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Life Tips for Personal, Financial and Business Growth

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Engineered Hardwood vs SPC

Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of 100% wood. It is made from various layers which help to preserve the wood and to ensure that the wood doesn’t expand and contract when it encounters moisture and fluctuating temperatures. SPC flooring on the other hand, is also made up of various layers but it is 100% waterproof from the bevelled edges and is the most stable and rigid flooring choice currently on the market.

Installation

Hardwood flooring can be installed below, on or above grade using various techniques such as nails, float and glue. In addition, it can also be installed over all types of subfloors which makes is very versatile. SPC flooring on the other hand can be installed just like hardwood flooring but doesn’t require adhesive and is really easy to lay thanks to the innovation click installation system. Unlike hardwood, no specialist tools are required if you need to cut the planks so it is the ideal flooring if you are looking to lay it yourself to save the additional fitting costs.

Longevity

When cared for properly, hardwood flooring can last for many, many years. Once more, the majority of hardwood floors can be refinished, whether that’s from sanding down and refinishing or if its from buffing the original finish and reapplying a new top coat to restore your floor. Whilst this can be done multiple times throughout the floor’s life, it can be expensive and does take time. On the other hand, SPC flooring is extremely scratch resistant however, should any damage occur, it is easy to replace an individual plank at the fraction of the cost. Whilst this type of flooring does require maintenance, investing in good floor cleaner is as far as it goes which is ideal for a lot of homes.

Cost

This is usually the ultimatum when choosing your floor. Engineered hardwood is definitely one of the priciest options on the market depending on style, type of wood and the level of quality. However, there is no denying that whatever hardwood you choose, it will most certainly add value to your home. Although SPC flooring looks expensive as the technology used to create this type of flooring makes it look like the real deal, it is certainly a cost-effective option for a lot of people. Not only that but it is also cheaper to care for as well.

Both engineered hardwood and SPC flooring are great options for your home. Whilst there is a clear difference, especially in price, once laid the flooring looks very similar as SPC flooring has a similar texture to real wood with knots and grains incorporated into each plank. Whilst some of you may opt for the engineered hardwood flooring for the warmth and feel of bringing the outside in, others may decide to go for SPC flooring due to the easy care it requires and how waterproof it is. Neither flooring option is better than the other, rather, it is down to you to decide which is best for you.

 

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Is Astro Turf Different from Artificial Grass?

It is quite common for people to use the terms artificial grass and astro turf interchangeably. So is there a difference? Astro turf is a subsidiary of artificial grass in America as it is a brand name whereas artificial grass is an umbrella term used to describe all types of fake grass, including astro turf. We will look at how and why the terms have been confused and what people are referring to when they use both phrases.

Astro turf

Astro turf is often a thinner type of artificial grass which is why it is perfect for outside sports such as golf and football. GrassWarehouse have a range of thin artificial grass which have a pile height between 15mm and 18mm. The Millennium 15mm artificial grass is designed for sports, especially golf. It is made from monofilament yarn which provides a premium surface. The reason why ‘astro turf’ is more often than not used for sports is because it stands up to heavy use as there are more stitches which makes it more durable. Not only that but it is also why a thin artificial grass is used in outdoor play areas. Due to the high foot traffic, a high pile height artificial grass would look flat quickly so by using a thin synthetic grass, it will look better for longer. If you want premium artificial grass, it is also perfect for other uses both inside and out so don’t let the terms astro turf which is known to be thinner put you off.

Artificial grass

This term covers all types of artificial grass so if you are looking for a faux grass for a sports area of for your balcony, GrassWarehouse will have you covered. There is an extensive range of artificial grass from a low pile to a high pile height so there is something for everyone. They also come in a range of prices, a lot of which are budget friendly. However, whilst price is important, you need to consider what the artificial grass will be used for. If it is for an ornamental garden so there is low foot traffic then the cheapest option, Helios is perfect. However, if you have children then you might want to consider a higher pile so that it is softer and has more cushion.

To conclude, there is no difference between astro turf and artificial grass. In fact, they are the same thing but were often confused as a brand called astro turf in America was selling synthetic grass in the 1960’s. Grass Warehouse offer all types of artificial grass including those of which people would refer to astro turf so don’t let the term artificial grass phase you if you are looking for a synthetic grass for sports purposes. All artificial grass types are great as they require minimum maintenance, which is why especially in sports, the use of artificial grass will save a lot of time when real grass would need trimming to the perfect height frequently.

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3 Tips For Homeschooling Your Kids While Traveling The World

When you have kids, their lives and education can take a big part of your time and money away from traveling. However, if you’re willing to have a less than traditional lifestyle, you can still ensure that your kids have a great formal education while also giving them a lot of life lessons from being on the road and traveling with your family.

Now, while this can be possible, it isn’t always easy. So if this is something you’ve been considering trying, here are three tips for homeschooling your kids while traveling the world.

Take Advantage Of Wi-Fi When You Can

When you were a kid, you likely didn’t use the Internet as part of your education each day. But now, kids use the Internet for almost all parts of their school day. Because of this, traveling can make it hard to stay connected to an online school or to access curriculum if you’re on the road. Knowing this, you’ll have to take advantage of Wi-Fi when you can.

As part of this, you’ll want to be sure that you download as many lessons as your kids will need and any materials they will have to review when you have access to Wi-Fi. Also, if your child is using a tutor or online teacher for one or more parts of their homeschool education, you’ll need to plan those lessons around when you will be in an area with reliable Wi-Fi, so make sure you’re keeping in good communication or have a good routine set up for this to work out.

Work In Local Activities And Culture

One of the best parts of homeschooling your children while traveling the world with them is that you’re not forced into giving them a traditional education. Rather, you can use some of the experiences you have while traveling to help teach your kids in a more hands-on way. So if you’re going to be visiting some place with a beach or be up in the mountains, use the local activities and culture of that area to help give your kids a more well-rounded education that they won’t soon forget.

Start Small At First

Homeschooling in general can be a very overwhelming task to take on. But when you add traveling the world with your family to the mix, it can quickly become a lot to put on your plate as a parent and educator.

To help ensure that you find success with this and don’t get burnt out, it’s wise to start out small at first. Try traveling close to home where you can have access to all the tools and materials that you need. Then, as you learn how to work through the homeschooling part, you can then start traveling more and more and to further, remote locations.

If you’re wanting to homeschool your kids while you travel with your family, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you figure out how to make this work.

 

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3 Tips for Starting a Career as a Commercial Truck Driver

Beginning a new career as a commercial truck driver is an exciting and lucrative decision. The trucking industry is a growing field that requires only a small investment to get started. As the economy expands, there is an increasing demand for heavy machinery conductors and tractor trailer drivers. Before embarking on this adventure, make sure to do your research and follow the necessary precautions as you go about the training process.

Know The Risks

Although the chances of being injured in a commercial truck are very low, there are still risks to be aware of before getting behind the wheel. As a commercial truck driver, you will be required to drive for eight to eleven hours at a time. During your shifts, you will need to remain alert and cognizant of your surroundings.

What’s more, there are occupational hazards that can result in drivers being injured in a commercial truck. It is important to understand how to use cargo-moving equipment when loading and unloading transported goods.

Commercial truck drivers must also be aware of certain lifestyle injuries that can occur within this line of work. Getting enough sleep, practicing good posture when behind the wheel and maintaining a healthy diet are vital steps in guaranteeing your mental and physical health as a commercial driver.

Get Trained

In order to receive your CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) you must already have your state driver’s license and be twenty one years or older. Anyone wishing to become a long-haul driver must submit their driving record from the past three years. This can be obtained from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

You will then need to research driving and training programs in your area to find the school that best suits your schedule and budget. Most CDL programs take about seven weeks to complete. In your driving school, you will receive a well-rounded education both in and out of the classroom.

To pass the Commercial Driver’s License exam, you will need to have a knowledge of state and federal transportation laws, safety and first aid within the trucking industry, and must be familiar with the heavy-duty machinery used in the field. Once you’ve passed your state’s CDL exam, you’re ready to start looking for a job.

Find the Job for You

Before letting their drivers hit the open road, transport companies often ask that newly-hired commercial truckers complete an orientation program and pass a series of tests at the end. Some companies also pay for their drivers to take part in seminars and training courses that are specific to the type of goods they will be transporting. This additional training is highly beneficial to anyone wishing to have a career in the commercial trucking industry and will serve them throughout their time behind the wheel.

 

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Five Traits of a Good Player

Many people equate success with winning when it comes to gambling. However, they should not use these two terms interchangeably as they have different meanings in the gambling context. Winning gamblers may have the odd big income scoop, whereas successful gamblers enjoy themselves gambling, lose no more money than they can afford to, and know when to call it a day. Here are five traits of a good gambler:

Successful gamblers take calculated risks

Regardless of how players choose to look at it, gambling contains elements of math. This is even more applicable than when playing real money games that potentially affect their monthly budget. Some games, like blackjack and poker, require an even greater emphasis on math, as players need to calculate the odds of certain cards coming their way or whether they have a realistic chance of winning. Therefore, successful gamblers understand risk, are willing to take it, and know when it is too great.

Successful gamblers are in it for the right reasons

Good gamblers might equate having a casino session with the same feeling they get before leaving for vacation. For these players, gambling includes an element of relaxation, allowing them to decompress from the stresses of their everyday lives. They are mindful in their approach, living in that moment and not obsessing about the next game or how to recoup large losses.

Successful gamblers live in reality

These players and bettors do not regard gambling as a get-rich-quick scheme or rely on it as their sole income. The laws of probability and chance apply to all gamblers and must be accepted as part of this pastime. Unsuccessful gamblers tend to have an all-or-nothing approach and wind up disappointed after devastating losses that place them in financial peril.

Successful gamblers live beyond the moment

These are usually genuinely intelligent people who take a long-term approach when playing casino games. Their aim is not to have one sizeable short-term win, although they will accept it should it happen. Instead, they take the view that the likelihood of winning improves the more they play. They do not gamble impulsively as many less-than-successful gamblers do.

Successful gamblers strike a healthy balance

Unlike compulsive gamblers who cannot get through the day without betting or playing casino games, successful gamblers balance their personal lives. They leave room for multiple interests that go beyond casino games and gambling. This pastime does not take over their lives.