Cool Things Collection

Category: Living

Setting up your man cave: 5 ways to make it happen!
Once referred to as the “last bastion of masculinity,” man caves are becoming more and more popular among men wanting somewhere of their own to relax with a drink, play video or bar games, and have some much-needed downtime. But with space at a premium in many people’s homes, turning the dream of a man cave into reality isn’t always easy, especially as the room required to raise children or work from home usually takes precedence. However, it is well within the realms of possibility to make your man cave happen even if you don’t have much room or resources at your disposal. Here’s how…
1. Utilise excess outdoor space
If you don’t have a spare room or enough space inside your home for a man cave, there’s nothing stopping you from creating one outside instead. From wooden sheds to prefabricated metal huts, there are numerous options to choose from, many of which are incredibly durable and extremely comfortable whatever the weather. Even so, you’ll still need to abide by planning permission rules for outbuildings and structures such as sheds. Most of the time though, planning permission won’t be required.
1. Measure your space and plan accordingly
From reclining chairs to widescreen televisions, pool tables to sporting memorabilia, they’ll be a temptation to cram as much stuff into your man cave as possible. But, in order for it to be both fun and functional, you should measure the available space carefully and plan out where everything is going to go.

An easy way to plan your man cave is to transfer your measurements to graph paper using a 1/4″ or 1/2″ scale. By working out the details on paper before hand, you’ll find it much easier bringing everything together in real life.
1. Make a list of everything you’ll need
Once you’ve got a location for your man cave and planned the available space carefully, you can get busy with a list of everything you’ll need to make it happen. Along with furniture and appliances, don’t forget to include things like carpet or flooring, paint for the walls, and other miscellaneous items.

Also, it’s a good idea to leave yourself a 10-15 per cent allowance for unforeseen costs and expenses – there’s bound to be some.
1. Create a realistic schedule and stick to it
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and chances are your man cave won’t be either. So, come up with a realistic schedule of when certain jobs need to be completed by and stick to it, otherwise you’ll end up falling behind much to the frustration of your partner or family.

Don’t forget that the creation of your man cave can be just as fun as admiring the end result, so relish the time spent decorating and renovating.

Get professional help as and when required

Even if you’re an adept and accomplished DIYer, there could be several jobs that are best left to the professionals, especially those involving gas and electricity.

After all, the NHS recently revealed that there were almost 4,800 admissions to hospital wards for injuries from drills and other power tools in just 12 months. Don’t be a statistic by getting help as and when you need it most.
25 April 2019
Is a French wedding a mere fantasy?

There’s something undeniably romantic about a French wedding. For many brides and grooms, tying the knot in a fairytale château is the ultimate fantasy, but also one that they may not feel is achievable or affordable. However, French weddings can be more than just fantasies if they’re planned and executed carefully. Read on for our guide to how you can make your dream of a French wedding a reality.

The legalities

Some of the most important considerations to make for weddings in France are legal ones. You should make sure you understand the legalities involved, as there are certain rules to navigate when planning a French wedding.

A wedding can only take place in France between two consenting people who are at least 18 years of age. Furthermore, those travelling to French shores for a religious ceremony are required to already be married in their home country. However, a civil ceremony performed in France is both internationally recognised and legally binding.

You must also remember the necessary paperwork for making a wedding application. You will need to provide proof of residency in France for at least one of the parties to be married, a minimum of 30 days prior to the wedding application.

Valid passports and original birth certificates will also be required, as will certificates of celibacy stating that you aren’t already married, and an affidavit of law making clear that you are free to marry and your marriage will be recognised in your home country. A divorce decree and prenuptial agreement may also be appropriate.

The budget

French weddings can be expensive, and you won’t want money worries to hinder your enjoyment of planning your big day. That’s why it’s so important to research the costs involved for a dream French wedding, and to decide on your budget before you start contacting venues.

To apply for a marriage application for your civil service, you should expect to pay about €95. The next step after this will be to contemplate how much the wedding itself will cost you. French wedding venues tend to provide both a package deal and per-guest cost.

Such factors as the venue, location and formality level you desire will impact on how much you ultimately pay for your French wedding. Nonetheless, you can expect quotes for two to three nights to be around €5,000 to €10,000.

Estimated costs for a 30-person destination wedding in France tend to hover at around €3,000 for the accommodation, €100 for paperwork/administration, and €1,500 for the reception site.

The practicalities

Before you become swept up in the romance of your French wedding, you should make sure you’ve ironed out important details like the guest list, the venue’s accessibility and the date of the wedding. You may have fallen in love with a particular fairytale wedding venue, but you need to ensure it can accommodate your invited guests. That will mean looking for a certain size or capacity of venue. You should also consider the travel that will be required for those journeying to and from your intended venue. If great numbers of people will be travelling from overseas, it will be highly advantageous to pick a venue that is in close proximity to airports and hotels.

Once you’ve settled on a specific venue, you should start planning right away. French wedding venues tend to be in huge demand, and can therefore become fully booked a long time in advance of the date you have in mind (same applies for wedding photographers and entertainment so book those as early as possible.

It’s because of the huge demand that you may also need to be prepared to compromise if you are to secure a certain date for your dream wedding at your preferred venue. Start the ball rolling as soon as you can is the key.

2 January 2019
How to Turn Your Small Kitchen More Functional?

Not every home has a large kitchen space; for this reason those who live in small spaces look for alternatives to make daily activities comfortable. With the case of a small kitchen, this means making the most of the space provided so cooking and food preparation is hassle-free. Let’s look at some of the tips that you can implement to make your small kitchen more functional. To start off, let’s talk about those of us who are busy in setting up a new home which may have a small kitchen. Small kitchens are typically found in apartments and flats or new one/two bedroom homes and therefore more thought must go into choosing what accessories to use and when to do so. This is because a small kitchen can easily look cluttered as a few items are exposed out of the cabinets. Even if using two or three different appliances, when it comes to designing kitchens, they must think of colours in contrast to the kitchen worktops and splashbacks. Light colours such as white and light grey are quite popular in small kitchens. Especially white in all it shades, since it makes small spaces look bigger. Furthermore, white kitchens look clean and bring light inside too. If you are one of these homeowners, you must remind yourself that a small mistake can make your kitchen look dull, cluttered and/or leave impractical. Functionality is the key in order to make small kitchens practical and easy to use.

Here are some tips which will help you make maximum use of a small kitchen:

Choose your kitchen worktop wisely with slim edges

As your kitchen space is small; your kitchen worktop should be the toughest. They will be subjected to heat, scratches, stains and to an ample amount of moisture. Hence, to fight all these conditions you can choose for porcelain worktops. You will find that branded porcelain worktop materials are approximately 30% stronger than granite. For this reason, manufacturers of ceramic worktops and porcelain surfaces make slabs as thin as 12mm. 12mm porcelain work surfaces are very strong and suitable for use as kitchen worktops. As a matter of fact, 12mm is the most popular thickness amongst homeowners of sintered porcelain worktops.

When it comes to cleaning, only warm tap water and a cloth is enough. Also, you can use soapy water, or even household cleaners such as window spray if you come across stubborn marks. There are several brands in the market that make beautiful sintered porcelain and ceramic worktops which include Dekton, Neolith, Laminam, Ceralsio and a few others. These are all Companies and products with proven experience. Their products performance is superior to natural stones which is what has made these materials so popular over the last few years.

You can purchase neolith porcelain which is manufactured by fusing feldspar, raw clay and silica together at high temperatures. Neolith sintered stone provides an exceptional cutting edge, which is an additional point to your small kitchen. Neolith worktops are the ultimate form of sintered porcelain which people normally install in their tiny kitchen. Neolith was born in 2009 in Spain and in a relatively short period of time, it has become a worldwide recognised brand. The Company started making many different materials and designs with different looks. You can choose marble effect, iron effect, concrete effect worktops and many others. Neolith has made possible for you to have worktops with looks that were unimaginable in a kitchen only a few years ago.

Implement over the sink a cutting board

When you have a tiny kitchen, your kitchen island can take up additional counter space. But if you can’t spare the precious floor space, then you can implement the idea of an over-the-sink cutting board. This is nice and cute. Speaking of which, besides being cute, it helps you to rinse the veggies before chopping the same. Having a bespoke stone chopping board over the sink is a quick fix. When you order you kitchen worktops, ask your stone fabricator to cut a chopping board with the off-cut of the material. Not only that matching chopping boards in stone look sophisticated. They also ‘disappear’ in the kitchen by blending with the rest of the matching surfaces and décor.

Implement a heavy-duty kitchen splashback for best results

You can choose a stainless-steel pegboard splashback which will allow you to keep tools handy and will also resist water splashes. But sometimes you may often think about implementing a matching splashback which would blend with the rest of the décor, making the room look more spacious. It may also help you in achieving a more traditional look to any small kitchen. Laminam ceramic backsplash may be another good option for you if you are thinking that way. They come in varied textures and they are highly durable in all conditions. The new generation of ultracompact surfaces and sintered porcelain and ceramic are something else. The products can be used also in bathrooms and other interior areas. Additionally, you can apply these products outdoors too. This makes it easy to achieve a consistent look through the house, whether it may be inside, outside; or both indoors and outdoors.

There may be several other tricks by which you can increase the functionality of a small kitchen. One thing that you must keep in mind throughout the customisation process is the lighting conditions. Choose the positions of your appliances so that it doesn’t block the sunlight entering through the doors and windows. Install your artificial lighting in such a way so that your tiny kitchen looks spacious. Moreover, also keep in mind all these fields of concern and make the best out of your reduced sized kitchen.

18 December 2018
Everything you need to know about dermal fillers

Dermal fillers can be a wonderful way of plumping up your skin and re-energising it to glow with more youthful rays. With more and more celebrities, as well as everyday people, utilising the effect of derma fillers in order to achieve their desired look, it is quickly becoming a very popular form of cosmetic enhancement. However, before taking the leap you must consider it carefully and comprehensively.

Below are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding dermal fillers:

What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are small injections of a gel, which consists of hyaluronic acid and fills in the gaps between your wrinkles by adding volume to your soft tissue. Dermal fillers are incredibly versatile fillers and can be injected into a variety of different body parts including, but not limited to, your mouth, eyes, cheeks, jawline and even your lips. Almost any part of the face can be injected with dermal fillers and plumped up to the standard that you require.

However, this is dependent upon which clinic you frequent in order to get these injections, as each clinic can differ on which services they offer. For example, there are Dermal Fillers in London which predict that your fillers should last between 6-18 months at a time.

How long do dermal fillers last approximately?

Depending on the individual and the chemical as well as the elasticity of your face, dermal fillers can last between 6-18 months. However, this is very much dependent on how much filler is injected into which part of the face, as well as how your body reacts on an individual level to hyaluronic acid.

How much do derma fillers cost?

As a result of dermal fillers being a temporary form of cosmetic enhancement, they can cost quite a lot in the long-term, depending on where you wish to be injected, how much you require, and how quickly your body breaks down the hyaluronic acid. There are also other reasons why dermal fillers tend to vary in price.

On average, dermal fillers cost approximately £500 per syringe, however this price can differ dramatically – either higher or lower – depending on the treatment you need, as well as the clinic you choose to have the procedure in.

Are there any major side effects of dermal fillers?

As with almost any cosmetic treatment, there is always some form of risk when having this procedure performed, however with dermal fillers, the risks are very low.

Much like some of the mild symptoms created after other facial injections, dermal fillers can induce some swelling, redness, as well as tenderness near, or even around, the injection site. There are also some mores serious implications of dermal fillings, such as forming lumps under the skin and filler moving away from the intended treatment area to other places in your face. Other side effects of dermal fillers include bruising, itching, and rashes – in some rare cases, blocking blood vessels with the filler can also occur, however, it must be noted that this is extremely rare.

Are dermal fillers painful?

As with any injection, there is a moderate amount of pain that comes with this procedure. However, dermal fillings are mixed with a local anesthetic, making them a practically painless experience.

7 December 2018
How Would You Spend £1 Million?

Even if subconsciously, it’s a question you’ll have pondered on multiple occasions. If you suddenly found yourself with £1 million in your pocket, what exactly would you do with it? Splurge it all on meaningful nothingness, or invest it more carefully in your future? Realistically, you’d probably find yourself slightly more limited than you might expect. The reason being that £1 million isn’t worth quite as much today as it used to be. It’s still a serious amount of money, but not necessarily enough to lead a millionaire’s lifestyle…so to speak.

Sensible Spenders?

In order to shed a little light on the whole thing, the folks at Betway recently commissioned an international survey. Polling 3,000 across the UK, Europe and the United States, they asked those polled to honesty reveal how they’d splash the case, if they won £1 million. Suffice to say, some of the findings were more (and less) surprising than others. In the United Kingdom for example, a full 43% stated that they would definitely buy a house. Hardly surprising, given how difficult it is to get on to the property ladder in the UK these days. Likewise, 15% stated that they would pay off their mortgages before anything else, while a further 11% stated that clearing their debts would be their number-one priority.

Considerably further down the table, only 8% said that they would prioritise buying a new car. Winning £1 million might conjure images of sports cars and champagne, but it seems most Brits have more sensible purchases in mind.

That said, 13% said that they would definitely book an immediate luxury holiday, while just 5% said they’d invest their winnings in a new business idea.

Charity donations don’t appear to be a priority for Brits striking it rich – just 1% said they would give some of their winnings to a good cause.

Men Vs Women

There were also a few interesting discrepancies between male and female prospective millionaires. For example, while 45% of women said they’d buy a home, this dipped to a slightly lower 41% for men. Surprisingly, while 3% of British men stated they would donate some of their cash to charity, precisely 0% of British women said the same. 17% of UK women would immediately pay off their mortgages, while just 12% of men would clear their outstanding mortgage balances.

Entirely unsurprisingly, a solid proportion of those polled – 50% to be precise – stated that they would quit their jobs if they won £1 million. 30% would keep working, while 20% would take an extended break. Interestingly, while 54% of men said that they would quit their jobs, the same was true for just 47% of women.

Of course, exactly what you’d do with £1 million comes down to countless variables regarding your current position and financial status. Nevertheless, the findings from Betway would seem to suggest that when Brits strike it lucky, we’re far more sensible with our purchase decisions than you might expect.

Not particularly generous, but sensible nonetheless!

28 November 2018
How to Create a Home Office that Boosts Productivity

While working at home can seem incredibly ideal, for others, it’s a struggle. The procrastinators typically fall into this band the most, as the oozing appeal of home comforts distracts them from their work. After all, there’s no manager around to keep an eye on things, and some home workers can get away with chopping off a few minutes of work time here and there for some undeserved relaxation. Consequently, you must ensure that your home office increases your productivity. Staying on task is incredibly important when working from home, and while a great deal of it comes down to willpower, your efficiency can also be influenced by your surroundings. Therefore, here’s how to create a home office that boosts productivity.

Small Clocks

If you’ve ever seen a film or TV show that’s at least partially set in an office, no doubt you remember those tiny clocks on the walls that display the different times in different countries and their capital cities. Well, while it might seem like a pretentious arrangement, these clocks might just give you a bit of an edge in your work. While those little clocks might just remind you of the world outside, they can also help you be productive too.

If you’re working from home, you will be communicating predominantly through email or phone calls. Therefore, if you’re part of a global team and need to get into contact with people overseas, an awareness of their time zone will prevent you from disturbing them during sleeping or meeting hours. Moreover, a quick acknowledgement that life is going on elsewhere may help you feel less alone and more connected with the world.

Workout Gear

When you’re working from home, you’re stuck inside all day, mostly confined to that single office space. Therefore, anything that helps you shatter that notion is a big plus and will boost your physical and mental health. You don’t want to feel trapped, isolated or start feeling sorry for yourself, so exercising can really remind you of your life outside the office grind. Remember, many already know that exercise increases productivity, so consider adding some gym equipment to the space. Granted, you’re not running a gym, so don’t overdo it. Still, there are desk-treadmill combinations out there, so don’t be hesitant to inject a minor exercise regimen into your home office. After all, you might be able to think big when you’re on the treadmill rather than slumped in a desk chair with your head in your hands!

Splash of Colour

A productive office space doesn’t mean a boring office space. There’s no need to be overly formal with the whole thing, or make your workspace resemble something from a corporate setting. While it’s important that your work area is practical, this doesn’t mean you need to go overboard and start painting the walls in hues of greys and whites (unless you legitimately love those colours). No matter what, you should avoid any colours you find boring and dull. One of the benefits of home working is that a little splash of your personality can be put into your surroundings. Whether it’s some colourful and quirky additions to the space or bright and cheerfully painted walls, sometimes the colours of a room can really lift your mood. If you love your workspace then you’re more likely to love your work too, so really consider incorporating an appealing colour scheme to your office.

Mini Fridge

If you think of the typical corporate space, then you’ll know that quick breaks are rarely just that. To go on a break, employees will first save all their work, then gather their things, lock down their computer, walk across the office floor, go downstairs (sometimes multiple floors), start chatting to co-workers, and only then rummage for their snack in the fridge. In the end, each little thing takes up time that could otherwise be spent working. However, if you put a mini fridge in your home office, you can cut the time spent walking around and preparing snacks. After all, if you live with others, you don’t want to bump into someone in your kitchen and be roped into a discussion, as you need to get back to work! While you shouldn’t stock your mini fridge up with tons of booze for the working day, a little chocolate bar and a cold drink can quickly refresh you so that you can quickly get back to work.

23 October 2018
The Best Apps To Help You Make Money

It’s amazing what resources we currently have at our fingertips. In just a few taps we’re able to connect with friends from around the world, browse breaking news, and if you’re feeling particularly savy you can even start earning some extra cash. There are so many apps which can help you to start making money. Some involve more work than others – it all depends how much time you have to put into them. Have a read below and get inspired to start increasing your income.

Depop

Clothing apps such as Depop can be such a resourceful tool. Not only do they help save you money, but it gives you a chance to sort out your wardrobe at the same time. Depop is a user-friendly, fashionable app. It’s like thrift shopping, but all from the comfort of your own home. So you can have a clear out and make some cash at the same time. What’s not to love? Even better, when it comes to sending out your packages, with Parcel2Go you can save additional money on your postage fees. It’s a win win.

Etsy

With Etsy, you can begin to make a profit from your hobbies. It is an online marketplace bursting with homemade goods. It has everything you can think of: from sock animals to jewellery inspired by pieces of literature, with plenty more as well. If you like creating, this can be a great place to start selling your work. It can be anything you like: from knitting to painting to homemade beauty products. Explore your passions and you may be pleasantly surprised when you start making a profit from them.

Job Spotter

According to Which Job Spotter is a great app for earning you a bit of extra money. How does it work? All you have to do is take pictures of job advertisements you see and upload them to the app. You collect points as you go, so the more uploads you do the more points you get. Spotting ads for a small business gives you more points than an advert for a large company. The app was created by Indeed and the photos you upload will be browsed by people looking for work.

Ebay

This is easily the most well-known app on this list and for very good reason: it’s the biggest online marketplace. You can sell literally anything you like on there. You no longer have to go to your local car boot sale to shift your knick knacks, you can do it simply by using your smartphone. If you’ve been meaning to have a clear-out, you may as well try make some money from it. Ebay may not be as creative as some of the other apps that make up this list, but it gets the job done. There are so many potential buyers out there, so what’s stopping you from becoming a seller?

23 October 2018
Top Tips for Improving Your Commute

The daily commute to and from work can be tedious, whether you drive, take the train or cycle. It can feel like a lot of wasted time that you’ll never get back! However, it’s possible to turn your daily commute into a more enjoyable, productive task. To give you some inspiration, below you’ll discover some top tips for improving your commute.

Check out some new music

Regardless of what type of transport you use to get to and from work, what better way to pass the time than with a little music? Music is renowned for its ability to instantly alter the mood. Listening to upbeat music you enjoy can mentally prepare you for the day ahead.

If you already listen to music on your commute, now’s the time to change your playlist. Discover some new music, give yourself something new to listen to. This tip alone can make your commute so much more enjoyable.

Make your cycle to work more enjoyable

Cycling to work isn’t just better for the environment – it’s better for you too! Providing a great little workout, cycling to work can help you to stay in shape while also doing your bit for the environment.

You may even want to invest in a new bicycle. These days, the range of bicycles on offer is impressive. You could even invest in an electric bicycle. This could significantly cut your commuting time and let’s face it – anything electrical is more fun to ride!

Use it as a self-care opportunity

When was the last time you really focused on taking care of you? Self-care is crucial to eliminating the stress build-up brought on by everyday life. However, most of us tend to get so caught up in our hectic lifestyles, we forget or simply don’t have the time for self-care. However, your commute could be the perfect time to start taking care of you.

If you’re travelling by train or taxi, reading a self-help book or making a list of the things you’re grateful for can really help to put you into a positive frame of mind. Or, simply use it as a time to read and do something you really enjoy.

Leave a little earlier

If your commute tends to be hectic, it’s a good idea to start setting off a little earlier. This may sound like a simple tip, but it’s easy to avoid leaving earlier than you have to – especially if you don’t particularly like your job! However, leaving earlier than you need to will make the journey a lot less stressful. You’ll be able to take your time, giving you more time to settle into the office or workplace before starting work.

Overall, there’s no reason why your daily commute can’t be more enjoyable. The above are just some of the things you can do to make it less tedious. Of course, if your commute is particularly long, you could always consider moving closer. Experts recommend moving within 5 miles of your workplace to minimise the stress associated with the daily commute.

26 April 2018
Ways to Transform Your Garden into a Garden of Eden

Want to turn your drab, dying garden into a garden of Eden? It’s easier than you might think! With a little time and effort, you can turn your backyard into a beautiful, relaxing haven. It doesn’t matter what your budget, there’s something you can do right now to enhance your garden. To help give you inspiration, below you’ll discover some of the best ways to transform your garden into a garden of Eden.

Choosing the best plants

No garden is complete without plants and flowers. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also smell delightful. In fact, the right flowers can help to indulge all of your senses. Moss can provide a textural element, providing an interesting touch. You could also plant fruits to indulge the taste sensation, and bamboo stems for the sound they make as the wind blows through them. It’s not easy choosing the right plants and flowers if you’re new to gardening. However, with a little research you’ll soon have the knowledge needed to create a beautiful, thriving garden.

Add a water feature

One thing that’s sure to make your garden more relaxing is a water feature. You can buy a huge range of water features, in a variety of styles and sizes. Whatever your budget, there’s a water feature to suit it. The sound of the water alone is very relaxing and adds a real natural element to the garden. You could even go as far as adding a pond into your garden if it’s big enough. Fill it with Koi carp fish and you have an incredible water feature to enjoy. Such additions can also add a sense of elegance and scale to larger gardens or shared outdoor spaces. Homeowners frequently explore commercial outdoor fountains that bring a more dramatic presence and can serve as a bold centrepiece. These types of fountains often feature tiered designs or sculptural elements that enhance the overall aesthetic. With the right placement, they can turn an ordinary space into something truly memorable.

Consider an outdoor mirror

When choosing garden furniture, an outdoor mirror isn’t something you’d typically think of investing in. However, you’d be surprised how much a mirror can enhance your outdoor space. They can be used to make a smaller garden appear bigger, or simply add an interesting element to your garden’s design. Brands such as Cox & Cox offer a beautiful range of outdoor mirrors in an excellent choice of styles.

Take advantage of landscape services

Not everyone is blessed with green fingers. If you find gardening a chore or you’re just not very good at the design element of it, you could benefit from local landscape services. You can even go the extra mile and hire a pest control service for example, if you live in New Jersey, this pest control service may be a good fit for you

Landscape professionals are able to transform drab looking gardens into beautiful, tranquil haven. You’ll just need to give them some idea of what you’re looking to achieve, and they’ll work their magic to turn your dreams into reality. Of course, landscape services can be expensive so if you’re on a budget this may not be an option. If it is however, it’s definitely worth doing.

Overall, turning your garden into a garden of Eden may take some time and effort. However, the tips above will really help. The key is to research everything you can about garden design. Buy gardening books and magazines, or take a look online to get a little inspiration.

26 April 2018
How Can Your Garden Shed Be a Glamorous Item in Your Garden?

The possibilities are endless when it comes to glamming up a garden. Aside from the most typical methods of sprucing up a garden such as beautiful flowers and themed fencings, one popular way to get the most out of your garden is to invest in a new shed or make improvements to your existing shed. With waves of cute little garden sheds making their way into everyone’s gardens serving both aesthetic and functional purposes, there are number of ways to style a garden shed and level up your garden…

Go Rustic

Going rustic as a design is getting more and more popular these days. Nothing beats the simple rustic feeling that can be brought about by the natural look of basic materials such as wood. Moreover, having a shed don the rustic look will blend seamlessly in the outdoors. However, not all gardens will be able to pull this design off. To get the most out of a rustic-looking shed, the garden must also look a little rugged so that they will match.

Using Wooden Pallets and Crates

Only a few things go hand in hand as perfectly as peanut butter and jelly; sheds and wooden pallets or crates is another. Wooden pallets make great platforms, dividers, or whatever your mind can come up with. Similarly, wooden crates make for the best storage option inside a garden shed. You are able to put anything in it – from gardening tools to supplies. Whatever it is, it’ll surely look perfectly in place.

Adding a Trellis

An easy way to blend a shed in your garden is to prop a trellis right up against the side of it. A trellis will serve as a foundation for climbing plants, such as vines and other epiphytes. On top of that, this easy trick can make the side of a shed look like it’s literally part of the garden. While you may decide to place climbing plants with pretty flowers, you may also decide to plant something more productive like beans.

Contrast

An amazingly easy way to make your garden shed pop is to slather on a nice coat of contrasting paint. It’s an easy thing to do and the results are absolutely amazing. For example, a typical garden might have a healthy shade of green from all the grass and leaves. So, instead of painting the shed something that will make it blend in, a colour like yellow, light blue, or even white will be sure to make your garden shed stand out. However, a word of warning: making a shed stand out in contrast is a tightrope between tasteful and tacky. So, make sure to paint the shed something that will make it stand out in a good way and not just be an eyesore.

Large Windows

If there’s one thing plants and trees need besides water and air, it’s sunlight. It’s safe to say that there is a sufficient amount of sunlight falling on your garden. One way to make use of the free sunlight is to place large windows in your shed. Large glass windows will ensure that ample amounts of natural light will come flooding in your shed, illuminating the beautiful interior that you have probably painstakingly designed.

Let There Be Light

A garden shed is supposed to house items and equipment that are needed for gardening. However, more often than not, it becomes extra storage for additional items that can’t fit in your house anymore. When this happens, you will eventually find yourself going to the garden shed late at night to get something. When that does take place, you’ll be thanking yourself for taking the time out of your busy schedule to put some form of light inside your shed, whether a motion sensor battery operated shed light or a solar shed light. A simple light will save you minutes of reaching out and feeling for your surroundings in the dark. It’ll also save you from stubbing your toes on random equipment here and there.

16 March 2018
Bringing Your Home Into The 21st Century

Lots of homeowners fail to update their properties after living in them for many years. That can make the house look worn and outdated. With that in mind, some quick tips on this page should help you to improve the home without breaking the bank. The final decisions are down to you. The advice in this post is just here to point you in the right direction.

Fit a new bathroom suite

New bathroom suites cost a lot of money, but there are plenty of ways you could cut back on spending. For instance, you could purchase the items from an online auctions website to save money. You could also reduce your home bills, so you have more cash in your accounts or look for payday loan option.

Think about flooring options

If you’ve had carpet on your floors for many years, perhaps it’s time to update the solution with some wooden flooring or laminate? That can make any property appear clean, fresh, and modern. Best of all? You can use those online auction sites again to save a fortune.

Renovate your kitchen

Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and so you need to ensure it’s both attractive and functional. If you can’t afford to replace the entire kitchen, you could always try painting your cupboards or something similar. Also, give the walls a new coat of paint because they can become stained from all the cooking. Or you can transform your kitchen with a new splashback as it’s also a great way to update the space without going through a full remodel. Put those suggestions into practice, and you should manage to bring your home out of the 1980s and push it into the 21st century without emptying your bank accounts. Enjoy!

20 February 2018
Tips to Help You Save Money When Shipping Abroad

Whether you’ve had a clear out and sold some things online, want to send an item to a friend or family member abroad, maybe you’re an international student needing to post things back home, or perhaps you’re moving overseas and need to ship a large delivery, posting items internationally can be expensive. To help you save money when shipping large, heavy items overseas, here are some useful tips.

Accurate Customs Labels

Currently, if you send an item outside of the EU, you will need to fill in a customs label. This provides information about what is inside the parcel and its value. Depending on how much the shipment is worth, it may be subject to customs fees when it arrives. To reduce costs, make sure that information on the customs label is accurate, as for many countries, when shipping personal items, they may be exempt from customs and taxes.

Package Correctly

As a general rule, the larger and heavier a package, the more it will cost to send. Because of this, it is a good idea to aim to shrink size and weight where possible, but do this within reason. Remember, when shipping overseas, your parcel will go through many different handling processes so it’s important to use the best packaging for the job. This means using a sturdy box that has enough room to allow for additional protective wrapping, as this could prevent damage and save you from having to pay extra to replace or repair.

Double Check Weight

Incorrect weight is a common shipping error. This is because people often make the mistake of weighing their item before it has been packaged. This can result in parcels actually being heavier than stated, which could lead to additional charges. To avoid this and save money on international courier services, always weigh parcels after they have been wrapped and are ready to be shipped.

Choose the Right Service

Not all shipping companies or services are created equal. As such, one of the most common ways people lose money when sending large, heavy items overseas is by selecting the wrong service. Consider how soon you would like the item to arrive and what kind of insurance level is needed, to help you pick the most suitable and best value delivery method, without compromising on service.

Shipping large, heavy items internationally can be expensive so follow these tips to help you cut costs, while still ensuring your item arrives safely.

8 February 2018
Beat the January Blues: 5 Ways to Boost Your Mood
It’s not uncommon for people to experience a low mood occasionally, especially in the month of January. After all, January includes the most depressing day of the year, Blue Monday on Monday 15th January. So we thought we’d try and help out by providing five simple ways to improve your mood in January and beyond.
1. Play with a Dog
According to a University of Missouri study, non-pet owners can improve their mood by simply playing with a dog for a few minutes each day. It is believed that playing with a pooch will cause a rise in the blood levels within serotonin and oxytocin, which are two mood-elevating brain chemicals. So, pet your neighbour’s dog for a couple of minutes, pop into your local pet store, visit a friend with a canine, or volunteer at an animal shelter. Who could resist puppy therapy?
1. Have a Little Fun
Immerse yourself into the present moment by having a little fun. Put all your worries and stress to one side to simply enjoy a little well-earned downtime. For example, you can socialise with friends and enjoy a day of laughter and chatting, become lost in a novel, play friends on the Playstation or Xbox. Set a little time aside for fun, which will give you something to look forward to each day.
1. Enjoy a Cup of Coffee or Two
Do you enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning? Well, you might be happy to learn that it can help to elevate your mood. Dr Cumella from the Remuda Ranch Treatment Centre in Arizona found regular caffeine intake can reduce the risk of depression by 50%. So, if you want to keep depression symptoms at bay, treat yourself to a cup or two of joe each morning.
1. Start Smiling and Laughing
You might not be in the mood or laugh to smile, but the act itself could make you feel happy. According to research from Dr Cumella, the physiology of smiling can make people feel happier, while laughing can stimulate serotonin (a feel-good hormone) production. So, give yourself a reason to smile and laugh by watching a funny movie or video, or simply fake a smile until you feel better.
1. Walk Regularly During Winter
The dark winter months can often make people feel more depressed than usual, as people often do not experience much natural sunlight when travelling to and from work. It is, therefore, important to go for regular walks during winter to experience more daylight and embrace physical exercise, which can naturally boost your mood. Walking for ten minutes per day will give you a few small doses of sunlight during the winter months. So, go for a walk on your lunch break or embrace the cold weather for ten minutes during the weekend. You will feel better for it.

Have you got any top tips to improve your mood? Share your advice by posting a comment below.
19 January 2018
Getting Your Property Ready for Renters

The property market is hot, particularly for those who are looking to invest in their own or their family’s futures. Buying a building or converting your home to contain flats to rent out will not only ensure that you have a consistent income throughout your retirement, but the monthly rent can also either offset costs or it can give your family a nice boost to your monthly budget. When you have this passive income, you have a lot of options. These options range from furthering your property portfolio to even simply going on holiday more often. With that in mind, costs can be huge when things break, fires start, or other natural disasters hit your property. That is why you need to compare landlord insurance quotes to find adequate level of cover for your property.

Before you put your property up for rental listing, however, there are a few things you need to do first. First-time landlords need to have all the legal aspects sorted beforehand in order to work above the law. You need to also be aware of your responsibilities, the market your property will be entering, whether your property is fit to rent, knowing how you will manage your property, and get adequate insurance.

There are many responsibilities you must take on as a landlord. You need to provide a safe place that is free of health hazards, is up to code, and has been professionally inspected beforehand. You will want to ensure that all aspects of your property have been recently serviced and are up to date. If you hire a managing company, of course, they will take care of this for you, and send for new inspections regularly to keep everything up to the correct standards and will notify you if something needs to be fixed or replaced.

Having insurance can help protect your investment and your tenants. Your insurance will cover the number of rooms in your property, property type, and the maximum number of tenants you will be renting it out to and for how long. You will also need to consider contents insurance for your belongings. Renting out a furnished property can fetch you a higher rent, but that furniture will have to be covered.

The more comprehensive your insurance coverage, the better, because you want your investment protected from fires, water damage, break-ins, thefts, and so much more. If you know what is and isn’t covered, you can better prepare your budget.

It is also important to ensure your tenants adhere to your insurance policy. Subletting can completely invalidate your insurance, after all, meaning not only do you have non-vetted tenants living in your property, but you also have to worry about not having the coverage needed in case anything breaks.

Being a first-time landlord can be scary, but the benefits are huge. Make sure that your property is safe, that you have adequate insurance to protect your investment, and that you read through this infographic and complete the landlord checklist as soon as possible:

9 January 2018
Why skateboards and scooters are cool once again

Compared to other popular sports, skateboarding has been around for a comparatively short period of time. It all started in the 1950s in California – back then it was known as sidewalk surfing – and was created by surfers looking for a fun alternative when waves were low. Scooters, on the other hand, came about in the late 1990’s. Since then, both skateboards and scooters have gone through periods of resurgence. Now, in 2017, they’re enjoying another popularity spike, especially with teenagers and young adults. If you’re a boarder or have a scooter, then you’ll know just how amazing this sport can be.

But if you’ve never tried it, here are some reasons why skateboards and scooters are awesome.

Adrenaline Inducing

Skateboards and scooters can be a dangerous sport, with users suffering from some nasty injuries – it’s all part of the fun! It’s also a difficult sport, taking months and years to master tricks. All of this adds a sense of danger and an element of excitement; they’re adrenaline inducing and provide s real sense of accomplishment. It’s also an exciting sport to watch. Just marvelling at someone flying through the air and performing tricks is enough to get anyone’s heart pounding!

Providing Regeneration

People on skateboards and scooters often get a bad name. There tends to be a bit of a stereotype and stigma around the sport, with people branded as rebellious and unlawful. However, this simply isn’t true. In fact, skaters have been known to boost city regeneration, making use of unforgotten and abandoned areas. This sport can also boost local economy and tourism. This is something you might have noticed, as more skate parks are continuing to pop up across cities in the UK – these are some of the best.

Friendship and Belonging

Everyone wants to feel like they belong, this is one of the biggest appeals of skateboards and scooters, especially for teenagers and young adults. It’s an inclusive sport, all about trying and having fun. It helps young people to find an identity, form friendships and instils and sense of belonging; you don’t have to be a certain type of person to be a skater. But you don’t have to be a teenager to give it a go.

Skateboarding has become increasingly popular with adults in recent years, proving it’s never too late to buy a board or scooter and give it a try.

13 December 2017
A few style tips for men on looking cool

Girls aren’t the only ones who want to look cool and stylish, guys do too! Well, you can, you just need a little advice on how to always look your best and make sure that you avoid the mistakes that ensure you immediately look uncool. We’ll give you a quick example of one of these mistakes. It’s happened, you’ve started to lose your hair, and you’re scared that soon you’re going to be the spitting image of your dad. What do you do? You could look into the many, many, many treatments for hair loss – some are effective, others aren’t – but we have a better idea. Why not try and own the look? Saying bald is unattractive is about as true as saying driving fast causes hair loss. Bald is beautiful and if you don’t believe that, just ask the winner of the 2016 sexiest man alive. Dwayne Johnson doesn’t have a single hair on his head, but you’d be hard pressed to find a lady who wouldn’t like a little one on one time. So as it turns out, bald is beautiful and once you realise that, you’re going to look cool.

Here are a few other pieces of advice on how to look great…

Effortlessly Cool

Another big lie is that guys can look great without trying. Nope, this is a big mistake and if you don’t believe that, just look at famous footballers. If they spent half as much time on perfecting their game as they did on their hair, their team might not lose quite as often. That said, even when they miss that free-kick, you can’t deny they look awesome. So perhaps guys should learn to spend a little more time in the bathroom. As it turns out, they are. In fact, a recent research study found guys spend longer in the bathroom than girls do getting ready – I find that hard to believe though. So, next time you think you can just ruffle your hair to make it look good, think again. Get yourself in front of a mirror and learn what it’s like to be a girl. Spend a few hours sorting your hair until it looks good and make sure you’ve shaved properly. Trust me, you’re going to find you get a lot more numbers when you go out if you do this.

Don’t Let Hair Grow Out Of Control

Guys often think that facial hair automatically looks cool. It doesn’t and if you don’t believe that go and research a picture of Michael Cera with a mustache. Still, think facial hair always looks cool? If in any doubt, it’s best to shave it all off.

Dress Your Age

Guys, take notes, a fully grown man wearing a superhero t-shirt isn’t cool, it’s a sign of regression. Trust us, anyone who knows you is already aware that you love comic book movies. You probably keep them updated on how many months there are until Justice League arrives. Or, if you’re a Marvel fan, when we’ll actually finally see the trailer for Infinity War. If you know you talk about these movies that often, you don’t need to literally wear them on your chest. Unless, you have the right physique for the emblem you don’t look cool, you look like Sheldon Cooper.

At a certain age, you have to start wearing button up shirts, even on casual days and dress jeans. You’ll thank us for this when you notice how many girls are taking second glances as you walk down the street. Once the reach the right age in life girls stop looking for the guy who look like a riot and start looking for the one who would be a great father or husband. A guy who looks well groomed and well dressed is always going to look cool.

Look After Your Clothes

We all know a guy who never irons his clothes and always looks like what he’s wearing was scraped off the floor. To be honest, it probably was, and you don’t want to be that guy. That guy isn’t chill and carefree. That guy is probably waiting for his mum to come around do the ironing for him. If you want to look cool, buy an iron and learn how to use it. After a couple of accidental burns, you’ll be a total pro. We think if you take this advice you’re going to start looking like the true MVP, instead of the guy on the bench.

29 August 2017
How to fit career retraining around raising a family

As a parent like myself, sometimes it can be difficult to juggle raising your family and focusing on your career. However, it’s important that you don’t put your own dreams and aspirations on the back burner – and finding the time to steer your career in a different direction doesn’t have to be difficult. To discover how you can fit retraining around looking after your brood, keep reading.

Take advantage of online learning

When it comes to retraining, you may need to enrol on a course relevant to the career path you want to follow. You could choose to sign up for classroom-based learning. However, as a parent, it can be difficult finding the time to attend classes. Instead, you could take advantage of online learning. As long as you have a laptop or computer and an internet connection, you can work through the material at a time that suits you.

Choose your study time wisely

Choosing your study time wisely is an absolute must – but this can be easier said than done if you’ve got little ones to look after. If you’re a stay-at-home parent, you might be able seize the opportunity to knuckle down during the day. Planning fun activities for your little ones could help keep them occupied, giving you time to concentrate on your homework. You could also make the most of the peace and quiet at nap time.

If you work, whether it’s full-time, part-time or from home, it can be a little more tricky to fit in your studies. In this instance, you might find that evenings and weekends are the best times to focus on your work.

Keep your kids in the loop

If your kids are old enough to understand, it might be worth keeping them updated on exactly what you’re doing. By explaining the importance of your studies to them, it may encourage them to be more respectful of your time and space around the house. So that they fully understand, make sure you explain the situation in a clear, calm and serious manner.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you’re struggling to find a balance between caring for your family and squeezing in your studies, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether you arrange for a friend or family member to care for your little ones a couple days in the week or you leave them with a neighbour for the afternoon, reaching out to those around you for support could really help. Aside from allowing you to focus on your learning, it’s likely your kids will enjoy the change of environment too.

Even if you’re a busy parent, keeping these tips in mind should help you find a way to fit in your career retraining.

16 August 2017
6 of the best ways to stick to a summer detox

It can be frustrating to get to June and wonder why your body is not detoxifying as quickly as you expected it to. But do not lose hope. Here are 6 means of sticking to your detox to gain the figure you have always dreamed of.

1. Water is your best friend

Not only is water the perfect means of keeping your skin soft, glowing and fresh, but it provides several benefits for your weight and detox. By indulging in water-based beverages, including fruit flavoured water brands, you can help your kidneys flush out any toxins and keep your body hydrated.

2. Workout as much as you can

While a boot camp can provide the support, facilities and environment needed for a sweat detox, do not be afraid to ask a friend to go for a run.

But if you do wish to try out a harder exercise regime, be sure not to overwork your body and remain fully hydrated. An unhealthy body will not detox as quickly if it is tired and lacking in essential nutrients.

3. Declutter the Junk

Indulging in junk food can provide some brief moments of mental happiness, but it will not be of any benefit to your insides. Cut down on the snacking and feel your body liberate itself of sugars and fats. Asking a friend to join you in cutting away your sugary pleasures may also aid you to stick to your detox plans.

4. Liquid Diets

You may want to try out a creative approach to detoxing your body. Smoothies are fun to make and can create a creative alternative to a fat dominated diet. Liquid diets can be easily secured by blending in different foods with low-fat yoghurts and fruity contents. Try to gain a healthy balance of vitamins and nutrients from products like vegetables, fruit, nuts and, for the more experimental sorts, plant like products, such as seaweed.

5. Spice things up

With spices like ginger, cinnamon and turmeric, your body will increase its natural satiation point. Consider either adding them to your healthy meals or even to your fruit smoothies. When combined with gentle exercise and healthy diet, your body will be detoxing in no time. Try adding these combinations with specific fruits, such as nutmeg with apple, cumin with cucumber, or even turmeric with mango.

6. Try some Charcoal

A brand new method of detoxing, charcoal brand powder can be found in any supplement store and can neutralise any toxins or poisons before they can either harm the body, be absorbed or become fat. Combine it with lemon juice, and you can even create some lovely black lemonade for you and your friends. There is more chance of succeeding at a task if it is done with friends in a group. Try and turn this into a garden party or a fun picnic to be enjoyed with your closest, and most health conscious, colleagues.

13 June 2017
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.

27 May 2017
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.

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.

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.

27 March 2017
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.

Banking 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.

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.

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.

2 February 2017
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!

31 December 2016
4 Must Have Items For A Cool Living Space

Do you feel as if your living space need a bit of a refresh? If so you probably in need of some inspiration. It’s not there aren’t some amazing things out there. It’s just that sometimes we can be swamped with awesome items that would make our home better. Luckily we have a selection of items that would elevate anyone’s home into a seriously cool living space.

1. Freestanding Bath

First of all, what self-respecting on trend homeowner would choose to be without a glorious thing like a freestanding bath? These can transform a mundane bathroom into a place of luxury and relaxation.

Some are fitted flush to the floor, while others stand on ornate legs to give you more of a vintage feel. Many are double ended so you can sit in them whether way without worry about having your back to the taps.

You can also get roll top freestanding baths. These not only look great but help you from splashing water all over your nice clean bathroom too.

2. VR Headset

So the future has arrived, and it’s in the form of the VR headset. While it might seem like only the tech heads and computer nerds will benefit from such a device, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Two of the most popular VR headsets currently are Oculus Rift and Playstation VR.

Oculus Rift

4 years ago, Oculus Rift was only a Kickstarter campaign! In four years, Oculus Rift can almost be single handedly be thanked for making VR accessible to the general consumer.

Oculus Rift is now widely available online such as Amazon

Playstation VR

The Oculus Rift headsets aren’t the coolest looking VR headsets but the PlayStation VR on the other hand, looks like an expensive bit of tech that you’d be happy to have on your shelf.

PlayStation VR could be very popular this Christmas 2016 and available from many stores currently whilst stocks last.

In fact VR has mass appeal. People of all ages can enjoy the immersive game play, and there is a range of titles out that will suit both younger and older players. Don’t forget that as the technology becomes better that you will be able to use them for watching movies and even video calling too. Get in on the action early and get familiar with the virtual world as soon as you can.

3. Home Hub

Home hubs are the next big thing in house gadgets. We are just starting to see more fully functional ones come onto the market. The idea is that you can control every part of your home through one central device.

That means you can switch the kettle on while you are in the bath. Or, turn the thermostat up if you are heading home in the rain on a cold day. You can even switch the washing machine on if you have left the house in a rush and forgot to do it.

Of course for them to work properly you need to have an internet connection and your devices need to be smart enabled. This means you can connect to them through the hub and control them from that point.

Most hubs are mobile ready too. So you can use your device as the point of access from any control that you wish to carry out.

4. Pop Corn Machine

For something fun and light-hearted, why not try an electric popcorn machine? This is a nifty little home gadget that can make movie nights even more pleasant. You can get some smaller versions that sit on your kitchen counter top.

Or try a large cinema style version for that full movie experience.

Team them up with some popcorn flavourings, and your home cinema will definitely be the coolest place to watch a movie in, outside the real thing!

4 November 2016
3 Adrenaline-Pumping Extreme Sports You Can Try For Yourself

Looking for a little more adrenaline in your life? Try some extreme sports! Many people think extreme sports are reserved for the pros. But really anyone can become a thrill seeker. Even extreme sports are full of friendly, welcoming people who are willing to teach their passion to the beginners. Extreme sports can vary massively. They can be done on land, up in the mountains or in the water. These can be some of the most fun and thrilling sports to try out. Here’s three extreme sports you should consider getting involved in.

Motocross

Motocross, or MX for short, can be enjoyed in many ways. It is one of the most popular extreme sports. It involves off-road bikes made specifically for the purpose of riding on enclosed dirt tracks. Motocross events are held all over the world, attracting many fans who love the high level of skill and fast-paced action of the sport.

The first step to getting involved is to get a bike designed for motocross. Motocross bikes, sometimes referred to as dirt bikes, are not the same as motorbikes. Dirt bikes come in many different varieties, so you will want one that is designed for riding on motocross tracks. Going to a dedicated motocross bike store can be a good way to buy. However, you could also consider buying a used dirt bike.

You will also need some specialised motocross equipment, most importantly a helmet. You can check out POA Racing for motocross helmets. A well-fitted helmet is the most important equipment for riding motocross, as it will protect your head from any impacts or injuries. Gloves and motocross boots are also considered essentials, as they protect the weaker areas of your body.

There are some motocross schools to teach you the basics of riding. However, some people prefer to simply head down to a local motocross track and try it out for themselves. Other motocross riders will be happy to give you tips and teach you techniques.

Joining a motocross club can be the best way to get started. Motocross clubs will give you access to great tracks and coaching for beginners. You can also meet people who share your interest and will be happy to show you the ropes. Check out AMCA to find a local motocross club.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing can be incredibly exciting. Nothing beats the thrill of scaling huge mountains all over the world, using nothing but your body. And, of course, some protective equipment.

Rock climbing is very physically demanding and requires a lot of skill. Because of this, it is recommended you get coaching before even considering going out on a climb by yourself. Indoor climbing walls can be found at many leisure centres and activity parks. You can also find outdoor climbing skills courses to equip you for pure rock climbing.

There are different kinds of rock climbing you can get into. Bouldering involves scaling small rock formations, such as boulders. These rocks are usually close to the ground, so equipment isn’t necessary and the dangers aren’t as high.

Traditional climbing involves at least two people. One person holds the rope while the other climbs. The first climber usually places protective bolts in the mountain which the second climber removes as they climb up after.

Solo climbing is the most extreme, which involves using your own equipment and traversing a rock surface all by yourself. This is only for experts, so ensure you learn all about the equipment and technique before going on a solo climb.

There are many health benefits of rock climbing. It provides a good workout by using all parts of your body. Figuring out how to make your way up a mountain can also be a good mental training exercise. It has also been shown to improve self-esteem, and can even help manage a fear of heights!

This is one of the most rewarding extreme sports to get involved in, so check out local climbing walls to get started.

Surfing

Surfing is one of the most popular extreme sports…surfing is even going to be an Olympic sport soon! It can be a great activity to get involved in if you’re visiting the beach this summer, but many people enjoy surfing all year round.

Surfing is one of the most popular extreme sports. It can be a great activity to get involved in if you’re visiting the beach this summer, but many people enjoy surfing all year round.

Surfing involves using a board to ride waves in the water. Depending on the kind of board you use, and the strength of the waves, this can be very easy or very difficult. Surfing is primarily done in the ocean, but there are forms of lake and river surfing that can offer an alternative way to ride the waves.

Bodyboarding, sometimes known as Boogie Boarding, is a simple form of surfing. It involves lying flat on your belly on a small, rectangular board. This lets you ride the waves without having to worry about technique and balance.

Most adrenaline junkies opt to use a surfboard. Surfboards come in shortboard and longboard varieties. Longboards are generally more stable and easier to learn on, so many beginners go with these. Shortboards are harder to use, but being smaller and lighter enables surfers to be more mobile and pull off some impressive tricks.

The most extreme form is tow-in surfing, or big-wave surfing. This involves the surfer being towed by a boat in order to hit waves with much more speed and momentum. This is the most challenging and dangerous form of surfing, so usually reserved for the pros.

Surfing doesn’t require as much equipment as many other extreme sports. Usually all you’ll need other than your surfboard is a wetsuit to protect you from harsh waves and keep your body at a good temperature. Boots, gloves and hoods are also available. These can be useful for keeping warm if you’re surfing in the winter.

If you want to get started in surfing, you can usually find local surf lessons, providing you’re near the water. If you want to surf on holiday, check out some of the Top 10 Surf Schools worldwide. Surfing can be made even more exciting if you learn in an exotic location!

11 August 2016
Secrets Of Creating A Bachelor Pad That You’re Not Afraid To Invite People Back To

On getting his first bachelor pad of his very own, the average man will feel an immense sense of freedom. Of not having to share their space with others that have all kinds of demands. At the same time, they will become acutely aware of another kind of feeling. That of responsibility, of what their place says about them. By all means, hang up your favourite posters and show your style in whatever way you want. But make it a place you’re happy to invite guests.

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The contemporary style

One of the things that can easily build up in the home is clutter. Particularly if you’re a busy guy juggling responsibilities. That’s what the contemporary style of decor can help you fix. You’re free to go for whatever colours or accessories you want. Just take a look at some of the shelves and modules available from online furniture stores. They don’t take up too much space, but add a lot of storage. They can be innocuous, but add to to a sleek look of a guy who has his stuff together. Keep the trend going with surfaces that are easy to clean, too. Hard wood floors. Glass coffee tables. Ceramic kitchen tops. It all looks great and remains fairly low maintenance.

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Have a guest ready bathroom

If there’s one place that most might dread guests entering, it’s the bathroom. So leave no room for doubt. Make it a place people can feel relaxed. Even if you’re using black as a primary choice of colour, make sure you’re doing what you can to allow in as much light as possible. Shadowy corners give a feeling of real discomfort. Keep the touches on the wall clean and practical. For example, a paper clip towel rail that looks sleek as well as being an intuitive touch. It’s nice to also keep a little wall basket in the shower or bath (not wood of course). This way you can stock it with a few freshening goodies. Just make sure your guests know they’re free to use it. Using someone else’s bath or shower isn’t a normally comfortable experience. Make it a little easier on them.

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All about the bedroom

If you’re having people over at your own bedroom, it’s obviously more important than ever that it looks great. So cleanliness is the priority here. Keeping things clean is obvious, but you can do even more to heighten that sense of cleanliness. Use white bedsheets, so your guests know just how fresh the bed they’re romping in will be. Add a houseplant to the room to freshen up the air and add a bit of life. Keep the room uncluttered and easy to manoeuvre around. Any sense of stuffiness or cramped space is entirely unacceptable.

Particularly if it’s overnight guests that you’re inviting, you want a place they’ll be happy to be in. Keep your own style, but keep it neat and inviting at the same time. What’s the fun of a bachelor pad if you can’t show it off?

9 August 2016
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.

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.

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.

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.

9 August 2016