Key Points When Renting a New Home

Moving to a new rented home can be stressful – there is little doubt about that. Many people dread having to move because there is so much to organize and plan. However, this is not the only daunting part about moving. You also have to think about starting afresh in a new home, in a new area, and with new neighbors, all of which can be quite scary.

When you are moving to a new rented home, there are various factors you need to consider. If you look into these before you make any solid decisions about the property you plan to rent, you can avoid making potentially costly mistakes that could lead to a heap of stress and misery. In this article, we will look at some of the key things you should look into before you take the plunge and make the move.

3 Factors to Look into Before You Move

Before you get the movers booked, uproot yourself and your worldly belongings, and plunge headfirst into the unknown, it is always wise to do a little digging first and find out more about the area where the new rental property is situated. There are various factors that you should investigate, and we will look at three of the main ones.

First off, try to find out more about your new neighbors. It is important to get along with your neighbors, and the last thing you want is to live near people with whom you do not get along with or who have undesirable backgrounds. There are a number of ways in which you can do this. You could pop and knock on the door prior to moving to simply introduce yourself or ask about the area. This will give you the chance to meet them and see how you get on. You can even do a criminal record check online to see if there is anyone next door who is best avoided.

The second thing to do is to find out more about the area in general. Again, just because your new neighbors are not criminals, it doesn’t mean that there are not loads of other dubious individuals in the area. The best way to determine this is to look at the general crime rate in the neighborhood or area, which is something you can easily do online. You will find plenty of statistics that will give you a better idea of the crime rate, so you can make sure you do not move into a crime hotspot.

Finally, take some time to look at the amenities and facilities in the area, as this will help you to decide whether this is a convenient area to move to. Look at things like how close the shops, public transportation, medical and dental facilities, schools and colleges, and entertainment venues are.

These are all points that you should look at before you decide whether you are renting the right house in the right area. Taking the time to check things out beforehand can save you a huge amount of trouble in the long run.

Another Tick in the Box: 7 Essential Pieces of Gear No Camper Should Be Without

Having the right pieces of gear during a camping escapade is always important. However, as a camper and a backpacker, it’s imperative to know what items to take with you and what items to leave behind so you can be sure you are carrying the right weight. Here is a list of seven essential pieces of gear you should always have.

  1. Powerful Lantern

You will not realize how dark it can get until you go camping in the wilderness. For that reason, a good lantern is instrumental as it will help to light your camping area at night. You can look for lanterns with replaceable batteries so you don’t have to worry about staying in the dark when the batteries die. On the other hand, rechargeable batteries are ideal but you will have to carry spare ones since there is no electricity in the wilderness.

  1. Walkie Talkies

There are chances that your mobile phone may lack service while camping. That is why it is advisable to carry a walkie talkie with you so you can remain connected to family and friends without worrying about the dead zones. These are especially instrumental if you are planning to travel with your children as they are an inexpensive way to remain in communication.

  1. Flashlight

A flashlight, just like the lantern, is essential when it comes to camping. These are imperative for safety reason and good for your sanity when camping in the wilderness because sharing a flashlight can be cumbersome. Choose a small and lightweight flashlight with an easy-to-operate switch. Your flashlight should also fit comfortably in a backpack and palm.

  1. Sleeping Bag

A camping blanket or a sleeping bag will ensure you remain warm when spending your night in the wilderness. You may decide to use a sleeping pad along with a sleeping bag but isn’t absolutely necessary especially if you are a person who does not mind sleeping anywhere.

  1.    Firestarter

You may not consider matches as official camping gear, but these are pretty important. You can carry a lighter or a box of matches with other camping material for ease of access. You can consider getting one of the best firestarters if you are planning to make a fire whether for cooking, sterilizing water, or protecting yourself from other elements in the wildlife.

  1. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit that has been amazingly stocked is an essential piece of gear which you may easily forget, but you need to know that anything can happen outside. Burns, scratches, and other injuries can occur when camping and serious emergencies are not an exception. Therefore, a first aid kit, like any other camping gear, is quite important.

  1. Maps

As much as you would prefer a GPS, it is to be safe and get a plan B when you are out camping. Although a bit old school, print out a paper map for use when hiking or camping. A map can help you get to your destination, find your way back your campsite, and show you the exit route.

Final Word

When you go camping, make sure you have the right equipment with you. Consider your location and the duration of your camping and get the right pieces of gear. However, do not miss any of the seven equipment highlighted in this guide.

New interactive quiz helps travelers find city breaks with the world’s best nightlife

Travel experts have introduced a new free to use interactive quiz to help intrepid travellers find their next trip online, making it easier to book affordable holiday deals to experience world class nightlife on their next city break.

The company has pinpointed the city best suited to travellers’ interests, offering inspiration to those that want to satisfy their wanderlust with handpicked comprehensive trips in party destinations and cities across the globe. For example, you can find inspiration for a getaway to Marrakech with Opodo.co.uk

So, if you feel it’s time to get away and take a break from everyday life, then jetting off for a city break can be a chance to unwind and discover a new destination by using this handy new online tool.

But what with so many international places to choose from, knowing exactly where to travel and what to experience at night after a full day of sightseeing can be overwhelming – no matter what kind of traveller you are.

Warmer climates, accommodation style and rich cultural experiences are important considerations for travellers when considering their city break experience, but once the sun goes down, many places take on a different personality as the city’s night life comes into play.

Take the quiz and it could help you to find the best deals to experience the bustling Tokyo metropolis on your next city break. You might be able to bag a bargain whilst you’re at it.

TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS CELEBRATES 13 YEARS OF HOPE AND HELP

To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) celebrates its 13th birthday on Saturday, March 30th. Since 2006, the nonprofit has been dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with mental illness. In their 13-year history, TWLOHA has donated over $2.3 million directly into treatment, traveled more than 3.4 million miles to meet people face-to-face at nearly 3,000 events, and has responded to over 210,000 messages from over 100 countries. Each month, they connect with 5 million people online through social media and their FIND HELP Tool fields 5,000 searches made by people seeking affordable, local mental health resources.
To celebrate, the organization is asking supporters to wear TWLOHA merch on March 30th and to post a picture on social media using the hashtag #WearTWLOHA. From the very beginning, the organization has designed and sold T-shirts as a way to fund their efforts. The merchandise they sell, however, serves a bigger purpose. It acts as a conversation starter and a way to introduce people to TWLOHA and their mission of spreading hope and help.
It’s amazing to think that March 30 means 13 years have passed since our friend Jon Foreman wore the first TWLOHA shirt on stage at a Switchfoot concert in South Florida. We never could have imagined all that’s happened since that time-the people we’ve been able to reach, the stories that so many have shared with us,” says TWLOHA founder Jamie Tworkowski. “We get to hear from folks all over the world who are getting help and even choosing to stay alive. We are beyond thankful for the last 13 years. We’re truly hopeful and excited when we think about the future.
They will also be hosting a Two-Day Birthday Warehouse Sale on Friday, March 29th and Saturday, March 30th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their headquarters in downtown Melbourne, Florida. The sale is open to the public and will include brand new designs, exclusive deals on merch, and Run For It 5k registration. For more details, visit https://twloha.com/events/spring-warehouse-sale/.
This past September TWLOHA wrapped their 7th Annual World Suicide Prevention Day campaign for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) and National Suicide Prevention Week (NSPW). With the help of supporters from around the world, the organization was able to raise over $200k for treatment and recovery, more than doubling their initial goal of $100k. Over 3600 people donated to the “Tomorrow Needs You” campaign, in addition to the sale of 4655 World Suicide Prevention Day packs. The money raised will help sponsor nearly 4000 counseling sessions and connect 55,000 people to local mental health resources.
As part of the campaign, TWLOHA shared an inspiring video featuring actors Chris Sullivan (from This Is Us) and Jaina Lee Ortiz (from Station 19), country music star Hunter Hayes, who raised $25,000, writer/artist Morgan Harper Nichols, and singer/songwriter Matt Wertz, along with a number of clips submitted by TWLOHA supporters from around the world. To watch the video, please visit: youtu.be/aEzUMnBHHK0.
For more information on To Write Love On Her Arms, please visit https://twloha.com/.

Tattoos You Won’t Forget

What I love about art is it comes in many forms, from dancing, to singing, to tattooing. What I love about tattoo art is the fact that you become the walking billboard of the art you love the most. Finding Ink is a great source for learning more about body art. Not sure where to begin? Check out Finding Ink to discover artists, shops, and tattoos.

Ornamental Tattoo

I think what most people can appreciate about an ornamental tattoo is the beautiful bold dark rich pattern look. Depending on the tattoo style one can achieve a tribal type of a look. In my opinion, this style of body art is very masculine, but it can also pose as attractive depending on who has the tattoo.

Today’s technology is so amazing because you have the ability to see what an ornamental tattoo would look like on your body before actually getting the tattoo. To do this you would use an app called Inkhunter.

Black and Gray Tattoos

Black and gray tattoos are very popular for many reasons. Oftentimes, it’s just a better choice of design for an individual’s skin complexion and it comes in handy when the person getting the tattoo is looking for a more realistic look such as a portrait. And you will find that there are tattoo artists that only tattoo using black and gray ink. Often these two colors are more appealing on the skin due to the various ranges of values used on the skin. Colored tattoos are impressive as well, but with the use of only two color scales, the artist eliminates any distractions.

Tribal Art

Tribal art is very impressive because it often tells a story and it’s also a historical moment captured on ink. What I appreciate about tribal art tattoo is often the same value of color is used in the tattoo with various shapes to showcase a tribal display. The rich black ink can be seen from afar if the design has one-inch patterns or thicker.

Travel and Tattoos

As I’ve stated at the beginning of this article your tattoo allows you to be a mobile art exhibit. So choose your style of art wisely. Tattoos have come a very long way. Looking back, for those that had tattoos, they were placed in a certain category as if they were more aggressive or possibly a trouble maker. But that logic has changed.

As technology continues to expand, tattooing also continues to get better. Many people are using an app called Soundwave Tattoos. This app is amazing because it allows a person to hear their tattoo recording. The tattoo would typically be tatted as a soundwave. The soundwave tattoo on the skin is a real recording of anything you want. The app when placed up against the tattoo allows you to hear the tattoo.

A Dying Loved One

Imagine you have a loved one that you really cherish and want to hear their voice forever. You could record their voice and have it transferred into a soundwave tattoo. Now, in my opinion, the best time to saver the moment is when your loved one is strong and healthy. Record the moment you both said “I Do” and create a soundwave tattoo. Tattooing is also a really good field to get into because so many people want a tattoo. Thousands of people get tattoos every day. People are not buying tangible art like they use to. And if they do purchase wall art, it’s to decorate their home. While it does take time and skill to tattoo, an artist can make a fairly good income from tattooing rather small pieces of art.

Tat and Travel

Tattoo artists can travel and make money. When you are a tattoo artist, you can have clients where ever you choose. You’re not confined to a building. As an artist, it is important for you to always have an artist portfolio book. By now you should see the beauty in tattoo art. You can never learn enough about tattooing. It’s truly amazing.

6 Delightful 70th Birthday Gift Ideas For Dad

Dads are the one who makes us stronger and see the world realistically. They instill in us pragmatism and let us learn many important aspects of life. Select from delightful 70th birthday gift ideas for dad and let him know how much you love and care for him. At this age, all they would love is your company and to know that you remember their birthday and love spending time with them despite your schedule.

Awesome 70th birthday gift ideas for dad

1. Beard grooming kit

A great gift for a dad who loves to grow a beard and keep it groomed. Gift this wonderful beard grooming kit to him on his 70th birthday. It has shavers, beard shampoo, scissors, beard oil, and other grooming essentials. Your dad will absolutely adore this gift set on his 70th birthday. It lets him spend some time in front of the mirror grooming his beard using all the accessories and grooming items in this gift set. Since these products are not scented, most of the dads will love  this gift kit on their 70th birthday.

 

2. Beer chiller sticks

A perfect gift for the dad who loves his pitcher of beer. He can drink his favorite beer chilled anywhere and anytime with this gift. It is easy to drink chilled beer with this gift. A cool and an awesome gift for a dad who has turned 70 and enjoys his retired life. You only have to freeze the beer chiller and insert it inside the beer bottle. It does its job of chilling the beer in no time. A unique gift that your dad will love receiving on his birthday.

 

3. Fill in a journal to show love to your dad

Describe all that you love about your dad in this fill-in journal and gift it to your dad on his 70th birthday. One of the personalized journals that you can give your dad on his birthday is this. It makes for a lovely gift as your dad would love to read all that you write about him. Use wit, heartfelt emotions, creativity, and imagination to fill this journal and amuse your dad with this gift. He will be delighted to give it a read and would love to keep it to himself as the fondest memory from you.

 

4. A set of 16 BBQ grilling accessories and tools

For the dad who has hosted and enjoyed BBQ parties, this is the perfect gift to give. It has all the BBQ grilling tools and accessories that make it delightful for him to spend time in his backyard barbequing his favorite recipes. They are resistant to rust and last long. Enjoy steaks, skewers, and kebabs with your dad with this gift set. If you have been the greatest fan of his barbequing skills, this is a moment of pride and love to gift him this set and appreciate his barbequing skills.

 

5. Heartfelt poem for dad in a frame

Send this heartfelt poem as a gift to your dad on his 70th birthday. For a really emotional moment and making his memories fonder, show your love for him giving him this fantastic and heartfelt gift. It is a beautiful verse about how your dad is your hero, kind, and the man who has taught you important things in life that have let you succeed and be the person that you are today. Your dad is bound to feel your love and gratitude towards him when you gift him this wonderful poem that is sealed in a waterproof frame. A plaque that he can display in his living room and remember you every day for showing your love and affection towards him.

 

6. Popup hot dog toaster

Everyday loves his sandwiches and hot dogs made at home using his favorite condiments. Gift this hot dog toaster to your dad on his 70th birthday. It can toast two hot dog buns in a single go. It has an adjustable time that is easy for a senior citizen to handle. One of the delightful 70th birthday gift ideas for dad is this toaster. It comes with a tray that makes it easier to handle toasting of buns. Your dad can enjoy hot dogs with his favorite fillings and delight himself with a yummy breakfast and snack every day.

 

5 Point Checklist for Mountain Adventures with Your Kids

Heading to the mountains with your kiddos in tow can provide a lot of fun adventures. Whether you’re looking to go during the winter months for some skiing excitement or you prefer to head out with nicer weather for a fun hike, there are plenty of options to choose from. However, no matter which option you decide to choose, it’s important that you take all necessary precautions. After all, mountainsides can provide additional challenges for those little ones, so be sure to follow this five point checklist for mountain adventures with your kids.

 

  1. Food and Drink

Your child requires sustenance and hydration, and whether you’re on the mountain in cold or warm weather conditions, it’s important you have plenty of food and drink on hand. You know your child best, so you should plan your schedule and food/drink supply accordingly. For instance, if you know your child needs snacks throughout the day, you should prepare to bring plenty of snacks along for the trip. In addition, you may also want to consider keeping your mountainside adventures shorter in duration so you have time to head back to the hotel/cabin for a rest. When you can plan food and drink ahead of time, you can help alleviate any instances where your child has a temper tantrum on the edge of a mountain because they’re hungry.

 

  1. Clothing

It’s very important to put your child in the right type of clothing when you are taking a mountain adventure. Before you pack for your child or get them dressed for the day, it’s very important you take into consideration the following:

  • Weather
  • Outdoor pests
  • Temperature changes based on incline

The outside temperature and weather at the time of your adventure will make a difference in how you dress your child. Be sure to have items on hand like wool socks to keep their feet warm (especially in colder conditions). If it’s raining, you’ll want to ensure they have waterproof clothing on, and if it’s hot, make sure they’re not overheating.

 

In addition to the weather, you also need to consider the outdoor pests. For instance, will you be hiking in an area that is prone to poison ivy, ticks, or other hazardous animals, plants, or pests? You need to know this information to ensure your child is dressed appropriately to keep them from coming into contact with something that’s potentially dangerous.

 

Finally, your child’s clothing should also accommodate changes in temperature based on incline. For instance, you may start out in an 80-degree location, but as you continue to climb, the temperature may drop significantly. If your child is dressed only for that 80-degree weather, you could put them at risk for hypothermia without the proper attire.

 

  1. First Aid Kit

Whenever you are doing anything adventurous with children, it’s very important for you to have a first aid kit on hand. While you hope to never need it, it’s always better to have this on hand just in case of a fall or scrape. Covering a small scrape with a bandage and some ointment could be the difference between your child continuing on the adventure or screaming to go home.

 

  1. Safety Gear

The type of safety gear you will need for your mountain adventure will depend on the age of your child, their behavior, and your actual adventure. For instance, you’ll likely need more safety gear for a young child who is prone to walking away while hiking on a steep mountainside. Consider having items where you can strap your child to your chest (if they’re young enough) or having a tether that connects you to your child. You’ll also want to make sure your child has the right footwear, as it’s important to have climbing boots or snow boots to handle the different weather and terrains. Before you take your adventure, it’s a good idea to head to a local outdoors retailer to ensure you’re getting all the right items.

 

  1. Education

Before you head out on your mountain adventure with a child, it’s important you get all the education you possibly can—for both you and your child. Be sure you have a solid understanding of the area you’re visiting and what exactly you’ll be doing while there. You should also have an understanding of any possible risks or threats to you and your family too. Once you have the basics, be sure to educate your child as best as you can. Make sure they understand how they need to wear certain clothes/gear or that they cannot walk away from you. The more you talk to your child about the adventure, the safer they will be.

 

When it comes to taking mountain adventures with your kids, be sure you have this checklist in place before you go.

 

Most Beautiful Places in Europe to Visit

I have traveled the world over, but I still reserve a special place for Europe. My affections draw deeply for the diverse cultural experiences, the breath-taking scenery and a mash-up of the new and old world. Europe is home to more than 500 ethnicities with different cuisine, culture, and design. For me, a trip through Europe is like a walk through the most exotic museum.

To share in this whirlwind of experiences, here are a few places you must visit while in Europe:

 

  • Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic

 

A significant section of the medieval ages resides in a small town outside Prague in the Czech Republic. The small town of Cesky is a short bus ride from the capital. It is positioned in a tranquil reserve with rivers running on the outer borders of the town. During the summer, tourists throng this destination in thousands to see the old architecture, teeming markets and the hospitable locals. However, Cesky is a ghost town during the winter. This is because of the heavy snowfall the town experiences every year. Regardless, snow enthusiasts will love this small town after seeing the thick coats of white over everything within vision.

Cesky boasts of exotic Czech cuisine, small and intimate resorts, and wonderful sights. At the center of the town is a repurposed lighthouse that now serves as a local observatory. From this viewpoint, tourists can catch a glimpse of the entire town.

 

  • Budapest

 

Songs have been sung and movies made in the glory of Budapest. But not one of these songs or movies comprehensively captures the true beauty of Budapest. The Hungarian capital bursts with color and pomp. When I first got to Budapest, I was taken aback by the friendliness of the locals and the sheer amount of horses in the city. What stole my heart even more was the rich history and variety within the city.

I believe that Budapest has yet to live its true potential as a holiday destination. My recommendation to anyone visiting the city is to try one of the fantastic five star hotels in the city for exemplary service and good food.

 

  • The Algarve in Portugal

 

If you are tired of the concrete jungles in cityscapes, take a moment to view countryside Portugal for a date with nature. I visited the Algarve in the south of Portugal, and I still get a whiff nostalgia every instance I think back. The coastal town is a breath of fresh air, especially for city dwellers. You can view the coral reefs, or visit the numerous marine parks in the area. Better still, you can bask in the warm rays of the coastal sun on the beach while sipping coconut wine and other coastal delicacies. Besides, a little sun is good for your skin.

As stated on Barcelona Exclusive Private Tours site, the Algarve is, however, a much better summer getaway than it is during the winter.

 

  • Paris

 

The headliner for any trip through Europe always has and will always be the city of Paris. On my first trip to Paris, everywhere I looked I could see a water fountain. Mind you, most of these fountains have drinkable water. I was also torn to shred at the number of activities one would take part in while in the city of love. You can visit museums, parks, and other attractions such as the Eiffel tower and still not complete your travel for the day.

Europe is a travel destination all year round. It is full of adventure, rare experiences and what some may term as bizarre. If you don’t believe me, take a trip to Amsterdam and get back to me.