Cool Things Collection

Category: Learn

  • Activities you and your class should take part in this summer

    Activities you and your class should take part in this summer

    If you’re a school teacher then summer time is the perfect time to get your class outside and active.  We’ve complied a list to give you some inspiration for activities for you and your class this summer.

     

    Learn about nature

    Summer is the perfect time to give your class hands-on experience while learning about insects, animals and plants.  This does not require a trip out but can take place on your school grounds, on the field for example.  The children can learn about different life cycles and habitats while actually observing them.  This could be anything from ladybirds and woodlice to caterpillars and frogs.

     

    Grow your own flowers or vegetables

    As well as observing habitats you could even create some of your own.  Together with the children you could create a home for bees, worms or hedgehogs.  Children could even grow their own flowers or vegetables, learning how to take care of them and the about the best conditions for growth.  This gives children some responsibility as well as teaching them to be patient while working towards an end goal.

     

    Conduct outdoor science experiments

    Bring science lessons alive by taking them outside.  This could be anything from creating your own bubbles to making a sun dial.  You could even build a solar oven out of tin foil and an empty pizza box and make s’mores.  Taking your lessons outside are a great way to bring science alive, making learning fun and exciting.

     

    Visit a farm

    If it is possible to take children on a school trip, visiting a farm is a great hands-on experience for children.  This day out will teach them about growing their own food and living off the land, learning about exactly where their food comes from.  They will also learn how to care for farm animals, understanding their different diets and environments they live in.  They will also learn about health and safety, and the trip increase their understanding of nature.

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    Create a scavenger hunt

    This can be conducted on the school playground and field and encourages team work as well as testing map reading skills and logic.  To ensure they are learning while on the hunt, you could include clues such as find a piece of rubbish or find something you can recycle, teaching children about the importance of properly disposing of waste.  The clues can be adapted for different ages to teach younger children about shapes, for example and to test the logic of older students.

    These are just a few examples of summer actives for you and your class.  These can be just as informative and rewarding as indoor lessons, while allowing children to explore the great outdoors.  If you are considering teaching as a career, get in touch with your local recruitment agency, such as Simply Education, to start your journey.

     

  • The Shopping Tricks They Don’t Want You To Know

    The Shopping Tricks They Don’t Want You To Know

    Shops are there to make money, we all know that, but they don’t always have to win. Most people think that the prices are set and that’s it. The truth is that things are often a bit more flexible than you would think. Under the surface, there are lots of secrets that only the insiders know. Secrets that could save you a good deal of money if you know how to exploit the loopholes properly. Here are the shopping tricks that the retailers don’t want you to know about.

     

    Hidden Discounts

    According to old employees in the retail trade, most high street shops use a set of secret codes to mark items that are going to be discounted. They usually mark any items that are going to be in the sale around a week before the prices come down. If you look out for these markings, you can hold off until the price drops and save yourself big money. One of the most common systems of marking the tags uses numbers and letters. It will usually be a letter followed by a number, e.g. E14. Ignore the letter as it usually denotes where the items are going to be put when the sale starts. The number is what you are really looking for as it is normally the price that the item will be reduced to, so the code E14 means that the item will be put down to £14 in the next week or so. You won’t be able to tell exactly when the sale is going to start, and the staff probably won’t tell you, so it might mean popping back every few days but it’ll be worth it for the savings.

     

    Haggling For Clearance Items

    Clearance sales are one of the best ways to get cheap prices, especially when it comes to tech goods. The shops want rid of them as soon as possible so they’ll give you a great price on them. But they don’t always advertise the items as being clearance items. If there are just a few of them, they might just put them in with everything else. However, there is a way you can sniff them out. Any prices that end in 7, 8 or 1 are almost guaranteed to be items that have been discontinued; prices ending in 1 are the oldest items. Normal prices usually end in a 9 or a 0 so it’s easy to tell them apart. Retailers will often be willing to haggle on price when it comes to clearance items. It’s always worth asking if they’ll give you a reduction, most of the time they’ll say yes because they need the space for newer lines.

    Be aware of clearance items when you are shopping. If you ask a member of staff for advice, they might sometimes direct you towards this out of date stock so they can try to get rid of it. But you can catch them out by checking the price tag and either ask for a reduction or ask to see some more up to date items.

     

    Haggle Online

    You know those annoying help chat boxes that pop up in the corner when you go onto a retailer’s site? I bet you close them straightaway, just like the rest of us. Try talking to them next time, you’d be surprised what they could offer you in the way of savings. If you’ve got vouchers from places like DontPayFull.com that have gone out of date, you might get sent some new ones if you ask for it. It’s also worth asking whether you can have discounts generally, there are some companies that will be rigid on their prices but others will send you discount codes without question. You don’t know if you don’t ask.

     

    Just Ask

    Believe it or not, a lot of high street retailers will offer discounts without advertising them. According to employees, some shops have a policy whereby they will give you a discount if you simply ask them for one. It rarely happens because nobody knows that this is the case, but next time, Just ask. You never know what you might get.

     

    Abandon Online Shopping Carts

    One of the best techniques when you’re haggling is to simply walk away. The likelihood is that they will call you back and give you the price that you asked for in the first place, it’s better than not making a sale after all. The modern version of this is abandoning your shopping cart online, the retailers will come crawling back to you, begging you to buy the stuff. What you need to do is fill up the basket with items and then simply save it and logout. If you leave it for a couple of days, you are likely to get an email from the company offering you a discount on the items. Then simply log back in and buy them at a cheaper price.

     

    Check The Best Days For Deals

    If you’re struggling to find discount codes online, you might be looking on the wrong days. The majority of websites seem to launch their new deals at the beginning of the week. Statistically, Wednesday is the most popular day, followed by Tuesday and then Monday, so always check sites on these days. These rules aren’t uniform and there will be new deals released all the time so if you are serious about making savings then you need to be checking all of the discount code sites every single day.

     

    Paypal And Credit Cards

    This is a big mistake that thousands of people are making without even realising. When you buy something on a credit card, you have insurance on the items from them as well as the retailer, giving you an extra level of protection if something is faulty or breaks. However, the wording of that law is fairly specific and it only applies where there is a ‘direct relationship’ between the bank and the retailer. If you pay with Paypal that is linked to your credit card, those protections don’t apply because instead of a direct relationship, you’ve gone through Paypal.

  • 7 Destinations In The World To See The Best Street Art

    7 Destinations In The World To See The Best Street Art

    Street art tends to be the one type of contemporary art that you don’t actually have to pay to go see. That is, unless you count the travel costs of getting to the place in question, of course! Not that you usually have to travel far – street art is (quite literally) everywhere. From the odd splatter of graffiti to the Banksy murals that go on to sell for millions, it’s always somewhere close by, if you’re willing to look for it.

    But what if you were willing to look a little further afield? Say you had the whole world at your doorstep and could go anywhere you wanted…where would you find the best street art?

    Well, what makes for the ‘best’ street art in the world is a debate we’re not going to be getting into right now. It’s just too complex, divisive and impossible to settle. Instead, we thought we’d highlight what are undoubtedly seven of the best destinations in the world to see outstanding street art – all of which should make it onto your list…if your travel budget is rather on the generous side!

     

    Rishikesh, North India

    First up, this place is often referred to as the yoga capital of the World by those who are into that sort of thing. Aside from this, it’s also renowned for playing host to some of the most incredible street art on Earth. And it’s not just confined to streets, either – you’ll find it all over the place. Bridges, buildings, broken tin roofs – all part of a street art movement that’s captured the world’s imagination. Time your visit right and you could also check out the annual Rishikesh Street Art Festival. ‬‬

     

    Rishikesh Street Art Festival

     

    Toronto, Canada

    A city with a reputation for being as culturally diverse as Toronto was always going to have a spectacular street art scene. And it has – particularly if you head over to Graffiti Alley – aka Rush Lane. The kilometre-long modern street art masterpiece is once again painted over to produce a blank canvas every year, pulling in artists from all over the world who want to make their mark on the city. Albeit, a temporary one.

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    Granada, Spain

    An artist known locally as El Niño de las Pinturas – often dubbed the ‘Spanish Banksy’ – has done a great job transforming the Realjo quarter of Granada into something of a living, breathing masterpiece. Less spray scribbles, more thought-provoking watercolour murals the likes of which pull in art lovers from all over Spain and beyond. Things become even more mind-blowing at night, as it’s not until the shops close and pull down their shutters that you get to see the incredible artwork that’s hidden during the day.

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    Lisbon, Portugal

    Local authorities in Lisbon have done what basically any major city should do these days – they’ve designated specific areas of the city where street art is both permitted and encouraged. Which is great, because it means that if you’re out and about at the right time, you can watch local artists at all levels turning graffiti paint markers into modern masterpieces. Which they do with gusto – most of the areas where street art is permitted are covered in stunning artwork, right down to the last available inch!

    Street art at Picoas in the streets of Lisbon made by the graffiti artists Os Gemeos, Portugal, Europe
    Street art at Picoas in the streets of Lisbon made by the graffiti artists Os Gemeos, Portugal, Europe

     

    Bristol, UK

    If you’re quite happy to tolerate an ever-expanding crowd of painfully-cool hipsters and a fair few squatters, Stokes Croft is where to head in Bristol. Banksy might be from Bristol and there’s always the chance of stumbling over his work, but it’s the local artists that really steal the show as you wander the once-foreboding alleyways at all hours of day and night.

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    Hongdae — Seoul, South Korea

    Slightly further afield, there’s a vibrant student population about the place here and Hongdae is known across the country as the place to head for epic nights on the town. Creative art students have decided to make the area surrounding the university their own, getting busy with walls, shutters and freestanding concrete blocks in a constant state of change.

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    Melaka, Malaysia

    Last up, if you happen to be over in East for a while, Melaka has recently taken the torch from Penang as the kind of place any street art fan simply has to see. Drab, deteriorating properties and once-thriving riverside areas blasted with colourful murals and artwork, which perfectly represent how the place and its people have changed over the generations.

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  • Alternative Ways To Keep Up To Date With Current Affairs

    Alternative Ways To Keep Up To Date With Current Affairs

    Let’s face it, keeping up to date with all the latest news and current affairs can be difficult and can end up being a full time job! While traditional ways of checking up on the latest political and celebrity drama is still something that you can do on your commute to work via the radio or newspaper, there are other somewhat more alternative ways that you can stay informed. In an age where we are becoming more desensitised and impatient than ever, an alternative way of taking in current affairs can come as a welcome change!

     

    Engage In Debates / Discussions At Work

    A great way to get a better understanding and become more informed about current affairs is through getting involved in discussions and debates during lunch breaks at work about what people think with regards to the burning issues of the moment. Brexit, Donald Trump and Cheryl Cole’s baby – these are all subjects that are great to get chatting about as it offers a better insight into how people perceive certain situations based on their understanding which could, in turn, influence yours!

     

    Play Games That Relate To Current Affairs

    Few things can be more fun than keeping up to date with current affairs than being able to play a game. Some companies like Ladbrokes, for example, have created fun ways to stay up to date with the news through creating timely activities such as their Trump Whitehouse interactive game for you to participate in and learn a little more about politics at the same time. Quizzes and other entertaining forms of current affairs activities are also easily located across the web and are a great way to make the content you are hoping to learn about more easily digestible.

     

    Attend A Protest

    One of the most proactive ways to get up close and personal with current affairs and a way that you can actually create news yourself is through the attendance of protests and other local exhibitions/ demonstrations that resonate with your points of view.

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    Protests are rapidly becoming an excellent platform for people to share their opinions about current affairs and have proven to have an impact when it comes to making people pay attention and listen, particularly when it comes to political issues that many people feel very strongly about.

     

    Take To Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram

    There is still the newspapers and magazines of course but the great thing about our social media obsessed age is that we can easily access the latest news and information from around the world as it happens. Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram prove to be invaluable when it comes to sharing information in real time and also allows for the very rapid and personable news reactions too. Social media apps have meant that more and more young people are getting involved in keeping up to date with current affairs which is also having a major impact on the way they relate to and understand the world around them.

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    Regardless of which of our aforementioned ways you choose to keep up to date with current affairs, simply doing so can really influence the way you see and feel about the world around you and can give you a greater opportunity to have your voice heard.

     

  • Got Low Self-Esteem? You’re Not Alone & You Can Beat It

    Got Low Self-Esteem? You’re Not Alone & You Can Beat It

    More people than you may think suffer from low self-esteem. And these issues are worse for your health than most people seem to believe. That’s why it’s important that we investigate these sorts of issues, no matter how uncomfortable it can be. Quite often, the people who feel the most uncomfortable when it comes to talking about the issue are the precise people who would benefit most from talking about it!

    You may think that it would be pretty clear when someone is dealing with severe problems with their self-esteem. But this isn’t always the case. In fact, it’s rarely all that obvious that someone has a problem with their self-esteem. There are people out there who seem to be confident in many scenarios. But beneath this more confident and brash surface is someone who may have deep-seated problems when it comes to the way in which they view themselves.

     

    Is a problem with self-esteem really that big an issue?

    Absolutely. You may think that self-esteem problems can only ever be superficial in nature, but this is wrong. Self-esteem has less to do with how others think of a person and how that person sees themselves. They may think they’re stupid, or clumsy, or annoying to be around, or unattractive, or unfunny. Even when the evidence (such as it may be) makes it clear that they’re not these things, it can be hard to get them to snap out of this negative thinking. It’s linked to high levels of stress and depression – and you should know by now how dangerous those are.

     

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    Figure out when you can change – and what you can’t

    There are loads of problems that may be affecting your self-esteem. But not all of them should be having this effect. Such problems usually relate to expectations that friends, family, lovers, or even society at large places on you.

    When this happens, adjusting how you see the problem can do a lot of good.

    The fact is that there are a lot of things that you can’t really change. And when these things affect your self-esteem, it’s often the result of what you think others think of you. That’s why it’s important that you recognise what areas you can’t change – if you can’t change them, then your goal is to stop dwelling on them.

    Of course, you shouldn’t fall into the trap of believing you can’t change things that, in reality, you can change. Let’s say your low self-esteem stems from a lack of mathematical skills. Many believe that people are just born good at math. While it’s true that some seem to have a natural way with numbers, good mathematical thinking can actually be taught. This is an example of something you can change.

     

    Exercise is always good

    Maybe you’ve heard it many times before: exercise more! Seriously, more exercise can do a lot of good for your self-esteem. I’m not saying that you should be lifting weights and doing crunches (which are dangerous, by the way) until you gave a hundred pounds of muscle and can attract anyone you please. It’s much simpler than that.

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    Just getting up and out of the house and going for a run on a frequent basis can make you feel a lot more confident about your health. And while you may have heard otherwise, losing weight can also help your self-esteem if that’s the area that’s bothering you. (A worrying amount of people out there try to convince others not to lose weight, and that it’s society that needs to change its attitude. But it doesn’t work that way!) Read more about exercise and self-esteem over at http://www.livestrong.com.

     

    Upgrading your style

    Sometimes, giving your style a reboot can also be a great way of boosting your self-esteem. A new haircut is a simple suggestion, but this also has the highest chance of going wrong! So for now you should consider sticking to clothes and accessories. The way you feel about yourself can be improved dramatically if you’re leaving the house and seeing people when you’ve sharpened your style a bit. Look at Pinterest to get some sharp fashion inspiration, and consider looking at some cool urban jewellery.

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    A new skill

    One of the best things you can do to improve your self-esteem? Spend some time trying to learn something new. The benefits of learning new things throughout your life really are tremendous. There’s always something new to learn, so you’re never really out of options! Having new skills and knowledge can help boost your general confidence even if you have other negative triggers!

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    There are websites out there like udemy.com that can help you achieve more than just new knowledge; you can actually gain usable credentials in new skillsets. You could consider learning guitar, or a new language (this one is very good for self-esteem!), or even something that will alter your career path. Computer science skills can be attained online – you just need to have the time and the will to take the steps forward you need.

     

    Be aware of the people around you

    If you’re hanging around with negative people, do you know what will happen? You probably do because you’ve no doubt heard this one before: negativity spreads.You could easily ‘catch; someone’s negative attitude, especially if that attitude is often directed towards you. A cruel cycle can occur, here: such behaviour can contribute to low self-esteem. And it’s precisely that low self-esteem that then causes a person to continue hanging out with people who aren’t very nice to them.

     

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    Put focus into hanging out with the more positive people you know. If a supposed friend is being negative about you, then they’re probably not a great friend. You could try talking to them about it – maybe they’re just fooling around and don’t realise how hard it’s hitting you. But if the behaviour continues, consider finding other friends. 

  • The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second-Hand Car

    The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second-Hand Car

    The appeal of buying a brand-new car is both enormous and obvious. But at the same time, so too is the inevitable downside of buying from new. Still, if you have the luxury of choice and can pick between taking home a brand new car or buying second-hand, it’s a good idea to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each, before going ahead.

     

    The Pros of Buying New

    In terms of buying a car from brand new, the biggest advantages are as follows:

    • First of all, you can get the exact car you want with the exact trim level and specifications you want.
    • More often than not, the newest cars on the roads today are significantly more fuel efficient and also safer than older cars.
    • New cars also tend to be more reliable for the immediate future at least as they have not yet been used.
    • Manufacturers’ warranties supplied with new cars can extend for anything from 3 to 10 years.
    • Excellent finance deals may be available to spread the cost.

     

    The Cons of Buying New

    As for the downsides:

    • New cars will always be significantly more expensive than used cars.
    • The vast majority of new cars lose at least half of their value within the first three years – some plummet in value by up to 30% the moment you drive them off the forecourt.
    • Many modern cars are extremely complicated and technologically advanced, which can make it difficult to carry out even the simplest of repairs.

     

    The Pros of Buying Used

    • The biggest advantage of buying used is that your car is guaranteed to cost considerably less than it would if it was brand new.
    • As you are paying a lower price, you may be able to afford a better car or a higher specification than if you are purchasing brand-new.
    • Used cars do not depreciate in value as quickly as new cars, meaning you’ll get more of your money back when you decide to sell it.
    • You may not need to apply for any kind of credit facility or borrow money that will need to be paid back.

     

    The Cons of Buying Used

    • As you do not know exactly how the car is being treated in the past, there may be hidden problems that only come to the surface further down the line.
    • You may be offered a very limited warranty or no kind of warranty whatsoever.
    • The car may not be as technologically advanced or fuel efficient as a brand-new car.
    • Choice will be limited by the available used cars at the time, meaning you may have to settle for something that isn’t precisely what you are looking for.

     

    If you’ve made the decision to go ahead and pick up a used car, there are a few choice online resources you should definitely check out first. Along with ensuring your credit score is in order, you could also save money and make sure the car you pick up is exactly as it should be.

     

  • Apps that make the inconvenient, convenient

    Apps that make the inconvenient, convenient

    Nowadays, the internet is everyone’s go-to for everything, whether it’s catching up on the latest news, or grabbing that coat you’ve been after for months while it’s still in the sale, we’re using the internet more now than ever before and that’s not something that’s likely to change. With handheld convenience comes a lack of patience which means we are increasingly intolerant of things that get in the way of us doing whatever it is we really want to do. So, with these great apps, you’ll save yourself a lot of time which means there’s more time to spend doing things you actually want to do.

    Uber – This app has revolutionised the way people use taxis. It has made hailing a cab much easier and much cheaper. No one wants to have to stand and wait around for public transport, it’s just inconvenient. However, Uber takes the inconvenience out of public transport, you book your taxi on your phone, you get up-to-date information on your car’s position and estimated arrival time (usually down to the minute) which means you don’t need to take any time out of your day to wait around. In the UK, Uber is your only option for this kind of app, but there are calls for Lyft (an Uber rival in the US) to also be introduced.

    pexels-photoBanking Apps – These are fast becoming the most popular way for customers to interact with their bank. Forget the days of actually having to visit the bank to pay a bill or transfer money, now it can all be done through an app which is super convenient and means you can spend more time doing what’s important.

    hungryhouse – If you’ve left work late and have to make a choice between making dinner or going to the gym, the hungryhouse app could be your best friend, allowing you the time to do both. There’s no need to ruin the diet either, with plenty of organic and vegetarian dishes available as well as a wide range of salads and soups.

    Mealime – Food shopping is something you can’t avoid completely but as well as individual supermarket apps that’ll deliver your groceries to the door, this app should also save you time and money. No more trolley rage, queuing or impulse buying, simply input the foods that you want to eat and this app will provide you with thirty minute recipes which feature your chosen foods and grocery lists for the ingredients, so you can plan out your meals for a week but only purchase exactly what you need.

    Headspace – A definite downside of a busy life can be the levels of stress it creates. This app is intended to increase mindfulness, focus and positivity by teaching you to practice meditation in ten minutes a day. It even tracks your progress so that you can see yourself improve.

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    Office Yoga- Fitness at Work – Don’t have time to get across town to that yoga class? Practise yoga from the comfort of your desk and in doing so, relieve the pains and strains caused by sitting at it and make exercise extra convenient.

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    Cozi Family Organiser – A must for the digital family. No more notes stuck to the fridge, no more missed swimming lessons. This app collates all your family’s activities and turns them into a colour coded digital calendar. It even sends weekly emails to your family members with a list of the week’s events.

    Cozi Family Organiser

     

     

  • Valentine’s Gift Ideas For Her

    Valentine’s Gift Ideas For Her

    Guys, are you struggling with what to get the lady in your life for this Valentine’s Day? Make sure that you steer well clear of the dog house with these great romantic Valentines Day ideas…

     

    Memories are made of this

    Give your wife or girlfriend the gift of precious memories by putting together a package that is personal to both of you. Choose your favourite photos of the two of you together, and add a souvenir or two from your last holiday together. Create a timeline of your lives together, and leave space to add new memories. Add in some of her favourite sweets or chocolates, and you’ve got a gift that will win you mucho brownie points! Or even better, how about….

     

    Romantic photo of sunrise from your special day

    The Day That photograph the sunrise every single morning and have being doing this since June 21st 2005!!! We’ve featured The Day That before in this post as we loved the idea. So much so that we now have 3 framed sunrise photos we purchased from them, two from the births of our boys and one from our wedding. Valentines Day is the perfect time to buy your girlfriend, fiancé or wife a romantic unique gift – and this gift ticks all the boxes. Have a look at what the sunrise looked like on your special day using this calendar:

    You can’t go wrong with jewellery

    Choose a special pair of earrings, or find a beautiful necklace that she will treasure forever. The good news is, you don’t have to have a billionaire’s bank balance to be able to get your other half a gorgeous piece that she will love. If you need inspiration to get yourself started, read this piece about how to pick up jewellery that looks great but won’t leave you penniless.

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    Relax pack

    If she is in the habit of taking on too much, and often puts herself before you and the rest of the family – give her the gift of relaxation. If you tailor it to what she already does to chill out after a long day, you’ll be showing how thoughtful and considerate you are of her needs: and that will go down a treat! If your wife or girlfriend loves nothing better than a good book, do your research to find out the best reads and pick up the one you think will suit her best. Combine that with a bar of her favourite chocolate and some luxurious beauty treats, and you’ll be in brownie point heaven!

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    A day away

    Plan a day out for the two of you to enjoy together. If she’s always wanted to visit a particular art gallery or restaurant – show you really care by including that in your plans. If you’re not sure what your day out should include, think back to your first date. What did you do, and where did you go? Organise that same date again to make sure that romance is definitely on the agenda!

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    The most important thing about getting a gift for the lady in your life for Valentine’s Day is the thought you put into it. If she can see that you have really made the effort, she’ll know that you really care – and that’s worth more than all the presents in the world.

     

  • Why Your Company Should Start Using Videocasting as a Marketing Tool

    Why Your Company Should Start Using Videocasting as a Marketing Tool

    Most people take current technology for granted. After all, the ability to call anyone, anywhere, at any time without additional costs was only developed in recent years. But if you’re a savvy businessperson, you know that you can take this technology one step further in terms of profits. These days, many brands have begun turning to video-casting in order to advertise their products and services to consumers. But why is that, exactly? What are the benefits to using this technology as a marketing tool in today’s digital age? Well, wonder no more, dear reader, and keep reading to find out the pros to video-casting from a marketing perspective.

     

    You Can Reach a Wider Audience Globally

    In the old days of marketing, you had to choose wisely when it came to your marketing channels. You had to figure out which medium your target market would be most likely to look at: television, magazines, or radio. Getting an advertising spot back in the day cost a huge amount of money that many start-ups just could not afford. Live events were even costlier, since that meant booking a prime time slot on popular shows. The thing with these types of marketing strategies, however, was that they were sorely limited and depended heavily on geographic location. If you wanted to market to somebody in another continent, you’d have to jump through so many hoops just to earn a spot. Even then, there was a high chance that your target market might even miss your announcement. However, with videocasting, your audience doesn’t even have to live in the same timezone as you. All they have to do is boot up the web conferencing app and log in from wherever they desire. They can even attend your event from any device of their choice, whether it’s a smartphone, a tablet, a desktop computer, or even a laptop.

     

    You Can Save a Lot of Time and Money

    According to Chron, the costs of business travel are nothing to sneeze at, even if you’re holding a one-time conference. Even just a few days of hopping from one country to another can cost you thousands of dollars. Factor in your transportation expenses, your board and lodging, and your food allowance, and your budget can quickly spiral out of control. That’s just for one trip! Most people wind up having to take multiple trips a year. If your company sends out multiple people to these meetings on a regular basis, you could be sending a ton of money down the drain. Instead, why not invest in a large scale videocasting solution like BlueJeans to save your people the effort? There are no hotel rooms to reserve and no overpriced venues to book. All you’ve got to do is start a conference and send out invites to everybody who may want to attend.

     

    You Can Engage More People with Interactive Videocasting

    You may be wondering why you should go the extra mile with an interactive videocast instead of simply recording a high-quality video and posting it online. While videos do have a lot of value in today’s marketing landscape, interactive video provides the audiences with a way to engage with you in real time. Because advertising has become so commonplace, many consumers feel like no company is genuinely caring about their needs any more. But if you allow yourself an easy way for your audience to interact with you, they get to see a more human side of you beyond the brand name or logo. You can let them ask you all sorts of questions that concern them about your offering, all while giving them an actual human face to connect with your brand. By allowing your audience to see your facial expressions and body language, this medium allows you to form a more intimate bond with them, according to Mashable. This will lead to better memorability, and may even result in new, loyal consumers.

     

    Take Advantage of Interactive Videocasting Now!

    Though it may cost your company a pretty penny in the beginning, all of these marketing benefits will make your investment pay off relatively quickly. What more if you start thinking of other creative ways to make sure of your videocasting solution within your business operations? Keep an eye out for all sorts of ways you could integrate web conference systems into your daily work day, and you’ll be surprised just how much more productive and profitable your business will become.

  • 10 Mobile Side Business Ideas You Can Operate from a Van

    10 Mobile Side Business Ideas You Can Operate from a Van

    With a deluge of goods and services and consumers with disposable income and time constraints who are looking for the more convenient option with top value, it is wise to consider mobile side business as it is bound to yield amazing returns. You don’t have to bother about the logistics of running an office, you can conveniently run any of these lucrative businesses from a van. Be sure to seek expert advice and study the best ways to package a bestselling business. Here are 10 ideas you can operate from a van.

     

    1. Mobile photo studio

      With the rush of selfies and the whole planet turning into one giant photo studio, a mobile studio is one of the greatest ideas. Not only can you shoot and print on the street, you could venture into event photography.

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    2. Mobile makeup artist

      With many more people who are always picture ready- thanks to social media, with a mobile make up studio, you could reach clients in a snap and quietly make quick cash.

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    3. Food vendor

      Who doesn’t eat or love good food? The only challenge in this kind of business is making a choice of what kind of food service to venture into. The reach is limitless and this is one business that could easily expand. Who knows? The business could soon turn into multiple and then you may well be advertising this franchise for sale.

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    4. Mobile auto mechanic

      Most times, vehicles give no warning before issues arise. No need to hide your skills anymore, pack your tools and brand your van.

      car-repair-362150_960_720Here’s five more mobile business ideas…

     

    5. Mobile masseuse

    Clients will run you over if you know how to rub down those kinks in the muscles. Stock up on the scented candles and massage oils and you are in business.

     

    6. Ice cream truck

    While people want to cool off on a hot day, some people just crave the cold desert. From soft serve to pre-packaged ice cream with an array of flavours. This is a potential hit.

     

    7. Packing/unpacking van

    Moving and packing is one business which has easy to handle logistics. All you need is to be more careful and have extra muscles.

     

    8. Mobile decorator

    Whether it be interiors or event locations, this business is in high demand all year round and gives you the opportunity to meet more potential clients.

     

    9. House cleaning

    The potential clients for this line of business are as varied as the number of houses there are. Whether you are busy parents or that lone occupant, everyone needs the services of a good house cleaner.

     

    10. Courier services

    What better use for a van than delivering parcels which makes for a tidy profit.

     

    This is an opportunity to get paid for doing those things you love, and at your convenience. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step so take that step today and get expert advice.

     

  • Tips On Choosing A First Car That Will Last

    Tips On Choosing A First Car That Will Last

    When choosing a first car, most people will often opt for the cheapest option. Of course, this will save you some money now. But, in the future, it could cost you a lot more. Choosing the right car to make sure that you’re going to get something that lasts is hard, though. You need to be careful. So, this post will be going through some of the best ways to ensure that your new car is going to be the best that it can be.

    The make and model of your car will greatly dictate how long it will last. You will find certain makes are prone to low quality, like Renault or Citroen. But, these companies provide very budget options. So, it makes sense. When buying secondhand, you may not need these savings, though. The price difference won’t be so high because you’re getting it used. It’s always worth researching and scrutinising a car before you buy it. Look up reviews and try to choose the most reliable car you can. For example, if you find a used Audi A1, you should search for reviews of that exact car.

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    Mileage can tell a lot about a car on it’s own. A car that has travelled much further will be much more likely to die than one that hasn’t been far. As a general rule, ten thousand miles a year is the maximum you want to be looking at. So, if a car is ten years old, anything below a hundred thousand miles should be good. Of course, you will find cars with much lower mileage than this, though. Always try to find the car that’s seen the least work, to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

     

    When you get deeper into a car’s history, you’ll find even more important information. Everytime a car is serviced, or MOT’d, a record is kept. This record shows work that has been done, as well as work that should be done in the near future. Ideally, you want a car that’s had moving parts replaced as recently as possible. And, you don’t want a car that has work that needs to be done. Otherwise, you could have to make the replacements yourself. That will add to the cost of the car, making it less of a good deal.

     

    And, of course, you always need to look at the car’s current state. If you don’t know much about cars, it might be worth having someone help you. Having a quick look under the bonnet will put your mind at rest that the car is in good working order. You should also ask for a test drive. This will give you a chance to find any odd quirks that the car might have. It will also help you to avoid cars that don’t drive in the way you want.

     

    Hopefully, this will give you some confidence when it comes to choosing your first car. Of course, it’s never bad to ask for help in these situations. Buying a car is a serious decision, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

  • Make Money From Your Fitness Workouts

    Make Money From Your Fitness Workouts

    Fitness is a worthy pursuit at the best of times. If you consider yourself a fitness fanatic, why not take it to the next level by turning it into a career? You’d get to pursue what you love, and have the satisfaction of helping other people, too! We’re going to take a look at a few of the fitness business pursuits you may want to consider.

     

    OPENING A GYM

    If you have money behind you, opening a gym could be the right choice. If you’ve never been able to find a gym that suits, make it yourself! As with any business, you’ll need an original angle to make you stand out. Think about what could make your gym different to others. Would you have equipment that isn’t available elsewhere? Would you offer classes with a difference? If you’re going down this route, consider the space you’re going to use for your business. Do some research on units available and decide which would be best.

     

    BECOME A PERSONAL TRAINER

    Why not study to become a personal trainer? That way, you could use your fitness knowledge to help other people. Research courses and qualifications you would need to turn this dream into reality. The good thing about being a personal trainer is that you can get started with little expense. You can also be as flexible as you need. Though some personal trainers work through gyms, most work on a freelance basis. If you’ve always dreamt of working for yourself, this could be the way to do it. Take a look at personal trainers already established in your area to see if there’s room for you out there!

     

    WRITE A FITNESS BLOG

    Blogs are an ever growing business. All you need to make it work is patience and an original angle. The good news is, you already have your angle in fitness. You could write reviews of fitness equipment, or share you sports routines online. Again, research related blogs out there and see what you could do differently. The good news about taking this route is that you can make money from something you already do for fun. You won’t have to change your behaviour. All you’ll need to do is learn how to share your fitness tips with your audience.

     

    MAKE FITNESS VIDEOS

    With sites like Youtube, making videos is becoming increasingly popular. Why not get the most out of that by turning your hand to some fitness videos? You’ll be doing the same thing as a personal trainer, but you won’t need the qualifications to go with it. You’ll also be able to work from the comfort of your home. Don’t worry about buying expensive filming equipment to start with. Leave that for when you start making money! At first, even a basic camera can provide all you need. People are more likely to subscribe to someone with personality. Try to bring personal touches to your videos. Incorporate that into some fantastic fitness tips to ensure you’re onto a winner!

     

  • How to Write and Distribute an Agenda for a Virtual Meeting

    How to Write and Distribute an Agenda for a Virtual Meeting

    You have probably been in meetings where the participants are unprepared, participants veer off-track and topics discussed are just a waste of time. The main issue that brings about such meetings is poor agenda design. With an effective agenda, you set clear expectations of what is expected before and during your online meeting. It helps team members prepare, allocate time, get everyone on the same topic and indicates when the meeting is over. In case of problems in the course of a meeting, an effective agenda helps improve your team’s ability to quickly and effectively address them.

    Here are a few tips on how to create an effective agenda for your next online meeting. Use the tips whether your meeting is set to last a few minutes or three days, or whether you are meeting of five or fifty.

    Seek Input from Participants

    If you want your colleagues to be engaged in your online meetings, ensure that the agenda has items they are interested in. Ask them to suggest agenda items, with reasons why they feel they are important for discussion. If you decide to remove an item from the suggestion, the best thing you can do is offer a reason to the team member who proposed the item.

     

    Select Topics Affecting all the Participants

    According to AskMen, time management is the key to your success. Time is not only expensive, but also difficult to schedule – especially in a busy work environment. The time allotted to the meeting should only be used to discuss and enable fast decision-making on issues affecting the whole team. This is where you will require the individual input of each team member and they have to coordinate their actions since many parts of any organisation are dependent on each other. There may also be issues that individuals may have different needs and information. If your team is not talking about these interdependent issues, they are likely to lose interest or decline to attend your audio visual meeting. Some of these issues include:

    • The allocation of shared resources

    • How to reduce response time

     

    List Your Agenda Items as Questions that Require Answers

    Many agenda topics are several words strung together to make a statement, for example, “Reducing travel time.” Team members will be left wondering, “What about reducing travel time?” However, when you list your topic like a question that requires answers, “Under what conditions, if any, should we reduce traveling time?”
    The question offers your colleagues a chance to prepare better for the meeting and confirming whether their own and others’ comments are on topic. During your meeting, a team member who thinks a comment is off-track may ask for clarification and the connection of the comment to the topic. Once the question is answered, the discussion is complete and everyone can move on to the next topic on the agenda.

     

    Note the Purpose of the Topic

    Team members will not participate effectively if they have no clue whether they should be listening, giving input or they are part of the decision-making process. For example, if you only want their input and participants think that it is a discussion. The end result is likely to be frustration for everyone involved.

    Video conferencing systems like that of BlueJeans offer you a means of distributing updates before the meeting. Use such briefings to address participant questions. If the purpose of the meeting is to reach to a decision, state it clearly in the briefing.

     

    Estimate Time for Each Topic

    This will help you achieve two things. For starters, you need to calculate how much time you will need to give for the introduction of the topic, question answering, resolving diverse points of view, giving possible solutions and agreeing on what has to be done. If your audio visual meeting has more than 10 people, you need to use the simple math to realise that each member has to have contributed before a decision is made.

    Second, estimating time allows your participants to adapt their comments to fit within their allotted timeframe. Listing time should not be about stopping discussion when time allotted is over – doing that contributes towards poor decision making and frustration. The purpose should be at getting better at allocating time to your team to efficiently and effectively answer questions.

     

    Briefing Distribution

    Send out an Email stating that there will be a meeting, the goal of the meeting and administrative details like when. Ask participants to confirm attendance. Also make it clear that once they have confirmed, they are expected to attend. If you have offices in off-shore locations, you will need to take into consideration the time in their zone as you set about allocating a time.

    Like contemporary meetings, videoconferences should be well organised and should have a PAL (Purpose, Agenda and Length), as explained by McLane Intelligent Solutions. The only difference between physical meetings and video conferencing is that meetings that are not well prepared for appear worse on video. Ensure that all participants are introduced before the meeting, even those who are not appearing in the camera. It would be helpful if each of your locations has a sign to help in identifying it.

  • The Tricks That Can Help You to Save Money on Your Next Car

    The Tricks That Can Help You to Save Money on Your Next Car

    Buying a new car is rarely cheap. Other than our homes, cars are the things that we pay the most for. But there are some tricks that could help you to save some serious money on your next car purchase. You don’t have to spend more than you can afford to and plunge yourself into a bad financial situation. Learn more about what you can do below.

    Know the Market Average Price of the Car

    Once you have decided which car you want to buy, you should start doing a bit of research. This can help you to ensure that you don’t end up paying more than you need to for the car. If you just take the first price you see at a dealership, you’ll probably regret your decision later. By failing to shop around and discover the going rate for the car on the open market, you could easily throw money away. It’s a mistake that is easily dodged, so be sure to avoid it. I’ve used the free used car valuation from Parkers in the past which works well. 

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    Minimise Extra Fees

    There are all kinds of added extras that a car dealer might try to sell you before you get the keys to your car. You should reject all these offers because you don’t need any of them, and they just add to the total cost for you. On top of that, you should ask about any hidden fees that are attached to the deal. Sometimes, you can save money by opting to buy from a dealer with lower hidden fees. Always factor these in when deciding what the best way forward for you is.

     

    Opt for an Ex-Demonstrator Model

    Rather than buying a new car, why not opt for an ex-demonstrator model? These are always cheaper, but they still have low mileage, which is a pretty big advantage. You could get Volkswagen Ex-Demonstrators for a fraction of the prize of a new car, and it’s important to know that. Many people don’t even realise that this is an option that is open to them. So, don’t close your eyes to all the possibilities and options out there.

    used-cars-for-sale

     

    Avoid a Loan

    If you take out a loan to cover your car purchase, you’ll end up paying more in the long-term. That interest will start to pile up, and it won’t be long before you are paying a great deal more than the original price. Whereas, if you were to pay in cash, you would have the issue settled on the spot, and you would never have to pay anything more for the car. So, wait a little longer and save up for your purchase.

     

    Negotiate Better

    Do you want to buy a used car? If you do, then you need to understand the importance of negotiating. If you don’t negotiate properly, you will not get the best price for the car you want to buy. Don’t be afraid to offer less than the asking price. The seller will then come back with a slightly higher offer, and you can reach a settlement from there. That’s the best way to go about it if you want to save money.

     

  • Ageing in men – act fast to stop time in its tracks

    Ageing in men – act fast to stop time in its tracks

    It’s not only women who have to fight the signs of ageing. Us men are as vulnerable as anyone. While women are more susceptible to looking old once they go grey, we’re more susceptible to balding. Starting early is the best way to fight the years. Don’t wait until your hair falls out to do something about it. Acting as soon as the first signs appear, and sometimes before then, is the best way to stop these problems! Get to grips with the anti-ageing options available and make the most of them before it’s too late!

     

    WRINKLES?

    Wrinkles are one of the major signs of age. Even the freshest of faces will fall victim to crinkles and creases at some point. So, what can you do to lessen the damage? Moisturising will work wonders for the hydration of your skin and help hold the wrinkles at bay. A man who moisturises won’t be laughed at by his mates when they’re all wrinkled, and he’s still fresh faced! If lines are already beginning to show, take the time to research the market. There are plenty of products that fill out wrinkles to decrease their appearance. There’s a magic cream for every eventuality.

     

    HAIR LOSS?

    Hair loss can be a major problem. If your father or grandfather are bald, there’s a chance you will be down the line too. If baldness isn’t something you could embrace, there are steps you can take. Keep an eye on your hair. Look out for any bald patches that may be lurking. If you’ve started to notice patches missing, take action before it’s too late. Finasteride tablets for hair loss are a fantastic option for the balding male. These pills prevent or even reverse hair loss. They work by removing the effects of hormones on your hair follicles.

     

    men-hair-loss

     

    GREYING?

    Grey hair is another sure sign of age. If you don’t fancy rocking the silver fox look, there are things you can do. There are hair colouring products available that specifically target grey hairs. These can be great if you don’t want people to know you’ve started dying. Their target specific abilities mean that you get a more natural finish. After all, you don’t want everyone to know that you’re trying to cover a problem! You could always embrace the grey if colouring doesn’t work for you. Wearing your age with confidence can be a good look.

     

    EXPANDING WAISTLINE?

    With age, often comes weight. You may have been skinny your whole life, but as the age piles on the pounds will too. It’s a fact that the majority of older males have a larger belly. That’s just the way it goes, I’m afraid. Metabolism slows down as we age, and so do we. If you’ve noticed your waistline expanding, why not try changing your diet? Eating healthier foods will help in your fight against the weight. It may also be worth cutting out a little alcohol too. We’ve all heard of the expression ‘beer belly’, haven’t we?

    beer-belly

     

     

     

  • Are You a Nervous Driver? Make Getting Behind the Wheel More Fun Today

    Are You a Nervous Driver? Make Getting Behind the Wheel More Fun Today

    If you’re the kind of person that dreads driving, or just hates it completely, you’re missing out. Driving can be a lot of fun when you want it to be. So, unless you’re going to stop driving, it makes sense to improve your enjoyment of it. Here are some ways to make driving a little more fun and relaxing today.

     

    Take the Scenic Route More Often

    Rather than sticking to the grey and boring roads, why not take the scenic route a little more often? When you have beautiful views to look at as you drive by, driving becomes much more enjoyable. Don’t underestimate how important this can be. Take a few detours and see what the natural landscape has to offer you.

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    Find a Vehicle You Can Love

    Next, you should find yourself a vehicle that you truly love to drive. If you think you hate driving, maybe you just hate driving the car you currently own. Having a car that is smoother and more responsive to your actions on the road can help you to recapture some of that fun. Once you have the car that you can really love, you will rediscover what driving should always be about. Take it out on the open road and have some fun with it! There are plenty of businesses, such as Eastern Western, that can help you find the car that’s right for you.

     

    Consider an Automatic

    Driving an automatic could be exactly what you need if you don’t usually enjoy driving very much. It simply takes half the work out of it for you. If your problem with driving is that you don’t like the physical process of controlling the car, then you really do need an automatic vehicle. Don’t listen to all those people that say manual driving is the only real way of driving. Test drive an automatic car, and if it suits you, then go for it. It’s all about finding what’s best for you.

     

    Make Driving a Part of Something Else You Enjoy

    Driving doesn’t have to be something that you do for the sake of it. Why not make driving a part of something else you enjoy? That could help you to become more relaxed and positive when you’re behind the wheel. Perhaps you have a favourite coastal location that you like to visit. If you took to the road more often, you could go there more regularly. The same applies to whatever you want to do. Make driving a part of these positive things to overcome any nervousness.

     

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    Avoid Bad Conditions to Avoid Bad Experiences

    For many people who don’t like driving, it all comes down to bad experiences. This stops them from wanting to get out on the road. So, you should be careful about when you drive. Pay more attention to the weather conditions to ensure that you don’t drive when things are dangerous. By preparing your car better for ice and snow, or even avoiding the roads, you’ll avoid negative experiences. This can help you to develop a more enjoyable view of driving.

     

  • Buying A Used Car? Make Sure You Take These Precautions

    Buying A Used Car? Make Sure You Take These Precautions

    Maybe you’ve just got your license and need to get yourself a vehicle. Or perhaps your old car is wearing down, showing signs that you need a new car. Getting a car brand new isn’t always the best option. In fact, buying used is often preferable. You can still get an excellent vehicle, but at a much lower price.

    Although it often works out more cost-efficient, there are things you need to be careful of when buying used. As long as you take certain precautions, there’s no reason you can’t get an excellent, well-running vehicle. Here are some of the things to take into consideration when buying a used car.

     

    Good Models, Good Mileage

    Buying used can often help you drive away with the car of your dreams. New cars go down by over a quarter of their original price in a year. That means you could potentially get a great 2015 model for a fantastic price!

    You might want to look for a model with excellent fuel-efficiency. These will save you a lot of money on running costs. You should also check each car’s mileage. Those with lower mileage will most likely last you much longer, making for a better investment.

    Higher mileage often means higher prices. A smart way to buy is to get a car that’s built to last for a long time. Look into cars that last more than 200,000 miles. Fords and Toyotas are often excellent when it comes to reliability.

     

    Make Sure It’s Prepared For The Road

    When you buy used, you’ll want to ensure there are no problems with your car. Before you drive one away, make sure it’s fully serviced and prepared to get on the road. It will save you time and money and ensure your car is made to last.

    All good used dealerships will check your car before you drive it off the lot. You may also want to find a dealership who offer paintwork and interior protection. Dealers and many others provide these services for no added cost.

    Not only will your car be prepared, but you’ll also have peace of mind. Make sure you still get your vehicle regularly serviced to avoid problems developing.

     

    Get The Best Price

    When looking at used cars, they may already seem cheap enough. But with some haggling, you may be able to make them even more affordable. Dealers are often willing to negotiate with buyers to make an agreement on the price.

    Additionally, prices go down at certain times of the year. Waiting longer to buy a used car will often result in a lower price. But you don’t want to wait so long that someone else buys it!

    Dealerships also have quarterly targets to meet. November and December are often the best times to buy. Dealers will be eager to meet their yearly sales targets, so you can haggle for an excellent price at the end of the year!

     

    Get Documentation

    All used cars should come with a V5C registration document, car service history, and MOT certificate. Reliable dealers will be happy to hand these over.

    You can also check a vehicle’s MOT history online. The DVLA website also lets you check a car’s identity is valid. These documentation checks will ensure everything is in order with your used car before buying.

  • 6 Top Tips to Help You Organise Your Classroom

    6 Top Tips to Help You Organise Your Classroom

    Useful article for the teachers amongst you. “Where did I put that…?!” is not a question you want to be muttering under your breath while thirty children turn their hard-won attention away from you to one other. Instead, you should be able to head straight to a specific drawer to keep the rhythm flowing and engagement maintained. Being organised means that you’ll be able to find anything you need, the second you need it – a paramount consideration if you really want to keep pupils engaged and focused on you! But, if organisation is something you’re struggling with, (and it’s nothing to be ashamed of, by the way… not with more paperwork, books and stationery than your average shop to contend with…) here are six top tips to help you.

     

    1. Keep your desk area clutter-free

    Your work area is one of the most important places in the classroom. Position your desk so you can see every pupil in the room, and then make sure that you’re not filling it up with too much clutter. Give yourself plenty of ‘blank space’ so you can write, mark and plan at your desk, using storage jars and desk drawers to tidy bits and bobs away.

    1. Invest in storage boxes

    Parents know the value of storage boxes for hiding toys away, and they’re just as valuable in the classroom. Use storage boxes to hold exercise books, learning aids, stationery, arts and crafts supplies and anything else that pupils can’t fit in their desk drawers.

     

    1. Recycle your jars

    Next time you wash out a jar at home for the recycling bin, put it to one side to bring to the classroom instead. Large jars are perfect for storing pens and pencils, and small jars (such as baby jars) are ideal for smaller items such as paper clips, staples and elastic bands. This kind of storage will help to keep things organised, and you’ll quickly be able to see if you’re running low on supplies.

     

    1. Keep your paperwork in order

    As a teacher, you’re going to have tons of paper to carry around with you. Keep exercise sheets filed in folders, use plastic wallets to keep children’s work separate from one another, and use ring binders to store information you might be able to use in a constructive way. For instance, keep a ring binder to track your student’s likes and dislikes, challenges and successes. You can quickly refer to the information and update it whenever you need to, making parents’ evenings, behavioural management and report writing much more efficient. Stock up on ring binders and other filing essentials from a company such as this one.

     

    1. Make use of ‘dead space’

    ‘Dead space’ is a term used in interior design for homes, but it’s just as relevant in classrooms. Dead space refers to the parts of a room that don’t get used, such as the wall space above doorways or the right angle where two walls meet. Ask your school’s caretaker if you can erect some shelving in ‘dead space’ so that you can use it to store equipment, remotes for the technology in the room, or spare books, for instance. You could always get your class some materials such as perspex cut to size and ask them to create the shelving as a DIY project!”

     

    1. Write a guide for your substitute teacher

    Finally, take classroom organisation one step by further by writing a short guide for a substitute teacher in case you’re unexpectedly absent from the classroom. You can detail information such as where everything is kept, the names of the children in their seating plan and what a normal routine looks like in your classroom… it could be the difference between a substitute teacher floundering or flourishing!

     

    If you found those tips helpful, you might want to check out these tips from Good Housekeeping too.

  • Garden Get-up-and-go: Keep Your Gardening Motivation in Winter

    Garden Get-up-and-go: Keep Your Gardening Motivation in Winter

    Even the most enthusiastic of gardeners can lose their drive when the first frost sets in. Although you enjoy being out in the fresh air, it’s tough to garden when it’s a bit nippy. You might not have much to do when the ground is hard, either. But just because it’s cold and dark, it doesn’t mean you don’t want to do some gardening. Staying motivated can be a little hard, but there are a few things that can keep you gardening through the winter. Keep your motivation up by trying some of these techniques to stay enthusiastic.

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    Get a Greenhouse

    It can be hard to grow anything in the winter. Even if you have plants that can survive the frost, it’s either hard work or you barely need to do anything. One thing that can keep you excited about gardening is having a greenhouse. You can control the environment so you’re able to grow things more easily during the winter. Check out your nearest greenhouse supplier and find one that’s suitable for your garden. You might think you don’t have enough space for a greenhouse, but you don’t need a lot. A small greenhouse can fit into a smaller garden and be just as useful.

     

    Garden Indoors

    Gardeners tend to love being outside, but not everyone is enthusiastic about the cold. Cold air can cause problems for lots of people. It could exacerbate your arthritis or trigger your asthma. Or maybe you have poor circulation, and you struggle to garden with cold hands. Whatever puts you off going outside, gardening indoors could be your solution. You could set up a herb garden on your kitchen windowsill. You could set up some planters, or grow some potatoes in your basement. Even some houseplants can help to keep you occupied until it’s a bit warmer.

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    Use Your Weekends

    During the winter, gardening around work can be hard. It’s dark when you leave in the mornings and dark again when you get home. You don’t want to get out and garden in the darkness. If you have anything to do outside, leaving it for the weekend is a good idea. It will be much easier for you to get outside during the daytime. So if you’re planning to go into the greenhouse or potter about in your shed, wait until it’s a little warmer and brighter. You’ll feel much happier if you can feel the sun on your face, even if it’s still cold.

     

    Spend Winter Planning

    There’s often not a lot you can do in the garden during the winter, which can get you down. But if you’re feeling demotivated, why not start planning for next year? It won’t be long before the weather starts to warm up again, but you’ve got plenty of time to prepare. You can start thinking about important tasks once the ground starts to soften. You can think about the new things you want to do and what you want to change when spring arrives.

     

    Winter doesn’t have to mean an end to your gardening activities. Keep your spirits up by being inventive about staying occupied.

  • Grey Hair Ages Women TWICE as Fast as Men

    Grey Hair Ages Women TWICE as Fast as Men

    You only need to take a look at a few iconic figures of stage and screen to note a clearly unfair imbalance. Matt Le Blanc, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and so on – there’s something about a hint of grey hair that makes so many men look so much better. It’s not a case of grey hair not ageing these guys as badly as it might, it’s actually a case of making them even more dashing and handsome than they were before!

    Unfortunately, it seems the same cannot be said for women. Not that grey hair doesn’t suit some women quite beautifully, but when it comes to perceived age…well, let’s just say women tend to draw the short straw in most instances.

    According to a new survey from Crown Clinic, going grey ages women a full TWICE as fast as men. The UK’s largest and most reputable hair transplant clinic carried out a survey of more than 1,000 people, in order to find out exactly how the nation thinks about and deal with grey hair. The results weren’t exactly surprising, though were a little disappointing nonetheless. At least, for women…anyway.

    When pulling the data collected together, it turned out that while a modest covering of grey hair adds around three perceived years to the age of the average man, it takes a full six-year toll on women. On the plus side, women do appear to have at least one very slight advantage over men in the grey hair department. While the average man will start to find grey hairs around the age of the 33, women generally don’t start greying until the age of 34.

    But what’s interesting is the fact that there is still no conclusive explanation for the reason why women tend to begin noticing grey hairs a little later in life than men. Some put it down to the fact that more women dye their hair on a regular basis than men, meaning that in many instances they may have begun going grey without even realising it. And of course, it’s hardly uncommon to simply continue dyeing on a pretty constant basis and remain in denial about the whole thing!

    “More than 60 per cent of us will have some grey hair by the age of 40. For women it is the most important factor, which probably explains why so many choose to disguise their greyness with dye,” Shahmalak says.

    Of course, these days there’s an extraordinary array of temporary and permanent products and treatments to play with, when it comes to effectively covering grey hair. There are also plenty of so-called ‘wonder’ treatments and theories doing the rounds, with regards to stopping hair from turning grey in the first place.

    Which are of course for the most part complete and utter nonsense.

    Unfortunately, there’s not a great deal that can be done to halt or even slow the greying process naturally, given the fact that the primary cause is largely out of our control.

    “Genetics is the main cause,” explains hair transplant surgeon Mr Asim Shahmalak of Crown Clinic.

    “If your parents went grey early, the chances are that you will, too. This is a far more important reason than environmental factors. The younger you start going grey, the quicker you’re likely to go from having a full head of coloured hair to being grey all over.”

    Of course, living a healthy lifestyle and remaining as stress-free as possible can give you the best possible shot at holding onto your healthy and youthful locks as long as possible. If all else fails however, just give the experts a call for a chat about the most effective and convincing cover-up available!

     

  • I’m in carpet cleaning heaven!

    I’m in carpet cleaning heaven!

    I never thought I’d see the day when I got excited by a house cleaning product. Seriously! It’s either because i’m in my late 30’s with kids and it’s that time in my life when I appreciate things that work really well…or it’s down to how brilliant the carpet cleaner and shampoo products from Bissell Direct are. I believe it’s most likely both! We have two boys, five and seven years old. Even if you haven’t got kids yourself, I’m sure you’ll appreciate that things can get messy – it’s inevitable; and if you have children, you will know exactly what I mean!

    A little background to Bissell – they’ve been around for a while. In fact, they are celebrating their 140th birthday this year. 140 years! Your parents and grandparents will know who Bissell are – they are a family run company who invented the Bissell Carpet Sweeper which was patented in 1876. Fast forward to now, Bissell are experts in home cleaning, providing high quality floor cleaning machines for everyone.

    I’m the delighted owner of a Bissell carpet cleaner and a variety of Bissell carpet shampoo products and this is my review of how good/amazing their carpet cleaner is.  To make this clear – I have not been paid for this review or been given these products to review. I wanted to review this carpet cleaner because I believe there are some things we buy that are that good they need to be shouted about. This is one of them.  Another is my new 4k OLED LG TV which I’ll be reviewing very shortly too!

    I just feel with many businesses these days selling inferior products or not doing business as they should, it’s great to see a long standing traditional family run and trusted company making great products for which they specialise in. Just check out this short 3 minute video to find out more about Bissell:

    We don’t have pets in our house as your youngest is allergic to dogs and cats unfortunately. However,  we have already been asked by a few friends and our parents who have dogs if they could borrow our carpet cleaner having heard us singing it praises. I’ll update this page with their review of the carpet cleaner and specific carpet shampoo for pets ASAP. I’ve got a feeling they’re going to get carpet cleaning envy and will want to buy one themselves 🙂

    Here is my review along with some photos I took.

    Special mention is needed for the Bissell Oxy Pro spot stain remover. Wow, this stuff is incredible!!! I sprayed it on a spot of carpet which had a little patch of white paint gloss after a DIY accident- after spraying on the area, left for a few minutes and dabbed, the paint had gone. Unbelievable.

    I’d absolutely without hesitation recommend Bissell carpet cleaners and products to anyone, especially those with pets or children…and if you have both, it’s a no brainer!

  • Make Learning More Fun With These Tips

    Make Learning More Fun With These Tips

    For many of us, learning can be a real bore. The trouble is, we never truly stop doing it! We learn throughout our lives, so, it makes sense to have fun while we do it. Here are some cool tips to help you do just that:

     

    Technology!

    Technology is such a good way to make learning fun for everyone. If you have something to learn, then make the most out of modern technology. Get a tablet and download fun apps and games that help you learn important things for school/university. Head online and use all the fun and high-tech revision resources that are out there right now. Who knows, in the next few years, we may even use virtual reality headsets to help with learning! Imagine that, you put a headset on and get taken to a scene from history that you have to learn about. It would be hands-on learning at its very best.

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    Kids love technology too, so, if you’re trying to teach a child something, this is the way to go. Plus, you get a double effect from this too. Your child starts learning a valuable skill at the same time. They learn how to use computers/tablets, which is essential in this modern world!

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    Rewards!

    Everyone loves getting rewarded for doing something properly. No matter how old we are, we can’t shake that proud feeling of getting an award. You can make learning more fun by giving yourself rewards now and then. These can be things you want but know you don’t deserve until you’ve learned some revision notes. For example, you desperately want a pizza, but, you have work to do. So, learn those notes and reward yourself with pizza.

     

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    There are even places like Trophies Plus Medals that sell little custom trophies you could buy. Perhaps at the end of an academic year, you give yourself a trophy to remind you of the hard work you put in. Or, let’s say you’re trying to encourage others to learn. Maybe you’re a parent or a teacher? Either way, little trophies, and rewards will go a long way to making learning more fun.

    Relevance!

    One thing I find very helpful is when you learn about things that are relevant to you. The problem is, it feels as though most of what we learn is irrelevant. How many of you have groaned whenever you saw you had to do algebra in your maths class? I know I did, and I groaned about lots of other things I had to learn too! 

    The trick is trying to bring relevance to things you find boring.

    Come up with scenarios where they may be helpful in everyday life.

    Or, think of things from different perspectives that speak to you more deeply. At the very least, this encourages you to have some fun when you learn. Instead of boringly copying notes, you’re at least trying to engage in the work.

    All of these tips are perfect if you want to make learning more fun! Remember, they don’t just apply to you. If you have children that need teaching, apply these tips to make them get more fun out of it.

     

  • How finding someone has changed since the 80s

    How finding someone has changed since the 80s

    For our generation, those both in the 80s onwards, finding the details of someone is pretty simple compared to what our parents generation had to do to find someone. Of course technology is the major reason why it’s so simple these days and has transformed the way we get in touch with each other. The first UK phone book was launched approx 135 years ago and it had just 288 names and addresses but no phone numbers were included! You had to give the name of the person you were calling to the operator who then connected you.

    It’s easy to overlook how much harder it was in the days before the internet to access information but thankfully, the internet and access to multiple data sources has changed all that.

    To show you how things have changed in the space of a generation, electoral roll search company Whitepages have depicted how you might have looked for someone in the 1980’s to how you search today.


    How to find someone

    Image source: Whitepages – How to find someone with the edited Electoral Roll

  • What is a deactivated gun?

    What is a deactivated gun?

    Many people are interested in and collect guns as a hobby for display purposes, I am not one myself, but I was recently curious as I saw the term ‘deactivated guns’ being discussed and wondered what this meant. I did a little research and found out that deactivated guns are..

    guns which have been converted so they can’t discharge any shot, bullet or any other missile. 

    As you can imagine there is a lot of laws concerning owning a gun here in the UK. Deactivation is intended to be permanent and UK deactivated weapons must be submitted to one of two Proof Houses (Birmingham and London) in order to check that they have been correctly deactivated to UK specifications. If this is the case they are stamped accordingly and have a deactivation certificate issued. This clearly states what the weapon is and records its serial number. This certificate provides evidential proof that the weapon is no longer a firearm in the eyes of the law and that it is perfectly legal for an individual to own. For example this deactivated tokarev tt pistol gun is deactivated in the United Kingdom and holds a London or Birmingham proof mark and certificate stating that the weapon has been deactivated correctly and is legal within the UK.

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    Guns like the Tokarev TT pistol have interesting histories and as a result are seen as collectable/investments. The TT semi-automatic pistol is familiar to many American arms collectors and was developed in 1930 by Fedor Tokarev(1871-1968). This pistol was named after the city it was developed and produced (Tula) and its designer (Tokarev), or TT for short.

     

    It was developed to meet requirements of the Red Army. In the late 1920s the Red Army issued a requirement for a powerful semi-automatic pistol, chambered for 7.63 mm Mauser round, that would replace the Nagant revolver and Mauser pistol. The Tokarev design competed against semi-automatic pistols, designed by Korovin and Prilukiy. New Russian designs also compared with Western designs, such as Browning, Luger and Walther. As a result, the Tokarev pistol was selected as a winner by the Red Army. The Tokarev TT-33 pistol served from 1930 to 1965 with over 1,700,000 produced. For more information about the Tokarev TT pistol, head over to Wikipedia here.

     

  • 7 steps to becoming an interior design guru

    7 steps to becoming an interior design guru

    Whether you’re just looking to spruce up your home or want to start a career in interior design, these seven steps will have you on your way in no time. We’ve covered just about everything you need to know, including tips on creating your first portfolio and learning to clearly pitch ideas.

     

    1. Follow the golden rules

    We’ll let you in on a little secret: in order to create a successful space, there are three rules that the professionals live by. Rooms should be functional, personal and create the right atmosphere.

    Firstly, it’s no use making something look amazing if it isn’t practical and doesn’t function as it should. And in few contexts is this truer than in home design, as the house has to be lived in every day.

    Secondly, rooms should be connected to their occupants and their style.

    And, lastly, spaces need to give the feeling they’re intended to, be it homely, retro, bold, modern or even Barbie chic. If that’s the atmosphere that the homeowner wants, that’s what they should get.

     

    1. Create a portfolio

    Even if it’s only for your personal use, keeping a record of all your projects is a good way of seeing what works and what doesn’t. If you change your style regularly, it can become a fun memento of what your home used to look like.

    For more serious interior designers who want to make a career of it, putting together a portfolio is important so you can show prospective clients your work. You can include small projects like up-cycling a lamp or styling one corner of a room, right up to redecorating and bigger projects like getting a new kitchen or having an extension built.

    If you’ve finished working on your own house, or don’t live somewhere where you can make major changes, see if your friends or family will let you take on some projects in their place. Treat it like a client brief and it’ll be more experience as well as something to add to your portfolio. Just remember to take some before and after shots, as well as asking your informal client for a written reference you can provide for ‘real’ clients in the future.

     

    1. Don’t be set in your ways

    Almost all of us will have a signature interior style, but if you want to be a professional interior designer then it’s important to meet a brief as well as inject some of your personality into the project – your clients aren’t always going to have the same tastes as you.

    Think about what your style is and whether you could diversify. Instead of always sticking to similar colours, patterns or eras of decoration, try branching out a little at a time. You might surprise yourself and find your new favourite style at the same time.

     

    1. Be well equipped

    In order to create a decent portfolio, you might want to invest in a good camera. Ones that have a wide-angle lens are great as you can capture more of the room in one shot. They also give the benefit of making the scene look bigger. Even without expensive equipment, with a bit of practice you can take a decent panoramic shot on most camera phones these days.

    When it comes to decorating, the right brushes and rollers for the job can make all the difference. Experience and preference will determine what paints and other materials you go for, but some essentials that every interior designer should have are a cutting-in brush, a very sharp Stanley knife for edging wallpaper and a plumb line for marking straight lines on walls – perfect for achieving a stripe or gradient look.

     

    1. Hone your skills

    Design isn’t all about creativity and decorating. There are so many other strings that you can add to your interiors bow with a bit of training. For example, interior designers often use maths to produce scale drawings and computer skills are also hugely helpful when it comes to creating 3D plans.

    From short classes to professional courses across many sessions, you can learn anything from architectural scale drawing and Computer Aided Design (CAD), to drawing techniques, colour and decorative effects. You may even learn how to be more sustainable within your designs.

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    1. Be inspired

    There is a glut of reading material on interior design and home styles. You can find inspiration from home magazines and their counterpart websites, as well as individual blogs and visual tools such as Pinterest and Instagram.

    But a word of warning, don’t get too carried away and try to fit everything into one room as it won’t work. When scrapbooking or pinning, it’s best to split ideas into different boards by colour, style, room type or medium, such as wallpaper vs accessories boards.

     

    1. Moodboard your schemes

    Once you’ve been inspired, it’s time to create a moodboard. This is usually best as a physical item, as things like fabric samples and paint colours are better represented in person. The first step is choosing a colour scheme. As a general rule you should stick to three key colours or shades – a main colour for walls, another for larger accents like sofas, and a third colour that stands out in smaller accessories.

    The colours you opt for will be influenced by how much light there is in a room, so don’t forget lighting. Use lots of it, as it can change the mood massively. Even if you go for shades of the same colour or a monochrome look, you can add texture and pattern for interest. And choosing a statement piece will create a focal point for the room.

     

  • 5 motorcycle clothing tips for riding warm this winter

    5 motorcycle clothing tips for riding warm this winter

    As the Summer begins to fade and those long sunny days are no more, it’s vital to know how to keep yourself warm on those upcoming freezing mornings, where the air is almost too cold to breath in. There is a ton of new and different clothes and technologies to stop you from freezing these days, so we have found the top five items that you need to keep yourself warm on the roads this winter, we wouldn’t want you to get chilly now would we.

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    1) Keep that chest warm

    Keeping the body’s core warm is the most important thing you can do when riding in extremely cold conditions. Without that you won’t even be able to ride the bike, therefore a good quality motorbike jacket is essential. Not only will it keep heat in, it will also keep the cold out, and the rain/snow/sleet, whatever it is, you don’t want that getting through to your chest. It is also important to remember that a good winter jacket may not be the solution for you, you still have to stay safe, and even top end winter coats will rip apart if a rider comes off, so make sure you get a tough material to keep you warm and safe.

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    2) Upgrades

    Upgrading your bike to get a heated seat and heated grips. As I previously mentioned, keeping your core warm in cold weather is of the utmost importance and a heated seat will aide you in this no end, it will keep the blood flowing in your body from your core to everywhere else. It will make you feel a lot better and far more comfortable. Heated grips will keep your hands and legs warm, which is so important as they generally get the least heat from your core, and are vital for your actual riding of the bike so you must keep them warm.

     

    3) Underlayers

    Heated vests and leggings are also a great way to keep your body going in the cold weather. The maintain the heat that you body exudes and there means that you waste barely any of your own heat, which means that your body is not having to work as hard to keep you warm, it essentially just ups your body heating efficiency.

     

    4) Boots

    Keeping your feet warm is similar to keeping your hands warm, they both struggle in the cold being so far away from the core of the body. Feet can be surprisingly sensitive and extremely painful when not looked after properly, keeping them warm and away from the harshness of the weather is a must, and a good pair of boots will do this.

     

    5) Heat Pads

    If you don’t ride all that often in the cold but just get out a couple of times a year then heat pads might be the way for you to go. They’re not so expensive and you could stash them in different parts of your clothing. Maybe not the best solution for long rides but could help you getting from A to B.

  • Remote Work for IT Professionals: Why It Can Benefit Your Company

    Remote Work for IT Professionals: Why It Can Benefit Your Company

    These days, employees don’t have to go to the office to report for work. With video communication solutions, IT employees can now work from anywhere, whether at home, from the café next door or a distant continent. If you want to take advantage of that, it might be time to consider adding remote work to your HR policy. Take a look at what you can expect when you make remote work a part of your company:

     

    Employees are less stressed

    Remote working employees are less stressed, says the Tech Republic. That’s certainly true since they suffer less commuting stress. Video effectively does away with the need to clock in and out of the office so employees no longer have to be tied to their desks for the nine-to-five grind.

     

    Employees enjoy greater flexibility

    More are demanding flexibility from their work, with 74 percent of employees citing work-life balance as the ultimate goal, says the Entrepreneur. Health and family reasons came in second, with 52 percent for each one, while time savings took the fourth spot at 47 percent. This was followed by cost savings at 43 percent.

     

    Employees have more time

    What happens when you take commuting hours out of the equation? Maybe not much. Some spend about two hours going to and from the office. That means two extra hours workers can use to sleep, putter around the house, set things to rights or even just play with the dog. But imagine if you spent about two hours going to work and then another two to three hours getting home because of the brutal traffic, unexpected train or bus delays and dealing with the crush of people every day, with someone’s elbow in your gut or your face pressed to someone’s armpit. Now imagine if you took those extra hours out of every day, what would change? A lot. With less stress to deal with, employees can start the day right. They can report to work, their minds fresh and ready to take on anything that the day has to offer, whether it be tight deadlines or last-minute revisions.

     

    Remote work is now easier than ever

    It used to be that remote work was a threat to connectivity. It was complex and required expensive hardware to function. That wasn’t all. You had to employ high-talent IT staff to look after the system too. That meant every video call, every single video conference required IT employees to be on standby. Not anymore, though. With video meeting services for IT from providers like BlueJeans, all you have to do is download the software, install it and you’re good to go. Since user interface is simple and easy to understand, you won’t have a problem finding your way around the technology. With this communication tool, you can channel your IT resources to more challenging tasks.

     

    Remote work is cost-effective

    It used to cost an arm and a leg (and sometimes another leg!) to put up a communication infrastructure with video system capabilities. Then you had to spend on costly hardware upgrades every few years. That made it difficult for startups or midsize companies to make video conferencing a part of their business. These days, though, the technology is more cost-effective. No costly upgrades or complex systems necessary. Also, since it removes the need to travel, companies can save on travel costs, including other expenses that come with travel such as food allowance, accommodations and even venue charges.

     

    Companies have happier employees

    With a video system, employees have less stress to contend with, and have more time. With more time comes better work-life balance and better health. No need to survive on four hours of sleep every night just to wake up extra early for your morning commutes. Employees have more time to rest, spend with their families and or dedicate to a hobby or exercise, all of which makes for happier employees. And as everyone knows, happier employees are much more productive. They don’t waste time on too many breaks or water cooler gossip. They get the job done and done right.

     

    Companies see high retention

    Another benefit to working remote is that job satisfaction levels are high. The less stressed your employees are, the better they work. Some employees take telecommuting perks as a sign that the company cares for their well-being. This has a hugely positive effect, so employees are more motivated to deliver, to meet or even exceed standards. They’re also less likely to up and leave the company, resulting in high employee retention levels.

     

    So if you still haven’t made remote work a part of your company, it might be time you considered that stance. If you want your IT team to enjoy going to work again, give them the flexibility they need to build better lives outside of the job they have.

     

     

  • Getting Your Children Eager To Learn This School Year

    Getting Your Children Eager To Learn This School Year

    The school year has just begun which can be a nerve wracking time for children and parents alike. Harry, our youngest started school for the first time this week and children do settle quickly into their new routines, but each year it’s a good idea to get them excited to learn again. Starting them off at home will mean they have the best start when they get to school. Here’s how you can do it:

    Build Up A Strong Book Collection

    Building up a strong book collection can get your children interested in reading stories, as well as learning about a variety of subjects. You should make reading material easily accessible to them. Both our boys love ‘Room on the broom‘ at the moment. Next week it’ll be something else. Build up a strong book collection with lots of different books. Even start your own library! Have magazines they can read too. Read to them from a young age and get them to read to you. If you specifically want them to learn about school at this time, you can read them stories about that. There are so many resources online you can let them learn with too. Things like Hawkin’s Bazaar Killer gadgets quiz can even be educational. Have fun with it!

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    Share Your Passion With Them

    You don’t necessarily want your children to share your passion. After all, they are individual and should get a sense of what they like and don’t like themselves. However, there’s nothing wrong with telling them about your passion, and letting them see you get excited about it. For example, my passion is photography and often show and teach my boys how to use a camera and take a good photo which they enjoy. They’ll learn from you, and they might even begin to follow your lead. Dylan our oldest is already taking some impressive photos. Answer their questions honestly, and let them watch you or get involved if possible.

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    Work On Their Natural Interests

    Have an idea of what your kid’s natural interests might be? If you really listen to them and watch them, then you should. Find ways to encourage them. If they like writing, maybe buy them a cool gadget like a typewriter. You could even just buy them a fancy book and pen to write with. If they are interested in things like gardening and bugs, buying them tools for the garden would be a great idea.

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    Don’t Be Too Pushy

    Although you want to encourage your child to get excited and excel, make sure you’re not too pushy. Pushy parents can put unnecessary pressure on kids, and make them feel stressed out. This sucks all of the fun out of any activity, and can even make them develop psychological problems without you realising it. Make sure you encourage them in a healthy way.

     

    Avoid Giving Rewards

    Giving rewards occasionally can be OK, but giving rewards for things like reading and doing homework isn’t recommended. This can take the focus off the task at hand and make them focus too much on the reward. In essence, it can actually suck the fun out of doing something that helps you learn just because you want to. If you want to reward them, you could do so with a film or something.

     

    Develop A Great Morning Routine With Them

    When your kids have a great morning routine, they tend to have a better day. Getting them up at a consistent time and developing a fun and productive morning routine will ensure a brilliant day at school!

  • Amazing Ways All Sports Are Alike

    Amazing Ways All Sports Are Alike

    On the surface, most sports look radically different when compared with one another. There is the occasional copycat such as the similarities between rugby and American football. For the most part, though, they fit in their worlds. Or do they? You might be surprised at the factors that you’ll find in every sport.

    Celebration

    Almost every sport in the world that you can think of is celebrated. It has fans and often there are arenas packed full of people waiting to see their favourite athletes. Even sports that seem to fit into niches have fans online anxious to see the next viral video of someone hurtling out a helicopter while skiing. The celebration of the game and praise for the athletes exists for every sports activity.

     

    Rules and Regulations

    The first rule of fight club might be that there are no rules. For every other sport, though, there’s a strict list that you have to abide by if you want to play the game. You might think this is to ensure that the game is fair, and that’s partially correct. But a much more important reason is so that all athletes are safe.

     

    Protective Gear

    The protective gear in sports may be optional, but it’s certainly available in pretty much every sporting event. If you’re playing American football, there’s foam padding in the armour that you wear, footballers (or soccer players) wear shinpads, boxers have padding in the gloves to cushion the hits, and even rugby players wear padded helmets to protect their skulls..not to mention that mouth guard to make sure they end a game with a full set of gnashers. You can read more about how padding protects players in the infographic below.


    Created By Technical Foam Services

  • Awesome Accessories For Beard Lovers

    Awesome Accessories For Beard Lovers

    Whether you are looking for a gift idea for a hairy partner or want to make the most out of your beard, we have you covered. In this guide, we’re going to go through some of the best accessories available for beard lovers. Let’s get started right away!

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    Beard comb

    No beard owner should be without a proper beard comb. They are available in all shapes, sizes, and materials, but we love the look of wooden beard combs. They are just more classy, more masculine, and go perfectly with the whole beard ethic. You can also get them personalised with your partner’s name from some manufacturers.

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    High-quality beard oils

    Beard oils help keep the hair on your face lovely and smooth. They also help prevent facial dandruff – or beardruff, as it is now known. There are tons of varieties on the market so find one that appeals to your sense of smell. One word of warning – using beard oil does not mean you can forget about washing your beard. It can add shine to clean hair, but it will make dirty beards look greasy and dirty.

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    Growth formula

    Not all men are blessed with the ability to grow the perfect beard, of course. Some might struggle to grow anything substantial at all, while the vast majority have areas of patchiness. While this isn’t a problem once you reach ‘full beard’ status, you might need to explore some of the best beard growth products out there. It might help you fill in all the gaps that appear when you are going through the growing out stage.

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    Cut-throat Razor

    Just because you have a big, manly beard, doesn’t mean you can stop shaving. So go for a beautiful cut-throat razor – the kind your barber uses. It will help keep your beard well defined, and it’s just about the manliest accessory you can own.

     

    Electric trimmer

    Beards are awesome – but less so when they become unkempt. While you can sculpt your beard’s shape with a straight-up razor, you’ll also need to trim away any excess with a pair of trimmers or clippers. Find one that feels good in your hands and that you can wield easily. The slightest little mistake can have grave consequences for your beard, and all your hard work growing it can come undone in a moment.

     

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    Complete kit

    There are lots of full beard kits out there at the moment. They tend to come with beard oil – essential for keeping away ‘beardruff’, as we mentioned above.  They will also have some styling wax, clippers, and a comb. Most of the kits you find will be for smaller beards, but they double up as great little travel kits, too.

     

    Beard: the book

    Need some inspiration for your facial hair? Perhaps you would like to try something new or extravagant? If so, look no further than ‘Beard’ by Matthew Rainwater. It documents some of the amazing highlights of a Beard and Moustache Championships. And, it goes some way to explaining the beardy phenomenon.