining the importance of any of your needs.

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  • Why Games are an Important Part of Life

    Games are entertaining and fun. Childhood is when most of the days are spent by playing games. The same goes on as we get older, but the time is cut short. Nevertheless, some time should be spent every day for the games that you enjoy playing.

    There are different types of games and they are essential for good health. It also brings out several other qualities of an individual. Fun activities like running around or hopscotch have their own benefits.

    Video games also come with their set of positives which can drive the mind and enhance the thought process.

    Here are the basic types of games and how they benefit you.

    Sports

    Sports are created as a part of the curriculum from a very young age for a particular reason. There are many who find career paths in games, while others find joy in indulging in games. From mental to physical, sporting games provide several benefits to a person. Here are the benefits you can reap from sports/games.

    Health

    Sports involve a lot of physical activity. This will keep your health in good shape. The muscles in the body develop faster. You won’t ever have to worry about health problems if you regularly play a sport or two.

    Values

    The first thing that you’ll learn is sportsmanship—whether you’re losing or winning, you’ll enjoy the game anyway. It will teach you to handle the hardships of life in a better way. Courage to put in more effort and patience, are qualities you’ll inherit when you are more involved in sports.

    Discipline

    Sportsmen need to be well disciplined to be in their best form. This involves keeping a schedule and sticking to it no matter what. In a course of time, this will turn into a habit. This is essentially the stepping stone to success.

    Team building

    This quality is easy to find in games that require teams. Dealing with teammates and working together will teach you to trust other people. It creates a bond that will make life a lot easier as you carry on. As you play on with the same team, you’ll also learn a lot about loyalty. Leadership is also a quality you’ll find here.

    The enjoyment

    When you’re involved in a game, your mind gets free of all its troubles. This is the relaxation and mental space that you need often. Be it, students or adults, games are a must for personality development.

    Video games

    Studies have shown that video games have a positive effect on the mind, and can make you think faster and act faster too. Although there is a lot of backlash against it, like anything else, when in moderation it is nothing but good for you.

    Slower aging process

    Being fast and smart about the decisions that you make in the video games, was proven to slow down aging. There is no age limit for playing video games, so a significant effect was even found on sixty-year-olds.

    Better decision making

    Games require fast decision making. As you get better at the game, you’ll learn to make faster and better decisions. This trait will carry on to the other parts of your life too.

    Enhanced social skills

    Gamers communicate online which is their version of a social space. This ensures that they are competitive as well as friendly with more people out there. With the common interest being the game itself, it can create a bond between the gamers.

    Learning anything

    New games can teach your brain to adapt and learn new things. This flexibility can help you adapt to new changes in your life, and you will be ready to face anything coming at you.

    Increased focus

    When you are playing a video game, it has your complete attention. This attention level was not found even in classrooms. Games can increase your concentration levels significantly.

    Games motivate you to think while achieving certain goals. The human mind can think and learn a lot, perhaps more than education itself. Setting goals and acquiring everything you need step-by-step will teach you a lot of life lessons.

    Setting aside time to relax & indulge in some fun games can make you feel euphoric.

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  • Best brands for 63-inch to 75-inch TVs

    Looking for a large TV to get that cinematic feel? 63-inch TVs are the best option for you. These not only effortlessly fit in apartments and smaller living rooms but also produce high-quality wide-angle display. 63-inch TVs are very expensive as compared to small-screen TVs; therefore, it is integral to buy a TV from a well-trusted brand. Here are some of the best brands to choose from when looking for 63-inch TVs:

    • Sony
      Sony is a well-known name in the industry for manufacturing the best TVs. The 63-inch TVs from Sony come in various formats such as 4K Ultra HD, Full HD, and Smart Full HD TV. 4K Ultra HD is perfect for enjoying a theatre experience in the comfort of your home. Sony’s 4K Ultra HD TVs produce superior display quality, and their 4K Android TVs were recommended by Netflix as the top TVs to look out for in 2016. With the 4K Android TV, you can instantly view TV shows, apps, and broadcasts online with one click. The technologies of 4K X-Reality Pro and the X-tended Dynamic Range provide high levels of realism in the display and make you feel like part of the movie scene.
    • Samsung
      Samsung TVs have been experimenting with various innovations and have, through the years, made their mark in the market. Their 63-inch TVs are slightly cheaper than the those of Sony but deliver the same quality of display and audio output. Their 4k UHD TV range is one of the best series launched so far. Their UHD-dimming feature optimizes colors, sharpness, and contrast by dividing the screen into blocks. This feature provides a realistic feel. You can also view it from any angle without any problem.
    • Vizio
      Vizio is another name in the market that has been quickly catching up with the big names. The Vizio E-series of 2017 has some of the best large-screen TVs, ranging from 60- to 63-inch TVs to those of 80 inches. It is the most budget-friendly option as compared to Sony and Samsung. You can choose from Full HD TVs to Smart Full HD TVs. The ‘Xtreme Black Engine’ technology adapts suitable brightness for darker images and movie scenes, giving you a proper theatre experience. The 4K Ultra HD TVs in the 63-inch range also produce superior video quality with flawless detail.
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  • 8 must-have shoes for all women

    Most of us do not possess the funds or the availability of closet space to buy every pair of shoes that become trendy. But there are some staple trends that never go out of style and are economical to buy as well. These key shoe styles are a must-have in every closet and with them, you can have the right pair for the right occasion. So, here are the top pairs of women’s shoes that you must invest in.

    Flats
    Also known as flats, these shoes are comfortable and versatile. They are both casual and ladylike which make them suitable for women of all ages. You can pair them up with pretty skirts, shorts, and even suits.

    Chucks
    Cute, versatile, casual, and comfortable. No matter how many pairs of shoes you own, Chucks are perfect with jeans and casual pants and shorts.

    Ankle boots
    Ankle boots have always enjoyed a huge celebrity following. The best part of these boots is that you can wear them all round the year. Select a neutral color and a pair that’s equipped with a comfortable heel.

    Wedges
    As soon as spring or summer strikes, a canvas or cork espadrille is the go-to shoe. If you still don’t have a pair of wedges, make sure you grab a pair before the summer hits! Comfortable and stable, wedges are easy to wear.

    Pumps
    A pair of patent leather pumps in a beautiful colors will flaunt your legs. Regardless of if you need regular office or dressy evening wear, a pair of classic pumps will never let you down.

    Sandals
    Everyday sandals have a posh look that doesn’t come with flip-flops. Sandals are perfect for summer and there is a wide variety to choose from. Find a pair with unique detailing or embellishments of beads and sequins to set you apart from the crowd.

    Stiletto heels
    All girls must have a pair of sexy heels in her wardrobe. No matter whether you like a statement leopard skin print or a bright color, make sure you have a pair in your closet. While we all lust after flash of sassy red sole, stilettos can be purchased economically.

    Nudes
    Are you always looking for that perfectly adaptable pair of shoes? Nude heels are what you’re searching for. Take a leaf from the book- nude heels give the visual illusion of increased leg length, while the heel shapes the legs. Shoe genius.

    If you are still confused about which shoes to buy, do a quick shoe stock take of your closet. Find out which shoes you already have and if any need to be upgraded. Make a list and go shopping, either online, or at a mall. Take your friends for expert opinions and advice.

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