How To Buy A Carpet

If you are looking to buy a carpet for your home or work premise there are a number of things you need to take into consideration, including the type of carpet, what it is made of, the price and more. Let's have a look at these considerations and how to choose the best carpet for your home. This is an ad.

Where is it for?


Firstly you need to think about where you want to have the carpet fitted and why. 

 Some areas such as hallways will have high traffic and may need a more hardwearing carpet and stain resistance whilst for some areas like bedrooms you may want a more luxurious plush carpet and stain resistance isn't something you want to pay for.  Bathrooms and toilets are probably suited to vinyl or wood flooring which is easy to clean and moisture resistant.  

 Carpets can help insulate the room and provide noise reduction too so if you live in a flat or you want to stop noise from upstairs then a carpet is a solid choice. 

 Some people also just like the look of carpet and won't have anything else in their home.

Type of carpet

There are two main types of carpet -  woven or tufted. Woven carpets are better quality and more labour intensive to make so will be more expensive. Most carpets sold in the UK are tufted.

 Carpet is generally bought on a roll but you can also buy carpet tiles as well. Carpet tiles are usually suitable for hard-wearing areas and you do not need an underlay as there is a backing already on the tile making them a cost-effective option.

Underlay

 An underlay is important for comfort, to help your carpet last longer and sit properly. Obviously, there is a cost implication to underlay which you have to budget for. Underlay can typically cost a third of the cost of the carpet depending on quality and design, so make sure you allow for this.

 Stain guard

If you have kids, children or messy partners (You know who you are!) you may want stain guard applied to the carpet to repel spills and stains.  You can buy stain guarded treated carpets or apply the treatment after you have it fitted. Stain guard carpet costs more but may be worth the cost for peace of mind.

Fitting

 You can fit carpet yourself but it is a big job. I find it best to pay to have a carpet fitted so this is something you need to budget for. Some companies will fit it for you but if not you need to find a reputable carpet fitter to do the job for you. You will probably need door trims and gripper rods but you may be able to use what you already have. 

 Price

The price of a carpet varies on the amount needed, the quality, the material is it made of, the design and treatments applied. As stated before you also nee do allow for underlay, grippers and rods and fitting. 

 As you can see there are many things to take into consideration buying a carpet and carpet can be a great choice for flooring in your home. Let me know, do you have any tips on how to buy a carpet? 

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Win Dr Lamia's Comfort Anti-Age Eye Cream - Ends 21/06/20


Ageing is one thing we can't avoid. I think I'm lucky, as only recently I started to get some wrinkles and grey hair, but as I fastly approach 50, I'm thinking I should take some extra care of my skin. I've always worn makeup and sun lotion with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in as nothing ages like the sun, but I need to be looking at antiaging cream for skin that's getting older.



Now a leading Knightsbridge clinician has launched a luxury cosmetic range that may just help me. Dr Lamia Eltohamy (MBBCH, MBCAM) is a leading aesthetics doctor. Known internationally for her facial treatments. she is one of the UK’s most trusted and pioneering practitioners in non-surgical facial rejuvenation and Aesthetic Medicine, with royal and VIP clients.  She is fully registered with the General Medical Council and is a Member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine.

Taking years of experience in the field, this range of skincare products combine scientific reliability with medical expertise and feature a uniquely high dose of TCR3-Plus® to minimise wrinkle depth after just 14 days.The three products are Dr Lamia’s Comfort Anti-Age Eye Cream, Dr Lamia's 24 Hour Anti-Age Luxurious Cream and Dr Lamia’s Cleansing Cream Mousse.

Dr Lamia’s Comfort Anti-Age Eye Cream

Dr Lamia’s Comfort Anti-Age Eye Cream £100

Suitable for all skin types, the TCR3® anti-ageing complex helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Another important ingredient is that it contains EYESERYL®, which helps reduce puffiness. With regular application of this cream, the company state that elasticity of the skin should be improved too.

Dr Lamia's 24 Hour Anti-Age Luxurious Cream

Dr Lamia's 24 Hour Anti-Age Luxurious Cream £150

Offering deep hydration day and night, the 24H Anti-Age Luxurious Cream contains a high dose of TCR3-Plus® complex which promotes collagen renewal and cell division and helping you achieve younger-looking skin. This luxurious anti-ageing cream contains 3.6% of the active ingredient complex, which protects telomere DNA and increases skin cell life and functionality.



Also containing olive extract for an extra moisturising benefit, skin appears more radiant and younger-looking after only 14 days.

Dr Lamia’s Cleansing Cream Mousse

Dr Lamia’s Cleansing Cream Mousse £100

The final product is the Cleansing Cream Mousse which prepares your skin for anti-ageing creams. Containing glycerin and fatty acids, make-up and impurities are gently removed, leaving the skin perfectly cleansed and smooth and ready for the day or night. The white lotus flower incorporated also stimulates and heals.

This high-performance and luxury range of skin cream is available to buy online from drlamia.co.uk and is priced from £100 to £150. The 24 Hour Anti-Age Luxurious Cream has been noticed for its quality and effectiveness and has been shortlisted for a Pure Beauty Global Award in the Best New Premium Anti-Ageing Product category.

Today on my blog you have the opportunity to win a fantastic prize - the Dr Lamia anti-ageing eye cream priced at £100. Entry is easy through the Gleam application, and don't forget to come back every day if you really want a chance to win for an extra entry.
Win Dr Lamia Anti-Ageing Eye Cream
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The Benefits Of Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver has long been thought of as luxurious. There is a reason people use the term " silver spoon" when talking about a person who grew up wealthy!

Sterling silver is comprised of 92.5% silver, while 7.5% comes from other alloys, such as copper. It's a great way to enjoy the luxury of silver when wearing jewellery.

There are people who assume sterling silver is just a more affordable way to get the look of white gold. Others assume it's just for earrings. However, you can find sterling silver used to make all kinds of jewellery. From classic pieces to pieces that capitalise on the latest trends, there are countless options available. Many designers are choosing to use this metal because it's resilient, malleable, and it looks great.

It doesn't matter if you're looking for more formal jewellery or something that you can wear daily. You should be able to find pieces made from sterling silver that are absolutely perfect for you at elf925.

These are just a few of the reasons you need some sterling silver in your jewellery collection.

1. It's Resilient




If you take great care of sterling silver pieces, they can last you for your entire life. It's not unusual for a piece to look brand new even after someone has worn it for decades.

Of course, real 925 sterling silver can be more costly than costume jewellery. Still, the expense is worthwhile when you consider the overall quality of the jewellery. These are pieces that will last a lifetime. In fact, you may find ta the more beautiful pieces are handed down from one generation to the next.

If you want to ensure that you're buying the highest quality jewellery available, you should make a point of buying pieces from jewellers with an excellent reputation. You should also search for these parts on your pieces;

  • 925 or .925
  • Sterling
  • 925 Sterling Silver Stamp
  • Sterling Silver

You might not be ready to buy jewellery you can wear for the rest of your life. However, sterling silver is still a great option since..

2. It Allows You To Follow The Latest Trends




Women who are passionate about fashion news know that jewellery trends can change in an instant. Just trying to follow the trends can be a full-time job.

Thankfully, sterling silver has been popular for centuries, which means it'll always be on-trend. While styles may shift over time, you'll always be able to find sterling silver pieces.

As an example, it's become more common to see uncut minerals and gemstones in the accessories that people wear during the spring and the summer. In many cases, you can find these stones set in sterling silver.

If you always have some silver pieces in your jewellery collection, you can ensure that you're always in style.

3. You'll Have Countless Choices



Since silver tends to be soft, it's highly malleable. This allows designers to offer a wide range of designs.

Since there are tons of options, you'll always be able to find sterling silver pieces that are in line with your tastes. It doesn't matter if you're shopping for a ring, a necklace, or a bracelet. The options available to you will be endless. It doesn't matter if you wear sterling silver exclusively. Your options will never be limited. Jewellery designers are always finding ways to innovate.

If you're looking to add new pieces to your collection, you'll find fantastic 925 sterling options.

4. It's Easy To Put Together A Collection



If you're just starting a jewellery collection, sterling silver is a terrific choice. Since it's more affordable than many other materials, and since there are plenty of options, you'll be able to build a collection before you know it.

Sterling silver pieces will fit in seamlessly with the other pieces in your collection. It complements the majority of metals.

If you want high-end jewellery pieces that will make a big impression, without the high price tag of gold, sterling silver jewellery is what you should be looking at. Designers know that they can get really creative with this material.

What really makes sterling silver special is that it's not just beloved by consumers. Jewellery designers love it too. There are always customers eager to purchase new sterling silver styles, and designers are always excited to work with this material.

When you buy sterling silver pieces, everyone wins.

5. It's Highly Versatile




You can wear sterling silver on any occasion.

Are you attending a formal event? Why not wear sterling silver? Going out for brunch with your friends? Silver is the perfect choice. Heading to the office? You know what you can wear. In fact, you may be able to wear your favourite pieces on different types of occasions.

Silver can make any look feel more elegant and it pairs nicely with most metals. If your jewellery collection contains a lot of platinum or pieces that are made from white gold, sterling silver pieces will fit right in. Your new jewellery will match the pieces and outfits that you love.

You can wear sterling silver alongside other metals and create a cohesive look. Since the colours are fairly similar, people won't be able to tell that you're mixing metals. This is a great way to create distinctive and stylish looks.

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5 Home Schooling Activities During Lockdown

Since schools in the UK are currently closed, parents are forced to home school their children. This doesn’t come naturally to all of us; we are not teachers, and therefore struggle sometimes to ensure our children are motivated to learn despite not being in a classroom environment. Try not to let it stress you out too much, as there are so many opportunities for our kids to learn in the everyday activities around us. Here are five ideas from a day and boarding school in Letchworth to get you started. This is an ad.

Grow Your Own


The weather is starting to brighten up, which provides you with a great opportunity to get outdoors if you can. Growing a vegetable patch is a fantastic learning activity for children because it teaches them about fruit and vegetables, seasonality and germination. What’s more, it will teach them important personal skills, such as patience and determination. It’s also very rewarding because once everything is fully grown, your child will experience the pleasure of picking and eating their very own produce.

Start a Book Club

Reading is a fantastic way for children to boost their spelling and grammar skills and boost their vocabulary. Perhaps you could start your own book club as a family, in which you all pick an age-appropriate novel to read which you can discuss and explore with one another each day. Encourage your child to pick out some of the key elements they notice in each genre and ask them to share with you what they like and dislike about the book.

Bake a Cake


Baking isn’t just fun and delicious, it’s also very educational for young people. Measuring out ingredients and decided how long to put each item in the oven allows your child to work on their numeracy skills. Reading the instructions is great for English and watching the cake rise in the oven provides an element of Science to the activity.

Play Board Games

Lots of board games are great educational tools. Monopoly, for instance, will encourage your child to add and subtract when they’re buying properties or paying other players. Scrabble will help your child with their spelling and vocabulary. Generally speaking, board games are great for teaching your kids the importance of taking part and persevering, even if they don’t always win.

Prepare a Bird Feeder


There are lots of instructions online on how to make your very own bird feeder. Getting crafty is great for kids as it allows them to express their creative side. What’s more, by inviting wildlife to your garden, your child will learn about different species of birds.

As you can see, there are lots of ideas when it comes to enriching your child’s education. Not all learning comes from books but as long as you continue to stimulate your child’s brain during the lockdown, they are less likely to fall behind. If you require some more advice, you could contact your child’s teachers and ask for a copy of the curriculum so that you can try and tailor your activities to suit the lessons they would’ve been having if they were still in school.

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Embrace The Peaky Blinders Fashion Trend


If you are a big fan of Peaky Blinders, the chances are that you are interested in early 1920s fashion. 

An iconic era, glorified by the BBC drama, has made peaked caps, and the sharp tweed suit come back into fashion. Peaky Blinders fashion transcends the odd coat or top or dress. It is a whole aesthetic look that requires time and dedication. If you fancy getting into the Peaky Blinders trend, take a look at these clothing items to give you a 1920s Birmingham gang-style vibe.

Tweed


Tweed encompasses a texture and a material that exudes 1920s style. You could choose to show off your tweed styling in a sharp power dressing trouser suit or in the detailing of the jumpers available at Glencroft Countrywear. With beige tweed flecked with orange or grey tweed to harness early twentieth-century precision, this material harks back to the Peaky Blinders Era. You could choose to couple your tweed detailing with a waistcoat or a jacket. Crisp sharp lines are important in the Peaky Blinders world. Straight lines and a sharp finish is the trend rather than bouffants and bold colours. Try and source items that are made with wool to obtain a more authentic look.

Oversized Coats



A key facet of your Peaky Blinders style should be the oversized coat. This could be a large boyfriend blazer or a mac style wraparound. Go for the black, grey or beige colours to harness the 1920s simplicity. Oversized coats are flattering to many figures and are for function rather than aesthetics. In the 1920s they would hide contraband or weapons. Now, they’ll hide your thighs effectively! Go for a coat that you can mix and match with a pair of skinny jeans or your trouser suit depending if you are after a formal or more casual look.

White Shirts


Even though Peaky Blinders is a male-dominated world, you can take some of the more masculine stylings and give it a feminine slant. White shirts, whether collared or grandad style will carry on the crisp lines required from your 1920s fashion homage. You could couple the white shirt with some pinstripes or kitten heels. Taking a fashion trend and individualising it is part of the fun. You still need to look bespoke rather than generic when on the high street. You don’t want to look like you have stepped off the Peaky Blinders set, you want to give the 1920s fashion style a bit of a wink. White shirts look great with a tweed waistcoat and a bellboy style cap. Peaked caps look smart for commuting and casual chic for a summer picnic in the park.

Peaky Blinders has been a phenomenon. It has brought attention to a style in Britain that is now capturing the attention of many fashionistas across the globe. A unisex style trend, tweed, crisp lines, flat caps, waistcoats and pocket watches can make your attire ooze a little bit of 1920s grittiness and glamour.


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How To Make A Tiny Room Look Larger

Most homes have at least one room that is, to put it politely, a little less impressive than the others, size-wise. However, you don’t have to relegate it to being the storage room or to have it look cramped and uncomfortable. In this post, I'm going to look at a few tips that can help you make any room look a whole lot bigger. Let's have a look at how to make a tiny room look larger.



Keep it clutter-free

First of all, you need to make sure you’re not unnecessarily taking up the little space that you have in the first place. Opt for clean, smooth textures such as wooden floors and untextured walls where possible. Otherwise, try to keep the knick-knacks and ornaments to a minimum. The more space you use, the more shadows you’re going to create against the wall which can make it feel even more cramped.

Let there be light

The right lighting can do a lot of good. Natural light is best of all, but you should also look at improving overhead lighting with additional fixed roof lights. Shadows create a sense of diminishing space and position your lights better above them can make the whole room seem better lit, which also increases your sense of space. Layer your lights properly to make sure that the whole room feels bright and even. Accent lights of a warmer colour temperature can make it seem cosier at night time as well.

A little colour can do a lot of good

How you use the light in the room is just as important as how much light you have. For instance, bright, sunny colours like yellow and sky blue are great at reflecting light while having too many dark colours like blacks and maroons will suck it up, making the room feel smaller. Feel free to use a few perspective tricks to your advantage, as well. For instance, you can set up some additional mirrors opposite the windows to make the best use of natural light, helping it bounce around the room with ease. A few tricks to play with the eye can go a long way.

Make use of your vertical space

You want as much floor space in a small room as possible. As such, even if you need some storage or you want a few decorative pieces to give it a certain style, you should try to keep them off the ground as best as possible. Raised shelves and other types of vertical storage can help you do just that. Furthermore, if you’re willing to invest a little more or looking to replace the heating system, anyway, you can switch to a vertical radiator. Keep as much horizontal space as you can and use the vertical space instead.

With the tips above, you can make any room at least feel a little more spacious even if you can increase the amount of actual room that you have to play with. Of course, you can always invest in a more open-plan arrangement or an extension but the tips above might be a little more budget-friendly.

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Reasons To Visit Toronto Canada - Plus Essential ETA Information

Toronto Canada is a dynamic metropolis and one of the most exciting cities in the world. If you are thinking of visiting in the future, you may have started to do your research and be surprised that it's not just skyscrapers but has many green parks, museums and cultural attractions too. Read on to find out about the fabulous attractions Toronto can offer (and find essential eTA information too). This is an ad.

The CN Tower

Probably the most iconic landmark in Toronto, the CN Tower stands at a height of 553.33m. It is Canada’s national tower and an award-winning dining and entertainment destination.

To get to the top, you can take a 58-second ride in the glass-fronted elevator. It has such spectacular views and three different observation levels as well as the world-famous glass floor. There are even play zones for the kids and souvenir shops too!

The CN Tower actually held the title of the world’s tallest free-standing structure for 32 years until 2007 when it was surpassed! It is definitely worth a visit if you are ever in the city.

St Lawrence Market

This was once named the world’s best food market by National Geographic and it is incredibly easy to see why. It has plenty of delicious produce and artisanal goods and has been around since 1803 - an incredible feat.

With over one hundred vendors during the week and farmers markets and antique markets at the weekend, residents and tourists really are spoiled for choice when it comes to buying goods.

If you happen to be visiting Toronto at any time, then you definitely need to check the market out and indulge in what the local sellers have to offer.

Royal Ontario Museum

Museums are a must-visit when visiting a new city for the first time. You can learn so much from a local museum and the Royal Ontario Museum is brilliant. The city is full of museums but this is definitely the one to be visiting, as it's the largest museum in Canada.

There are some brilliant items in the permanent collection and they also have rotating exhibits in the museum that make their way across other museums across the world too. With thousands of minerals and gems, plenty of fossils and even Roman antiquities, you are going to want to check this place out!

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 small islands south of mainland Toronto. They are located in Lake Ontario and are just a 13-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto during which you take in some breathtaking scenes.

With some beautiful swimming beaches, marinas, sports facilities, amusement parks, a theatre and much, much more, you could easily spend a day or two exploring what the Toronto Islands have to offer. There is even a 200-year-old lighthouse that you could check out - perfect if you are interested in the heritage and history of the destinations you are visiting. 

The Food

There’s plenty of locations mentioned here as reasons to visit Toronto but one of the main reasons you should visit is the food. There are articles out there about dishes worth travelling to Toronto for including jerk lobster or a peameal bacon sandwich. 

There are also plenty of restaurants consistently getting rave reviews and there are plenty of different cuisines on offer! You really will be spoiled for choice with Asian, French and Mediterranean cuisines available among many others. It is worth checking out message boards and forums to check out the best restaurants and best dishes to try when you are in the area.

What is an eTA?

So as you can see there are lots of reasons to visit Toronto Canada. Before you book a trip to Canada though, you need to apply for an eTA for Canada. An eTA is a travel permit. If you are a British citizen travelling to Canada I would apply for this travel permit as soon as you can as if there are problems with your application it can delay your travel and you may have to apply for a Canada visa.

You can apply for your eTA on the official Canadian site but if you are unsure about the process or have limited time then you may want to go through a site that can help you.  If you have any problems a site like eTA-evisa.co.uk can double-check your application for mistakes, just be sure to check out the extra costs involved. Just fill in the eTA Canada form.

 As you can see Toronto Canada has a lot to offer a traveller. If you have been let me know what your top attractions are!

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10 Things To Pack For Glastonbury

Are you among the many that are planning to attend the biggest festival in the world? Although you will have to wait for next year, festivals like this can be great fun. You certainly want to have the time of your life, but failure to prepare properly can easily ruin your experience.



To avoid inconveniences, here are 10 things you should plack in your kit bag for Glastonbury.

1. Bin Bags

Consider carrying a whole roll. Bin bags are not just ideal for use as a temporary doormat for those muddy wellies, but they can act as an additional raincoat when it rains. You will also need them for your rubbish at the end of the event. Glastonbury has been encouraging the green spirit, and so, you'll be in the minority if you fail to clean after yourself.

2. Slip-on Trainers or Flip Flops

If the festival won't take place in a complete mudbath and the sun gods decide to be on our side this year, you'll want to have shoes for slipping on when you need to hit the loo first thing in the morning or late at night.

3. A Head Torch

This might make you look and feel like Dalek, but in cases where you are staggering home from Shangri-La at 4 or 5 am, you will certainly need both hands free to work your way around the loo cubicles and yanking your pals out of the mud.

4. Battery Powered Fairy Lights


These not only look appealing and lend a great atmosphere but give off ideal all-round lighting in your tent and around the campsite. They are far better than your traditional unidirectional torch. It is also great fun to stock up on assorted color glow necklaces sold in bulk.

5. An Extra Portable Charger

When it comes to such eventful festivals, one portable charger is never enough. You want to capture all those special moments and keep in touch with friends. As such, ensure you are well juiced.

6. Suntan Lotion

This is England, and even a 10-minute exposure to the sun will leave you with sunburns. Ensure you have the right sunscreen to avoid this during the Glastonbury Festival.

7. Collapsible Jerry Can

As you can expect, the queue for taps in such a huge festival is outrageous. When you are in dire need of water, you will regret not having a collapsible jerry can by your side. A great tip is to fill it up every night so that you don't have to struggle for water in the morning.

8. Duct Tape

In the history of the Glastonbury festival, there has never lacked a need for duct tape. Take this scenario, for instance- you borrowed a tent from your friend, and it turned out to be torn in various places. Your boots have split and cannot prevent the liquor from falling off whatever bucket, trolley, or wagon you've decided to transport it in. You will thank yourself for having duct tape close by.

9. A Small Selection of Medicines

Here's a brief look at what to not forget:

  • Painkillers
  • Gaviscon- to help curb the inevitable acid reflux from frozen margaritas and cheap cider
  • Rehydration Sachets- these are essential for any person with a hangover
  • A pack of plasters

10. Foil Blankets

This seems like an unnecessary, dramatic addition to essentials for the Glastonbury Festival, but just hear me out. Attaching foil survival blankets to your tent means you will not have to wake up to a tent that has turned into a sauna.

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How to Raise an Inquisitive Child

Curiosity is what encourages children to learn new things; it’s an essential part of the education process. As parents, it’s important to inspire inquisitiveness within our children to help them do well in school and throughout life. Some children are naturally more curious than others, but there are lots of things you can do to turn things around if you’re concerned about your child. I have teamed up with a private school in Banstead to offer you the following advice. This is an Ad.

Start by mixing up your routine once in a while so that your child is able to experience new things. Small changes here and there can go a long way in stimulating your child’s brain and making them think about things in different ways. It could be something simple like trying a new recipe at home, eating out at an ethnic restaurant, or visiting a new town; anything that reminds your child that there is a lot to learn and experience outside of their little bubble.


Talking of travel, I am personally a firm believer that you learn a lot from travelling to new places and experiencing new cultures, it can also make you a more tolerant and accepting person as well as giving children a break from the structured learning environment.

Always be prepared to answer your child’s questions; don’t shut them down on shrug them off because then they’ll be reluctant to ask you things in the future. Even if you don’t know the answer to your child’s question, refrain from turning them away. Instead, try and figure out the answer by doing some research together, either online or in a book. 


You should ask lots of questions and demonstrate curiosity yourself, as this will help your child realise how normal it is. Ask them things like what superpower they would choose if they could have any or what they would invent if they could create something to make the world a better place? By asking them questions you not only show them that inquisitiveness is nothing to be ashamed of, but you also encourage them to think deeply about things that might not otherwise cross their minds.

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Dating Online With Date In A Dash

With so many of us dating online these days, finding a dating site that is different is important.  Date In A Dash is a fun speed dating site that you should consider signing up to and at the moment they are running virtual speed dating too! Let's have a look at Date In A Dash and find out more about speed dating both offline and online. This is an ad.
How Does It Work?

With a conventional speed dating event with Date In A Dash then you book an event and turn up in person up to 30 minutes before.  You will have between 10 to 20 face-to-face speed dates for 4 minutes each.  After you meet each date, you will have one minute to mark their card discreetly regarding if you want to see them again, with yes, no or friend. Once the event is over you are encouraged to stick around, the scorecards are collected and everything is input into a database.  Your matches are then emailed to you within 24 hours of the event finishing. 

With virtual dating with Date In A Dash, you need a webcam and computer or smartphone and then you need to download the free app Zoom. Again you sign up to an event beforehand and then attend. It's as simple as that. The prices are between £5 to £20 to attend and you get 15 dates. Everything else is the same as the conventional speed dating, you mark your scorecards and then your matches are emailed to you within 24 hours of the event finishing.

10 Reasons To Choose Date In A Dash


1. Date In A Dash is aimed at professional people that want to find love and companionship. When you arrive at an event the friendly hosts will help you settle in.
2. If you don't meet anyone you would like to meet again they will give you a free session.
3. Ticket prices are competitive and not ridiculous prices.
4. There are nearly 50,000 active members and up to 30 events are held a week. With events for people up to the age of 60.
5. Some of the best venues in London are used for conventional speed dating such as Madison and Mahiki.
6. As well as conventional speed dating, quirky events such as Naked Dating and drunk Jenga dating are held for something completely different.
7. You can have contact-free speed dating online.
8. Trust Pilot score is 4.4 out of 5.
9.. The events are fun!
10. You could meet the love of your life. Date In A Dash has had many long term relationships, 1 baby and 3 marriages so far.


Conclusion

Dating online can be stressful. Date In A Dash makes it a fun event through in-person and online speed dating. Prices are reasonable and they have a track record of pairing up people for long-term relationships. If you are looking for love, what have you go to lose? Let me know, do you like the sound of online speed dating?

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What Are The Benefits Of Having A Good Set Of Blinds?

When you purchase something new for your home, you want to make sure that it provides value, not only in terms of its aesthetics but how it provides functional benefits to you, this is why we love beds with storage in them. So with that in mind, I recently spoke to the experts at DotcomBlinds.com to understand what the functional benefits of having top quality blinds are. This is an ad.

Blinds Can Cut Your Heating Bills


It’s a known fact that in the Winter, your heating bill skyrockets as you spend more money on keeping your home nice and toasty, but there are areas in your home that cause your house to lose some of the heat that’s been generated.  The biggest offender for this is windows, which can cause a lot of heat leakage.

To stop warm air being lost to windows in your home, insulating blinds trap all the warm air inside your room and trap the cold air outside from ever entering your room, this means that you don’t need your heating on as high or for as long in the winter to warm up a room, as less heat is leaking out.

Blackout Blinds Help You Sleep Better

Have you ever found it hard to get to sleep at night because your room is too bright from light leaking into your room through your window? It’s a pretty common issue we all deal with, light pollution makes it harder to get yourself to sleep and can also rouse you during the night causing you to wake up at weird times.

Luckily blackout blinds can stop light pollution making its way into your room, blackout blinds fully block out light from outside giving you a perfectly dark bedroom to sleep in. With a darker bedroom, you’ll find yourself getting to sleep quicker as well as not waking in the night by light from outside.

Stop Sun Glare Without Cutting Out Natural Light


We’ve all had the misfortune to have the sun beaming directly onto your TV screen on a nice day while you’re trying to binge watch something on Netflix, making it impossible to see what’s happening on the screen. If you have a set of curtains, you’d usually close them to remove the glare, but you end up plunging your room into darkness with no natural light.

This is where blinds come in handy, as a set of blinds can provide a nice middle ground as they’re more adjustable than curtains, you can partially draw your blinds or even adjust the angle of the slats, this allows you to keep natural sunlight coming into your room, without it disrupting your vision.

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I’ve Been Working From Home And I’m Bored

If like many others since the beginning of the lockdown, you’ve started working from home, you may find the situation difficult. When your home also becomes our workplace, it can be tricky to establish a healthy balance. Besides, you can’t exactly keep work out of sight. As a result, many new home-based workers are finding it hard to tackle their new challenges. Your home, which is supposed to be the place where you can relax, also becomes the heart of your job. The borders are blurred out. Are you at work? Are you at home? You can’t tell anymore. And with every day that passes, the situation becomes more straining. How can you fight boredom and mental drain when your office is at home?

You don’t leave time for anything else

Contrary to common belief, people who work from home tend to work longer hours. Indeed, it’s hard to know when the day is over when you’ve got no commute to worry about. The 9 to 5 day rapidly turns into a 5 to 9 routine that takes over your life. In the long term, mental stress and exhaustion are going to affect both your performance and mental health. If you’re going to be productive in your home office, you need to establish a work routine that leaves room for your social life. Make sure to set a strict schedule at the desk. Plan breaks throughout the day, as you would in a typical office. Lunch break, coffee breaks, and catchup chat with your coworkers are some of the most popular ways to relax at the workplace. You should try to bring these into your home office too. Similarly, make a point of leaving the desk every day at the same time.

Your home decor lacks excitement

Your home office is a work in progress. A lot of professionals have been forced to improve during the lockdown. Some work from their kitchen table; others have turned the bedroom into an office. It doesn’t matter where you set your home office. You need to make it work and make it exciting enough to sustain your attention. If the view out to the garden is unappealing, you can buy grass seed in bulk to quickly fix the issue. Is the wall uninspiring? Nothing that a few frames or a quick coat of colour can’t fix.

You need a simple daily reward

It can be a good idea to introduce a reward into your daily routine as a way of marking the end of the workday. Something as simple as a fresh brew or a deliciously hand-whipped dalgona-inspired coffee can help to relax after work. If you’re not one for sweet drinks, how about subscribing to a snack service such as Graze? You can receive healthy and portion-sized snacks to give you the boost you need.

You’re lonely

Working from home may be safe, but it’s a solitary position. But nothing is stopping you from reaching out to your friends and coworkers outside of working hours. You can plan virtual quizzes or online escape games together. Being at home doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with friends.

Working from home is the safe answer to COVID-19. But as safe as it is, it also affects your mental health. Overworked professionals need to transform their home office routine to bridge the gap. Remember, you’re only as bored as you choose to be. You can turn the home office life into a happy place!

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9 Ideas For Quarantine Gifts

Has there ever been a better time to be sending gifts? While the world is in chaos, some people have lost their jobs, everyone is stuck at home and not allowed to see any friends or family they don't live with. Some people are celebrating their birthdays alone; others are having to spend what would have been their wedding day sitting at home, women have to give birth without their partners present and then, of course, there are the people who are ill at home or in hospital suffering from Coronavirus and those who are grieving the loss of loved ones.



It's safe to say that there's someone in your life who could probably do with a bit of cheering up, and while you can't go round and give them a hug, then sending them a gift is the best way to let them know that you're thinking of them. So, what are the best quarantine gifts to send during the COVID 19 pandemic? This is a collaborative post.

Photo Canvas prints

Going through your photos will not only give you something to do and keep you busy, but it will also make you happy and bring back some lovely memories. Then once you have picked out some good snaps, you can immortalize your best photos with a photo canvas print and send it to that special friend or family member who needs a bit of cheering up. It could be photos of you two together, or you could go through their Facebook photos and pick ones you think they would like on a canvas print.

Flowers

You can't go wrong with a bunch of flowers, they always make people smile, and not only that, but there are flowers for every occasion and every budget. You can easily order a bunch of flowers online to be delivered to your friend and send a card with a nice message on it too.

Hamper of snacks

Most people are getting through isolation by doing a lot of snacking - and why not? There's not much else to do. You could either buy a ready-made hamper of snacks online or alternatively order your friend an online shop of their favorites and get it delivered to their door.

A streaming service

Another thing that is getting people through this time is the TV. Why not treat your friend to something like Disney+, a few Disney classics are bound to make them feel better as well as give them something to do.

Big jigsaw

You can buy a 1000 piece jigsaw online and give your friend a challenge. What's great about jigsaws too is that you can get some beautiful pictures, and once your friend has completed it, you could get them some jigsaw glue so that they can keep it together and frame it.

Colouring book

Adult coloring books are becoming increasingly popular, and COVID-19 will no doubt have contributed to this. It's a lovely gift to send someone and isn't very expensive. Colouring in can really help with mindfulness and relaxing, so if you know someone who could do with something to help them take their mind off things, then a coloring book could be just the gift.

Loungewear

There is some great stuff on sale at the moment related to the pandemic, whether it's rainbows for the NHS, a sweatshirt saying 'What day is it?' or '#Stayhome' a gift like this will not only put a smile on someone's face, but it will be a great keepsake to remind them of this time in history. In fact, a COVID-19 piece of clothing might even be worth something someday if you don't fancy that though, a nice pair of pajamas or a comfy tracksuit will no doubt be appreciated.

Facebook Portal

The adverts are everywhere, but the Facebook Portal is becoming increasingly appealing during the COVID pandemic. But what is so great about this device that makes it any better than using your phone or laptop for Zoom or FaceTime? The Portal's Smart Camera automatically adjusts to wherever you are - so it's just perfect for grandparents to follow their grandkids around the room.

A Shakti Mat

A Shakti Acupressure Mat is a daily self-care tool based on the Indian bed of nails. These mats are really affordable and can help you to relax your mind and body in just 20 minutes. If you know someone who could do with a bit of extra help relaxing, then give this a go.

All of these gifts don't require you to touch them; you can simply order them online and get them delivered either digitally or straight to your friend's door, making them perfect for staying safe and socially distancing.

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Asbestos Testing Kits - Do I Need One?

It is no secret about the potential danger that could be lurking in your home. Asbestos is, luckily, no longer used in construction. However, many people wrongly assume that when those regulations changed, they no longer had to worry about asbestos. 

Unfortunately, there are many homes that still have asbestos. Knowing the dangers of asbestos, often leads to the question - do I need an asbestos testing kit? It might seem like an unnecessary item. But if your home was built more than 10 years ago, you might consider it a requirement. 

What Is Asbestos?



Asbestos is actually a blanket term that covers 6 different substances that are naturally occurring. They are resistant to electricity and fire. Which is why it was so popular for such a long time. Asbestos was ideal where fire retardation was essential. As asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre, they are plentiful which was ideal for the construction trade.

Not only that, but they could be moulded and woven into a range of different items and materials. It is estimated that asbestos has been used for somewhere in the region of 4,500 years, and it wasn’t until 1960 and beyond the links between asbestos and a range of diseases and illnesses were accepted. 

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Mesothelioma. Asbestos causes a rare and deadly cancer that develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is what protects your internal organs.

When breathing in the small airborne particles of asbestos, it will almost always result in cancer, and it is almost always deadly.

Asbestos has also been linked to a lung cancer disorder called asbestosis. This rare disorder attacks the respiratory system by forming scar tissue on the lungs and the surface of the lung’s lining, making it difficult to breathe. This may or may not be a precursor to mesothelioma. This is why an asbestos testing kit is essential for any home that isn’t a new build, that was erected in the last 15-20 years. 

When You Need An Asbestos Testing Kit


Asbestos was used in many building materials for a long time. It was included in textures for ceilings and walls, and in insulation. When the regulations about asbestos being used in the building industry came into force, it was no longer used for new homes. However, that means there are thousands of homes that will have asbestos. In general, it will remain dormant until it is disturbed, but as soon as home renovations start taking place, exposure happens. Tiny airborne particles are released and can lead to a range of health issues. These include respiratory disorders and lung cancer.

So if your home is a certain age, then it is best for you to make sure you have an asbestos testing kit available. This will mean you can have the safest possible environment to complete your home renovations.
Where Can I Find Asbestos?

Within the construction industry, you will find asbestos-containing material in some of the following areas:

  • Insulation
  • Popcorn ceilings
  • Pipe insulation
  • Vinyl tiles
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Asbestos tiles
  • Some plastics

Many homeowners aren’t aware of the number of products in their homes that could potentially have some level of asbestos. Which is any asbestos testing kits are essential for most homeowners. Unfortunately, it isn’t until a homeowner decides to undertake some renovations when the asbestos is found. 

What Happens In An Asbestos Test?

An asbestos kit only has one use. To detect any level of asbestos within your home. Typically a kit will include a sample bag for each type of material that you would like tested. After you have carefully collected all of the materials and paid a fee, all of the materials will be tested within a lab.

Once you receive the results of your asbestos testing kit, if positive for asbestos, you will need to hire a company specializing in removing asbestos. They will be able to come and clear your home of all traces of asbestos. The cost associated with an asbestos testing kit is minuscule compared to the potential medical bills and deadly impact of leaving your home unchecked. There are occasions where a test might come back as inconclusive, and in this case, it is prudent to continue as if it was positive and use a professional service to take care of it.

A key thing to remember is that a professional company will ensure that your home is totally safe and use a filter to clean the air. You mustn’t attempt to remove any asbestos yourself when you get the results. In summary, if you have a house that is over 15-20 years old, it is wise to invest in an asbestos testing kit.

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Tips For A Better Work From Home Experience

Working from home is convenient, and many working parents, carers and those with disabilities find it to be easy to fit around family life. At the moment many more of us are working from home than normal and you will find that you have to adjust to this new experience. You may find the environment distracting, you may be developing poor posture due to not having a proper office chair, you may find it difficult to get into a routine and you may even work more than normal. So it's good to have some best practices in place.


Similar to working in an office environment, it’s all about balance and not spreading yourself too thin. It will help if you’re self-disciplined and committed to staying focused during your working hours. Apply these tips so you can have a more successful time working from home and not succumb to falling off track.

Have A Dedicated Office or Workspace

You must have a dedicated office or workspace if you want to have a better work from home experience. It can be useful to have a home office with a door you can close to shut out any noise and windows that draw in natural light. You might also want to consider putting in a garden office in your backyard so you can get out of your home when you choose. If you’re interested, this page has more information so you can see examples and find out more about the installation process.

Take Regular Breaks


Another way to ensure you have a better work from home experience is to take regular breaks. It’ll help you to clear your mind and be more productive throughout the day. Use these breaks to fill your water, stretch your legs, and give your eyes a rest from looking at the computer screen. It may be best to set an alarm and schedule breaks, so you don’t put them off or forget to remove yourself from your work and practise self-care. Why not build in a walk into your lunch break to get some fresh air and exercise? Working from home means it can also be easier to take breaks to attend any appointments. This expert dentist in Henderson recommends visiting your doctors regularly as well as the dentist.

Use Technology To Stay Connected

It’s easy to self-isolate and be anti-social when you work from home. However, it’s still important to maintain connections and relationships even though you’re not in an office environment. Use technology to your advantage and to stay connected to your boss and coworkers. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone, send an email, or use a videoconference platform when you have questions or need guidance. You may even want to go out for lunch or visit the office in person once in a while to help you stay connected.

Get Into A Routine


It’s easy to do as you please and get distracted when you work from home. Therefore, you can have a better experience when you get into a routine. For example, wake up early and take a shower and get dressed, break for lunch, and have a time you end and shut down your computer each day. A routine can help you structure your day so that you’re productive and don’t overwork yourself.

Conclusion

These are a few tips that will help you have a better work from home experience and not regret your decision to choose this lifestyle. Give them a try and see what a difference they make for you. Take your situation seriously and set yourself up for success so you can make working from home a reality in your career.

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