A Brief Guide To Shower Panels

Shower panels are alternatives to wall tiles that are completely waterproof, thus making them ideal for use in bathrooms, wet rooms, and en suits. Because they are still relatively new to the market, many people are still unsure as to what they are and where they can be used. This is why we have put together this handy guide. 

What are they made from?

Although shower panels do come in a range of different materials, the most common types are MDF with a laminated vinyl, acrylic, and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It is the composition of the panel that impacts on how much it costs. 

• MDF with a laminated vinyl - out of the three materials mentioned above, it is this kind that is the most heavy duty, being both heavier and thicker than the others. However, because of this, it is the most expensive option. Because it has a laminated surface on both sides, MDF panels are fully waterproof. This makes them not only very hygienic, but also super durable. 

• Acrylic -  at just between 4 mm and 5 mm thick, these types of shower panels are the most slimline of all the different materials. Despite them being so thin, they are actually heavier than what the PVC ones are, because the material is that much denser. Typically they come in bold and bright colours, and can even have a partly transparent finish. They are both highly durable and very hygienic.

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - with PVC being one of the most abundant man made plastics, it is no surprise then that it is the cheapest of all the shower panel materials. It can be formed into either flexible or rigid forms, thus making it ideal to use as a shower panel. Because the core is not made up of a completely solid mass, PVC is very light.

Regardless of what material you decide to use, if you head to wall panels Glasgow, they will have something to suit your needs. In addition to the various different materials, they also stock shower panels in different colours and with different finishes, such as sparkle. However, it is the marble type finishes that prove the most popular with customers.

Installing shower panels

When it comes to what type of wall surfaces shower panels can be affixed upon, it is pretty much the same as what regular wall tiles can be attached to. However, they are much more forgiving than what tiles are when put onto surfaces that are not level. If you have to, shower panels can be put directly onto wall tiles. As is the case with any type of wall covering, it is best to install a shower panel onto a surface that has been freshly plastered and is water sealed. 

Depending on the composition of the shower panels and the directions given by the manufacturer, the procedure for installing them will vary slightly. However, despite of that, the process of installing them should all be pretty straight forward, requiring a lot less time and effort than conventional wall tiles.

Cardio Or Weightlifting? How To Know Which One Is The Ideal For You To Lose Fat

So, you have decided to hit the gym and burn some calories? First of all - that is always a good decision, as staying fit is highly connected with our overall health. If you want to lose weight and haven’t been in a gym for a while, the probability is high that you can get overwhelmed quite easily. This is absolutely understandable, as choosing a workout routine takes time, as well as trial and error in most cases. Well, if you want to avoid that lengthy trial period, you can always turn to something that you know is going to work well.

But, what is the best option for you if you want to lose weight? Most people turn to either cardio or weightlifting for this purpose. Well, it’s time to settle it once and for all - here, we are going to be talking about various aspects of cardio and weightlifting regarding weight loss. At the end of the article, we are going to have the verdict on the question in the title. Let’s get right into it!

Cardio - what you need to know

Cardio workouts give easily predictable weight loss results if you stick with them. Doing cardio is a safe bet if you want to make sure that your workouts lead to weight loss. It is quite versatile as well, considering how many different activities you can perform while still having a cardio workout.

As long as your heart rate and breathing are in the right zone and you’re keeping it there, it doesn’t matter whether you’re doing Zumba, playing basketball, or doing something else. It is important though, as you are probably engaging in an activity that requires movement, that you make sure that you’re being safe. One of the most common injuries is associated with ankles, so, as explained over at https://workouthq.org/basketball/best-basketball-shoes-guards, opting for shoes with guards is a good way to boost safety. So, let’s get a bit more specific about how cardio works.

Cardio is actually a short-term solution

How cardio works is by burning calories as you work out, it is pretty simple. These workouts don’t boost your metabolism in any way, but while you’re working out, you can be sure to burn those calories. In fact, if you push yourself through a longer session, you can actually burn around 700 calories. Because one pound of fat is lost when you burn 3500 calories, all you have to do is the math. Keep track of your nutrition and keep doing cardio regularly, and as long as you’re doing so - you will lose weight for sure. Cardio might be a short-term solution, but it sure is efficient.

Weightlifting is a more long-term solution

Okay, now that we understand that cardio workout burns calories while you work out, let’s focus on the difference in that aspect with weight lifting. Firstly, studies show that if you have an efficient weightlifting workout, your metabolism is going to be boosted for around 38 hours after your workout is done. This means that not only will you burn calories while exercising, but while sitting on the couch afterward.

Secondly, there is also a long-term aspect to losing weight by weightlifting, and this is due to the effect of muscles on your metabolism. The more muscle and the less body fat you have, the better is your basal metabolic rate going to be. And a good thing is that once you build up muscles, they are pretty stable as time goes on. This means that this positive effect of having more muscles is going to play a part in your weight loss journey for a long time!

In the end, the answer to the question of what type of workout is best for weight loss is indeed quite complex. While cardio is mostly associated with weight loss, it is a more short-term solution, as we’ve been already talking about in the text. That doesn’t deny its efficiency, but if you want to boost the entire process - that’s where weightlifting comes into play. With its more long-term effect, it is a great addition to your workout routine.

In the beginning, we’ve said that we’ll have the verdict at the end of the article, so - here it is. If you want to make your weight-loss journey as efficient as you possibly can, it would be best that you turn to both cardio and weightlifting combined. Implementing different workouts will include more benefits, hence allowing you to reap all the good stuff that you’re looking for in a workout. So - don’t be afraid to dabble in different exercises, as it is a great way to get the best of both worlds. Good luck, and enjoy your weight loss journey!

NYC Moving Tips For Manhattan Families

Meta Description: Looking to move within New York City but have no idea how? No problem! Here's a handy guide with several moving tips that will make your relocation easier

Moving to, from, or within Manhattan can be a daunting task, even for the most organized individuals. All the hustle and bustle, coupled with the tight hallways, buildings with no elevators, and terrible parking, are enough to make you dread moving day. But fear not! This guide will assist families like yours to relocate to NYC’s concrete jungle. Learn everything from hunting for an apartment to the items you should pack, average moving costs, and more!

NYC’s crowded streets and busy sidewalks can make moving day a real challenge.

Make A Game Plan

A plan is crucial when moving. Before the truck even arrives at your driveway, map out everything you need so things can proceed smoothly with little to no hiccups. Here are some ways to outline your plan:

• Create a checklist. This checklist will serve as your guide on the tasks you need to accomplish to complete your move. Try to come up with reasonable expectations to meet your timeline and budget.

• Write down all possible moving expenses. Obtain truck rental quotes, mover rates, gas prices, and costs of the supplies to give you an idea of the overall cost and help you stay within budget.

• Prepare a list of questions to ask your movers. Of course, you'd want to make sure you can trust your moving company. The best way to do this besides checking their license is to ask the right questions.

• Divide responsibilities. Don't try to do everything on your own. You have a family, your very own personal team, remember? Give assignments to everyone. You can give the kids simple tasks like keeping the dog busy on moving day to avoid distracting the movers.

Enlist Professional Help

Moving on your own can be difficult, especially in the chaos of New York City. Hiring a moving company is the best decision you can make. Find one that has a proven track record and with years of experience in Manhattan relocation. Not only will they be able to take care of your possessions, but they will also keep things on schedule to avoid delays or problems during moving day.

If you think hiring movers is too expensive, you might want to think again. The only time you're going to have to pay a hefty amount is when you need special services like piano moving or last-minute relocation. Other than that, their prices are pretty reasonable for the convenience and assurance they provide.

Help Your Kids Understand The Situation

The ones most affected by your relocation are likely your children. This transition may not be easy for them. They have to say goodbye to friends, prepare for a new school environment, and adapt to another lifestyle. That can be too much for a child to take.

So before moving day arrives, sit down with your kids and tell them about the situation. Be transparent and explain everything. Answer their questions. Reassure them about any worries they might have. Let them understand that this move is for the family’s benefit. 

More importantly, you can let them help out during the packing process to put their minds at ease. This will make them feel like they are an essential part of this transition too. 

Hunt For A New Place Ahead Of Time

If you’re looking to move out of Manhattan, Astoria is considered one of the best neighborhoods in NYC for raising a family.

Whether you're moving in or out of Manhattan or to another city, looking for a new home is always a challenge. It's hard to find the right balance of affordability and access to the city amenities. But here's one tip: make sure to visit your potential neighborhood ahead of time. Get a feel of the atmosphere, the people, and the nearby establishments. Is it lively? Is it safe? Is this a place you're willing to live with your family for years? How are the schools? What about the commute times? 

Are you still stumped about where to live? Check out this great article on the best family-friendly neighborhoods in the city.

Declutter and Sell

As much as you love your things, don't try to bring everything with you. Doing so will only increase the number of things you have to pack and the overall cost of your move. Do yourself a favor by packing only the things that are most important or beneficial to you. Take time to go through your inventory and purge duplicates and items you barely use.

For the things you plan to leave behind, you can still make good use of them. Sell them online to help offset your moving expenses or buy packing materials. You can also choose to donate them to your neighbors or a local charity. Either way, you get to rid of your extras while making others smile. It's a win-win.

Average Manhattan Moving Cost

Now you know most of the things you need to know in moving to a new place seamlessly. Congratulations! However, before you get to know the estimated costs, keep this in mind: Manhattan is never cheap. The price tag for everything here is way above the national average. That said, it typically costs about $1000–$1500 to move a 2-bedroom apartment locally in New York. If you're moving from out of state, you can expect prices to be between $5000-$10,000. 

The idea of moving might be daunting at first, but don't let the fear of the unknown get to you. It should be a smooth experience as long as you make ample preparations, do your research, and enjoy the process with your family.

What Are The Best Skincare Ingredients to Look For?

With SO many skincare products on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. It is hard to trust pretty packaging and marketing promises so the best place to see if a product is worthy of its use is to look at its ingredients. Good ingredients are the true indicator of a quality skin care product, but which ingredients are the best? Proven explains the best skincare ingredients. Here are the top ten ingredients to look for in skincare products. 

1. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is sugar that naturally occurs in the body and is a popular ingredient in skincare products. It works to draw moisture to the skin which allows the skin to appear fuller and moisturized. Continuous use is necessary to maintain the benefits of hyaluronic acid. Because it occurs naturally in the skin, it is generally safe for all skin types. 

2. Sunscreen

The impact of UV rays on the skin are well-known so finding a skincare product that has UV protection is vital. There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral sunscreen. Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin, converts the rays into energy, and then releases them from the body. Mineral sunscreen acts as a barrier to the skin and deflects UV rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most common ingredients found in sunscreen for sunlight protection. Avoid sunscreen with alcohol. This will dry out your skin and cause irritation. Daily use is necessary to ensure sun protection, even on days you aren’t planning an outdoor outing. 

3. Retinol

Retinol is another common ingredient found in skincare products. Retinol is a type of retinoid which is found in Vitamin A. It also occurs naturally in the body. Retinol is found in many anti-aging products because it speeds up the production of cell production leading to increased collagen in the skin. Retinol is an FDA-approved ingredient, but overuse can lead to dry or irritated skin. Be sure if you try a new product with retinol, you remain mindful of potential side effects. 

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another naturally occurring collagen producer. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works to brighten and restore dull skin. Products with a high concentration of Vitamin C can irritate skin or cause reactions to sun exposure. 

5. Ceramides

Your skin acts as a barrier, keeping hydration in and damage out. Ceramides are lipids that work to restore and maintain this barrier. This is a great ingredient look for in skincare products because if your skin is struggling to maintain its barrier, it can lead to dry skin and wrinkles. Products with ceramides can help your skin reinforces the barrier and lock in moisture.  

6. Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is found in many exfoliating products. It is generally less abrasive and safer for sensitive skin than other exfoliating ingredients. It works to remove dead skin cells and help your skin naturally produce moisture. 

7. Collagen

Collagen is huge for healthy, glowing skin. It is a protein found in the skin that keeps it elastic and firm. It’s important to know that topical collagen application is less effective than ingested or injectable collagen. 

8. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that protects your skin from free radicals, sunlight, and pollution. It is commonly found in acne products because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Elastin

Elastin is a protein that supports the structure of your skin. It is shown to help lock in moisture and encourage your skin to naturally produce more elastin. 

10. Argan Oil

Argan oil is derived from tree plants and tons and hydrates skin. It also has anti-sebum properties. Sebum is the oil made from sweat and dead skin cells that lead to breakouts and a greasy appearance. 

There you have it! Keep an eye out for these ten ingredients when looking for skincare products!

Tips On The Proper Placement Of Water Fountains At Home

Water fountains are a great accessory to include in your home because of their several benefits and aesthetics.

Although the design, size, and type of your chosen water fountain play a massive role in its overall appeal, it is also a factor for its installation in your home.

What makes a perfect spot?

There are tons of potential areas where you could install your new home accessory, but some would like to get their indoor water fountain ideas from the rules of Vastu Shastra.

The Vastu is a traditional architecture system that originated in India, where it described the principles of spatial geometry, design, measurements, layout, arrangement of space, and ground preparation. This system incorporated both the Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, closely similar to the Chinese people's Feng Shui.

According to the Vastu, flowing water symbolizes the abundance of love, money, and happiness, so keeping one in your home is suggested if you're after luck and positivity.

Although the Vastu is quite strict with the placement of water fountains, for them, the location of where you installed the material plays a significant role in its impact on the home owner's life.

Follow the Northeast direction.

The Vastu recommends that a water fountain be placed in this area since the Northeast zone is correlated with intuition, foresight, meditation, wisdom, inspiration, and vision.

It is said that space provides inner strength during worship, which helps people to succeed and inspire their growth as human beings. Moreover, it clarifies thought while aiding with the spiritual journey to visualize the right path for themselves.

The homeowner must never install their water fountain in the west or southwest direction as this opposite to the original order of water. In this way, the person invites problems into their house that could eventually affect all family members.

Install it near the entrance.

The main entrance is a vital section of your home, and the Vastu appreciates this location so much that the system dictates that the water fountain must be placed near the main entrance.

Since water embodies purity, followers of the Vastu system believe that putting a fountain at the entrance hinders negative energies from entering their home. Thus, only luck and other good things would be received by the homeowners.

A few reminders

The Vastu system has also described a couple of "don'ts" when it comes to water fountains so that homeowners wouldn't have to suffer loss or lousy luck throughout the existence of this accessory in their house.

#1 Avoid placing it in the center

Typically, the middle section of our home is a great place to install some accessories, as this highlights the entirety of your home's design and compliments the current changes that have been made in the house.

Yet, in Vastu, it's unlucky to install a water fountain in the center as they believe that it bars "luck" from reaching their full potential that'll serve the homeowners.

#2 Don't put in the bedroom

Although water fountains could be relaxing, the Vastu strongly disagrees with the idea of installing one in your bedroom since it harms your relationships, especially with your spouse who's sleeping next to you.

Vastu experts even warned people from keeping a water fountain poster because of the same reason.

#3 Don't turn it off

The water fountain symbolizes wealth, and for the Vastu, turning it off could lead to economic or financial loss that could lead the family to an unfavorable situation, such as losing a job or being in debt.

On the other hand, running water could attract money to you. Hence, you'll enjoy the benefits of financial stability for a long time.

Customizing Your Apartment for a Unique Look

Have you ever wanted a new look for your outdated apartment? Are you done with the style that was trendy at the turn of the century but now just isn’t welcoming?  Your home is your sanctuary, it’s time to liven things up and create a space that represents who you are. 

It doesn’t take a degree in interior decorating to make your living space custom and unique, sometimes just a few changes or additions can make a big difference. If you’re ready to get going on your makeover, these ideas for customizing your apartment for a unique look are a great place to get started.

Start With a Plan

This might sound like a no-brainer, but having a plan is vital to the success of your customizing project. Sometimes the prospect of changing things up in our homes lands us at the home decor store spending tons of money on items you like, only to find out they don’t really compliment each other, or your style for that matter. Having a solid plan will inevitably save you valuable time and money. 

Having a plan doesn’t mean you have to go all out and hire a decorator or start measuring the dimensions of every room and piece of furniture in your home; but having a good idea of colors, textures, and styles you want to include is a solid start. Also, it’s a good idea to consider the budget you have to work with as well as the estimated costs of supplies and furnishings you would like to purchase. 

Clear the Clutter

The first thing you need to do after you have a solid plan is clear the clutter. Many apartment dwellers keep their home pretty clutter-free, others will jam in enough furniture and appliances to furnish a mansion. By taking some time to evaluate what you have in your home, and then making a decision on whether or not to include it, will open some space for new items that are more reflective of your unique style. 

When deciding on whether or not to keep, recycle, upcycle or donate an item, there are some steps you can take to help with this process. Since you already have a plan and idea of what your final outcome will be, evaluate each item to see if it fits into your plan. For instance, if you're thinking of customizing your apartment for a unique country-style look, you probably won’t need to keep the retro dining set. Sometimes just adding some paint or upcycling an existing item will work with your theme or style. 

Paint! Paint! Paint!

One of the easiest ways to customize your apartment for a unique look is to add some paint. Even a fresh coat of white paint over the current white (which is probably off-white by now) can enhance your apartment by starting with fresh walls. Don’t be afraid to go all out and choose colors that reflect your unique style, just make sure it complements the furniture and decorative pieces you plan on using. 

Paint doesn’t have to be for walls only, consider upcycling current pieces by adding a coat of paint to match your theme or style. For example, if you’re going for a new shabby-chic look, sanding and painting your brown wooden chairs with a coat of white or yellow paint can make the perfect accompaniment to your dining room. Even painting wooden picture frames to match a style can make a big difference. 

Add Textiles to Enhance Your Look

If you’re one of those people who want to customize your apartment for a unique look but are on a limited budget, using textiles to enhance your look is a great way to create big change for a relatively small amount of money. Textiles can include rugs, pillows, curtains, and things like tapestries and throw blankets.

Consider the look you’re going for and find textural items to complement the style. A few frilly cushions on your couch can elevate a Victorian-style whereas a soft plaid throw blanket on that same couch will match a cozy cabin feel. Replacing outdated prints on your living room walls with a well-made tapestry can add a lot to a boho or Eastern-style room. 

Adding an Electric Wall-Mounted Fireplace 

Adding a wall-mounted electric fireplace is the perfect way to make your apartment feel more unique and customized. Since most apartments these days don’t have a traditional fireplace, adding the electric counterpart makes it very easy to add warmth and style to your living room or even bedroom for that matter. 

There are so many varieties of electric fireplace inserts to choose from, finding one to match the look you’re going for should be pretty easy. Think of using sleeker-designed electric fireplaces for spaces with a more modern feel, or something more ornate for a fancier style. There are even electric fireplaces that replicate small wood stoves from back in the day that are perfect for a cabin or cozy style space. 

Use Mirrors to Enhance Your Decor

It’s a well-known fact that mirrors can make small spaces look bigger—if placed strategically though.  That being said, placing a large mirror in a small cluttered apartment bedroom for instance, is only going to reflect the clutter that’s already suffocating the space.  On the other hand, placing a mirror sized to scale adjacent to a window or reflecting a more minimalist design can certainly create a more open and airy effect. 

When using mirrors to create the illusion of space, it’s good to consider what’s being reflected. If you’re going for a look that complements your unique style, think about the areas or items in the room you’d like to showcase. For instance, if your style involves an equestrian, farm, cowboy, or even country theme, having the mirror reflecting the vintage custom saddle on a stand next to an indoor plant will most certainly be reflective of your style. 

Final Thoughts 

It’s never too late to start customizing your apartment for a unique look. If you're planning on making drastic changes to an existing space, your plan can include weekly projects that move you in the direction of your desired final outcome; you don’t have to do it all in a day or weekend. Starting from scratch in a new home allows you to execute your plan starting from a clean slate. 

Whether your goal is to slowly change the master bedroom from outdated decor to a tropical paradise or revamp your entire apartment retro-style in a weekend, these ideas for customizing your apartment for a unique look will help you make a dent in the process.