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To DIY or not to DIY The jobs you really need the experts for

The ability to not only save a good amount of money, but also gain an inimitable sense of satisfaction, makes the prospect of DIY an exciting one. In fact, even too exciting sometimes, to the extent of blinding DIY enthusiasts of the risks, downsides, and their own shortcomings.

Before you dive headfirst into a DIY project, there are a few essential questions you should ask yourself even if you already have a couple of projects under your belt. Those questions fall into two categories, the first one coming down to whether you’re capable of carrying out the DIY project. Those questions include:

  • Do you have the know-how, the technical skills, and the necessary experience?
  • Do you have the time? (and the money you’d sacrifice during it by not working)
  • Do you have the energy?
  • Do you know the risks and how to handle them?

Even if you answered “yes” to all of the above, there’s the other question category, which is actually just a single, ultimate question that can render the others irrelevant – “Is it worth it?”

And even if your answer was another resounding “yes,” here are a few types of jobs for which we strongly advise you to swallow your pride and call an expert anyway.

Plumbing

Sure, a lot of people might be able to unclog a drain or fix a leak, but that doesn’t exhaust all plumbing scenarios, let alone emergencies. The fact of the matter is, plumbing is a far more delicate line of work than it may seem on the outside, and if you’re surprised by this statement, then that’s a clear sign you’re an outsider.

For one, a botched plumbing job is not only bad in itself, but it can also trigger a chain reaction of problems that extend far beyond plumbing. Poorly sealed connections, for example, can cause leaks, which respectively invite moisture that unnoticeably creeps into the house, damages your property, and brings along mold which is bad for your walls, not to mention your health. All of that snowballs into a massive hassle you could have easily avoided with a simple phone call.

But besides the relatively trivial hurdles, you can bring down something much worse on yourself. For example, you could stumble upon a gas line, which is already bad since gas lines are not something you should stumble upon by accident. Even being unsure if a gas pipe could cross your DIY path is more than a good enough reason to call an expert.

Dealing with old piping and septic tanks are other endeavor you should simply leave to the experts. To find out about other risky plumbing jobs and emergencies that require far more expertise than you might think, visit https://www.plumbingforce.co.uk/emergencies/.

Electrical Jobs

Luckily, electrical jobs tend to inspire more fear than plumbing, even if it’s only because of mainstream movies. With that being said, there are still lots of DIY daredevils who think just because something happens in a film, it’s entirely fictional. Don’t be one of them, as simple as that.

And even if you think you’ve done a good job and make it out intact at first, you might have actually made a bigger mess that is simply yet to unfurl. Faulty wiring, for example, is like a ticking time bomb that won’t make a sound until it’s too late.

And while the safety risks of DIY electrical jobs are luckily quite well-documented, there’s also the more trivial side of things that isn’t. Even if an electricity task is by some chance risk-free, botching it will cost you dearly since a real electrician will charge you much more to fix your mess than he/she would have to simply do it in the first place.

Knocking Down Internal Walls

Knocking down internal walls sure may seem fun and bad-ass in films, but if it’s not done by a professional who can assess the load distribution of your house and the wall’s role in it, you might end up knocking down your entire house.

Roof Repairs

Even if you happen to have the skills in themselves to fix a problem in your roof, which quite likely you don’t anyway, it usually takes a professional to do it in awkward positions quite a few feet from the ground.

There are other tempting jobs out there that DIY enthusiasts should resist, but these are the four that are a hard “no,” whoever you are.

Clever Wedding Ideas to Make Your Big Day Stand Out

Planning your dream wedding is one of the most nerve-wracking and exciting things you’ll ever do. But if you’ve been to a fair share of weddings, every ceremony might start to feel the same. To wow your guests and make your big day stand out, here are some clever wedding ideas.

Design a Wedding Website

Wedding websites are a great way to provide your guests with a central hub of information about your big day. Guests can use your wedding website to find information about the venue, dress code, travel plans, and your wedding registry. Additionally, your wedding website can serve as a networking tool for guests. (Having a website also makes it easy for you to post important notifications regarding your wedding!)
With more and more technology available to help wedding planners, guests now expect soon-to-be-married couples to create a wedding website. To create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind wedding website, check out the Joy wedding website builder. Joy is a free, easy-to-use wedding website builder that can help you create a custom website for your dream day. So whether you’re looking to design a rustic website for your countryside wedding or a nautical layout for your beach getaway, Joy can help.

Create a Memorable Environment

After choosing the perfect venue for your wedding ceremony and reception, be sure to create a memorable environment. A memorable environment will make for picture-perfect moments, and guests will remember your wedding for years to come. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this unique table set up for inspiration. A gorgeous table set up will let your location shine while creating a serene environment for guests.

Additionally, provide comfortable seating for your guests. When your guests are comfortable, they’re more likely to be present during your ceremony and reception. Try creating a place for guests to mingle between dances with a lounge area. Fill the lounge with couches, chairs, and plenty of cushions for guests to kick back and relax. To take your seating to the next level, add some individual throw pillows and elegant lounge-style sofas. For bonus points, close off the lounge area with curtains.

Make The Bridal And Groom Party Gifts Memorable

It’s fun to be a bridesmaid or groomsman, but don’t forget that these special people have stepped up, taking time out of their lives to help make your special day perfect. Consider thanking them with a gift package that offers a personal touch. The gifts don’t have to strain the budget—a little thoughtfulness goes a long way. For example, companies such as No Cold Feet offer custom groomsmen socks with personalized packaging.

Involve Your Guests

Make your guests feel involved in your big day by involving them in your wedding ceremony. Ask guests to read their intentions, or goals for the couple, before exchanging vows, or organize a group sing-a-long to one of your favorite songs. Make sure to inform guests of their expected involvement and post any needed materials on your wedding website.

If you’re hosting a big wedding party, involving guests in your ceremony might seem difficult. But you can still involve guests in your reception. Try setting up a DIY cocktail bar or even just allowing guests to serve their own pre-made drinks. If you don’t plan on serving alcohol, consider hiring a tarot card reader or a caricaturist.

Enjoy Yourself

If you’re enjoying yourself on your big day, your guests are guaranteed to remember you with a smile on your face. So don’t hesitate to treat yourself before the wedding with a spa day, massage, or a makeover.

If you’ve thought about getting false lashes, now is the perfect time to give it a go. False lashes from Lashes Direct will make your eyes pop, and they only take a half-hour to apply. If you’re not sure where to start, Lashes Direct offers real mink eyelash extensions for soft, light, natural-looking eyelashes. Mink eyelash extensions will leave you feeling luxurious, elegant, and sexy on your big day.
From designing a beautiful, one-of-a-kind wedding website to enjoying yourself on your big day, these ideas can help you throw a stand-out wedding ceremony that’s sure to wow your guests.

Pros and Cons of Different Types of Sub-Flooring Material

The integrity of finished flooring depends on a variety of factors. One of the essential steps is choosing the right sub-flooring material. If you prefer wood, you need a foundation that will provide continuous support for each joist. In locations like basements and warehouses, the contractor may choose a simple concrete slab. Flooring can consist of several layers, and the sub-floor refers to the primary structural support for the finished flooring. In this article, we will discuss the different types of sub-floor materials and their pros and cons.

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Liquid screed

In recent years, liquid screed has gained popularity in indoor flooring applications. Unlike ordinary ready-mix cement, screed contains finer aggregate particles making the resulting mixture smooth and easier to apply. Although the mixture appears more liquid at first, it dries fast and is also easy to manage even for DIY installations. However, for larger projects, it is best to hire floor screeding contractors that can get the job done expertly and efficiently.

One of the many reasons why liquid screed is popular is that it is the most compatible material used when adding underfloor heating. Since you can apply screed in thin layers, underfloor heating capacity is optimised.

Concrete

Concrete is durable, hard, and smooth. It is an ideal subfloor for stone and tiles because you do not need to add another underlayer. One of the disadvantages of concrete is moisture. As such, if you use flooring such as laminate or wood, you will need a barrier over the concrete before installing the finishing material. Nevertheless, concrete is ideal for commercial purposes as it is a structurally sound material. It is often used as flooring for basements and warehouses when moisture is not considered an issue.

Plywood

This type of sub-flooring material has been around for many decades and is still popular today. Although standard plywood is the most common, most contractors prefer a thicker, tongue and groove, kind of plywood specifically manufactured for flooring. The tongue and groove installation prevents the material from shifting around the edges; hence, ensuring a more stable sub-layer for your floor. If you plan to use carpet as the finishing material, it may be best to use thinner plywood. On the other hand, you need to use thicker sub-flooring if installing tiles or hardwood flooring which will be nailed to the subfloor.

Wood planks

Wood planks are a traditional material used up until the middle of the 20th century. Since the invention of plywood and other high-performing materials, wood has become uncommon in underfloor installation. However, those who prefer a more rustic approach to their interior can use hardwood as the base for flooring. Many old homes that get remodelled still have wood sub-flooring.

Wood is an excellent choice if you plan on installing carpet or vinyl on your floors. It remains flat and is even attractive on its own. However, hardwood today is quite expensive, which is why most people prefer cheaper alternatives such as oriented strand board or ordinary plywood.

 

Co-Parenting With a Deadbeat: Tips for Winning the Custody Battle

Tired of trying to prove you’re the better parent? Understanding the basics of child custody and the court’s “better parent” standard can help you win a child custody battle against a deadbeat parent. Here’s how to leave the stress of your custody battle behind by proving you’re the better parent.

Winning Sole Custody

If you’re interested in seeking sole custody, it’s important to familiarize yourself with child custody laws in your jurisdiction. Familiarizing yourself with the appropriate child custody laws can help you prepare to present yourself in court as the “better parent.” It’s important to remember that the court’s primary concern is the best interests of your child. Depending on your situation, this may or may not involve a sole custody ruling.

The “Better Parent” Standard

Many parents enter child custody hearings to gain sole custody of their children. While some parents believe that the other parent is a deadbeat or unfit to raise their children, some parents hope to gain sole custody for other reasons. If you’re hoping to win child custody, it’s essential to realize that winning sole custody requires a higher burden of proof.

To win sole custody, a parent must prove to the court that they are the “better parent.” Meeting the burden of proof can be challenging, especially if both parents were involved in the child’s upbringing before the custody hearing.

Winning sole custody is also difficult becomes many judges are hesitant to prevent either parent from fostering a relationship with their child. Consequently, any parent looking to gain sole custody must prove that he or she is best able to care for the child without the help of the other parent.

Meeting the “Better Parent” Standard

Parents seeking sole custody must focus on the physical and psychological well-being of the child to prove that they’re the “better parent.” For instance, demonstrate that sole custody would encourage a healthier lifestyle for your child in terms of routine, sleeping and eating habits, and after-school activities. Additionally, support your child’s mental well-being by allowing your child to foster a relationship with the other parent through liberal visitations.

It’s also important to keep in mind that parents should not “trash” each other during a custody hearing. Instead of “trashing” the other parent, consider talking to your lawyer about demonstrating that the other parent is unfit to raise your child. GoLookUp, an online information database, provides mugshots, arrest records, and reverse phone lookups that can help you present evidence that the other parent is unfit. Presenting evidence during your child custody hearing can help prove that you’re the better parent without attacking your counterpart.

Consider Joint Custody

Sometimes, neither parent wins child custody. When the judge fails to determine that either parent is the better parent, he or she rules in favor of joint custody, which can involve joint legal custody or joint physical custody. Parents seeking custody must realize that a joint custody ruling is not necessarily a loss.

In many situations, joint custody rulings suit the best interests of the child. Joint custody rulings allow both parents to share equal parenting responsibilities and make it easier for both parents to foster a proper relationship with their child.

In the case of a joint custody ruling, parents must work together to create a parenting schedule. While many states require a written parenting plan, writing down your intentions and establishing a written schedule can benefit both the parents and the child.

If you’re seeking sole custody understanding the “better parent” standard is essential. To learn more about the basics of child custody, contact an expert attorney at Johnson & Taylor LLC. Ultimately, there’s nothing more important than the well-being of your children.

Safe Smart Drugs and Understanding them

When it comes to using aids to help us do something, it often gets frowned upon if that help comes in a little plastic bottle with a white label on the side. But why? Is help different if it comes in a different package? The action has the same end goal does it not? To make something better.

For those of us who rely on multiple cups of caffeine a day, is that not getting help in some form? Read here https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-coffee-should-you-drink for a look into what the professionals think.

Or just because it is packaged in a nice green and white paper flask or a maroon with a white trim cup, it makes it ok without even a second thought.

The goal remains, make it better. Whether a person or situation, any help for the good is a change.

Why then when we see a person taking out a little orange bottle and shaking a few pills into their hand, it’s suddenly taboo. We need to get a reality check. There are products on the market for instance like the smart drug Modafinil, used in many industries across the world.

Students use it to help them study or cram for exams. Professionals take it to help them cope with workloads and meet extreme deadlines. Shift workers who can’t switch off and struggle to get a decent night’s sleep, this helps them reach dreamland.

What do these Smart Drugs do exactly?

While the name might suggest it, they don’t actually ‘make’ you smarter, you have to at least have something going on upstairs. Instead, they use what you already have and enhance it. Like throwing extra sprinkles on a cake, the flavor is there, now we just add decoration.

These types of smart drugs are used in an improvement capacity, to increase your cognitive awareness. If you take a look at this info, it explains it in detail for a more in-depth read.

But essentially people use them to help with mental performance, aid memory and focus and unleash their creativity. Society is becoming competitive, we need to stay on top of our game.

When to Use them?

We have all experienced some form of school-related stress in our lives, whether it’s for exams, presentations or even finals in our last year of education.

More students have been using enhancers like the smart drug modafinil to help them cope and focus on getting through these pressure situations. There are synthetic as well as natural products available, you will have to do your research and see what will work best for you.

Because the idea of these products is to promote awareness, to be present and awake in the situation at hand, they are becoming increasingly popular in the medical fields among surgeons and university students. Watch this breakdown and discussion of these smart drugs and the experiences people go through.

What are the Benefits of Using a Smart Drug?

  • Little to zero side effects. Because it is a eugeroic, it is more of a wakefulness agent rather than a stimulant, which give off negative side effects.
  • Increase Mood. It has been known to help you resist sleep-isn’t that all of us when it comes to studying-and increase your happy hormone.
  • Brain. Surgeons have said that they have improved brain function when taking these during sleep-deprived situations.
  • Choices. A published study showed that ‘impulse decisions’ were reduced, helping us think more before making sucky choices. I’m sure we could all have used these a few years ago when I think back.

Do you know someone who would benefit from using them, or would you? But not 100% ready to take the plunge, click here https://www.cbc.ca/documentarychannel/m_docs/smart-drugs to go on a journey with a gentleman who documented the whole road trip and all the ins and outs of his story.

Reading reviews and listening to what others say is often just what we need to hear to help us make the decision we have been toying with and going back and forth on.

What to Look for.

Having read over 100 different articles and reviews, success stories and self-documentaries there seem to be a top of the crop list when it comes to choosing the ‘best.’

Each has its benefits and perks, so making a list with pros and cons and what you’re looking to use it for, will help you determine and break it down into the specific one or two that would maximize its benefits for you.

If you are interested but don’t know where to start, check out ModafinilNow.net for advice, help and a handy guide to steer you in the right direction. Sometimes all we need is that little helping hand reaching out.

Smart Knowledge.

Unfortunately for my young kids, this is not something they will even know about for at least another 10 years, and who knows, by then someone might have developed a product even more advanced.

That someone would have probably been using the smart drug modafinil when he wrote his formula down, and wouldn’t that just be a whole bag of irony being delivered.

Whatever the method or the means, these enhancers are available, being used and seem to be successful.

If it makes the difference between you having cold sweats and walking into an exam room looking like you’ve stepped out of the shower in your outfit, or you handling your business and sailing through it, I say go for it.

What’s A Pulse Oximeter

 

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Modern medicine is improving, and the invention of pulse oximeters was a great addition to the revolution that it undergoes. Read more about modern medicine when you click here. These devices continuously monitor the saturation of oxygen in the bloodstream. Many medical facilities such as hospitals and clinics often use these that they were dubbed to be a person’s fifth vital sign.

The pulse oximeter can detect if a patient has hypoxia or deficiency in oxygen before the skin turns blue. The bluish color that the skin often displays means that the mucous and the membranes are not receiving enough oxygen in the body and that the patient may require immediate help.

With this said, the device is used in a variety of situations, including monitoring a patient’s overall health and pulse rate when they are sedated or about to undergo surgery. The oximeter is essential because it tells the surgeons or the doctors that a patient’s vital signs are still working fine even if he can’t communicate. Most patients who can’t often communicate include those who are in a coma or who were sedated.

What to Search For

Some people do not only want to check their pulses at the hospitals. They also want to monitor their heart health in the comfort of their homes. For this reason, they purchase an oximeter for personal use. If you are one of those who want to make sure that you are in good condition even after an arduous workout or if you are prone to heart attacks, here are some tips that you should follow in choosing the right device for you.

`1. Reliability

The oximeter should be reliable by giving you accurate results. You can bring your device to your general hospital and compare the readings to the ones that they got there. This is to see if you have bought something accurate. Some people don’t have to pay for an expensive device to get the reliability that they need. The readings should reflect vast differences when you are resting and after your workout. You can check with popular sites such as http://www.masimopersonalhealth.com/pages/what-is-a-pulse-oximeter to know more about the nice ones available out there.

2. Fit in the Pockets

You need to choose a small and sleek design that will easily fit your pockets. This is because the oximeters are often used when one is doing exercises or jogging in the morning. Some people have too many items stuffed inside their pockets that they might need a lanyard to locate the device easier whenever they need it. There are lanyards with cute designs if you prefer, but some things to prioritize are choosing an oximeter that is not too small and not too large. It should be light enough so that you can bring it anywhere you go.

3. Offers the Best Value

The price is one of the essential things that you need to consider when looking for a pulse oximeter. You should not get the most expensive ones or the cheapest ones. Instead, what you can do is to research devices that do a great job of providing you with fast and accurate results. There are expensive oximeters in the market today, but they might be pricey because popular brands or manufacturers made them. You pay for the brand and not necessarily for the device’s performance. Look for an affordable model and offer the best value while made for heavy usage.

4. Coated with Silicone

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Look for a pulse oximeter that is covered with silicone layers. If you are one of the people who are often allergic to a lot of things, you might have a dermatological reaction with the oximeter. If you have sensitive skin, the silicone coating is your best option. The material used should not affect the readings and performance of the device. You can use the silicone ones for personal use, especially if you usually go jogging, and you are hesitant to borrow a fellow runner’s oximeter.

You can check with your doctor on how to look for the best oximeter that will enable you to check your condition anytime and anywhere. Read descriptions, reviews, threads, websites, and forums to gain more insights on what types of oximeters are right for you. It sometimes depends on your medical condition and your lifestyle, so be sure to make a wise choice the first time.

 

3 Tips For Getting Your Clothes To Fit Your Body Better

Regardless of your shape and size, there is a way to get your clothes to fit you perfectly. The trick here, however, is to know what clothes to choose and how to wear them. So whether you’re wanting to look thinner, fuller, or accentuate your chest, legs, or arms, here are three tips for getting your clothes to fit your body better and helping you to feel more comfortable and confident.

Know What Features You Want To Accentuate

In order to wear clothes that will accentuate the right area of your body, you first have to know what part of your body you want to accentuate. For some people, it might be easier to think of what areas you feel less confident in than to think about which areas you want to draw attention to.

When dressing in this manner, Kat Collings, a contributor to WhoWhatWear.com, shares that certain styles, cuts, or types of clothing will help to accentuate particular parts of your body. For example, wearing heels and flared jeans will accentuate your legs, pencil skirts and wrap dresses will accentuate your curves, and A-line dresses or embellished tops will accentuate your upper body.

So if you’re wanting to show off or hide a specific part of your body through the use of your clothing, make sure you’re picking the right pieces to help you accomplish this.

Except To Make Alterations

Because every body is different, you shouldn’t necessarily expect to be able to find clothes that fit you perfectly right off the rack at any clothing store. Rather, when you go shopping, you should expect to have to take your clothes to a tailor or to make your own alterations in order for the clothes to fit your exact body.

According to Lauren Chan, a contributor to Glamour.com, when you are shopping for clothes at clothing stores, try to find a size that fits the biggest part of your body. By shopping for your biggest area, you’ll be able to get the rest of the garment easily taken in on the areas that don’t need quite as much space.

Utilize Tucked Shirts And Belts

Sometimes, with the fluctuation of weight that everyone goes through, some of your clothes might start to become a little big on you. But if you can’t make it to the tailors to get your clothes altered, you do have other options for getting your clothes to still fit you.

One thing you can try, according to Jennifer Hussein, a contributor to Insider.com, is to wear belts or simply tuck your shirt in. By tucking in your shirt, pants that are too big will be less likely to fall down and will fit on your body better.

If you’re wanting to look better in your clothes, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find ways to make this possible.

 

Clever Ways To Redirect An ADHD Child

If you have a child who is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, then you understand that your child lives in a very random world. An ADHD mind can focus on one thing, and then all of a sudden, someone is mad and yelling.

They won’t even understand what happened, when the issue is that they aren’t listening to a parent or they can’t follow a few orders directed their way. Education is an effective tool for your child and for you.

Take a moment now to learn a few clever ways to redirect the extra energy your child has to expel, and help your kid live a more accommodating world.

Place your child in music lessons

Music is a calming outlet for many children struggling with the symptoms of ADHD. If you can really get your kid to buy into the idea of learning a particular instrument, they could find an outlet that completely reframes the way they cope with their challenges.

The piano is a good place to start learning to play music, as it lays an excellent technical foundation. Find a teacher that is well-versed in children with a little less attention to pay, or offer to sit with your child for guidance as they learn.

Sign them up for team sports

Sports are the perfect solution for a kid who has far too much energy pent up inside of their tiny body. If you’re trying to find an outlet for your child, find out what team sport interests them most.

Not every child is suited for team sports, but children that are interested shouldn’t be denied the chance to play. Team sports also often offer the chance for underprivileged kids to take part, so money doesn’t have to be an issue.

Always be down for a hug

When your child has a particularly trying day with their attention challenges, you could really take the sting out of things with a simple hug. Loving contact with a parent is one of the most comforting things a child can experience.

Don’t let the business of your day distract you from giving your child a moment for a loving embrace. A good hug goes a long way.

Learn to ask silly questions

Sometimes distracting your kid from a bad day is as simple as a silly question. ADHD makes it hard for your kid to control the distractions in their mind, so offer a proactive solution. When your kid is in the middle of a meltdown, try asking them to tell you about the last time they saw a frog.

Encourage your kid to spend time outside

Fresh air and communion with nature is therapeutic. Your kid needs time outside in the sunshine. Don’t let the digital age take over every second of your kid’s world, and make them play outside.

 

3 Things To Consider Before Buying A New Home

Buying a house is a big deal. Not only is this a big purchase that’s going to cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars, but it will also have a big impact on your life as well. Because of this, it’s important that you do everything in your power to ensure that you’re making the right decision before you finalize the purchase of a new home to live in.

To help you in making sure that you’ve covered all your bases and are making the best possible decision for you and your family, here are three things to consider before buying a new home.

Know What You Can Afford

One of the most important things that you’ll need to think about is the financial side of buying a new home. Since you’ll likely be paying on your home loan for decades, you’ll want to be sure that you get the right home loan from the start.

To help with this, Kelly Phillips Erb, a contributor to Forbes.com, recommends that you only buy a house that you know you can afford. In many instances, you’ll get approved for a loan that’s more than you think you can afford. Although a bank or other institution might approve you for this much, if your home loan would be a bigger percentage of your monthly income than you’re comfortable with, make sure you’re only getting a home that you know you’ll be able to afford without having to take a big cut in your lifestyle.

Give Yourself Time To Save

In order to be in the best financial situation as possible when you’re buying a house, you should try to put as much money down as you can for a down payment. But to do this, you’ll likely have to save your money for quite a long time.

According to Jeremy Vohwinkle, a contributor to The Balance, it’s ideal to put down 20 percent of the cost of the home as your down payment. Depending on how much the home is going to cost you, this could be a huge amount of money for the average person so save up. So in order to give yourself the best chance to do this, you should try to give yourself as much time as you can to save up the money you’ll need.

Make Sure The Neighborhood Fits You

While the financial side of buying a home will likely be one of the biggest concerns you have when buying a home, you also want to ensure that the home you buy is going to be the right fit for you and your family.

One way to know if you’re buying the right home, according to T. Lacoma, a contributor to the Family Handyman, is to check out the state of the neighborhood. If the neighborhood looks safe and like an area you’d be comfortable in, then buying a home there could be a great idea for you.

If you’re wanting to buy a new home in the future, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you know what to consider when making this decision.

 

3 Inspired Mani Trends for Summer (and How to Rock Them)

Great news for summer: there are some inventive, stylish, and highly wearable mani trends happening this season. With a range of colors and styles to suit everyone’s taste, here are three of the hottest looks from the runways to recreate with your manicurist.

1. Grown-Up Black Nails

Most of us probably associate black nails with teenage rebellion. You’re probably conjuring up images right now of the badly-applied, angst-fuelled black nails worn by at least one kid in your high school class. Move that thought to one side; black nails can look super-sophisticated, elegant, and are bang on-trend right now.

Tom Ford, Koche and Philipp Plein models all sported black nails on the Spring-Summer 19 catwalks. High-shine, extra-long nails looked spectacular and the height of glam at Philipp Plein. These manis were finished with a few simple jewels. However, Tom Ford and Koche opted for a shorter and simpler rounded nail with an immaculate, high-gloss finish.

Black isn’t a classic look for summer, but that’s what makes it so fun, edgy and totally this season.

How to rock this look:

  • If you want to avoid the high school experimental look, high-gloss black nails need to be perfectly executed. Unless you’re super-confident at DIY manicures, it’s worth heading to a nail salon for this one.
  • Unless you want to go for a retro or goth look, keep your outfits fresh and summery. This bright (or light) and dark contrast will help draw attention to your incredible nails.
  • For the same reason, keep makeup light and neutral. Barely-there summer makeup for lips and eyes looks stunning alongside the statement black nails on this season’s catwalks.
  • If you’re still not sure about black, go a few shades lighter with a dark blue or green. Emporio Armani rocked high-gloss dark blue on this season’s catwalk, whereas Georgio Armani opted for almost-black, dark green manis.

2. Adventurous Two-Tone Manis

In an update on the classic French manicure, two-tone nails were all over the Spring-Summer 19 catwalks as well. The nude-white color combination was gone and in its place were some really interesting contrasts.

We saw nude with a crimson tip at Kith; a bold orange with a black tip at Gareth Pugh and a more understated, playful pink and white look at Jeremy Scott.

With this season’s two-tone mani, any color combination goes; you can go bold and daring, pretty and whimsical or anywhere in between. This makes it a super-wearable look for everyone.

While the two-tone runway manicures largely went straight across the tip like a French mani, there were a few fashion houses that played with this tradition too.

Models at Sadie Williams sported nails with a gold base that reached a point, with black tips. And with the orange and black nails at Gareth Pugh, the border between colors was blurred with a spray-paint effect.

How to rock this look:

  • This is one of the easiest looks to rock for SS19: anything goes in terms of shape, line, and color. It’s a great opportunity to experiment. Have fun playing and creating your own truly individual look.
  • A two-tone mani isn’t the easiest look to do at home. The line between colors needs to be ultra-precise so it’s worth investing in a nail technician’s expertise. This also gives you the chance to step-it-up a gear and play with lines and shapes as well as color in your two-tone look.

3. A Spin on a Bare Nail

It wasn’t all high-impact and high-contrast nails on the SS19 runways. There were plenty of nude manis proving that clean and natural, well-groomed nails remain a classic look.

However, there were a few twists on the nude mani, too. Taking the bare nail as a blank canvas. There were beautiful designs drawn onto nail tips. Moschino, Kith and Nicole Miller all went for super-simple lines and shapes drawn on in black. The square spirals on the nail tips at Kith were stunning, as were the subtly different designs on each nail at Nicole Miller.

  • For a basic nail shape, short-ish rounded nails are a classic look that always look well-groomed.
  • It’s time to focus on the condition of your nails and the skin on your hands. Treat yourself to some time in the salon. For example, with this luxury mermaid-themed manicure, you can release your inner-child and totally destress. The treatment will hydrate, moisturize, and smoothen skin as well as ensure your nails and cuticles are in great shape.
  • Nail art can be as whimsical or audacious as you like, but SS19’s hottest looks tended to use one color for clean lines and high definition. Opt for stick-on or drawn-on: the choice is yours.

Which look will you choose?

The most exciting thing about this summer’s nails is that there is an on-trend look for everyone.

You can go for high-drama or super-subtle; the choice is yours.

Which look for SS19 is inspiring you most right now?

 

AUTHOR BIO

Hillary Kozma is the Owner/Managing Director/Creative Director of Kozma & Kozma Salon. Having built the foundation of her skills with an apprenticeship under a direct protege of Vidal Sassoon, Hillary and her husband opened Glow American Salon in Qatar in 2007 before expanding to Dubai as Kozma & Kozma in 2016. Hillary is hailed by the media as a “pioneer in her field” for introducing new talents, concepts, philosophies, and techniques to the Middle East.