Home

Author: Cameron

  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: The Right Car for Your Family?

    2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: The Right Car for Your Family?

    The bigger, beefier design of the Tiguan is still here, but does it live up to its body’s big promise? The German engineers over at VW have unveiled the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. It is a beast to behold, but does it have the power to match? Today we’ll answer that question and more with our review.

    If you’ve been looking into buying a new SUV, you may have been considering the VW Tiguan. We’ll break down the features, trims and drive experience to help you make an informed decision. Is this the right car for your family, or should you opt for a different SUV?

    2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

    What’s New?

    Honestly, not much is new this year. That’s to be expected: 2017 to 2018 saw a huge redesign for the Tiguan. If you missed it, the Tiguan grew by about a foot between 2017 and 2018, and got room for a third row or additional cargo space.

    The true changes this year are really minor. The SE trim level gets a standard alarm system, while the SEL trim now gets a digital gauge cluster. Oh, and the SEL gets parking sensors, now, too. That’s about all that’s new to the Tiguan this year.

    Trim Levels

    Speaking of trim levels, let’s get into those a bit more. There are four, and they’re pretty easy to parse. The base trim is S, and it starts a $25,290. The SE trim is $27,690, while the SEL is $32,790. The high end is the SEL Premium trim, which goes for an eye-watering $38,190. That puts the Tiguan in the mid-range of price at the base level and up to the “luxury” mark for the high end.

    All trim levels get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and automatic eight-speed transmission. Buyers can opt for a four-wheel drive powertrain, though in any event the engine never really feels quite powerful. The body’s massive size actually somewhat belies the underwhelming engine under the hood.

    Fuel Economy

    Another important consideration with any new vehicle is gas mileage. Impressively, the front-wheel-drive model gets 32 mpg highway, making it a surprisingly efficient engine for an SUV. That goes double for just how big the Tiguan is. It looks and handles a bit like a tank, so the good fuel economy is a welcome boon.

    Ride Quality

    While the engine is nothing special, the ride quality is solid. It’s not terribly precise, and it won’t be taking turns with anything resembling speed. That said, the ride is quiet and smooth, which will be more than enough for most use-cases. If you’re getting an SUV to tear up the road, you’re probably missing out on some great sports cars that you would rather have.

    That said, the automatic transmission feels like it’s never in a hurry. The car can even feel sluggish as it hesitates to downshift, keeping you somewhat locked in awkward rhythms, especially during heavy traffic. In any event, it’s fine for going on trips or picking up groceries. It’s just less than ideal for driving downtown or on crowded highways.

    Interior Features

    The interior is simple, in the classic VW style. It’s not showy or flashy and it gets the job done while remaining comfortable. It’s hard to say whether this is a good thing or bad thing and it really more up to your individual preferences.

    Impressively, the Tiguan uses its space efficiently enough that you can squeeze seven people into the vehicle, including the driver. That makes this a great compromise for bigger families that don’t want to bump up to the minivan level but need tons of seats.

    The standard trim has cloth seating, but you can opt for faux-leather seats with higher trim levels. The seats themselves are comfortable and well-made, and never feel to cramped. Even with seven people squeezed in, everyone has ample legroom (assuming they’re not NBA player-sized, of course.)

    Bottom Line

    Between the unassuming interior, large cargo space, good fuel economy and smooth ride, there’s a lot to like about this vehicle. On the flip side, those looking for a flashier vehicle, or one with more fun under the hood, should look elsewhere. While the prices are mid-level for the base trim, you get a lot of good features standard.

    Notable among the standard features is the excellent Car-Net infotainment system. The large, easy-to-navigate system makes you feel like all of your car’s features are right at your fingertips. As for non-standard features, there are ample safety features available at higher trim levels. Examples include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and emergency braking.

  • 2019 Buick Encore: Does it Deserve a Standing Ovation?

    2019 Buick Encore: Does it Deserve a Standing Ovation?

    The 2019 Buick Encore is here. Does it deserve the encore it has as a namesake or is it time for this car to get off the stage? Today we’re digging into the 2019 Buick Encore and dissecting all the ins and outs to help you decide whether it’s worth it. The Buick name has long been synonymous with luxury. Does that legacy continue with this year’s Encore?

    2019 Buick Encore Review

    Design

    The Buick Encore is a slick-looking and solid SUV. And when we say solid, we mean solid: this thing looks like a sturdy vehicle and has a really smooth drive. The interior is made of high-quality materials, making it feel very premium and luxurious. The seats are plush and comfortable, and the cabin is incredibly quiet. You could take a nap during a firework show in this thing.

    Okay, that last one is an exaggeration but you get the idea.

    Interior Features

    It wouldn’t be a modern SUV without ample features in the interior to make you feel like royalty. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so the car functions as an extension of your smartphone. Controlling your phone with your voice keeps you from driving distracted, which makes things easier (and legal) while you’re driving.

    As for other interior features, trim levels can dictate just how much luxury you get with the 2019 Encore. The infotainment screen is big and easy-to-use, but you can get an even bigger one with higher trim levels. The same goes for the seats: the higher trim levels have even more luxurious materials and levels of comfort for the seating.

    You can fit five people in the Encore, although the backseat may be a tight fit for three adults. That said, there’s ample headroom, and the interior uses its space well. No one should have cramped knees unless they’re tremendously tall.

    For people who love being in control, the driver’s seat is sufficiently high to see the road well. The drive itself is smooth, though not lively. The Encore handles well and drives very smoothly, though it’s not for thrill-seekers. Acceleration and horsepower are not the name of the game here, even at higher trim levels.

    Exterior Features

    LED lights, well-known for their extreme brightness, are out in full force with the Encore. You’ll be able to see way ahead of you on even the darkest roads while making sure others see you coming. There are a variety of paint colors available from the manufacturer, and they all look sleek and luxurious.

    Make no mistake: anyone who sees you driving an Encore will know you’re in a Buick. If you like the classic Buick body style, you’ll love the Encore. It doesn’t swap out the tried-and-true “Buick SUV” look, but it does look modern enough to impress.

    Under the Hood

    The engine in the Encore is nothing to cheer for. It’s sporting 138 horsepower in a four-cylinder engine standard, which isn’t going to impress anyone. The Sport Touring and Essence trims both have the option for a slightly mightier engine, one sporting 153 horsepower. Well, that’s not turning any heads either.

    As for fuel economy, the Encore is an average vehicle. It gets 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is ever-so-slightly ahead of the competition. While that’s not going to win any awards, it’s in a car that earns its spot in the Buick lineup in other ways.

    Bottom Line

    On the upside, the 2019 Buick Encore has a few things going right. There are a lot of standard features, especially in the interior of the vehicle. The infotainment system is very useful and has a much better user interface than some of the competition. That’s not to mention that the interior is luxurious in even the base trim level.

    Additionally, the ride is smooth and comfortable, if unexciting. However, most SUV owners aren’t looking for a high-performance vehicle, so this is hard to mark against the vehicle. That said, the underwhelming engine does raise some alarms with the higher-than-average price.

    Pricing

    The 2019 Buick Encore has a base price of $23,200 for the intro-level trim. That gets you a number of standard features for the interior, as well as that smooth, quiet ride Buick is well-known for. However, it’s also a bit pricier than other cars in this category, meaning you’re paying a bit more for that Buick name.

    At the top end of the range, the Essence trim level comes in a hair over $30,000, which puts it firmly in the luxury range for an SUV. If you’re looking for a Buick SUV, the Encore doesn’t disappoint, though it is a little on the pricey side.

  • How to Pick out the Best Laundry Detergent: Get the Best Clean

    How to Pick out the Best Laundry Detergent: Get the Best Clean

    Laundry is one of those things that everyone has to deal with on a regular basis. It’s unavoidable if you want to wear clean clothes. So, that begs the question: how do you pick out the best laundry detergent? Well, we’re here to help you answer that question.

    First, let’s consider what kind of things you need your detergent to do. Of course, you want it to clean your clothes. However, not all detergents are made equal, and that shows in repeated tests. Let’s dig into the how, why and which detergent you should be using for your clothes.

    Best Laundry Detergent

    A Note on Laundry Pods

    To start, we’re going to quickly cover laundry pods before we dig into the best detergent brands. Laundry pods have a few issues that aren’t exactly laundry-related that are worth disclaiming. Due to the appealing colors and feel of laundry pods, they can often result in accidental exposure to children and adults with dementia.

    In fact, of the six reported deaths from laundry pod exposure, four were adults with dementia. As such, homes with young children or adults with dementia should consider not keeping laundry pods in the house. These can cause serious harm if ingested or exposed to the skin for too long.

    Best Practices

    Before starting your laundry, make sure you prepare your clothes well. The best detergent in the world can’t help you if you’re not using it right! Namely, make sure you’re measuring how much detergent you use. If you’re just liberally pouring detergent into the washing machine, you could be wasting money. Or, worse, you could be leaving a film of detergent on your clothes over long washing cycles.

    Another tip: though it might seem a bit excessive, you need to sort your laundry. Keep red items away from white ones unless you want them to turn pink. Keep you sweatpants and towels away from your sheets so they don’t pill. Finally, make sure you wash your jeans inside out so they don’t fade as quickly.

    Don’t Overstuff

    A lot of people think their detergent is to blame for under-washed laundry. However, sometimes the issue is that they’re overstuffing their washing machine. Your washing machine has a maximum effective capacity, and if you’re consistently going over that then you’re likely not getting your clothes very well washed.

    Finally, make sure you’re pretreating stains before just throwing clothes in the wash. Even the strongest detergent isn’t going to take out dirt, wine or blood stains on its own. Pre-treatment products like Shout are ideal for this as they help to begin breaking down the stain before you run it through the wash.

    The Brands

    Based on our experience, these are some of the best laundry detergent brands. This list is made up of the detergents we’ve found have the best overall performance in cleaning and eliminating stains.

    Tide

    First introduced in the mid 1940’s, Tide has been household name in the detergent game for decades. They are one of the highest-selling brands of detergent in the US and they have a number of products suited to any and all laundry tasks.

    From Free and Clear options that contain less irritants to bleach alternatives that won’t hurt your clothes, Tide has what you need. If you’re looking for a thorough and affordable clean, you can’t go wrong with Tide.

    Seventh Generation

    Seventh Generation is a green-focused detergent that is interested in sustainability. While they are a bit more expensive than some other brands, we can recommend them highly. Their high-efficiency detergent doesn’t just save the planet, it saves you money.

    The only thing better than saving money is getting your clothes extra-clean, and Seventh Generation has you covered. Their HE detergent can even be used in normal washing machines, so you don’t need to upgrade to a high-efficiency washer to use them. That said, you should absolutely invest in an HE washer, but that’s a story for a different day.

    Arm & Hammer

    Arm & Hammer is a well-known brand around the world. They’re most well-known for their baking soda, which has notable properties in cleaning. Specifically, in the 1970’s they introduced a number of cleaning products like detergent for normal household use.

    Since then, they’ve become one of the most dependable laundry detergent brands. If you’re looking to get your clothes extra clean with the power of baking soda, Arm & Hammer has you covered.

    In 2006 the company acquired OxiClean, and their Arm & Hammer with OxiClean product has remained one of the most popular detergent brands ever since.

  • To the Cleaners: The Best Washer and Dryer Combos

    To the Cleaners: The Best Washer and Dryer Combos

    It can be very difficult narrowing down which washer and dryer you want. However, one of the most cost-saving moves you can make when shopping for a washer and dryer set is to get a combo. Washer and dryer combos not only look sleek in your laundry room, they also work well in unison and tend to cost less than buying two appliances.

    Today we’re going to help you narrow down which washer and dryer combo you should get. These are some of the top-rated washer and dryer combos on the market right now. Remember, there are no “correct” choices, these are just some of the most highly rated options.

    Best Washer and Dryer Combos

    GE 5.0 cubic foot Smart High-Efficiency Washer and 7.4 cubic foot Dryer

    This smart, high-efficiency model is a great device for new homeowners and long-time veterans of domesticity alike. For one thing, it’s a high-efficiency washer and dryer at once, meaning it will keep your power and water bills down.  For another, it’s absolutely massive.

    The huge interior and impeller in the washer mean you’ve got room for even the mightiest of laundry loads. That includes huge comforters, large amounts of laundry and obscure items like cushions. The big tumbling space for clothing in the dryer is a great pair to this, meaning that you’ve got tons of room for even the biggest laundry loads.

    You’ve also got the option of several heating and tumble cycles. There are 14 cycles available, meaning you can handle any task. There are also 5 heating modes, meaning your clothes won’t get ruined by the dryer.

    Did we mention it’s smart-home enabled out of the box? “Alexa, start my laundry,” is a pretty cool command. Not to mention asking how long until your laundry is done. The best part of this smart capability is that the washer-dryer combo can act as an auto-dispenser for detergent. It’ll even reorder detergent for you on Amazon if you want it to.

    Whirlpool WTW4816FW Washer and WED4815EW Dryer

    If you’re all about energy efficiency then this is the washer and dryer set for you. This combo was literally made with money-saving as a primary concern. The washer and dryer both have custom settings in place to consume less power, water and money. What’s not to love?

    The washer is only 3.5 cubic feet, but it can fit a surprising amount of laundry. It has load-sensing technology that detects how much laundry is in the drum. Then, it attempts to tailor the amount of water being dispensed to match the load in question. That means that you’ll spend less water on small loads.

    The dryer, for its part, has an AccuDry mode you can use that will cut the machine off when the clothes inside are dry. It will even tumble the clothes occasionally, in a mode called Wrinkle Shield, to keep them from getting those annoying wrinkles. Talk about handy!

    Samsung WF45M5500AP Washer and DVE45M5500P Dryer with Steam

    Samsung’s name is linked with quality, and for good reason. If you want one of the best overall washer and dryer combos, this long-named pair is what you’re looking for. Where do you begin with a set of appliances this well-made?

    Well, we’ll begin with the steam technology. With steam technology, the washer and dryer get clothing clean in a deep, holistic way that is hard to describe. It’s almost like picking up your clothes from the cleaners, but they’re coming from your own home.

    Next, the combo looks absolutely elegant in any laundry room. The stainless-steel design and high-quality interface make these luxurious to use. If you want your laundry to feel like less of a chore, making your washer and dryer into sleek pieces of technology is one way.

    People who use this washer and dryer set describe it as quiet and efficient. No obnoxious clanging or home-filling sounds of laundry. If you’re like us, you hate all that racket when you’re trying to watch TV or read at home. Thankfully, these don’t have that problem, if the reviews are to be believed.

    Bottom Line

    There are no right answers when it comes to the best washer and dryer combos. However, these three devices represent the best of their fields according to reviews online. The GE set has top-of-the-line smart home features. The Whirlpool set is the best high-efficiency set out there, according to reviews.

    Most notably, the Samsung set was highly rated across a number of both professional and user reviews. If you want the best of the best, these are what you’re looking for.

  • Best Laser Hair Removal Options that Actually Work

    Best Laser Hair Removal Options that Actually Work

    No one likes having to shave manually. Between ingrown hairs and irritation, traditional razors just aren’t all that great for getting the job done. That said, laser hair removal hasn’t been a great alternative either until recently. Previously, laser hair removal gadgets were just too expensive and didn’t even really work all that well.

    However, modern gadgets are much better about actually, you know, removing hair. Not to mention they’ve become more affordable in the intervening years. That’s not to say you should feel compelled to remove body hair; it’s totally natural after all…  but if you do want to remove it, try these laser hair removal options.

    Laser Hair Removal Options

    Silk’n Infinity 400,000

    This device doesn’t actually use lasers, it uses Intense Pulse Light, or IPL, to eliminate hair. Interestingly, this IPL does a number of things when used on hair follicle. For one thing, the pulse itself burns the hair away easily. The second effect is the one that people love about laser treatments.

    It destroys hair follicle. No, seriously. After repeated IPL treatments, you’ll find that the hair follicle will be destroyed entirely. That means that some people who use these devices regularly will eventually have no hair growth in the treated area.

    As for the Silk’n Infinity, it’s a long-lasting device. As the name suggests, it has 400,000 IPL pulses stored in its battery. After it spends those pulses, though, it’s dead. That’s pretty much standard across all laser hair removal devices.

    This one is a bit on the pricey side, though. It retails for $350. That said, it’ll last you for a long time, and it works on all skin tones.

    Remington iLight Pro Plus Quartz Hair Removal System

    Speaking of skin tones, that’s this system’s drawback. This Remington iLight is a fantastic hair removal device… unless you have darker skin. This device won’t even activate if it can’t differentiate skin from hair, so people with darker skin often can’t even use this.

    The reason for this is that the Remington iLight system uses IPL, like the Silk’n Infinity. However, it can’t differentiate from hair and skin by any method other than color detection. That means people with especially fair body hair would also likely be unable to use it.

    Those complaints aside, this is a fine hair removal system. It retails for $243, and it sports an impressive 300,000 IPL bursts. Like the Silk’n Infinity, it can destroy hair follicle over repeated treatment. That means you won’t have to worry about hair in a treated area after multiple treatments.

    Tria Hair Removal Laser 4x

    The Tria Removal Laser is unique among gadgets on this list, as it is actually a laser hair removal device. As in, it uses energy in the form of lasers to eliminate hair follicle. It’s FDA approved for home use, making it nearly one-of-a-kind in this field. It also costs enough to balance out just how unique it is: it comes in at $450.

    While that may seem expensive, consider what you’re getting. This is a laser designed for home use that can make it so you don’t need to shave anymore. If you think about how much you spend on razer blades and other shaving products it makes it really hard to call this a bad investment.

    If you’re not already familiar with laser treatment, this device walks you through it quite easily. It’s recommended that you only use the device with clean, freshly-washed and shaven skin. If you don’t you could risk burning yourself or improperly using the device.

    After that, the device’s LED display walks you through the process step by step. That’s a good thing, as this process isn’t exactly straightforward. For those looking to use a real laser to get rid of their body hair, this is the device for you.

    Illuminage Touch Permanent Hair Reproduction System

    Another IPL device, the Illuminage system retails for $445. It sports a relatively small 120,000 IPL pulses, but that’s not the whole story. The notable thing about this system is that it can target hair follicles of red and blond colorations, making it unique among IPL devices.

    That’s because it has the ability to differentiate hair follicle of that color from the surrounding skin. This means that it’s safe to use even if you’ve got a fair complexion, unlike some other systems. This device offers best results if used once a week for about six or seven weeks.

    That said, consistency is key with this device and others like it. It’s important to get on a schedule and stick to it. While you may not see results immediately, god things come to those who wait. Keep up the treatments, stay consistent with shaving and keeping your skin clean, and you’ll see results.

    Remington iLight Ultra Face and Body Hair Removal System

    Another Remington iLight device, this one is a bit different than the Quartz from earlier. How so, you ask? Well, as the name implies, you can use it on your face. That’s right: any pesky facial hairs that are hanging out can be targeted with this device.

    Well, as long as they’re dark enough. Like most IPL devices, this one can’t easily target light hair colors. Blonde, gray and red hairs tend to avoid the IPL beams, making this more for people with darker colored hair they want to target.

    A note on this one: avoid your eyes. Don’t put the device anywhere near your eyes. The IPL bursts it lets out can literally blind you, so be careful when you’re using it. That goes for all of these devices, of course: don’t point them into your eyes. Seriously.

    This device is also $450, which seems to be a normal price for devices that can remove hair with a laser. If you’re looking to get into home laser hair removal, it is much less expensive than going to a clinic for treatment, and it’ll likely save you a ton of money on shaving supplies.

    Above all, remember: you should only change your body if it’s something that makes you happy. Body hair is completely natural, so only remove it if that’s what you want to do.

  • Looking for a Great Gift? Order Canvas Prints Online

    Looking for a Great Gift? Order Canvas Prints Online

    When it comes to printing out photos, there are tons of options available for doing it from home. Certainly you’ve purchased a printer that can output “high-quality” images of your home photographs. Are they really all that great, though? Have you considered ordering canvas prints online?

    The answer is yes!  It turns out that you can order very high-quality prints on canvas material online. Today we’re going to cover some of the most frequently asked questions about this interesting process. If you’re looking for a great gift idea for Christmas, consider these gorgeous canvas prints.

    Some of the top companies for ordering canvas prints online are Simple Canvas Prints, CG Pro Prints and Gallery Direct.

    Order Canvas Prints Online

    The Canvas Difference

    Getting your photo printed out on canvas offers some interesting benefits when compared to traditional prints. Normally, a traditional print needs to be backed and framed in order to be elegantly displayed. In the case of a canvas print, however, the unique durability, appeal and design makes them ideal for just hanging up as-is.

    Canvas prints have a high-quality, artistic quality that makes them look great on any wall. You don’t need to have them framed and they don’t require any backing. Not to mention, the three top-rated services provide prints that are so high-quality that they’ll put most normal printers to shame.

    Cost

    The cost of canvas prints online varies depending on the issuing company and size. That said, you can expect the smallest prints to run right around $5, and some of the largest prints to be upwards of $500. That is to say, it’d be a good idea to shop around and compare price.

    There are some excellent savings to be found online if you compare and shop. When you buy online, one of the best upsides is that you can shop at your own pace. There’s no pressure, and you’re able to easily compare sites to hunt down the best price.

    Shipping

    Depending on which site you order from, you can likely find various rates and speeds for shipping. Some sites will be able to offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, while others may have a surcharge for shipping and handling. When it comes to high-quality prints, you want to make sure they’re handled well.

    Another consideration for shipping is how long they take to ship. Most canvas prints online will ship in roughly 10-14 business days, although that number could also vary. Again, you have to consider the time it takes to manufacture the print and how careful you have to be transporting it.

    For Professionals

    Professionals love sites like CG Pro Prints as they offer a great way for their photographs to be displayed as art. In fact, in order to accommodate artists, CG Pro Prints offers wholesale prices on their prints to keep costs down for artists.

    If you’re a photographer looking to get a large number of studio-quality prints made for display or sale, consider CG Pro Prints. They’ve got what you need.

    For the Office

    If you’re looking for a great site for prints of stock images and landscapes, consider Gallery Direct. They have a number of generic images you can choose from to decorate a space like an office or lobby. This is a great way to fill a space with high-quality art to keep your space fun and tasteful at the same time.

    While Gallery Direct isn’t the only site who offers this kind of service, they are highly-rated and considered one of the best. They have a wide variety of images to choose from if you don’t have one already picked out. There are landscapes, stock images and more to make your space look that much more inviting.

    For the Family

    Simple Canvas Prints, of the three listed here, is one of the best sites for getting prints made for the family. They offer low prices and good deals on shipping. They also have a relatively quick shipping time if you opt for the expedited shipping, though it costs a bit more.

    However, their biggest draw is their user interface. This easy-to-use site makes it simple to upload you image and have it converted into a gorgeous canvas print sent right to your home. If you’re somewhat daunted by the prospect, don’t be, as it couldn’t be simpler.

    There’s never been a better time to be a photo enthusiast. With ample choices for high-quality printing and fast shipping, all available right from your computer, it’s hard to believe we ever shopped for canvas prints the old-fashioned way.

  • Finishing the Garage? Top Garage Floor Options

    Finishing the Garage? Top Garage Floor Options

    There’s never a wrong time to upgrade the old garage. Whether you’re just moving in to a new place and looking to modernize it or just giving your old garage a face lift, actually finishing it can be a daunting task. Thankfully we’re here to help you find the top garage floor options.

    There are a ton of options available when it comes to finishing a garage floor. While plain concrete works, it’s not flashy and it’s pretty bland. If you’re looking to spice up your garage space and make it much more impressive, try some of these options.

    Top Garage Floor Options

    Coverings

    One of the more straightforward ways to address finishing your garage floor would be to use a covering. Coverings come in a variety of styles, so we’re going to go over some of the more common types. It’s worth noting that while you can put any old rug down in the garage, it might not survive repeatedly being run over by a car.

    Tiles are a very common style of covering. Varieties of tiles used in garage coverings include wood composite, flexible rubber and rigid plastic. Which kind you prefer depends on what material and appearance you like. Rubber tiles have a lot of give and can look very slick, for instance. Wood composites have a more natural look but are a bit more rigid.

    Rigid plastic is popular among people who have a smaller amount of garage traffic and want to spend a bit less. Typically rigid plastic costs less than rubber or wooden tiles.

    Another type of covering is a garage mat. Garage mats come in a variety of durable, tear-resistant materials and many sport cool designs. Coverings are ideal for people who want a bit of style without changing their garage floor.

    Coatings

    Coatings are another popular garage floor finishing. They’re a bit more intensive than simple coverings, as they literally coat your garage’s floor. That said, there are a few different coatings you can apply and they’re markedly different. The two coating types commonly seen are paint and epoxy.

    Paint is a straightforward way to make your garage floor look way better. If it’s badly stained and looking like it’s seen better days, a quick layer of paint can bring it way up. Namely, garage floors are best served by latex paints.

    They’re generally inexpensive and not difficult to apply. All you need is to clear the floor space and get a roller brush!

    Another example of coatings is epoxy. Epoxy is a bit different from paint, with a decidedly more complex process to apply. The main difference between epoxy and paint is mainly that epoxy can treat your floor and make it more durable and long-lasting.

    However, the trade-off for this is that epoxy coatings are more expensive and more complex to apply. Consider epoxy if you have a very busy and highly trafficked garage.

    Insulation

    If you’re thinking of converting your garage into a livable space you’ll need to insulate the concrete slab. As you’re certainly noticed, the slab gets downright cold in the winter months. That’s not a problem if it’s insulated, though! Many people will even insulate their concrete slab just to make their garage more comfortable.

    Insulating a slab is a bit more complex than other floor finishing methods. It will likely require a contractor to help with the work, unless you’re particularly handy. As always, we caution you to exercise discretion when working with heavy, dangerous equipment.

    Another option, besides just installation, would be installing a radiant floor heating system. These are typically not difficult to install in existing concrete slabs. These will make your often-cold concrete slab significantly warmer and much nicer in the winter. Consider a radiant heater if you do a lot of work in the garage and want the floor a little warmer.

    Important Notes

    Remember, if your floor is badly damaged by grease and oil, coatings and coverings alone aren’t enough. Just covering the cracks up with a mat or a coat of paint doesn’t make the problem go away. Often, such damage will require the floor be refinished. While this is a significant expense, it greatly increases the value of a given home.

    Additionally, remember that if you’re going to paint or epoxy your garage floor that it needs to stay dry. That means you’ll need to be careful about spilling oil or grease onto the floor and be diligent about cleaning it.

    If your garage is a very moist area and condensation develops on the concrete, consider getting a dehumidifier to let your coatings last longer. This will increase the value of your house and help your hard work endure. No matter what garage floor options you go with, take care of them.

  • Soak it Up: Best Soaking Tubs for Your Money

    Soak it Up: Best Soaking Tubs for Your Money

    The best soaking tubs are the ones that are the most comfortable to spend a bit of time in. Whether you’re soaking for medical purposes or you just like spending time relaxing in the tub, there are a few common criteria you want for a soaking tub. Without further ado, let’s discuss the best soaking tubs for your money.

    Best Soaking Tubs

    OVE Rachel 70-Inch Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub

    Reinforced fiberglass is a great material to build a tub out of, and this Rachel tub is made of that exact stuff. It’s a gorgeous, sleek white with a polished finish that makes it a great central point of any bathroom. Elegant and durable all at once, this is a great soaking tub.

    The durability on display here is great, as you know the tub will last you for years. It’s free-standing, so it’s got a unique and old-school look.

    American Standard 7236V002.020 Evolution Form Fitted Back Rest Bathtub Review

    American Standard is a common name when it comes to tubs. Soaking tubs are also in their repertoire! The form-fitted back rest in this tub is top-notch and reason enough to consider it. When it comes to soaking tubs, one of the most important criteria is that the tub be comfortable to sit in for long periods.

    In the case of this American Standard tub it’s hard to overstate how much more comfortable the tub is with the form-fitted back. Whether you’re looking to soak and relax or just take a quick dip, this tub is a great value for you.

    KOHLER K-1123-0 Archer Bathtub

    Kohler is a respected name when it comes to home appliances, and tubs are no exception. This Kohler tub has a unique recessed design that makes it very striking and comfortable. The tub sports armrests as well as an overflow basin.

    With its depth, this tub isn’t really suited to children. It’s a soaking tub made specifically for adults, thanks to its dimensions. Just keep that in mind when considering having it installed. Speaking of installation, it does require a bit of skill (or hiring someone with said skill) to install.

  • The Best Deals on Rugs: Floor it!

    The Best Deals on Rugs: Floor it!

    If you’ve got hardwood floors, this winter might be reminding you just how cold they can be. If that’s the case, you’re probably looking for area rugs. Here are some of the best deals on rugs you can find. Remember, no house is complete without these gorgeous additions.

    Best Deals on Rugs

    Home Depot

    Home Depot carries more than just home improvement supplies. Believe it or not, they also have some of the best deals on rugs. If you’re in the market for an elegant floor rug, look no further than Home Depot. They have everything from modern-style designs to classic, oriental-style rugs. \

    No matter what you’re in the market for, large or small, you can find an affordable area rug to accommodate your needs at Home Depot.

    RugsUSA

    RugsUSA, as their name suggests, carries some of the best deals on rugs you’ll find online. Shopping online has a number of benefits when compared to shopping in store. For one thing, when you shop online you can avoid spending money on gas and wasting time standing in line.

    Not to mention, when you shop online you don’t need to worry about carting a huge area rug home. You can compare the styles you like side-by-side and sort by any criteria you like. RugsUSA has a fantastic user interface that makes it easy to navigate and find what you like.

    Best of all, their prices are quite competitive. The best part of shopping online is being able to compare prices on the fly without a salesperson nearby pressuring you. It’s a win-win!

    Target

    Target doesn’t have the deepest in-store inventory of rugs, but they do carry a number of area rugs online. If you check in-store, you’ll see that the inventory they do carry is high-quality and not terribly expensive. The best deals can be found online, though!

    Much like with RugsUSA, Target has an excellent online store you can shop from. You can compare prices and find the best rug for your home, all while hanging out at your house. What’s better than shopping in your PJs? Not much, by our count.


  • Best Psoriasis Treatment Options

    Best Psoriasis Treatment Options

    Skin plaques, itchy spots and painful skin are all trademark signs of psoriasis. If you’ve been diagnosed with this disease, it’s likely that you’re looking for effective ways to combat it. To help you find relief, here are some of the best psoriasis treatment options.

    Best Psoriasis Treatment Options

    The newest psoriasis treatments have a number of side effects ranging from increased thirst to depression and joint pain. Speak with your doctor to see which medications are right for you.

    Newer psoriasis treatments are different from prior ones in a number of notable ways. Firstly, doctors used to prescribe mostly topical creams and such for psoriasis. Modern-day remedies tend to be injected, however, and target enzymes and chemical signals instead of being applied to the skin.

    This makes newer treatments more effective, though gives them more serious side effects. In any event, make sure you discuss with your doctor any psoriasis symptoms you’re having so you get effective treatment.

    Taltz

    Taltz is a psoriasis medication that targets the chemical signals that cause inflammation and lead to plaques. After an introductory period, this medication is administered through injections at periodic intervals.

    This medication is often prescribed for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. It is considered a systemic and biological drug. It targets many different chemical signals in order to prevent the growth of psoriatic plaques.

    Humira

    Also used in order to combat arthritis, Humira is another injectable medication for psoriasis. Unlike Taltz, it can be injected at home. It is typically injected once every two weeks and can be injected within the comfort of your own home.

    Like all psoriasis medication, of course, it requires a prescription. Your doctor may prescribe you Humira if it fits with your diagnosis and lifestyle.

    Enbrel

    Enbrel is another injected medicine that helps with psoriasis. It can also be injected at home and is typically injected twice a week. Like Taltz, it’s a systemic biological drug that blocks enzymes. The enzymes in question are responsible for the growth of skin cells that become psoriasis plaques.

    Enbrel has to be injected more often than Humira and Taltz, but it can also be injected at home. As always, remember to discuss all available options with your doctor.