My First Time Using a Natural Gas Grill (What Did I Learn from This?)
In my 34 years of grilling, I have never been so pleasantly surprised (and at times frustrated) by a grill as much as when using a natural gas powered grill. I thought I knew everything there is to grilling, but my first ever experience with a natural gas grill this past weekend, taught me a lot, even though I’ve been grilling since I was 18. For some reason, I never got the chance to cook on a natural gas grill so I went in with an open mind and realised (the hard way) that they are very effective and since they are powered by natural gas, they are environmentally friendly as well. Getting started can be a bit challenging even for experienced grillers like myself, so here’s everything a novice needs to know.
Read More
The Main Differences Between Skateboards and Longboards
Skateboarding, as we know it today, was born sometime around the early 1950s, when a group of surfers in California wanted to do something when the waves were flat. So, they just placed two pairs of wheels on a wooden plank and called it “sidewalk surfing”. Of course, those skateboards were significantly different than the ones we have today. Nevertheless, over the years, they’ve evolved into what we have today, and it wasn’t long after that longboards were introduced. And while longboards and skateboards are quite similar to one another, there are distinct differences that make riding them vastly different.
Skateboards never truly managed to recreate the surfing sensation, due to the fact that their design was quite different from that of surfboards. With the arrival of longboards, however, enthusiasts got to experience something that feels much closer to surfing on land. Initially, they put roller-skate wheels on their surfboards and slowly started shaping longboards as we see them today. The entire idea was to keep as much of the original shape of surfboards and add soft, flexible wheels that help capture the feeling of riding waves. So, should you get a longboard or skateboard the next time you visit your favourite skate store? The answer to this question will depend on your preferred riding style and a few other factors.
The Shape and Size of the Board
Naturally, longboards are significantly longer than skateboards, usually somewhere between 33 and 60 inches long and about 10 inches wide. Skateboards, on the other hand, are typically 28-32 inches long and 8-10 inches wide. This difference in size is exactly what makes longboards more stable for riding and it provides great rail-to-rail balance, making them ideal for beginners. In terms of shape, skateboards have a variety of different designs, but the shape is pretty much the same. The deck is typically curved upwards at both ends, which helps skaters perform tricks. On the other hand, longboards have narrow, long decks and they come in a wide range of sizes and shapes that provide a different riding experience.
The Wheels and Trucks
Both longboards and skateboards feature trucks at the bottom, but they’re quite different. Skateboard trucks are far more rigid, making them ideal for grinds and performing tricks. Further, skateboard trucks are narrower and use a TKP (traditional kingpin) and come in a wide range of sizes. Ideally, you want the truck to be about the same size as the maximum width of the deck. Longboard trucks, on the other hand, are more flexible, which makes the entire longboard more flexible. Due to this, the entire longboard-riding experience feels much smoother and more comfortable. Additionally, longboard trucks are wider, and they feature an RKP (reverse kingpin). Similarly to skateboard trucks, you should choose longboard trucks according to the width of the board.
When it comes to wheels, as briefly aforementioned, longboards feature bigger and softer wheels, making them faster and more suitable for riding on all types of surfaces. Moreover, they buffer the obstacles on the road, like cracks and pebbles, making long rides far more comfortable. The smaller wheels on skateboards make them ideal for performing tricks and maintaining balance, but they can be easily thrown off by road obstacles.
Maneuvering the Board
Obviously, both skateboards and longboards require a leg push to get the initial thrust. Skateboards excel at ramp riding and performing tight turns, and their light weight makes them great for flips and leaps. However, all of this also makes them less stable and uncomfortable for extended riding. Longboards, on the other hand, are designed for transport and long-term riding on any type of smooth terrain. They’re also great for downhill and cross-country riding. In order to get speed and thrust, skateboarders need to use their feet, which isn’t practical nor safe when cruising at high speed. However, the design of the longboards allows you to “pump” the board by shifting your weight back and forth. This creates the force and thrust you need to move forward without having to use your feet to push yourself. As a result, you can cruise indefinitely on downhill and flat surfaces.
Which One Is Ideal For You?
As you can see, both skateboards and longboards can be really fun. The most important thing you need to consider before visiting a skate store is what you need from the board. Are you more into performing tricks and stunts? Or are you more of a chill, cruiser type? If you’re a beginner, longboards are probably easier to learn how to ride due to the size and shape of their board, which makes it easier to get used to and find balance. Although less agile then skateboards, with the right amount of practice and technique – ramping, flipping and barrel rolls are still possible.
What Makes Cotton Dresses the Perfect Summer Outfit for Little Girls
If you are a mum that has a daughter , chances are you often find yourself putting together perfect summer outfits for her, the same way you do for yourself. Well, with so many options that kids clothes Australia based stores have to offer, you’ll surely find something that is appropriate for her age and will make her look even cuter. However, in summer there are some additional considerations when it comes to girls clothing.
How to Dress Baby Girl in Summer
First, your little one needs something that will protect her from the sun, so go for light colours like white, blush pink, sky-blue, lemon yellow or maybe lilac. That’s because dark coloured clothes absorb light and can make it hotter than it already is. Light coloured outfits, on the other hand, reflect light and therefore will keep her cooler when it’s hot.
Summer clothes also need to be practical, breezy and effortless. If your little bundle of joy likes everything girly, then she would probably love wearing dresses. They are one-piece clothing items, so it would be easier to get dressed, unlike let’s say a pair of pants and a T-shirt. All you need to do is help her step into it, zip or button the dress and she is ready to go. She will be ready in less than a minute, something that’s much appreciated on busy mornings.
Moreover, there will be no need to come up with stylish combinations every time, as dresses are a full outfit. They can make your little one look stylish without too much effort and without compromising on style. When you have more time, you can use other combos for practising motor skills and let your daughter learn to dress herself (with no or little help) no matter how long it takes.
Next, white dresses for girls are great for summer as they open countless options for layering. When you are out on a chilly evening, all you have to do is pair it with a leather jacket or maybe a blazer of any colour or leggings for a super comfortable evening outfit.
Another consideration is that the dresses she wears in summer should be soft and comfortable and this is closely related to the fabric used. Dresses that are made from synthetic materials like nylon, polyester and acrylic should be avoided. That’s because these are designed to repel water and have a low level of absorption. Therefore kids clothes made from synthetic materials tend to trap heat and sweat against the skin. They can also feel uncomfortable and itchy. That is why you should opt for natural materials like cotton, for instance.
What Is Cotton Used for Making in the Clothing Industry?
Cotton is used for making all kinds of kids clothes Australia stores offer, including dresses. We all want the best when it comes to our children and on that note, there’s nothing better than natural materials that are soft to the touch. Cotton is known for being breathable so it’s an excellent choice for hot weather. It’s lightweight and soaks up sweat, thus allowing heat to escape the body. Cotton dresses are definitely something that your girl can play in all day, every day.
How to Take Care of Cotton Clothes?
To keep your little girl’s cotton clothing looking their best, you should wash and iron them properly. If the cotton dress has stains, (which is not something uncommon, especially with active little girls that like to play and run), you should pretreat them with a stain remover before tossing them into the washing machine. They should be washed with cooler water to prevent shrinkage and stretching but also to prevent the fading of the colours. Optionally, you might add fabric softener as this will make the cotton fibres feel softer and may reduce some wrinkling. On average cotton–made kid’s clothes should be washed every two to three wears, but this obviously depend on how stained they get.