All posts by Tia

Skin Care: What Are You Putting In Your Bloodstream?

Skin Care: What Are You Putting In Your Bloodstream?

By Guest Blogger, Emily F.

Naturally based skin-care is on the rise, and it makes sense as to why. Your skin is your bodies largest organ. Anything you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream within 26 seconds. Majority of products on the market today are made up of 95% fillers, such as crude oil and animal byproduct. The harsh chemicals and ingredients found in certain skin care and beauty products are linked to many health problems such as eczema, cancer, hormone interruption, neurological diseases, and birth defects. Arbonne, a company that believes in the power of naturally based products, does not regulate over 2000 chemicals from being used in their products. The U.S. only prohibits the use of 10.

If you are looking for a healthier alternative that will have your skin glowing, looking young and refreshed, you are going to want to get your hands on some of Arbonne’s vegan skincare! Start off with cleansing your face with RE9 Advanced Prepwork Micellar Water. Micelles (tiny bunches of molecules) in this formula trap dirt, makeup and daily grime while coconut water conditions skin with hydration. After you get all the dirt and grime off your face, go in with the RE9 Advanced Skincare set. You’ll see results in just 24 hours! Who doesn’t want radiant, firm, hydrated and smooth skin that will only continue to improve over time? This skincare set, along with Arbonne’s others, are believed in by dermatologists. Don’t miss out on this anti-aging skincare, opportunity.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.

Why Buying a Used Vehicle Is Better

Why Buying a Used Vehicle Is Better

If you are in the middle of deciding what type of car to buy or truck to buy, the chances are you have browsed online for both new options, and second hand. Each choice has a range of pros and cons, for example, driving a new car is a pretty sweet drive. They have air-con, perfectly working heaters, inbuilt parking sensors and cameras. Some will even park for you now… Or in the case of Tesla – drive for you. And all of those things are great, but they come at a pretty steep price. If you aren’t a cash buyer, and most of us aren’t you might struggle to find a finance deal that is going to work for you. Or, you might not want to be locked into a contract for the next X amount of years.

Used cars come with much fewer strings. Unless it’s in the newer age bracket of ‘used,’ it’s usually within the grasp of most people to be able to afford it. But if you are shopping used trucks and cars online here are a few great reasons to buy used – not new.

Photo by Nikita Kachanovsky on Unsplash

Depreciation

No one who buys a new car ever says ‘well this was an investment!’. The moment it rolls off the lot, it loses a heap of value. And then over the following three years, they can lose up to 50%. Which is a lot if you are making a 30-40k investment. Used cars, however, you’re not likely to worry too much about that. You’re already getting a great deal on a car in perfect working order – just a few years under its belt.

Lower Insurance

Older car – cheaper to repair (in most cases). The value of your vehicle is one of the primary factors that is taken into account when determining the rates that you’re going to pay. It makes sense, right? The higher the value of the car, the more money the insurance company will have to pay out in the event of an accident. Of course, there are other factors, like how long you’ve been driving and how many seats are in the car. But mostly, they’re looking at the value.

Longer Life

While you can still find plenty of 20+-year-old cars trundling along, in general vehicles are designed to last longer now. Of course, they all have a certain amount of miles in them, and by no means in 100,000, the same as 200,000 but car designers and engineers have made incredible strides in the giving cars a longer lifespan.

This is one of the things that people who are buying used cars worry about, but with cars designed to last, it shouldn’t be a concern. Unless you are really going to buy that 20-year-old Volvo – of course.

Pick Of The Litter

Or something like that anyway. If you want an older model because it had a sweet shape, more boot space or a particular gadget they phased out then used is going to be your best friend. Each year, around 350 models of new car hit the market. Which might sound a little OTT, it’s just that some marketing is better than others – and we don’t always see the models that get released in other countries. So if that is what the new car market has each year, you can begin to imagine the range of the used car market.

Online Information

New cars come with a blank sheet. And that’s cool, but older cars come with a personality – and that is cooler. But, what is more – you have access to their history. You can check the plates of the vehicle too, has it been stolen? Do the plates match the make and model of the car?

If the car has been in an accident, has been repaired, or failed its last MOT you will have access to all of the information before you decide to purchase the car. Of course, a clean MOT one year isn’t a guarantee that it will pass the next – but if you know what some of the issues were, you will have an idea of what you can expect the next time.

More Motor for Your Money

A new car is going to run you a few thousand. Either upfront or a couple of hundred a month in a contract. If you have the cash to play with, then you’re going to be able to get a lot more car for your money. A new Land Rover, or a Volvo 4×4, are anywhere between $45,000 – $177,000. Which is pretty steep, even on finance. But a few thousand will get you second-hand version – with a few miles on the clock.

You aren’t tied to only purchasing something that has a heap of functions you might not use. You can buy any make, and model and any year of car that you like. In fact, if you have time, you can spend as long as you like finding the perfect second-hand sweetheart for you.

New Driver?

Obviously, no one wants this to happen, but in the first year of driving most people are more likely to have a crash. The insurance on a newer car is already going to be high, add in a new driver premium – and then an accident? It makes the car even more expensive. Having a slightly older car, and maybe even on the cheaper side is going to put you at ease just that little bit more when you start driving unaccompanied.

Cover

If you buy from a used car garage, the car will usually come with a decent warranty. One that will keep your covered for 3-6-9 months and the follow-up care is generally pretty nice too.

In general, there are pros and cons to both new and used. But, if you are looking to maximize what you can get with the money you have, and keep your insurance low, then used cars will win every time.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.

Saving Money On Big Life Decisions

Saving Money On Big Life Decisions

As we get older, and the responsibility piles on, we can often find we are spending out left, right and centre. Money worries are a significant cause of stress, and with many people less able to save on a weekly or monthly basis, it pays to get smart about what you buy.

Weddings, new babies, moving house, decorating and buying a car are all heavy hitters in terms of big spending. Maybe you have to relocate for a new job and need to view cheap apartments in Austin online. Or you need to move everything you own overseas. Any of these things can be overwhelming yet truly exciting. So how do you spend less and still enjoy those things?

Here are a few tips for you!

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Weddings

If you have been dreaming of a perfect wedding, for years, you don’t need to cast that aside just yet. Think about what you non-negotiables are. What is it you have to have without question. Is it the dress? What about the cake? Flowers perhaps? Sometimes the pinch really comes when the guest list keeps getting longer and longer.

If something doesn’t make the non-negotiable list, then those are places that you can safely cut back. Not everyone wants to spend so much on flowers when a small wild bunch looks beautiful.

Call in favours from friends and family to help you decorate the venue yourself, and do other things in the early stages like:

  • Design and print your own invitations, or create a free website for people to RSVP
  • Hand make the favours
  • Skip the DJ and create your own playlist, and use a simple Sono style speaker
  • Put a down payment on your dress as early as possible, so that you won’t need to pay too much of a lump sum later on.
  • Same with the venue
  • Always get insurance for your wedding. That way, if something does go wrong, you won’t lose a penny.

It is easy to get caught up in color schemes and taffeta, but try to remember that a wedding is about you and the person you love. The rest is just the trimmings.

Car

Buying a new car is out of most people’s reach. You can, of course, opt to go down the finance route, and that does come with a lot of perks. But in the end, you are still going to be spending a premium for those four wheels. Before you start working out what % deal you can get, consider buying a used car instead.

They have a few miles on the clock, sure, but they have also (in most cases) been well looked after. New cars do have that ‘new car smell’, but a second-hand vehicle has a whole personality of its own. They’re usually cheap enough to buy outright, you are free to haggle on the price if you want it even, and depending on the age they are cheaper to insure.

When you make the decision to buy a used car, don’t just buy the first one you see. If you have the time to visit a few and fit in some test drives, then try to do that. You’ll quickly learn if a car is for you or not. If you aren’t very great with cars, then try to bring someone along with you who is. They will be able to do some checks on the overall health of the vehicle and guide you n the right direction in terms of price.

Moving House

If you aren’t moving too far, then you have the luxury of calling in friends and family, hiring a van and doing most of the leg work yourself. When you are thinking about moving out of state or even to a new country, the logistics get a bit trickier.

The best place to start is by having a good clear-out. Get rid of things you don’t love, need, or use. That might be a lot more than you think. Starting with your clothing works really well. If you need the inspiration to get your clothing sorted, or the rest of the house for that matter, then check out Marie Kondo. She has excellent tips about how to really clear your space of clutter. Donate what is good enough to be used again, sell what you can, and try to streamline what you’re taking.

Consider hiring a moving van yourself. It’s a lot cheaper than having a whole moving team doing it for you. And, while yes, you’ll need to do the heavy work yourself – you’re going to be saving big bucks. The size of van will obviously depend on what you are bringing with you, so really give everything a lot of thought.

Redecorating

Before you rush out to the DIY store, start cleaning and getting rid of stuff too. Much like moving, it will make the whole thing much smoother. Once you have gotten rid of the clutter, and given the place an excellent clean, consider this – do you want to redecorate, or do you just want a fresh feel?

Paint isn’t too expensive, and if you then focus on moving the furniture around instead of replacing things, you’ll get a ‘new’ looking space at a fraction of the cost. If you want to pick up smaller items, like vases, candles holders and even pieces of art for the walls, they are also cheap alternatives to a full redecorating project.

Don’t forget about redecorating the exterior either! You’ll need to wash down your concrete, exterior walls, and your lawn. Check out sites like http://vikingconcretellc.com/ if you don’t have access to a pressure washer of your own. Then, break out some hard wearing paint! 

30 Day Rule

Unless you have to buy something immediately, start putting yourself on a timer. If you see something you want, instead of instantly buying it, make yourself wait 30 days. Then, if you still really want the item at the end of those 30 days go and get it. Often we make hasty decisions when it comes to making purchases. During the 30 day wait, you will think about your finances more, and do you really need it? More often than not, we won’t go back a month after to get something. Impulse buying always costs more in the long run. From dresses, you’re ‘saving’ and never wear, to the coffee machine that ends up gathering dust on the side.

Always give your finances the once over before making big decisions, and give yourself plenty of time to find alternatives too.

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 TwitterTikTok, or Instagram.

How To Avoid A Junker When Buying A Used Car

How To Avoid A Junker When Buying A Used Car

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A junker, as the name suggests, is something that is only fit for junk! When buying a used car, therefore, you need to take steps to avoid a motor that, let’s be honest, should only be homed in a scrap yard, and not on your driveway. If you don’t, not only will you have a potential money pit on your hands, something that will cost you a fortune in repairs and breakdown fees, but you might also have something that could put your life in danger.

Here then are some tips that we hope you find useful. Our advice here should hopefully help you avoid a junker of a car the next time you’re looking for a new set of wheels.

#1: Buy your car from a reputable dealer

When shopping for used cars, you might be spoiled for choice. From private sellers flogging their motors in the classifieds (online and off) to the many dealerships in your local area, you won’t be short of cars to consider for your next purchase. However, while many sellers will be honest and fair with you, there might be those who don’t have as many morals. Especially when it comes to private sellers who don’t have to offer you a warranty, you might end up with a car that isn’t worth the money it was advertised for. The same might apply to backstreet car dealerships that have no online reputation to speak of. Therefore, look for dealers that you should be able to trust. You can do this by asking for recommendations from family and friends, checking for testimonials and customer reviews on their website, and by doing a quick Google search to check for any good or bad news reports. When you think you have found a reputable dealer, you will have greater peace of mind when buying.

#2: Have the car inspected before purchase

If you don’t know the first thing about cars, then you really should pay a mechanic to inspect any car you are interested in before you part with your cash. If there are any hidden (or obvious) faults within the car, the mechanic will let you know, and you will then have the option of continuing your car search elsewhere. You could, of course, ask the seller to make the necessary repairs before you purchase the car, but to be honest, if they haven’t bothered to do so before putting it up for sale, then you might want to think twice before trusting them. Any reputable seller, private or otherwise, should always do the necessary work on the car before putting it up for sale; unless, of course, the following point applies.

#3: Be wary of cars advertised for sale ‘as is’

When you’re browsing the classifieds, you might come across cars for sale ‘as is.’ This means that any flaws or defects you notice before you buy will be your responsibility, as the car is only available for sale in its current condition, i.e. ‘as is.’ Because of this, it is unlikely that you will be offered a warranty, meaning that once you have parted with your cash, you have no legal rights to claim a refund or ask the seller to pay for any repairs if the car breaks down or you notice any problems after driving it away. Now, a car advertised ‘as is’ does not always signify you are buying a junker. If the defects are fairly insignificant, such as a scratch on the surface of the car, then you can always get that covered over later if you wish. If you’re buying the car for a dirt cheap price, you might also be happy to pay for any repairs that need doing. But as we suggested above, hire somebody to inspect the car before purchase, because you might also find yourself out of pocket should you later discover any serious and expensive issues after sale.

#4: Take the car for a decent test drive

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A test drive is more than a quick circle around the parking lot. And it’s more than a twenty-minute jaunt around town. You need to give it a thorough test drive to make sure that everything is working as it should, so request a test drive for a couple of hours or more so you can fully get a handle on the vehicle you might be buying. There are some useful tips here on what you should look out for when you’re taking the car for a spin. Still, if you aren’t particularly car savvy, you might want to bring somebody along on the ride with you. This should be somebody with years of driving experience, so ask anybody you know (or the mechanic you hired for the inspection) to join you on the roads. They will then be able to advise you further on the viability of the car in question.

#5: Check the car’s history

Any reputable seller will have a vehicle history report ready for you to review before the sale. This will let you know how many owners the car has had, as well as details of any accidents and repair jobs, both large and small. If the car has had a lot of owners, you might want to ask why. There might be issues with the car that has resulted in it changing hands a lot of times, so you might want to think twice before buying. You might also want to think twice if the car has been in an accident, or if there is has been a lot of maintenance work done on the vehicle. And you should run in the other direction if the seller does not have the car’s vehicle history report, because he or she is probably trying to hide something. Still, even if the car seems to be good to go, and the seller does have a vehicle history report, you might also want to run a free vehicle check online before buying, as you may well uncover details that the seller has been trying to keep hidden from you.

Finally

Buying a used car can be problematic, but you can save yourself a lot of trouble and money if you follow the tips we have presented here. Hopefully, you will then buy a car built to last, and not something that is only fit for the junkyard or a demolition derby!

Thanks for reading!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.


Mini Cranes For Small Spaces

Mini Cranes For Small Spaces

https://pixabay.com/vectors/crane-industrial-silhouette-4162288/

When working in construction there is a huge selection of different tools you will need to utilise on a daily basis. This ranges from those as small as a hammer to something as huge as a crane.

When it comes to big and expensive equipment, most companies tend to hire these out rather than buying them for themselves. After all, the cost of purchasing a crane would be monumental. And there is not just one mere crane to suit all purposes. There is a huge selection of various cranes; differing in size, the weight they can lift, and the environment they are suited to. Bearing all of this in mind, hiring seems to be the only solution! However, it’s not. A lot of people overlook the option of going to auction. Look for an auction firm near me and you will find a different option for you.

When hiring or buying a crane a lot of people find difficulty when they are working in small spaces. They need a crane for their business that’s flexible and can operate in tight areas. If this sounds like the sort of thing you need then you should be looking for a mini crane. A mini crane is a lot smaller in size. It has the ability to operate in multi areas. Because of this, it can handle an array of what would otherwise be tricky tasks. You see this type of crane used in the likes of refurbishment a lot. This is because it is great for lifting things inside of buildings. After all, not all cranes soar into the sky and possess that domineering figure people so often seen when they are driving along the road or the motorway. There are actually scaled down cranes, such as this one, that are more suited to specific work.

Aside from being able to work in small spaces, another advantage associated with a mini crane is the fact that they are dual powered. This means that you can operate them via electricity, diesel and sometimes even gas too. This is a great feature because you can choose to power the crane based on the work you are doing. For instance, if you are working indoors then the electric option is beneficial because little sound is created. Not only this, but it is also worth noting how easy these cranes are to move around too. They are small in size and therefore it is easy for them to be transported from site to site. This is in direct contrast to the bigger and bulkier cranes most people are used to.

You can hire or buy mini cranes via an array of different companies. If you are still unsure regarding whether the mini crane is the solution for you, then simply talk to a representative from one of these hire companies and they will be able to point you in the right direction. Nonetheless, if you are looking to work indoors or in small spaces, then this is likely to be the solution for you. Mini cranes have the ability to get into areas that all other cranes find impossible and their dual power feature allows them to work in all environments too – meaning the possibilities are vast.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is 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 or Instagram.