A Quick Guide to Painting The Interior of Your House

The paint you use on the walls of your house has the power to turn a room into an amazing experience. In fact, with the right planning, you can turn your entire house into your ideal space, using paint to make each room a different variation on your plan for the perfect interior. If you are unsure how to begin this process, then don’t worry. I've written before about interior design but let's take a quick look at the planning stage, as well as what you should do when you start painting.

Planning

If you are repainting the interior of your house, then the first thing you will want to do is determine and overarching theme. Do you want every room to be tied together with similar colors? Take light and dark paints for example. Do you want some rooms to feel airy, while others feel more formal? Lighter colored paint is often used to open up a space, where as darker paints are normally used to suggest formality. In addition, do you want accent walls, do you want them to be the same color throughout your house? More often then not, people paint hallways in lighter more subdued colors, allowing for easier transitions between rooms.

Go through each room, and see what colors you want may work. Get samples from a local hardware store and test them in different rooms. How do they look in the sunlight? How do they work with your furniture? Knowing all of these things ahead of time will decrease the chances of proving the wrong color theme.

Action

When you eventually settle on a coloring scheme, the next step is to buy the paint. After that, painting can begin.

It is frequently suggested that before you paint, you prepare the walls. This involves taking a sponge or clean cloth, and rubbing out dirt, cobwebs, and anything else that may have gotten stuck to the wall. Cleaning the walls will mean less material painted over and a more even application of paint. In addition, now is a great time to tape up the borders of other objects with scotch tape.

It is also suggested that you use a primer before applying the paint. A primer will help ensure that the paint has its maximum sheen while giving the coat a more uniform appearance. In addition, if you are painting over a pre-existing strong color, then the primer can help tone down the colors.

Using rollers, paint one wall at a time. Start in a corner, and make a W shape as you role. This helps distribute the paint from the roller on the wall. Also, for distances within 2 to 3 inches of a wall, use a brush. A small brush allows for detail work close to the corners objects can create. Painting the interior of your house is also the perfect time to paint the trim as well. Once the wall paint has dried, tape up where the trim hits the wall before applying a fresh coat of paint on the trim.

Design is a personal thing; some people might love what you've designed but some people might hate it... Just do what you think is the best and looks the best. In that way, you create a living area where you feel at home. And that's the most important thing in the end!

Playing Golf With Friends

Golf is a favorite pastime of many. It is a sport of skill that takes time to master, but it is not very physically exhausting. If you are looking for a sport that you and your friends can enjoy together, golf is definitely an option. 

Playing golf with some of your friends can be a relaxing experience that also brings out your competitive fire. If you want to make the most out of your day on the golf course, there are a few golfing tips that you can follow to ensure that you smoke your friends on the greens.

If you’re still new to golf, read these tips before going to the golf course. Some golf courses you can practice and play without being an experienced golfer but on some golf courses you have to be (very) experienced, introduced by a member or be a member yourself.

If you’re serious that you want to play golf with family or friends, then you certainly have to take some lessons, practice a lot on your swing and on putting (something what most golfers forget to practice enough) and therefore invest lot of time and money in the game.

Here are a few helpful golfing tips that will help you make the most of your day spent golfing:

What Type of Clubs Do You Need?

In order to look the part of a professional golfer in front of your friends, you need to have the right equipment and gear. The right set of clubs will enable you to have the most success on the golf course. However, if you are new to the sport you might not know what type of clubs to purchase. You might find it helpful to ask your course’s resident golf pro for advice before you invest a lot of money on a set of clubs. This golfing pro will be able to point you in the right direction and knows about all the newest clubs that are available for purchase.

Don’t Be Afraid To Experiment

When it comes to perfecting your golf swing, there is no one stance that is ideal for everyone. You can’t be afraid to switch up your form a little bit in order to see what works best for you. By experimenting with your swing, you will be able to find the stance that feels the most comfortable and natural for you. When you swing, it is not just your arms that are the main source of strength; instead it is your entire body that can be used to help you hit the ball further. The only way to find out what stance works best is to try something new. Try wiggling your toes in order to determine the stance that is most effective. By wiggling your toes, you will be able to see if you are leaning too close to the ball. If you are in a proper stance, it will be almost impossible to actually wiggle your toes.

Don’t Get Discouraged

When you are on the golf course with your friends it is important to not get too discouraged with your swing. If you are having a difficult time hitting the ball, you need to try and remain calm. Getting too worked up will only hinder your golf game further. As you get more experience with your swing and stance, you will feel more and more comfortable. You simply have to give yourself time to become good. 

Golf is a difficult sport to master and it takes a lot of time to learn. Try having fun whenever you are playing golf.

Fitness Foods

If you are going to spend the time in the gym to sculpt your body and increase your fitness levels, you also need to take this dedicated approach to your diet. The foods that you choose to eat before and after your workout matter. This means that you need to reach for fitness foods that are designed to help make your workout go further. 

Your body needs adequate fuel to push through tough workouts and the right foods can be the difference between meeting your fitness goals or falling short. No matter what type of exercise routine you choose to do, these are a few diet suggestions that will help you get the most out of your workout.

Pre-Workout Fitness Foods

Even if you are active in the early morning hours, it is always a good idea to eat before you head out to exercise. It is probably a good idea to eat a pre-workout meal that is full of slow burning carbohydrates. The best options include whole wheat toast, barn cereal or even a whole wheat bagel. It is recommended that you eat about an hour before your workout, but if that is not possible give yourself at least 30 minutes in between your pre-workout meal and your exercise regimen.

A pre-workout meal high in protein is always a good idea to help you boost recovery time and give your body the fuel it needs. Greek yogurt is a great fitness food before your workout, especially if you add nuts and fruit. Just a few years ago you did not hear a lot about Greek yogurt, but it has quickly become one of the most popular go-to high protein fitness foods on the market. This type of yogurt is strained and is much thicker than traditional yogurt. This makes it much healthier and the perfect snack to add fruit or nuts to. The power of Greek yogurt comes from the protein content, which is about 15 to 20 grams in a 6 ounce serving. This is a lot more protein than can be found in traditional yogurt. This makes it a great way to start any day or pre-workout meal.

Post-Workout Secrets

If you are doing long and grueling workouts that last at least an hour, your body can benefit from a post-workout meal that consists of milk. A glass of plain or chocolate milk can be a great way to help your muscles recover. The carbs that are in the milk will give your body more energy and will help to replenish that energy that you used up from your muscles. If you want to speed up your muscle recovery time, you should drink a glass of milk and eat a banana with peanut butter. This is the start of the post-workout meal of champions. Read more on the Fitness Magazine site.

Route 66

A while ago I wrote that next year it's my turn (with a friend) to organize a road trip. Every year with a couple of friends we go on a road trip with our motorcycles. Sometimes we camp along the way and sometimes we go into hotels or motels (see here). All decides who's organizing the whole trip.

Our plan for next year is finally take some more time off and go riding the famous route 66! We've been talking about it for some time and would be great to be part of the American history.

If you’re going to go Route 66, then go with a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Not only is this the definitive American bike for the definitive American road trip, but you can even stop in at an actual Harley Davidson store along what is known as “America’s Highway.”

Going Route 66 with a motorbike is truly the best way to travel this extraordinary stretch of American landscape. If you’re planning to visit the actual Route 66 Harley Davidson store in Tulsa (link), OK, that’s definitely something you can do. However, you’re going to want to keep a few other things in mind.

Harley Davidson And Route 66
There are tons of films out there that illustrate the Route 66 with the Harley Davidson (official site here) experience. However, the most famous film is perhaps still Easy Rider. Even to this day, nothing better illustrates the pure adrenaline-fueled energy that comes with the freedom of the open road. And when you combine that freedom on the open road with a Harley Davidson motorcycle, you’re creating memories that will remain with you for the rest of your life.

Because when you tackle Route 66, you’re not just taking part in a glorious American tradition. As you travel across the many states that make up Route 66, finding famous sites and monuments along the way, you’re building your own singular encounter with the open road. You’re going to have a trip across Route 66 that will be different from any other Route 66 road trip that anyone else has ever taken. This is because you’re the one doing the driving, meeting the people who live and work along the route, and deciding when and where to stop.

This fact is what brings newcomers to the Route 66 experience. Some travel the route only once. Others fly through every year or every few years. It’s hard to imagine a day going by in which someone is not embarking on the Route 66 adventure for the very first time.

If you’re going across Route 66 with a Harley Davidson or any other motorcycle actually for the first time, understand what you’re about to begin. You’re going to see fellow riders, famous sights and stops, lesser known sights and stops, and so much more. You’re going to move across California, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma/Kansas, Texas, Missouri, and Illinois. It’s a great road and although marked quite well you should take a map or GPS with you. Of course taking a map is annoying since you have to stop, find where you are and that in hopefully good weather, let's not even talk about rain and trying to find your route on a map… Using a motorbike GPS device, these motorcycle GPS navs are the best for Harley motorcycles (actually HD recommends the Garmin Zumo 590 LM and Zumo 665 LM) is taking all the problems away so you can enjoy the whole trip without any hassle or getting lost.

As you can probably imagine, covering that kind of ground is going to give you a pretty amazing overview of the many things that define America and American character.

Traveling Route 66
Whether you rent a Harley Davidson, or if you bring one you’ve purchased at some point in your life, going across Route 66 with a Harley Davidson is an experience that any biker who loves to travel should consider. Remember to stop at the museums and other attractions that make up the journey.

You should also keep in mind the various helmet and other laws that can change from one state to the next. Above all, have fun!

See below the Easy Rider trailer and the IMDB of the movie.

Best Breakfast for Sporters

As an athlete, if you want to perform at a high level and get the most out of your workouts, you need to fuel your body properly. It all starts with what you eat for breakfast. Failing to start you day off on the right foot can lead to making poor decisions about your diet for the rest of your day. The breakfast of champions doesn’t have to be hard to prepare or even require any cooking at all. Some of the best breakfast foods are those that you can eat on the go, even when you are in a big hurry to get your day started. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, because it gets your metabolism going and helps to provide your body with the energy it needs to perform at a high level. Don’t skip out on this meal.

Here are some easy breakfast foods that you can pair together for a great start to your day:

What equates to a good breakfast varies, but the broad guidelines to follow include a meal that is at least 500 calories with half from carbohydrates and about 25 percent from protein. You should mix together fruits, vegetables and whole grains to form a complete morning meal. There are so many different foods that you can choose from, you should have no trouble finding food options that are pleasing to your taste buds.

Breakfast Meal 1:

If you like nuts, you can always begin your day with a breakfast that includes a handful of nuts and seeds combined with a low fat yogurt. Best is to make your homemade yogurt in a machine so you can maker enough yogurt every day (check these yogurt makers). Good yogurt makers are Cuisinart and Dash for instance. You can wash this down with a glass of milk (extra protein) for a full breakfast meal that provides the nourishment that you need to perform your sport of choice at a high level. This meal (recipe) is over 600 calories, so it is well within the guidelines.

Breakfast Meal 2:

An apple a day is supposed to keep the doctor away, but it can also be great breakfast fuel for sporters. Try pairing some apple slices with peanut butter along with whole grain toast. If you drink a glass of milk along with these breakfast foods, you have a complete meal that is just under 500 calories, but will leave you feeling fuelled and ready for your day.

Breakfast Meal 3:

Why not try making your very own breakfast sandwich. Instead of stopping off at a fast food restaurant you can make your very own healthy breakfast sandwich from the comfort of your own kitchen. Start with a whole grain bagel and add an egg and cheese paired with a side of orange slices for your very own breakfast happy meal (ideas). These breakfast foods paired together equal just over 600 calories, but will keep you going until you crave a late lunch after your grueling workout.

As an athlete, you need to make breakfast a priority and can start your day of right by mixing and matching these healthy breakfast foods.

Interior Design Tips

Interior design is my passion. Although I'm not a professional designer, I've been helping out many friends with their homes and of course have been designing our previous and current house. 

Unlocking the true beauty of your home and adding style to each and every room is not always easy. Staying up with current interior design trends can be a bit of a pain, but there are some tips that can really help you out. If you want your home to look effortlessly stylish in a way that looks cohesive, you have to add décor that makes sense. You don’t have to be a professional interior designer to have a home that looks inviting and turns heads.

Here are the best interior design tips that you have to follow:

Focus on One Style

Although you do not want each and every room of your home to look exactly the same, you do want all the rooms to complement each other. This means that from the very beginning, it is critical that you choose a style inspiration. This can be modern, Asian or any other style trend that you can think of. It is a good idea to keep the space in mind when you are choosing the right style. Be careful to determine the goal of your design. Are you looking to make a tight space seem extended or are you trying to add coziness to a large open space? Just be sure to evaluate each room before you choose a specific style or look that you are shooting for.

Focal Point

Another interior design tip that can be incredibly helpful involves selecting a decor item or furniture piece that is the focal point. You need to choose a point of convergence in each room that not only adds visual appeal, but also is the one item that everything else rotates around. In essence you are choosing one style trend that highlights the entire room and stands out. Only having one focal point in each room is key, because you do not want your style to become too jumbled or overpowering.

Colors are Essential

Nothing can be more transformative to the overall design and style of your home than the colors that you choose. You have to be careful to not only choose the right colors for your walls, but also for your furniture. Make sure that you have a shade plan in place before you begin purchasing décor items. Neutrals can always be a safe option for your walls and you can add pops of color to liven the space with ease. Shades that are too diverse can create a style that simply does not work. Make sure that you choose colors that work well together.

Add Texture

If you really want to take your style up a notch, you can add some textures to your home. This means that you can install tiled backsplash on your counters to add a new dimension of style or even opt for wood flooring in your dining area. Adding different surfaces to different rooms in your home creates a slightly different look that helps you achieve diverse style. Always remember that all of your design choices should be more timeless than trendy.

If you would like to read the 101 of interior design then check out this site or find more tips here.

Motorcycle Road Trip

Essentials You Should Know While Planning A Motorcycle Road Trip

Although it's getting colder and winter has started, thinking of riding my motorcycle always makes me happy! Together with some friends we're planning to do at least two road trips every year. It doesn't matter whether those are short trips of a long weekend or a whole week. Every trip two friends plan the whole trip, roads to take, motels (or even camping). Next year it's my turn again!

Almost every biker has at least one experience of a road trip in a lifetime. Some people are extremely enthusiastic about road trips and may indulge in one every month. There are phases in life when one has a penchant for road trips, especially with friends and later with family. A road trip in a car or on a bike, hiking trails or a large group traveling in a Volvo bus can be a thrilling adventure. 

While there are many things to consider while planning to hit the road, there are some essentials which you should know. Some of these essentials that are shared here happen to be very obvious and you possibly know them already but they deserve a mention nonetheless.

• The first essential in a road trip is a motorcycle of course. That is the most obvious element but what has to be borne in mind is the type of bike you would travel with. The motorcycle that you own may or may not be ideal for a road trip. Depending on where you are going and the route you are taking, you will need an ideal bike. If you don’t own a proper touring motorcycle or any motorcycle which can be used for the road trip, you can hire one. Depending on the motorcycle you’ll choose, this can be rather expensive. If you use your own motorcycle, make sure that it’s mechanically and technologically equipped to be considered suitable for the route. You cannot embark on a tough or demanding terrain with a compact motorbike. If you’re planning to travel through the desserts, make sure your motorcycle is large enough to carry everything you might need. At the same time, if you are traveling from one town to another, then it is futile to hire a high specs touring motorcycle because any motorcycle can do the trick. You should pick the ideal motorcycle for your road trip.
• When you decide on the people traveling with you, an attempt should be made to have as many pro drivers as possible. If everyone can drive, then it is the best scenario. But there should at least one spare driver if not more. Having one driver for each motorcycle is the worst decision you can make. If somebody gets sick or can’t drive himself anymore, having a spare driver would save a lot of hassles.
• The route picked for a road trip should always be convenient. The element of convenience doesn’t have to do with the quality of the drive entirely but with the facilities you would get on the route. For instance, the same destination may have two distinctly different routes, one offering motels that are affordable and eateries which may not offer you much option while another may offer you expensive hotels and plenty of restaurants which would be expensive but would also cost you a lot. Hence, you need to choose that is convenient for you in many ways. Looking for some tips of motorcycle routes: check these out.
• You should travel with all necessary stocks. Everything you need should be available in excess. You never know what you may need. From food to drinks, first aid to other essential items, everything must be abundant. Find an useful packaging list here.
• Finally, you should have an itinerary and a destination. Without a destination, the adventure would not be half as enjoyable or satiating and without a schedule, your days may go haywire. Make sure you all agree to the route before starting the road trip. Plan ahead and upload the route in the navigation unit so you can’t get lost.

So next year I'll be organizing the road trip and I'll write a post about where we're heading to. I've got some ideas already but I won't tell yet ;) Riding my motorcycle with my friends certainly belong to the best days of my life!