Archives for October 2019

The Best Budget-Friendly Luxury Cars

The words “budget-friendly” and “luxury” might not inherently go hand-in-hand, but it is possible to find luxury vehicles that are available at a relatively affordable price. They might not be the cheapest cars on the market, but compared to other luxury vehicles, they could be an appealing option.

It is important to keep in mind that even if you are able to find a good deal on a luxury car, there are other ongoing costs to consider as well.

For example, it’s going to be more expensive to insure a Mercedes Benz than a Toyota Camry.

The cost of repairing luxury cars can also be more expensive because of the need for specialized parts and labor.

If you factor these costs in and decide it’s something you’d like to explore, the following are some budget-friendly luxury cars, relatively speaking.

Audi Q3

The Audi brand is synonymous with luxury, and the Q3 is a good balance between luxury and affordability.

The 2019 Audi Q3 features a longer wheelbase and a roomy interior. It has a new interior and exterior design to promote better ergonomics, and it boasts a lot of technology features that are considered cutting edge. There is a downside with that to be aware of—Edmunds says the infotainment system can be distracting.

The interior is made with high-quality materials, particularly with the Premium trim.

The Q3 was completely redesigned for 2019, and that led to more passenger legroom and cargo space.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Class

The Mercedes GLC class ranks number one in the Luxury Compact SUV category by U.S. News Cars. It also takes top spots for Luxury Crossover SUVs and Luxury SUVs with 2 Rows.

Some of the added features for 2019 include tri-zone climate control and an off-road engineering package. It also features heated front seats. Notable things to like about this luxury vehicle include the fact that the interior is roomy, it’s packed with features, and the ride is smooth, but do be aware the coupe editions have limited cargo capacity.

The base price is fairly budget-friendly, but it can go up quite a bit from there, depending on features.

Mercedes has some other good and affordable options aside from the GLC class. For example, the GLA class starts at around $35,000. It doesn’t have all the best features of some of the other more expensive Mercedes vehicles, but you do get an appealing price tag.

BMW X1

The 2020 BMW X1 starts at a base price of just over $36,000. It’s a crossover that’s practical but also has that element of luxury appeal. The car features good power and fuel-economy ratings.

For a crossover on the smaller side, you’ll get a fair amount of interior roominess, and the 2020 model of this BMW has gotten an exterior refresh.

New features include larger grilles on the front, new bumpers at the front and rear, LED lighting, and new wheel design.

It features a larger infotainment screen, as well.

The SDrive28i is front-wheel-drive, and it’s the preferred option by Car and Driver.

There are certain elements of driving this car that may feel more like a sports car, and it’s a fun but still functional vehicle.

Hyundai Genesis

The Hyundai Genesis is a mid-sized sedan that’s a great luxury vehicle at an affordable base price of $39,700.

Known officially as the Genesis G80, U.S. News named it number two on their list of the best luxury midsize cars.

There weren’t any major changes in the car in 2019, and the big downside is the not-so-great fuel economy.

This is balanced by the pros of the vehicle, including the comprehensive safety and technology features, the comfortable cabin and the warranty coverage.

If you’re someone who’s okay going outside of the traditional luxury box, but you still want that luxury quality, the Genesis G80 may be worth exploring.

Volvo XC40

Finally, the Volvo XC40 is a small luxury SUV, and changes introduced in the newest model of the vehicle include the replacement of the upholstery.

The interior is made with high-end materials, and there are well-thought-out and functional storage solutions and cargo solutions, but at the same time, for the vehicle class, some consider the cargo area small.

The Volvo XC40 features a touchscreen interface that can take some time to get the hang of too.

This is the least expensive of the Volvo SUV options, but you don’t feel like you’re sacrificing in the interior or exterior of the vehicle.

 

Remodel Over Rebuild: Why It is the Better Option to Fix Your House

Your house is the place where you can cherish countless memories with your family. It’s a testament to your happy years and the challenges you faced. However, no matter how much you want to keep everything the way they are, any house comes to the point of deterioration.

With the changing times, you may want to incorporate upgrades such as smart gadgets inside your house. Alternatively, you may want to improve energy efficiency by upgrading the house’s wiring and lighting. You may also think of increasing the functionality by changing the house’s layout and maximizing the available space. Or you may want to improve the overall aesthetics.

Remodeling or rebuilding may not be a bad idea. However, you’re left with the decision to choose which is best for your beloved property. You have weighed down your options and decided to go for a remodel.

To make you even more confident with your decision, the following are the reasons why remodeling is better than rebuilding the house.

Cheaper Costs

Home remodeling costs are way cheaper compared to the costs of rebuilding your house from scratch. On average, the cost of building a new house is roughly $200,000 to $300,000 while the cost of an overall remodeling project is just at $40,000 – $60,000 — a glaring difference.

The home remodeling costs can further go down when you don’t need to remodel your whole house. To give an idea, these are some rough estimates for partial remodeling costs (In 2019):

  • Attic Remodel: $9,500 to $15,000
  • Kitchen Remodel: $6,500 to $18,000
  • Bathroom Remodel: $5,000 to $14,000
  • Siding: $6,500 to $13,000
  • Roofing: $4,500 to $8,500
  • Central Airconditioning: $4,000 to 5,000
  • Interior Painting: $2,000 to $4,500

If you want specific values, you can visit the link for your customized home remodeling costs quote.

Faster Turnover of Your House

Building a house from scratch will take time. Custom-built homes take around 10-16 months according to this 2016 Survey of Construction by the United States Census Bureau.

With remodeling, the turnover of your new home will be relatively faster. For one, they will work on the current foundation and layout of the whole house. Additionally, if you will do partial remodeling, the work that needs to be done will be significantly lesser than starting from scratch.

No Unforeseen Rental Costs

Speaking of turnover, where will you stay while your house is under construction?

If you don’t have another house to stay in, you will incur additional rental costs on top of your construction costs for around that 10-16-month period.

With remodeling, you will save this rental cost.

Livable During Construction

When you need to remodel some areas of your house, you still have access to other parts. Unlike when rebuilding, you can’t stay there while everything is being constructed.

With remodeling, your house is still livable under construction.

Remodeling is not always the answer to everything. There is still the other option, which is to rebuild. The question is: when should you restore or rebuild your house?

You rebuild when your house has severe problems such as foundation problems or when you want additional installations that can’t be incorporated with the current design of your home. Ultimately, the choice is yours!

 

Diamond Ring – a Perfect Gift For Her

Diamonds are always one of your best gift choices. Whether you are planning to give it to someone during a momentous occasion or you just want to please your special someone, this will surely make them feel appreciated.

There are a lot of special occasions in a person’s life. You could take these as opportunities to show a gesture of your love to them.

Special occasions to purhcase diamond rings:

  • Christmas
  • Birthdays
  • Engagement
  • Wedding
  • Anniversaries
  • Graduation
  • Mother’s Day

But why are diamond rings a perfect gift for a particular person and a special occasion?

It Can Speak of the Receiver’s Personality

Jewelry is an extension of a person. When worn, it adds to the person’s sense of identity. When picking a diamond ring for a particular person, think of that person’s preferences. Think of their likes and dislikes, personality and sense of style.

Then choose the right piece that is well-suited for your receiver.  

It Can Encapsulate a Memorable Occasion

“I still remember when he gave me this ring. It was my graduation day.”

This is precisely the point. A memorable gift, as precious as a diamond, can make a special moment more unforgettable. When you give someone a diamond ring for a special occasion, the jewelry piece will always remind that person of that one extraordinary moment.

It Has Variety Yet Equally Stunning

Diamond rings come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be in shades of champagne, white, and black.

There are rose-cut diamonds, brilliant-cut diamonds, and there are those set in gold or silver.

Classic diamond rings are ones in either rose or brilliant-cut and ones set in a ring. Meanwhile, black diamonds typically exude a strong sense of personality.

It Can Be a Precious Heirloom

When given to your wife or your mother, a diamond ring can be treasured as a personal belonging that is attached to your family. Therefore, your special gift has turned into a family heirloom that can be passed down to generations and generations.

A Gesture of Love and Promise

Diamonds are forever, and this statement is still proven right. Diamond rings are a gesture of love and a promise of forever when given as a gift for an engagement or chosen as a wedding ring.

It Can Be Personalized

Although classics remained to be the standard for elegance, your diamond ring gift can be designed to your preference. You can even ornate it with some unique inscriptions to further personalize your gift and make it more special than it already is.

More than the material worth of jewelry, it is the genuine intention and the pure emotions that come with giving it that matters most to the person receiving it. It is the gesture of giving and the thought of remembering them that always reaches their hearts.

Also, always remember to pair it with a sweet message to translate your love to your loved ones. Make it a symbol of love and appreciation, more than anything else.

 

3 Awesome Alaskan Locations for Your Next Fishing Trip

The state of Alaska has hundreds of miles of untouched natural beauty. Home to an indigenous culture and people that date back thousands of years, the Last Frontier State has much to offer those who love to fish. From Guinness record-breaking sized salmon to trout and halibut, Alaska will have you fishing from sunrise to sundown. Fishing enthusiasts can pack up the car or RV to spend the day in one of the Alaskan fishing lodges by lakes, streams, or the saltwater bay. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned fisherman, you can find the best place to toss in a line while kicking back in a comfortable lodge. Here are three awesome locations to visit on your next trip to the Alaskan wilderness.

Bristol Bay

Located in the southwestern part of Alaska, Bristol Bay is known for its canneries, thousands of red salmon, and is the home to the Katmai National Park. The area is rich in wildlife such as brown bears, bald eagles, and a human history extending back 9,000 years. Besides discovering artifacts and enjoying the beautiful landscape, Katmai is also a popular place for anglers and sport fishers looking for some quality trout fishing. The park encourages the proper catch and release techniques to ensure the local fish species can continue to thrive. Bristol Bay is also a vital part of the Alaskan ecosystem which supports all five Pacific salmon in addition to the other 24 species of fish found there. Forty-six percent of the world’s sockeye salmon is harvested here helping to create thousands of jobs and $1.5 billion for the local economy.

Sadly, climate deterioration and mining threaten the wildlife and harm potential jobs for locals. Nearby organizations and the World Wildlife Foundation have joined to continue to educate the nation on the importance of preservation for the fishing industry and other animal habitats.

Kenai River

If you love sockeye salmon, you can drop in your line off the shore of the Kenai River. This historic town, like other areas of Alaska, is known for its locally harvested salmon. You can charter a wheelchair friendly vessel to take you out for a day on the water. If you enjoy being on land, you can find a few disability-safe areas, such as a convenient metal boardwalk. Fly fishing gear might be a good choice for this location. The Russian River in Kenai is another hot spot for fly fishing. As a hook fly single area, you can find Russian River flies at your local outdoor store. There are 13 miles of river to fish in or you can simply lay back on the shore and gaze up at the Kenai mountains. Additionally, discover the many scenic hiking trails, baseball fields, and playgrounds once your day of fishing has concluded.

Saltwater fishing in Sitka

In the southeastern part of Alaska, get ready to cast your line for some saltwater fishing. If you are looking to catch a “king” of a fish, bring along some strong carbon fiber or graphite telescopic fishing rods. Make sure to pack a variety of lures which can do double duty in saltwater and bay-side fishing. You can charter a boat with some friends in Sitka, a town with strong Russian roots and plenty of things to do. Besides fishing, the island of Sitka has a diverse native history and ecosystem, including a rainforest to explore. The Sitka National Historical Park has over 100 acres of nature to venture. Take a look at photographer E.W. Merrill’s glass plates negatives and still life images of the Tlingit community. The park offers ranger-led tours of the museum during the summer. You can experience the hand-carved totem poles of the Tlingit on the site and online through a virtual tour.