Category: Reviews

The bathroom can often be overlooked as a design feature of the home; however, it is a great opportunity to show your personality. The bathroom and kitchen – as two of the most-used areas of the home – are amongst the first to show wear and tear. Giving them some attention can ensure that they stay in good condition. Updating the bathroom and kitchen is also an instant way to make a home appear modern and spacious.

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Experts agree that a modern bathroom can add value to the home; with house prices soaring, this has potentially become more important than ever before. Fortunately, even if you are not considering a full bathroom renovation, it is the details that make the difference. One such detail is the use of frameless glass shower panels.

We take a look at some of the key advantages below.

Expressive

Frameless glass shower panels are as unique as you are. If provided by an experienced installer such as https://marvinandpinch.co.uk, they are highly customisable. You can specify the dimensions and style right down to the thickness of the glass, which usually ranges from 8mm to 12mm shower glass panels. This can ensure privacy, durability and more, in addition to adding a modern touch.

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Elegance

The use of glass in a home instantly gives a sleek, elegant, modern and stylish appearance.

Stable

Glass panels are far more stable and durable than many other options, such as shower curtains, which often need to be replaced. From a good company and properly installed, a glass panel can last a lifetime.

Let in the light

Bathrooms are often an afterthought when it comes to lighting and can be dark and damp as a result. Glass shower panels allow lots of natural light in the room and do not obstruct the lighting that may already be in place. This makes the room seem more spacious and inviting.

Immaculate

Glass is easier to keep clean, more hygienic and easier to maintain than fabric alternatives. The shower panels are far more low maintenance as a result and look more expensive – even though over time they could work out cheaper!

Texture

Glass adds an extra dimension of texture to a room that may otherwise by mostly metal or plastic. It adds a sleek and sophisticated finish that you will love.

We all enjoy watching breakfast TV, catching up with the news and celebrity gossip, but who are your favourite presenters and why?

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Winner

In a recent poll conducted by the Radio Times, where 33,000 people were asked to name their favourite presenter, Eamonn Holmes, the Northern Irish-born presenter was the nation’s favourite, winning 35% of the vote. With 11,734 votes, he is also the longest serving presenter of all time and was delighted to win the poll, commenting that all the early morning starts had been worth it.

Runners-up

Coming in second place with 7,397 votes was London-born Johnny Vaughan, presenter of the Big Breakfast from 2004 to 2011. He is also a film critic and radio personality.

Third place went to the relative newcomer to breakfast television, Piers Morgan, who took 2,133 votes. Piers Morgan, born in East Sussex, is a journalist and recently joined the team at Good Morning Britain. He is known for being outspoken and people either love him or hate him.

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The rest of the top 20 list is:

4th Dan Walker from BBC Breakfast 2016-present
5th Bill Turnbull from BBC Breakfast 2001-2016
6th and the first of the women presenters, Susanna Reid from Good Morning Britain since 2014
7th Louise Minchin freelance for BBC Breakfast
8th Steph McGovern Business presenter for BBC Breakfast 2012 – present
9th Chris Evans from Channel Four’s The Big Breakfast 1994-96
10th Lorraine Kelly, an original on ITV Good Morning Britain 1984-1993, currently the presenter of Daybreak.
11th place went to Naga Munchetty, from BBC Breakfast since 2010
12th Sian Williams from BBC Breakfast 2001-2103
13th Ben Shephard from Good Morning Britain since 2014
14th Penny Smith from ITV’s This Morning since 2010
15th Charlie Stayt freelance for BBC Breakfast
16th Kate Garraway from Good Morning Britain 2014 – present
17th Sarah Jane-Mee from Sky News Sunrise since 2016
18th Anne Diamond from Good Morning Britain
19th The late Jill Dando from BBC Breakfast Time
20th Sophie Raworth from BBC Breakfast.

For TV aerial installation in Swansea, speak to One Vision Ltd (https://www.onevisionltd.co.uk/tv-aerial-installation-swansea).

Our thanks go out to all these television presenters who get up in the early hours of the morning, to entertain and educate us over our breakfast cereal.

Our best friend or your cousin announces that she is getting married this year and after the initial joy comes the doubts. What do I wear for such a special day? The mission is not easy, you have to go spectacular but not eclipse the bride. There are a lot of rules that you have to follow in order not to disengage while I personally think there are others that we can skip. I leave some examples of famous that hit and others not so much.

1. The white color, prohibited for the guests? YES

Even if it is the color that best suits you after spending a month on the beach or you think you can wear what you want to be the sister of the groom, you should not dress in white or any of its shades: broken white, beige, ivory … It is the exclusive color of the bride for her to stand out and only her, and it is considered a sign of contempt to choose it. Much less if the dress you choose is long. As much as you think it is a party dress, you can take the nasty surprise of looking like a clone of the bride. Remember that wedding dresses are becoming less classic and look more like catwalk dresses. If you do not meet the norm on the day you get married you will have five friends dressed in white…

Lydia Bosch skipped this rule to the bullfighter. Appeared at the wedding of Genoveva Casanova with a design of Oh what a broken white moon with a black ribbon under his chest. She was fortunate that the bride chose a very classic design, but if she had worn a more modern model they would have looked like twins. By the way, the dress was infinitely more beautiful than the one worn by Lydia Bosch on the day of her own wedding.

2. The black is it just for parties? DO NOT.

I do not understand why this custom of not using this color to go to a wedding is still maintained. Black is the most elegant color of all and with which it is always right, so it should not be discarded for this type of event. The only thing to avoid is that it looks like a New Year’s Eve dress: outside sequins, fabrics with glitter or exaggerated cuts. It is also not recommended for weddings during the day, better for winter weddings or summer nights.

Kate Bosworth gives a lesson on how to bring the black to a wedding and be perfect. A simple gauze dress with an original neckline that led to the wedding of one of her best friends.

3. Look American Bridesmaid. Old fashioned? YES.

It is forbidden to wear an armed dress, a word of honor and pastel color, especially avoid salmon and lilac. It is a look that has been worn for years both in Spain and on the other side of the Atlantic and the only thing that is achieved is to throw years on.

Jennifer Garner is a perfect example of this look. I have to say in her defense that being one of the bridesmaids has no choice but to wear it.

4. is the godmother also the protagonist? DO NOT.

The mother of the groom is a very important character of the wedding but has to be aware that she already had her wedding. There are many bridesmaids who try to stand out above the bride and see the feather duster. If the bride is wearing a simple dress the godmother should not go too spectacular. Scratches and hyper-colored suits are also out of place.

A Marina Danko liked it so much the dress of their future daughter in law who decided to buy one like it. Word of honor, tight to waist, satin fabric and even the detail of the bow under the chest. Either they did not talk before the wedding or Marina did not get over “no longer is the prettiest party.”

Gliding over snowy mountains is a truly mind-boggling experience. It does not take an expert to go to a ski resort! There are many activities that can be done with or without skis.  Do not stay confined at home; visit any of the 8 best ski resorts that we are going to teach you.

The white color is the protagonist … combined with the green of the trees and the costumes of the skiers. Everything is fun while admiring incredible landscapes. Would you like to ski sometime in your life? Cheer up; you can do it when you set it! If not, there will always be other entertaining activities to spend unforgettable days in these fantastic seasons.

1. Baqueira Beret (Spain)

Modern, complete and fascinating, this is how this station, the largest in Spain, is defined. It has a great amount of kilometers of skiing (more than 150) and excellent quality of snow.

It is located in the heart of the Aran Valley and, for example, on the slopes of Port de la Bonaigüa you can enjoy a rich beer once the day is over. Also enjoy delicious tapas in their restaurant.

 2. Zermatt (Switzerland)

Of the most exclusive of the Alps, this ski center is at the foot of the Matterhorn and has in its background nothing less than the Cervino valley. You cannot use the car to get to the entrance, but it offers thousands of excursions and walks beyond the 300 kilometers of slopes.

The station has 63 mountain railways and there is a cable car called Glacier Paradise that takes you to 3,883 meters high. From there you can be astonished with a 360 ° panoramic view of the Swiss, Italian and French Alps!

 3. Aspen (United States)

It began to be appreciated and recognized after the 1950 World Alpine Ski Championships were held on its slopes. Today, it is one of the most glamorous ski resorts in the world. Dozens of celebrities choose Aspen to glide over their snowy slopes. Such is the love of the actors for this place that has been the scene of several films.

4. Couchevel (France)

Nestled in the middle of the French Alps, more precisely in the Haute Savoie, it is one of the most prestigious resorts in the country and the continent. It forms the largest ski area in the world with Val Thorens, Les Menuiers and Meribel in the Three Valleys. In total they have more than 300 tracks and themed areas for leisure.

 5. Lech Zurs (Austria)

This station is situated in the Arlberg region and is considered one of the most beautiful on the planet. Glamor, royalty and beauty are words that define it. But not just for the facilities! It is a destination chosen by celebrities, including several European monarchs.

This is one of the best places to ski around the world for the quality of the slopes and the snow. In addition, the setting is absolutely idyllic, with stunning mountains and a village at your feet that looks like out of a fairy tale.

6. Cortina D’Ampezzo (Italy)

It is known as “the pearl of the Dolomites”, since in its tracks were celebrated the Olympic Winter Games of 1956. Its massive mountains of more than 3,000 meters high and full of snow are the scene where skiers live impressive sensations. The highest points are the Marmolada, the Cristallo and the Tofana.

The city that provides all kinds of services to those who go skiing there is located at 1,200 meters above sea level and offers, for example, restaurants, hotels , shops and a great nightlife .

7. Grandvalira (Spain)

In Andorra is located this track, more and more known and visited. These facilities have hosted tests of the World Alpine Skiing Women’s Circuit, for example. It’s most outstanding and popular track is called Avet de Soldeu and is appreciated by professionals and amateurs.

8. Whistler (Canada)

In the midst of the Rocky Mountains, it is the largest ski resort in North America. You can spend two weeks skiing without repeating any clues! In 2010 it was host, next to Vancouver, of the XXI Olympic Games of Winter.

The ski slope ranges from 2,300 to 600 meters and has open wooded slopes and many activities for the whole family.

It is not necessary that you know how to ski, not even that you have a complete suit. In these ski resorts enjoy beginners and experts alike, children and adults, snow lovers and those who prefer the beach.

With the colder months settling in, there will thankfully be some reprieve from this annual problem but if Sweet Itch has been driving you and your horse crazy this summer, get one step ahead and ready for next year before it becomes a problem again. The uncomfortable condition is also known as Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis or more scientifically as Culicoides Hypersensitivity.

What is Sweet Itch?

The medical term for itching is pruritus and that’s what Sweet Itch is, a terribly frustrating urge to scratch that can lead to horses rubbing, scratching and biting at their skin. The itching can become so bad that horses are in danger of severely harming themselves and their surroundings.

Biting insects such as midges can cause this type of excessive itching, as well as allergies or skin infections. Bites from insects normally start in spring and subside by winter.

Does my horse have Sweet Itch?

Signs to look for include:

• Moderate to severe rubbing, biting and itching along the back, tail and mane.
• Loss of hair from mane and tail.
• Bald patches
• Open, sore areas of broken skin

What causes it?

Biting insects are the main culprit including midges, flies, lice and horse flies. Often more than one problem can be causing the itching. It might start as a bite which develops into an allergic reaction and ends in a secondary infection caused by bacteria entering the sore through biting, itching and rubbing. To ease any skin discomfort for a horse, a natural soothing remedy can be applied to affected areas, such as those available from http://www.stinky-stuff.co.uk/sweet-itch/

Allergies

These are the most difficult to diagnose, if you’re sure the problem is not being caused by biting parasites. Food reactions are rare in horses but an allergy to certain bedding could be a possibility. Using a hypoallergenic material such as hemp or paper might be advisable until the cause is established. If you suspect an allergy could be caused by mould, pollen or dust, specialist vet expertise will be necessary.

Prevention

During the summer months, an effective midge repellent is essential. Areas where midges breed such as water troughs should be cleaned regularly. Make sure your horse is stabled between the late afternoon and early evening when midges are at their most prevalent. Using an insect-proof mesh on windows and doors is another good preventative method. Keeping your horse covered in an ear to tail rug is a good idea as they are designed to combat this problem.

Installing ceiling fans with a strong current are another effective way of dealing with midges as they cannot fly against the air current. Medicated treatment on a daily basis is helpful to stop the midges biting and beginning the itching cycle that can lead to more problems.

Moving your horse or horses to a hilltop location can also help control the amount of contact that your horses have with clouds of biting insects who tend to remain low around moist conditions such as water.

As autumn begins to turn into winter, we start thinking about spending more time indoors away from the elements. Before the snow and ice set in, there are a few things you can do to make sure that your roof makes it through the coldest season without problems.

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Clear the gutters

If you have a tree on your property, you’re probably used to clearing your gutters out regularly. When they get blocked with fallen leaves or other debris, water can’t flow easily from the roof and down to the drains. That can lead to noisy overflows, icicles, and water falling in the wrong place, which can cause damp patches.

Even if you don’t have a tree, it’s well worth making it an annual job to clear your gutters. Birds love to feed off the moss that grows on rooves, but they often only dislodge it to fall into the gutters where it either dies or grows.

Clean the roof

If you have a pitched roof, this isn’t such a problem, but flat roofs can be a haven for leaf material, moss or other debris. If this gets damp and breaks down, it can damage the roof covering and lead to problems in the long run.

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If you’re not able to get onto the roof yourself, ask friends to recommend a local company, or look for local groups on social media who can recommend experts in flat roofing in Evesham, such as www.lwroofing.co.uk.

Check for damage

Make a visual inspection of your roof spaces from the outside and in. This does involve using ladders, which are a leading cause of accidents, so this may be best left to experts if you are not confident doing it yourself.

Pay special attention to areas around skylights and dormer windows, which can be a trouble spot.

Airflow

Go into the loft and make sure that you have a good airflow through this space. You want moisture to be able to escape, otherwise you will end up with condensation and eventually mould or damp. Go up on a bright day and make sure that you can see daylight through all the vents and channels.

With those steps taken care of, you shouldn’t have any problems with your roof this winter, whether it’s rain, snow or hail!

Most people are more or less aware of what’s expected when it comes to appropriate attire for attending a wedding. But there is a wide range of options included in the formal wear category, so you might be a little sketchy on the finer points of selecting an outfit to wear to the wedding of a friend or family member. However, if you follow a few simple guidelines you should be able to dress up without making a spectacle of yourself. Here are some dos and don’ts you might want to keep in mind when choosing your attire.

DO:
1. Dress formally. Unless the wedding is specifically listed as black tie, you don’t necessarily have to go for tuxes and full-length gowns. But you also shouldn’t show up in jeans and a tee shirt. A wedding is a special event, and a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence for most couples. So you need to be respectful and dress appropriately. At the very least, consider that your family member or friend who is getting married will have to look at the photos for years to come, and you don’t want to be the jerk that ruins their pictures.

2. Dress for the setting. Weddings are held at a variety of locations that may determine the appropriate level of attire. For example, a daytime wedding almost certainly allows for short or tea-length dresses, while floor-length gowns should be reserved for evening affairs. On the other hand, a beach wedding calls for a slightly more casual approach to dressing, and depending on the couple, shorts may even be acceptable.

3. Ask when in doubt. If you’re not sure what attire is appropriate for the event you’re attending, don’t hesitate to contact the bride or groom for clarification. They will let you know exactly how you’re expected to appear at their event.

DON’T:

1. Wear white. Although social mores are shifting on this subject, it’s better not to chance raising the ire of the bride or getting an earful from other guests that are insulted on her behalf. The best rule of thumb, even if the bride is not particular on the subject, is never to wear white, or even off-white to a wedding. This color is reserved for the bride, whether she chooses to wear it or not.

2. Skimp out. Sure, weddings are a great place to meet eligible singles. But this doesn’t mean you should dress like you’re going out clubbing for the night. Showing a little skin is okay, but try to keep it tasteful. As a rule of thumb, if your mother wouldn’t approve of your outfit, it’s probably not appropriate for attending a wedding.

3. Go overboard. When it comes to attention-grabbing ensembles, you never want to outshine the bride. So while you can certainly shop at stores like Allure Bridals or high-end department stores, try not to select a dress that’s going to turn every head in the place and overshadow the happy couple. Even if you have a flamboyant personality and a style aesthetic to match, it’s best to tone it down and cede the spotlight to the bride and groom on their special day.

If you’ve decided to have a real Christmas tree this year, then you might be grateful of some tips on how to look after it. Taking good care of your tree will mean it looks great for longer and you can enjoy the pleasant aroma and full branches right through the festive period.

Things you might need:

A carefully chosen, beautiful real tree

A bucket

A small saw to trim the trunk

A watering can

A sturdy out or tree stand that will hold water without leaking

Where to find the best trees:

The best way to guarantee a top-quality tree is to cut your own or have one cut for you from a local farm. Buying locally also guarantees its freshness and sustainability as farms replant for future harvests. It’s a greener option as you’ll be cutting your carbon footprint and helping to support local business. If you buy a pre-cut tree, find out when they were harvested. Feeling the needles is a good indicator. Needles should feel bendy and flexible, not brittle and dried out. For Wellingborough Real Christmas Trees, visit Welford Christmas Trees

Tips for getting your tree ready:

Take your tree out of its protective netting as soon as possible. If you leave it standing for too long you run the risk of mould forming on the damp branches. You’ll want to air it as soon as possible.

Give it a little water straight away to keep it hydrated.

Using a saw, cut approximately 25mm off the base of the trunk. This is done to ensure the base of the tree is fresh and it will absorb more water this way. If you don’t intend to put it up immediately then stand it outside in a sheltered spot and sitting in a bucket of water.

When it’s ready for being positioned, shake it gently to loosen any foliage and get rid of insects. Banging the trunk of tree on the ground will also help dislodge any loose needles.

Position your tree in a pot or tree stand. You may need to trim some more from the base of the trunk to ensure it fits properly. Don’t pot in soil or sand as this will prevent the water intake it needs to stay healthy. Position your tree away from any direct sources of heat such as fires or radiators or you risk drying out the branches and causing increased needle drop.

When your tree is in position:

Be sure to water your tree every day as a dehydrated tree will begin to wilt quickly. A medium-sized tree will drink at least 500ml of water per day and a larger tree can consume between 1 and 2 litres a day. The warmer your home, the more water it will need to remain green and full.

To stay safe this Christmas, be sure to check that any Christmas lights are in good working order with none broken or missing. A good option is to purchase LED decorating lights which are cheap to run and they stay cooler than traditional Christmas lights.

Aussie Speed Humps are a reputable manufacturer and supplier of high quality vehicle management products and have filled a void in a market that is sometimes to susceptible for poorly manufactured car park control products that do not guarantee the required standards are met.

Wheel stops are a financially viable and effective solution to car parking control issues and the benefits include demarcating parking spaces and loading bays, stopping vehicles hitting car park walls and encroaching pedestrian walkways. They can be particularly useful in any place where parking control is required, such as multi-storey car parks, home garages, factories and outdoor car parks.

Types of wheel chocks

Wheel stops are usually made of concrete, plastic or rubber, but they do not always withstand certain conditions so the type of preventative product you choose depends on the environment in which you intend to use them. Also, depending on your individual requirements, wheel chocks are an effective device worthy of consideration for preventing cars rolling down a steep incline.

Ideally your choice of wheel chock should be made of sturdy material which is able to withstand the type of vehicle you are using it for. Plastic wheel chocks cannot support an articulated lorry, for example.

You may also require a device which can be moved and used wherever required so need something light enough to carry between locations, but strong enough to support a wide variety of vehicles. Wheel chocks can be used with cars, trucks, trailers, caravans, motorcycles and even aeroplanes. They must be matched to the size of the vehicle and be used on a firm surface. When choosing your product a moulded rubber material is advisable as this is a strong material which is also environmentally friendly as it can be recycled.

As the colder weather descends and winter fast approaches, we should be thinking about checking the exterior of our properties to ensure everything is as it should be. Damage done in winter from bad weather can wreak havoc on roofs in particular so make sure you have no existing problems that might get worse. Here are some interesting and unexpected ways the weather can damage your roof:

• Debris

Falling debris that can damage roof tops mostly comes from tree branches. While leaves and twigs won’t cause much harm, if you have trees close to your property then high winds could cause a full branch or tree limb to hit your roof. This would cause significant damage. Algae and moss can also cause damage and will grow in the damp conditions of overhanging foliage. Moisture collection is a problem caused by moss and algae which will leave dark spots on your roof, potentially rotting the shingles. Flying debris during stormy weather can also cause guttering to become blocked.

• Wind

High winds can blow tiles completely off the roof. Once the storm has passed, be sure to inspect your roof for any missing tiles to see if repairs or replacements are needed. Missing tiles cause your roof to be more exposed to the weather, which could cause damp and further damage.

• Hail

Hail can occur at any time, even in spring and summer and can be quite damaging if it’s large. As with any sudden extreme weather conditions, be sure to check your roof for any repairs or problems. If you do want to replace important roof parts before the winter sets in, think about using UPVC Fascias and Soffits from absolute building plastics

• Heat

You don’t need to worry about this too much during a UK winter, but you might be surprised to learn that heat can damage a roof too. Heat can cause materials to age much quicker than normal and has an effect on both the inside and out. If you have shingles, excessive heat can cause them to tear or crack which will affect the ventilation and temperature inside your home.

• Rain

This is something we get a lot of here in the UK and if it’s allowed to pool over time, then water could be infiltrating your home causing horrible problems like damp and mould. If your roof has visible dents or uneven surfaces, then keep an eye on them from the inside too to check that even the smallest of cracks isn’t storing up a big problem for you further down the line.