Top Pool Landscaping Ideas and Designs for Backyards

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Swimming pools are becoming increasingly popular home additions as time passes, and with good reason. However, while the presence of a swimming pool alone may be enough to draw attention, there are still ways to enhance its appearance and emphasise its design. In most cases, poolside additions like landscaping and other designs make the swimming pool more inviting. In others, these modifications can allow you to complement your home’s architectural and aesthetic style, thus creating a more cohesive homestead appearance.

Most pool landscaping and backyard designs include different gathering areas that accommodate general seating and relaxation or dining. In addition, they also accommodate various lighting concepts and lush plants- all of which transform your swimming pool into a focal point of outdoor activity no matter the time of day or gathering.

So, as you consider where and how to enhance your swimming pool and its surrounding areas, here are some stunning pool landscaping ideas that will help you get your creative juices flowing.  

A Pool and Sauna Haven.

As mentioned above, in most cases, a swimming pool is impressive on its own. But what if there was a way to elevate the experience? This point is where a sauna comes in.

There are numerous benefits to installing a sauna next to, within or close to your pool. First, it offers a choice. With a pool and a sauna, you can choose which water structure to spend time in based on your mood and preferences.

Conversely, you don’t have to be restricted to choosing one at each usage period. For example, are you aware of the hot sauna/cold plunge technique? It is where you take turns going from one water structure to the other. This practice is said to offer significant advantages to your body, including triggering toxin elimination and elevating your body and mind.

Adding a sauna to your pool transforms it into a place ideal for relaxation and more. This combination allows you to discover the confluence of fun and fitness as you can use it to reinvigorate yourself or soothe tired muscles and bones. 

Rustic Charm.

Is rustic your ideal aesthetic? You can achieve this in your pool area and backyard by selecting and adding a few key rustic elements that embody the perfect backyard organic setting.

You may wonder what rustic charm looks like. Well, if you call to mind minimal pavement, grassy landscape, a pool and a stone terrace that makes the ideal gathering spot, you will have painted an adequately accurate picture. You can elevate the look using stacked stone slabs to create a makeshift waterfall. But don’t forget to include lighting that keeps the space illuminated after the sun goes down.

Semi-inground Pools and Flowers.

Not all backyards are the same flat area, just waiting for you to dig a hole and install an in-ground pool. However, having a space with some complications like sloping land doesn’t have to spell the end of your dreams for a swimming pool. Your saving grace, in this case, comes in the form of a semi-inground pool.

Semi-inground pools allow you to cater for sloping backyards or those with difficult terrain conditions. Alternatively, you can install them to effectively use an interesting spot in your yard.

To take full advantage of the potential of a semi-inground pool in enhancing your backyard, you cannot neglect to add some plants. Radiant and strong yet easily maintained plant varieties help you create a spot that feels indulgent and secluded while withstanding the pool’s microclimate.

With this information, you can now venture forth and effortlessly make your swimming pool area the oasis you always wanted.

Want Recession-Proof Investments? Try These

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Those looking for recession-proof investments in today’s volatile economy get no guarantees. But the good news is that several excellent prospects have a decent chance of delivering solid results. All are either long-time favorites among investors or newer creations that leverage the power of crowdfunding and the internet to build financial security potentially. In addition to the all-time favorite, precious metals, modern investors turn to alternatives like fractional real estate shares, oil, fine wine, and personal lending as ways to turn their unique financial scenario into a positive generator of wealth. With the traditional stock markets in a full-scale bearish cycle, inflation headed skyward, and other indicators showing signs of a recession, consider the following techniques for bolstering your bottom line.

Precious Metals

Precious metals have been the favorite of non-traditional investors for more than a century. Many have been using gold to protect their financial stability for over a thousand years. Today, options for getting into the precious metal markets include buying bullion, mining shares, ETFs (exchange traded funds), and CFDs (contracts for difference). In addition, as the global economy worsens, many individuals and institutions shift a portion of their assets into precious metals.

Fractional Real Estate Shares

Ironically, many otherwise savvy investors and working adults haven’t even heard about fractional ownership in real estate or how easy it is to get involved in the market. For more than a century, real estate has been the most popular way for working adults to acquire stable long-term assets. The obstacle for many, however, was the relatively high initial financial commitment. Now that inflation is soaring, and the equities markets are taking a nose-dive, many younger people are discovering that they can get into real estate investing without forking over a substantial initial sum. 

Even with house prices rising at a much more rapid pace than incomes, anyone can purchase fractional real estate shares and begin amassing long-term financial security. Fortunately, new crowdfunding programs, like fractional ownership shares, have made it possible for today’s young adults to do what their parents did a generation ago: own real estate and take advantage of the security and prosperity the assets can deliver. The first move for interested investors is to review a thorough guide and learn how fractional ownership works.

Petroleum and Wine

Two liquids lead the list of modern alternative investments. Oil and high-grade wine are favorites among people who want to avoid the roller coaster stock market and put their capital to work in the hard asset sector of specialized commodities. Neither requires large initial outlays of money, and both offer potentially high returns. Moreover, the wine market is a crowdfunded arrangement, and petroleum gives investors several ways to get involved.

Personal Loans

If you want to be a lender instead of a borrower, check out one of the many crowdsourced platforms where you can earn interest by lending small amounts to loan applicants. The crowdfunded personal loan niche is growing fast and offers individual lenders the chance to make considerable returns. Of course, loans can be risky vehicles, so be sure to vet any platforms you consider using.

Delta-8 Gummies: What You Should Know Before Trying Them

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Delta-8 THC is rapidly gaining popularity in the legal cannabis industry, given it’s seen by consumers as a means to access the therapeutic potential of cannabis without the “high” associated with the more established delta-9 THC, commonly known simply as THC or tetrahydrocannabinol.

For newer consumers and less seasoned enjoyers of cannabis, there’s still some confusion as to what exactly delta-8 THC is and why it’s worth looking into. In this post, we go over everything you need to know before trying delta-8; from how it’s different from delta-9 THC to its potential benefits and side effects.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 is an isomer of delta-9 THC, with the main chemical difference between the two being the position of their double bonds. Delta 9 affects the body by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system. When THC binds to these receptors, it can alter a person’s mood, perception, and cognitive abilities. Delta 9 can be found in a variety of forms, including cookies, syrups, and other edibles. It is important to note that if you want to buy delta 9 online it is restricted to individuals who have reached the age of 18 or older in most regions. Delta-8 affects the body similarly to delta-9, but with key differences in psychoactivity. While the latter is associated with pain relief and feelings of relaxation, delta-8 has been documented to increase wakefulness, focus and appetite.

Unlike delta-9 THC, delta-8 isn’t primarily sourced from marijuana plants. Instead, it’s typically synthesized from CBD extracted from high quality hemp flowers. The synthesization process has raised concern among some chemists, given the involvement of substances like p-toluenesulfonic acid can yield not only high percentages of delta-8 THC, but residual impurities as well.

Is it legal?

As of this writing, delta-8 isn’t expressly prohibited in any cannabis reform bill (e.g. the 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act) or body of regulations around cannabis, unlike other cannabinoids like delta-9 THC or CBD. This leaves delta-8 in a legal gray area for the moment, making it safe to carry and consume in most American localities.

Thanks to its current legal status, delta-8 is available in many dispensaries and so-called “weed shops” in a variety of formats, including delta-8 gummies and broad-spectrum tinctures. More niche items like isolates and hashish (i.e. kief) can be found online, courtesy of cannabis retailers willing to ship nationwide.

Benefits of Delta-8 THC

Delta 8 THC is currently being studied for a number of potential therapeutic applications, and is becoming an increasingly popular supplement to conventional medications and treatments. Let’s look at three of the most well-documented beneficial properties of delta-8 below.

  • Reducing Anxiety delta 8 THC has been shown to reduce anxiety in multiple animal studies. Like all cannabinoids, delta-8’s anxiolytic potential is rooted in its interactions within the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in essential physiological functions including the regulation of emotion and stress response. Delta-8 THC increases levels of anandamide, a natural cannabinoid known to have anti-anxiety effects, and inhibits the breakdown of gamma-aminobutyric acid, the primary neurotransmitter regulating sensations of anxiety, stress and fear.
  • Controlling Nausea and/or Vomiting a 2011 University of Guelph review of delta-8 studies in human and animal subjects found that the cannabinoid binds to the cannabinoid-type1 (CB1) receptor group in the ECS, which is located in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. The Ontario review further concluded that delta-8’s antiemetic effects are tied to its role as an agonist on CB1 receptors, treating not only neurophysiological symptoms of nausea like dizziness and migraines, but physical symptoms like vomiting as well.
  • Improving Sleep and Homeostasis consumption of delta-8 THC during the day can promote healthy sleep-wake cycles by controlling forms of sleep dysfunction that tend to manifest as daytime drowsiness (e.g. narcolepsy, insomnia). This is achieved through its ability to increase levels of serotonin — known as the “happy hormone” — to improve mood and reduce stress levels; dopamine, which is responsible for focus and concentration; and even norepinephrine, which play a major role in our overall energy levels.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Delta-8 THC?

As with any cannabinoid, delta-8 THC can cause side effects at high to excessive dose ranges. These include dry mouth, anxiety and elevated heart rate. In order to avoid these symptoms, a good rule of thumb is to always start at low dose ranges to gauge individual tolerance before scaling up as needed.

Edibles in particular, including gummies, can take hours to build up in the bloodstream given its breakdown process through the stomach and liver. More enthusiastic cannabis greenhorns are encouraged not to make the mistake of consuming additional gummies while waiting for their initial dose to “kick in.”

Accidental overdoses aside, delta-8 THC has a low risk profile with no documented serious side effects. Medical research and anecdotal evidence suggests it makes a viable supplement to conventional treatments for anxiety, sleep dysfunction and recurring bouts of nausea from cancer treatment.

7 Things to Do When a Car Didn’t Stop After a Crash

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If you are involved in a car accident, there are a few things that you should do to protect yourself and your legal entitlements. Many people don’t know what to do after an accident, leading to missed opportunities to receive compensation for their injuries.

  1. Call the Police and Make a Report

Regardless of the severity of the car accident, it’s always a good idea to call the police. The police can help document what happened and will create an official report. This report can be used as evidence if you need to file hit and run accident claims or take legal action against the other driver.

  1. Get Medical Attention

If there are any injuries, get medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t have visible injuries, it’s still a good idea to go to the hospital for a check-up. Sometimes, people don’t realize they’re injured until days or weeks after an accident. Additionally, getting medical attention right away will help create a record of your injuries in case you need to file a personal injury claim later.

  1. Get the Contact Information of Any Witnesses

If there are witnesses to the hit-and-run accident, it’s essential to get their contact information. Witnesses can provide an unbiased account of what happened, which can be crucial in proving your case and may assist in identifying the other driver.

  1. Get the Other Vehicle’s Details

If you can, get information on the other car’s make, model, license plate number, and any additional identifying information. If your phone has a camera, take photos of the other vehicle. This will be helpful information for the police to identify the hit-and-run driver.

  1. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene

If you have a camera or phone, it’s a good idea to take photos of the accident spot and any damage to your vehicle and other properties. This can help document what happened and can be used as evidence if you need to take a lawsuit or file an insurance claim against the other driver.

  1. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

After you’ve taken care of the immediate effects of the accident, it’s a good idea to contact an experienced car accident lawyer. They can assist you in navigating the legal process and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. If the other driver was to blame, they might be liable for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

  1. File an Insurance Claim with Your Insurer 

After you’ve gathered all the necessary evidence, you should file an insurance claim with your insurer as soon as possible. They will need as much information about the accident as possible to process your claim. You should also explain the nature of the accident as a hit and run. If you end up needing medical treatment, be sure to keep all of your medical records and bills. This will be substantial evidence to receive compensation from the insurance company.

Conclusion

You must take quick action to protect your rights if you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident. Be sure to file a police report, gather evidence, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. You might also want to contact a personal injury lawyer if you or someone else was injured. The lawyers can help you understand your legal options and whether you have a case against the other driver.

Today is Election Day in Charlotte and Surrounding Cities

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Today is election day in Charlotte and several surrounding cities for a number of key city official positions, including the Mayor and several city council members.

Here is a sample ballot for residents of the city of Charlotte:

 

Elections are also taking place for city leaders in Hickory, Statesville, and Mooresville.

To vote in today’s election, go to your registered polling place on between 6:30am until 7:30pm.

How Much Rental Space $1,500 Now Gets You in Charlotte

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As the living space is a top priority nowadays, we wanted to see in which of the best American cities for renters you can get the most space for your money, considering the national average rent of $1500. Charlotte is one of the places to be if you’re looking for ample rental apartments. What’s more, the city was named the 7th best city to rent in 2022.

Here’s what makes Charlotte a great city for renters:

  • For a monthly budget of $1500, renters in Charlotte get 893 sq.ft., the 34th largest apartment space in the nation. The average dweller pays $1559 per month in Charlotte, mirroring the national average rent paid by Americans.
  • Cost of living and Housing: Charlotte is one of the most competitive cities among over a hundred cities analyzed, thanks to the quality of its high-end apartments that make up more than half of the stock (68.4%), along with a generous average size in apartments, of 943 sq.ft.
  • Local Economy: Charlotte scores best in this category, a position strengthened by one of the lowest unemployment rates, of 4.9%. The city enables accessibility to higher education since almost half of the people in Charlotte hold at least a bachelor’s degree. The city also boasts proactive entrepreneurs, as it holds the 9th position in new business applications filed.
  • Quality of Life: Charlotte ranks excellent in the quality-of-life category, thanks to one of the best schooling systems in the nation. Moreover, the residents of Charlotte enjoy days with good air quality for more than half of the year – 187 days. The city also had an increase of over 20% of new apartments delivered in 2021 alone. Many of these apartments are built in top locations, a metric showing signs of good neighborhoods, vicinity to shopping centers and easy access to the site, by either public transportation or personal means.

Lowes Hosting $5 Million “Into The Blue” Pitch Competition in South End

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Mooresville-based Lowes has just announced plans to launch a new pitch competition, similar to the hit reality show “Shark Tank”.

According to a press release, Lowes will use the new “Into the Blue” event to invest over $5 million into entrepreneurs and small companies, placing winning products in 1,700+ retail stores and online at Lowes.com.

Lowe’s Tech Hub via Lowes.com

“Into the Blue: Lowe’s Product Pitch Event gives entrepreneurs the chance to take their business to the next level,” said Bill Boltz, executive vice president, merchandising. “We are inviting businesses of any size to apply for Into the Blue because the more innovative products we uncover, the more solutions we can provide to our customers to make their homes and lives better.” 

Today through Aug. 14, interested entrepreneurs can submit their concepts and products at Lowes.com/Suppliers. Selected products will then be pitched directly to Lowe’s representatives and leadership executives on Nov. 2-3, 2022 at the new Lowe’s Tech Hub tower in South End.

Macy’s Building First Ever $584 Million ‘Automated Fulfillment Center’ in Rowan County

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Retail giant Macy’s has announced plans to build a new $584 million fulfillment center in China Grove, NC (about 20 miles north of Charlotte), creating 2,800 new jobs for the region – the largest economic development announcement in the history of Rowan County.

The complex will be the company’s first ever ‘automated direct-to-consumer’ fulfilment operation. In a press release, the company noted that, once operational, the new center “will account for nearly 30% of Macy’s, Inc.’s digital supply chain capacity”.

“This state-of-the-art facility is a significant milestone for Macy’s, Inc. as we invest in strengthening our omnichannel ecosystem. It will support growth of our business as a leading omnichannel retailer,” said Dennis Mullahy, Macy’s, Inc. chief supply chain officer. “We are delighted to become a member of the China Grove community and look forward to partnering with local and state officials to bring jobs and drive opportunity for local residents.”

A press release from the Governor’s office noted that the new facility will be paid for partially through a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. The committee considered the $564 million of the company’s investment as well as the new tax revenues generated by 230 JDIG-qualified jobs, then authorized potential reimbursement to the company of up to $2,313,000 spread over 12 years.

Equipment Breakdown Insurance: What Is It And Should You Be Covered?

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If you’ve just purchased a particularly high-priced, valuable piece of equipment and you’re thinking: ‘I wonder if there’s a way to get this covered…’ There’s a strong likelihood that there is.

Whether you are a home or business owner, anything valuable in your property is likely to be covered under an insurance contract, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you know about it yet. 

One of the most important protections that you need to be aware of is equipment breakdown insurance. Also known as Appliance Coverage, this is the kind of insurance that will not only make your business more secure but also create a stronger existing homeowners and renters insurance contract, helping to cut out unnecessary stress from your home life.

What Does Equipment Breakdown Insurance Cover?

Equipment breakdown insurance will protect your mechanical, electrical and computer-based products if anything goes wrong. In a home, this means that anything from a television, computer, washing machine, tumble dryer, air tanks, security systems and just about anything electronic and mechanical you can think of will be covered under the EBC policy. 

If, for instance, your refrigerator underwent some damage, then the insurance will not only cover the cost to repair or replace it (including the labour and time which goes into repair), but it will also cover any spoiled inventory and income that may have been lost by its absence. 

Importantly, however, equipment breakdown insurance will not protect equipment which has been damaged due to poor management. If you have not taken care of your refrigerator then, as with most policies, this will most likely not be covered. Namely, the EBC is there to protect against internal damage which you cannot prepare for, such as mechanical or software failure. 

Why Would I Need Equipment Breakdown Cover?

There are many reasons why you should look into getting equipment breakdown cover, especially when it comes to your business. Let’s say you run a coffee shop on the local highstreet. Although you may feel in complete control, your coffee shop actually depends on very simple areas of equipment to keep itself afloat. Even something as simple as a dishwasher could affect how your business operates. 

Say, for instance, you use a couple of large dishwashers to wash up the crockery due to the fact you only have a tiny sink in the back of the kitchen. If these dishwashers are damaged during a power surge, you suddenly have no means of adequately washing the dishes and mugs that your customers use, which means you do not have a way to serve your customers safely and hygienically. You can take hours washing up everything one-by-one, but this will only eat up time that should have been spent elsewhere, and you will be serving far fewer customers, as the wait to be served will be longer. 

Like a domino effect, a couple of broken dishwashers can cause mass disruption to your business, and that’s just one example. With equipment breakdown cover, however, you can ensure that not only the cost of repair is covered, but the business income that you would have lost due to its breakage is also covered too.   

What About Warranties And Homeowner Insurance?

While most equipment will have a warranty of its own, you cannot rely on that warranty to help you out if there’s a sudden power outage. Similarly, if you have bought your first home, then there are differences between your homeowners insurance and ECB, which you need to know about. While homeowners insurance may cover the cost of fires, storms or vandalism, it will not cover the cost of an unexpected electronic or mechanical failure. 

This means that, if your newly bought television suddenly frys due to a fan failure, you would not only have to go without your favourite shows for a while, but you will have to pay the full costs of reparation or even replacement. EBC ensures that you are not financially affected by something that has been damaged by internal forces, allowing you to use any equipment in your home without the stress of having to deal with the consequences of a breakdown.

No matter if you’re a business or a homeowner, it is important to look into equipment breakdown coverage and prepare yourself fully for the unavoidable. You don’t have to be caught out by something out of your control, so do a bit of research and seriously consider if this coverage might be right for you.

Mother’s Ring: A Forever Keepsake For Mom

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With all the jewelry options available, deciding what type of gift to give your mom can be difficult. You want something special, unique, and will last a lifetime. A mother’s ring is the perfect solution. It is a piece of jewelry that can be customized to include the birthstones of her children. This makes it a sentimental and personal gift that she will cherish forever.

Customization Options

There are many different ways that you can customize a mother’s ring. The most popular way is to include the birthstones of her children in the design. You can also have their names engraved on the ring or add special symbols representing your family. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that your mom will love and appreciate.

Why It’s The Perfect Gift?

A mother’s ring is the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether you celebrate her birthday, Mother’s Day, or just want to show your appreciation, a mother’s ring is a thoughtful and unique way to do it. She will be able to wear it every day and think of her children every time she looks at it.

Some Popular Ring Styles

There are many different styles of mother’s rings available. The most popular ones are usually made of gold or silver and feature the birthstones of her children. However, you can also find rings made of other materials such as platinum or diamond. You can also choose to have a ring custom-made to your specifications. You can also try:

  • Fidget Anxiety Ring: This ring is designed to help relieve anxiety and stress. It features different textures and patterns with which you can spin, twist, and fidget. This can help to calm your nerves and focus your attention.
  • Infinity Ring: The infinity ring is a popular choice for mothers. It symbolizes never-ending love and is a reminder that your bond is unbreakable.
  • Family Tree Ring: The family tree ring is a unique way to represent your family. It features a tree design with the birthstones of her children hanging from the branches.
  • Cross Ring: The cross ring is a religious symbol representing God’s love and protection.
  • Hug Ring: The hug ring is a sweet and sentimental gift that celebrates the special bond between a mother and her child. It features two hands holding each other in a loving embrace.
  • Butterfly Ring: The butterfly ring is a beautiful and feminine choice. It represents new beginnings and a mother’s transformation when she becomes a parent.

The Perfect Fit

When choosing a mother’s ring, it is important to choose the right size. You don’t want it to be too tight or too loose. The best way to determine her size is to have her finger measured by a professional jeweler. This will ensure that the ring fits perfectly and is comfortable to wear.

Conclusion 

With a mother’s ring, you can give your mom a gift that will last forever. Not only is it a beautiful piece of jewelry, but it also has sentimental value. It reminds you of your love for her and the special bond you share. Giving your mom a mother’s ring is an excellent way to show her how much you appreciate everything she does for you.