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Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy

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Keeping your home clean all the time can be overwhelming especially if you are a busy person. It is usually at the weekends when you find time to clean your home. As the days of the week pass by, you see another stack of dirty laundry, dirty dishes in the sink or a growing stack of mail in the hallway.

Save yourself from a tiring weekend cleaning up your home by adopting these daily housecleaning tips.

For your bedroom

You can make your bed first thing in the morning and you have to do this every day. You can wipe the bedside table as you go too. When you come home from work, do not just throw your clothes on a chair or on the floor. Throw them in the laundry basket, or hang them up if you want to wear them again.

For your bathroom

After every shower, you can spray your shower with a cleaner, wipe the surfaces quickly and rinse. You should make sure that your towels and robes are properly hung to dry too. This is done so that you can still use them up to three times because they are air dried well.

When you decide to have a relaxing bath, wipe it clean after you use it as well to prevent mildew and mould from building up. It applies to all kinds of baths, from freestanding baths to whirlpool and drop-in baths. You can also give your toilet a quick scrub at least once a day.

For your kitchen

Learn to multitask. You can clean up while waiting for your food in the oven to be cooked. Keeping your kitchen organized and more efficient make a big difference too. Do not let the dirty dishes pile up in the sink. Every night, you can fill and start the dishwasher before retiring to watch your favourite TV show. If you notice a spill in the kitchen, wipe it up immediately.

For your living room

While watching television, you can wipe your side tables and coffee table during commercial breaks. There is nothing better that being productive even when you are relaxing. When you are about to retire to bed, give the living room pillows a little fluffing.

For your hallway or entryway

Coats, keys and bags can be kept in the same spot. This can make it easier for you to get everything you need before leaving the house. When it comes to trash, you do not have to wait for enough trash to take it out. You can take it out when leaving your home.

Doing these simple housecleaning tips can be a big help. You will not have to do so much during the weekends. You can at last use you weekend to relax and rest. All you need is a little self-discipline.

Image: freedigitalphotos.net (dfrsce)

Avoid Casinos With These 3 Qualities

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Not all online casino sites are created equal. Some are better than others. This is also the reason why some of them are more popular just like the ones you’ll find at casinodeal.co.uk. However, there are sites that you just have to avoid altogether. They might have exciting games available, but choosing them is not rewarding at all. Here are some reasons why you should just ignore some sites.

High minimum deposits

The minimum deposit required varies from one site to another. Some sites require an amount as low as £20 while others require up to £200. No matter how much money per month you’re making, there is an option for you. The only problem if you are asked for a higher minimum deposit is that it will not be so easy to get your money back. If you happen to dislike the site after playing a while, you have no choice but to go on or else the minimum deposit will be wasted.

Bonuses and promotions that are too good to be true

Bonuses are common in online casinos. This is true especially for first time players. Usually, sites will match the amount that you have paid as a minimum deposit. However, this comes with rules that you have to follow. There is also a validity period to consider. If you are required to pay just £10 as an initial deposit with a £150 bonus in return, this could be a bogus site. You should also check the terms. Sites that make it impossible for you to withdraw the money you have won or ask you to place thousands of pounds as deposit before you can withdraw the prize, should turn you off right away.

Terms and conditions you can’t understand   

You normally don’t read the terms and conditions before signing up for a website. When it involves a lot of money though, you have to read even the smallest details. Otherwise, you won’t be able to complain later if you have an issue with the site. The problem with some sites is that they intentionally make their terms and conditions complicated. They are also too long. This discourages people from reading them, and they just sign up right away. Unless you understand the terms, conditions and rules, and agree with all of them, don’t sign up just yet.

Software issues

The good thing with some casino sites is that they have a free trial version available. This allows you to determine if the site is really good or not. This also lets you see how fast the software is or if it suffers from software lag. If you think that it is too slow or it crashes all the time, you should exclude it from your list. Think about being a spin away from the top prize and the site suddenly crashes. It would be a disaster!

Top 7 Podcasts for Foodies

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The popularity of podcasts has increased exponentially within the past 5 years. Whether you want to learn more information about marketing or online loans, there is a podcast available for almost any niche.


This is especially true for podcasts about food. If you are a self-proclaimed foodie, there are plenty of insightful podcasts that will fuel your desire to learn more about your favorite topic. Here are the top 7 podcasts for foodies.

Gravy

Producer: Southern Food Alliance
Description: This innovative podcast explores the changing landscape of the southern parts of the U.S. through the lens of the foods people consume. It provides an in-depth look at the people in the regions who are responsible growing serving, growing and cooking food. Previous titles include “Booze Legends”, “Kimchi and Cornbread”, and “Bluegrass Tacos”.

Burnt Toast

Producer(s): Food52/Panoply
Description: Burnt Toast is a highly-rated podcast that explores the various ways in which foods intertwine with our lives. Within 20 minutes, subscribers can listen to interesting dialogue and stories about all things related to food. Previous titles include “Food Swindle, or Absolute Genius? The Margarine Story”, “Where Did the Banana Peel Slipping Gag Come From?”, and “Myths and Magic of Milk”.

Go Fork Yourself

Producer: Food Works, Inc.
Description: If you are interested in the latest happenings in the food world, Go Fork Yourself has plenty to offer. In this podcast, hosts Andrew Zimmern and Molly Mogren chat about food recommendations and other related issues in less than 45 minutes. Previous titles include “Andrew’s Kitchen Tips”, “Fine Dining in America”, and “Whole30 with Melissa Hartwig”.

Special Sauce with Ed Levine

Producer: Serious
Description: Are you a serious food lover who likes to understand all of the various nuances of food? Ed Levine discusses the topic of food and more with famous friends from different cultures. Previous titles include “Chris Bianco, the Poet Laureate of Pizza”, “The Culinary Education of Daniel Boulud”, and “Seth Godin on How to Launch Your Own Food Enterprise”.

Spilled Milk

Producer(s): Matthew Amster-Burton and Molly Wizenberg
Description: In this highly-rated podcast, the hosts intertwine humor with food-related topics. Spilled Milk explores everything from Korean junk food to winter squash. Previous titles include “Molasses Cookies”, “Stinky Cheese”, and “Frozen Chicken Pot Pie”.

A Taste of the Past

Producer: Heritage Radio Network
Description: If you think food and history have nothing in common, think again. In this podcast, Linda Pelaccio explores food cultures of the past and present. Previous titles include “Keeping Traditions Alive: Authentic Italian”, “How Tea Shaped the Modern World”, and “Vinegar: The Alchemy of Acid”.

Cooking Issues

Producer: Heritage Radio Network
Description: Cooking Issues is an interactive podcast in which listeners are encouraged to participate by calling or emailing the show’s host, David Arnold. Previous titles include “Sometimes Dead is Better”, “Never Rub Another Man’s Rhubarb”, and “The Art of Flavor”.

This list of top food podcasts will surely provide you with hours of great advice, insight, and entertainment.

5 Good Reasons to Give a Chocolate Gift

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There is something uniquely special about chocolate. For good reason, chocolate has been prized throughout the centuries and it continues to be highly popular today. You really cannot go wrong when you give someone special a gift of chocolate. If you want more reasons, here’s why:

  1. Chocolate Shows Your Love

Chocolate is uniquely associated with love, it’s a food that brings happiness and it is the perfect gift for someone you have feelings for. It is traditionally linked with decadence, romance, and luxury – and there are so many options out there you can really demonstrate your affection with chocolate.

  1. You Can Make It Personal

What’s better than chocolate as a gift? Why, personalised chocolate as a gift, of course. There are many ways to turn a chocolate gift into something uniquely for the other person. You can spell out their name in chocolate letters. You can write a message in chocolate sauce. You can send a cake with chocolate icing and a special message written on the top. Take a look also at different ways to personalise chocolate pops, or cupcakes.

  1. Chocolate Lifts Your Mood

It is scientifically proven that chocolate helps boost levels of serotonin in your body, which makes you feel happier. What better gift to give than the gift of happiness? OK, so the happiness is likely to be the temporary kind but it’s a lot better than nothing.

  1. It’s Deliciously Luxurious

Chocolate is still seen as a treat, no matter that we are surrounded by it in all the stores. When you give chocolates to someone you are inviting them to take some time out and indulge themselves. And of course you can get extra special chocolates that are truly luxurious, if your recipient needs an extra special boost in their life.

  1. Chocolate is Healthy!

OK, so if you give someone a big box of chocolates which are high in sugar and fat then you are unlikely to be gifting them good health. But if you choose a healthy high quality chocolate with a high cocoa content then you can actually help your heart. Scientific evidence suggests that you can actually improve your health and wellbeing by eating small amounts of dark chocolate. So, what more could you want from a gift? Better emotional and physical health is surely not to be sniffed at.

personalised chocolate:

https://www.morsetoad.com/

Image: Image courtesy of Pansa/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net:

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/chocolate-photo-p424552

5 Ways to Stay Fit During The Winter

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5 Ways to Stay Fit During The Winter

It’s easy to put on weight during the winter with the colder weather providing a perfect excuse for being less active, and sweaters and jackets to help hide the fat. But if you just follow some simple guidelines you can make this winter your best season ever and look great once spring arrives.

#1: Set Up An Indoor Fitness Corner

Having a place to work out when the weather is cold and blustery outside is essential. Statistics show that if you have a gym membership you just won’t go out in the cold in order to use it. The best chance of success comes with a home workout area, so take the time to set up a special corner of your home that’s dedicated to fitness.

Running and working out in the cold can also exacerbate asthma symptoms, so it’s a good idea to keep it indoors during the coldest parts of winter.

#2: Get a Fitness Tracker

One way to make sure that you don’t skip out on your health during the winter is to get a fitness tracker. This adds objectivity to the equation and will keep you honest even when the weather is not on your side. It’s easy to give yourself a free pass when it starts to get cold and miserable, but you simply have to find ways to get in your daily activity, and by tracking it you’ll know where you stand at all times.

#3: Eat Seasonal Foods

Eating with the seasons is one way to ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to cope with what is happening outside. In his book The 3-Season Diet, Dr. John Douillard says to eat foods that nature provides to help our bodies function at their best according to the time of year. Switching to foods that are most beneficial during the winter can help you maintain a healthy weight all the way until spring.

#4: Practice Yoga or Pilates

The beauty of yoga and pilates is that they can both be performed with minimal equipment, can be done indoors, and can provide benefits to you even if you only do them for a short amount of time. You can find plenty of beginner-friendly videos on YouTube that can make it fun so you’ll want to keep doing it.

#5: Have Regular Sauna Sessions

Here’s a method that you’ll surely love, as it only involves sitting in a nice warm room. You may need a membership to your local gym or YMCA in order to find a sauna, but it is totally worth it during the winter months. It will give you that warm inner feeling you’re looking for, and can help you get through the harshest of winters.

You can sweat out toxins and help your skin and body at the same time. For best results you should partake in some exercise before going into the sauna so that you can really work up a good sweat. Consult with your doctor for the recommended amount of time to spend in the sauna and gradually work your way up to that time.

Don’t forget to make sure you are on a steady schedule especially when it comes to your sleep. Getting a good nights sleep is one of the most important factors in your health. If you’re not sleeping well you tend to crave junk food more and are less likely to have the energy for physical fitness.

As you can see it doesn’t take a total overhaul in order to avoid gaining weight in the winter, it just takes a few tweaks and a new way of thinking about fitness and health. Take these small steps today to prepare yourself for the long winter ahead and you’ll be ahead of the game when things start to warm up later.

Choosing the Best Lawyer to Help You with Cosmetic Injury Compensation

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It is good to have a high-quality lawyer by your side to help you regarding your cosmetic surgery compensation claim. This is a tough process. You might be offered an inadequate amount to compensate for the botched surgery and spend sleepless nights worrying about the claims. The clinic might simply deny any wrongdoing. They might even drag you into court and try and disprove your claims. It can be an exhausting process.

With a good lawyer helping you, it will be easier for you to determine what the best solution is. You don’t have to be intimidated by the doctors or representatives from the company because your lawyer will be there to tell you if you are doing the right thing or not. You also don’t have to meet with them unless approved by your lawyer, or in the presence of your lawyer. When choosing the best lawyer for the job, you need to keep in mind these tips.

Ask for a referral

Word of mouth is really important when it comes to injury claims. You need someone who has proven to be an effective lawyer in such cases. You will feel more confident that you will eventually get something out of this long process if you have a highly qualified lawyer by your side.

Check legal websites online

There are legal firms with websites where you can find out more about the services offered. You can also read reviews to know what other people have to say about them. This helps a lot, so you can filter the choices and end up with the best lawyer for the job.

Determine the cost

This can be a costly process without any guarantee that the amount you have asked for as compensation will be awarded to you. The good thing is that there are legal firms where you can ask for legal advice or even representation without paying anything at first. You will only be asked to pay later if you win the case. The amount depends on the settlement agreement. If you have a good lawyer, you might even get more compensation than you originally asked for.

You might need the money to help you correct the problem caused by the surgery in the first place. You might have also lost your job because you are physically unable to carry out the job. If you don’t get the deserved compensation, it would be totally unfair for you.

With a lawyer who has been previously successful in winning cosmetic surgery claims, money won’t be an issue anymore. You will also feel relieved that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You didn’t ask for this incident to happen to you, so it is only right for you to be properly compensated.

Top 5 Places to Travel if you Won the Lottery

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That is the dream, isn’t it, to be free of the responsibilities of working life and to escape to places long dreamt about?

Where should you go, and what should you do if you won playing online lotteries? Well, that depends on what you like, and what you love. Below we have a list of 5 amazing places any lottery winner should love to visit.

The Great Pyramids

The oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the one which has held up best against the weathering of time. There are few people who aren’t aware of what the Great Pyramids are, and the achievements which they represent.

A marvel of both history and engineering built thousands of years ago and still standing strong, this is a destination worthy of any lottery winner’s bucket list.

These ancient tombs, built to honor the Pharaohs of old, are still among the most impressive structures ever built – a wonderful testament to the ingenuity and dedication of man.

The Gold Coast

More of a fan of golden beaches? While there is a lot to choose from, we would feel remiss if we didn’t include the wonderful beaches of Australia’s Gold Coast. Located around 40 miles from the Queensland state Capital, this city sits as one of the largest cities in Australia.

Famed for its golden sands and warm waters, this stretch of coastline also lies only a few hour’s drive from Sydney, and only a few more from Melbourne. On the way in between, you can stop off at so many smaller beaches, and even some nearby theme parks.

The City of Love

Ah, Paris. The City of Love and Lights. Long seen as the romance capital of the world, we would be remiss if we didn’t hold a place on this list for France’s much-loved capital.

Aside from the most well-known Eiffel Tower, Paris is home to some of the best food and shopping in the world, and that’s not all. For those history buffs, the catacombs and architecture of this great city should be more than enough to satiate your love. Want more? Be sure to check out the Louvre, the world’s largest and most famed art museum. You can always head to southern France too for some more low key romance and wine tasting.

The Forbidden City

Don’t worry, the name isn’t literal. Located within the Dongcheng province of China, the Forbidden City stands as one of history’s most beautiful, impressive and intact palace complexes.

Used as the seat of former Chinese dynasties, the Forbidden City offers the world’s largest collection of preserved wooden structures in the world. It also offers one of the most direct and fascinating looks into Chinese history and architecture.

Now a World Heritage Site, there are few places in the world which give such an accurate window into the glory of past civilizations.

The Big Apple

Want to see how things are done in one of the largest, busiest and well-developed cities in the world? Look no further than New York City.

Located within New York State, New York today stands as one of the most influential and wealthy cities in the world. As things can get a little pricey here, especially if you want to do things right, your lottery winnings should be put to good use.

Whether food, museums, culture, or the famed Central Park, New York has it all.

Do You Want Your New Kitchen to be more Efficient? Here’s How to Do it Right

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When designing a new kitchen, it’s often tempting to look at a floor plan (the available space) and see how all items (appliances, cabinetry, tables, worktops, and so on) fit best. It’s an important issue, of course, but dumping everything together with the only goal of making things fit is certainly not the best way to do it. When designing a floor plan, you need to focus on efficiency.

A kitchen is where family comes together to eat and cook foods that make everyone happy. It is a meeting place not only for preparing food, but socializing and spending time together. It’s important to have a organized and workable kitchen since it’s one of the main hubs in any house.

To do it right, you need to understand exactly what a cook does in a kitchen, what he or she needs, and where these things happen. A kitchen can easily be compartmentalised if you understand about the four cooking zones. Do you want your new kitchen to be more efficient? Here’s how to do it right.

The triangle

If you like to fix snacks or prepare meals in your kitchen, then surely you are familiar with the concept of the working triangle, even if you’ve never heard of it; it’s the area in which you are most likely to bring your recipes to life. The working triangle is the area between the refrigerator, the hob or range, and the sink. It’s an important factor to keep in mind whilst designing, and it’s usually a good idea to keep those three items relatively close together.

The cooking zones

Experts in kitchen design and professional chefs like to have four zones in their kitchens. If you have the space, you may want to create these yourself as well:

  • Prepping – This is where are the ingredients are gathered, cleaned, and cut into suitable portions for cooking, such as a worktop (like a suitable granite worktop London from J.R. Stone).
  • Cooking – this is probably the hob and oven area, although you may want to store other appliances nearby, such as food processors and so on.
  • Cleaning – It’s probably the least favourite area in the kitchen, but it requires space and practical design; washing dishes can be labourious, too.
  • Storing – the cabinetry and shelves should be planned for both practical and aesthetic reasons.

Designing around it

Remember also that it may not be necessary to store all your pots and pans in the kitchen – items that are not used often can be stored in a different pantry so your kitchen is not cluttered and so that it remains to have an open feel where movement is not restricted and. And make sure to have beautiful flooring that is easy to keep clean. 

Even if your kitchen is relatively small, you can maximise your available space (and therefore efficiency) by understanding how a cook moves – by understanding the working triangle and the four kitchen zones; it’s the key to making projects in the kitchen fun. Looks are important, but functionality should be on the top of the list. Aesthetics will flow naturally after that.

Choosing the Right Miniature Circuit Breaker

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Miniature circuit breakers are compact devices that have an electro-mechanical mechanism providing protection in the event of an overload. They are becoming more popular these days for several reasons. Although circuit breakers have been around for a long time, the miniature version is more durable, affordable and efficient.

There are different types of circuit breakers to choose from. The Type B trips at between 3 and 5 times more than the full load current. They are the ones used mainly for residential purposes. They may also be used for light commercial applications. They work well for domestic appliances or lighting fixtures. As long as the surge level of current is not that high, this type can handle it.

For commercial or industrial applications, the Type C circuit breaker should be chosen. It has the ability to regulate the flow of current between 5 to 10 times the full load current. Due to the possibility of higher values of short circuit currents, this type of circuit breaker is more appropriate.

Finally, the Type D is suitable for heavy-duty commercial purposes or industrial environments, in which current surges can be extremely high. Transformers and huge winding motors are some examples. If the possible flow is 10 to 20 times the full current load, the type D circuit breaker works best.

It’s essential to choose the most appropriate size of circuit breaker, from the right brand.

The advantages

The good thing about using miniature circuit breakers is that they can provide protection really quickly. Within one tenth of a second, current is controlled and problems don’t escalate. You should also remember that there are safety requirements for electrical installations. You need to adhere to these requirements to ensure safety.

The cost

Miniature circuit breakers are generally cheap. You can have them easily replaced when necessary. You can also check for the best options online if you can’t find them in your local stores. As long as you choose the appropriate circuit breakers for your needs, everything will be fine. You can check for more information regarding circuit breakers and the best options at https://www.expertelectrical.co.uk Remember, choose a well-known brand with a good reputation; safety should always be the first priority.

If you are unsure about the type of circuit breaker that would be best, just call the company and an expert will be there to help you with your needs. You will be given a free assessment and recommendations on what type of circuit breaker would work best. Other options that would work for your needs at home or for your company will also be given to you. Making a decision will be easier if you receive the right kind of information.

LED Lights and the Benefits of Using Them

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LED lights are becoming a huge trend these days. There is no wonder why a lot of people prefer LED lights over the more traditional lighting options like fluorescent and halogen lights. If you still have not switched to LED lights, here are some benefits that will surely change your mind.

  • Long life.  LED bulbs can last for up to 100,000 hours. This is really incredible. It is equivalent to 11 years of continuous operation. If you only use the lights for up to 8 hours per day, you will need to replace them only after 20 years. The lighting diodes don’t easily burn out. They also don’t become less bright over time. The type of light produced is consistent.

 

  • Energy efficient. This is another reason why you should switch to LED lights. They are more efficient than traditional lighting options, as 80% of the electrical energy produced is converted into light while just 20% is lost. For traditional lights, it is quite the opposite. Just 20% is converted into actual light while 80% is wasted. To produce the light you need at home, more energy has to be consumed. You will notice a reduction in your electric bill once you use LED lights, a dramatic drop compared with bills from previous months.

 

  • Ability to withstand tough situations. LED lights are shock resistant. They can also withstand vibrations and external impacts. Hence, they are perfect even as outdoor lighting systems. Changes in weather will also not have any effect on these lights. This is also the reason why they are popularly used as traffic lights.

 

  • No UV emissions. We all know that UV light is extremely dangerous. It can cause skin cancer and other illnesses. With LED lights, there is little infrared light produced and almost no UV emissions at all. Hence, they are perfect when used for sensitive objects or materials. You can see them being used in museums and art galleries, for example. Archaeological sites also make use of LED lights. The integrity of the material on which the LED lights are focused will be preserved.

Whether these lights are used at home or for commercial purposes, they will surely do a great job. To top it all, these lights are affordable. They might be more expensive than regular lighting options, but consider how long you are going to use them. If you divide the cost by the number of hours for which the lights are used, you get a pretty good deal. Add to that the amount you save on your electric bills. Find out more information about LED lights and choose the best ones to use at home at www.downlightsdirect.co.uk.