Populum CBD Giveaway
CBD, or cannabinoids, is a great way to alleviate pain, treat insomnia and more. CBD has been around for over 100 years but its benefits are just recently being destigmatized. Populum is a CBD brand that offers all natural and third-party lab tested results so that you can have peace of mind when using CBD.
Read the full review of Populum's Starter Kit on Schimiggy Reviews.
California Design Den Flash Giveaway
Welcome to the California Design Den Flash Giveaway
About the 400-Thread-Count 100% Cotton Sheet Set
- 100% Long Staple Pure Cotton – Sateen Weave
- Soft & Silky Sateen Sheets
- Fits Mattress up to 18” Deep Pocket
- Our eco-friendly sheets retain softness for a lifetime and resist fading
- CERTIFIED STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX – tests for harmful substances
- Globally sustainable awareness of the responsible use of chemicals.
- Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, King and Cal King sizes Gold LEED EBOM certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
Happy Father's day! Enter to win a set!
1 lucky reader will win a California Design Den 400-Thread-Count 100% Cotton Sheet Set in size and color of choice (white, grey or pinstripe). Ends June 16, 2019 and open to US and ages 18+
How to Save Money on Gas
Ever since the automobile became a staple of the American
household, a burning question has remained in the minds of every family --- how
much is a gallon of gas? The volatile energy markets can force gas prices up or
down in wild fluctuations, and so we think it’s important that you know how to
save on gas usage. However good things look now, price-wise, it’s sure not to
stay that way forever.
Tip Number 1 – Drive Less
OK, we admit, this one sounds a bit obvious. If you drive
less, you’ll use less gas. Of course! It doesn’t take a genius, but let’s look
at this seriously. If you reflect on how much you are using your car, even for
journeys under a mile, then you are probably wasting a lot fuel. Consider
walking or riding a bike if you can.
Tip Number 2 – Shorten the Warm Up
If you have harsh winters, or are far up north where most
mornings are rather chilly, then part of your morning routine is starting the
car a couple of minutes early to get her warmed up before the commute or the
school run. Try keeping your warm up within 30 seconds. You’ll be amazed how
much you can save over time.
Tip Number 3 – Watch Your Speed
Staying well within the speed limits and maintaining steady
cruising speeds over distance will help conserve gas. Always slowing down and
speeding up is a real gas guzzling tactic, as is driving faster in general.
Slow down and go steady.
Tip Number 4 – Stay on Top of Maintenance
Ignoring basic maintenance steps could be adding to your gas
costs, did you know that? Some of the top things to check that can save you on
gas are the tire pressure, changing out the air filters (especially in dusty
areas) and making sure that you’re using the right motor oil for your vehicle
(check the manual for that).
Tip Number 5 – Avoid Highway Gas Stations
Here’s something you may never have expected before, but gas
from stations that are located right on main highways is usually pricier than
that from other stations. Well, when you’re on the highway, where else are you
going to go? Are you going to take a big detour to find some smaller station
elsewhere? Unlikely. Gas up fully before you head to the highway.
Tip Number 6 – Buy When it’s Cooler
A final tip from us today – buy gas in the early mornings or
later in the evenings when the temperature has dropped. Here’s the chemistry
part --- when it’s cool out, the gas is denser and you’ll get more bang for
your buck when pumping. More gas will come through, but the price won’t change.
Avoid pumping in the heat and watch the savings roll in!
Keeping Your Car Clean – A Guide
Yes, we know. Cleaning the car isn’t exactly the most
glamorous job out there. You can get a quick rinse at the carwash for a good
price, and that keeps it looking in good order…on the surface, at least. For
most, however, the thought of a deep clean and proper detailing of the car is
off-putting, and so they let it build up, and build up, until eventually the
inside of the car is an utter disaster. Here’s some tips on keeping your motor
spic and span.
Make a plan, and stick to it. Create a simple
cleaning rota where you split everything into small, bite-size jobs. Monday:
Wipe down the steering wheel and dash, Tuesday: Vacuum the driver’s side,
Wednesday…you get the idea. Doing small manageable jobs each day will keep
things in good order in the long run.
Get creative. Find simple solutions to clean into the
spots you may forget. For example, you can use an old sock to clean the cup
holders. Just put your hand in there and rub it around good in the cup holder,
it’ll get into the full space, picking up all the bits and pieces that get
stuck down there over time.
Use all the attachments on the vacuum. The main
vacuum head and tube won’t be enough to do a proper clean of the vehicle.
You’ll need the other attachments to help get into the nooks and crannies that
conceal some of the worst dirt and dust.
Check your cleaning products. There may be some
items, especially for the exterior of the car, that are not suitable for your
car’s model, paint type or other external feature. When cleaning the wheels,
for instance, you need to make sure that you get cleaning products that are
suitable for all surfaces. There’s no telling what accidental damage you might
do with the wrong products.
Stay on top of pet hair. If your dog is a regular
passenger, then you need to stay on top of the fur cleanup, because that can
infect your entire vehicle in ways that become unbearable. Even the
professional detailers struggle with cars that have had long-term canine use
and no proper cleaning routine. Use a wet rubber glove or strong tape to shift
the hair from where it’s getting embedded in the upholstery or carpeting, and
then vacuum it up. Better yet, brush the dog before you let it in the car, or
contain it to one area of the car to minimize the spread of stray fur.
Follow these tips and you’ll keep a clean, ship shape
vehicle for the whole family to enjoy.
Teen Driver Safety
There’s nothing that gets the parental panic alarms going
like their teenage son or daughter heading out onto the open road for the first
time, accompanied or not. It’s a hard thing, to let your child put themselves
out there in the world, and especially when traffic accidents among youth
happen at more tragic rates than older adults. There are some simple things you
can do, however, that will help keep your teens safe out on the road.
1. Look at advanced driving courses
Drivers-ed and on-road practice may be enough to get you
through a basic driving test, but it’s only the more advanced courses that
better prepare young people for what’s really out there. Learn more defensive
driving techniques through extra courses, and boost your teen’s safety
knowledge and overall driving ability.
2. Stay well within the limits
When you’re a less experienced driver, it stands to reason
that you should operate well within the recommended guidelines of road safety.
Therefore, if the guidelines say keep at least two car-lengths of distance
between you and the car in front, go ahead and throw in another for good
measure. Is the speed limit 60mph? Drive at 50mph.
3. Turn the cell phone OFF
Switching to silent or vibrate-only just might not cut it in
this age of smartphone-obsessed youth. In the 2000s, it was texting and driving
that was the problem, but now it’s “every app under the sun” and driving that’s
the problem. Encourage teens to turn the phone right off while driving.
If the phone is kept on, then it still needs to be put out
of sight and not be used at all while driving, even while sitting still in
traffic. As soon as the phone is back in their hands, even for a minute, it’ll
be “Oh, I’ll just check Facebook while the light is red” and “It’s okay! I can
edge forward slowly in traffic while I read this bit of news.” No phone use
means no phone use.
4. Avoid extreme weather conditions
While you are still finding your driver’s legs, it might not
be a good idea to go out in adverse weather conditions. High winds can make
driving a huge challenge for even an experienced motorist. Heavy rains reduce
visibility, fog is an even greater challenge. If the weather looks sour,
consider public transport and give your car a break. Wait until you have a bit
more experience, or until you can have someone accompany you.
5. Make more use of your headlights
Finally, teens should remember that headlights are not just
to see better at night. They are also to help others better see you! Using
headlights from the late afternoon as the sun heads down over the horizon is a
good habit to develop from a young age. Pedestrians and motorists alike often
underestimate how much the dimming light effects the efficacy of their eyes.
Driving Safely in the Rain
Summer is just about upon us, and for some they continue to
be blessed with everlasting sunshine and minimal precipitation. For the rest of
us, though, the rain can keep coming. Rainy weather has an adverse effect on
driving conditions, and so it’s important we are all aware of key strategies
and tips we can use when facing the great wet outdoors. Let’s take a look.
First, you have to slow down. A wet road is a slick
road, and that means longer braking distances, even for the most experienced
and fast-reacting drivers out there. Lower your speed by at least 10mph on
average (5mph in low-speed zones) to avoid these risks. When rain is heavy, it
also impacts visibility, so put on your lights, slow down and keep your eyes
open for hazards.
Second, if you’ve seen the latest forecast and you know
you’re likely going to have a long journey in the rain, then you should do
some basic maintenance checks on your car. You’ll need optimal tire
pressure and fully working windshield wipers for a start. Check your cleaning
fluid levels as well, as spray from trucks in front of you might muddy up your
view. The rain itself might clear some, but it can still leave stains on the
windshield which you’ll want to get clean.
Third, consider turning off your cruise control. It
works well in normal conditions and is a handy companion on long journey down
the highway. In the rain, however, it can lead to unwanted acceleration on the
slicker roads, and that is something you definitely don’t want.
Finally, take whatever your normal rules are for road
safety and increase their strictness. If you normally leave a single
car-length of distance between you and the car in front, then double it to two
car lengths. If you usually drive 5mph under the limit, then drive at least
10mph under the limit. If you give yourself 20 minutes for the usual journey,
then increase it to 35. You get the idea.
Rain means change. Adapt yourself to the changing weather
conditions and stay safe on the road. Don’t let the weather rain on your
parade!
Top Tips: Preparing for a Road Trip
Summer is here and that means the family road trip to
“Wherever, USA” is almost upon you, too. We know that packing for a road trip
can seem like a real ordeal, especially for a family with young kids. It’s not
just the distance or the gas mileage, it’s keeping the kids entertained, being
ready for anything, having snacks and so much more. Here’s our handy guide to
getting the car properly stocked before the big road trip.
1. Bring all the essential documents – pack your
license, registration and a copy of your insurance information somewhere safe
but easily accessible (like the glove box) just in case. You should always have
them ready in your car, anyway.
2. Think of emergency supplies – a first-aid kit, a
roadside emergency kit, blankets and travel pillows for comfortable sleeps
along the way. Check the spare tire is in working order, and do some simple
maintenance checks; tire pressure, oil, air filters etc. before you go. Finally,
don’t forget toilet paper and/or Clorox wipes, because…well…everybody needs them!
3. Entertainment for the kids – if they’re on screen
time, then portable DVD players, tablet computers or something that can play
movies and TV to keep them amused for a few hours. If your car has them built
in then bully for you. If they’re not on screen time, then a fun sing-along
playlist for the car is a good idea, as well as a bank of easy-to-play travel
games. I Spy, spot the car brand, license plate numbers, visual scavenger
hunts…the sky’s the limit.
4. Snacks – audio-visual entertainment is never truly
enough. To really keep everyone in the car happy, you need snacks. Don’t just
plump straight for the easy chips or other high-salt snacks. If you plan, you
can prepare some delicious and healthy treats that give the right amount of
fiber and protein to every passenger. Celery sticks with peanut butter, carrot
sticks, hummus, apple slices, trail mix, pb&j --- the list goes on.
5. Summer gear – wherever you’re going this summer,
there’s a good chance that even on the way you’ll be under the baking sun or
outdoors more than usual. Pack sunglasses, hats and sunscreen for you and the
whole family. Better to have these things and then not need them than the other
way around.
Take our advice and packing for the trip won’t seem like
such an ordeal! What’s more, it’ll help facilitate a happier and more fun car
journey for all concerned. Happy and safe travels, everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)