My blog

Alicia

The Pros and Cons of SPC Flooring

by Leave a Comment

SPC flooring stands for Stone Plastic Composite. This is a newer type of flooring with a signature rigid core making it the most durable and hardwearing vinyl flooring option on the market which is why it becoming a more popular choice.

The Pros

As vinyl isn’t made from 100% raw materials, it means that there is more variety for you to choose from. This means that you can pick a colour and style to create you desired look. In addition, the real-wood like design mimics the natural beauty of wood which makes it a great alternative. So much so, it can be hard to tell that it isn’t real wood which is mind blowing! There are also a stone effect options if the wood look isn’t for you. In addition, it also doesn’t have the same price tag as real wood or stone so it is a more budget friendly option. It is also cheaper to install as it is less complicated and easy to lay as each plank already has built in underlay and has uni click technology. In addition, you don’t need to let the planks acclimatise or buy glue to install it making it convenient and quick to install. A great feature that SPC flooring has unlike other options is that it hides subfloor imperfections. This means that it can be laid on top of other flooring or it can also be installed over uneven subfloors. For busy households or if you are looking for a low maintenance floor, SPC flooring is waterproof so you haven’t got to worry about spillages etc. This makes it a great floor to have, especially in your bathroom and kitchen.

The Cons

Unlike hard wood flooring, SPC flooring isn’t the right choice for you if you are planning to sell your property as it won’t add any value. However, if you are looking to stay at your home in the long run, then this shouldn’t be an issue. If you are looking for a wood effect floor, rigid core SPC is more expensive compared to laminate so your decision could be swayed given that they have similar pros. SPC flooring has also been seen to be less comfortable to walk on compared to laminate because of how durable and rigid it is.

Ultimately, the biggest downfall to SPC is that it isn’t genuine wood. However, the technology used to make this type of flooring mimics hard wood so well, it shouldn’t put you off. It is fair to say that SPC is a popular choice as it is waterproof which is ideal for all homes and all rooms. Although laminate flooring may be cheaper, you might benefit from SPC flooring instead because if water seeps through the joins, the boards won’t expand or contract. Before you decide on whether SPC flooring is the right choice for you, you need to weigh up the pros and cons. However, it is clear that for the majority of people, the pros certainly outweigh the cons overall.

 

Accessories you will need when Artificial Grass is Installed

by Leave a Comment

If you have decided to install artificial grass yourself then you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Whilst you might have to buy some of the tools if you don’t have them at home, it is still a cost-effective way to install artificial grass if you are feeling confident enough to do it. GrassWarehouse offers a range of cheap artificial grass and accessories to go with it.

Brush or a Rake

Either tool will do the job. It is only to remove the debris from the sub-ground before you lay the artificial grass. It will also come in handy after the installation as it will help to lift the piles to make your turf look natural and full of volume. Just make sure you brush against the direction of the pile otherwise your lawn will look flat. Not only that but if your garden is prone to getting a lot of leaves from trees, then it is perfect from removing the debris quickly and easily.

Shock Pads / Underlay

Underlay will help to add cushion to your lawn so it is bouncy and nicer to walk on, especially if you choose a thicker underlay. This is especially useful and effective if you have young children as it will help soften the grass so there is more protection for falls so it won’t hurt your little ones as much, as well as being comfier for your children to play on. If you want more stability then a smaller thickness is more suitable.

Weed Membrane

This really is a must as the last thing you want is for weeds to be constantly popping up and ruining your lovely well-kept lawn which will hamper the overall appearance of your garden. Weed membrane helps to prevent weeds from coming through your artificial grass as it acts a barrier between the ground and the grass. It is also good for drainage so there will be less puddles of water collecting on your lawn. Whilst weed membrane prevents weeds, you still might get the odd one which can easily be removed by pulling it out with your hands or by putting a diluted weed killer on it.

Glue, Joining Tape and Nails

Glue is used alongside joining tape so you can join two pieces of artificial grass together to create a seamless finish. Nails on the other hand help to secure the artificial grass in place and secure around the perimeter. All you need to do is hammer one in every 15cm and brush over each one so that the grass doesn’t get caught under it. This will make then nails invisible to the eye which will give a neat and profession finish to your lawn.

Artificial Grass Cleaner

Whilst you don’t need a specific cleaner to clean your artificial grass many people like to use it to help maintain the freshness and appearance of it. If you want less maintenance then simply power wash or hose down the lawn to remove and dirt or debris as it will increase the longevity of your lawn.

Must-Visit Colonial Buildings in Central Hong Kong

by Leave a Comment

Are you planning to travel to Hong Kong this year? Then keep on reading to find out more about the must-visit colonial buildings in Central Hong Kong. You can expect to find architecturally beautiful buildings that carry the signatures of the British although Hong Kong was released from the British sovereignty a long time ago.

Make sure to check out the amazing flight deals at Cathay Pacific by clicking on this link.

  • Victoria Prison

Victoria Prison, located in the Bailey Street of Central Hong Kong should be your first stop in your exploration of colonial buildings. It is the longest-running prison in the city, being opened first in 1841. Originally, this was known as the Victoria Gaol and it was built by the British to house notorious criminals. The Victorian architecture you see here, mostly of granite and brick can be considered high end for prisons like this. However, it was renovated into a shopping destination along with an area to display cultural arts known as “Tai Kwun”, after the prison closed in 2006.

  • Old Central Police Station

The old Central Police Station, located in the Hollywood Road of the city’s centre is also a part of the shopping destination Tai Kwun Hong Kong. It is the best-preserved police station from the 19th century and the oldest structure you see here is a three-storey barrack block which was built in 1864. Completion of the police station was in 1919 and the Police Headquarters Block was constructed. The power of the police is displayed by the initials of King George V at the entrance top, Romanian arches and Greek columns in the exteriors.

  • Former Central Magistracy

The former Central Magistracy is also a part of the Tai Kwun shopping destination in Hong Kong. Originally, the site was home to the first Hong Kong Magistracy but it was replaced by the new buildings which you see here today, in 1914. The architecture is impressive; with Gothic Revival style in the interiors and Doric columns which dominates the building. Most parts of the building were constructed using granite blocks and the pillars of the façade were made with red bricks imported from Guangzhou.

  • The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court, which is now known as the Court of Final Appeal is an impressive neoclassical architectural building in the city’s centre. It was built in 1912 by two British architects who were also responsible for designing a part of the Buckingham Palace in England. It was also used as Hong Kong’s Legislative Council in the 1890s. Today, you can see a statue of the blind-folded “Lady Justice” on the top of the greatly done granite building. It is also used as a venue for engagement and wedding photoshoots by the locals.

  • Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware is a museum that displays different kinds of teaware that are used in Hong Kong. It was built in 1846 as the Headquarters House for Major General George Charles D’Aguilar and was also used as the residence for British Forces Commander until 1978. The architecture you see here is Greek Revival styled and this is the oldest such building in Hong Kong. So, it will be history and art appreciation two in one as you will see many exhibits relating to tea. There is a collection of Chinese ceramics which should not be missed, and also check out the tea demonstrations at the museum to know more information about teaware.

  • St. John’s Cathedral

St. John’s Cathedral is considered the oldest church in Hong Kong and mostly, the Gothic Revival architectural building is what attracts visitors to the cathedral. It serves as the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese and the mother church of Hong Kong Island. It was intended to be used by the British Army for their military purposes. Later, during the Japanese invasions, it was converted to a clubhouse and many of the original arches and glass windows were removed. Today, it is an active cathedral and Sunday services are held regularly.

  • Former French Mission Building

The former French Mission Building is another masterpiece in the city’s centre and it was built by the French Society of Foreign Missions as its Procure of Hong Kong, in 1917. It was also used by the Hong Kong Government before WWII, more precisely until Japan took control of Hong Kong in 1941. The building you see here is three-storied and the architecture is in Neoclassical style. It dates to the Edwardian period and you can see its old glory even although it was renovated from time to time.

  • Rawlinson House

Rawlinson House was built in 1910 as two Warrant Officers Married Quarters and today, it serves as one of the most beautiful Marriage Registries in the country. It used to be the major attraction in Hong Kong Park in the 1980s. The house was named after a general who served the British Army, Sir Henry Rawlinson. The two Warrant Officers Married Quarters were later combined into the house of the Hong Kong’s Deputy Commander British Forces.

  • Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum

Dr Sun Yat Sen Museum, which is better known as the Kom Tong Hall is a museum dedicated to Dr Sun Yat Sen who had revolutionary ideas to hold campaigns in Hong Kong. The building you see here today was the residence of Ho Kom Tong, the brother of Sir Robert Ho Tung, a reputed businessman in the city. Ho Kum Tong and Dr Sun Yat Sen studied in the same class back in 1866 and graduated together from Central School. The surprising fact is Dr Sun has never set foot in the museum and it was in collaboration with the Ho family, the government selected this place to establish a museum. The building is three-storied and the architecture is mostly in the Greek style.

3 Design Tips To Make Your Bedroom Feel Cozier

by Leave a Comment

If there’s one place in your home that you want to feel cozy and comfortable, it’s your bedroom. Without having this safe haven to seclude yourself to at the end of each day, you may not get the rest and relaxation that your body and mind desperately need to function to the best of their ability.

So if you feel like your bedroom isn’t quite meeting the appropriate standard, here are three design tips to make your bedroom feel cozier.

Install A Fake Fireplace

Nothing is cozier than curling up by a fireplace or watching a fire burn down as you unwind. However, most bedrooms don’t have their own fireplace in them. Not only this, but many homes don’t even have the option or capability to install a fireplace there.

If you’d love a fireplace to make your bedroom cozier but don’t or can’t have one, Keri Sanders and Farima Alavi, contributors to HGTV.com, recommend that you look into putting in a faux fireplace. By adding a mantle and some framework to create the look and feel of a fireplace in your bedroom, you can get a lot of the coziness that a fireplace brings without having an actual working fireplace.

Choose The Right Window Treatments

The way you use or cover up the windows in your bedroom can have a big impact on how cozy your space feels.

According to Antonina Jedrzejczak and Gabriela Ulloa, contributors to Architectural Digest, leaving your windows bare, or even just keeping them with the blinds that they originally come with, can be detrimental to having your bedroom feel as homey and cozy as it could. Rather than going this route, you should consider covering your windows with a treatment that diffuses the light but doesn’t completely block it. Also, when choosing the materials for your window treatments, you should try not to pick a fabric that’s too busy. Otherwise, the pattern of the fabric could make your bedroom feel unbalanced and cause the space to be less comfortable.

Use Wood Features

For many people, bringing in wood accents to a bedroom is a surefire way to make the space feel cozier. Take, for example, framed textile art, which adds a touch of traditional art with ambiance.

According to Sienna Livermore, a contributor to HouseBeautiful.com, decorating with wood in the bedroom, be it as exposed wood on the walls or beams or even just bringing in wood furniture or accent pieces, can make a bedroom feel much more in touch with the natural world as well as helping the room feel fresh and clean. So if those are attributes you want reflected in your bedroom, using more wood in your design and decor will help.

To help your bedroom be the oasis of your dreams, consider using the tips mentioned above to create a space that’s welcoming and cozy.

 

How to Get the Best Ecig Deals

by Leave a Comment

Over the past decade, the vaping industry has grown exponentially. That said, there is a wide array of vaping products on the market. This means that you have a lot of options concerning quality and price. New brands are coming into the market and the growing competition puts you as the customer in an incredible position. However, all e-cigs are not created the same. While some boast of the finest quality, other devices are made to get the job done. Luckily, there is something for everyone, and what seems cheap may be expensive for another person. In this piece, we will show you how to get the best e-cig deals.

The Best Ecigs

While focusing on cheap e-cigs, you have to also consider the quality because sometimes cheap is expensive. An e-cig could be simple and cheap but still perform wonderfully. When looking for one on the market, ensure that you are looking at renowned brands. These are brands that make reliable products at an affordable price. Given that the e-cig market is vast, finding the best ecig deals should be easy.

Compare Prices

Like we said earlier, there are many stores both online and offline that sell high-quality vape products. Before you settle for a particular brand, compare products from other companies. For instance, if you have already identified the brand you want to buy, compare prices from different stores. You may be surprised to find that one vape shop is selling the same product cheaper than the others.

Take Advantage of Seasonal Offers

Like everything else, vape products may also be on offer during various seasons such as Black Friday. At this time, you are likely to find the best deals on ecigs. Most stores will be competing for customers. Therefore, they will try to outdo each other by offering hot deals on vaping products. Black Friday comes in November, right after thanksgiving. Try purchasing ecigs during this time and you may get the best deals.

Scour Social Media

Social media has revolutionized human connection. From a business point of view, most stores want to have a social media presence. Stores post their best vape product deals on various platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and so on. As you embark on getting the best deals on ecigs, see to it that you score their social media first.

Go to the Store

Most people make the mistake of walking into one vape store and buying what they need immediately. When you do this, chances are that you will not be getting the best deals. By doing this, you miss out on good deals. Change this approach by checking what different places have to offer and settling on the best price. There is more value in looking and touching the vaping device you would like to buy before paying for it.

With plenty of ecig brands now available, you should not limit yourself to one supplier. Explore the market freely and you will find a lot of exciting vape products. With the tips we have mentioned above, you might get some of the best ecig deals.

5 Signs You Are Ready to Take a Job Overseas

by Leave a Comment

Think about it, why are you thinking about working abroad? It may be that you are about to finish your studies and you are waiting to embark on your new adventure. On the flip side, it may be that you are bored with your life right now and want to make a change. Either way, this guide will help you to find out everything you need to know about moving abroad so you can make the best decision overall.

Every Time you Visit another Country you Get Excited about Living There

If this is the case, then you may be ready to take another job. You have to remember that it doesn’t need to be forever either. You could easily take an internship for a few months if you want. When you do, you will soon find that you can make enough to try out a few new experiences so you can see what works for you.

You’re Joining International Groups on Social Media

Do you spend half of your time on Facebook, trying to find expat groups? Maybe you have looked into an overseas pension in the past but you are a bit timid about taking that next step. Either way, if this sounds like you then you may well be ready to take things to that next level. Find the city of your dreams and also find out everything you need to know about it as well. When you do, you will soon find that everything comes together nicely for you.

You Need a Change to Be Happy

Sometimes, in life, you may feel as though you need a change to be happy. This is understandable, and a job overseas could be just what you are looking for. It may be that you are bored of the 9-5 grind or that you just seek something with a bit more adventure. Either way, now is the time for you to make a change. Sometimes a new job could be just what you need to feel happier on a day to day basis, or it could be that you just need a new environment. Of course, if you feel as though you’re ready to take that next step and make a big change, then go for it.

You’re Always seeking Job Opportunities Abroad

There are so many job opportunities all across Europe. If the idea of working in another country with new and different people excites you, then this would indicate that now is the time for you to make a change. When you do, you’ll be happy you did.

You Want to Be Challenged

Working abroad can be a challenge, but if you feel as though you want one in your life then this could indicate that it’s time for you to take that next step. When you do, you will soon find that you are able to focus on the future and that you can also look forward to that next stage in your life.

 

3 Tips For Planning A Vacation As A Retiree

by Leave a Comment

While planning a vacation is never necessarily an easy task, especially during the current global pandemic, if you’re a senior citizen, planning future trips can get even more complicated. But luckily, there are some things you can do to simplify this process, use your time spent on the road to create lifelong memories, and maintain your finances for future adventures.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for planning a vacation as a retiree.

Use Social Media To Help You Plan

Although technology isn’t something that many retirees are super familiar with, when it comes to planning a trip, tapping into social media can be extremely helpful.

According to Patricia Doherty, a contributor to Travel and Leisure, using social media can help to influence the decisions you make during the planning phase of your travel. For example, you can use social media to help you uncover places that you’ve never thought of traveling to before, find restaurants that you might not have tried, and learn from other people’s experiences as they have traveled to the same places previously.

If you’re unsure of the best way to use social media to your advantage when you’re planning an upcoming vacation, you may want to start by asking your Facebook friends for the recommendations or by looking on platforms like Pinterest or Instagram until you find images of places or food that strikes your fancy.

Take Multiple Trips At A Time

For many retirees, having enough time to travel isn’t really an issue. But despite this, it’s wise to use your time as best you can, as you never know when health or other conditions will make it so you can’t travel anymore.

With this in mind, Craig Stephens, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, suggests that you try to take multiple trips at a time when you travel. If you’re going to be close to an area that you’ve always wanted to visit, it could be well worth your while to add on a few more days to your trip in order to experience these things now rather than waiting for a future vacation that you may or may not actually take.

Find Ways To Stretch Your Budget

Growing old can get expensive. What with medical bills, the cost of assisted living facilitates, and other expenses, it’s a good idea to save as much of your money as you can while still enjoying the years you have left.

To help you with this, Michelle Ullman, a contributor to Investopedia.com, recommends that you consider some budget-friendly travel options. In many cases, things like cruises, volunteer trips, or switching homes with another retiree can make for a great vacation without the huge vacation price tag.

If you’re having a hard time planning a vacation as a retiree, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you with this.

 

6 Bucket List Items that are More Affordable than You Think

by Leave a Comment

‘There’s no time like the present’. We all know the saying but how many of us apply it to our daily lives? Are your ready to take out that old bucket list you made when you were 15, 25 or even 50 and realise that it’s still possible to make yourself proud of what you’ve achieved in your life? You can start now, because not everything requires a fortune—or even a lot of free time—to achieve.

See if your bucket list items appear on our list, go make them reality, or use our ideas to get creative about achieving your own life goals.

text

Own Your Own Business

Does this seem a bit far fetched? You’ll be surprised how easy it is to become a business owner by simply using today’s online shopping phenomenon. Thanks to features like dropshipping you don’t even have to buy property or own stock to become your clients’ new favourite supplier.

Learn a New Hobby or Language

The online universe is handy for many types of bucket list items, such as providing you with endless learning opportunities. No need to book a class that will rob you of your weekend! Simply view videos online whenever you’re at home. Learn about anything from cooking to woodworking or a new sport. With videos and apps you can even learn a new language without paying a lot of money.

See an Exotic Animal

If you imagine yourself looking for an anaconda in the Amazon, you may have to save for a few years before you can pack your bags and go. But there are many other ways to see remarkable animals, without even putting your life in danger.

In game reserves in KZN, South Africa—a very affordable destination—you can take a drive and try to see the Big Five between the trees. Or, why not raise a unique pet like a chinchilla or a bearded dragon? Just make sure you obtain your new pet from a legal supplier and that they weren’t taken from the wild.

Have Something Named After You

Fancy your name on a billboard or a building? Why not keep it simple, create the most interesting cocktail your friends ever tasted and name it after yourself? If future generations of your family also enjoy it, your name will be called for decades to come—and always make people smile.

Leave a Legacy

A legacy? Isn’t that meant for the wise and rich among us? No! Your life has taught you may valuable lessons. You simply need to find a way to pass them on and thanks to a personal blog you can share it with the world. If you don’t like to write, record your thoughts and post vlogs that may go viral.

Have 15 Minutes of Fame

If it’s fame rather than a legacy you’re after, simply look for opportunities in cities where movie and TV crews work. They often need extras on set and you may even get paid for the few seconds you’re in the background of a scene. Your entire family is sure to watch that episode and you’ll have your 15 minutes!

In Conclusion

It’s all about getting started. Write down your bucket list wish and then look for original ways to make it happen. It’s not too late!

 

5 Tips on How to Make Cute Dollhouses for Children

by Leave a Comment

C:\Users\Mechanika\Downloads\jason-leung-sZZy9GKrJ18-unsplash.jpg

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

You may think that dollhouses aren’t as popular as they used to be. However, it’s the mass-produced items that are made with cheap materials that aren’t popular. If you go through YouTube or TikTok there are myriads of videos of people building dollhouses.

Making dollhouses has become a popular pastime again and there’s something magical about handmade toys. So if you want to start making your own dollhouses you’ll enjoy today’s article. Keep reading to find out more.

1. The Best Way to Cut Out Spaces for Windows and Doors

Hand making a dollhouse takes time because there are a lot of small intricate parts you have to cut out. You want to make your dollhouse look as authentic as possible, therefore you’ll need windows and doors. The best way to cut out spaces for windows and doors is by using a laser cutter.

You can program a laser cutter to slice the exact shape and dimensions you want out of any hard material such as wood or plastic. The laser cutter will get the job done quickly which will give you more time to work on other parts of your mini house.

2. Epoxy for Windows, Basins and Bathtubs

Epoxy resin is used to make plastics, sealers, primers and adhesives. On the other hand, arts and crafts enthusiasts use epoxy to make jewellery. You can use epoxy to make clear or stained glass windows for your dollhouse.

Add colourants to your epoxy so you can make other mini items such as bathtubs or basins. Windows will be the easiest to make because they’re simply flat panels. Bigger items may be more challenging, but if you have a mould of the item you want to make it will be easier to craft.

3. Use Old Clothes and Linen to Make Curtains & Bedding

You don’t have to spend a fortune buying meters of materials from shops. Simply clean out your cupboards and put all the clothes & linen you don’t want in a pile. Select the colours and textures of the fabrics you want to use inside your dollhouse. Use the fabrics to make tiny curtains, cushions, rugs, bedding and more.

4. Wallpaper for Floors and Walls

Painting the interior walls and floors of your dollhouse may take some time. To save the hassle of painting and messing up the details of your interior you can use real wallpaper to cover your walls & floors.

5. Polymer Clay for Utensils and Details

Polymer is soft pliable clay that will harden when you bake it. The clay is the perfect product to make small plates, utensils and details around your dollhouse. You can even use it to make bricks and roof tiles.

Final Thoughts

You can make all types of themed dollhouses using the tips in this article. If you make your dollhouses look as authentic as possible you could make a lot of money from your craft by selling them. Or you can simply make dollhouses for fun and show the world how you make them through YouTube.

6 Reasons Why an iPad is Better Than a Laptop

by Leave a Comment

black iPad

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

Has it recently become necessary for you to work from home? Would you like to work on the move, taking your work with you and catching up when you can? The only hiccup is: you’re not sure if you want to carry a bulky laptop around with you wherever you go or whether you prefer something a little lighter.

Have you considered iPad hire? With the right accessories, you can use an iPad for all your office or entertainment needs. And with hiring you can see if this device is really what you need. Here’s why we think you’ll love it at first unboxing.

6 Reasons why an iPad is Better than a Laptop

If you’re not all that familiar with the ins and outs of Apple’s iPad range, you can be forgiven for thinking that they’re primarily used for entertainment. While they are top notch devices to watch movies and play games on, they’re also well equipped for some work functions as well.

Here are a few reasons why getting an iPad, whether it is via purchase or rental, is a good idea.

Portability

iPads are so much more portable than your average laptop. The iPad Pro barely measures a quarter of an inch thick and barely weighs 1.6 pounds. This makes it small and lightweight enough to put in handbags or small work bags. It’s also easier to maneuver an iPad while you’re working on the couch or in bed.

Accessorise to Simplify

If your work involves a lot of typing, it’ll be easier to use a portable keyboard. Durable and magnectic, it simply attaches to the iPad without the need for cables or pairing. You can also use an iPad stand which will elevate your iPad. That, together with your keyboard, will create a useful little work station.

Extended Battery Life

Like all other Apple products, every iPad has a longer than average battery life. Able to function for 10 hours of average use without needing to be recharged, you’ll easily get a day’s work done without the hassle of your battery running low.

App selection

iPads have a wide variety of the usual applications such as calendar, alarm, web browser, note pad among others. Apple has also gifted new iPad users with its handy iWork suite. This adds options like spreadsheets and presentation software. Design applications such as OmniGrafle are also quite popular.

Step-up from E-Reader

iPad’s iBooks has been labeled as one of the greatest e-reader apps on the market. A free Kindle reader is available in the App store, making this feature a plus point for anyone loving a good read.

Simple Presentation Tool

If you’re considering renting the iPad for work related presentations, you won’t be disappointed. A high quality screen display and optional HDMI adaptor cables allow you to connect your device to large TV or projector screens, which comes in handy during scenarios like product presentations.

In Conclusion

iPads give you more ease of use and with all the added features, applications and accessories you’ll find it much more suitable than a bulky laptop. Enjoy what technology can do for you!