Getting Started With Recycling at Home

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Recycling is one of the most simple and effective ways that everyone can reduce their impact on the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency recently released a study showing that 17 trees and a whopping 26,000 litres of water are saved for each ton of paper that is recycled.

But paper and cardboard aren’t the only materials that we can recycle at home. In fact, most homeowners would be surprised by the amount of materials they’re throwing away that could be recycled instead. Aluminum cans, foil and trays, glass bottles, empty aerosol cans, and a variety of plastics are just some.

Paper 

Paper products such as magazines, cardboard boxes and packaging should be stored in a dry and clean environment, such as your home office or spare room. You can save space by folding boxes flat and shredding papers. Remember that toilet paper, phone books, birthday cards, paper towels, envelopes, and some wrapping paper can also be recycled.

Metals and Plastics

Most food cans can be crushed to save space, but recycling centres usually prefer if you don’t crush aluminum cans. Paint and aerosol cans should be kept separate from other metals and have clear labels so that recyclers know they’re toxic waste. Metals can also be recycled, including bronze and brass. 

As for plastic products, recycling centres usually only accept a certain rating, so be sure to check up on this before disposing of anything. Ratings #1 and #2 are widely accepted, while a #7 rating refers to polycarbonates that cannot be recycled. While polystyrene (#6 rating) is not biodegradable, some recycling centres are starting to accept it.

Glass

While you can crush tins or plastics to save space, glass objects should be kept intact for safety reasons. Be sure to give your glass bottles a quick rinse before putting them in the recycle bin. It’s not necessary to remove the lids or labels from glass bottles. Finally, glass bottles can be recycled infinitely, so don’t hesitate to stick them in the bin for another run. 

Other Products

Some recycling centres also accept electronic goods. If this isn’t available in your area, consider passing on your old computer or smartphone to someone else instead of throwing it away. This applies to just about everything in your home. If it cannot be recycled, there’s inevitably someone who can make good use of it.

That said, it would be wise to take an occasional look at what recycling centres in your area accept. For example, your old mattress can be recycled in a variety of locations around the UK. For more information, you can look here to learn how to recycle your mattress in your local area.

Conclusion

Once you have a clear idea of what the recycling centres in your area accept, you can get started with creating sorting bins for each material. It may take some time and effort in the beginning, but the satisfying feeling of knowing you’re doing your part to save the environment is one that we can all appreciate. 

Be wise and recycle

Whenever we talk about recycling, it can sometimes sound as if we are giving away our unwanted goods for free, but that's doesn’t always have to be the case. Although most of us end up giving away old clothes and shoes to charities, we can always use Facebook market place to sell them. Additionally, there are many other household items which can be recycled for cash rather than putting them straight into the tip, these are items that we tend to believe that they hold no monetary value . Once I threw a laptop away as it didn't turn on, but now, I wonder if I could have made some money by recycling it via selling it to one of the online recycling companies. 

Recently I had a bit of a clear out and found 3 old mobile phones, 200+ DVDs and an old PlayStation one! These were all put away and forgotten items which haven't been used in months (some years). So I decided to sell them. Here is how much I managed to make.

• Broken iPhone 7 £80

• Working iPhone 6 £84

• Old Samsung s6 £60

• Over 200 DVDs25 Gaming DVDs £15

• Sony PlayStation one £20

I made £249 with little effort.

When I was conducting my research on how to sell them, I was surprised to find out how these gadgets lose their value over time, but at the same time I could have made more money if I sold them as soon as I didn't need them. Also, I wasn’t aware of how easy it would be. I am not an eBay savvy person, thus, I didn't want to sell and post the items individually.

If you own any of these items, I would definitely recommend on selling them.. My research revealed that the best place to sell your mobile phones is via an online recycling company, where for example, you can sell an old Samsung s6 or sell a Samsung J3. But make sure you remove all your personal details before you send them your devices! It's easy,  most of the companies even show you how to delete your personal information from your old mobile phones on their website.

To sell the PlayStation I managed to find another company through simple research on Google and managed to sell it, but I did receive less than what I was expecting. With regards to the DVDs, I managed to sell them through the Facebook market place. It was that simple - making £249 with minimal effort.

Above the fact that I made money from recycling my unwanted goods, I also really appreciate that I Was able to recycle these items, rather than throwing them in the rubbish.

Essential Tips for Moving Home

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Moving home is a big thing. The process and experience of moving can be a daunting experience. It's a time where your life can become very difficult and uncertain, especially if you are living out of boxes. There are many things that you need to consider and put in place in order to ensure your move is successful, and less stressful.

So if you are in the process of preparing to moving home, below are some tips on where to start.

Consider your Budget For Your Move

The first thing you need to plan is your overall budget for the move, the physical cost of moving. You need to consider how much it is going to cost to pay for the removal, legal costs, cleaning costs, etc. Once you have researched the average costs, you will have a much clearer idea on how much your budget is.

Finding a removals company

This is an important one. No matter how efficient you think you are, the reasons for using a professional Cheap removal man and van are vast - make sure you book one well in advance! Removal companies will provide the van, they will load furniture, white goods, equipment and boxes for you. They’ll drive everything to your new home and unload and even place things into the correct room.

Clean and declutter

Cleaning and preparing the house is an essential - declutter as much as possible, before you even start packing your belongings, you should decide what to sell, donate or throw out. By decluttering, you'll save time and you will also keep your removal costs down.

Pack in advance if you can

Get yourself organised, make a start on packing as soon as you can (as soon as you have a move date), trust me there is always more to do/pack than anticipated, so if you are ahead with your packing, this will take a lot of pressure off and even save you some time in the long run.

Pack absolutely everything you can into boxes, and label the boxes, so when you’re taking boxes from the van into your new home, you already have yourself organised. It will make unpacking so much easier.

Take your time on the day

Moving day is a big deal and it can be exhausting. You’re not going to get all the unpacking done by the first night. It will take time to fully unpack and get your new home looking just the way you want it. Take your time to unpack, as long as you have your bed set up, the fridge plugged in, the rest can take its time to come together.

How to Protect The Whole Family's Health

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You love your family members and you want them to live healthy and happy lives. To ensure that this scenario is true, there are a number of lifestyle changes that everyone can incorporate into his or her everyday routine. There are several ways to help keep your family fit and healthy, with the following tips being only a few.

Drinking enough water

It is incredibly important that you drink at least six to eight glasses of water every single day in order to stay hydrated. In order for everyone within the family to adhere to this, ensure that you invest in a portable water bottle for each member so that they can remain hydrated wherever they are, be it at work, school or on a hike.  

Proper hydration can benefit overall health, and even boost energy levels and mood alike. The solution to it is easy, as well, so why wouldn’t you do everything you can to stick to it?

Using sun protection every day 

Using sun cream every single day is important regardless of how sunny or cloudy it is. In order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and protect your skin from developing more serious health problems later on, you should always invest in this purchase.  

At this point, it’s simply a matter of ensuring that sun cream is readily available within the home for everyone to use. Teach your children how to cover themselves properly, but also how to lead by example. You can’t expect your kids to use sunscreen if you do not do so yourself.

Cooking healthy meals at home 

The type of food that you keep in your fridge will affect everyone’s eating habits, and that is why you should make a habit of purchasing only healthy and nutritious produce, as well as cooking meals at home. Meal prep is essential to keeping a schedule when it comes to eating well. What’s more, it is a great cost saving strategy.

You can even turn this into a family activity, or at the very least, sitting down for family dinner is yet another good bonding experience for everyone. 

Investing in the right health-related supplements 

Investing in vitamins or supplements is always in everyone’s best interest, especially as you may not always get all of the nutrients that you need from your daily meals. Moreover, you can even order amino acids, aromatherapy, and essential oils among other all-natural health remedies online through companies such as Swanson. All of these products work together to improve your family’s health.

Working out as a family

Regular exercise is ideal for mental health, and physical wellbeing as well. Working out as a family moreover makes the activity much more enjoyable, and it can be yet another example of what everyone can do to spend time together.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is always much easier when you do it with people rather than alone. It’s simply more fun, and most importantly, it ensures that you and your loved ones alike are prioritising your health and wellbeing. What could be more important than waking up in the morning feeling like the best possible version of yourself? 

This will not always occur overnight, but with enough dedication and time spent on self-care, good health is within reach.

Reasons why buying a pre-loved car is better

Hubby received his brand new all sparkling, tech'd up, company car a couple of months ago. Which he loves, and it does look fab. However, it's brand new, and although it is a company car, he still treats it with all the love, due and respect, as if he bought it himself - meaning, the dogs are not allowed in his new car, or no eating, etc. 

Then we also have our family car, the trusty Nissan Qashqai +2, which we bought preloved, and have never had any issues with it. It's pretty much perfect for what we need: 7 seats, and runs like a dream.  This is my 4th Nissan, and will not be my last; my next car will be a Nissan, probably the XTrail, and a preloved one too.

Why pre-loved?

I appreciate that buying a pre-loved car can be riskier than buying a brand-new car, because you don’t know with 100% surety where that car has been and how it was treated, and there are no guarantees that significant problems won’t arise before you’ve got it paid off. However, when you decide to save thousands by choosing a used rather than a new car, you will be In exchange for a healthier bank balance.

So, below are a few reasons as to why buying a pre-loved car is better

You Will Save Money

You will save thousands of pounds by purchasing a used car. Why is this? New cars depreciate, and fast.

Avoid Depreciation

New cars typically depreciate about 20 percent as soon as they are driven out of the showroom. And, within the first year, a further percent is lost in value too. By buying a pre-loved car, you can avoid that hit.

Cheaper Insurance

The rates of car insurance are usually affected by the age of the vehicle, therefore the older the car, the less expensive it is to insure - saving yourself more money.

But, don’t forget gap insurance as it is a crucial coverage that should not be overlooked when purchasing a car on finance. This type of insurance fills the gap between what you owe on your car loan and the actual cash value of your car in case it is stolen or totalled in an accident. Without gap insurance, you could be left responsible for thousands of pounds to pay off your loan, even if your car is no longer drivable. It provides financial protection and peace of mind, ensuring that you are not left with a significant financial burden in already stressful circumstances. Be sure to consider adding gap insurance to your auto policy to safeguard your investment and ensure full protection in unexpected situations.

The Warranty Usually Transfers

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. Thus, if you buy a pre-loved car which is still within its warranty period, the warranty will remain valid.

A More Relaxed Experience

With a pre-owned vehicle, it already has some imperfections so getting another scratch or two may not be such a big deal; we can put the dogs in, let the kids eat, and not worry about parking the car too close to another car in a carpark.

The biggest concern of buying pre-loved is uncertainty about a car's history, thus, for reassurance it is best to buy from a reputable pre-loved car dealer, for example, you can find an amazing variety of used cars from KAP Motor Group in Folkestone. Buying from a reputable dealer you will receive a complete service history.

5 New Lifestyle Trends to Try

As a parent, finding the time to unwind can seem near impossible. There is always something to do and someone that needs your love or attention. However, self-love is just as important as the love that you give to everyone else. One of the ways you can love yourself would be by doing things that you thoroughly enjoy. In addition to this, you should also be open to trying new activities. So, here are five new lifestyle trends that you should add to your list of things to do when you get a few moments to yourself. 

Plant-based Skincare 

This seems to be the age of people going back to their roots, especially when it comes to skincare. Plant-based skin care is a lifestyle trend that is ongoing and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. You have probably seen a range of all natural as well as organic skincare products floating around in stores and on social media. One of the best organic skin care products is Whamisa real kelp mask which has 32 natural and organic ingredients. You could also try Irene Forte almond face scrub which consists of almonds, olive oil, and avocado amongst others.  

Vaping 

If you’ve never tried it before, next time you get a chance to kick back and relax, try vaping. This is both a lifestyle trend as well as a hobby that you may find relaxing and enjoyable. One of the fun things about vaping is that you can explore a range of different flavours. Ultimate Juice especially, comes in flavours such as apple and pink lemonade. The icing on the cake is that you can also engage in this activity while reading a book, sitting outside or taking a stroll.

Artificial Intelligence 

Moving onto the more technological side of things, something that is becoming a massive lifestyle trend that you should consider is artificial intelligence. As of now, it’s possible that you may already be using artificial intelligence and not know it. Great examples are using spoken commands on your phone and online shopping recommendations. It’s a great tool to use if you don’t want to waste your free time doing mundane things such as dialing a number or changing the song on your playlist. 

Growing Your Own Produce 

For those who happen to be fans of the outdoors, you may enjoy growing your own produce. Not only is this a lifestyle trend, but it can also help improve your health in many ways. For one, gardening is a great way to stay active and keep your body moving. In addition to this, you would have the opportunity of feeding yourself and your family fresh food every day. 

Mindful Exercise 

Another lifestyle trend that you can add to the list is mindful exercise. Just as organic foods and products are trending, so is learning to stop and live in the moment. Mindfulness has so many benefits such as helping to reduce stress as well as helping combat recurring depression. When you combine such benefits with the ones that you get from exercise, you’re bound to be a mentally and physically healthier parent. 

How To Make Sure Your Garden Is Child-Friendly

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How To Make Sure Your Garden Is Child-Friendly

As your children start to learn to crawl and move around by themselves, it is important to make sure that all areas of your home are designed around their wellbeing, and this includes your garden. It is not only important to make sure your garden is safe, it is also important to make sure you have designed it to meet their developmental needs too. 

Equipment

No matter what age they are, there is so much garden play equipment available which has been designed around their needs and which can encourage them to play outside.  From impressive forts where they can pretend to be a king, to little slides that help them to build up their courage, let them choose their favorite and watch as they enjoy spending more and more time outdoors. 

Lawn Maintenance 

When children play on the lawn, you’ll soon start to see it showing signs of wear and tear so it’s important to make sure that you can look after it properly. Why not check out a company like Lawncare.net to help you when it comes to your lawn maintenance. You should make sure that your garden always looks visually appealing to your children to entice them to play outside.

Trees

It is a well-known fact that children love to play in trees. They make great hiding places and they can really help them to develop a sense of adventure. They also make good secluded spots if they’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by something. Plant some trees in your garden and watch them grow together. 

Flowers

Another easy way to create a beautiful garden for your children to play in is to plant lots of fantastic flowers. Watching plants transform as the seasons change can be a great learning experience for them and planting them can be a fun, bonding experience for you. You could even plant fruit and vegetables to teach them where they come from and use them to cook delicious healthy meals with your children.

Wildlife

It is important to teach your children all about animals and wildlife, and there’s no better place to do that than in your own garden. There are lots of things you can do to attract wildlife to your garden for example, you could get bird baths and bird feeders or choose really bright and colorful plants to attract animals like bumble bees.

Safety

Don’t forget that if you’re going to allow your children to play in the garden you must make sure that you have safety-proofed it first. Any water features need to be shallow and if not, they need to have a barrier of some kind around them so that you children cannot accidentally fall in. Most children’s play equipment comes already safety-proofed but don’t take this for granted. And finally, make sure the garden as a whole is cordoned off so that they cannot leave without you knowing, potentially heading into a dangerous situation. 

As you can see, there are lots of ways to make your garden a stimulating yet safe place for you children to learn, grow and develop. From investing in toys to growing trees and flowers and attracting an interesting array of wildlife. 

You can check out reviews for lawn care companies on House Method website.

Good Night Sleep - Picking the Perfect Bedding for your Room

The one thing that keeps me tossing and turning during a night is being too hot under my duvet. It makes me uncomfortable and unable to sleep very well, and if I sleep for less than 6/7 hours each night, I find myself grumpy and irritable.

Thus, instead of buying a new duvet (thicker tog) which will probably be too hot, then why not add a bedspread as an extra layer, and at the same time you will find that the bedspread also adds a new fresh feel / look to the bedroom. And, with a bedspread, I have the flexibility to use it on its own, or add another layer to my duvet.

You can have fun with your bedspread, you can choose one that has a bold pattern, vibrant colours, a busy pattern. Or if you are like myself, I prefer something more calming, thus, I would choose something plain and subtle.

Fabric of the bedspread is something important too, not only for adding texture to your room, but also for functionality, i.e. a heavy bedspread for the colder months, or a light cotton bedspread for the warmer months. why not mix it up? use more than one bedspread…

A bedspread is the perfect piece to brighten up your room, with such ease and comfort.

I am someone that needs a good night sleep, otherwise, the following day I just don't function very well. I love to sleep with a bedspread, as it moulds better around the body and keeps you nice and cosy. I prefer a nice lightweight bedspread for my king size bed, one that offers the snuggle factor and one that is airy and light.

You can get super king sized bedspreads at cheap rates from Yorkshire Linen website.

The UK's Wild Birds Infographic

For the past few years we have had a robin visit our garden every winter - I look out for his arrival, and always keep a listen out for his calls and songs. It is something the kids (and I) love to see and hear - it’s exciting and his presence brings us joy. 

It recently got me thinking that I would love to encourage more wild birds to come in our garden. Especially as the cold months can be a  challenging time for our wild birds, particularly when the ground is hard and frozen. By feeding wild birds it will help them keep up their reserves to stay strong and warm over the winter.

Thus, we plan on buying a bird table, giving us a place to put down bird food, and by doing so we will be encouraging more wild birds into our garden. By encouraging them into our garden we can enjoy their presence, by watching them, listening to them and seeing what birds do visit us.

What are the best ways of doing this?

Well, I have a very informative https://www.trago.co.uk/  and how to take care of them infographic below. Enjoy!

3 Ways To Make A Bad Day Better

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3 Ways To Make A Bad Day Better 

Everyone has a bad day now and again. The problem is that these kinds of days can knock our confidence, especially when we worry about how it is going to affect us in the eyes of other people as well. Even if your bad day is a private one, it can still make you worry about what the next day will bring, and affect every decision you make. 

The critical thing to remember is that one-bad day should not affect the rest of your life, especially when there are plenty of things you can do to turn it around. Here are just some of them.  

Don’t Be Hard On Yourself 

A bad day can happen for all kinds of reasons; a mistake at work, an argument with a loved one, seeing something unpleasant on social media, doing a job you dislike, or even being unwell. No matter what the reason, don’t be hard on yourself about it.  

Instead, do something practical to make yourself feel better about what has happened. Make that overdue phone call to The Medical Negligence Experts to start a compensation claim. Call your partner and apologize for shouting. Look for a new job and be proactive when it comes to networking. All of this will help you to realize there is always something that can be doneand hopefully will make your day better too. 

 Get Some Fresh Air 

It’s amazing what a little time outdoors breathing in fresh air can do. It is almost as though you are re-setting the day or your attitude towards it when you go out and take a walk. Even just sitting or standing in the fresh air can make a difference. Your head will clear, andyou will be able to see things much more clearly for what they reallyare; either the reason for your bad day will seem much less important, or you will be able to see a way to make things a lot better for yourself.  

No matter how busy you are, taking the time to breathe and enjoy the outside world is crucial if you want to turn your day (and perhaps even your life) around for the better.  

Look For One Beautiful Thing

When you are having a bad day, it can be easy to be angry at everything and everyone and only to see the negative in every situation. Thiswill make you feel even worse than you did before, and it certainly won’t help to make your bad day better!

One useful tip you can use to turn things around in a positive way to is to lookfor one beautiful thing. No matter where you are, what you are doing, or how you are feeling, you will be able to find something. It could be a flower, a butterfly, perhaps the shape of a cloud or a ray of sunlight shining through the window. Maybe it’s a picture a child has drawn or a much-lovedpet. Find that beautiful thing, andyou will soon see other lovely things around you as well, and your day will vastly improve. 

How To Support Your Family After An Accident

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How To Support Your Family After An Accident

Getting into an accident is an unfortunate situation that’s sure to have an impact on your family and personal life. However, be glad to know there are ways for how you can support your loved ones after an accident so you can all recover and get to a better place in no time. 

There may be both emotional and physical changes as a result of having been in an accident that you’re going to have to deal with and manage. What you don’t want to do is look the other way and assume everyone is finewhen they’re trulynot. Although it’ll be challenging, it’s best to face what has happened head-on and come together so you can all work through it.

Remain Calm

You can support your family after an accident by remaining calm and not panicking. Your kids will be looking to you and will feed off of your reaction, so find ways to maintain a level head. Use logic when coming to terms with what happened and deciding the bestnext steps for everyone who was involved.

Seek Compensation

You can also support your family after an accident by seeking and securing any compensation you believe you’re owed. Consult with a specialist such as someone at the-compensation-experts.co.uk who will be able to give you advice about the process for filing a personal injury claim and how to proceed. You want to make sure those who acted carelessly are held responsible and that you’re able to take care of your family financially after having been through this traumatic and life-altering experience.

See A Doctor

In addition, it’s in all of your best interests to get checked out by a doctor following an accident. You want to make sure any physical or emotional issues are addressed right away and not put off for a later date. Make it a point to keep detailed records of your appointments, diagnosis and any hospital bills you’re responsible for, so you can use this as evidence when you file a personal injury claim.

Talk about it

Although you’ll all likely be a bit stressed out after having been through an accident, it’s a good idea to sit down and talk about it in detail with your family members. Let each person express how they felt in the moment and how they’re feeling today after the fact. Answer your children’s questions and continue to comfort them and let them know it’s going to be okay so that they don’t worry. Be a role model and also praise them for what positive actions they took during and after the accident. 

Take Care of Yourself 

Support your family after an accident by taking proper care of yourself throughout the process of recovering. The better you feel and canfunction, the easier it’s going to be to attend to the needs of your loved ones. Do your best to eat right, get plenty of sleep and manage your stress, so you can maintain an optimistic outlook during this challenging time in your life.

Changing course — career switching tactics for busy people

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Changing course — career switching tactics for busy people

If work leaves you feeling as stale as a bacon bap from the breakfast museum, it’s time for a change. But when you’ve got family commitments, trashing your desk and making a dramatic exit isn’t an option.

However, there are steps you can take to migrate gradually towards a more fulfilling vocation without leaving your current job immediately. And with a new goal in mind, your current daily grind might not seem quite so unbearable.

Let’s look at the job switching tactics that might let you set your career compass to a dynamic new direction.

Volunteering

If your current volunteering gig feels more rewarding than your 9-5 existence, paid team members may be able to offer you advice on joining their ranks as a salaried employee.

Alternatively, if you don’t volunteer now, but would like to give it a go, there are probably oodles of local worthwhile local projects where you’ll learn new skills, boost your CV and test your toes in the waters of a potential new career.

You can either match your current skillset to activities an organisation needs support with or turn your hand to something more unfamiliar. 

Volunteering with groups like the Baby Bank Networkcan be a real eye-opener, but with a little research, you’ll find something that feels like a good fit.

Committee membership

Becoming a member of a regulatory or conduct committee often involves helping make serious decisions that affect the wellbeing of vulnerable members of society or curb a worker’s right to perform their job.

Many panels include members with direct current or previous experience of the industry in question and lay members who lack relevant professional expertise but have a wealth of work and life experience which they bring to the table. 

Positions can be completely unpaid or rather well compensated through expenses and daily fees. But becoming a panel member with the likes of the Nursing & Midwifery Councilonly requires a commitment of a few days a year and might take your career down an entirely new path. And if you enjoy the work, you might even end up serving a few committees simultaneously. 

Online learning

You don’t need a degree to succeed in life, but if you want to change lanes to a completely different job sector, a formal higher education qualification can help. 

But with bills to pay, a partner in tow and kids to look after, putting your current commitments on the backburner for a full-time campus-based education might feel less realistic than negotiating a brilliant Brexit deal through the power of interpretive dance.

However, studying for an online degree with Anglia Ruskin Distance Learningallows you to earn while you learn and complete modules as and when it’s convenient. 

In a couple of years, you could have a new qualification that sets you up for a dream job in a new industry, so it’s worth mulling over.

These career change tactics should fuel your desire for fulfilling work and provide inspiration on carving a new path — life’s too short for mind-numbing work.

Have you changed career recently? Share your tips in the comments section.

Sizzling Escapes: 3 Locations to Offset the Winter Blues

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Sizzling Escapes: 3 Locations to Offset the Winter Blues 

It’s far from easy living in the United Kingdom. 

Aside from having horrible teeth, an uncomfortable addiction to bowler hats, and a dogged loyalty to the Queen, we also have to put up with weather that’s more erratic than a hyperactive mongoose. 

Of course, winter can be one of the worst times of year for the overworked and sun deprived Brit, with enough rain falling on Dear Old Blighty to drown a giraffe wearing stilts.  

However, sun seekers needn’t suffer unnecessarily, because it’s easier than ever to treat the family and leave the doom and gloom behind. 

At least for a little while. 

Simply get online, punch in your credit card details, pack your suitcase, jump in the car and head to the airport … but before you do, be sure to pre-book your airport parking via Looking4.com, which will give you a head start on those typically meandering check-in desk queues. 

Need some inspiration on where to go this winter?

Take a gander at some of the sun kissed destinations below that’ll help put a spring back in your step and, hopefully, banish any early signs of Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)… 

Cancun 

Located on the northeast cost of Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun has become an extremely popular tourist destination over the past decade—and it’s easy to see why, thanks to its tropical climate, an annual mean temperature of 27.1 °C and its many gorgeous beaches. 

Additionally, it also offers the opportunity for you to visit some Mayan vestiges of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation at El Rey and El Meco, while Cobá and Muyil are a bit further out but well worth checking out during your trip to the city on the Caribbean Sea. 

Gibraltar 

Take a trip to Gibraltar and you’ll be surprised at the veritable smorgasbord of activities on offer in this subtropical climate. From climbing the Mediterranean Stepsand exploring the Rock of Gibraltar, you’ll struggle to see it all during your visit. 

For history fanatics, you can even check out the World War II Tunnels that run below Gibraltar. Alternatively, simply sit back, relax, pour another cocktail, and thank your lucky stars that you’re not in the UK suffering through yet another wretched winter. 

Dubai 

It’s easy to imagine Dubai as a playground for the rich and famous, but it’s actually one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations, regardless of wealth and stature. Home to a smorgasbord of millionaires and breath-taking architecture, Dubai really is the jewel in the Persian Gulf’s crown. 

For sun seekers, this emirate has it all, with its hot desert climate offering an agreeable temperature even at this time of the year. Whilst there, however, make sure you brush up on the laws of the land, as they can be something as a culture shock for the unsuspecting tourist. 

Now it’s over to you ...

Where would you like to go to escape another bleak winter? Let us know by leaving a comment below—we’d love to hear from you. 

How to prepare yourself for a motorcycle trip

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How to prepare yourself for a motorcycle trip.

A motorcycle trip is an event in its own especially if you want to visit an island on your holiday. Precise planning and a well-designed itinerary are keys to a joyful and fun experience.

Following the next strategies will guarantee that you'll enjoy an amazing time.

Choose What Island or Islands You Want to Visit

First decide on where you want to spend your holiday. Maybe you want to visit the Caribbean or Maldives Islands for a trip down to Paradise or maybe you're considering a nostalgic getaway to the Greek islands. You can research online travel sites and reviews on different blogs to catch up with updates from other tourists. Check through the comments and get your ticket to the island of your choice. Book your hotel online to get cheaper rates and make sure you're close to the main attractions of the island.

Navigating the Ferry System Online

Check online ferry review sites to get familiarized with the various rates and routes they offer in the region where you're planning to go. You can check the schedules, make reservations and book your tickets online. Most ferry companies announce their specific itineraries for different seasons. You can pick-up your tickets at the affiliated agencies. 

Rent A Scooter or Quad

Instead of a car you can choose to rent a scooter or quad bike to enjoy more of the surroundings. However, don't overlook safety measures. One Sure offers insurance policies for companies dealing with vehicle rental or sale and motor trade insurance. Choose a scooter or quad bike rental company which offers completely reliable insurance coverage to avoid any extra costs in case of unfortunate incidents. Nothing compares to the feeling of fresh air while you're riding around the island admiring the scenery. It's easy to get around on a scooter or quad and not to mention you won't be facing any parking problems. Most islands offer rental services for scooters or quads because they're practical, safe and so much fun to ride.

Make Sure You Look Up Some of The Popular Restaurants on Your Island

Before you go on holiday do some online research about the various restaurants on your island. Whether you're a food enthusiast and like to venture out tasting different traditional recipes or whether you're sticking to your diet, islands offer a wide range of food choices. Look out for the most popular restaurants so you can be sure that the food is top quality and tasty. Check out the customs people have on the island when food is served and make sure you stick to them as much as you can.

Take Advantage of Any Excursions and Activities Your Hotel or Local Travel Agencies Offer

To attract more clients, hotels and travel agencies usually offer free trips around the island. If you're using an agency to book your holiday, make sure you ask about any valid offers for free trips. Also, when you check into your hotel you should ask the front desk if they're organizing any trips. Usually hotels display special offers in the lobby. However, up and coming trips are always around the corner. It's up to you to find out.

The Beginners Guide to Vaping

In a definition provided by the Oxford Dictionary, vaping involves an activity of inhaling and exhaling a vapour produced by a device like an e-cigarette. The e-juice is heated, which is what creates the vapour, the user of the device is then able to obtain nicotine without the need to smoke a tobacco cigarette. 

E-Cigarette Anatomy 

After the invention of the first e-cigarette, more consumers have shown an interest in potential benefits that these devices are able to provide. This is the reason for a major vaping industry that comes with countless customisable options dedicated to all types of users. However, navigating through the available options can be complex for a brand-new vapour. For this reason, we offer information on the different parts in these devices. 

1. Batteries

The batteries in these devices is are the actual powerhouse that provide the heat and the energy needed to vaporize with an e-juice or an e-liquid. Batteries are built-into the small electronic cigarettes, which look a lot like a traditional cigarette. The rechargeable along with replaceable batteries are found in the vaping devices that are more advanced. The battery sizes are what determines how long the vape will last, while large batteries allow for uninterrupted and lengthier vapes. The lithium batteries are charged using an outlet and/or with a USB cable. 

2. The Wick, Atomizer and Coil

The battery in a vaping device provides the power into the atomizer that houses the wick along with the heating-coil. In more basic models, the atomizer is situated inside a tank, while in more advanced vaping devices, users are able to choose from RBAs, stand-alone atomizers and RDAs. The wick and coil in the atomizer are what allows for transformation of e-liquids into a vapour. 

The wick in a vape device carries e-juice or e-liquid inside the tank into the coils where it heats up. These wicks are constructed from either eko-wool, twisted silica-cords, steel mesh or ceramic. The coils are made from resistance wires that look like springs. The diameter along with wrap numbers in a coil affect the resistance, which determines electricity that is required to power the device, along with the heat that is produced. These coils are usually made from NiChrome or Kanthal, with more recent models featuring Nickel.

3. The Tanks, Cartomizer and Clearomisers

The cartridges, cartomizers and clearomisers are known as the subsets in the category of the Tanks. This is the mechanism that houses the e-liquids. In the vaping industry the tank is referred to as a storage container which is advanced that offers a number of capacities and special features. 

Clearomisers and a cartomizer are similar because they both screw off from the actual device when refilling your tank. Clearomisers comes with a plastic pane which allows you to view how much of the e-liquid remains inside the tank. These clearomisers make use of silica wicks that moves the e-juices into the coils. This part of a vaping device is easy to maintain and keep clean. The cartomizer uses polyfill substances which move the e-liquids. This part requires priming before use and is harder to maintain. 

4. E-Liquids or E-Juices

The e-liquid which also goes by the name of e-juice, is stored inside the tank until heated inside the atomizer. E-liquids or e-juices are sold individually from your actual vaporizer and come in small plastic or glass bottles. They also come in a number of different types, flavours and strengths. The primary ingredients are made up of nicotine, flavourings, VG and PG. 

PG, which stands for Propylene Glycol is one of the common preservatives and additives found in plastic and food. For a vapour, PG offers a heightened throat hit when compared to the VG e-liquids. Even though they offer more intense flavours, the PGs produce a lower vapour and are thinner. Even though preservative qualities in PGs offer a longer shelf life, a few vapours are allergic or sensitive to these e-liquids. 

For the vapers that represent a sensitivity to PG, there is the option of VG which stands for Vegetable Glycerin. The VG e-juices are sweeter and much thicker than PG e-liquids and produce thicker and denser vapor clouds. Even though the denser clouds have a slight affect on how these liquids taste, they are 100% hypoallergenic which makes them a preferred choice for many vapers. However, the majority of the e-juices contain a mixture of VG and PG that arrives at differing vaping experiences. 

The e-juices are also available in either no nicotine or nicotine levels. These include 0mg, which are nicotine free juices, 6mg which is a low-level nicotine, the 12mg which is a medium-level nicotine, and the 18mg which is high level. There is even a very high level of 24mg and more which are known as maximum nicotine-levels. These e-liquids come in an array of choices when it comes to flavours which include juicy, sour, sweet, savoury and more. 

E-Cigarette Types

- The Cig-A-Like

These e-cigarette looks like real cigarettes. There slender and sleek design is what makes it simple to use as well as portable. The majority of the e-cigs that are disposable fall into this category. In most cases the “Cig-a-like” has a cartridge and a combination of a battery and atomizer. This device is ideal for beginner vapours, yet they soon become costly to replace.

- Vape Pens

The vape pen is more sturdy and bulkier than a “Cig-a-like” and feature 3 distinct parts. These include a mouthpiece, a clearomisers and the combination of battery along with an atomizer. These devices are reusable making them more cost effective. They also deliver outstanding taste, performance and style. These devices are suitable for intermediate vapours who already have a bit of experience with e-cigarette products or terminology. Nearly all the e-liquid we stock works in these vape devices. 

- APVS and Box Mods

The Advanced Personal Vaporizers (APVs) and Box Mods contain a larger coils and a larger battery. They produce much bigger vapour clouds and last for a lot longer. They come with a mouthpiece, atomizer, battery and clearomisers and provide enhanced hits that suit the experienced vapour. They contain a lot more customizable pieces and components that happen to be more suitable for the vapours that are more advanced. 

5. Safety

While an e-cigarette is a safer choice to tobacco cigarettes, precautions are needed to make sure of vaping experiences of quality. This means only using the charger that is provided with the device and to remove from charge when the battery has reached full charge. Batteries need to be kept separate and never allow these terminals to come into contact with one another. It is also important to keep your vaping device away from heat. 

Make sure your e-juices are stored in safe dark places, out of reach of pets and especially children. You should avoid licking or swallowing e-liquids and contact poison control if someone has accidentally swallowed an e-juice. It is important to be aware of the PG allergies and then change to VG if you show any symptoms of an allergy or sensitivity to the e-juices. It is important to talk to a health practitioner if you have any concerns about vaping.

Unusual Locations for the Most Memorable Wedding Reception

Photo by Marisa Morton on Unsplash

Unusual Locations for the Most Memorable Wedding Reception

You can have the most elegant wedding dress and the most romantic setting for the ceremony itself, but if your reception is lacklustre,then you stand a good chance of ruining your special day. The reception is an easily underappreciated element of your wedding day, and it will pay off on the day itself if you make the location and ambience unique. The good news is that the UK isrife with plenty of beautiful wedding reception destinations. With a little forethought and some fun planning, you could be enjoying the glow of your post-wedding bliss in some of the most stunning locations in Britain.

Best for Animal Lovers

Having a wedding reception in the local community centre or pub is a cheap and easy solution to your plans, but it’s not going to be memorable or beautiful no matter how much you decorate with lights and tablecloths. If you and your future spouse are animal lovers, then you might want to consider looking at a wildlife-themedvenue, such as the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park and Mansion in Kent. With an incredible on-site animal reserve, you can even take your wedding itself to the grounds. Port Lympne has a variety of stunning environments to choose from, with the Italian inspired terraces a popular choice. Post-wedding activities are not going to be difficult either, with guests able to take part in a VIP safari that can even involve incredible giraffe feeding.

Best for Embracing the Great Outdoors

Although the weather in the UK can be more than a little temperamental, having a wedding reception in the great outdoors has never been more popular. You have a wide range of options available to choose from, and whether you choose a natural cliff edge vista or a field in the middle of the beautiful, English countryside, it’s wise to be prepared. Consider sudden weather changes and always opt for the best from Posh Garden Marquees that will compliment the elegance of your wedding ceremony. Using an outdoor location for your reception will mean that the younger guests will have the space to run around and exhaust themselves, as the grown ups enjoy the lush surroundings.

Best for Cultural Resonance

There’s nothing like a little historical splendour to add a unique touch to your reception and to your wedding day itself. All across the United Kingdom,there are castles and country homes with long and fascinating histories, but if you want some dramatic impact to your reception,then you won’t go far wrong with The Crypt at Bleeding Heart in East London. Not only is it the site where King Henry VIII once held a three-day wedding feast way back in 1531, but there’s something truly magical about this London spot. Expect some jokes about beheading, but allow yourself just to sit backand relax in the stunning gothic architecture.

While the majority of your wedding preparations will be focusedon the ceremony itself, it’s always a good idea to give some serious thought to the kind of reception that you and your partner are dreaming about. Choose a destination that reflects your relationship and your shared interests, and your reception will be the ideal end of your special day, and the best start to your future together.

3 Key Things You Need Before Buying a New Family Home

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3 Key Things YouNeed Before Buying a New Family Home

Your family home is something that usually has a lot of sentimental value attached to it. For many, it’s a place where memories are madeand some of the most cherished moments are created. For this reason, when you make the decision move into a new home, it can be an exciting and emotional time for everyone. To make the process as easy as possible, you should think about the key things that you need to sort out before making any final decisions. In case you need a little help, this article is going to look at three key things you need when buying a new family home. 

An Emergency Savings Fund

Before buying your new family home, you should ensure you have an emergency savings fund. The reality is that moving homes can rake up an expensive bill and that’s not including the cost of your new home. You should, therefore, do a comprehensive budget and ensure you include every expense that you’re likely going to have when purchasing the new home as well as moving. If you’re firsttime buyer, some costs associated with buying a new home include the valuation fee, surveyor fees, legal fees and the estate agents fee to name a few. If after you’ve done this, it seems like buying a new house and moving is way out of your budget, you may need to think about waiting and saving before doing so. 

A Good Solicitor

In addition to having bulky savingsset aside, before buying a new house you should find a good as well as a reputablesolicitor. Thisis key as, withoutone, you could find that you take an offer on a new home that isn’t favourable to you. It is, therefore, a good idea to find a good solicitor before finalisinganything. They should be able to help you legally transfer the ownership of the property and making sure you get something as close as possible to what you want. When looking for one that specialisesin conveyancing, you can ask for a referral or try looking for solicitors in Newport online and see what comes up. 

That it Meets Your Core Needs

Before moving into a new home, it’s imperative that you’re sure that this home can meet your needs. Thismeans doing thorough inspections beforehand and also that you know what you want. If, for instance, one of the things that frustrated you in your old home was a lack of storage space, ensure the new one has enough or that you can create it. Some key qualities to look for in a house before buying include whether or not there’s damp, whether the building is structurally sound, if there is enough space in the rooms to meet you and your family’s needs, as well as how old the roof is.

Before moving into a new home, you want to ensure that you’ve considered all of the important factors. Thisis essential so that there are no surprises later on and you don’t find yourself stuck, stressed or overwhelmed. By taking some of the mentioned things into consideration, you should find that when you finally do finalise your purchase, you do so with a lot less stress.

Engelbert Strauss Wish List

Engelbertstrauss.co.uk are a family run workwear company based in Frankfurt, Germany. They are a company that pride themselves on producing high-quality garments in the workwear industry, specifically workwear-safetywear and footwear . They also stock everyday clothing products as well as children footwear, which are perfect for little ones who need durable kids shoes.

Below is my wish list from the Engelbert Strauss website to make sure my kids are well equipped for our outdoor adventures during the autumn/winter days that are coming up:

These e.s. Allround shoes Apate low, children's shoes are perfect for our hikes, camping trips etc. They are the perfect safety kids shoes. The dryplexx® membrane promises protection from the wet whilst remaining highly breathable, and the outer material mix made of lightweight textile and sturdy leather also ensures durability. The rubber sole with its good grip and the biocage® insole improves stability and keeps the shoe flexible - so the kids can run and play all day, with the added protection of a normal shoe would give.  RRP £68.39

Or when it is damp and muddy for our walks, these e.s. Allround boots Fides high, children's, wellington boots are perfect. They offer an outer material in waterproof rubber and warming neoprene on the shaft. The shaft closure is width-adjustable with a pleasant textile inner lining. They also have a removable full-surface insole and an anti-slip sole with good grip. RRP £44.39.

For our hikes, this jacket would be perfect to keep my children dry and warm and safe from the harsh weather. The 3 in 1 functional jacket e.s.motion 2020, which is from the FIBERtwin® INSOLATION range, is made to stand for maximum thermal insulation and outstanding breathability. A unique surface structure and open-pored fibres to store body heat ensure a constant temperature balance: air-conditioning through the fresh air from the outside, pleasant warmth from the inside. RRP £75.59 also available in an array of different colours.

These Winter trousers e.s.vision, are sturdy but light trousers in a sporty look – ideal for our outdoor adventures. The comfortable stretch inserts on the waistband offer great freedom of movement. Plenty of pockets offer enough storage space and reflective piping to keep them safer during the early dark evenings. RRP £31.19.

This High-vis function bodywarmer e.s.motion 2020, would give peace-of-mind when we are out and about in the outdoors during the autumn/winter months, especially as the evenings start to draw-in early. Great for wearing for on our early evening walks or when they are on their bikes; a high-vis vest offers the perfect personal-protection-equipment to keep them that little bit safer. RRP £26.39

These products are the perfect personal-protection-equipment for outdoor adventures which are designed to keep the kids warm, dry, and happy. 

If you are looking for products that offer personal-protection-equipment and workwear-safetywear, then head on over to Engelbertstrauss.co.uk, they have a great range and offer experienced knowledge in this area.

First Time Landlord and Insurance

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The demand for rental homes continues to be strong, although being a landlord isn't for everybody, it can be an effective way to grow your wealth. It should not, however be mistaken for a way to get rich quick. Being a landlord is a long-term investment that needs to be approached carefully.

Landlords have a lot to deal with when it comes to maintenance responsibilities, safety, advertising and managing tenants (good and bad). Not only do you need legal documentation, licences etc, you also need to carefully consider Landlord insurance.

Why do you need Landlord Insurance?

Unfortunately, there is the possibility of things going wrong when letting a property. Worst case scenario you could suddenly find yourself with a bill for major repair or maintenance work, or if you are unlucky enough to have problem-tenants that don't pay the rent. 

This is where landlord insurance can cover you and your property.  Our mindset is that we don't want to think about any sort of future uncertainties. But, no matter how much we ignore it, some kind of crisis is bound to happen.

Landlord insurance policy can cover:

• Non-payment of rent
• Damage caused by tenants
• Liability for accidents on the property
• Loss of earnings

What Insurance Do You Need?

Landlords generally have landlord insurance policies, however, many also cover themselves with an umbrella insurance policy to have extra liability coverage. This is to protect their assets from significant claims and lawsuits.

If you are thinking of buying a rental property, it’s important to include all of these costs in your calculations. And it is always good to know the “worst-case scenario” too.

Insurance companies like HomeLet offer policies designed to help to take the risks out of property rental, with specialist products to protect letting agents, tenants and landlords.

My Summer Wish List with Simpy Be

My Summer Wish List with Simpy Be

I've put together my summer wish list from Simply Be website.

We're well into the summer months and enjoying the best summer weather we've had in many years. And, the lovely weather is not going anywhere in anytime soon. Thus, I think it is time to treat myself to some summer essentials.

This time of the year I live in my sandals. I want to be in comfy, light, easy to wear sandals and my favourite type of sandal is the Birkenstock - they are my go to shoes in the summer months. They are so easy to chuck on for any occasion and they are super comfortable. My current Birkenstock sandals, which I have owned for years, are a bit worn and I would love to treat myself to new ones this summer. I'm loving these cute Birkenstock Gizeh Toe Post Sandal 

We are lucky to live on the coast, the beautiful Suffolk coast. The beach is 10-minute walk from our home, and it is one of our favourite places to visit during the summer. Taking the kids down the beach to get them outside, watching them play in the sea, building sandcastles etc. is a lovely day out and I'm loving this Figleaves Tuscany Swimsuit, perfect for the beach days. You can see Simply Be swimwear styles here.

I'm really loving the bardot off the shoulder look; Bardot dresses and Bardot tops are really cute and perfect for this summer. And, I love the Oasis Fitzwilliam Dupont Bardot Dress.

As a red-head with very fair skin, a summer hat is a must for me; a large hat to keep my head, face and neck protected from the sun. This Accessorize Francoise Fedora Hat is very stylish and perfect for me. 

And for our beach trips, I'm loving this pretty beach bag - Brakeburn Ditsy Print Beach Bag, a large bag with rope handles, perfect to fit our beach essentials in.

• Birkenstock Gizeh Toe Post Sandal @ £60
• Figleaves Tuscany Spot UW Swimsuit @ £48
• Oasis Fitzwilliam Dupont Bardot Dress. @ £46
• Accessorize Francoise Fedora Hat @ £22
• Brakeburn Ditsy Print Beach Bag @ £29