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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

 

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or the life of another.

 

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

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Top reasons to get Double Glazing

There are many reasons why we would choose to get double glazing and as soon as you do the benefits are almost instant.  Here are just a few things we could think of that you might be interested to hear or you might relate to.

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One of the reasons for double glazing is to keep the warmth in and the cold out.  It works both ways as in the summer, the hot air will stay out and the cooler air can stay in.  Because of the way the windows are built it shouldn’t allow for any gaps and it offers double protection. You can imagine the difference in your house if all the windows were double glazed as you could gain around 4-5 degrees. The best place to start is to go to a Double Glazing in Cheltenham company at sites like https://www.firmfix.co.uk to get quotes and to see what windows or doors are available.

Another reason to get these windows is noise levels.  If you live on a main road then traffic levels can often pick up at peak times all you end up hearing is engines, horns, people talking on their hands free and if your on a bus route they are extra loud.  The same occurs if you live anywhere near a train line due to the constant incoming and outgoing services it can be quite a headache, especially if they have to use their horn.

Adding value – Getting double glazing can often add value to your property especially if it was only single glazing throughout.  You could achieve the difference between a few thousand pounds and a quicker sale. It can make the difference between an individual choosing a property and not.

When you have had them installed make sure to get the company to register them as soon as possible as it may be a structural change to the house.

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Sometimes if you get all your windows done at once the companies will give a little discount so it makes it more worthwhile to do the whole house.

It will lower your energy bills which in a climate where everything is getting dearer will help save as much money as possible. You will soon see a return on your investment when your heating bill comes through the door.

Another great reason is that it will stop your windows fogging up which can be a real pain, especially in the winter.

What shirts can you wear with a navy suit when going to an event

The navy suit is perhaps the most hard-working item of clothing you will ever own. Most men will wear it for business, where it is classic and formal, but less severe than black or dark grey and less tricky to style than light grey.  This is quite a nice article of clothing to wear to your works yearly big business dinner through an Events Agency Dublin company found at links like https://davisevents.ie It also works well for formal social occasions and can be dressed down for a more casual look.

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To decide what shirts to buy to go with your navy suit it is easiest to say first what not to buy: black and dark blue are obviously a terrible idea, but so too are dark shades of most colours, including burgundy or dark grey. Most lighter shades will look great. However, good shirts are not cheap, so which shirts will give you the most versatility?

Plain colours

Not surprisingly, your first choice should be a classic white shirt. The crisp, clean contrast with the navy is always stylish, but without the harshness of black/white. The other advantage of white is that it works with every colour tie in every pattern – it’s pretty much foolproof. However, nobody wants to wear a white shirt every day, so you should definitely try a light pink. One of the most flattering shades for every skin tone, the navy suit undercuts any pastel sugariness to make this a winning combination. Light blue gives a fresh, contemporary style to a navy suit, but make sure it’s light enough. Pale yellow can look wonderful, but not for everyone, so try before you buy.

Don’t skimp

Unfortunately, sometimes men make the mistake of thinking that it won’t matter if their shirt is poor quality or a poor fit because no one will see it under their jacket. Avoid this by choosing a brand with a good reputation.

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Patterns

Stripes, checks, plaid, any of these can go well with a navy suit. These can include darker colours too, although you should probably still try to make sure that overall the shirt is a pale shade.

Informal shirts

A navy suit can look great with a collarless shirt or a t-shirt, for non-work wear. Esquire magazine has some interesting looks here http://www.esquire.co.uk/style/fashion/advice/a12880/5-ways-to-style-out-your-navy-suit/.

Finally, remember the shirts you choose will also work with other items in your wardrobe, so don’t think they’re just for work!

Pneumatic v mechanical conveyors: the considerations

The advent of conveyors using vacuum technology has allowed enormous increases in the efficiency of industrial, pharmaceutical and food processing industries. These conveyors allow complex, multi-part processes to be automated and they also enable the bulk transport of materials such as granules or fine powders that can’t be mechanically transported.

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How does vacuum conveying work?

Vacuum conveyors (you’ll also find them referred to as pneumatic conveyors) have four main parts: a source of air, a device for feeding in the material to be conveyed, a conveyor line and a separator. The separator divides the air from the material being moved, so that when the material arrives at its destination, the air stays in the system and the material is deposited as required, without a lot of air coming out with it.

This is in contrast to the mechanical conveyor which needs a motor, pulleys, sprockets and many other moving parts which are all prone to wear and tear and need maintenance. Both systems need pumps but vacuum pumps are lighter and more compact so they have a better energy efficiency performance. In some cases metal bonding adhesive such as that supplied by https://www.ct1.com/product-applications/metal-to-metal-adhesive/ can be used to rectify any issues with the machinery.

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Where vacuum conveyors win out

A vacuum system becomes more cost-effective, the longer the distance that it has to move the materials. It costs the same to have a vacuum system moving material 30 metres as 500 metres. This isn’t true for mechanical conveyors, that have a “per metre” cost on top of the engine, and which need rollers and other parts all the way along the conveyor.

Vacuum transport is of course, much more suitable for fine powders which can represent a risk to workers if the powder becomes suspended in air. Similarly, drug ingredients that would be toxic, or food ingredients that must not be contaminated, can be safely moved by vacuum because the system is closed. Another great advantage of vacuum conveyors is that the materials inside them can be kept safe from humidity, cold, heat or other atmospheric conditions that might adversely affect the material.

As manufacturing processes become more complex and sophisticated, and energy costs rise, vacuum conveyor technology looks set to become the option of choice for moving materials in a processing environment. Fast, clean, safe and energy efficient it’s becoming the standard conveying method for many manufacturing processes.

A Short Furniture History

Furniture dates back to prehistoric times and some of the earliest furniture ever found comes from a Stone Age village in the Orkney Islands from around 2000 BC. People lived in stone huts and make furniture from stone, such as beds and cupboards. This doesn’t sound particularly comfortable though.

Ancient Egypt was a little more glamorous with painted walls and coloured tiled floors. Furniture was made from wood with beds, chairs, tables and drawers. Poorer people lived in houses made from mud and furniture was more basic consisting of reed chests and brick benches.

Furniture in Ancient Greece was also fairly basic. The rich would have a wooden cabinet to display items on and there would have been couches to recline on but these would have been a simple affair consisting of wooden frames and webbing or mats laid on top.

Roman furniture was more advanced and in colder areas villas often boasted underfloor heating called Hypocaust. Mosaic floors were a common feature and art became apparent, with wall paintings and murals. Finely carved and upholstered furniture was owned by the wealthy but the poor still had sparse and basic furniture. Thankfully, today we can enjoy the luxury of executive seating, like the Eames Office Chair from https://www.pash-classics.com/office/chairs/

Not much is known about Saxon furniture and it is considered to have been mainly made from wood, such as benches and tables. Members of the higher social classes slept on mattresses made of whereas the lower classes had to make do with the floor. Almost everyone resided together in one big room that could get a little chilly as there was no glass in the windows, just tapestries hung to block out the wind.

Medieval furniture was still basic and even chairs were rare. The rich had tables and chests which also acted as beds and were mostly made from Oak. During the Middle Ages, furniture became a little more comfortable for the wealthy. It tended to be made from oak and was heavy and extremely large. It was to last for generations and pieces became family heirlooms. The poor still saw little improvement in their living conditions, however.

During the 17th century furniture became much more finely decorated and made from walnut or mahogany. Veneering and lacquering were developed to protect wooden chairs and tables. New furniture appeared at this time, such as bookcases and Grandfather clocks. Armchairs appeared in the 1680’s. This trend continued into the following century and exquisite furniture was now being hand-crafted.

The Victorian era lived very comfortably and this era saw the first mass produced furniture. Items became cheaper but also lessened in quality. The poor still slept on straw beds as they couldn’t afford beds. As the century progressed lives improved but furniture was still reserved for the front room of a house, with little elsewhere.

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Rising living standards during the 20th century have seen all rooms furnished, perhaps for the first time in human history and ordinary furniture has greatly improved in design and quality. Mass produced furniture is now a way of life but for those seeking an entirely personal piece, there are still bespoke furniture makers to satisfy those needs.

 

How to Effectively Clean and Maintain Your Vinyl Fence

Having a vinyl fence means a lot of freedom from the demands of traditional fence maintenance. It’s a versatile material that can be painted over, treated to be scratch-proof, and resist unpleasant elemental growth such as mold and mildew. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t put time into cleaning and maintaining your vinyl fence. Investing in Quality Fence Cleaning is a smart move, especially if you’re not sure about how to clean a fence the right way. If you want to take on the project by yourself, here are some helpful pointers to help you minimize damage and keep your property looking spotless.

Use Vinegar

While a lot of vinyl fences and siding can be scratch-proof, it’s still important to avoid using harsh, abrasive chemicals when treating your fence. If you have a white or light-colored fence, the best way to avoid damage and keep your property looking great is to apply a simple white vinegar solution to any spots or dirt splashes that might be building up around the base of your fence. Using a gentle, diluted vinegar solution, apply your mixture using a damp cloth or rag, being careful to avoid harsh brillo pads and scrubbers.

Mix Your Own Solution

If you have a lot of flowers or grass growing near your fence, try to be gentle with your vinegar solution. Vinegar is a notorious weed-killer, but it doesn’t stop there: if you’re trying to promote flower or grass growth, you’ll want to be extremely gentle with your treatment. Try using a heavily diluted solution, letting it sit for a few minutes, and wiping down the area with a magic eraser or another spot-removing tool, being careful to avoid your fence’s contact point with the grass. After you’re finished with the detail work, hose down the area to make sure none of that vinegar solution is left. Don’t make the mistake of not using enough, however. Vinegar is great at preventing mildew and algae growth, so it’s important to use just enough to discourage any unwanted vegetation.

Get the Right Tools

If you’re dealing with serious stains, a simple at-home solution may not be enough. If you’ve tried to keep your fence clean using just natural materials and you’re still dealing with stains, you might want to consider pressure washing your fence with a concentrated detergent. However, if this is the direction you want to go in, it’s important that you don’t attempt it yourself the first time. For your own health and safety and the health of your fence, trust the professionals to take this on.

Treat Your Vinyl

There are many ways to keep your vinyl fence strong and healthy. However, one of the best guarantees of longevity for your fence is to invest in daily, or at least weekly treatment of your fence. This doesn’t mean you have to constantly apply cleaning solution or coating. All you have to do is check up on your fence each day to make sure you’re not ignoring any potential damage. Check the metal connectors between your fence for any damage, and make sure you tackle any stains and spots right away.

5 Common Signs That It’s Time to Call an HVAC Company

Before the hot weather gets too intense, it’s usually a smart idea to spend some time maintaining your AC unit. Even if everything seems totally fine, it’s better to make sure you’re keeping your machine in good condition rather than simply waiting for it to break down one summer. Whether you’re aware of the latest air conditioning tips or are fully in the dark, it usually pays to pay attention to any signs of premature wear and tear before things get too bad. To avoid having to call in a service for air conditioning repair Independence, here are some things to be aware of.

1. Your AC is Making Noises

Of course, your AC unit is going to make some noise, that’s completely normal. However, if you’re hearing loud banging, hissing, or high-pitched wailing coming from your machine, it’s a good sign that something’s seriously off. To avoid making the problem worse, switch off your unit and call an HVAC service immediately to get the problem checked out. It could be something fairly harmless, such as a loose screw or a dented fan, but it could also be a warning sign of worse things to come. Don’t put off calling your repair person until the last minute.

2. High Bills

You know there’s something wrong when your monthly bill keeps skyrocketing without any clear reason. Sure, during the summer months we tend to keep the AC running much more than usual, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look at those high electricity bills with a bit of suspicion, especially if they’re really high. If you don’t think you should be paying that much per month, don’t assume it’s the electric company’s fault. Call someone to check out your AC and make sure it’s not sucking up a ton of energy with each use.

3. Strange Smells

If you’re starting to notice a funky smell coming from your unit, it’s probably not a good sign. If there’s standing water in your machine or if there’s a lot of debris that’s making it hard for the unit to work properly, it could lead to a serious gunking-up of your machine. This won’t just cause your unit to smell unpleasant, it will also lead to poor performance and, as a result, higher bills.

4. Dripping

Some dripping is normal with AC units, but you shouldn’t be coming home to a flood every night. If you’re noticing consistent dripping and water that’s brown or cloudy, you’ll want to get the problem checked out immediately. Even if it’s not a huge problem, it’s definitely something that could lead to bigger, more costly issues down the line if left unchecked.

5. It’s Been Too Long Between Check-Ups

If you’ve had your AC for a long time but haven’t had it serviced in some time, you might want to call someone just to make sure everything is working properly. It’s much easier, and less expensive, to prevent a problem rather than fix an existing one. Before the summer hits, call your AC repair professional and schedule a maintenance check-up.

The Best Time of Year to Have Your Carpet Cleaned

Your denver carpet cleaner has a lot to say about maintaining that long lasting carpet in your home. The best way to maintain that expensive floor covering is knowing the best time of year to have it cleaned.

What’s that? You didn’t realize there was such a thing? Even though it’s important to have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year, it’s when you have the work done that can make the job even more effective for preserving the look and feel of your carpeting for the long term.

You want to protect your investment and that means investing in a professional cleaning on an annual basis. But too many homeowners ignore some of the most important factors that play a role in deciding when to have that work performed. These are things like the amount of foot traffic that moves across the carpet, the number of residents who live in the home, if there are children or pets present, and whether or not anyone who lives in the home suffers from allergies.

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you decide how often the carpets should be cleaned, most carpet manufacturers will recommend (or even mandate in their warranties) that you have the carpet professionally cleaned once a year. But depending on your specific situation, keeping the carpet clean and fresh may require that you do it twice a year instead.

For those homes where allergy sufferers live, getting the carpet cleaned slightly more frequently can make all the difference in preventing allergic reactions from allergens and contaminants accumulating in the carpet fibers and getting released into the air with each step across the carpet surface. Carpet cleaning can eradicate those nasty pollutants.

So, When Is the Best Time of Year?

The answer is the fall. Somewhere in the late fall to be exact, around late October or early November. That’s the best time to do it because you are preparing the carpet for the winter. A good cleaning will remove all of the allergens, oils, soil and other abrasive elements that can damage the fibers and make it harder to clean after the carpet sees some of the wear and tear that winter can provide (which can be rough with all the salt and moisture that can get into the fibers from the snow and ice outside).

For those of you who live in a climate where the temperatures don’t drop low enough to see ice and snow in the winter and you have the ability to leave your doors and windows open to allow consistent air flow into the home and your carpet fibers, there really is no hard and fast rule as to the best time of year to have your carpets cleaned. You can do it pretty much whenever you wish.

It’s really up to you when you want to clean your carpets. The above suggestions are merely a recommendation based on a number of factors but at the end of the day, only you know what your carpet needs and when to provide it.

Common STI symptoms and how to treat them

Taking care of sexual health should be just as important as any other aspect of physical health. Here are some of the common symptoms of sexually transmitted infections to look out for and some ways to treat them, should you be diagnosed.

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Typical STI symptoms

Testicular pain is common in the likes of chlamydia and gonorrhoea. While there are various reasons for such pain, it’s important not to ignore it and get yourself tested.

Discharge that’s yellow, green, white or cloudy in colour usually suggests an abnormality of some kind, and penis discharge is a common symptom of nonspecific urethritis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. These STIs can often cause pain during urination, so any burning sensation should be checked out.

STIs often display no symptoms https://www.sideeffects.com/. With chlamydia, for instance, around 50% of men and 70% of women experience no symptoms. With various STIs, it can take months or years to result in noticeable symptoms. HIV is one such example, where an infection can appear to lay dormant for years before showing symptoms.

Detecting STIs and treating them in their early stages can not only result in a better prognosis, but can help prevent the spread of infection. Testing is often via a swab or urine sample and can be done via sexual health (GUM) clinics, GPs and even from home, with home STI kits, also available.

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The treatments available

The treatments available for STIs have been developed following extesnive research and clinicla trials following the use of Patient Recruitment Services such as those offered by www.richmondpharmacology.com/specialist-services/patient-recruitment and have changed the outlook of recovering from some of these infections.


While an STI diagnosis may be daunting, advancements in science and healthcare mean there are effective treatments to cure or manage most types.

A course of antibiotics is generally very effective in the case of chlamydia. Sex should be postponed during treatment, and if you are with a partner, then it’s a good idea for both of you to receive treatment at the same time.

With gonorrhoea, it’s estimated that around 78 million individuals are diagnosed each year, and it’s becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant. To combat this, prevention is vital, as is early testing and diagnosis to be able to start treatment quickly. This usually involves antibiotics and Azithromycin taken orally. You should abstain from sex until you are tested two weeks after treatment and get the all clear.

When it comes to STIs, it pays to get checked regularly and speak to a pharmacist, GP or sexual health clinic for advice.

You might find something special

We’ve all seen those shows where you take some junk in your attic and go and sell it at an auction house for a load of money, or for nothing much after a timed raid on a car boot sale. What if you felt like actually buying something though. I mean, The Duke, David Dickenson was always pointing out Bargains that could be had at the auction house, he wasn’t allowed to bid on it himself and you could see that that killed him. It’s not that easy. When you watch the show there are people sticking their hands up every minute and the Auctioneer waving his gavel about saying things like “Do I have fifty? Fifty? Shall we start at fifty pounds?” Auction houses have all sorts of incredible items from bureaus and furniture to antique crystal chandeliers and an Animal Sculpture. If you want to see some examples of the animal sculptures that are available take a look at Sculptures from Gill Parker.

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There is a way around this nightmare and that is to follow the following tips.

  1. Attend an auction first. Don’t buy anything just observe how the room works.
  2. When you are ready, go to the auction house and register as a buyer. You may be given a paddle or an order list paper to show your indication and intention to out in a bid.
  3. Research. View it before you buy. The auction house will have the items it intends to display on show so that you can have a good look at the list items. They will have a list price, this is the minimum the seller is willing to let them go for.
  4. Have a set budget to wok to. If an item goes beyond your buying range do not go beyond it unless you seriously want it. Other buyers will know straight away that you’re a new person as they have a quite a close click and no each other.
  5. Wait for the item you want comes up and stick with it. If you see something before that that you want, try to hang back if you haven’t researched it.
  6. When you want to make a bid, raise you paper or paddle up so that the auctioneer can see you. They will acknowledge and say, “I have xxx pounds any advance on xxx?” and offer a new amount to the room.
  7. If there are no more bids the Auctioneer will look to close the sale and start with “At xxx going once, going twice. Sold!” and then they will bang their gavel and you will have to go and buy the item.
  8. If during the bidding you want to stop if the auctioneer offers the higher price to you, you must clearly shake your head to indicate that you longer wish to bid.

Anyone can cut in on the process at come in with a bid at the going, going gone stage.

Good luck!

Design elements to drive leads

With more people researching on the web and buying online, a website is essential for every company. A website should drive leads and it is imperative that you have a strong, well-designed platform for your company. Ultimately the aim of any website is for your business to be seen by more people that will lead to more enquiries and then more sales. If you are unsure on the best way to budget for the website that your business requires you should consult with your Cheltenham accountants such as www.randall-payne.co.uk who can offer you advice on business growth as well as your general accounting needs. Here are some tips.

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Layout

Good website design will increase sales and interest. The layout of your website should be simple and attractive. Ensure the essential information is available for prospective clients, and make your contact details visible. A brand logo or slogan, along with relevant photos, should be displayed. These features all make websites more inviting.

Content

The last thing people want when they visit a website is long pages of information. Not only will they get bored but also they can find too much information confusing. The idea of writing copy is to deliver the information in a short and concise way.

Prioritise the essential information, such as the services you offer, a bit about the company and your contact details. If you need assistance, a professional copywriter will be able to take information about your company and turn it into attractive and readable copy.

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SEO techniques

Prospective clients will often use search engines to find services they are looking for; therefore, search engine optimising is a vital part of generating leads. Good SEO will enable your website to be shown in searches, meaning you attract more visitors to your site and get a better traffic flow. This process can be quite complex and some people may need assistance. There are many companies similar who offer services to help with web design at a reasonable price .

Reviews and testimonials

Hearing from previous clients is more likely to generate leads. When people read about positive experiences from others, they are much more likely to trust your company. Ask customers to write a testimonial for your website; alternatively, you could include a link for clients to visit a review site that mentions your company. A separate review site will ensure customers value the review and believe its validity.

Marketing magic

Words can trigger a powerful response, so it is important that your website uses the right marketing words. Potential clients need to trust the brand and feel that you are offering an in-demand product or service that they need. By using strategic placement and highlighting important words, you can draw attention to the text that will most interest people.