You may already be a savvy shopper but if you are not BRexit will likely change that. If it does not expect to be worse off financially.
Little in real EU exit terms has happened since a majority in the UK voted for the country to leave the European Union but a lot has happened with prices. Tuesday it was announced that APPLE were hiking the price of their apps up by 25% but if consumers stop purchasing expect a re-think. But what about food, energy, the basics and the usual luxuries of life? Becoming a savvy shopper is easy and may help your finances weather a BRexit price hike storm.
It harks back to the days of "look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves." You do not have to become tight or a greedy penny-pincher but rather a sensible savvy shopper who knows the value of money and what it buys. This approach could keep the wolf from your door during tough financial times. http://www.moneywise.co.uk/household-finances/shopping/10-ways-to-be-savvy-shopper http://www.onewomansomanyblogs.com/cookery
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Water is a valuable resource. These days it can be in short supply in almost any country around the world. As we all make a conscious effort to protect the environment and such resources harvesting rainwater seems a sensible option.
In order to successfully harvest rainwater most people install a water butt or barrel. This can either be a purpose bought water butt or made by you. People often utilise old wooden barrels which they then line with polythene. Old plastic bins are also a good option. However, buying a water butt is relatively cheap and such water butts are tough and will last a long time. Of course once you have a rain water butt you need to know what to do next. Here is a step by step guide:
You will need Water butt Alternatively an old bin or barrel which is large enough to use Small amount of gravel Concrete slabs or old bricks Alternatively wood to build a stand for the water butt Tubing Hose for connecting more than one water barrel or butt Tap Mesh guard Overflow pipe Connection to the fall or down pipe Things to bear in mind
Personal Experience
Blogs should not really be full of personal experiences but they are necessary for this How To Guide. Having smoked cigarettes for around 20 years giving up the weed was not going to be easy for me. Still here I am more than another 30 years plus down the road, still smoke free. I have never smoked a cigarette since the day I quit. That means not even a single drag or puff of someone else’s cigarette. What would be the point of that? As far as I am concerned I am now a non-smoker. Most of the time these days cigarette smoke smells dreadful to me. However there are still the occasional times when someone’s cigarette smoke smells lovely. This tends to be if I am sat on a beach in the summer sun relaxing. When I stopped smoking there were a few products available which were designed to help, but not as many as today. However, I choose to go cold turkey and for me that was the right choice. Perhaps it will be for you? However, only you can decide. You know yourself and your addiction better than anyone else. For those that have read this far and are still considering quitting smoking, the cold turkey way, here is my advice learned the hard way. A priority is to stay mindful and keep focused. After the initial high you will sink to the depths but there should be light at the end of the tunnel, but not a cigarette light. It does get easier with time but as I have already said, all these years since I stopped smoking, I still get the occasional yen. However, these days it is slight and easily put in its place. Let’s get started then Firstly consider all the reason's to quit smoking. Now think about the reasons, if any, to continue puffing away. Write these down, the pros and the cons, and weigh them up against each other. The reasons to stop may be to:-
Today’s the Day Many people find that setting a day to quit smoking works best for them. Others, like me, for various reasons just say, "right that's it, I am stopping smoking now." Again it is up to you. However, if you procrastinate you will probably never stop smoking. Maybe you would benefit from quitting smoking with others. In England, once a year there is an official no smoking day, when many people choose to give up smoking. The UK also offers smoking cessation services which really help some people. However this How To Guide is all about quitting, smoking the Cold Turkey way, so today is the day. Will you join me? It can be hard quitting smoking, if those around you continue. My hubby continued smoking has recently tried to quit but failed. But we should talk of failure. Remember that you cannot make someone else quit. Concentrate on YOU. If you can persuade your significant other to join in it will help. Living in a home that still has a smoker residing there will not be easy. However, the very least others in your home who smoke should be doing is stepping outside to do so. Smoking around someone who is battling to give up is cruel and thoughtless. Clearing out your home, locker, desk and the like, from temptations OK. So you are serious about quitting smoking. However, you know that the spirit is strong but the body is weak. The best thing that you can do is go around your home and desk, for example, with a large carrier bag in hand and put anything smoking related into it. This means lighters, matches, cigarette papers, tobacco, cigarettes, cigarette money off coupons, ashtrays and so on and so on. Be ruthless. Ensure that there is no stray cigarette left lurking in a pocket or handbag somewhere. At some point or another your will power will feel stretched and you may waiver in your resolve to stop smoking. If and when this happens you do not need anything smoking related close at hand. If you are truly joining the non-smoking ranks you should be able to throw all of these items into the trash can. Most of us cannot, however. If you cannot, make sure that everything is stored well away from you and your home. Some people feel that hanging onto smoking apparel means that you know you are going to fail. I think for some it is just a safety net. Hopefully, in due course you will enjoy burning or disposing of all of these items. Perhaps you could even sell them? Keeping a diary
Keeping busy Perhaps you will be fine and not have any cigarette cravings, until you sit down to relax each evening. One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to keep busy. When I finally stopped smoking I was at home for most of the day. In some ways this helped but in other ways it made things worse. Yes it was good that I was away from fellow smokers. However, I had all the time in the world to indulge my cigarette urges. Here are some of the ways that I kept busy. As an experienced smoker there were many jobs that I could complete whilst I had a fag in my hand. However there were many that I could not. So, I:-
NOW THAT YOU ARE A NON SMOKER Please try and be a little tolerant to those who still indulge in cigarette smoking. There is nothing worse than a reformed smoker laying down the law. One thing that you will notice is, no longer smoking sets you free. When you are an addicted smoker you always need to have cigarettes, tobacco or money. The thought of being deprived of your smoke can be really scary. Once that habit or addiction is broken this need will disappear and boy will your bank balance improve. NOTE: "Don't Do It. Smokers going cold turkey are more likely to cheat or relapse on their quit smoking plan than those who use nicotine replacement therapy. The urge to have a puff or two, or even to smoke an entire cigarette is easy to give into. Addiction is addiction, however." That advice recommends using a nicotine replacement or other therapy to quit smoking. But for this blogger doing it cold turkey was the best way. https://quitsmokingcommunity.org/how-to-quit-smoking/cold-turkey/ https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree Snow boots have a job to do. It is no good purchasing a pair of snow boots that look fabulous but do not protect your feet from the weather, nor prevent you slipping on ice. Instead of waiting until snow is falling heavily to purchase new snow boots plan ahead. Think about what you want from your new snow boots before shopping for them. This way you should be able to purchase perfect snow boots for you.
Price We may as well start with the price. Most people these days have a limited budget and so price will be a consideration. However, if you buy cheap and cheerful snow boots, they may not last long or fulfil your requirements. Set yourself a realistic budget and check out what is available within your price range. Flat or heeled? Many women find that very flat boots or shoes are uncomfortable. However, ideally snow boots should be fairly flat. If you must have snow boots with a heel ensure that heel is substantial in width and not too high. Base of the boot Good snow boots need to have a base or sole that is chunky ridged and makes slipping impossible or almost so. The material of the sole is important but so is the tread. The material needs to be 100% waterproof. Usually such soles are made of rubber. The material of the actual boot Unlike ordinary winter boots, snow boots are not made with fashion in mind. Obviously, some are more stylish than others but warmth and dryness are the important factors with these boots. The outer part of the boot will need to be made from a strong waterproof material. Leather or nylon seems to work best. The seams are often reinforced to strengthen them. This will prevent water leaking in through the seams of the boots. Remember, when you choose the material of your boot, to think about longevity and cleaning. Some materials will last longer when exposed to snow. Some will also look good for longer, whereas other materials may be hard to clean. The length of the boot Snow boots that are only ankle high may not serve you well. In deep snow they will probably be useless. Think about what snow you usually experience where you live or work. Is it knee deep or simply a light dusting of snow on the ground? Stylish snow boots that are too high will be uncomfortable and may be impractical. Width of the leg of the boot If your snow boots are mid-calf, or just below the knee, make sure that the leg is not to wide or too narrow. Too narrow can hurt your legs and actually make you feel colder. Too wide and snow and wind may get into your boots. Finally There are a wide range of snow boots on the market these days. The range includes children's, as well as adult's boots. Some have nice cosy, fluffy linings to keep you warm, whilst others rely on thick socks being worn also to add warmth. If you intend to always wear thick, fluffy socks under your boots remember to adjust the size you buy accordingly. Inspect the boot's lining and check what material has been used. Some materials may leave the inside of your boots rather smelly after wear. Remember traditional Welly boots you may have worn as a child? After winter weather has departed, for another year, take some time to clean your snow boots thoroughly and store well for next year. In the long run this will increase the longevity of your snow boots and save you money. Of course if your purchase was more about fashion than snow protection one season's wear may be enough. It will soon be time to put Christmas away for another year. It may only be days since Boxing Day but Christmas will already be dusted away from some homes.
It's usually as you begin the post-Christmas clear up that you wish you had given more thought to sticking Christmas cards on glass and cute looking santas on walls. After you have taken the Christmas cards and decorations, or birthday day cards down, you may find remnants linger on -- in the form of sticker residue. There are many tried and tested ways to remove sticker residue but caution needs to be exercised. You will need to bear in mind a few simple rules before you begin the job in hand. Some stickers are fairly easy to remove whilst others seem to have far too much adhesive applied to them. The ease of removal will also depend upon the item that the sticker was attached to. Obviously some surfaces will offer better adhesion than others. Getting started Let’s start with the actual item. The method of removal of any residue will depend on the material that the item is made out of. For example, soft scouring pads are fine for some surfaces but may scratch others. A sponge, with a liberal amount of warm soapy water, can, alternatively, treat some surfaces. Read any manufacturer’s instructions before you begin as these may offer advice and warnings. Methods to remove sticker or label residue It is best to start with the least destructive and intrusive method initially. For many items, this may be as simple as using an eraser. If the residue is on glass, an eraser may do the trick first time. Work on a small corner of the residue at first, so that you can check the results. The next option to try should be sticky tape This may sound silly but using a heavy duty sticky tape and applying just a little pressure, could remove any sticky residue from clothing, curtains and other such material items. Take care when choosing the tape, so that you do not leave any additional residue on the surface. Duct tape will often be the best option. It may be possible to remove the residue if you first freeze the item. This will only be suitable for small items. It works on the same principle as freezing chewing gum, so that it can be easily removed from items. Art Galleries often use a tiny amount of methylated or surgical spirits to remove sticky residues. You could also try a surgical hand wash, alcohol gel or even alcohol. Again it is vital that you have assessed the material first. Obviously such products should be fine of glass and some plastics. Various oil based products that you may have around your home, could help remove sticker residue from furniture. Oil based furniture polish and cooking oil are good examples. Take care however. There are many branded sticker residue removing products on the market. These can be expensive and usually unnecessary. Most of us can find what we need in our homes already. However, if you have any concerns invest in one of these branded products. Remember, if your attempts at sticker residue removal fail, it could cost you lots of money in the long run. Next Christmas will you think before you 'stick'? http://www.earlybirdmom.com/blog/homemade-goo-gone/ Water a precious commodity
These days we are all more conscious of the need to protect the environment and to use our valuable resources wisely. Water is one of the most precious commodities that we have. It is needed for life itself and is not the limitless resource that we once thought it to be. Modern life has created many labour saving devices but some of these can waste water, if not used thoughtfully. Making a conscious effort to utilise your water supply effectively makes sense. If your water supply is metered it could also save you money. There are many ways to save water and most of them require little work on your part. How to conserve water in the bathroom There are many ways that you can save water in the bathroom, such as:
How to conserve water in the garden or yard
How to conserve water in the kitchen and utility area of your home This is perhaps where the most water can be saved or wasted. Dishwashers and automatic washing machines are brilliant labour saving devices but they can waste water unless used efficiently. Consider:
You will need
Additional advice
A fire in the home is most people’s worst nightmare. A fire breaking out when the family are asleep is an even more frightening thought. After all, it could prove to be lethal. There are many products on the market these days, that will help prevent fire in your home but there are quite a few ways that you can prevent a fire happening in the first place.
• Get a routine Each time you go out or go to bed, you should have a routine that you can rely on. It may be as simple as checking the electric sockets in each room have been turned off, ovens switched off, that cigarettes have been properly extinguished and all doors are closed. It could also include hanging your outside door keys in a place of easy access. If a fire were to break out when you were asleep, time would be of the essence. You would need to evacuate your home quickly. Fumbling for the right key could mean the difference between life and death. • Fire prevention Make sure that your home has fully working fire alarms installed. Check them regularly and replace batteries as soon as necessary. Too many people install a fire alarm and then forget to check that it is working. Some people remove the battery when it needs replacing to quiet the warning beep. It is all too easy then to forget to replace it. Consider investing in a small basic fire extinguisher and perhaps a fire blanket. It is never advisable to tackle a blaze yourself but it could be that you have no alternative. A fire blanket could help you leave a fire filled building safely. Overall though it is better to prevent a fire in your home, than have to tackle one. • Checking your home and goods for faults, safety and potential fire hazards Maybe the electrics of your home are old and no longer safe. Conduct a full safety test around your home. Make a list of what needs to be done. If there are appliance plugs with incorrect fuses or loose wires put them right. If necessary, contact an appropriate professional to make your home safe. • Consult your local fire officers Your local fire officers will be happy to offer fire safety advice. It will save them time and money in the end. • Good working practices in the home Have a family get together, or meeting, to discuss good fire safety practices around the home. Many fires occur when a person is cooking, has been smoking or an appliance, such as a hairdryer, is not turned off and stored properly. If a smoker cannot quit smoking try to make sure that they at least smoke outdoors. This will help improve the air quality in your home and prevent a cigarette fire from occurring. Having a family meeting can make sure that everyone understands the danger of fire and how he or she can prevent it. Assess your cooking skills to ensure that you do not leave tea towels near to cooker flames and the like. Always use a fireguard and never dry clothes near a naked flame. • Plan your escape All households should have some idea of how they would evacuate their home if they needed to. With the best will in the world, you can never say that you will not have a fire in your home. An electrical fire could start and take hold quickly. Check what windows could be opened wide enough for you to escape. If none is available, have some windows changed. If windows have locks, the keys must be within easy reach. • Overall Fire safety in the home is mainly common sense. Start as you mean to go on. This means putting fire safety measures in place and continuing to follow them. Once you have an evacuation plan you may need to update it from time to time. Keep on top of fire safety, as you know it makes sense. Are you prepared for winter? Does winter catch you out each year?
Winter could still be some way off but before you know it we will be trudging around during damp, dark days. Christmas Day 2016 mild weather has blown into parts of the UK but sooner or later winter weather is bound to set in. So many things in this life are more manageable if we are prepared. Winter is no different. If for instance you buy salt for outside paths in summer it will be dirt cheap and in ready supply when and if you need it. Wait until the weather is already bad and salt for paths will already be pricey and in short supply. Your Home OK so firstly why not take a good look around your home. Use a critical eye. Look at it as if it was someone else’s property and you were a would-be buyer. Check roofs, downpipes, guttering and brick work. If there are holes that need attention get them fixed before they need major work on them. It could pay you to seek professional help before the weather deteriorates. Call in a registered gas engineer to service gas appliances such as boilers and fires. If necessary replace. Install a fire and gas alarm system. This will protect you from any potential harm from a house fire or poisonous gas fumes. Check windows and doors for drafts. You can buy cheap draught-excluders which are easy to fit. Make sure your home is weather proof inside and out. Fix loose fence panels and posts. Make sure that you can easily locate items such as snow shovels if and when they are needed. If necessary buy these items and store together. Items that could be cheaper to buy in advance are:
Make sure that your home insurance if paid up and offers you the cover you need. It is worth knowing exactly where your policies are in case of an emergency. In light of the possibility of price increases for energy consider swapping your gas and electricity supplier. Your vehicle Whether your vehicle is a car, van, motorbike or cycle it will need to be in good shape to cope with the challenges of winter. Make sure your means of transport is roadworthy and safe. Overall The above is not an exhaustive list. Now that we have your attention though consider what winter preparations you should make. http://www.europeanrailwayreview.com/30858/rail-industry-news/winter-preparations-keeping-things-track/ Our skin is under constant attack. What with ageing, harsh weather, work, home cleaning substances, tanning, make-up and neglect, is there any wonder that your skin is not always looking its best?
And as winter winds blow and temperatures drop skin dries out further. Although some people suffer from overly oily skin the most common problem that day to day life can cause is dry skin. As Autumn and Winter approach your skin will face a different set of challenges. The Sun in Summer may dry your skin but the cold sharp weather of Winter will do it more damage. In the past men tended to neglect their skin but now both men and women have realised the importance of skin care. If skin becomes extremely dry open wounds and cracks can occur. This can lead to infections and be painful. Your skin does not have to be dry though. Consider a few simple ways to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Prevention is always better than having to look for a cure When we are young our skin tends to repair itself quickly. With age the signs of skin damage are often permanent. This means that it is better to:
Take a good look at your skin, in order to assess its present condition. Some people have a combination skin which means that the skin can be oily but have dry patches in places. Take a shower, dry yourself and have a good look at yourself in a full length mirror, if possible. Hold a smaller mirror in your hand so that you can look at your back in the full length mirror. If there are any problem areas of your skin begin a skin repair regime. Underlying health problems Occasionally dry skin will be the result of an underlying health condition such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea. If you have a thyroid condition this may also affect the condition of your skin. If you suspect any such health problems consult your medical practitioner. Knowing the possible causes of dry skin may help you to prevent it There are many possible causes of dry skin such as:
Tips & Warnings
If you are considering re-designing your garden you need to have a good look at its current state. Whether it is a small or large garden re-designing will offer a great opportunity to maximise this outdoor space and ensure that your garden works for you.
In these dire economic times many people are starting to grow some produce at home. Even if space is at a premium you may be able to incorporate:-
Decide on a budget and aim to stick to it.Shop around for items needed. See if you can find any special offers. If you want to buy a greenhouse, for example, the autumn is often the best time. In early autumn or late summer you can usually buy a greenhouse relatively cheaply. Many people in the UK are moving away from traditional gardens. Some are simply block paving the outdoor space in order to provide off road parking. However, this can be done sympathetically, if it is deemed necessary. Chippings, for example, will be more Eco-friendly than concrete or block paving. A willow screen can hide unsightly views and the like. A wealth of plants can be displayed in pots or hanging baskets. All of this will help soften a harsh looking exterior and will offer kerb appeal to potential buyers. It may be that you want to lose your lawn and make a garden that is easy to maintain due to time constraints, health issues, pets or age. Whatever the reason there are plenty of alternatives these days. Most DIY stores and garden centres have a ready supply of:-
This article may spur you on to make the changes you want to your garden. If your budget is small consider transforming a section of your garden this year with further work to be carried out for the next few years. If you love your home and plan to stay there, plans which will take a few years to complete, should not be a problem. Finally. So have we whet your garden design appetite? If so now could be the perfect time to start the preparations for your re-design and to begin work. Remember to:-
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