“If mama ain’t happy…”

We all know the rest.

Sometimes visitors to the blog are looking to purchase a bicycle for their wife or mother. Sometimes it is the wife or mother who is looking to buy a bike for themselves.

Either way, shopping for a lady’s bicycle presents a unique set of challenges.

Women are poorly represented in the sport of cycling. Cycling is heavily dominated by men both at the professional level and recreationally.

Unlike the local running store, which is likely to have near-equal numbers of female and male employees, your local bike shop will commonly have an all-male staff and be more heavily stocked with men’s apparel.

Most bike shops have made a conscious effort to create a more female-friendly feel in their stores over the past few years, but it doesn’t make the shopping process any less intimidating.

For many of these ladies, it has been decades since they rode a bicycle. Kids and career have dominated every waking moment. It is only now that the children are teenagers, that biking can be a consideration. Often, she is shopping for a bicycle with the specific goal of riding with her family. Or she’s dating someone who is into the cycling lifestyle.

And so, mom bravely marches into the local bicycle store or cautiously shops online for a bicycle that will be comfortable, lightweight, durable and — hopefully — not too complicated.

This guide is going simplify that process for you. We’ll cover the most important elements so that you can purchase your next bike with confidence. There is also a helpful guide over at http://www.davescheapbikes.com/best-hybrid-bikes/ for more details on hybrid bicycles.

1. Sizing is important

Bicycles come in a wide array of sizes. The bike size is measured in inches from the top of the seat tube, down to where the pedal cranks enter the bike.

Here is a handy sizing chart:

5’0″ or shorter = XX-Small = 13″ Frame Size
5’0″-5’4″ = X-Small = 13-14″ Frame Size
5’4″-5’9″ = Small = 14-16″ Frame Size
5’10”-6’1″ = Medium = 16-18″ Frame Size
6’0″-6’4″ = Large = 19-21″Frame Size

Cheaper brands take a one-size-fits-all approach which means that shorter women are forced to ride uncomfortably tall bikes.

Ideally, you should adjust the seat so that when you sit on it and place your heel on the pedal, your leg should be fully extended. That way when you pedal with the ball of your foot, your knee has a healthy, 20-degree bend in it.

This position will feel unnaturally tall but is designed to prevent knee stress. Try it out for 5 minutes. It becomes very natural, very quickly.

2. Buy a hybrid

There are many types of bikes you can buy. Mountain bikes are great for riding off the road, and you can find great mountain bikes under $500 these days. Road bikes are dedicated to road riding.

A hybrid bike, specifically one that is called a “comfort bike,” is going to be your best bet for maximizing your comfort.

These bicycles tend to have a more upright position, which is noticeably more pleasant on the arms, shoulders and lower back.

They also have tires that are designed for both pavement and light gravel, giving you the best of both worlds.

3. Get a better seat

The seat is the number one cause of complaint. The trick is to choose a saddle that is not overly wide, but that still has adequate padding.

Most of the time, you will need to invest in a better seat than what comes standard on the bike.

The best seats come with a 60 day (or better) “comfort guarantee” that lets you return the saddle if you don’t find it comfortable.  If you find that the standard seat is not comfortable, you can try upgrading to one of these aftermarket seats.

4. Shocks are nice but add weight

When you think “comfort,” what do you envision? A Beach bicycle? (I know I do!).

You might remember the large spring shocks on the early banana cruisers. Shocks have come a long way since then.

If you get a bicycle with shocks, it can add outstanding comfort. However, these shocks do add a couple of extra pounds of weight. If you are buying a bike for fitness reasons and hope to ride long distances (regularly riding longer than 10 miles) than skip the shocks and go for speed.

Otherwise, the shocks make a big enough difference, which it makes sense to invest in a bike with them.

5. Don’t worry about the gears

The idea of “shifting” a bicycle is intimidating for many customers. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a single-speed bike that is also comfortable. Most of them tend to be rather cumbersome.

Shifting becomes quite intuitive. Here’s the best way to get comfortable with shifting in the shortest amount of time.

The first thing is to set the bike in a “medium” gear. You can do this by setting the left shifter on “2” and the right shifter somewhere around “4”.

With this gear selection, you can ride the bicycle as a single-speed and never shift it.

However, you can also leave the left shifter in “2”, and experiment with the right shifter. This setting will give you a feel for how it works, and let you experiment with a broader range of gears.

Then, if you get to the point where you need it, you can begin using the left shifter to select which gear range — low, medium or high — you need to be in.

But only worry about this last step if you are riding hilly terrain that requires it. You might be surprised how much you appreciate the low gears on even small inclines.

6. You Don’t have to buy a “Women’s” Bike.

Most bikes are fairly unisex. It is still possible to buy a “Women’s specific” model with the step-through frame. These frames are handy for women under 5′ 2″ as it allows easier mounting and dismounting and can make the bike much less intimidating to ride.

However, no one will think any more or less of you choosing a bike based purely on comfort and not on aesthetics. If you are willing to focus on comfort, durability, and price over anything else, it is often possible to save a significant amount on your next bike purchase.

Whether it’s wall colors, accents or what-have-you, the right color choices make statements about your style, your influence – basically, your personality.

One way to make a strong statement is to use trendy colors. They’re not for everyone, but if you’re brave enough, you can turn some heads – maybe even your own.

So now, let’s take a look at 2018’s trendy colors. The headings may identify a specific color or a range of colors. Brace yourself!

Caviar Black

Black, in general, is a color you have to use carefully. It usually works better as an accent color, especially when using accessories.

With caviar black, accenting doesn’t seem too bold. It’s quite close to charcoal, which is a good fit if you’re using gray in your décor. If any of your other furniture pieces are dark, caviar black will not contrast too much.

Statement Turquoise

If you’re looking for bold, statement turquoise is this year’s ticket. A combination of blue and green, it will definitely blend well with many shades of each. And the beauty is that you can use it for an accent wall, or the entire room.

Nothing says “Forward” like the color “statement turquoise.”

Put Some Sunshine In Your Rooms

This is not the name of the color. The phrase covers several shades of goldenrod. If you plan to decorate a room mood that is happy and comfy, any of the rich yellows that bring warmth would be the ones to consider. Golden Ochre is one of such colors.

If you use accents like blue or cream, goldenrod colors will complement these very well.

Sophisticated Blush

Sophisticated blush combines light beige with a warmer pink, making it an ideal neutral color. A piece of furniture in this color makes a great accent piece.

Grounded Charcoal Brown

As to earth tones, the basic brown can serve as a go-to color. But the grounded charcoal brown is a warm blend of black and brown shades. It could be said that it resembles the soil, not necessarily in color, but symbolically. The daylight warms the color, while less light in the evening cools it.

Fiery Colors

This year’s pick is “Caliente” which in Spanish means “hot.” The suggested use of this color is on an accent wall. However, if you have a room exclusively for entertaining, or maybe you’re in your office, you might consider “energizing” the entire room in Caliente.

Ultra Violet

As purple shades go, Ultra Violet was named the color of the year. It will add richness as an accent color, and for the brave, a load of depth as an all-wall option.

Black

Most of the time, all-black rooms are just not appealing. However, if done right, especially if used to complement other color schemes, it can pop without bringing thoughts of gothic décor. This year, black is the new “neutral.”

Pastels

For charging the batteries, decompressing or just creating general harmony in a room, pastels will fit the bill. This year, one such tranquil combination of pastels includes Sandy Pink and Mint Green.

Summary

Even as generous as this list is, there’s a multitude of trendy shades and colors, even for this year. If you didn’t find a trendy color to your liking, keep looking. You may still have the opportunity to include a trendy color in your home décor.

Walking down the aisle of your local Home Depot or Lowes looking for a sink for your kitchen can seem like such an exhausting task. There are so many different styles, textures, finishes to choose from.

Not to mention, you need a faucet to go with your new sink, and that’s not always an easy item to pick out either.

If you are in search of a new kitchen sink for your home, here are some easy ways to narrow down your options.

What kitchen sink options exist?

Some of the most popular kinds of sinks are stainless steel. However, there is also enamel-coated cast iron, composites, and other solid surfaces.

If you have a granite or engineered stone countertop, it’s best to go with a stainless steel sink because it has the capability of an undermount. If you are tough on your washbasin, try to with stainless steel for its durability.

However, there are some folks who think that stainless steel is a tad noisy, but it’s a problem that can be fixed with some sound-absorption technology.

Enamel-coated cast iron is one of the most beautiful sinks on the market today. However, it is prone to scratches, and the enamel can wear out over time, making it not the best choice for those who are tough on sinks.

If the ease of cleanup is important to you, consider a solid surface sink that is part of the countertop. With undermount sinks, there is a joint between the countertop and the underside.

Those with a solid surface are easier to clean up. Minor scratches can easily be buffed out of a solid surface, but there’s still that risk of chipping. Not to mention, the transfer of hot pots and pans that are placed directly in the sink can damage solid surfaces.

The newer kind of sink that seems to be popular are composite sinks which are either made from polyester/acrylic or another material. These are generally lower in price and come in a lot of different colors.

However, these sinks aren’t as durable as drop-in sinks.

Bowls & compartments: How many do you need?

How many sink bowls do you need? Most homes have a double bowl sink, but there are still some homes that have a single container. Double basins make it simpler to do dishes.

If you’re looking for something bigger than a double bowl sink, consider looking at a commercial sink.

These generally have three bowls, and some can even have four. These sink types are perfect for homeowners who have the room for it and need extra bowls for washing pots and pans.

Unfortunately, they are more expensive than other kinds of sinks and do take up a lot of space. However, they are easy to clean and give you more room for washing dishes, prepping veggies and other foods.

You can check out some commercial three compartment sinks at Elli Bistro.

A quick word on faucets

Since there are tons of different faucet designs on the market, it’s easy to find a style that fits your specific needs and wants. Most faucets will use a cartridge, ceramic disc valve, or a ball.

Faucets with ceramic disks valves and solid brass base materials are the most durable. A lot of homeowners prefer taps with spray arms for filling pots and pans with water or rinsing the sink.

There you have it! Now you know a lot more about kitchen sinks and the different types available than the average homeowner.

Guys, if you want a second date with a woman you need to make sure you have a great first date.

In this article, we’ll show you 7 things you can do on your first date to give you 7 ways to improve your chances for a second date. You’ll find that it’s all about details.

1. Punctual

Picking her up or meeting her on time is a great start to a successful first date. You show her that you value her time as much as you do yours.

2. Be a gentleman

Open doors for her, even the car door if she’s receptive. Allow her to order first. Even if she looks hot, control your expressions. Try not to stare at her. It could make her uncomfortable.

3. Table Manners

Some guys forget that they’re not at home. Don’t just woof down your food, and try not to make a mess. Part of enjoying your dinner is about leaving out the sideshow.

4. Enjoyable and Tasteful conversation

You probably know enough about your date to make small talk. Find some common interests that you have with her. It could be work, hobbies, favorite music or TV shows. There’s bound to be something you can talk about, maybe for quite a while. The best way to start a conversation is by asking open-ended questions, so don’t just drone on about yourself!

Whatever you do, keep sex out of this conversation. It could be a real turn off.

5. Personal interest

Basically, you want to treat her like a friend. If you end up marrying this lady one day, you and she are going to be each other’s best friend.

If she has something stressful going on, and she feels comfortable, draw her out and really listen. Yep, we said it – listen. Resist the temptation to solve her problem. She may just need to unload. Let her.

6. Let your yes mean yes

If you tell her you’re going to do something, keep your promise. For example, like many women, if she wants to be brought straight home, bring her straight home. Period.

If you have another stop to make afterward, tell her before the date. Who knows? Maybe she’ll go along, but don’t surprise her.

Any deviation could chuck your second date chances out the window.

7. Respectful goodnight

Remember, the woman you marry one day is going to be your friend for life. Treat her like one. Don’t be too anxious to get a goodnight kiss. If she asks you to, don’t throw the gentleman out of the way. Keep it short, sweet and respectful.

As far as second dates go, it could be as simple as asking, even at the end of your first date. If it hasn’t come by now, maybe this is your chance to find out.

In Closing

So it really isn’t so tough. Don’t make it any tougher. Just follow these tips, have a great first date, and we’re sure you will get a second date.

When you first start dancing, it’s easy to struggle with your confidence. You might not know the best way to even get started if your confidence levels are so low. While there is no cookie-cutter solution for feeling ready to break out your best dance moves, there are simple ways you can find your own dance confidence. Whether you’re a new dancer or you’ve been dancing for years, self-consciousness can strike at any time. Here’s how to find your dance confidence so you can show your best moves to the world!

Image via Pexels

Dress for Success

If you’ve ever heard the tip “fake it till you make it,” take it literally by investing in the right dance outfit. It might sound weird, but it really does work! If you look confident you can trick yourself into feeling confident! Review dancing blogs and recent trends to see what costumes are hip at the moment. Then search for the best dance costumes from Alexandra Costumes or another high-quality retailer to find the perfect outfit for strutting your stuff! Even if you don’t feel your best, you’ll at least look your best!

Practice Good Posture

Standing up straight is proven to lead to greater feelings of confidence. Take a hint from this science by evaluating your own dance posture. Even if you feel the music, you might notice yourself hunching over or making yourself smaller. Hold your head up high! Stand tall and proud! The more you work on your posture, the more confident you’ll feel. Not to mention your dancing skills will improve!

Dance with a Group

Dancing alone is intimidating, even for experienced dancers. Whether you’re planning to perform at an event or you’re just practicing, having a group with you can take the edge off of any dance routine. Not only will being with others help inspire you to do your best, but you don’t have to worry about being the center of attention if something goes wrong. Starting with a group of dance friends is a great first step in your quest for dance confidence!

Image via Pexels

Stick to the Basics

Have you ever skipped too many steps too fast and found yourself completely overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Bring it back to the basics by practicing your basic moves. If you find yourself too stressed by the idea of taking that next step in your dance level, it’s okay to take a moment to practice the basics. Even the best dancers need to refresh themselves about the basics of movement, steps, and balance. These are a great way to practice, and you’ll gain confidence in your abilities as you go!

Stay Energized

If you’re tired and unmotived, you probably aren’t going to be dancing your best. While you shouldn’t overload yourself on things like energy drinks, you shouldn’t be wandering around your dance studio feeling like a zombie come to life! Treat your body kindly by drinking enough water and eating energizing foods throughout the day to keep your energy levels up. Listen to your body and know when it’s time for a break!

Let Go of Perfectionism

A lot of dancers tend to be perfectionists. It’s easy to think even the best dancers are perfect, but make peace with the fact that this is not a reality. You will make mistakes. This is just a part of being a performer and an artist. Mistakes are a great way to learn, and it’s okay if you aren’t perfect all the time. It’s more important to do your best and give it your all than to always be perfect!

Practice Performing

Sometimes the best way to overcome your lack of confidence is to just put yourself out there. If the thought of performing scares the wits out of you, it might be time to just bite the bullet. There are ways to practice performing without the same levels of pressure of a real event! Join a performance group to practice your stage work or find a studio near you with local performances. Even these small steps make a big difference!

Dance Like Nobody is Watching!

This old cliche rings true for your confidence. If you’re dancing for yourself, you’ll feel your best. Remember you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Think back to just how passionate you are about dance. If you’re inspired by the music and the movement, nothing else matters. Even if you’re in front of a big crowd, dance like nobody is watching! That’s when you know you’ve found your dance confidence!

There is nothing more than any parent wants to do more than protect their children. And for their young ones to feel secure. Whether this is from the Boogey Man or something more realistic like the dangers from household pests. It’s also important to keep your children safe from the effects of the methods you use to control pests.

When protective parents are concerned, pest control technicians often have to answer the same frequently asked questions, because, as caregivers, we all want to make sure our children aren’t being exposed to dangerous pest control methods.

We know you all have a lot of concerns about this topic, so we asked London experts Empire Pest Control what their most frequently asked question were, in particular, those questions coming from parents of young children. Listed below are a handful of questions that are heard most often…

 

Do professionals always use pesticides? I’ve heard that they are dangerous.

Pest killing chemicals are strong and do have the potential to be dangerous if they are used incorrectly and misapplied. If you absolutely need them, your technician will advise you on when it is safe to enter your home after treatment, and what precautions to take.

However, pest controllers aren’t always as eager to use these chemicals as most people are led to believe. There are lots of different techniques available to them that involve little to no pesticide use at all.

I don’t want to use dangerous traps or poisons with young children around. What do I do?

The riskiest traps around children are spring trap and snap traps, where little fingers might get hurt if accessed. There is also potential harm from baiting traps with poison or leaving down food laced with rodenticides. In terms of traps, live capture traps baited with peanut butter present little harm to children. If you must use poison, you can also get traps that lock and the bait inside is only accessible with a key.

What are other chemical-free options available for a pest infestation?

The method that has proven safest yet effective for rodent control is to deter them with ultrasonic plug-in devices and strong scents. An essential oil can be used or fabric softener sheets, as mice are very sensitive to strong smells. Bed bugs can be eradicated completely with a high enough temperature.

A completely non-toxic program for bed bugs combines the use of your washing machine’s high setting and professional heat treatments for the whole house. Most pest companies aim at providing the most environmentally friendly solution possible nowadays.

Do I need to be careful around some home pest control remedies?

Be mindful when using some essential oils around children and pets, as the oil can be a health hazard if ingested internally or when it makes contact with their skin or eyes.

To some pets, some homemade solutions and essential oils can also pose a serious health risk, so check with a vet before using them in the environment.

I’ve heard about prevention but I’m not sure what that involves. What can I do?

The best way to put a stop to a pest infestation is to start with exclusion and prevention. Find all the access points pests can use around your home and seal them up.

This will solve a huge part of the problem without needing to use any chemicals. Keeping things clutter free and spotlessly clean is also paramount. Eliminating the attraction for pests of food goes a long way. You can always hire a pest control service like Averse Pest Control and make sure to leave this job to professionals in order to have a clean home.

What steps can I take to limit my child’s exposure to my pets’ pests?

You can purchase pet collars that prevent fleas and ticks. Keeping your garden well maintained also helps the fight against pests like ticks, fleas that pets bring in. Following a great pest prevention routine coupled with a professional pest management program will keep you pests pets at bay. Treating your pets for fleas before the fleas become an infestation in your home is crucial.

We hope that answering some of these questions has helped you begin to learn about ways to manage pest control situations in the most effective way without worrying about the health and safety of your children.