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TIPS IN ACTION

How To Make Your Pickup Even More Capable

How To Make Your Pickup Even More Capable

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Pickup trucks are already pretty capable. These vehicles are designed to put up with the worst treatment possible on farms and building sites. 

But you can always improve on them with some clever additions that make them even more useful. Here’s what to do : 

Install A Winch

Installing a winch is handy if you are taking your pickup off-road or want to be able to help other people. Winches can get you out of all but the most challenging situations, dragging you through thick pools of mud and helping you heave your vehicle up steep, rocky banks. 

When installing a winch, ensure you get it fitted to the vehicle’s frame. Fitting it to a non-secure part of the car will cause massive damage and will mean that the system won’t work properly either. 

Get A Bedliner

If you don’t have one already, you might also want to install a bed liner. Most manufacturers offer these after-market, even if you didn’t get a model where they fit it as standard. 

Bed racks are helpful if you want to bring bikes, kayaks, and surfboards with you on your adventures. Get one with a sturdy frame that can withstand whatever you throw at it. 

Add A Tonneau

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Tonneaus protect your cargo from the rain, dust and dirt while you’re flinging mud everywhere off-road. They limit the height of the cargo, which can be annoying, but other than that, most people find that they benefit from them. 

A retractable tonneau is an even better option. These systems give you supreme versatility, letting you use your vehicle your way. 

Get Double Tires At The Rear

You might also want to visit the Dually Shop and get double tires for each of the rear wheels, like a conventional truck. Having more surface area provides you with more grip, helping you overcome wet or icy terrain and enabling you to scale steep banks. 

The dual-rear-tire approach requires extensive vehicle modifications, but it’s all done in a single job when you go to professionals. The result is a far more capable vehicle that goes where you want it to go and does what you want it to do. 

Add Skid Plates

Adding skid plates to your vehicle’s underside is essential if you are going off-road. These protect the components against large rocks, debris, and sudden changes in gradient. The ground scrapes against them, preventing them from coming into contact with delicate systems like the engine or suspension. 

Use A Lift Kit

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Manufacturers are generally quite conservative when it comes to pickup ride height. You get quite a bit of clearance, but not as much as you often need. 

That’s why it’s often worth investing in a lift kit to raise the suspension. These improve clearance while reducing the impact on handling at the same time. The more room you have under the vehicle, the less likely you are to hit it on the ground. 

So, there you have it: some of the ways you can make your pickup even more capable.

​Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Your Home Sanctuary: Stylish Updates to Elevate Your Entertainment at Home

Your Home Sanctuary: Stylish Updates to Elevate Your Entertainment at Home

If there’s one thing we can’t deny, it’s that we can do everything nowadays from the comfort of our own homes. Fulfilling your job duties? No problem— there’s remote work! Starting a business? Why not conduct it online? Wanting to relax? You can have some quality alone time at home!

Image Credit: Siniz Kim | Unsplash.com

However, there’s much more to relaxing at home than reading your favorite books or streaming your favorite movies and shows. In fact, you can have plenty of ways to have fun at home! So, if you want to take things up a notch for your home entertainment, continue on reading for great ideas!

Embrace al fresco fun with outdoor entertainment

The indoors may be great, but leaving your door every once in a while is also great for your health. So why not take the fun to your yard?

For example, you can start with a stylish patio or a deck makeover. You can add outdoor furniture, an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, or even an outdoor projector screen. So whether you’re having outdoor movie nights, barbecue parties, or simply gazing at the stars in the night sky, you’ll surely have a relaxing time outside!

Unleash your inner artist with a creative art space

If you’re into art or simply want to unlock your creativity, dedicating a corner of your home to artistic pursuits will definitely pump your creative juices. 

So go ahead, head to your nearest art supplies store, and stock up on easels, canvases, and art supplies! From painting to drawing or crafting, you can explore artistic endeavors that’ll bring you joy and relaxation!

Create your personal oasis in the bedroom

I feel you— sometimes, you just want to lounge in your bed and stream Netflix. So why not take your bedroom’s entertainment to the next level with a Smart Bed with TV?

This bedroom essential has high-quality materials and a memory foam mattress to ensure your comfort. Plus, with integrated high-definition TV, you can ensure supreme entertainment regardless of what you’re watching!

Pamper yourself with a home spa retreat

Nothing’s better than a trip to the spa after a long and stressful week. But let’s face it: going to the spa can be a hassle! So here’s a tip for you— take the spa to the four corners of your home!

And how can you do that? Add features such as a luxurious bathtub, steam shower, and soothing color schemes to your bathroom. You should also invest in plush towels, scented candles, and essential oils for a calming atmosphere in your home spa. Truly a great way to pamper yourself!

Escape into books with a cozy reading nook

If you’re a bookworm, the comfort that books bring is indescribable. You can make your reading habit more comfortable by creating a cozy nook.

For example, use a plush chair that helps you find the right position for when you’re reading a book that tickles your excitement. Display a pretty bookshelf showcasing your books to make you more motivated to read. And, of course, use soft lighting so you can maintain your eye’s health!

Creating your own personal haven at home also includes your entertainment. After all, you spend more time at home than in any other place! When you think of yourself when making home improvements, you can do everything from work to entertainment at home! Oh, but don’t forget to go outside every once in a while for a change in your environment!

​Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

First-Time Parent? Here’s How to Make Your Home Child-Safe

First-Time Parent? Here’s How to Make Your Home Child-Safe

Hey there, new parent! Congratulations on the little bundle of joy that’s about to turn your world upside down (in the best possible way, of course). Along with all the cooing and cuddling, there’s something important we need to chat about: childproofing your home. It might sound daunting, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Let’s walk through this together, step by step.

The Great Baby Survey

First things first, get down to your baby’s level – literally. Crawling around your home gives you a baby’s-eye view of potential dangers. Look out for small objects that could be choking hazards, sharp corners, and any spaces where a tiny head could get stuck. Make a list of what needs to be addressed – it’s the first step in babyproofing your home.

via Pexels

Secure the Heavy Stuff

Heavy furniture and TVs can be a hazard if they tip over. Use furniture straps to secure bookcases, dressers, and TV stands to the wall. It’s a simple step that can prevent a big accident. Cabinets and drawers are like treasure chests for little explorers. Keep them out of harm’s way with safety latches and locks. This is especially important in the kitchen and bathroom, where harmful items are often stored.

Also, remember that babies and toddlers are curious about everything, including electrical outlets and pretty much anything that can cause bodily harm. Prevent electric shock by using outlet covers, and consider investing in gun safes to store any harmful objects safely. And if you use power strips, make sure they’re hidden or covered, too.

Baby Gates for Stairs and Dangerous Areas

Stairs can be a no-go zone for your tiny adventurer. Install baby gates at the top and bottom of your stairs. You might also want to gate off other areas, like the kitchen or home office. Also, coffee tables, countertops, and other sharp corners are head-height for your little crawler. Soften these edges with corner guards to prevent bumps and bruises.

Don’t Forget the Little Things: Miscellaneous Safety Checks:

  • Keep small objects, like coins and batteries, out of reach.
  • Move plants, both real and artificial, as they can be choking hazards or toxic if eaten.
  • Ensure blind cords are out of reach to prevent strangulation hazards.
  • Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working properly.

Emergency Preparedness

Keep a list of emergency numbers handy, including your pediatrician and local poison control. Also, have a basic first aid kit at home – you never know when you’ll need it. As your baby grows, your childproofing needs will change. Keep educating yourself about the best ways to keep your child safe at every stage of their development. 

There you have it! Childproofing might seem like a lot, but take it one step at a time. Before you know it, your home will be a safe haven for your little one to explore and grow. Remember, the most important thing you can provide for your child is a loving and attentive parent – and you’re already doing that. 

​Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, TIPS IN ACTION

Essential Winter Road Trip Tips To Keep The Whole Family Safe & Happy 

Essential Winter Road Trip Tips To Keep The Whole Family Safe & Happy 

Whether you are heading to see friends and relatives over the festive period or plan on exploring a corner of your country that you’ve never seen, winter road trips are common. However, because of the often challenging weather and lower temperatures in the winter, making sure you are well-prepared for a safe trip is essential, in addition to your usual trip preparation. The good news is you can read all about how to prepare for your winter road trip in the post below. Just keep reading to find out more. 

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Make sure your vehicle is in top condition before your trip

The Birmingham you need to do before leaving on your Winter road trip is check over your car. It will be even better to take it to your local car repair shop and have them do a performance check so you can be 100% sure that your vehicle will be in tip-top shape no matter what wintery conditions you encounter. The best car repair shops often offer free performance checks as well, so you won’t need to break the bank to ensure you and your passengers are safe on your winter road trip. 

Check the weather before you travel 

You’d be surprised at how many people don’t check the weather or the route that they will be taking before they travel. Unfortunately, this can be incredibly dangerous when Road tripping in the winter because more surprises along the way can increase the chance of safety risks. For example, if you are unaware that heavy snow was predicted along your route, you may not fit chains to your tires that you will need and so increase your chances of getting stuck in the cold for an extended amount of time. 

It’s a very good idea to carefully check the weather in and around the area through which you plan to travel. The good news is this is now fairly easy because you can check localized weather online for the whole of your route.  Additionally, it’s a good idea to check whether there are any roadworks, delays,  or closures along the route that you plan to take comma these can lastly increase your journey time and also add significant delays and the cold weather that you will want to avoid.  One way to do this is to check the data that your GPS provides, as many will show up-to-date issues with roadworks, delays, accidents, and closures.

Leave plenty of time for the journey 

Another crucial aspect of winter road-tripping is making sure you leave enough time to complete your journey safely. This often means adding more time for traveling than you would do at any other time of year. For example, if it usually takes you five hours to reach your destination in fair weather, you may need to double this for travel in ice or snow.  Also, remember that driving in more difficult conditions is much more draining, so it’s best to aim to cover fewer miles every day than you normally would. 

Pack the right things 

When it comes to winter road trips, packing the right things will also be incredibly helpful and ensure you and your passengers stay as safe and comfortable for the entire journey as possible.

One of the most important things to make sure you pack in your vehicle is plenty of warm layers of clothing and blankets. These can then be layered over the top of one another to help everyone keep warm during the journey or if you get delayed because of the weather. In particular, making sure that each passenger has a warm hat and gloves can really help them keep their body temperature up even in the coldest of conditions. 

You may also want to bring some of the small instant heat packs that are activated when you fold them.  These are usually pretty cheap and come in rechargeable options that you need to boil once you have used them, as well as disposable options that can be incredibly welcome in an icy emergency.

It also makes sense to ensure that you have supplies such as food and water in case you get stuck in the snow. Food dense in calories and that will not freeze work well, so things like candy bars and protein bars are always a good idea. Flask of hot beverages such as coffee or tea and also be a welcome refreshment during a wintery road trip. However, do remember that if you bring cold water, you must be sure to keep it inside your vehicle; otherwise, it will freeze, and you won’t be able to drink it right away.

To make sure you can get yourself out of any sticky situations on the road, pack a shovel that can help you out of the snow drift, and an ice scraper so you’ll be able to see through your windshield and believe it or not cat litter. yeah that’s right, cat litter can help struggling tires get purchased on the road in honest and snowy conditions! 

Make sure your wheels are ready for ice and snow 

The cat litter trick mentioned above can be helpful in an icy pinch. It’s often much better and more reliable to make sure your tires are properly equipped for winter driving. First of all, this means checking them over and sharing that they have a healthy tread and are not overly worn as the more traction on the road, the better.  Many people even choose to replace their tires with snow tires when they know they will be traveling in more challenging winter conditions. 

Finally, it makes a lot of sense to have a set of chains fitted to your tires because these will ensure maximum traction in the snow and ice, making your journey much safer.  Indeed if you plan to be covering any sort of challenging terrain at all, such as hills or steep roads, tire chains are crucial, so be sure to invest and fit them before you leave on your winter road trip. 

​Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.

BEAUTY, TIPS IN ACTION

Giving the Gift of the Holiday Silhouette

Giving the Gift of the Holiday Silhouette

Most of us have heard of slips, shapewear, butt lifters, tummy slimmers, and much more. Layering up has been part of the equation since the first time anyone has wrapped their extra fluff in spandex. However, with today’s technology, there are shapewear clothes that can do the trick in just one garment. So, this season why not give yourself the Gift of the Holiday Silhouette?

There are so many benefits of shapewear besides looking great and feeling sexy. Keep on reading to learn a few of those extra benefits.

Smoothing and Toning

Shapewear helps in smoothing out the appearance of lumps and bumps, creating a more toned and even silhouette. This is particularly beneficial when wearing tight or form-fitting clothing. Slimming down the bulges can make one feel more confident, but with the proper shapewear, one can feel more comfortable.

Enhanced Confidence

Many people find that wearing shapewear boosts their confidence by providing a sense of control over their body shape. Embracing our body type is imperative to good mental health. Having a good, solid shapewear piece to enhance what your momma gave you can be ideal. This can be especially helpful for special occasions or when wearing outfits that may highlight areas of the body. So, why not try an all-in-one this holiday season with the shaper dress that can smooth and enhance without feeling over layered.

Posture Support

Some shapewear garments are designed to provide support for the back and core muscles, helping to improve posture. This can be particularly useful for individuals who spend long hours sitting or standing. Bad posture can lead to long-term chronic pain. Adding a good support piece can be life changing as well as attractive.

Versatility

Shapewear comes in various styles and designs, catering to different body areas and outfit types. From the slimming bodysuit to waist cinchers, individuals can choose the specific type of shapewear that addresses their needs for a particular outfit. Some bodysuits are the perfect basic for the wardrobe that can go with jeans or skirts.

Temporary Slimming Effect

While shapewear offers a temporary solution for achieving a slimmer appearance, it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. However, shapewear can help tone an active body.

Improved Fit of Clothing

Shapewear can enhance the fit of clothing, making garments look better on the body. It can prevent fabric from bunching up and provides a smoother surface for clothing to drape over. A great example is with the long maxi dresses that can show off every imperfection and garment line. Adding shapewear can improve the fit, but imagine an all-in-one option to improve your time constraints and mood. Try a shapewear dress that has a built-in bra, butt lift, open gusset, and thigh compression.

Postpartum Support

Some women use shapewear after pregnancy to provide gentle support to the abdominal area. Postpartum shapewear is designed to assist in recovery and offer comfort during the postpartum period. It has the ability to snug all the right places keeping the postpartum body feeling secure and giving comfort for the body to heal properly.

Shapewear has many benefits that go deeper than just physical appearance. If you’ve been debating on taking the plunge on getting your first shapewear piece or you’re already a seasoned shape-wearer, taking advantage of the holiday sales can land you a quality piece for less cost but greater benefits.