6 Refreshing Alcoholic Drinks You Definitely Should Try This Summer

The summer heat can be hard to bear at times. However, one definite way to beat the heat while having fun in the process is by drinking a tall glass of something that can get you tipsy and wild. With so many creative bartenders out there, we really can’t really choose which drinks are truly worth binging on anymore.

If you and your friends are planning some wild partying soon, then you need to make sure that you get your right and top drinks. One way to beat the heat is with these amazing alcoholic beverages that you can easily make at home or also you can also try ordering them in your local club.

Mint Cucumber Prosecco Sparkler 

Mint and cucumber go really well with each other. It’s a big plus that both ingredients are very refreshing during those scorching hot days. You can definitely cool off with this simple mix of Prosecco, vodka, and simple syrup. Add in the crushed mint and a slice or two of cucumber, and you’ve got yourself an amazing, refreshing drink.

If this is not enough for you, you can add a touch of fizz to the mix. Once you’ve mixed all of the liquids, add some hard seltzers to the mix to give the beverage a nice kick in the end. Seltzers are a good and refreshing addition to many beverages, so feel free to be experimental with them.

Sangria

Sangrias are a tried and tested classic for cooling off.  A good sangria mix includes white or red wine, apple brandy, and orange juice. A true sangria will also come with a slice of juicy and hard fruit such as oranges, apples, and pears. This is a guaranteed way to cool off and with each bit of those fruit slices, you’ll feel even more refreshed.

Beer

In truth, you don’t really need to go far to have a cool alcoholic beverage. If you want to just have a simple drink, then go for your favorite brand of beer instead. You can cool it to extreme temperatures by wrapping it in wet tissue paper and then placing it in your freezer for a few hours.

Don’t keep it cool by adding ice to the mix as it will eventually water down your beer. Just try our method above and you’ll have an ice-cold beer.

Cool Martini

Martinis are always an excellent way to cool down especially when served at the right temperature. You can take things up a notch by adding a touch of eucalyptus syrup to the mix. It will give that martini a cool kick that will spread through your mouth the moment you take a sip.

You don’t need to get all fancy with the martini, just mix gin or vodka with dry vermouth, then add a lemon peel or olives for garnish. Martinis are best shaken with crushed ice. Once mixed, add that eucalyptus syrup at the end.

Mojito

Mojito has always been a classic summertime cocktail that’s easy to make. Make this drink by combining rum, club soda, lime, and mint. Most people prefer serving mojito on the rocks but if you want an even better experience, serve it with crushed ice instead.

It’s a crowd-pleaser all the time and you might have even tasted it before. If you haven’t you’re definitely missing out. There’s a reason why mojitos are the star of summer parties. You can make a mojito anyway you want just make sure you even out your measurements so that it doesn’t come out too strong. Mojitos are supposed to be smooth after all.

Bellini

When we think of cooling alcoholic beverages, we often think about a nice cold bottle of beer or even a slushy made out of margarita. Why not get the best of both worlds by mixing these two cooling beverages instead?

Bellinis are basically an ice-cold beer bottle that’s tipped upside down into a margarita. It’s two drinks in one. Once these two get mixed, it’s a cold beverage through and through. Making a margarita slushy is easy but you do need a strong blender to get the mixture of ice and the drink to reach that type of consistency.

These alcoholic beverages are sure to get you cool and refreshed for the summer. It’s very easy to enjoy these drinks when the weather is too hot for comfort. Just make sure to enjoy these beverages with friends so that you can make the experience even more refreshing than it already is.

First Time Buyer Guide

Being a first-time buyer is an exciting opportunity, but knowing how to get to the point when you own your home can be confusing. As a first-time buyer, there are usually lots of different offers around to help you afford the property that you want, but before you start looking at those offers there are some steps that you need to take.

Saving for a down payment

When buying any property, you need to have a down payment this is usually required by money lenders as an agreement for them lending you money for the mortgage. Depending on which lender you choose depends on the percentage that you need to put down on a house. Some lenders will accept the minimum amount, around 5% of the overall property cost, however, some require more such as 10% plus. This would mean, for example, if you wanted to buy a property that was $220,000 you would have to save at least $11,000 for a payment. 

Some people choose to save more for a down payment, this just means that your mortgage term may be reduced, or how much you would pay in mortgage per month will be less. There is no maximum deposit you can put down however, many mortgage advisors suggest that you should focus on an incremental 5% because any amount in between these numbers won't make a huge change in how much you have to pay.

The Actual Saving

Once you know how much you need to save for a deposit, the saving needs to start. There are lots of different options on how to save your money such as standard savings accounts, high-interest savings accounts or special first-time buyer accounts. Each of these has different pros and cons however, finding an account with a high interest rate means that your money will increase faster, leaving you to be a homeowner quicker.

 Budgeting

First-time owners sometimes fall into the trap of having saved a decent-sized down payment but not considered their daily or monthly outgoings. Mortgages are big sums of money that need to be paid every month and if it's not currently in your budget, you need to make sure that you'll be able to afford it. By using a mortgage broker or mortgage advisor, they will help you with this step, but it's worth doing a monthly budget planner just so you are aware of how much expendable income you will have left at the end of the month. 

Mortgage broker

The next step is to meet with a mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers are passionate about finding their clients the best mortgage to fit the best property for them. They are incredibly knowledgeable about Special First-time Homebuyer Loans and will work with some of the best companies to get the best results for you. 

When meeting your mortgage broker for the first time, you need to take specific ID documents,  payslips and any documents such as credit card statements or student loan bills etc. This is so they can input the data into their systems to find you the best deals on a mortgage. 

Buying a home may seem like a big responsibility but it doesn't have to be a scary one! 

5 Clever Ways to De-Stress and Relax Throughout the Day

It is normal to experience stress at some point in your life. Stress is inevitable in life, whether you are preparing for a job presentation, waiting on your first date, thinking about bills, or getting stuck in heavy traffic. In fact, statistics show that 70% of adults in the US feel stress and anxiety every day. Here are simple ways to de-stress and relax.

Identify your triggers

What triggers your stress? This is the first thing you should identify before you even think of managing your stress. Finding the root cause can help you avoid stress in the first place. 

As much as you may not eliminate stress from your life, determining your stress triggers can help you find better solutions. For instance, if bills are your leading cause of stress, you can find a way to manage your finances or get another source of income to supplement your primary job. Another option would be reducing wastage by switching off lights in unused rooms and making sure your taps do not run all the time. 

Exercise

Exercise is one of the simplest ways to de-stress and relax. It sounds weird, but putting your body through rigorous physical stress can relieve stress and help you relax throughout the day. The benefits of physical exercise are many, especially if you make it part of your lifestyle. Accordingly, research indicates that people who work out daily are less likely to experience stress and anxiety than those who do not. 

Physical activities, such as running, walking, taking the stairs, and others that involve repetitive movements of large muscles, relieve stress. 

Go slow on your caffeine intake 

Caffeine is a substance found in coffee and energy drinks. Research shows that consuming high amounts of caffeine can increase your anxiety levels. Accordingly, people’s tolerance to caffeine varies significantly. Therefore, if you find yourself more jittery or anxious after taking caffeine, consider reducing it. 

As much as coffee can be healthy, drinking more than five cups a day may not be suitable for your stress management. The best alternative to caffeine and other foods that stimulate anxiety is organic foods from big country.

Meditate

Meditation with deep breathing is proven to be an instant stress reliever. Additionally, this practice can help you reduce the risks of heart conditions. Meditation that involves yoga is effective in relaxing your mind and body. And you can achieve this in just minutes.

Get quality sleep

Getting quality and enough sleep is an excellent way to stay healthy and reduce stress throughout the day. Accordingly, most people tend to ignore this fact owing to tight schedules. Getting enough and quality sleep means getting restorative and restful sleep for at least eight hours every night. You can achieve this by creating a peaceful environment at night. For instance, switch off the lights and reduce volume when about to go to bed.

The bottom line 

There are many ways to de-stress and relax, and most of them do not involve spending your money. Create a relaxing home space and use these tips to manage stress throughout the day.

7 Ideas For A Garage Makeover That’ll Totally Transform Its Look

Who says your garage cannot be pretty? Even though you may only use it to park your car and as storage for your lawnmower, it doesn’t need to be boring. Consider giving your Phoenix garage a makeover, and it may soon be the most exciting part of your home. You may even be able to repurpose it for a gym, playroom, or home office. Here are a few ideas to transform the look of your garage completely.

1. Replace the Door

A simple change of the garage door can transform its entire look. While traditional doors are okay, it would be great to bring something with a new aesthetic charm. Roll up doors in Phoenix are popular for their good looks and general functionality. Beautiful doors are a must even if you only plan on using the garage for parking your car. A pretty door will boost your mood and encourage you to put in more effort into making your garage better. Consider using French doors if you wish to allow more light into your home. Paired with some blinds, you get the perfect balance of airiness and privacy. 

2. New Flooring 

If you have a dirty concrete floor, it's time to let it go. Depending on your budget, there are many ways to update your garage flooring. When you are on a strict budget, pointing is your best option. You get a pop of color and also get to hide old stains. An epoxy coat paint will give you a beautiful stain-resistant finish. 

If you want something more interesting, consider going with peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. They come in many fun colors and make it easy to customize your garage. If you will be converting your garage into a playroom, rubber tiles would be better options. 

3. Storage On the Ceiling

If you have a lot of clutter in your garage, consider using the ceiling as extra storage. Move as many storage options to the ceiling as you can. Your space will look better when there are fewer items on the floor. Snow tires, bikes, and other large items can occupy a lot of space. If they aren’t used often, it would be best to keep them out of your way. 

Most home improvement stores will have hoist pulley systems. They let you strap large items to your garage ceiling. If you are storing seasonal items in plastic bins, they can go on the ceiling too. Hold them in place with plywood flanges. 

4. Pay Attention to the Walls

No matter how much you do to decorate your wall, unfinished walls will always stand out like a sore thumb. Use bright warm paint to give your garage walls some life. Depending on the effect you want to create, you may also add wall hangings and art pieces to your walls. 

5. Improve Your Lighting

Bright lights will make your garage door feel airy and spacious. They make you want to spend a lot of time there. If the lights are dim, the garage may look and feel dingy. Consider installing motion sensor lights. They automatically turn on when you get into the garage. These lights will make your garage convenient and unique. 

6. Loft Your Garage

Lofting your garage is a fun makeover idea. This way, you get to park your cars while also enjoying storage. It is like having a big attic that you can access whenever you want. A lofted garage is perfect when you are looking for additional storage. It can serve as an extra living space, bedroom, or office. There are no limits. 

7. Build a New One

If your garage is falling apart and difficult to remodel, it may be time to build a new one. Replace your old, outdated garage with a new one that can improve the curb appeal of your property. You also get the chance to customize it to suit your current needs. 

If, for example, you need extra living space for your parties or you have a big family with many cars, you can build a large garage. You get the chance to fix whatever you disliked in your old garage. 

A garage makeover in Phoenix may seem difficult, but it is a lot easier than you imagine. You don’t need to spend too much money or make changes to see results. Simple tips like changing your flooring, replacing your doors, updating your walls, and getting new lighting fixtures can have astonishing results. If your garage is old and outdated, consider building a new one.

Why People Can Experience Spiritual Dangers When Working With Some Crystals

Whether you use them or not, you can’t deny that healing crystals are all the rave right now. Over the years, we’ve seen different health-fixing trends, from Asian acupuncture, yoga exercise, to tai chi, but I have to say - healing crystals top the list for many people.

There are several benefits of crystals but one thing many people don’t know is that, when used improperly, certain spiritual dangers can occur when using these crystals

These crystals are believed to possess specific healing powers These crystals are believed to possess specific healing powers suited for specific needs of the body, the mind, and the soul, just like orgonite which has various benefits and uses. Speaking from history, crystal healing is one of the most ancient forms of medicine, with philosophies borrowed from Hinduism and Buddhism. Nevertheless, it’s important to know that there’s no scientific evidence to prove the healing power of crystals. Regardless of this, a lot of people still use crystals for various healing purposes. But, let’s ask the big question:

Do Crystals Really Heal?

As said earlier, there’s no scientific research that backs up the claim that crystals have healing powers or can be used to cure any disease whatsoever. This is because illnesses are caused by factors that have no form of relationship with the characteristics of crystals like wavelength, energy (negative energies), and the likes.

Nevertheless, the acclaimed power of crystals can not be disregarded quickly. Crystals might possess some physical and mental benefits as suggested by the placebo effect. And people have the right to trust anything for healing, just the way people of faith put faith in the power of prayer and other religious beliefs. Hence, believing in healing stones may not be such a crazy idea.

How Should You Choose Your Crystals?

Ah - the tricky question. Whenever you are ready to try out the healing power of crystals, there are things you need to consider. These include among many other things; determining your most immediate and wellness needs. This is necessary for you to select the right choice of crystal, since each healing crystal has a specific type of energy it gives off.  Whether you need it to increase serenity in your mind and environment or you want to ease the atmosphere of anxiety, there’s a crystal dedicated to each specific need. For instance, for improved serenity and tranquility in your atmosphere, there are crystals such as Amethyst and Aquamarine. On the other hand, for a boost of confidence or relief from anxiety, some examples would include Garnets and a list of gemstones native to Mexico such as Mexican Fire Opal and Titanite. With an extensive list of crystals to choose from, we can be sure to select the right one for our needs

When Can Things Go South With Healing Crystals?

These are several effects of healing crystals on the body, especially when it comes to how it makes people feel. For instance, Moldavite crystal has powers that are proven to attract many physical and emotional sensations which, in turn, results in intense healing of the body. But, in what instances can you experience spiritual dangers when working with some crystals? Let's explore the most possible scenarios:

Excess Conveyance Of Spiritual Energy Due To Overuse

Healing crystals like moldavite enhance your heart chakra and can help you find inner peace and stimulate your third eye chakra to enhance intuition. This action significantly improves spiritual energy levels which allow the host to tap into their inner self. Even though this can make the user find some inner peace and calmness, such a person can begin to communicate with the strange world which can alter natural mental balance

Possession Of Negative Spiritual Power Due To Wrong application

For a person who has the feeling of connection to the divine, moldavite can strengthen such connection and open you up to spiritual powers that can destroy anyone if crystals are wrongly used. Moldavite crystal energizes you to tap into your higher spiritual nature and if improperly harnessed, you may find it challenging to return to your original mental and spiritual state.

Drastic Life Changes Due To Improper Preparation

Moldavite transforms the life of whoever uses it. It changes something (or even multiple things) in your life, regardless of whether or not you notice these changes. You should do your best to be mentally and emotionally ready for these changes.

Moldavite Dangers Show Up Anytime

Moldavite is one of the most powerful and dangerous crystals on earth and this is because of its intense energy, deep green color, and its high clarity. A truly dangerous and pure piece of this crystal can be intensely overwhelming.

If you are aware of your energy and vibration, you will know when Moldavite is too dangerous for you to handle but a lot of people who simply jump into using healing crystals without proper research may cause themselves harm or discomfort. 

Crystals have an array of benefits, but it is important to do proper research before using any healing crystal to prevent experiencing spiritual dangers.

How To Pick An Electric Scooter: 6 Features You Should Look For

Who said scooters are only for children, especially when they are this fun and practical? Not only that, but it’s an easy, environmentally-friendly way of commuting around places you constantly go to like work or errands. Now you can have all these perks by getting an electric scooter, totally suitable for adults. Before you get too excited and jump into a purchase, get to know the main features you should look for while picking your smooth new ride.

1. Safety

One of the main features you should look for while picking an electric scooter is safety. Each model will have its own features that ensure safety so you should look for the one providing the most protection while you’re on the move. The brakes system is the most important part of the scooter that will ensure your safety. There are two types of scooter brakes; mechanical and electronic, and they are equally important to have. You’ll find many models that have a combination of both systems to ensure maximum safety.

2. Tires

Since tires are the component connecting you and the road, it’s a feature you need to pay extra attention to. Electric scooters have two types of tires; solid tires and pneumatic tires. Solid tires are not as good as the pneumatic ones, with the latter having superior riding qualities and supple rubber which works better on any difficult road conditions. They also have the best handling as well as good shock absorption, their only downside is that they require constant maintenance to stay in shape and keep you safe on the road.

3. Speed

You may have heard all of an e-scooter’s benefits. However, there are still other factors to consider before you purchase one. Most people will likely be looking to buy the fastest electric scooter, but it’s important you understand all angles of scooter speed as well. If you’re planning to commute inside the city, it’s wiser to go for scooters with low speeds for an easier and safer commute.

The ideal top speed for electric scooters is 15mph to get you to feel the adrenalin while still being safe. There are, of course, models that go 18mph, 24mph, and even up to 40mph. Like range, speed also depends on factors like weight, motor power, and tires. Don’t get too hung up on speed, even the lowest one will feel like you’re flying compared to walking, car rides, and even cycling.

4. Weight and Size

The right weight limit is another essential feature to look for in an electric scooter. When we say weight, it means both the weight of the vehicle as well as its weight limit for the rider. You don’t want to get a scooter that’s too heavy that when it falls over you can’t lift it back up. Most scooters have a weight limit of 100 to 120 kgs so if that doesn’t suit you, make sure to look for specific models that can support your weight. As for the size, get a unit that is suitable for you so that it won’t be hard for you to store it. The unit you will get should be portable as well since you might have to carry it around.

5. Range

How far can it go? That’s what range refers to when we talk about scooters. Range is the distance it can travel before the battery runs out and needs to be recharged. Some of the several factors that affect the range of a scooter include the scooter and the rider’s weight, speed, motor power, weather, and more. To make sure you pick the right range, stay under the maximum weight capacity and have the precise power output. Remember that long ranges need a bigger battery that can withstand the distance.

6. Motor Power

Almost all electric scooters have at least one motor while more powerful models may have dual motors. The motor power best suitable to you depends on the roads you’re planning to use the scooter on. If you mostly have a smooth road but might encounter small hills, a 250-watt motor will be most appropriate. However, if you take more adverse roads or difficult conditions, go for a 500-watt motor. For pros who go off the road, a 1000 watts with a dual motor is the best fit.

There you have it, these are the main features you should be looking for in an electric scooter. While these are the most essential factors, you should also pay attention to things like the design since you don’t want to buy one that makes you look like a child playing on a scooter. You should also pay attention to things like the height, folding mechanism, and overall build. It’s important that you don’t forget to ensure they have good lighting for safety, as well as just looking cool on the road!