We’ve all heard this phrase, or some variation of it, at some point in our lives. The philosophy can be applied to a student’s venture through school. A relationship with a significant other. Or even a well-earned vacation.

In each scenario, the individual is trying to realize a goal. A degree for the student, a civil union for the romantic, and perhaps unwinding at the pool for the hard-working employee who stashed away their paid time off.

The idea of remaining present is key for all three individuals to realizing their objectives. For if you actually enjoy every action it takes to achieve your end goal, you forget about the stresses that come along the way.

For example, it is entirely possible for the student to enjoy the act of learning on their way to the graduation ceremony. You can genuinely appreciate your partner on an ordinary Tuesday evening even if you have been patiently waiting for them to pop the question. You can choose to revel in your workload instead of scoffing at it because it’s (hopefully) what you like to do anyway.

Overlanding encapsulates this idea because the journey truly is the primary goal. It’s not quite camping, nor is it four-wheeling. It’s a niche form of travel that is gaining a lot of popularity because it is both accessible and has the ability to change your life perspective.

In this blog, we will go over the subjective nature of overlanding to explore what it is, the basic equipment you will need, and how to get started with your very first expedition. How exciting is that?!

What is Overlanding?

Before we can dive into the ins and outs of overlanding, we must first define it. The folks at Overland Journal, one of the most respected authorities on the topic, claim that it is a form of self-reliant travel to remote destinations where the journey itself is the goal.

Overlanding expeditions can span any length of time, but they typically last for weeks or months. A quick weekend away where you stay in your vehicle does not qualify as overlanding but more closely resembles car camping. However, it’s not a bad way to get started because you are acclimating yourself with the idea, almost like an “overlanding light” trip.

While that may sound confusing, consider the differences between overlanding and camping. The latter is for a shorter time, has a more rigid itinerary, includes a planned destination site, and is usually done on somewhat familiar or mapped-out terrain.

Overlanding varies drastically because the adventurer is completely self-dependent and stops at multiple destinations. These trips also usually include interacting with other cultures. It takes travelers out of their comfort zone to see what they are capable of, and every trip can be as spontaneous as you want it to be.

You can explore remote locations of your home state for weeks at a time. You can take a trip from New England across the entire country and venture up into British Columbia in Canada. Both are considered overlanding expeditions so long as you are seeing and learning about parts of the world that are new to you.

But in order to get started, you will need the right kind of vehicle, which brings us to our next question.

What Type of Vehicles Work Best for Overlanding?

Having the right type of vehicle is essential to a productive overlanding expedition. Remember, you will be navigating unfamiliar roads and trails, so having a means of transportation with off-roading capabilities is critical.

When considering which types of vehicles are best suited for off-roading, you will want one with a high torque rating, four-wheel drive, undercarriage protection, off-road tires, and an upgraded suspension. Having an improved suspension beyond typical factory settings leads to a more seamless experience when navigating through rough, uneven terrain.

Customization is king (or queen) in the world of overlanding so don’t be shy when it comes to outfitting your rig with the parts you want. For example, roof racks, pop up tents, and over-the-wheel bedslide bins are three of the most common accessories that will add a tremendous amount of value to your expedition. Just keep in mind that you must already have a full bedslide installed to make use of those bins.

With these points in mind, let’s look at three of the best vehicle options and uncover why each one is cut out for overlanding.

Pickup Trucks

If there were a “go-to” vehicle type to make your first overlanding expedition a gratifying experience, it’s a pickup truck. Pickups come in all shapes and sizes, but they offer everything you need to make the best use of your time on unfamiliar terrain.

Pickups are unique because they allow for so much extra space to store your equipment and provisions. Furthermore, installing a bedslide on your pickup is a great way to maximize your space when setting up camp each night.

In a perfect world, you will equip your pickup with a camper top because it will ensure that the bed stays covered. You never know what mother nature has in store and you don’t want inclement weather to damage your essentials.

Between your bedslide and camper top, you are giving yourself ample surface area to install a roof nest or attach a pop up tent. Remember, setting yourself up for success is half the battle. The more effort you put into preparation, the better your expedition will be.

Compact SUVs

If you are looking for something a little more nimble and affordable than a pickup truck, compact SUVs (or crossovers) are a great option. One model that fits into this category is a Jeep Wrangler, but before you go ahead and say “boring” or “overrated,” there is a lot for the overlander to like.

Wranglers, or other similar models, have a shorter wheel-base in comparison to the other vehicle types mentioned here. These shorter wheel bases offer more off-roading capabilities so you can more easily go off the grid. Whereas a pickup might have a tough time navigating through densely wooded areas, a small SUV will be able to fit and have the performance abilities to push through.

While that may sound great, the tradeoff here is that you have less space for storage. For this reason, consider taking a compact SUV out for expeditions that are shorter to moderate in length.

Standard & Full-Size SUVs

If you plan to go on an expedition with a party of two or more, larger SUVs will give you enough room to ensure everyone is comfortable. With that being said, a big luxury SUV is not an ideal choice because they are primarily concerned with comfort features instead of the essentials.

Outfit your SUV with the things that matter instead of appealing features that won’t help you in the wilderness. For example, you can have a top-of-the-line ride with expert navigation, but it will only get in the way if you are trying to rely on it when there is no signal to be found.

Aside from that, as long as the model comes with the right off-roading capabilities mentioned at the beginning of this section, you will be in good shape. It also doesn’t hurt that most full-sized SUVs come with roof racks as standard, which is a nice added bonus so you won’t have to buy them later.

How Can I Start Overlanding?

Now that you have received a crash course in overlanding, the only thing left is to get started. The community has several helpful resources that can give you an idea of where to begin. Therefore, you can do a quick search to find “overlanding routes near me” or reference this helpful article from Overland Discovery, which gives you ideas by trip length, time of year, and more.

But before you whisk yourself away into the world of the unknown, you need to have the right materials, equipment, and products to set yourself up for success. First, you have to pack enough food, water, gas, and clothing to last the entire duration of your expedition. We say that because it will lead to a much better experience away from civilization.

If you ever get caught in a bind and need to make a supply run, make sure you have enough essentials to hold you over. Plan, prepare, and always think that you can never have too many indispensables stored away.

Other helpful items you want to include are as follows:

• First-aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Waterproof blanket
• Standard toolkit
• Filter for clean drinking water
• Spare vehicle parts (especially a tire)

There is so much more you can take with you beyond the basics to make your trip that much more comfortable and enjoyable. Maybe you want to take a portable stove to make warm meals or your iPad with preloaded movies that don’t require an internet connection.

But before you get ahead of yourself, remember that you are placing an enormous amount of faith in your vehicle every time you go out on an overlanding expedition. That’s why you should take care of it as best as you can with the right cleaners and protectants for the exterior and interior, as well as the tires and wheels.

That should be enough to help you dip your toe into the exciting world of overlanding. You are now ready to take on your inaugural expedition like a seasoned pro.

SOURCES:

• Overland Journal
• X Overland
• Overland Discovery
• Boreas Campers
• Trucks Resource
• MotorTrend

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Overlanding appeared first on Gold Eagle.

The World Health Organization has shared formulas for the production of approved hand rubs. That information allows companies, or even individuals, to produce hand sanitizer if they have access to the correct raw materials and production equipment.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) declared a national health emergency on January 31, 2020. This proclamation allowed the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to relax restrictions on who could produce and distribute alcohol-based hand sanitizers for consumer and health care personnel use. The FDA has issued guidance on what is recommended for the “temporary compounding of alcohol-based hand sanitizer products,” and cites the WHO formula options as the preferred products.

Production & Packaging

There are four formulas in all, two that are ethanol-based and two that have isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as their main ingredient.

David Gutierrez, Research and Development Lab Manager at Gold Eagle Company, explains the differences have to do with evaporation rate, solvency, and odor.  “IPA dries faster and has a rubbing alcohol smell.  IPA also has a stronger solvency due to the three-carbon chain length and positioning of the alcohol.  Ethanol has a sweet smell and is easier on the skin.” Gutierrez adds, “IPA dries faster than ethanol but does not smell as sweet as ethanol.  Ethanol lingers on the skin longer which allows for excellent dwell time and less defatting of the skin.”

The WHO-recommended ethanol formulas must be 80% alcohol, which is almost 20% higher than the usual hand sanitizer formula, which is around 62%. So, this ethanol formula is a stronger cleaner than what you may have bought before the pandemic outbreak.

On top of the formula recommendations, the FDA guidelines on producing hand sanitizer also include crucial safety information involving:

• Preparation technique
• Solution type
• Package seals
• Label information

Providing a detailed list of guidelines makes sense if you’re trying to get private companies to ramp up production of a badly needed product in a short amount of time. However, not everyone is following these same steps.

If you are shopping for a trustworthy antiseptic hand rub solution (hand sanitizer) make sure to look for hydrogen peroxide on the back label and an expiration date that is 30 days after production. The labels should also have this information visible:

Source: FDA

Source: FDA

There are four different labels for the four different formulas recommended by the FDA. Click on the PDF link below to find the others.

FDA PDF:

Policy for Temporary Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency

Labels that do not contain this information are not following the FDA packaging guidelines. Those products may be following the WHO formula and could be perfectly fine to use, however, the FDA recommends labeling products correctly for a reason, and it’s the best way to make sure the product you are using is safe.

Enter HEROES’ HAND SANITIZER

HEROES’ Hand Sanitizer follows all WHO and FDA guidelines and is currently produced in 32oz bottles for hundreds of hand cleanings in a single package.

Our HEROES’ Hand Sanitizer Alcohol Antiseptic 80% Topical Solution Antiseptic Hand Rub is labeled according to Appendix C of the FDA Temporary Policy PDF linked above.

However, with hundreds of companies, governments, and individuals looking to bottle these sanitizer formulas, the supply chain for these bottles, sprayers, caps, etc. has been disrupted.

The HEROES’ formula and dedication to follow government guidelines will not change, but the physical bottle and delivery method may be different per order as needed.

Regardless of packaging, the HEROES’ product stands out in a flooded marketplace where corners are being cut for speed instead of safety.

It’s an issue the FDA is aware of, as it has asked consumers to report adverse effects of using one of these new hand sanitizers to its MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program so the agency can review any products that did not follow the safety guidelines.

Knowing about what is and is not following the guidelines of international and federal health organizations can help you make the right decision when purchasing a hand sanitizer from a new producer.

HEROES’ Hand Sanitizer is one of a handful of products that follow the right steps and is created with our frontline heroes, both in the Gold Eagle Company production plant and our medical professionals, in mind.

MORE INFO:

www.heroeshandsanitizingrub.com

The post Hand Sanitizer: How To Find A Trustworthy Option appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Follow these steps to ensure your car is in the same shape (or better!) than when you put it away.

Fill Gas Tank & Use A Fuel Stabilizer

Emptying out your gas tank is nearly impossible, and potentially unsafe. Instead, it’s a good idea to fill your tank and use a fuel stabilizer, like STA-BIL 360°® Protection.

Before you fill up, pour one ounce of STA-BIL 360°® Protection into your fuel tank for every five gallons of fuel you’re going to fill it with. Expect to use three-to-five ounces depending on how large your tank is.

It’s important to use a fuel stabilizer because gas can go bad in as little as 30 days. Mike Profetto, Vice President of Product Engineering at Gold Eagle Company, the makers of STA-BIL® says “gasoline is a living, breathing chemical that will react with the oxygen in the air to form gums, varnishes and evaporate spark-inducing light ends.” He adds,  “Larger car or truck engines are more forgiving to these issues but can pose the same issues described. Small gasoline engines can have severe engine issues with the gums and varnishes that form such as: will not start, engine surging, sticky fuel bowls stopping fuel flow and other problems.”

If you don’t know how long your car is going to sit and do not use a fuel stabilizer, there’s a chance you will have to remove and clean, or even replace, your fuel tank, pump, lines, and injectors. STA-BIL 360°® Protection fights corrosion and will keep your gas fresh for up to 12 months, helping you avoid the headache of untimely maintenance right when you’re ready to get back behind the wheel.

If you know your car is going to be stored for longer than 12 months, consider using STA-BIL® Storage. It can keep fuel fresh for up to two years. One ounce of STA-BIL® Storage treats two-and-a-half gallons of fuel.

Profetto says, “STA-BIL® Storage is formulated for fuel used in: vehicles, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, weed whippers, etc.” When any of those vehicles or pieces of equipment are going to be stored for a year or more, Profetto adds, “the Storage product is formulated slightly differently to provide additional corrosion protection in the fuel bowls of older vehicle and small equipment carburetors.”

Check Tire Pressure

While you’re at the gas station, check your tire pressure. The air inside your tire can expand or deflate based on temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Once next to the air station, pick one tire to start with. Look for the PSI label written on the side of the tire. It will follow the combination of letters and numbers that represent the brand and model. Inside a parenthesis will be the tire pressure range required to drive safely. An example range is 30-45 PSI.

Now, remove the small air cap and pull the air hose close over the stem opening. There will be a pressure gauge at the point where the hose will press on the stem. Press the hose firmly over the stem for a couple seconds and you’ll see the gauge react and extend a bar that shows the pressure level. The point where the bar stops is the PSI level of the tire. If your tire is already inside the recommended level, you do not have to fill with air. If it is low, fill to the recommended range.

If the gas station air machine does not have a gauge, you’ll have to buy a tire gauge before filling up with air to make sure you do not overfill your tire.

Keeping the recommended PSI makes sure your tires don’t go flat while your car sits and waits for you to come back. It also ensures your tires do not develop flat spots, which would then cause you to have to replace them. Overinflating can also reduce traction, cause uneven tire wear once you return to the road, or even increase the chances for a full-on tire blowout.

Change The Oil

Whether you do it yourself or run it through your neighborhood oil change shop, making sure you have fresh oil in your ride for any storage beyond 30 days is highly recommended. The contaminants in used engine oil could potentially damage your engine when you start it up again. Changing your oil before storage ensures you’ll be good to go!

Top Off Fluids

Now is also the time to top off your fluids. If you took your car into a service station to get an oil change, chances are the technician topped off your fluids for you.

If you changed your oil yourself, make sure to check the levels of:

• Brake Fluid
• Power Steering Fluid
• Transmission Fluid
• Coolant
• Windshield Washer Fluid

Review your vehicle’s manual to locate each of the storage containers.

If you believe you have a leak in your Power Steering, Transmission, Engine Oil, or Gear Oil, consider using No Leak® All In One Stop Leak. This product seals leaks, repairs main seals & o-rings, and stops hard starting.

Wash & Protect Exterior

It may seem like a waste of time to wash your car when you’re putting it away but cleaning your ride can keep it looking like the day you put it away. Removing external debris like bugs, bird droppings, dirt, and water stains stops them from damaging your paint while your car sits.

Once your car is clean, we recommend claying your car with a product like the 303® Clay Mitt. Claying the car will take off any contaminants that have caked on to the clear coat that washing won’t take care of.

After washing and claying your car, make sure to protect it.

You can use a hand-applied Carnauba-based wax like 303® Show Car Wax, or 303® Touchless Sealant which uses SiO2 technology to act as a shield against water, dirt, and grime from embedding onto the paint.

Also consider using a UV protectant, especially if your car is going to be sitting outside during this extended break. 303® Protectant prevents UV rays from causing fading and cracking in any rubber, plastic, or vinyl surfaces. You should use on trim, tonneau covers, even windshield washer blades, as well as the rubber and plastic components in your engine compartment.

Clean & Protect Interior

Same concept applies to your interior. Vacuum the floor and between the seats, then use a product like 303® Interior Cleaner for seats, consoles, even LCD screens. Once your interior is clean, break out that 303® Protectant again and use it on your dashboard, especially if your car is going to sit outside. The sun’s rays can cause fading and cracking pretty easily if it’s going to sit for an extended period of time.

Pro Tip: Before you shut the doors and lock it up, make sure you close all the vents and windows to keep any critters from turning your car into their new home.

Maintain Battery

Your car’s battery can be drained pretty easily while it sits idle. The electronics inside, like its computer and clock, constantly draw current from the battery. Consider hooking up what’s known as a trickle charger. Profetto explains why, “A battery maintainer generates a trickle charge of current such as: 1.5, 3.0, 6.0 and higher amps that, when connected correctly to the battery, provide a constant regeneration of the battery power. This constant recharging will protect the battery and allow the vehicle to be started when needed.”

The STA-BIL® Battery Maintainer automatically detects the voltage in your battery and recharges it when it goes down. If you’re storing your car in a garage, connect the Battery Maintainer to its battery terminals and plug it in to your nearest outlet.

Use Waterproof Cover

The last step is to make sure you don’t waste all your hard work. Use a waterproof cover that breathes to shield your car from the elements. A tarp sounds like a good idea, but the material can actually scratch your paint. It also traps heat which can harm your interior and trim. Here’s a list from Consumer Reports of some of the top brands to consider.

Start Engine Once Every Two Weeks

Once you have shelved your car in a garage, driveway, or spot on the street, it’s important to continue to turn that ignition and run the engine periodically. Whether it’s you, a friend, or family member, try to make sure your car is started and lightly driven for 10-15 minutes at least once every two weeks. You can go up and down your driveway, around the block, or just let it idle outside for a few minutes.

Profetto goes in-depth to explain why, “It is important to start the engine every few weeks for several reasons including: 1. Circulate the oil throughout the engine to make sure an oil film coats all the internal surfaces to prevent any flash rusting; 2. Circulate gasoline throughout the fuel system to make sure any small openings in the fuel injectors receive fuel and flush out any particles and pumps and valves are operating correctly; 3. Circulate the coolant throughout the cooling system to prevent any particles from settling out of the coolant and creating a plugging condition; and 4. Recharge the battery through the alternator, the car computer and other electronics in the vehicle use considerable power if the car is not running.”

The post Car Not Being Used: How To Keep Your Ride Ready To Hit The Road appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Disaster lurks right outside your door, too. Slippery steps and sidewalks and icy driveways can mean broken bones if you don’t salt right away.

Dangers of De-icers

Depending on the type of de-icer you use, you can damage surfaces outside your home and the chemicals can linger long after the snow has melted away, harming your lawn and other outdoor flora.

But what about your cat or dog? Letting them outside to do their business is a normal part of pet ownership, but in the winter it can be bad for their health. Why?

When you let your pet outside, they probably walk right through areas in which you’ve applied salt or some other type of chemical deicer – especially if they ingest it.

When your pet is walking outside on surfaces you’ve spread de-icer, it’s inevitable that some of it will become trapped in their paws. Most likely, they’ll begin licking it off once they return inside. It’s imperative that you choose a de-icer that’s safe for use around pets.

Just How Dangerous is De-icer Around Animals?

The majority of chemical de-icers have compounds that are potentially lethal to your pets if they ingest too much. While your cat or dog would have to consume a lot for it to be seriously detrimental, even a little bit of de-icer can cause stomach upset. If your pet gets sick on your carpet, you can clean it with an all-natural pet stain and odor remover.

If the de-icer you’ve chosen contains calcium salts, your pet doesn’t even have to eat any. Mere contact with their fur or paws can cause irritation to their delicate skin.

So, can you find non-chemical de-icers that are safe for your pets? And do they remove ice as well as chemical-based products?

The short answer? Yes. There are many options to effectively remove ice around your home during the winter that won’t pose a risk to your pet’s health.

Natural De-icer Alternatives

Finding a product that’s safe for your lawn and your pets is simple if you turn to all-natural products.

For instance, say you have to walk to the market. Along your walk, salt from the sidewalk gets trapped in your boots. When you walk across your snow-covered lawn to reach your doorstep, you track that salt across your lawn. This can melt down into your grass’ root system and cause dehydration. Any salt compounds you put on your driveway can end up in your lawn from runoff, as well.

By using an all-natural de-icing agent, you’re not only sparing your pet any sickness, but you’re also protecting your shrubs, lawn, and trees.

If you can’t find an all-natural de-icer for the winter months, this homemade de-icer recipe will do the trick:

• Half-gallon tepid to warm water
• One tablespoon rubbing alcohol
• One teaspoon of Tri-Nova Natural Dish Soap

Thoroughly mix the ingredients and pour over any icy surfaces outside your home, including steps, driveways, and sidewalks. You may need to reapply as necessary to remove all ice.

Using all-natural products will keep your family and your pets safe this winter season.

The post Pets and Deicing – What’s Safe for Your Furry Friends? appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Neatly Wrap Up Holiday Lights

One of the biggest downsides of the holiday season is dealing with numerous strands of tangled Christmas lights! But if you put them away right, you won’t have to deal with this common holiday frustration next year. First, stick some masking tape on each strand, and then write on it how long it is and where you hung it up this year. Then find a round piece of cardboard—such as an old paper towel roll—and carefully wrap the lights around it. You can also use a roll of wrapping paper, a hanger, a coffee can, or a power cord holder to wrap the lights around. This should take a lot of work out of the process of decorating next year, since you won’t have to spend time untangling strands of lights!

Put Fragile Tree Ornaments in Protective Storage Cases

As you take the ornaments off your tree, you might wonder how best to store them so they don’t get broken. A simple solution is to buy an ornament container with lots of little spaces for keeping your ornaments organized and safe while in storage. And if you happen to have any plastic cases with small compartments lying around the house—such as for storing crafting supplies—you can use those, too. Other options include egg cartons or plastic cups, which you can fill with tissue paper or bubble wrap before putting each ornament in.

Keep Holiday Linens Dry and Dust Free

The holidays require the use of a lot of linens. They range from themed rugs and towels for the kitchen and bathrooms to tablecloths, placemats, and tree skirts. That’s a lot of seasonal décor to keep safe and wrinkle-free all year! But it can be done, as long as you have the right supplies. One option is to put them in vacuum-storage bags and place them flat under a bed or on the shelf of the linen closet. You can also find hanging vacuum-storage bags, or you can simply attach the linens to hangers and keep them in the back of your closet if space isn’t an issue. Consider putting a scented dryer sheet between each item to keep everything smelling fresh in storage.

Use Clear Plastic Bins for Easy Holiday Storage

So you have your lights, ornaments, and linens all packed up. Now what do you do with the bigger decorations, such as figurines, candles, your ceramic Christmas village, etc.? You put them in plastic bins! This way, they’re kept safe from the elements, as plastic can withstand flooding in a way that cardboard boxes can’t. Plus, it’s easy to stack plastic bins, which is perfect if you’re trying to keep your garage or other spaces organized once you put away your décor. Red and green plastic bins are perfect for reminding you of what’s inside, but clear plastic bins are also great since you can easily see the contents. Just don’t forget to wrap fragile items in bubble wrap before you put them in the bins!

If putting away your holiday décor has made you realize your garage needs some extra attention, check out this guide on organizing this part of your home: KonMari Your Garage—Spark Joy with a Tidy Space.

The post How to Organize Holiday Decorations As You Put Them Away appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Keep the Exterior Clean

Nothing looks better than a shiny, well-polished car exterior. From the sun bouncing off the hood to the sleek and attractive look, a car’s exterior can really make the car look incredible. And not only does cleaning your car’s exterior allow it to look a million times better, but it also helps to maximize the value of the vehicle. If you neglect to ever get your car detailed, the paint can start to chip, peel, or deteriorate. By ensuring a clean and well-polished exterior, you can experience a better-looking ride while maximizing its value. Once the time comes when you say goodbye to your precious car, you’ll be glad you took care of the exterior. Click here for DIY auto detailing tips.

Take Care of the Interior

While the exterior of your car is vital to keep clean, the interior may hold more importance in regards to keeping tidy. Especially if you have holes, stains, or major scuffs throughout the inside of your car, getting these fixed is vital for your car’s health. Although it’s easy to forget you spilled your coffee, cleaning this quickly will help to maximize the value of your car and might even help your sanity. For many, driving in a dirty car can be stressful and annoying to deal with. And if interior car cleaning isn’t something you prioritize, it’s likely that the issue will only get worse. One of the biggest challenges with the interior of a car has to do with keeping the seats stain-free. Especially if you have pets or kids, it’s nearly impossible to never get a stain in your vehicle. Luckily, there are inexpensive ways to keep your car’s interior clean.

Change Your Oil at the Right Time

Especially if you own your first car, it can be hard to understand when to change your oil. And while oil changes can mean life or death for your vehicle, this topic is definitely something you should know. However, to make things more confusing, there are many factors that go into when your oil should be changed. Factors that help determine this include the model of the car, how old it is, type of oil used, and how you drive the vehicle. While these factors make this problem a little more confusing, there is a general time for when to change your oil. Every 3,000 miles or every 3 months used to be the norm, but given the quality of oil made today and the improvement of vehicle technology, the general recommendation is every 5,000 miles or every 6 months.

Give Your Car What it Deserves!

Our vehicles work hard for us every single day. From driving through snow and ice to trekking up that steep hill, our cars are always there for us. That being said, it’s only fitting to show your car the care it deserves. By setting these three New Years resolutions for car care, you can experience a happier ride that performs better and lasts longer. For more car maintenance tips or to find the very best car care products, head on over to GoldEagle.com today!

The post New Years Resolutions for Car Owners appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Clear Away the Clutter

Interior designers and homeowners can all agree on one thing: clutter can make an otherwise beautiful home look like a train wreck. This year, commit to clearing away all of the extra “stuff” in your life that has accumulated over time. Simplify your life by removing clutter.

Giving away items that you no longer need is good for the home, and for the soul. Anything that you don’t use anymore, wear anymore or love anymore is fair game. Make a point to surround yourself with the things of life that make your home look great and your spirit feel good.

Commit to Saving

Do you find spending money much more fun than saving it? Well of course you do. However, saving money for unexpected home repairs is something that experts strongly recommend.

Unfortunately, there are many things within a home that have the potential to break or need replacing. Appliances may give out, plumbing could leak, the garage door could malfunction, termites could move in, the A/C could go on the brink, and the list goes on.

Some people choose to deal financially with these situations as they arise. However, many people find themselves even further in debt after doing so.

Experts recommend the best course of action is to put money aside monthly into a savings account to be prepared for those often unexpected repairs. One method is to save 1% of the purchase price of your home every year. For example, if your home cost was $200K, you should save $2K per year for home maintenance.

Trim Down Energy Usage

Now that you are committing to saving money for potential mishaps that arise, it is time to cut down costs in another area of your life, energy usage. Luckily, there are many ways to do this. Here are a few easy suggestions:

• Air dry your dishes in the dishwasher instead of using the heated dry feature
• Change out all of your lightbulbs out to LED lights
• Wash your clothes in cold water, whenever possible
• Try air-drying some of your clothes
• Replace all filters in your home on a regular basis
• Utilize natural light and turn off the lights when not needed
• Water your yard less
• Turn off your computer and office machines when not in use

Perhaps the biggest impact you can make is to dial down your thermostat a bit. The Department of Energy estimates that you can save about 1 percent of your power bill simply by lowering the thermostat 1 degree in the wintertime, or upping it 1 degree in the hot summer months.

Update Your Space

Some homeowners may enjoy doing a complete renovation on their home, depending on their situation. This can be a fun task or a daunting one for some. However, there are smaller changes you can make to update your space in a noticeable way.

One simple thing you can do is add plants to your space. Bringing in some fresh greenery is a great way to bring in new energy and clean the air at the same time.

Sometimes you can do something as simple as hanging a mirror to make a difference in your space. Because they reflect light, mirrors can make an otherwise dark and small area appear lighter and brighter.

Another thing you should think about is rearranging your furniture. Read up a little on Feng Shui and learn how you can arrange what you have in a way that better compliments your lifestyle.

Take Better Care of Your Lawn

Do you have a green thumb? Even if you don’t, there are some simple tips you can follow to make your home look as great on the outside as it is on the inside. Taking better care of your lawn can happen with a few simple steps.

Water your yard less, but for longer periods of time. Watering should be done between 4 and 8 AM. Watering your lawn at night makes your lawn more prone to disease.

Pruning branches is another must-do. Clearing away dead branches and limbs just makes sense. This allows the sun to drench your lawn with its life-giving energy.

The post 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Homeowners appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Don’t worry about all those aunts and uncles trudging through your home with food and beverages. These tips can help you banish those spots and splotches for good.

Tricks for Treating

As soon as someone spills something, spring into action like a stain-removing superhero! It’s much easier to eliminate stains before they set.

First of all, do you dab or rub? The answer is (drum roll): dab. When you dab, you apply just enough force to extract the liquid. When you rub, you press too hard. The liquid gets pushed downward, and the stain is stubborner.

For the most part, when you dab, you don’t need soap.

Different Strokes for Different Stains

Of course, your stain removal process will vary according to the material. Here are some examples.

Grease

If grease gets on your upholstery or carpet, pour baby powder or cornstarch onto the affected area, and vacuum it off a few hours later.

How do you get grease out of clothes? Take off the stained article of clothing, and lay it flat. Use a cloth or powder puff to apply a powder like cornstarch, and brush it off a few minutes later. Add more powder if necessary. (If it’s silk, keep the powder on overnight.)

For certain fabrics — including cotton, canvas, polyester, nylon, and linen — it’s better to skip the powder. Instead, soak the stain with a pretreatment solution and let it air-dry; then wash the clothing with hot water.

Wine

A white wine stain is simple to deal with. Dab it with a cloth that has a little dish soap on it, and use another wet cloth to dab it again.

For a red wine stain, start by dabbing with a wet cloth. Next, scatter a powder like salt or baking soda on it, and pat it again with a wet cloth about 20 minutes later.

Coffee

After blotting a coffee stain, spray on one of these substances: white vinegar or club soda for clothing, or 3 percent household hydrogen peroxide for carpets.

Once you’ve soaked the stain and gently rubbed in the liquid, leave it be for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water, and repeat the process until that coffee stain is history.

If you have a light coffee stain on an article of clothing, you can just wash it with the rest of your laundry and let it air dry.

For upholstery, combine cool water (about two cups) with a tablespoon of dish soap. Dab it in with a cloth. Once the stain’s gone, pat cold water onto the spot, and pat dry.

Food Dyes

If food dye gets on clothing, swab it with cool water, and apply a prewash stain remover. After 15 minutes, toss it in the laundry.

With carpets and upholstery, blot the dye with a paper towel, dribble a little cool water onto the stain, and blot some more. Then combine a cup of cool water with a tablespoon of oxygen bleach. Apply that liquid with a cloth; circling the stain’s perimeter, make your way to the middle. A half hour later, pat that mixture off completely.

The Fabrics of Our Lives

Here are a few extra notes about different materials.

Wool

Keep your wool away from acid and hot water. What’s more, a mixture of cool water, mild detergent and white vinegar can be effective on wool stains.

Cotton

Detergents and acidic liquids like lemon juice are often ideal for cotton stain removal, while you should avoid using a chlorine bleach unless nothing else works.

Silk

Obviously, silk is very delicate, but a glycerin stain remover can work well on it. On the other hand, never use a digestant on silk (or on wool, for that matter).

Polyester

Don’t use hydrogen peroxide — or any other “oxide” — on polyester. Otherwise, polyester is tough, and you can use mostly any detergent.

For extra protection, apply an efficient stain guard like 303 Products shortly before Turkey Day. It’ll make your carpeting and upholstery resist stain absorption.

So that’s Stain Removal 101. No longer will you spend the day after Thanksgiving fighting stains in vain. Instead, you can save your energy to fight your way through stores and malls.

The post Holiday Stain Guide appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Furniture

Most people tend to focus on electronics and gadgets during Black Friday sales, but not a lot of people stop to think about potential furniture sales for Black Friday. If you need to replace broken recliner or your couch just isn’t that comfortable anymore and the thrift stores don’t have what you are looking for, then a Black Friday sale might be your best bet. Last year there were sleeper sofas, as well as ergonomic office chairs deals.

Kitchen

If you need to update your cookware, Black Friday is a surprising time in which to do it. Last year, a 17 piece The Pioneer Woman cookware set was on sale for $59. As of now, it is selling for $119.97, which means it was almost half off during the Black Friday sale. An Instant Pot 8-quart pressure cooker sold for almost 35% less than the current price.

Electronics

High-end TVs tend to be fairly expensive. Sony 60-inch LED smart 4k Ultra HDTVs were selling for 60% off during Best Buy Black Friday sales in 2017 and in 2018 they had a number of TVs for under $350. Also last year, an Amazon Echo for the home was for $30 off or about 30% off. Nest thermostats are also a great item for Black Friday sales. You can control them from anywhere and it powers itself down when you are gone to save on energy consumption.

Home Security

Some of the most sought after home security systems are ADT, Nest, and SimpliSafe. Do your research ahead of time to find the one that best fits your needs and when the time comes you will know exactly which one to get for your home. Nest indoor cameras range anywhere from $300 to almost $400, but they sold for $130 during Black Friday 2018, depending on the type. Video doorbells, video recorders, and electronic fire safes were also included in Black Friday sales where these items are typically sold.

What Not To Consider

While there are is a wide selection of items on sale during Black Friday, there are those items that have better deals at other times in the year. Toys tend to have better deals right around Christmas. For outdoor items such as grills and outdoor furniture and some outdoor activities, these tend to have better deals in the spring and around Labor Day. The best time to buy winter clothing is in October or after the winter season is over and they are trying to make room for spring clothing.

If there is something you have had your eye on, and you have not been able to find it at a garage sale, thrift store, online through apps or websites from people who wish to no longer have that item, then a Black Friday sale would be your best choice. It also depends on which store you got to, so be sure to do your homework before you go.

The post Black Friday Deals for Home Owners appeared first on Gold Eagle.

Protection

As with anything, safety is imperative and that includes riding a motorcycle. This helmet was selling for 53% off for Black Friday, taking the price down from $740 to $349.99.

When you are riding a motorcycle, there is nothing between you and your surroundings but air. There are also no airbags in a motorcycle. Luckily, there are airbag vests!

Clothing

The right clothing is a must when it comes to being a motorcyclist. Clothing protects from the elements, as well as injuries. This jacket was discounted 41% last year. It also has a built-in airbag.

What’s better than boots? Boots that are waterproof, yet breathable, protective, yet malleable. Last year’s Black Friday saw these boots reduced 31%.

Motorcycle gloves not only complete the look, but they offer great protection for the hands. These gloves, which were reduced in price by 20% last year, are waterproof and offer great protection.

For The Bike

This particular item is a great choice for those conscious of air pollution from a motorcycle and wants to do something about it. This air cleaner kit was reduced by 10% last year. While this one is only for a Harley, there are other cleaning kits for other brands.

Other drivers tend not to notice those on a motorcycle, which is why riders try to make themselves noticed in other ways. One of these ways includes a 113-decibel horn. This is as loud as a turbo-fan aircraft takeoff power at 220 feet, a riveting machine, and live rock music.

Motorcycles lack the cargo space of other vehicles. Luckily, there are panniers and saddlebags. For last year’s Black Friday sales, these were reduced by about 10%. The best saddlebags for a motorcycle would be waterproof, easy to mount, and durable.

Other

What is better than the right saddlebags for your motorcycle? A waterproof, abrasion-resistant backpack whose weight you won’t even notice as you are traveling down the road. Not only can you load your saddlebags with what you need, but you also have a backpack that distributes weight to reduce fatigue on longer rides and does not localize that weight on your shoulders.

You have something to cover you, do you have anything to cover your motorcycle when you are not riding it? Last year’s Black Friday saw these all-season covers reduced 10%. What better way to protect our bike than with a lightweight water-resistant cover which also has a ventilation system to minimize condensation and allows for air circulation? It even comes in a compression bag for easy storage, such as in a backpack or a saddlebag.

The post Friday Deals for Motorcycle Owners appeared first on Gold Eagle.