Whether you've been in an accident or you're just feeling like your car could use a new look, you're probably thinking that you need to spend a chunk of change on body repair. Auto body repair is notoriously expensive, preventing many people from even considering upgrades. You might be pleasantly surprised to know that there's a number of DIY auto body repair options you can do on your own. These methods will still cost a little money, but they're far more rewarding and a lot cheaper than bringing your vehicle into an auto body shop. DIY Auto Body Repair OptionsOn the front end, you'll need to get a number of auto body repair tools. The nice thing is, you don't have to get everything under the sun. After you know the specific work you'll be doing on your car, you'll be able to buy only the tools you need to complete the project. Let's discuss which projects you can reasonably complete yourself. Hopefully, after reading this article, you'll realize that having little money doesn't have to be an obstacle. 1. Scratches and ScuffsThis is probably the most common issue that people neglect to save money. A scuff on your car isn't bad enough to require maintenance, but it's still an eyesore. Sand the area around the scrape or scratch. You'll need to be patient here and make as little mark as you can while still taking care of the mark. Then, you'll want to wax the area so it's smooth and apply your manufacturer's recommended paint. 2. Minor DentsMinor dents have an extremely effective method for fixing, and most people don't know about it. You can actually acquire a suction cup dent puller for your dents. Placing this on your dent and using the machine can take care of most, if not all of the dent and bring your car back to pristine condition. You might just need to do a paint touch up when it's done. 3. Broken LightsBroken lights are another one that you might think requires professional care. Look at the make and model of your car and identify the specifics of its headlights. Before you go into a body shop, find out if you can easily repair the light on your own. You could conceivably fix every car's light, but some are more difficult than others. Older cars tend to be easier to fix when it comes to light. 4. Bumper DamageSome of the bumper damage you'll experience can be fixed with items one and two above. However, more significant damages can be repaired relatively easily. Simply clean the damages to remove any rough edges, fill in the holes with body filler, and apply the appropriate coat of paint. 5. Rust HolesRust holes are many people's worst nightmare. The hole is extremely unattractive and can spread if it isn't taken care of. So long as the spot isn't in an area that is load bearing, you can fix the hole with body filler, similar to the small holes described in our bumper damage section. You can also use glass fiber if you prefer. 6. Broken WindowsBroken windows are definitely easier to fix by having a mechanic work for you. That said, you can fix them yourself. First, make sure to understand your car's window function and see which parts you'll be working with. Then, clear out the area, making sure that no shards are stuck. Contact your car's window manufacturer to see the specifications of the glass you'll need, then replace the glass. This can be difficult, and it's hard to give specific instructions because each car is different. Do your best to find car-specific tutorials online. 7. Make Sure You're SafeFixing your car is possible, but it's essential that you're extremely careful. One way to make sure you've done the job is to bring your car in after you've fixed it and have a checkup with a mechanic. They can tell you if anything looks off. Do It All Yourself if You CanThere's no reason you can't handle your own DIY auto body repair. In fact, there's no reason you can't do a lot of things yourself. That includes making money. If you're feeling tight on cash and would rather bring your car into a shop, make the money to pay for your repairs using thetips on our site.
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With spring in full swing and summer already approaching, it’s the perfect time to spice up your wardrobe in preparation for beach season! As you plot how you'll spend the warm summer days ahead, it’s also essential that you look the part, whether you are into fashion or not. If you have no idea where to start, then you are in good company! Here’s your guide to the best summer of 2019 fashion trends, from clothing to accessories and shoes. Bike ShortsThe world of athletics seems to be inspiring fashion designers with every wake. Last year’s summer was all about sweat and jogger pants with top celebrities like Kylie Jenner donning them in style. This year’s summer is all about bike shorts! You can pair them up with anything or layer them with a short dress for a striking yet chic look. Just add a pair of beautiful heels and you’ll have the perfect outfit for a day out with your girls or group of stylish yet fun-loving friends. Oval Sunshine ShadesWhen it comes to the top accessories in 2019, then the oval sunshine shades are a must-have on your dressing table. They are a 90's trend which came back with a bang last year. They were received quite warmly! Fashion houses like Prada and Louis Vuitton continue to come up with a variety of designs. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner continue to show us how to rock them! They were also an everyday accessory in most of this year's spring runways which is enough to tell you that they will still be a thing even this summer! The best way to keep up is to get several of them. The good part is that they come in an array of designs, from cool western styles to thick asymmetrical ones, thus you can choose those that best suit your personality. Boiler SuitsOnce considered attire for hard-working men and women, boiler suits are quickly becoming the new go-to trend as celebrities like Lena Dunham, Bella Hadid, and Victoria Beckham among many others continue to rock them. They were also among the most coveted fashion trends in 2018. Models from top fashion houses such as Celine, Dior, Fendi, and Giambattista Valli strutted the runway in them. Surprisingly, they aren’t only functional but also highly fashionable. Additionally, they offer a decent cover up for those lazy summer days when you want to hide some skin and still look sophisticated with regards to fashion. Animal PrintsAnimal prints have always had an air of sophistication around them, and they never seem to go out of style. If you have several animal prints outfits stashed at the back of your closet, then it’s time to get them out as summer is calling! Therefore, awaken your animal instinct today by getting several outfits with such prints and if you already have some, then be ready to hit the streets as they are a big deal this summer. Statement SneakersNo matter how feminine you are, there’s no denying that you love a good pair of sneakers! On that note, you will be glad to know that statement sneakers will also be among the top summer 2019 trends when it comes to shoes. This is according to Pinterest statistics, which show that the search for those two terms went up by approximately 2211 percent. Brands like Balenciaga have already set the bar high with their ultra-comfy yet stylish Triple S sneakers while other top footwear brands continue to come up with unique styles to keep up. Everyone is out there looking for a pair of statement sneakers! Don’t be left out, get yourself a pair today and be ready to join in the bandwagon of trendy people this summer! Cargo PantsIf boiler suits are entirely out of the question for you, but you love pockets and you’re committed to practicality, then you should consider getting yourself a pair of cargo pants. The riveting bit about cargo pants is that you can pair them up with almost everything! For instance, for fun days out, pair them with a crop top, and you will be good to go. As for formal wear, go for plain cargo pants of any color, pair them up with a nicely fitting top, add a blazer and a pair of nice heels, and you'll be looking all chic but yet formal for your clients and boss. Fanny PacksThe oval sunglasses aren't the only trending accessories which made a comeback from the '90s, as fanny bags also made the cut. Like the sunglasses, fanny packs have also made a comeback from 2018's summer with your favorite celebrities like Rihanna topping the list of famous people who rock them. Their popularity can be attributed to the fact that they go well with anything, are available in a wide range of designs, and are super convenient as you only carry the essentials. What we love most about fanny packs is that you don't need to worry about the safety of your stuff as they are always strapped around your waist or across your chest. Also, with the refreshed product photos posted in most celebrities' Instagram pages, most youths are drawn into purchasing them which makes them trendy. Ruched Dresses and SkirtsIf you don't like tight dresses and skirts, then you will be glad to know ruched dresses and skirts are among hot fashion trends 2019. Furthermore, gone are the days when ruched dresses were baggy and boring as fashion brands like Givenchy and Calvin Klein now offer a plethora of well-positioned ruched pieces that boast of figure-enhancing potential and at the same time provide you the much-desired comfort. Get Your Groove On With the Best 2019 Fashion TrendsFrom African prints, bucket and over-sized hats, barely-there sandals, sequins, to neon green outfits, there is so much in store for you this summer! Check out some examples of awesome fashion and accessory websites you should purpose to browse for an update of the most captivating trends for this summer. There are still a lot of issues with CBD - not that it's unsafe, but in the legality of it. Federally, since it's linked to the marijuana plant, CBD is a schedule 1 drug. But now that there are 12 states where marijuana is legal, they're a little more lenient about it. We're saying that marijuana is in a "transition period", where we're deciding how to reclassify it, as more and more states convert. And as CBD becomes more popular, we're seeing more studies that show it's medical uses. So can we expect CBD to be fully legal soon? Probably, but the FDA and the government work at a slow pace. Until they get to work changing things around, here's what you need to know about a CBD oil drug test. CBD Oil Drug Test: Does it Exist?No - no one is going to test you for only CBD use, without testing you for marijuana. But it's possible that your CBD could have just enough trace THC in it that it dings you for weed on your test. How does that work? It depends on the brand of CBD you're using and how often you take it. Legal blends can have up to a certain percentage (such as .03%) of THC. That can build in your system over time. Then when you're tested for THC, traces come up. When an employer looks at your drug test, they're looking for hits. They don't care if it was a very weak hit like it would be if you tested positive for THC from CBD. So, does CBD show up on drug tests? The answer is yes, sometimes, but not always. We can't tell you how your body will react in a test, nor do we know the brand you're using. It Depends on the State and the CompanyIf you live in a state where marijuana use is legal, you can still be denied a job because of your usage, even if you don't use marijuana and you only use CBD. How is that possible? Well, since it's only legal in the state, that means it's not legal federally. If the company is a national company, based in states or operating in states where it's not legal, they have to have uniform requirements. So if it's illegal for employees in one state, it's illegal for you too - according to the company. If you work for a state-based or local company, and you're of legal age, then it's okay. As long as they didn't specifically note that they're a drug (including marijuana) free workplace. Passing a CBD Oil Drug Test, CleanlyThe best way to pass a drug test is to abstain from drug use, and in this case, CBD use. It's silly since you're not doing anything wrong, but if you really want the job, you'll be careful and abstain. If worst comes to worst, you can approach your boss about it and tell them your story. Show them the benefits of CBD and studies showing it's not psychoactive. Then maybe they'll overlook a CBD oil drug test. Feeling down after finding out you may have to slow down your CBD use? Visit our inspiration center. Traditional Spanish food is bursting with flavor and is known to be simple, delicious, and fresh. You've probably already had gazpacho, so why not consider some brand new dishes that will blow your mind? If you're traveling in Spain or even if you're simply going out to a traditional Spanish restaurant, you're going to want to try some of the best Spanish dishes available to you. Keep reading to learn about 8 traditional Spanish dishes that you need to order the next time you can. 1. PaellaSpain is on the coast, which means that fresh and local seafood often takes center stage in many Spanish dishes. That's certainly true with paella. While many establishments, from street corner hole-in-the-wall places to top-rated restaurants, offer paella, you want to make sure you get yours from a traditional restaurant that will do this dish justice. Check out this helpful article for some of the best restaurants where you can get authentic and delicious paella. It's a rice-based dish that originated in Valencia. While most paella also has a mix of chicken and/or rabbit, it also contains plenty of fresh seafood like:
The rice is made with a variety of spices and flavors like saffron, parsley, garlic, paprika, lemon, and more. There's also plenty of vegetables, butter beans, and runner beans. Look for the delicious crunchy rice that's scraped from the bottom of the pan to really seal the deal on this traditional dish. 2. CroquetasThis is another ubiquitous dish that you can find all around Spain and in almost any Spanish establishment that you try. The fun part is that most restaurants switch up how they make croquetas with some even keeping their recipe a secret, which makes almost every version you try unique. The general gist of this dish is it's cured ham (jambon) with sometimes potatoes and/or eggs in a creamy salty béchamel or queso sauce that's breaded and deep fried. It creates an ooey-gooey, rich, cheesy, salty, delicious little pocket of joy. And, as we said, each croqueta is unique. So try some from a few different establishments to see how different places switch it up. Some have other meats along with ham like sausage or fish. Others add onion or veggies. 3. Tortilla EspañolaWhen most people read the word "tortilla", they think of a flour or corn tortilla that they eat tacos or burritos with. A Spanish tortilla (aka a tortilla española) is more what Americans would call an omelet. Often made with potatoes and eggs, it's a thick kind of omelet that's served in slices like a quiche or a pie. And as with croquetas, everyone has their own unique version/recipe that makes each one special. Add in some onions, ham, veggies, cheese, etc, to make a delicious meal that's served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 4. AlbondigasAlbondigas are Spanish meatballs. They're usually a type of tapas, aka a small snack or appetizer. They're usually made with beef, pork, veal, or a yummy combination of all of those. Similar to what most people know as Italian meatballs, they're often served in a red sauce that's a bit spicier than the Italian version. It often has some red pepper flakes, cumin, paprika, beef broth, and red wine mixed into the tomato sauce. You can also find albondigas in a kind of meatball soup. 5. Gambas al AjilloGarlic shrimp might not sound like a traditional delicacy, but in Spain it is. This simple dish lets the fresh prawn flavor shine through with the sharp and spicy garlic adding an awesome accent. The shrimp are traditionally cooked in a clay pot with olive oil, a few spices, green chilis, and a lot of garlic. It's simple, tasty, and super traditional. 6. Pulpo a La GallegaReady to be a bit more daring? Pulpo a La Gallega is a boiled octopus dish. If you've ever had calamari, though, then you know how tasty it can be when it's cooked properly. As with most Spanish cuisine, this dish is made with simple ingredients that let the seafood, vegetables, and spices speak for themselves. The boiled octopus is cooked with paprika, rock salt, and olive oil. You'll also often find this dish served with potatoes. If you want the most traditional and authentic version, visit the Galicia region of Spain (in the northwest corner of the country) where the dish originated. 7. Leche FritaAfter all of these savory dishes, are you looking to satisfy a sweet tooth? While "fried milk" might not sound like the most appetizing dessert, it's not literally milk. It's more of a milky and sugary pudding similar to creme brulee or custard that's then fried and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. The crunch of the fried outer layer combined with the smooth, sugary, and creamy filling is something everyone should experience at least once. 8. Churros Con ChocolateA traditional Spanish food list would not be complete without the mention of churros. These deliciously crispy, soft, sugary, donut-like tubes of fried dough are the quintessential junk food breakfast or simply an amazing dessert. The fried crunch on the outside with a layer of cinnamon and sugar coating a soft doughy-inside pair perfectly with a thick Spanish chocolate dipping sauce. 8 of the Best Spanish Dishes You Need to Try ASAPDoes this list of the best Spanish dishes have you drooling? Does it have you looking up the next flight to Barcelona, or at least the next available reservation at a local tapas restaurant? Yeah, we thought so. If you're worried that all of this indulgent food is going to interfere with your health and fitness goals, check out these 7 wellness websites that will inspire you to stay on track. 26,000 species are currently under the threat of going completely extinct. You don't have to be an animal lover to be concerned about this number. With the loss of key organisms comes the potential of significant impact on the earth, which can affect how humans live. Fortunately, there's still hope. As human beings, we have the power to turn things around. Want to know how to help endangered species? Here are 10 things you can do to help with conservation. 1. Learn About Local Endangered SpeciesBrowsing some websites is a great way to learn about local endangered species. While it may be hard to help with saving animals half a world over, you can still make a difference by making your area a better place. By reading up on the endangered species in your area, you'll have the knowledge to change your life to help these species thrive. You can also tell your family, friends, and others in the local area about what you've learned so you can put some plans into motion for a group effort on conservation. 2. Plant Some Native Flowers and TreesWhen you know more about the local endangered species, you can help them thrive by providing them with food and shelter that they prefer. Your effort can even be felt all around the world! For instance, bees are endangered on a global scale; their extinction would have a devastating effect on our food sources. By planting some flowers, you can attract bees to your home and help them thrive. 3. RecycleThe fewer things you throw away, the fewer items end up in landfills. There will also be less need to produce new items through processes that destroy the habitats of endangered species. If possible, you should buy sustainable items as well. Not only does this help the environment, but it also boycotts companies that actively harm the environment and destroys habitats and food sources for endangered species. 4. Stop Using Pesticides and HerbicidesWhile pesticides and herbicides might help your garden blossom, these things are highly damaging to endangered species. Just because they're applied on your property doesn't mean they can't spread far away. Organisms that eat your plants can be eaten by bigger organisms, and those harmful substances can travel through the food chain. They take a while to degrade, which means they have the potential to poison a number of animals. If you're having trouble with pests, try some natural alternatives, such as eucalyptus or citrus oil sprays. 5. Don't Buy Products Made from Endangered SpeciesWhen you go on vacation, it may be tempting to purchase a unique souvenir such as an elephant tusk. But by buying these sorts of things, you're supporting the illegal poaching of endangered species. Educate yourself before you go on vacation so you know which souvenirs to avoid purchasing so you don't inadvertently support the black market. 6. Donate to OrganizationsOrganizations dedicated to conservation are usually not-for-profit, which means they're probably struggling to get decent funding for the efforts they wish to carry out. Every bit counts, so when you donate regularly, you're helping further their efforts. Learn why it's so important to keep steady predator populations and how your donations can help. If you don't have the money to donate, then consider volunteering your time to them. Because they're usually underfunded, wildlife organizations will definitely appreciate getting an extra hand. 7. Reduce Your Use of PlasticPlastic may be a handy material to use, but when they're disposed of, they can cause damage to or even kill some species. For example, turtles can choke to death on plastic soda rings. It's hard to eliminate plastic completely from your life, so with the plastic items you do have, do your best to reuse them so they don't end up in the wrong places. If you must throw away plastic, make sure you do so properly. 8. Report Endangerment of AnimalsEndangered species need to be left alone so they can reproduce naturally and thrive. This isn't possible if people are harassing them; or even worse, hunting and trapping them. If you see anyone doing any of the above, don't stay silent. Make sure you report it to your local or federal wildlife enforcement agency. That way, they can take the appropriate steps to ensure that the particular area is better protected and monitored. 9. Drive CarefullyThis tip is especially important if you have local endangered species. No matter how long they've been there, animals still can be unused to crossing roads. If you're driving at fast speeds, it may be too late to brake and save an animal when you round a bend. When you're around any areas known to have frequent wildlife crossings, make sure you always drive slowly to prevent any accidents from happening. 10. Support Your Local ZooWhile some people may be morally opposed to keeping wild animals in captivity, the truth of the matter is that zoos play an important role in educating the public about endangered species and encouraging them to help the cause. When you take your family to the zoo, not only do you learn about what you can do on your part, but your money goes toward a worthy cause. Zoos like San Diego Zoo have research institutions that help save endangered species all over the world. They're a non-profit organization, which means money made from tickets, food, and merchandise go toward running the park and conservation. Teach Others How to Help Endangered SpeciesNow that you know how to help endangered species, spread the word and teach others too. The more people know about conservation, the more effective it'll be. By reaching others, you'll be helping to save many animals for generations to come. If you'd like to get started on a website that's dedicated to saving endangered animals, then sign up with us today! |