Home improvement projects are exhausting but can be extremely fun if they are thought through and well-researched. If you want to do some renovation or add a new touch to your home, we recommend starting with something small and seeing how far your DIY skills and ambition take you. Of course, the sky’s the limit but let’s start with your door for now. Here are some easy home improvement hacks that you can try. Statement doors This is the first thing anyone notices about your home, so wouldn’t it make sense to work your DIY magic here? Statement doors are a rage right now, and the beauty of it is that while it’s in style, you don’t have to follow any particular style or design. Just go with what resonates with your home decor style. Color it bright, add an expensive door knob, make it look vintage – endless choices to make a statement in your home. Lighting This is very important. Make sure you invest time, money, and energy into adding warmth and ambiance to your home with just the right lighting. The lamps are great; hanging lights are super, too – ensure you can create a comforting and homely vibe. Wouldn’t it be lovely if your guests felt right at home when they visited? Paint color and texture This doesn’t have to be too much. Unless, of course, you are looking to follow any particular theme, a well-painted home does combine everything. If you’re not a fan of any textured walls, pick a pastel, calming color that you can add to your wall. Accessorize the wall with the right paintings, wall hangings, and shelves, and you have an elegant setup. Flooring You’d be surprised at how much character this adds to your home. You can choose several options like wooden, marble, or tiles and decide what theme you would like to go for.

The brain controls all actions in the body using an intricate network of nerves connecting everything from head to toe. Parkinson’s is a neurological progressive disease that affects this network and disrupts vital nerve signals controlling body parts and functions. The disease does not have a permanent cure. But its symptoms can be managed with treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. One must recognize early signs of Parkinson’s disease to get a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Tremors Stress or physical fatigue can trigger shaky hands. However, a tremor that develops in the thumb, one of the fingers, the hand, or even the chin while resting may be an early sign of Parkinson’s. Tremors can start in the fingers but can turn into severely uncontrolled movements affecting the entire arm as the condition progresses. Poor balance, posture, and gait Changes in one’s walk and pace, like suddenly walking slower, could be another early sign of the disease. Parkinson’s also affects the nerves that control flexibility and balance. If the person takes more time or struggles with maintaining balance, it indicates damage to the basal ganglia nerves. Changes in stance are also noticeable as the disease progresses, with one developing a stooped or hunched-over posture. Trouble sleeping Tremors, stiffness, restless leg syndrome, and discomfort associated with the disorder also affect one’s sleep quality and cause insomnia. This leads to daytime drowsiness and severe fatigue brought on by chemical changes in the brain. Changes in speech and writing Small, cramped handwriting or experiencing trouble writing are subtle signs of the disease that one should not ignore, especially if there are no underlying ailments. Changes in one’s voice, like monotonous speech, slurring, soft speech, or even increased hesitation before speaking, are all symptoms of early-stage Parkinson’s. Loss of smell Conditions like the common cold and infections can affect one’s sense of smell.

With the fast-paced world, getting a good night’s sleep is becoming harder. We often attribute sleep loss to external factors like stress or technology, but sugar can also be a culprit that we tend to overlook. Despite its seemingly harmless nature, sugar can negatively affect our sleep patterns and overall health. Many people are unaware of sugar’s harmful impact on sleep and its correlation with sleep disturbances and constipation. Here’s everything you should know. Disrupts the sleep-wake cycle Consuming excessive sugar close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Sugar stimulates insulin release, leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This spike in energy can make it difficult for your body to relax and enter the sleep phase, causing insomnia or fragmented sleep. Promotes restless sleep Sugar can contribute to restless sleep by causing blood sugar fluctuations throughout the night. As your blood sugar levels rise and fall, your body may experience sudden awakenings or interruptions in sleep. These disruptions can leave you tired and groggy in the morning, even after a seemingly long night of rest. Increased risk of sleep disorders Studies have shown that high-sugar foods are associated with an increased risk of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring. Excess sugar consumption can lead to body mass gain, a common risk factor for sleep disorders. Furthermore, sugar-induced inflammation can contribute to airway inflammation and breathing difficulties during sleep. Disrupts digestive function Too much sugar can negatively affect your digestive system, causing constipation and other bowel issues. This is because sugar can slow down the movement of food in your digestive tract, leading to it lingering in your intestines. As a result, your sleep quality may also be impacted as discomfort, and the need to use the bathroom can disrupt your sleep. Imbalanced gut microbiome Consuming too much sugar can harm the helpful bacteria in your digestive system, known as the gut microbiome.

Europe is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Whether it’s the historic Colosseum or the iconic Eiffel Tower, the continent covers a range of avenues, including architecture, cuisine, art, and culture. But during the trip, one must try making the journey as stress-free as possible. After all, no one wants to get into a sticky situation when they travel abroad. Here are five things to avoid while traveling in Europe. Taking a cab Most European cities have exceptional public transportation. For instance, taking a train in Paris is a much faster way to reach the city center. Additionally, a shuttle bus may be convenient and cost-effective. In comparison, taking a cab may increase travel time and involve exorbitant fares. Buying tickets late Scrambling at the eleventh hour in European cities for tickets to a museum or popular attraction is the last thing to do. One might have to spend a long time in the queue or not get to enter at all. So, one should book everything they want to visit in advance. For example, major cities may offer multi-day sightseeing passes, which could help one pre-plan their trip and confirm major attractions. Walking around with cash Carrying cash during a trip is essential. However, one should avoid carrying too much at a time. During a trip to destinations like Europe, one should limit the amount of cash in their wallet and look for credit cards that do not charge transaction fees. Limiting cash will also help prevent being pickpocketed, which is usually common in crowded tourist destinations. Eating at restaurants near tourist attractions Many people make the mistake of eating meals in restaurants near tourist attractions. While this might make for good social media posts, the meal itself could be expensive. One should consider eating from restaurants in the back streets of a main tourist area.

Be it a daily commute or a weekend adventure, SUVs are out there to meet everyone’s demands. Loaded with features and decent fuel efficiency, SUVs are always what drive any auto manufacturer’s sales numbers. However, not every SUV makes it to the top level in terms of sales and popularity to becomes a crowd favorite. Even a minor flaw like a mediocre rating when it comes to reliability or even the lack of some popular feature can shove any SUV to the bottom of the list of SUVs. Let us look at 10 of the best SUVs in the country: Top 10 SUV of 2021 Ford Escape Chevrolet Equinox Honda CR-V Jeep Cherokee Ford Explorer Jeep Grand Cherokee Kia Sorento Dodge Journey Nissan Rogue Toyota RAV4 Of this list of 10, let us take a closer look at the top 5 SUVs: Ford Explorer The Ford Explorer is an excellent SUV that combines style, comfort, and value. Depending on the customization, the Ford Explorer is the perfect vehicle for six, or even seven, passengers. The SUV comes with many offerings ranging from three different types of engine, which can be opted according to the needs. The rearview camera is an excellent feature that is coupled with the Ford Sync, Ford ensures that the passengers are in no way disappointed. Jeep Cherokee If you are a fan of the ruggedness offered by the Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Cherokee is just a smaller version of the Grand. The Jeep Cherokee is a crossover that offers five different trim levels, where the customers get to select from four cylinders and an upgraded V6 engine. The Jeep Cherokee is really quiet when compared to other SUVs and performs equally well. Honda CR-V The Honda CR-V has a sleek, sporty design and an option for a turbocharged engine, satisfying almost anyone who has the need for speed.

Coupons are an excellent way to save money. They can help you save big on just about everything from food to appliances, clothing, and more, at various stores and restaurants around the country. If you’re thinking you can’t use them post-expiry, we have news for you! There are many tips and tricks to ensure you can make the most of your coupons even after their expiration. Don’t cut off or hide the expiration date Don’t hide the expiration date by crossing it or cutting it out, because stores are less likely to accept a coupon without an expiration date. Check if the coupon has a grace period Several manufacturers have a grace period of a few days on their coupons. Check the fine print or research the coupon online before throwing it out just because it has reached its expiration date. Check if the store has a grace period Many stores are relaxed about coupon expiration dates, and may be willing to accept it even a few days after. Stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, Michael’s, Staples, and Petsmart are well-known for this option. However, they are more likely to accept their own coupons over those from a manufacturer. Call the store in advance to find out whether they would be willing to accept any kind of expired coupons. Other stores and restaurants that also accept expired coupons for a few days include Arby’s, Bath and Body Works, Burger King, Buy Buy Baby, Culvers, CVS Pharmacy, Harris Teeters, and PetCo. Ask for a coupon exchange If the store is strict about using expired coupons, ask the cashier if they have any exchanges available. Deals are generally recycled throughout the week, and cashiers at some stores may be able to help you out with a valid coupon. Donate your coupons to overseas military families If you’ve tried all means at your disposal but are unable to get your coupons to work, you can consider donating them to military families.

House sitting allows individuals to live in different locales while helping homeowners secure their properties during absences. However, as enticing as this arrangement can be, it also comes with its share of responsibilities and potential pitfalls. For that reason, the house sitter needs to know a few tips to help them avoid common house-sitting disasters. This ensures that both the sitter and the homeowner are comfortable with the arrangement. 1. Vetting the property before committing to the job Before committing to a house-sitting assignment, thoroughly research the opportunity. This includes reading reviews of the homeowner, if available, and having a detailed discussion about expectations. Ask for references or previous housesitters’ contacts to better understand their experience and what the job entails. 2. Deciding the terms and conditions and clarifying doubts Clarify all responsibilities and expectations in writing before the house-sitting begins. This agreement should include pet care, plant watering, and routine maintenance. Having everything documented can prevent misunderstandings and ensure both parties are on the same page. 3. Preparing for emergencies The house sitter must ensure they have all necessary emergency contact information, including the phone numbers of the homeowner, local emergency services, a trusted neighbor, and vets if pets are involved. Knowing whom to contact and how to handle unexpected situations can drastically reduce the potential for disasters. 4. Getting familiar with the home and neighborhood Upon arrival, the sitter should ask the homeowner to tour the house and point out any oddities or necessary maintenance tasks. They should familiarize themselves with the local area, including the nearest hospital, supermarket, and other essential services. This preparation can help them feel more comfortable and respond effectively to any issues. 5. Securing a communication plan Maintain regular communication with the homeowner to update them on how things are going and to verify any uncertainties.

In a world where most ready-to-eat meals contain excess fats and calories, finding a balance becomes necessary. The food one consumes helps maintain overall health, reduces the risk of a disease, and hastens the recovery process. This is particularly true in the case of cancer. While no food can cure cancer, intake of certain vegetables, such as the ones given below, may reduce its risk. This article additionally touches upon options for cancer treatment. 7 Foods That Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer Berries Berries like blackberries, mulberries, strawberries, and blueberries are rich sources of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese. They also contain a high amount of antioxidants, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid, and have anti-cancer properties. Garlic Garlic is a vegetable that contains an active compound called allicin. One study concluded that people who ate a large number of allicin-rich vegetables such as garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots had a lower risk of stomach cancer. Tomato According to some experts, this fruit is a cancer-fighting superfood. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant phytochemical that keeps away heart diseases. They are, additionally, a rich source of vitamin A, C, and E, all nutrients that help reduce the risk of cancer. Grapes Grapes and other citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges decrease the risk of cancer, especially of the digestive and upper respiratory tract. They are also known to reduce the risk of pancreatic and stomach cancer. Broccoli Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are known for having potent anti-cancer properties. They contain glucosinolates, which produce protective enzymes when they pass through the digestive system. These enzymes help the body to detoxify harmful chemicals that could lower cancer risk. Apples Each slice of an apple contains a high amount of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

Driving a car with safety and comfort requires you to have all of its parts in the best health, including the tires. Certainly, you understand how important the tires are for the car to run smoothly on the road. So, you need to keep them in the best shape, which requires regular maintenance and changing them periodically. A good set of tires can be costly. The following tips will help you reduce the price. Use tires coupons Using tires coupons is the best way to save money when shopping for tires. The coupons come with discounts and deals, which effectively lower the price of the tires. This allows you to buy the best quality product without having to empty your wallet. Getting tires coupons is a simple process. If you have a preferred retailer in mind, it will be wise to sign-up for their newsletters to get updates via e-mails. This way, you will always receive new coupons whenever they are offering any. You should also follow their social media pages to get regular updates about new deals and discount coupons. There are many coupon websites too, which offer different types of discount coupons. You can find tires coupons on those websites too. Buy tires and wheels together Sometimes you can get huge discounts when buying tires and wheels together. Most tire sellers also sell a variety of wheels that are perfect for your car. You can order the sets of tires and wheels from these stores and they will definitely offer you a discount on the bill. Remember this the next time you go out looking for a good set of tires for the winter or rainy season, and you will be able to save a significant amount of money. Buy the tires online Shopping online has become the new norm.

Fans of off-roading will often see the 2020 Toyota Tacoma as their number one choice and there’s a good reason for this. The mid-size truck can maneuver tight spots and is light enough for a cross-country ride. Also, considering how the 2020 Toyota Tacoma has a lot to offer apart from durability and reliability to adventure enthusiasts, it is no surprise that it has gained popularity over the years. Things to know about the interiors and exteriors of Toyota Tacoma Read on to know more about the plush interiors and rough exteriors that the 2020 Toyota Tacoma offers. Interiors Mid-size trucks are often not considered as luxury cruisers. However, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma has more resemblance to its spartan roots than any other car in the segment. The focus of the truck is on off-roading terrains and thus the rugged feel of the truck. The higher end of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma gets numerous features, and they’re all packed in the interiors. The power-adjustable driver’s seat is now available and an awkward driving position can be easily corrected. Some materials are soft-touch and everything is screwed well in place. This truck is one of the classics, especially when you compare it to competitor trucks from brands like Ford, Jeep, Honda, and Chevrolet. The steering wheel looks exceptional and it boasts of large unlabeled buttons that remind you of an off-brand classic video controller. The switchgear is robust, but lacks sophistication in design. The new infotainment system is exciting, as it comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which adds to the otherwise just-functional multimedia interface. The graphics have not undergone a noticeable upgrade, yet the functionality remains top-notch. Exteriors The exteriors of the 2020 Toyota Tacoma are exactly what you’d expect in a mid-size truck. The Access Cab variant comes with a six-foot bed while the Double Cab can be fitted with a five-foot or six-foot bed.

Whether it is for business or pleasure, traveling calls for meticulous planning and execution. Frequent travelers probably have their own set of tried and tested tricks to easily move through airports, avoid being stranded or stuck in a foreign place, and have an altogether safe and efficient trip. As most of us resume travel after a long break, it is important to revisit and avoid common traveling mistakes for a smooth journey. Overpacking This is a common issue for most people regardless of the number of trips they have taken in the past. The art of packing light doesn’t have to be complicated. It is okay to repeat a few outfits to make space for the essentials. Also, wouldn’t you want to set aside some space in case you decide to go shopping on your trip? To avoid paying an excess baggage fee, review your itinerary and pack accordingly. No cell phone plan One of the common traveling mistakes is completely relying on Wi-Fi. However, not every café, station, or hotel is likely to offer free or reasonably fast internet. So, when you have no access to the Wi-Fi, you wouldn’t want to be stranded and have no means of calling for help. This is why you must always look for affordable cell phone plans while traveling. You may get a local sim to avoid any exorbitant traveling fees/prices on your original plan. Not notifying your bank You must always check if your cards can be used internationally, and if they are not activated for international travel, you can either do it through the mobile app or ask the bank to provide access. Credit cards can get blocked when swiped in another country if your bank has not been informed about the travel plans and destination beforehand. No buffer between flights International travel could mean that there is no direct flight to your destination, and you might have to book a connecting flight.

Smartphones are one of the most used gadgets on a daily basis. With new and innovative features being introduced with each upgrade, you can practically get anything and everything done as long as you have a stable internet connection. But these features can also lead to many bad habits that can be detrimental to your health and your device’s longevity. Here are four common mistakes people make and should break free from today. Buying cheap accessories Never buy cheap knock-offs or first-copy accessories for your phone, including charging and data transfer cables. Experts recommend using the ones that come with the box or switching to a superior make and quality. This is mainly a safety precaution to lower the risk of electrocution or the phone battery overcharging and bursting into flames triggered by cheap materials. Checking all notifications Notifications can be really distracting and time-consuming. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself constantly checking the phone for the latest updates. That’s a tough habit to break, especially if you are active on social media. It is only the beginning of smartphone addiction, so you must brace yourself and be mindful of the daily hours spent on the phone. React and respond only to important alerts only and try to ignore the rest of the apps until the end of the day. Relying heavily on the phone These days it might seem futile even to remember the numbers of immediate family members and friends, as we always have our phones on us. Without the phone contact list, you are completely lost and don’t know what to do. This isn’t good, and to avoid forming this habit, you must memorize essential numbers and details. Don’t rely heavily on the phone. Using the phone alarm It can be tempting to set the alarm on your phone instead of buying an alarm clock.