Year: 2018

How To Find A High Quality Futon For Your Home


Futons have come a long way since first becoming mainstream and are now much more comfortable, modern, and visually appealing. When shopping for a new futon for your home, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you are getting a high-quality piece of furniture that is sturdy, durable, and useful for both sitting and sleeping.

Purpose

Before you begin shopping for a new futon, consider the purpose of the futon itself in your home. Are you planning to utilize the futon for overnight guests and children? Will your futon be used to sit or sleep on more? How frequently will the futon be used?

Size

Futons are no longer limited to one size fits all solutions. Today, futons come in a variety of sizes and work well with almost any type of design and aesthetic you want to implement in your space. Futons are available as twin sized beds, double beds, and even queen-sized beds while also having varying lengths for seating. Measure the area you plan to place your new futon to ensure you purchase a futon that is not overly bulky or too small of the space you want to use.

Style

Style is important when shopping for a new futon, especially as there are thousands of options available on the market. If you are interested in a more traditional and contemporary look, opt for a futon made of hardwood or imitation wood. For a modern, chic look, metal frames and Asian-inspired futons are optimal. When you want to minimize clutter while you have your futon in a couch position, consider a smaller metal frame that is lighter and easier to fold up.

Mattress Versatility

For a completely sleek futon look, a metal frame paired with a thinner futon mattress is highly recommended. A sleek futon look is ideal for homes with a modern aesthetic and for households that do not plan to use the futon each night for sleep. Metal futons with thinner mattresses are optimal for occasional sleeping guests.

A hardwood and heavy duty frame futon requires a bigger and thicker mattress for maximum comfort. A thin mattress on a wooden futon can quickly become uncomfortable while sitting or resting on it over a short period of time. Without a thick mattress, you also run the risk of bending and sinking the thin mattress in less time. Consider the durability of each mattress you review and verify that it is made for heavy use with futons (especially if you plan to sleep on it regularly in your home).

Covers

Once you find a mattress or cushion for the futon frame you desire, consider the opportunity of investing in a cover to match your home’s surrounding and current decor. Even if you do not find the original mattress for your futon attractive but it is comfortable and affordable, purchasing a cover is a viable route to take. Covers come in a variety of fabrics, material, and themes to work seamlessly with any style you envision for the space you are planning to place your futon in.

Pricing

Always compare pricing of futons when shopping at a local mattress or furniture store to ensure you get the best deal possible. Take time to browse for futons online using reputable companies and brands you trust. Pricing research is a way to gain valuable information while shopping to avoid overspending on any type of futon you are interested in, regardless of its size or the type of frame that is included.

Reviews

Read reviews and testimonials left by customers online on websites of local stores near you. If you are shopping for a futon online, read customer reviews to learn more about the futon’s durability, frame, and mattresses that work best with each option. Reviews are extremely important to read as they prevent you from choosing a futon that is not reliable, uncomfortable, or simply not sturdy enough for sleeping and regular use.

Take the time to compare and review all of your options before settling on a futon that is perfect for your home. With enough information and an understanding of available futon mattresses, frames, and pads, make a purchase that is sure to last.


Take Your Cooking to the Next Level With These Must-Have Kitchen Tools


Cooking a great meal is a combination of inspiration, passion and having the right tools. If you frequently visit kitchen stores, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of gadgets on each aisle. Whether you want to pound, grate, puree, blend or chop, the following 10 tools are vital for taking your cooking to a new level.

Digital Scale

While digital scales are often used by people who are dieting, they can also help if you are baking and using a recipe that requires ingredients by weight rather than by volume. This tool is also handy when you buy bulk meat and need to divide it evenly.

Coffee Grinder

This gadget is so useful, you will want two of them. You can use one to prepare the beans for your morning cup of coffee while the other can crush herbs. This process brings out the flavor that is lost while they dry out and makes them more powerful in cooking.

Immersion Blender

If you often use a traditional blender, you know it does not work well with certain food types and can be difficult to clean. An immersion blender is essentially a stick with blades on the end that you place directly in the bowl or pot of food you are working with. This gadget works well with your purees and soups, and it is easy to maintain with detachable, dishwasher-safe blades.

Oil Mister

When you are cooking with oil, it is sometimes better to use less than more. An oil mister is a bottle with a pump that allows you to add just the right amount of oil to your pans and your foods.

Mandolin

Cutting vegetables can be a tiresome task, especially if want the slices to be thin. A mandolin does the job quickly and efficiently, and some models have a julienne attachment. When choosing a mandolin, ensure that the slicing plate can be removed for cleaning, and there is a hand guard to protect you.

Double Mezzaluna

Herbs are important to every cook, and a double mezzaluna will help you prepare them in record time. The tool has double curved blades that are connected by a handle on each end and comes with a special indented cutting board. You place the herbs on the board and rock the mezzaluna to chop them up. This is more efficient than using a chef’s knife.

Microplane

This is one of the most useful tools you can have in your kitchen. You can fine grate cheese and garlic and also zest citrus with a microplane. When deciding on a model, choose one that comes with a storage cover.

Baking Mats

Baking mats are made out of a silicone material that provides even heating and prevents sticking and burning. You can use them for almost anything that you put in the oven, and they will fit any standard-size baking sheet. Baking mats also work wonderfully for rolling out dough.

Garlic Peeler

Peeling garlic takes a great deal of time, and a peeler will make this task easier for you. The gadget is a silicone tube that removes the skin from the clove while crushing it. This peeler is essential if you enjoy the taste of garlic recipes but do not want to spend large amounts of time in the kitchen.

Anti-Fatigue Mat

This is not technically a gadget or a tool, but it will help you with your cooking by reducing the fatigue that often occurs from standing for long periods of time. Your legs and joints become tired because the weight is not distributed evenly. An anti-fatigue mat corrects this by providing even distribution through the use of a foam interior with thick rubber. The mat can even be an accent piece in your kitchen.

Whether you are a professional chef or just someone who enjoys cooking, adding the above tools will bring more joy to the experience.


How To Buy Your First Paintball Marker


After winning many paintball games, you feel that now is the time for you to buy personalized markers. Since you have used different markers throughout your playing career, they seem too mundane. Different markers prevent your from taking your game play to another level.

If it’ll be the first time for you to buy paintball markers, follow the following guidelines to make sure that you don’t make any rookie mistakes.

1. Have a Budget

Before you make the purchase, create a budget and stick to it. The market is flooded with markers of different prices, and you can get easily confused if you don’t control your spending – some sell for as little as $40, while others go for more than $1000. Do your research and find out which markers are highly recommended, then write down their prices. Then, come up with a budget based on these prices.

2. Know Your Style of Play

Are you a risk taker or someone that prefers to take their time when playing paintball? If you love to charge into the battlefield, look for a marker with a fast shooting speed since it will help you hit the target before they get to you. Alternatively, if you are a ‘slow player’ search for a marker with high accuracy so that you can hit your target from any position.

3. Location

Before you purchase your first paintball marker, know where you’ll use it. If you frequent a paintball site with strict guidelines on the markers used, it is wise that you check in with them before buying the product. Doing so allows you to use your marker without any restrictions. Furthermore, you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a marker, only to leave it at home when you go to the paintball site.

4. Filling Your Paintball Tank

Not all paintball markers are filled up in the same way. There two main ways to fill up your markers: through compressed air or carbon-dioxide (CO2). Luckily, your local paintball site can fill up your marker without any problems. Therefore, before you make the purchase, find out whether your site uses compressed air or CO2 for its markers. If you don’t do so, you might end up with a marker that you can’t fill up because there’s no one to do it for you.

5. Marker, Balls or Both

Depending on your budget, you can decide to buy the marker plus the balls or by itself. It’s not surprising that the marker plus balls sells at a discount, and it can be to your advantage. Such a purchase will help you avoid extra ball fees at the paintball site. However, if it doesn’t fit with your budget, avoid taking the entire package.

6. Maintenance Costs

An important thing to know before buying the marker is that it’ll break at one point and you have to be ready to fix it when that happens. For example, find out how much it would cost to replace your marker’s air hose in case it spoils. There’s no point in buying an expensive paintball gun, only to have it cost more to fix. Buy something that can accept parts from different manufacturers to lower your maintenance costs.

7. Accessories

Find out whether the marker you choose needs additional equipment to function properly. For example, some paintball guns need regulators to work better. Others, like electro-pneumatic, need electronic hoppers instead of gravity fed hoppers. Therefore, choose your gun wisely.

8. Shop Visit and Product Testing

Once you have identified the type of paintball marker that you want, go to the seller’s premises and check out the item. Hold the gun and have a feel. Is it light or heavy when fully loaded? Some people like their markers light because that makes it easy to handle. Others like their markers heavy out of personal taste. Have a feel and discover your preference.

9. Make the Purchase

Once you are satisfied with the how the marker feels and functions, you can buy it. Find out if there are any special offers on the product, for example, warranties and free servicing for the first year.

Since buying your first paintball marker is important for your gaming needs, you have to do it right. Talk to an expert if you feel stuck at any point during your decision making.


Are Electric Smokers the Next Hot Thing in Cooking?


The smoky taste which comes from your barbecue’s charcoal is what determines the unique taste of the food, especially when cooking meat and fish. The only problem that people have with roasting and grilling processes is that you have to stand by the smoker or good old-fashioned barbecue machine and manually turn the food over and over till it is completely cooked and at times, you neither have the time nor the needed skills for the same. With the new electric smokers, you can get that spicy, tasty and aromatic meat on your table without having to go through the tedious process of turning the meat or other food over and over in the backyard. Here are the reasons why electric smokers might be the next hot thing in cooking.

They are the perfect appliance for BBQ beginners

The first and most important benefit you get from electric smoker is that if you know how to operate the basic electric oven, you will operate the smoker perfectly well. It is possible to set the length of time and temperature at which you want to perform the cooking. The benefit which comes from being able to make such specific settings is that the results are hugely satisfying. The fact is that whether you are going to settle on the electric smoker, or you will want to move on to an actual smoker, this tool is an important part of your learning process.

The price of the appliance

Another huge benefit that you will get when you invest in the electric smoker is that you will only spend a fraction of the amount you would have spent on the regular smoker. In addition to spending less, you also get greater grilling and smoking capacity. There are smokers with the capacity to smoke up to 6 chickens at a go, and these are simple domestic units. A traditional smoker with the same capacity would probably cost about three times the price of the electric appliance.

Ease of operation

Another benefit which comes with the use of the electric smoker is that it is quite easy to run. When using the regular smoker, you have to worry about details such as lighting the charcoal, controlling the airflow and making sure that you understand temperature spikes. This leaves you with little to no time to focus on important elements such as getting the right brines, sauces, rubs and turning the meat for even cooking. As a result, the meat which comes out of the electric smoker is actually spicier than what you get from the old-fashioned smoker.

Versatility

The other main benefit that comes with the electric smoker is that you will conveniently use it even in areas where open fires are banned. For instance, there are states that prohibit the use of charcoal smokers in parts of the home such as decks, and other outdoor spots, especially in the summer. Think of a situation where you are living in an apartment of a condo that doesn’t have shared space where you can barbecue. Obviously, charcoal smokers will not be allowed in the unit, but guess what will be okay to use? An electric smoker. These smokers are simply the perfect cooking solution to all fire ban situations.

Easy to do the cold smoke

Then, there is the fact that these smokers are ideal for cold smoking. Foods like cheese, bacon and others can easily be cold-smoked on this machine. Other foods that you can prepare on the smoker include loaves, meat logs, fish, desserts and even sausages. The meals produced by electric smokers are usually cooked without overcooking, which means that it may not have that pink ring that is characteristic of the extreme barbecue. This machine is ideal for you if you like medium rare to rare cuts of meat and well-smoked fish.

There you have it, this is the newest great cooking appliance in the market. In addition to its ridiculous affordability, this machine requires little maintenance, and most sellers have maintenance contracts and are willing to help any time that a part breaks down. The essential thing to note is that the machine needs electricity to run, which means that it will only work in places where there is close proximity to electricity. One last thing and perhaps the most important, that you need to know about these machines is that you can actually put wood pellets in them and when you do, they will mimic the smoke which comes out of the regular BBQ grill.


Secure Your Thoughts With Wireless Cameras


When it comes to considering security cameras there is a lot on your mind. With excelling technology there are so many choices when it comes to your choices of equipment. Wireless security cameras have become one of those options. The most important aspect to security cameras is accountability. We want to know if they are going to work and if that’s the piece of equipment we need for securing our homes and business. Wireless is the new way to do everything. When we’re depending on it for our surveillance needs lets look a little closer. Being very clear about your requirements can make you feel secure about your thoughts and decisions on choosing the right security cameras. Let’s be honest, this is all about security. Security of mind and body.

Before heading to the store or looking online ask yourself these questions.

Where do you need to install these cameras? How many cameras are you looking for and what conditions will they be installed in? You do not want to skimp on placement or number of units. If your system is compromised, then there is no point in having a security system. What do you need these cameras to do? Whether you need wireless or not, once you can answer your surveillance requirements, the answer will be clear.

DO THEY WORK: PROS/CONS

Security Camera System Pro, and Tech Hive, both agree in their 2018 reviews that wireless security camera’s do not compromise on the quality of the picture. Great HD quality and footage are consistent in the majority of reviews. This includes during daylight and night vision. One consistent con with wireless camera systems is the battery. Multiple reviews mention how quickly the battery life is used. To address this predicament many brands offer solar displays so that you don’t have to worry about battery life.

DO YOU NEED THEM PROS/CONS

If you are technologically inclined you might be able to install the complex plug-in camera’s. Most of the reviews for wireless mention how easy connectivity and installation can be. Many of the plug-ins complain that setup can be complex and most need outside help to complete set-up. If you have a DIY lifestyle you will appreciate the ease of wireless cameras. Second, think about where you need to rig your cameras. Wireless is great for hard to hang angles, as well as the freedom to move your cameras around until you find the best stations for your surveillance. Another pro for wireless cameras is that they are made extremely durable for indoor and outdoor use. Weatherproof cameras make sure you only install once. A perk with many wireless cameras is that they come with the option of solar charging. If the added electrical drain is a concern this can be a double bonus. One con for wireless systems can be the price. You can find comparable prices, but the sleeker newer models can run one-two hundred dollars more than standard.

If you are looking to create a surveillance system that is super stealth, can be integrated for sustainability and easy to install, wireless security cameras could suit your needs. If capturing clear footage without people knowing is a priority, these wireless models can be perfect. If you are using your security cameras to intimidate and deter negative behavior, more obvious plug-in options are a clear signal to those who are up to no good, that they are being watched. Just the idea of being watched is enough to deter those wanting to disturb the peace. Looking toward the future, most technological energy will be put into wireless systems as analog slowly disappears. Truly this is about what makes you feel most secure in your day to day, decisions making, and ability to maintain your surveillance system.


The Best Tablets Of 2018


When you are looking to buy a new tablet, there are many different things to consider. You have to think about what you are going to be using the tablet for as well as who exactly is the tablet for. If you are buying a tablet for your school-aged child or your spouse, then you want to make sure that you select a tablet that is going to be age appropriate for them. For example, you don’t want to buy an expensive tablet for your young child to play games with. You would want a tablet that is a little more affordable, in case your child happens to mishandle it. There are many new tablets on the market that have high quality features and are able to accomplish a lot. Over the years, the demand for tablets have been significantly increasing. You will find more and more different tablets up for sale in many stores that sell electronic devices. Before you make your next purchase of a tablet, you want to make sure you take the time to explore your tablet options and select your tablet based on your needs.

The year of 2018 has been one of the years that has exploded with new and improved tablets for consumers to buy. There are tablets being used for everyday use to gain access to the internet, play games, shop, read, and also many stores are now even using tablets to complete purchases from their customers. Tablets are an extremely important device in today’s society. Technology itself is one of the greatest inventions, because so many people are able to live more convenient and hassle free lifestyles due to the invention of electronic devices. In addition, tablets allow you to read multiple books on one device; they allow you to shop with ease, they allow easy transport so you can work from anywhere. If you are thinking about making a purchase for a new tablet, make sure to review your options.

Just to name a few new tablets that have come out on the market include the Apple iPad 2018, Apple iPad Pro 10.5 inches, Samsung Galaxy Book, Amazon Fire 7, Samsung Galaxy Tab S3. The Apple iPad 2018 is one of the more newer iPads that Apple has recently created and this is a very powerful, yet entry level iPad. This tablet is excellent for those who are looking for speed as well as an affordable price. This iPad is also one of Apple’s cheapest tablet recently created. The Apple iPad Pro 10.5 inch is one of Apple’s best performing tablet that is very powerful and also has the option to use a keyboard, where you can transform this into a laptop. This tablet may be a little on the pricey side, but is totally worth the investment. The Samsung Galaxy Book is one of Windows best tablets created and comes in two different models to choose from that come with both a stylus and a keyboard. This tablet is also more affordable. The Amazon Fire 7 tablet is for those looking for a quality tablet but looking for a budget price. This tablet performs very well for the price. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is one of the newest tablets out that may be a little pricey, but the investment is worth it. It is a very powerful device that is also very lightweight and comes with a 2,048 x 1,536 resolution display and also bundled with an S-Pen.

Overall, there are many different types of tablets to choose from that are very capable of performing any task. When you are trying to decide what kind of tablet to choose from, make sure you select the tablet that is going to fit your lifestyle and what it is you are mainly going to use it for. Many of the tablets mentioned above are great quality tablets that are definitely worth the investment.