/*
Theme Name:  HomeworkScope
Theme URI:   https://homeworkscope.com
Author:      HomeworkScope
Author URI:  https://homeworkscope.com
Description: A lightweight, SEO-optimised, plugin-free WordPress theme for HomeworkScope — academic help & writing services. Includes dynamic XML sitemap, hourly search engine pinging, structured data, Open Graph, Twitter Cards and full performance optimisations built-in.
Version:     1.0.0
Requires at least: 6.0
Tested up to: 6.7
Requires PHP: 8.0
License:     GNU General Public License v2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Text Domain: homeworkscope
Tags:        education, blog, seo, lightweight, fast, custom-colors, custom-logo, featured-images, threaded-comments, responsive-layout
*/

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════
   DESIGN TOKENS
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
:root {
  --teal:        #0D9488;
  --teal-light:  #14B8A6;
  --teal-pale:   #CCFBF1;
  --teal-dark:   #0F766E;
  --amber:       #F59E0B;
  --amber-light: #FCD34D;
  --amber-pale:  #FFFBEB;
  --slate-900:   #0F172A;
  --slate-800:   #1E293B;
  --slate-700:   #334155;
  --slate-500:   #64748B;
  --slate-400:   #94A3B8;
  --slate-200:   #E2E8F0;
  --slate-100:   #F1F5F9;
  --slate-50:    #F8FAFC;
  --white:       #FFFFFF;
  --green:       #10B981;

  --serif: 'Fraunces', Georgia, serif;
  --sans:  'DM Sans', system-ui, sans-serif;

  --radius:    12px;
  --radius-lg: 20px;
  --radius-xl: 28px;
  --shadow-sm: 0 1px 3px rgba(15,23,42,.06), 0 2px 8px rgba(15,23,42,.04);
  --shadow:    0 4px 20px rgba(15,23,42,.08), 0 1px 4px rgba(15,23,42,.04);
  --shadow-lg: 0 12px 48px rgba(15,23,42,.12), 0 4px 12px rgba(15,23,42,.06);
  --t:         .22s ease;
  --container: 1160px;
}

/* ═══ RESET ═══════════════════════════════════════ */
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }
html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }
body {
  font-family: var(--sans);
  font-size: 1rem;
  line-height: 1.7;
  color: var(--slate-800);
  background: var(--white);
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
}
img { max-width: 100%; display: block; height: auto; }
a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; }
button { font-family: inherit; cursor: pointer; border: none; background: none; }

/* ═══ UTILITIES ══════════════════════════════════ */
.container { max-width: var(--container); margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 28px; }
.text-center { text-align: center; }
.sr-only { position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;padding:0;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);border:0; }

/* ═══ TOPBAR ══════════════════════════════════════ */
.topbar {
  background: var(--slate-900);
  color: rgba(255,255,255,.65);
  text-align: center;
  font-size: .78rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  padding: 9px 20px;
  letter-spacing: .01em;
}
.topbar a { color: var(--amber); font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 3px; }

/* ═══ NAV ═════════════════════════════════════════ */
.site-header {
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  z-index: 200;
  background: rgba(255,255,255,.97);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--slate-200);
  backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
}
.nav-inner {
  height: 70px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 20px;
}
.logo {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  text-decoration: none;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.logo-icon {
  width: 38px;
  height: 38px;
  background: var(--slate-900);
  border-radius: 10px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
}
.logo-wordmark {
  font-family: var(--serif);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 1.12rem;
  color: var(--slate-900);
  line-height: 1.1;
  letter-spacing: -.02em;
}
.logo-wordmark span { color: var(--teal); }

.nav-links {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 4px;
  list-style: none;
}
.nav-links a {
  font-size: .88rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: var(--slate-700);
  padding: 7px 14px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  transition: all var(--t);
}
.nav-links a:hover,
.nav-links .current-menu-item > a { background: var(--slate-100); color: var(--slate-900); }

.nav-cta { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; }
.btn-nav-login {
  font-size: .86rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--slate-700);
  padding: 8px 16px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  transition: all var(--t);
}
.btn-nav-login:hover { background: var(--slate-100); }

/* Hamburger */
.nav-hamburger {
  display: none;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 5px;
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: 6px;
}
.nav-hamburger span {
  display: block;
  width: 24px;
  height: 2px;
  background: var(--slate-800);
  border-radius: 2px;
  transition: all var(--t);
}

/* ═══ BUTTONS ═════════════════════════════════════ */
.btn-primary {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 7px;
  background: var(--teal);
  color: var(--white);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: .88rem;
  padding: 10px 22px;
  border-radius: 50px;
  transition: all var(--t);
  box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(13,148,136,.3);
}
.btn-primary:hover { background: var(--teal-dark); transform: translateY(-1px); box-shadow: 0 4px 18px rgba(13,148,136,.4); }

.btn-amber {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 7px;
  background: var(--amber);
  color: var(--slate-900);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: .9rem;
  padding: 12px 26px;
  border-radius: 50px;
  transition: all var(--t);
  box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(245,158,11,.3);
}
.btn-amber:hover { background: #D97706; transform: translateY(-1px); box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(245,158,11,.4); }

.btn-ghost {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 7px;
  background: transparent;
  color: var(--slate-700);
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: .9rem;
  padding: 12px 24px;
  border-radius: 50px;
  border: 1.5px solid var(--slate-200);
  transition: all var(--t);
}
.btn-ghost:hover { border-color: var(--teal); color: var(--teal); }
.btn-lg { padding: 15px 32px; font-size: .96rem; }
.btn-xl { padding: 17px 36px; font-size: 1rem; }

.free-badge {
  background: var(--green);
  color: #fff;
  font-size: .58rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: .06em;
  padding: 2px 7px;
  border-radius: 20px;
}

/* ═══ HERO ════════════════════════════════════════ */
.hero {
  background: var(--white);
  padding: 80px 0 0;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.hero::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: -120px; right: -180px;
  width: 640px; height: 640px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(13,148,136,.07) 0%, transparent 70%);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.hero::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 60px; left: -100px;
  width: 400px; height: 400px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(245,158,11,.06) 0%, transparent 70%);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.hero-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 60px;
  align-items: center;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
}
.hero-kicker { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 22px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.eyebrow {
  font-size: .72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: .12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--teal);
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 7px;
}
.eyebrow::before { content:''; width:20px; height:2px; background:var(--teal); border-radius:2px; display:inline-block; }
.rating-pill {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  background: var(--amber-pale);
  border: 1px solid rgba(245,158,11,.2);
  color: #92400E;
  font-size: .72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  padding: 4px 12px;
  border-radius: 20px;
}
.rating-pill .stars { color: var(--amber); letter-spacing: -.05em; }
.hero-h1 {
  font-family: var(--serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.4rem, 4.5vw, 3.6rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.1;
  color: var(--slate-900);
  letter-spacing: -.03em;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.hero-h1 em { font-style: italic; color: var(--teal); }
.hero-h1 .underline-accent { position: relative; display: inline-block; }
.hero-h1 .underline-accent::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 2px; left: 0;
  width: 100%; height: 5px;
  background: var(--amber);
  border-radius: 3px;
  opacity: .55;
}
.hero-lead { font-size: 1.05rem; color: var(--slate-500); line-height: 1.75; margin-bottom: 14px; max-width: 480px; }
.hero-submit-line { font-size: .88rem; color: var(--slate-500); margin-bottom: 28px; }
.hero-submit-line a { color: var(--teal); font-weight: 600; text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 3px; }
.hero-cta-row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-bottom: 28px; }
.hero-trust { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 8px; margin-bottom: 36px; }
.trust-chip {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 5px;
  background: var(--slate-100);
  color: var(--slate-700);
  font-size: .75rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  padding: 5px 12px;
  border-radius: 20px;
  border: 1px solid var(--slate-200);
}
.trust-chip::before { content: '✓'; color: var(--teal); font-weight: 800; font-size: .72rem; }
.hero-stats { display: flex; gap: 28px; padding-top: 28px; border-top: 1px solid var(--slate-200); }
.hs-item { text-align: left; }
.hs-val { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 1.8rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); line-height: 1; letter-spacing: -.03em; }
.hs-val sup { font-size: .85rem; font-style: normal; }
.hs-lbl { font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--slate-400); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .07em; margin-top: 3px; }

/* Hero card */
.hero-card-wrap { position: relative; }
.hero-card {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--slate-200);
  border-radius: var(--radius-xl);
  padding: 28px;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}
.hc-header { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; margin-bottom: 20px; }
.hc-live-badge {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  background: rgba(16,185,129,.1);
  border: 1px solid rgba(16,185,129,.25);
  color: #065F46;
  font-size: .68rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: .06em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: 5px 11px;
  border-radius: 20px;
}
.hc-live-dot {
  width: 7px; height: 7px;
  background: var(--green);
  border-radius: 50%;
  animation: pulse 1.8s ease-in-out infinite;
}
@keyframes pulse {
  0%,100%{opacity:1;transform:scale(1);}
  50%{opacity:.5;transform:scale(.8);}
}
.hc-time-chip { font-size: .7rem; color: var(--slate-400); display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 4px; }
.hc-title { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 1.05rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); line-height: 1.35; margin-bottom: 18px; }
.hc-meta { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 8px; margin-bottom: 18px; }
.hc-field { background: var(--slate-50); border: 1px solid var(--slate-200); border-radius: 10px; padding: 10px 13px; }
.hc-fl { font-size: .65rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--slate-400); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .06em; margin-bottom: 2px; }
.hc-fv { font-size: .84rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--slate-800); }
.hc-sep { height: 1px; background: var(--slate-200); margin: 16px 0; }
.hc-experts-row { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; margin-bottom: 18px; }
.hc-avs { display: flex; }
.hc-av {
  width: 30px; height: 30px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: .6rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: #fff;
  margin-left: -6px;
  border: 2px solid var(--white);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.hc-avs .hc-av:first-child { margin-left: 0; }
.hc-exp-txt { font-size: .82rem; color: var(--slate-700); }
.hc-exp-txt strong { color: var(--slate-900); }
.hc-cta-btn {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 8px;
  width: 100%;
  background: var(--teal);
  color: var(--white);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: .9rem;
  padding: 14px;
  border-radius: 14px;
  transition: all var(--t);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(13,148,136,.3);
}
.hc-cta-btn:hover { background: var(--teal-dark); transform: translateY(-1px); }
.float-badge {
  position: absolute;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--slate-200);
  border-radius: 14px;
  padding: 10px 16px;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow);
  font-size: .78rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--slate-800);
  z-index: 3;
  white-space: nowrap;
}
.float-badge .fb-dot { width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 50%; flex-shrink: 0; }
.fb-1 { top: -20px; right: -24px; }
.fb-2 { bottom: 24px; left: -28px; }
.hc-progress-section { margin-bottom: 18px; }
.hc-progress-label { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; font-size: .72rem; color: var(--slate-500); margin-bottom: 6px; font-weight: 600; }
.hc-progress-bar { height: 6px; background: var(--slate-100); border-radius: 20px; overflow: hidden; }
.hc-progress-fill { height: 100%; background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--teal), var(--teal-light)); border-radius: 20px; }
.hero-wave { margin-top: 64px; line-height: 0; }
.hero-wave svg { display: block; width: 100%; }

/* ═══ PROOF BAR ═══════════════════════════════════ */
.proof-bar { background: var(--slate-900); padding: 16px 0; }
.proof-inner { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 0; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.proof-item { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; font-size: .78rem; font-weight: 600; color: rgba(255,255,255,.65); padding: 6px 20px; position: relative; }
.proof-item + .proof-item::before { content: ''; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 50%; transform: translateY(-50%); width: 1px; height: 16px; background: rgba(255,255,255,.15); }
.proof-item .pi-icon { font-size: .9em; }
.proof-item strong { color: var(--amber); }

/* ═══ BLOG PAGE ═══════════════════════════════════ */
.blog-page { background: var(--white); }
.blog-header { background: var(--slate-50); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--slate-200); padding: 56px 0 0; }
.blog-breadcrumb { font-size: .77rem; color: var(--slate-400); margin-bottom: 18px; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; }
.blog-breadcrumb a { color: var(--teal); font-weight: 600; }
.blog-breadcrumb span { color: var(--slate-300); }
.blog-title-row { display: flex; align-items: flex-end; justify-content: space-between; gap: 20px; flex-wrap: wrap; padding-bottom: 32px; }
.blog-title-col .eyebrow { margin-bottom: 10px; }
.blog-page-h1 { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.5vw, 2.8rem); font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); line-height: 1.15; letter-spacing: -.03em; margin-bottom: 10px; }
.blog-page-h1 em { font-style: italic; color: var(--teal); }
.blog-page-desc { font-size: .93rem; color: var(--slate-500); max-width: 480px; line-height: 1.68; }
.blog-stats-chips { display: flex; gap: 10px; flex-wrap: wrap; align-self: flex-end; }
.b-stat-chip { display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; background: var(--white); border: 1px solid var(--slate-200); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 12px 20px; min-width: 90px; }
.b-stat-chip strong { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 1.3rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); line-height: 1; }
.b-stat-chip span { font-size: .67rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--slate-400); text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .07em; margin-top: 4px; }

/* Category tabs */
.blog-cat-tabs { border-top: 1px solid var(--slate-200); display: flex; gap: 0; overflow-x: auto; scrollbar-width: none; }
.blog-cat-tabs::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }
.cat-tab { font-size: .82rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--slate-500); padding: 14px 20px; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; white-space: nowrap; transition: all var(--t); text-decoration: none; }
.cat-tab:hover { color: var(--teal); }
.cat-tab.active { color: var(--teal); border-bottom-color: var(--teal); }

/* Blog layout */
.blog-body { padding: 48px 0 80px; }
.blog-layout { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 340px; gap: 40px; align-items: start; }

/* Blog grid */
.blog-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(290px, 1fr)); gap: 24px; margin-bottom: 40px; }
.blog-card { background: var(--white); border: 1px solid var(--slate-200); border-radius: var(--radius-lg); overflow: hidden; transition: all var(--t); }
.blog-card:hover { transform: translateY(-3px); box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); border-color: var(--slate-300); }
.card-thumb { display: block; height: 180px; overflow: hidden; }
.card-thumb-placeholder { width: 100%; height: 100%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-size: 2.5rem; }
.teal-bg { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #0D9488, #0F766E); }
.amber-bg { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #F59E0B, #D97706); }
.blue-bg { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3B82F6, #2563EB); }
.purple-bg { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #8B5CF6, #7C3AED); }
.green-bg { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #10B981, #059669); }
.card-body { padding: 20px; }
.card-meta-row { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; margin-bottom: 10px; }
.post-cat-pill { font-size: .68rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .06em; text-transform: uppercase; padding: 3px 10px; border-radius: 20px; background: var(--teal-pale); color: var(--teal-dark); }
.card-date { font-size: .72rem; color: var(--slate-400); }
.card-title { display: block; font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); line-height: 1.35; margin-bottom: 10px; transition: color var(--t); }
.card-title:hover { color: var(--teal); }
.card-excerpt { font-size: .83rem; color: var(--slate-500); line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 16px; }
.card-footer { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; padding-top: 14px; border-top: 1px solid var(--slate-100); }
.card-read-time { font-size: .73rem; color: var(--slate-400); }
.card-read-more { font-size: .78rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--teal); transition: color var(--t); }
.card-read-more:hover { color: var(--teal-dark); }

/* Pagination */
.pagination { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px; justify-content: center; }
.page-btn { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: 38px; height: 38px; border-radius: 10px; font-size: .84rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--slate-600); border: 1px solid var(--slate-200); transition: all var(--t); }
.page-btn:hover { border-color: var(--teal); color: var(--teal); }
.page-btn.active { background: var(--teal); color: var(--white); border-color: var(--teal); }
.page-btn.arrow { font-size: 1rem; }
.page-dots { color: var(--slate-400); font-size: .85rem; padding: 0 4px; }

/* Sidebar */
.sidebar { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 24px; position: sticky; top: 90px; }
.sidebar-widget { background: var(--white); border: 1px solid var(--slate-200); border-radius: var(--radius-lg); padding: 24px; }
.widget-title { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); margin-bottom: 16px; }
.cta-widget { background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--slate-900) 0%, #1a2e44 100%); border: none; }
.cta-widget .widget-title { color: var(--white); font-size: 1.05rem; }
.cta-desc { font-size: .84rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,.65); line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 14px; }
.cta-checklist { list-style: none; margin-bottom: 18px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 7px; }
.cta-checklist li { font-size: .82rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,.75); display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; }
.cta-checklist li::before { content: '✓'; color: var(--teal-light); font-weight: 800; flex-shrink: 0; }
.cta-btn-sidebar { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; background: var(--amber); color: var(--slate-900); font-weight: 700; font-size: .88rem; padding: 12px; border-radius: 12px; transition: all var(--t); }
.cta-btn-sidebar:hover { background: #D97706; }
.stats-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0; }
.stats-row { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--slate-100); }
.stats-row:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.stats-label { font-size: .83rem; color: var(--slate-500); }
.stats-value { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); }
.cat-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 4px; }
.cat-list-item { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; font-size: .84rem; color: var(--slate-600); padding: 8px 10px; border-radius: 8px; transition: all var(--t); }
.cat-list-item:hover,.cat-list-item.active { background: var(--teal-pale); color: var(--teal-dark); }
.cat-count { font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 700; background: var(--slate-100); color: var(--slate-500); padding: 2px 8px; border-radius: 20px; }
.cat-list-item.active .cat-count { background: rgba(13,148,136,.15); color: var(--teal-dark); }
.recent-list { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 14px; }
.recent-item { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; text-decoration: none; }
.recent-thumb { width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 10px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-size: 1.1rem; flex-shrink: 0; }
.recent-title { font-size: .82rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--slate-800); line-height: 1.35; margin-bottom: 3px; transition: color var(--t); }
.recent-item:hover .recent-title { color: var(--teal); }
.recent-date { font-size: .7rem; color: var(--slate-400); }
.tags-cloud { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 7px; }
.tag-item { font-size: .76rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--slate-600); background: var(--slate-100); border: 1px solid var(--slate-200); padding: 4px 12px; border-radius: 20px; transition: all var(--t); }
.tag-item:hover { background: var(--teal-pale); color: var(--teal-dark); border-color: var(--teal-pale); }

/* Blog CTA Banner */
.blog-cta-banner {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--slate-900) 0%, #0c2340 100%);
  padding: 80px 0;
  text-align: center;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.blog-cta-banner::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: -100px; right: -100px;
  width: 500px; height: 500px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(13,148,136,.15) 0%, transparent 70%);
}
.cta-label { font-size: .72rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--teal-light); margin-bottom: 14px; }
.cta-banner-h { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3rem); font-weight: 700; color: var(--white); line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 16px; letter-spacing: -.02em; }
.cta-banner-h em { font-style: italic; color: var(--amber); }
.cta-banner-desc { font-size: .98rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,.65); max-width: 540px; margin: 0 auto 32px; line-height: 1.7; }
.cta-banner-acts { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 12px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.btn-outline-white { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; color: rgba(255,255,255,.75); font-weight: 600; font-size: .9rem; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 50px; border: 1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2); transition: all var(--t); }
.btn-outline-white:hover { border-color: rgba(255,255,255,.5); color: var(--white); }

/* ═══ SINGLE POST ═════════════════════════════════ */
.single-post-hero { background: var(--slate-50); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--slate-200); padding: 56px 0 40px; }
.post-layout { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 340px; gap: 40px; align-items: start; padding: 48px 0 80px; }
.post-content { max-width: 720px; }
.post-content h2 { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); line-height: 1.25; margin: 2rem 0 1rem; letter-spacing: -.02em; }
.post-content h3 { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); margin: 1.8rem 0 .8rem; }
.post-content p { font-size: 1rem; color: var(--slate-700); line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 1.2rem; }
.post-content ul, .post-content ol { margin: 0 0 1.2rem 1.4rem; }
.post-content li { font-size: 1rem; color: var(--slate-700); line-height: 1.75; margin-bottom: .4rem; }
.post-content a { color: var(--teal); text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 3px; }
.post-content blockquote { border-left: 3px solid var(--teal); padding: 16px 20px; background: var(--teal-pale); border-radius: 0 var(--radius) var(--radius) 0; margin: 1.5rem 0; font-style: italic; color: var(--slate-700); }
.post-content img { border-radius: var(--radius); margin: 1.5rem 0; }
.post-content pre { background: var(--slate-900); color: #e2e8f0; border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 20px; overflow-x: auto; font-size: .88rem; line-height: 1.6; margin: 1.5rem 0; }
.post-content code { font-family: 'Fira Code', 'Courier New', monospace; font-size: .88em; background: var(--slate-100); padding: 2px 6px; border-radius: 5px; color: var(--teal-dark); }
.post-content pre code { background: none; color: inherit; padding: 0; }
.post-meta-bar { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 16px; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-bottom: 28px; font-size: .82rem; color: var(--slate-400); }
.post-author-chip { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; }
.post-author-av { width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--teal); display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; font-size: .65rem; font-weight: 700; color: #fff; }
.post-tags { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 7px; margin-top: 32px; padding-top: 24px; border-top: 1px solid var(--slate-200); }

/* ═══ FOOTER ══════════════════════════════════════ */
.site-footer {
  background: var(--slate-900);
  padding: 16px 0;
}
.footer-inner { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 12px; }
.footer-copy { font-size: .78rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,.45); }
.footer-links { display: flex; gap: 20px; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.footer-links a { font-size: .78rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,.45); transition: color var(--t); }
.footer-links a:hover { color: rgba(255,255,255,.8); }

/* ═══ WP COMMENT FORM ════════════════════════════ */
.comment-section { margin-top: 48px; padding-top: 40px; border-top: 1px solid var(--slate-200); }
.comment-section h2 { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 1.5rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); margin-bottom: 28px; }
.comment-list { list-style: none; margin-bottom: 40px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 20px; }
.comment-body { background: var(--slate-50); border: 1px solid var(--slate-200); border-radius: var(--radius); padding: 20px; }
.comment-author { font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); }
.comment-date { font-size: .78rem; color: var(--slate-400); }
.comment-text { font-size: .92rem; color: var(--slate-700); margin-top: 8px; line-height: 1.7; }
.comment-form input,
.comment-form textarea,
.comment-form select {
  width: 100%;
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--slate-200);
  border-radius: var(--radius);
  padding: 12px 16px;
  font-family: var(--sans);
  font-size: .92rem;
  color: var(--slate-800);
  transition: border-color var(--t);
  margin-bottom: 14px;
}
.comment-form input:focus,
.comment-form textarea:focus { outline: none; border-color: var(--teal); box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(13,148,136,.1); }
.comment-form label { font-size: .83rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--slate-700); display: block; margin-bottom: 6px; }
.comment-form .submit { background: var(--teal); color: var(--white); font-weight: 700; font-size: .9rem; padding: 12px 28px; border-radius: 50px; cursor: pointer; border: none; transition: all var(--t); }
.comment-form .submit:hover { background: var(--teal-dark); }

/* ═══ WP SEARCH FORM ═════════════════════════════ */
.search-form { display: flex; gap: 8px; }
.search-form input[type="search"] {
  flex: 1;
  border: 1px solid var(--slate-200);
  border-radius: 50px;
  padding: 10px 18px;
  font-family: var(--sans);
  font-size: .88rem;
  color: var(--slate-800);
}
.search-form input[type="search"]:focus { outline: none; border-color: var(--teal); }
.search-form button { background: var(--teal); color: #fff; border: none; border-radius: 50px; padding: 10px 20px; font-weight: 700; font-size: .85rem; cursor: pointer; }

/* ═══ SKIP LINK (accessibility) ══════════════════ */
.skip-link { position: absolute; top: -40px; left: 0; background: var(--teal); color: #fff; font-weight: 700; padding: 8px 16px; z-index: 9999; border-radius: 0 0 8px 0; }
.skip-link:focus { top: 0; }

/* ═══ SEARCH RESULTS PAGE ════════════════════════ */
.search-results-page { padding: 60px 0; }
.search-results-header { margin-bottom: 40px; }
.search-results-header h1 { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); margin-bottom: 8px; }
.search-results-header p { color: var(--slate-500); }
.no-results { text-align: center; padding: 80px 0; }
.no-results h2 { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 1.8rem; color: var(--slate-900); margin-bottom: 12px; }
.no-results p { color: var(--slate-500); margin-bottom: 28px; }

/* ═══ 404 PAGE ════════════════════════════════════ */
.error-404-page { text-align: center; padding: 100px 0; }
.error-404-page .error-code { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 8rem; font-weight: 800; color: var(--teal-pale); line-height: 1; }
.error-404-page h1 { font-family: var(--serif); font-size: 2rem; color: var(--slate-900); margin-bottom: 12px; }
.error-404-page p { color: var(--slate-500); margin-bottom: 28px; }

/* ═══ RESPONSIVE ══════════════════════════════════ */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .blog-layout, .post-layout { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .sidebar { position: static; }
}
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .hero-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px; }
  .hero { padding: 48px 0 0; }
  .hero-card-wrap { display: none; }
  .nav-links { display: none; }
  .nav-hamburger { display: flex; }
  .nav-links.open { display: flex; flex-direction: column; position: fixed; top: 70px; left: 0; right: 0; background: var(--white); padding: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--slate-200); box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); z-index: 199; gap: 2px; }
  .blog-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .hc-meta { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .footer-inner { flex-direction: column; text-align: center; }
  .footer-links { justify-content: center; }
  .hero-stats { flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 16px; }
  .container { padding: 0 16px; }
  .proof-inner { justify-content: flex-start; overflow-x: auto; flex-wrap: nowrap; }
}
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .blog-title-row { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; }
  .blog-stats-chips { width: 100%; justify-content: flex-start; }
  .cta-banner-acts { flex-direction: column; }
}

/* ═══ PRINT ═══════════════════════════════════════ */
@media print {
  .site-header, .topbar, .sidebar, .blog-cta-banner, .site-footer { display: none; }
  .post-layout, .blog-layout { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   IN-CONTENT POST CTA BOX
   Matches screenshot: mint/sage background, bold heading,
   descriptive subtext, large rounded dark-green button.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.post-cta-box {
  margin: 2.5rem 0;
  border-radius: var(--radius-xl);
  background: #E8F5F3;
  border: 1.5px solid #C8E6E0;
  overflow: hidden;
}
.post-cta-box__inner {
  padding: 36px 40px;
  text-align: center;
}
.post-cta-box__heading {
  font-family: var(--serif);
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--slate-900);
  line-height: 1.3;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  letter-spacing: -.02em;
}
.post-cta-box__subtext {
  font-size: .95rem;
  color: var(--slate-500);
  line-height: 1.65;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  max-width: 560px;
  margin-left: auto;
  margin-right: auto;
}
.post-cta-box__btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 6px;
  background: #1B5E52;
  color: #fff;
  font-family: var(--sans);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 1rem;
  padding: 16px 36px;
  border-radius: 14px;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: all var(--t);
  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(27,94,82,.25);
  min-width: 260px;
}
.post-cta-box__btn:hover {
  background: #0F766E;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(27,94,82,.35);
  color: #fff;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .post-cta-box__inner { padding: 28px 20px; }
  .post-cta-box__btn   { min-width: 0; width: 100%; font-size: .94rem; }
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   RELATED POSTS SECTION
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.related-posts {
  margin: 3rem 0 1.5rem;
  padding-top: 2rem;
  border-top: 2px solid var(--slate-200);
}
.related-posts__header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 12px;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}
.related-posts__title {
  font-family: var(--serif);
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--slate-900);
  letter-spacing: -.02em;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  margin: 0;
}
.related-posts__view-all {
  font-size: .82rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--teal);
  text-decoration: none;
  white-space: nowrap;
  padding: 6px 14px;
  border: 1.5px solid var(--teal-pale);
  border-radius: 20px;
  background: var(--teal-pale);
  transition: all var(--t);
}
.related-posts__view-all:hover { background: var(--teal); color: #fff; border-color: var(--teal); }
.related-posts__grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 20px;
}
.related-card {
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--slate-200);
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: all var(--t);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}
.related-card:hover { transform: translateY(-3px); box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg); border-color: var(--slate-300); }
.related-card__thumb { display: block; height: 150px; overflow: hidden; flex-shrink: 0; }
.related-card__thumb img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform .4s ease; }
.related-card:hover .related-card__thumb img { transform: scale(1.04); }
.related-card__thumb .card-thumb-placeholder { width: 100%; height: 100%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; }
.related-card__body { padding: 16px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex: 1; }
.related-card__meta { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 8px; margin-bottom: 9px; }
.related-card__date { font-size: .7rem; color: var(--slate-400); white-space: nowrap; }
.related-card__title { display: block; font-family: var(--serif); font-size: .94rem; font-weight: 700; color: var(--slate-900); line-height: 1.35; margin-bottom: 8px; text-decoration: none; transition: color var(--t); }
.related-card__title:hover { color: var(--teal); }
.related-card__excerpt { font-size: .8rem; color: var(--slate-500); line-height: 1.55; margin-bottom: 12px; flex: 1; }
.related-card__footer { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; padding-top: 10px; border-top: 1px solid var(--slate-100); margin-top: auto; }
.related-card__read-time { font-size: .7rem; color: var(--slate-400); }
.related-card__read-more { font-size: .76rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--teal); text-decoration: none; transition: color var(--t); }
.related-card__read-more:hover { color: var(--teal-dark); }

/* Post navigation */
.post-nav { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 16px; margin-top: 40px; padding-top: 28px; border-top: 1px solid var(--slate-200); }
.post-nav-link { font-size: .84rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--teal); text-decoration: none; max-width: 48%; line-height: 1.4; transition: color var(--t); }
.post-nav-link:hover { color: var(--teal-dark); }
.post-nav-next { text-align: right; margin-left: auto; }

@media (max-width: 900px) { .related-posts__grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .related-posts__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .related-posts__header { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; }
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
   HOW IT WORKS — 4-STEP PROCESS SECTION
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════ */
.how-it-works {
  position: relative;
  padding: 88px 0 80px;
  background: var(--slate-50);
  overflow: hidden;
}

/* Soft background blob */
.hiw-bg-decoration {
  position: absolute;
  top: -160px;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  width: 900px;
  height: 900px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(13,148,136,.06) 0%, transparent 65%);
  pointer-events: none;
}

/* Header */
.hiw-header {
  text-align: center;
  margin-bottom: 60px;
}
.hiw-header .eyebrow {
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  display: inline-flex;
}
.hiw-title {
  font-family: var(--serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 3.5vw, 2.6rem);
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--slate-900);
  line-height: 1.15;
  letter-spacing: -.03em;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}
.hiw-sub {
  font-size: .97rem;
  color: var(--slate-500);
  max-width: 560px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  line-height: 1.75;
}

/* Steps grid */
.hiw-steps {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: 0;
  position: relative;
  margin-bottom: 56px;
}

/* Individual step */
.hiw-step {
  position: relative;
  padding: 0 24px;
  text-align: center;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
}

/* Dashed connector between steps */
.hiw-connector {
  position: absolute;
  top: 36px;
  left: calc(50% + 48px);
  right: calc(-50% + 48px);
  width: calc(100% - 48px);
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 0;
}

/* Step number circle */
.hiw-step__num-wrap {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.hiw-step__num {
  width: 72px;
  height: 72px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--white);
  border: 2.5px solid var(--teal-pale);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(13,148,136,.12), 0 0 0 8px rgba(13,148,136,.06);
  transition: all var(--t);
  position: relative;
}
.hiw-step:hover .hiw-step__num {
  border-color: var(--teal);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 28px rgba(13,148,136,.2), 0 0 0 10px rgba(13,148,136,.08);
  transform: scale(1.06);
}
.hiw-step__num-text {
  font-family: var(--serif);
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--teal);
  line-height: 1;
  letter-spacing: -.04em;
}

/* Icon */
.hiw-step__icon {
  font-size: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  line-height: 1;
  filter: drop-shadow(0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,.08));
}

/* Step title */
.hiw-step__title {
  font-family: var(--serif);
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--slate-900);
  line-height: 1.3;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  letter-spacing: -.01em;
}

/* Step description */
.hiw-step__desc {
  font-size: .855rem;
  color: var(--slate-500);
  line-height: 1.7;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  flex: 1;
}

/* Step badge */
.hiw-step__badge {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  background: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid var(--teal-pale);
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  font-size: .72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: .04em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  padding: 5px 12px;
  border-radius: 20px;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}
.hiw-badge-dot {
  width: 6px;
  height: 6px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--teal);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

/* CTA at the bottom */
.hiw-cta {
  text-align: center;
}
.hiw-cta__btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 8px;
  background: var(--teal);
  color: var(--white);
  font-family: var(--sans);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  padding: 17px 44px;
  border-radius: 50px;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: all var(--t);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 28px rgba(13,148,136,.30);
  letter-spacing: -.01em;
}
.hiw-cta__btn:hover {
  background: var(--teal-dark);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 36px rgba(13,148,136,.40);
  color: var(--white);
}
.hiw-cta__note {
  margin-top: 14px;
  font-size: .8rem;
  color: var(--slate-400);
  letter-spacing: .01em;
}

/* Responsive */
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .hiw-steps {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 40px 0;
  }
  .hiw-connector { display: none; }
  .hiw-step { padding: 0 16px; }
}
@media (max-width: 560px) {
  .how-it-works { padding: 64px 0 56px; }
  .hiw-steps { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 36px; }
  .hiw-step { padding: 0; }
  .hiw-cta__btn { width: 100%; font-size: .96rem; padding: 16px 24px; }
  .hiw-header { margin-bottom: 44px; }
}