Those who love to spend their vacations in a beautiful and romantic island; Cyprus is an incredible choice for them. Graced with mesmerizing beaches, deep blue Mediterranean charm, sublime mountain range, pleasant weather and fine combination of traditional and modern lifestyle, this island nation is a top draw in the tourism map. Moreover, its vineyard, small but well-structured villages as well as provisions for outdoor activities have acted in its favor. Above all, holiday home rentals in Cyprus have ensured ultimate enjoyment for the tourists here.

The capital city, Nicosia boasts of a highly active environment. However, amidst all the bustling lifestyle, this city has managed to preserve its glorious cultural color. This city draws both the businessmen and the vacationers. There are plenty of lodging facilities for every visitor here, ranging from economical apartments to luxury villas. Holiday homes, located at the heart of the city’s cultural center, naturally witness major tourist inflow. Moreover, these self-catering holiday accommodations also ensure privacy even in the midst of bubbling metro life. Armed with all the necessary homely equipment and utensils, they offer a perfect ‘home-away-from-home’ environment. Fridge, washing-machine, computer with internet, cooking utensils and even maid-service ensure perfect comfort for the guests in these vacation houses. Several guest houses in Nicosia offer the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, cycling and several water sports. Apartments in the City Center are quite popular for their close proximity with bars, restaurants and other places of luxury.

In recent times, Argaka is generating interest among the tourists for its attachment with the tranquil Mediterranean Sea and pristine nature. Rural tourism is gaining ground here. The dense forest of Pafos is located nearby, up in the hills. Along with rising popularity, basic amenities like eateries and accommodation facilities are also establishing their bases here. There are several brand new luxury lodging facilities in this rural belt. Villas with private swimming pools, body-jet shower system, satellite TV in the luxury lounge, and well-furnished kitchens greet the visitors here. Situated in the lap of colorful nature and being surrounded by citrus orchards and orange groves, these houses offer perfect warmth and relishing moments. The popular Latchi fishing harbor, Polis town and Paphos center are within reach.

Holiday rentals in Cyrus have no doubt added glitter to the country’s colorful lifestyle and tourism treasures. Cafe culture and vibrant nightlife are quite popular among the local as well as overseas pleasure-seekers. For enjoyable beach-holiday trips, this island country is tough to resist. The ethnic foods and drinks are quite mouth-watering. Holiday home rentals in Cyprus ensure to explore all these treasures without any glitch.

Pilling in a nutshell

Pilling is a term that you may have heard – and a condition that you have probably already encountered. But do you know what pilling really means? Pills are unintended and undesirable little clumps or balls of yarn that form, to a greater or lesser degree, on the surface of nearly all knitted fabrics. Their presence mars the appearance of knitted garments, giving them a tired, worn, ill-cared for look. So, what can you do about pilling? You can start by understanding its four fundamentals: 1. the causes pilling; 2. where pilling is likely to occur; 3. ways you can minimize pilling; and 4. how you can safely remove pills.

1. What causes pilling?

Abrasion, or friction, from the normal use and cleaning of knitted fabric can cause the yarn to separate. When this happens, short fibers are loosened, freeing themselves from the longer fibers in the twisted yarn. The loose ends of these short fibers then clump up into what look like little balls. These balls are what we recognize as pills and their emergence in knitted fabric is what we refer to as pilling. Often, small pieces of lint will get caught up in the clumps, making the pills appear even more pronounced.

2. Where is pilling likely to occur in a knitted garment?

Since abrasion is the catalyst for pilling, those areas of your knitted garments that are subject to the greatest friction are the areas most likely to form pills. This would include the underarm area of sweaters, jackets, vests, and dresses; the underside of sleeves; the heels of socks; and the inner thigh area of shorts and pants.

If you wear knitted tops and sit at a desk all day, then areas of your top that come into regular contact with your desk or a piece of equipment may also develop unsightly pills. These include the cuff or wrist area of a long sleeve that rubs against the edge of a computer keyboard; the elbow area of a sleeve if you, as do many people, tend to rest your elbow on your desk while speaking on the phone; and the front trunk area of a top that routinely rubs against the edge of a desk or other work surface.

Some of these garment areas are so notorious for their propensity to pill and prematurely wear that reinforcement may be built into them. Examples include sweaters that are made, from the outset, with suede patches at the elbows. In jodhpurs, riding pants that are worn while performing equestrian activities, leather replaces knitted fabric at the insides of the calves, knees, and, occasionally, a panel in the rump area. Socks are often knit of a blend of animal and non-animal fibers that lend stability to the finished items.

3. How can you minimize pilling?

If knitting your own fabric for garments that will have areas subject to abrasion, then you’ll want to take care in the selection of your yarn. Begin by inspecting the yarn, especially if it is a yarn that you have not worked with in the past, and by reading the manufacturer’s label. If the ball band indicates that the fabric should be hand washed or dry cleaned, then you can assume that the yarn is delicate and may pill more easily than will a sturdier yarn. The same is true for a purchased garment with similar laundering instructions on the care tag.

Next, manipulate a small length of the yarn. Roll a strand of the yarn back and forth between you fingers to ascertain how easily the strand separates into component strands. The short animal fibers will free themselves more easily if the strand readily separates. Generally, the higher the ply count and the more tightly twisted the yarn, the less likely it is that you will experience significant pilling. In contrast, loosely twisted yarns that readily separate when manipulated by your fingers are more likely to pill.

You do not necessarily need to avoid delicate yarns, although you may want to consider how they can best be used. Consider reinforcing susceptible areas of the garment by working in a bit of color-coordinated nylon thread. Perhaps you could knit with a double strand, augmenting a delicate yarn by knitting it together with a strand of more durable yarn. Or, perhaps, you may choose to reserve the most delicate yarns for garments that will endure less stress.

Avoid machine laundering whenever feasible. The best laundering option is to wash your knitted garments by hand, even if the yarn or garment manufacturer indicates that machine washing or drying is acceptable. When hand washing, take care to squeeze the fabric, but not twist, wring, or rub it. Remember, abrasion causes pilling, so you don’t want to subject your knitted garment to any undue friction or stress while hand washing.

Dry cleaning is often an alternative, albeit a more expensive alternative, to hand laundering. Before having a garment dry cleaned, be sure to check the ball band or garment care tag for any contraindications. When leaving your garment in the hands of a dry cleaner, take the time to discuss the knitted garment with your cleaner, noting the types of fibers from which it is constructed and any special manufacturer’s notes regarding care and cleaning.

If you do machine launder, turn the garment inside out and wash it on the gentle cycle with similarly delicate garments that have a low tendency to shed. Setting the water level to a large load size, but laundering only a medium sized load, will allow for your knitted garment to move around more freely during agitation. With more room in the machine and more water to surround the garment, it will be subject to less friction and, thus, less likely to pill. Fabric softeners have a tendency to reduce static cling. So, adding a liquid softener to the wash cycle will not only soften your knitted garment, but also lessen the attraction of lint. Any pills that do develop will be less noticeable than if entangled with hair or bits of lint from other laundry items.

4. How can you safely remove pills?

There are a number tools that you can use to remove pills from your knitted fabrics and they all share some general guidelines regarding their use and the preparation of the garment. Begin by placing the garment on a flat, hard surface. When possible, arrange the garment so that only a single thickness of the fabric rests upon the work area. Use one of the tools listed below to remove the pills. While working, you’ll want to take your time, employ a light touch and hold the fabric taut in the area that you are depilling. Until you know how a given tool will work on a particular garment, it is best to do a test on a small, inconspicuous area such as the armpit of a sweater. In general, work in one direction only (e.g., from top to bottom, but not back and forth). However, if you are removing pills with a sweater shaver, then use small circular motions. Regardless of the tool that you are using, ensure that your work area is well lit and that you have an unobstructed view as you work on the fabric.

Special purpose tools:

These gadgets are specifically designed to remove pills. They are available in most sewing and craft stores and are generally safe when used in accordance with their directions and the above-noted guidelines.

* sweater shavers

* sweater stones (light-grade pumice stones)

* depilling combs (very fine-toothed combs for cloth)

Safe multi-purpose tools:

There are a couple of other tools that, while not specifically manufactured for depilling, nonetheless effectively remove pills. They are generally safe to use on your knitted fabrics when you carefully and thoughtfully apply the guidelines, above.

* Fine (150-180 or higher) grit commercial sandpaper

* Velcro (the side with the “hooks)

Don’t forget to test on a small spot, to work in one direction only, and to maintain a light touch.

Riskier multi-purpose tools:

A couple of other tools can and have been used to remove pills from knitted fabrics. These tools, however, carry a higher risk of cutting or otherwise damaging the underlying fabric and should be used with caution. Again, it is important that you follow the guidelines, above, when using one of these (or any of) the tools for pill removal.

* disposable safety razors

* scissors

When depilling, be especially careful around knitted cables, embroidery, crocheted edges, seams, buttons/button holes, and other stitching so as not to cut the threads. If you lack a steady hand or feel uncomfortable removing the pills, yourself, ask your local dry cleaner. Many cleaners will offer depilling as a service if you ask; be prepared, of course, to pay for this service.

With a bit of common sense and consistent care, your knitted fabrics will stay fresh-looking and will last long enough to become a “treasured friend.”

Samuel Akpan, a 49-year-old indigene of Abak Oko in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, read English and Literary Studies at the University of Calabar.

Today, he earns N30, 000 every month working as a contract security guard with a pharmaceutical firm in Ilupeju, Lagos.

“Security guards contracted out to guard companies and private residents are not paid uniform salaries, depending on their beats or locations”, he said.

Richard Amuwa, managing director, Mega Guards Limited, Abule Egba, Lagos, confirmed this saying the payment is usually on a: 70: 30 percent ratio.

Independent check however reveals that the operations and activities of the over 250 registered and recognized private security companies are regulated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

But, who regulates the activities of domestic workers in their millions in Nigeria today? Gbenga Komolafe, general secretary, Federation of Informal Workers’ Organization of Nigeria, FIWON, says there is no regulation whatsoever for domestic workers in the country.

Miss Funke Lawal, who hails from Abeokuta, Ogun State is receiving N300 everyday doing all sorts of menial jobs from dawn till dust at a restaurant located at vesper bus-stop, along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway in Ifo, Ogun State.

By her calculations, her slave wage salary translates to N7200 every month, as she lamented that “she will resume as early as 5. Am, Monday to Saturday, sweep, cook, wash plates, pots, and then begin serving customers when they come”.

National Bureau of Statistics- Nigeria, says in our country with an estimated population of 203million people, the number of unemployed persons rose from 5.5million in 2015 to 21.7million in 2020.

In the same period under review, those living below the poverty line increased from 43.1million to 102.1million, today.

“Therefore, the likes of Akpan and Lawal, are among the millions of people out there desperate to make ends meet, doing all kinds of menial and domestic jobs to survive”, Komolafe said..

The FIWON scribe further lamented these domestic workers who take care of people’s most important valuables like: children, elderly, property, welfare, etc, are paid slave wages at the whims and caprices of their boss and with heavy work overloads.

He explained that it was based on this that FIWON decided to establish the cooperative society and training arms of the NGO, where domestic workers in the country, who do not have retirement benefits, maternity, or social benefits or grants from government, could be assisted in forming credit and saving cooperatives, regardless of their locations.

Being one of the primary ingredients in most beer, Hops have changed significantly due to considerable commitments in research. Research continues to show the complexities of hops and how they affect beer. Of all the hops produced globally, the majority are used for bittering, flavoring, and adding aromatics to beers. Being recognized predominately as an antibacterial ingredient is passé.

“Hops are best known as the principal source of the aroma, bitterness, and flavour of beer, and the hops used today are for this purpose. They are from cultivated plants which have been developed by continuous selection over at least the last century,” writes P.R. Ashurst. What makes this plant so complex is still unknown entirely, which explains all the research underway currently. The craft beer industry is always looking for new hops to brew unique flavors, aromas, bitterness, characteristics, mouthfeel, colors, etc.

With approximately 267 varietals, this cultivar has come a long way from growing in the wild. Initially, they were recognized as edible plants with some medicinal value. Today hops are used for flavors and aromas, with aroma considerations gaining with craft beer enthusiasts.

As consumers’ tastes change, they demand new flavors and aromas, and the industry (brewers and growers/processors) must satisfy changing demands. Hop research is the way the industry responds.

New varietals are the most recognized way to create unique aromas and flavors. There must be some value to a new varietal; it could be increased yield or intensity of compounds in a cone. To create those flavors and aromas, a lot of research is ongoing, out of public view, which is critical to keep the whole craft beer industry vibrant and responsive. New plants will constantly be entering the pipeline for brewers. With research, hop production costs have also come down with higher yields and improved cone processing and growing practices.

With craft beer, it is interesting to reflect on changes, over time, in styles, practices, regulations, and consumer taste. Remember, it was Jimmy Carter in 1978 that launched a whole new industry. As consumers, we want a quality, flavorful and aromatic beer that is consistent and at a reasonable cost? This goal is to say, but not simply done. For example, I never knew research was being conducted on beer foam, and the importance of “lacing” patterns in the glass as the beer is consumed. However, foam and lacing are essential indicators of a quality beer. It is a function of hops that makes for improved foam and “lacing”.

Change, initiated from research, often facilitates growth, fosters innovation, and is driven by consumers. The hops industry is constantly looking for improvements to beer through research. In the last few decades, changes in an industry driven by consumers seem to focus on beer aromas. Craft beer consumers are at the forefront in demanding new flavors and aromas, and those characteristics come from hop industry research.

In 2008, 75-80% of hops centered around bittering; today, 83% are focused on aroma hops.

There have been discoveries made in hop compounds beneficial for medicinal products, food enhancements, and personal care products. However, today 97% of hops go for beer production worldwide. Interestingly, 66% of the world’s hops are produced in the U.S. This explains the importance of research efforts in the U.S. As an aside, China is a top beer producer.

Juxtaposed to the assumption that change is good, all change does also have a considerable risk component. It does not matter if the change is initiated by plant research or marketing research. My one favorite story about failure to understand the impact of change is the story of Schlitz. Schlitz (“the beer that made Milwaukee famous”) changed its recipe and production techniques to tweak costs and improve profits. Sufficed to say, they did not do research. We are only focused on hops research for this article because it is the most often discussed ingredient in beer; consumers always notice flavor and aromas from hops.

Today, the beer industry uses it for flavor and aroma; in the 1200s and 1300s people used ingredients such as fennel, sage, mint, cinnamon, and other plants to add a bittering component to an otherwise sweet and non-descript concoction. All was changed in the mid-1400s to mid-1500s when research found hops made beer suitable for commerce.

The first written mention of a plant with growth characteristics of hops was a wild hops species. The description was found in the writings of Pliny the Elder in 77 AD. Yes, there was a Pliny the Elder, a wealthy Roman citizen, a decorated military officer, and advisor to Roman rulers. After his military service, he was a prolific writer and researcher. He wrote 77 books on issues of nature, astrology, gold mining, medicine, etc. According to Martyn Cornell in Zythophile, neither Pliny the Elder nor his nephew Pliny the Younger researched wild hop species. Further, he did not suggest the wild climbing plant as a new ingredient for any beverage.

Pliny the Elder had nothing to do with hops nor using them in beer. It would be centuries before anyone used hops as a preservative for beer. But the story is interesting as folklore.

Mr. Cornell does elaborate on the folklore of Pliny the Elder and hops, “I think it’s somewhere between possible and probable that lupus salictarius was the wild hop plant. Pliny the Elder puts it among other wild plants from which the fresh shoots were harvested for cooking, like asparagus. While “willow wolf” (the Latin translation of lupus salictarius is “willow wolf”, so named by Pliny the Elder, is a good description of what hops are capable of in the wild as they grow up trees for support.”

Around 800 AD, hops offered antibacterial properties and some bittering activity that would preserve beer and eventually led to the commercial/trade value of beer. There is some evidence that hops were planted in gardens as early as 1000 BC and became cultivated as a commercial crop in Germany’s 12th or 13th century. Research on hops first came about to improve yields. In the late 15th century, hopped beer became an export in Europe.

In the 15th century, hops were used to make it possible to preserve the beer for trade. It was much later when brewers understood that the “invisible hand” that made beer was yeast. However, in 1680, yeast was found in beer using a microscope, but research gave beer makers the real secret of yeast to making beer-200 years later-thanks to Louis Pasteur.

America got into the hop business because of early immigrants coming from Europe, especially Germany. They brought the seedlings from roughly 4-5 varietals originating from wild hop plants over the centuries in Europe. The research found that Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California were perfect climates and soil conditions for hops. Still today, many universities search for regional opportunities to be relevant in the hop industry.

As referenced above, in 1416, the English started using hops in beer as an antibacterial preservative, 100 years later, the Bavarian government mandated that hops were one of the allowable three ingredients in beer (yeast had not yet been discovered). We do not know about early research that moved hops to the forefront of beer ingredients.

Research today covers all matters relating to hops, from breeding and growing to harvesting and drying as well as plant chemistry and how compounds impact beer quality, as noted by The Institute of Brewing & Distilling literature. “Research in brewing plays a dominant role in the brewing industry in part because it provides information about the properties and composition of the cones. By understanding and then applying this knowledge in practice, brewers may tailor new beers in which specific properties are enhanced or suppressed for defined purposes.”

Although I am focused on beer, there is other research. As reported by Rexius, hops are used in many different soaps, shampoos, and Tom’s of Maine deodorants. Their effectiveness in calming skin irritation also makes them a popular ingredient in lotions and other skincare products. Research has taken hops into medicinal as well as culinary applications. Restaurants are now using hops as food spices. The Tattnang Hop makes a great tea. Finally, there is some cancer research using compounds found in hop resins produced in select varietals.

Uses in animal feeds offer benefits in antibacterial uses to preserve feeds and supplemental nutrient values.

Without using the scientific term, I wanted to illustrate a small sampling of research categories and how they affect craft beer. I just picked a few to show how detailed research has been used.

Research Categories

Varietals: Developed for specific purposes-climate adaptability, bitterness/aromas, yields, and farming practices.

There are indications that consumers are trending towards being more focused on beer aromas versus bittering IBU’s. As a result, there is more research on developing varietals that will have more aromatic activity from compounds within the cone and increased aroma properties. As a new varietal, Mosaic was a real success story, with a focus on aromatic properties.

Another focus is developing varietals that are drought-tolerant, produce increased yields, are easier to process, and are less prone to diseases and insects. Interestingly, this is often a regional issue; this forces considerable research effort on identical problems. Growers want varietals that improve yields and reduce production costs. That also addresses brewer requirements.

Introduced around 2013, by 2017, Mosaic became the 6th highest production hop in the U.S., noted Nick Carr at Kegerator. This hop is a patented varietal developed by Jason Perrault in Oregon. In total, through dedicated breeding research, it took about 14 years to get the plants to market.

According to Carr, Odell, Lagunitas, and Russian River were among the first (brewers) to experiment with this new hop, and it was a big hit. This highly researched hop variety is recognized for the breadth and intensity of its aromas.

Drying and Storage: This research is about keeping chemical compounds intact yet not letting high moisture content in cones lead to spoilage.

The University of Nebraska has been doing a lot of research on drying and storing cones at the time of harvest, which will preserve the properties of cones. Also, consider the brewers in this research. They need deliveries throughout the year, so storage is critical to ensure freshness and potency of alpha and beta acids which impacts the flavor and aroma of beer. With beer being produced throughout the year, brewers order hops as needed. Therefore, storage is critical in maintaining the consistency of the beer.

Environmental/Agronomics: Issues of climate, soil, pest, planting procedures, and trellising affect the outcome at harvest. Organic and sustainable farming is part of the list of grower needs.

Organic

Consumers are becoming very interested in organic craft beers. But organic hops are costly to produce because of U.S. standards for organic material production, requirements for nitrogen during the early growing season, disease control methods, weed, and arthropod remediation pressures. These are just a few of the things that make hops a challenging crop to grow organically.

Trellis Research

This is a procedure of lowing bine trellis’ from 18 feet to 10 feet above ground level. Lower trellises will reduce labor costs, allow for quicker harvesting and reduce the environmental impact of pest control sprays and agronomic considerations. Current researchers are hoping to improve existing varietals to accommodate low trellis’. There are carbon footprint advantages to lower trellising as well.

Chemistry: It is estimated 75% of most hop research today goes toward a better understanding of how the compounds in hop cones: develop, get released in the beer-making process, impact brewing techniques, their impact on flavors and aromas, and how growing practices affect compounds development in the cone.

The Journal of the Society of Brewing Chemists reported on the importance of polyphenol compounds: “The novel hop polyphenol products offer great potential for innovative flavoring when combined with hop aroma essences.” This research also carries over to research on antioxidant values of hops. This is pointed out only to illustrate the depth and diversity of research to improve beer-better beer through chemistry!

There is cross-discipline research; and interdependency in all hop research. For example, the drying and processing techniques are starting to be studied relative to maintaining the highest intensities of essential oil compounds.

Resins in the lupulin gland, which gives beer flavors, aromas and bittering. Resins contain the acids that will convert in the boiling process of the wort. Resins (containing the alpha and beta acids) make up 15-30% of the lupulin gland, dependent on the varietal.

Interestingly dried hops may contain 3% essential oils with approximately 400 known compounds as of today. Some speculate essential oils can contain 1,000 compounds. The first research on essential oils was done in 1895. With minimal instruments to do research, most of the understanding of essential oil contributions to beer has happened in the last four decades.

According to IB&D, it is now known that the content and composition of the total essential oil of hops are affected by numerous factors such as hop variety, growth conditions, time of picking (ripeness), drying conditions, aerial oxidation, age, and storage conditions.

“Although much is known about hops and their function in brewing, new aspects continue to be revealed. Hop science has provided brewers with one of the main ways of meeting the abiding need to understand the nature of hops,” stated in IB&D study.

Craft beer is supported by a cast of domestic and international research scientists trying to understand a very complex ingredient in beer. From a top-down view, I have tried to explain how complicated the hop industry has become. That little cone contains mysteries that are yet to be discovered. Hopefully, this snippet of information does not diminish the fun of drinking a crafted glass of beer.

Cheers!

In today’s economy it seems homeowners across the country are doing their very best to cut costs by conserving energy. Conserving energy in your home can be very beneficial for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons include saving money by reducing the high costs of monthly utility bills; preserving the environment for a cleaner, greener tomorrow; reducing carbon dioxide emissions and enhancing the quality of indoor air. There are many ways people can safely conserve energy in their homes, and beyond.

Here are a few easy ways to cut costs in your home while conserving energy:

Lighting

The old saying applies, “Shut the lights off when you leave the room.” When you leave a room for a minimum of five minutes, turn out the lights. This small step will save you money and conserve energy at the same time. Long-term, it will greatly cut costs and put money in your pockets.

Also, consider replacing the incandescent light bulbs in your home for new fluorescent light bulbs. These energy efficient bulbs can offer the same light levels for significantly less energy.

Weatherize The Windows and Doors

By simply weatherizing the windows and doors of your home you can significantly save energy and cut your monthly cooling and heating costs. This simple task can be achieved by sealing the windows and doors of your home using a plastic film cover, weather stripping, and an inexpensive tube of caulking.

The sealing helps prevent cold drafts from entering your home through the windows and doors, conserving the energy used for cooling and heating.

Thermostat

During the cold winter months it is best to set your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees. At night, it is best to try to reduce the thermostat down 5-10 degrees. It has been suggested by experts that it is best to sleep under cooler conditions.

During the hot summer months, consider installing ceiling fans throughout your home for an increased air circulation instead of leaving the air conditioner run constantly; day and night.

Electronics

Always unplug electronic devices that are not in use. This is one easy way to conserve energy in your home.

Some examples include televisions, radio, stereos and battery chargers. All of these electronics combined use the same amount of power, daily, as a refrigerator.

Kitchen Appliances

It is just as important to unplug unused electronics in the kitchen, as it is in the rest of your home, especially when preparing food. It can be very beneficial to utilize smaller kitchen appliances when preparing meals, including toasters, toaster ovens, microwave ovens, hot plates, and slow cookers. These small kitchen appliances tend to use less energy compared to electric ovens.

Hot Water

There is nothing like a long, hot shower after a hard day at work. Did you know by simply decreasing the use of hot water in your home, you can conserve energy, greatly. Experts claim, the average shower should only last about five to ten minutes.

One of the easiest and simplest ways to conserve energy is to wash clothes in a washing machine using cold water. Also, consider washing bigger batches of laundry instead of so many small loads. Also, clean the lint screen well after every use, which will help conserve energy.

Homeowners should also be aware of hot water heaters and their high amount of residential energy consumption!

Natural Gas

Natural gas is more energy efficient for homeowners than electric so when possible, use gas cook stoves, hot water heaters, dryers, and other appliances instead of electric ones.

Recycle

Did you know that long-term recycling will actually save you money? All you have to do is recycle old newspapers, magazines, cans, plastics, and clear and colored glass. This will save you money, conserve energy and provide a better, brighter future for tomorrow.

After all the furniture has been put in place, all the walls painted, and all the accessories put on display, the last thing to do is to soften up your home with soft furnishings.

Curtains, pillows, throws, and beddings are what we call soft furnishings. A home would not look complete and comfortable without these plush accessories. But people usually take them for granted and just buy anything as long as they have pillows and curtains. Soft furnishings, like furniture, should be seen as an investment.

First of all, when buying soft furnishings, you should not sacrifice quality over cost. People usually think that buying cheap soft furnishings is fine because no one would notice. True enough, there are curtains that look really nice that you can buy for a cheaper price. But take into consideration the quality. It is alright to buy cheaper ones but make sure that they can withstand constant washing. Curtains, for example, trap dust and other airborne particles so it should be constantly washed. If you buy a curtain made of cheap material, chances are it would not last until the third washing.

There are people who are allergic to fabric or fibers so they cannot enjoy the comfort of pillows. A way to solve this is to buy hypo allergenic pillows that are treated so to not cause allergies to sensitive people. There are also pillows that are treated so they would not trap dust and mites. These kind of pillows cost more than the ordinary ones but you can be assured of the quality and the comfort it brings.

More than bringing comfort while you lounge on your bed or on your couch, soft furnishings are also effective accessories that you can use to catch attention. They bring in colors that could accentuate your home even more. They could also set the mood of your house. For example, using oriental patterned throw pillows or curtains set against a clean and modern interior already sets the eastern mood. Full height curtains could also add height to your home.

Soft furnishings could also be used to give your home a glam look. Even if you just bought your couch from a flea market or a garage sale, putting in throws and pillows with rich fabric will instantly make your couch look glamorous and expensive. The same could be said for beds. Having several numbers of pillows instead of just using two will instantly make your bed look like the ones you see in hotels and expensive lodgings.

More than anything else, soft furnishings could be an additional source of warmth during cold seasons. But bear in mind that soft furnishings meant for winter could not be used for summer.

It is best to have a few matching sets of soft furnishings to match the weather. Having several sets is also the best way to make your soft furnishings last for several years because anything that you wash and wear will eventually deteriorate even if it is made of quality material. Also, it is best to dry clean your soft furnishings so the richness of the fabric and the colors will not fade easily.

Not many men will admit it, but we sweat a lot. The average human has 2.6 million sweat glands in their skin, and men have considerably more than women. This isn’t a problem in itself, but for guys like me sweat and the body odors it can cause is an embarrassing issue to discuss.

We may not talk about it, but when we smell it’s not really a secret to others. While my girlfriend loves my soft and sensitive skin, I’ve always felt a little self-conscious around her whenever I think she might smell my body odor. Maybe that’s why men have a reputation for being down and dirty.

The reason why sweating makes you smelly is simple: bacteria eat fluids in our sweat and create the smell as their byproduct. Naturally our body needs to sweat a little to be healthy and keep cool, and because of it men need to clean up even more.

The first and most obvious step is to use a skin cleansing body wash when you bathe. Many guys already have a favorite soap, but in case you don’t: Look for a body cleansing gel specifically made for men’s skin care since we have more pores to cleanse. Try using an exfoliating body scrub to carry off the dead skin and bacteria which cause body odor after a good sweat. This will leave your skin clean and smooth.

Next you’ll want to pick the right deodorant for underarm sweat, which is usually the main culprit of body odor. As with soap, many men already have a favorite scent, although for guys with sensitive skin it can be tricky to pick one. In my experience the only smell worse than body odor itself is when it’s added to fragrance-filled deodorant, which can sting sensitive skin in the armpit.

Until recently I always thought antiperspirant sticks were the best option, since they use aluminum to block sweat in the armpit. But these take a toll on the natural process of the body, blocking sweat without really killing the bacteria which cause body odor. Instead, look for a deodorant which uses natural extracts as antiseptics to the bacteria; the best solution is to look for an aluminum-free, fragrance-free deodorant which will clean and protect the skin.

Finally make sure to keep your skin properly hydrated. Retaining moisture in your skin is especially difficult when you’re sweating more, so always drink plenty of water. And of course don’t forget to tell your friends what they can do to keep their skin clean and healthy too.

Nothing is worse than having a dream for yourself and entities getting in the way to keep you from it. The sad truth is those barriers to your dreams are usually self-created. Personal development is hindered by four main thieves operating on a daily basis within your life.

– Attitude

– Motivation

– Habits

– Time

Everything you do is a choice. With you choices is always an outcome. On another level, you could call it taking a personal responsibility for yourself. If your life isn’t flowing in the direction you wish, then perhaps it is time to dissect these four areas in a self-evaluation.

Attitude: Accomplishing great things in your life is impossible if your thoughts and words are contrary to it. When you wake in the morning are you happy to have the new day? Has your mind closed down to the potential each day brings? Doing an attitude self-check is essential to personal growth. Without maintenance on our attitude daily, it is near impossible to embrace opportunities which bring dreams closer to reality. If you take a good look around you, you will see people stuck on auto pilot, caught up in stoic repetition. An indifferent attitude is almost worse than a bad attitude. As you grow older, it becomes even more necessary to feed your mind, wash your belief systems and do daily maintenance checks on your attitude. Being unaware of poor thoughts is a poor excuse for not being able to reach out for your dreams. Attitude accountability is reaching out for resources and self-help tools purposely. By not doing so, this thief surely will steal your joy of self-discovery.

Motivation: Simply put, motivation is having an “iron will”. If you do not mean to do something, you won’t. You might dance around thoughts of doing something while melting away on your couch, but until you actually initiate your will through actions, it is only fluff. The hard truth is you are the biggest poser in your own life if you have no motivation to accomplish a wanted dream or goal. No one said finding motivation would be easy either. Every single person has or has had difficulties with motivation. It remains a number one challenge in personal development. There will always be the little voice inside you telling you to get motivated later. Until you make up your mind to exercise your will now, motivation will elude you, keeping it thief number two in personal growth.

Habits: Habits keep you in your comfort zone. Habits provide security. They feel safe, whether they are good habits or bad ones. They can also keep you from moving on into new and uncharted areas of growth. Which habits do you possess? Are they a part of your problem or part of your solution? Sometimes poor habits become so ingrained into who you are, you don’t even notice how they rob your dreams. Developing new habits that are in sync with your goals, is the key to personal development. You must emit behavior which supports the results you want. The reason they are called habits is because you do them over and over and over. To keep this thief robbing your life, you must find ways to eliminate unproductive habits.

Time: The word speaks for itself. It is a universal container for holding all of our life meaning. Finding time, not enough time, out of time…and to each and every human is a lifetime. This is your food for thought: at the end of your life, how will you have defined your journey in regards to time? Did you make time work for you or did you do time? Each moment belongs solely to you, to your choices and to your dreams. Respect the value of each moment life gives you for all things meaningful.

A black swimsuit is an essential part of your summer wardrobe.  Whether it’s a itsy bitsy tiny black bikini or a 50’s cut one piece swimsuit finding a basic black swimsuit should be high on your list of priorities in getting ready for a fun summer. 

The two best places to find the elusive perfect black swimsuit is firstly at a physical store and second is online.  The advantages of shopping is store is that you can try on your swimsuit before you buy and shop assistants can be helpful in suggesting cuts and styles that will suit your shape. The disadvantages are that changerooms can be a nightmare for the body conscious with unflattering lighting and sales assistants who barge in unannounced.  Also, prices tend to be on the higher side due to the staffing and rental costs of a physical store.

The advantages of shopping online is that it can be easy to compare brands without driving to 30 stores, prices tend to be lower due to the lower costs of online retailing.  The disadvantage is the inability to feel the fabric for quality and as sizing can vary greatly from one label to the next, you may be confused over which size to buy. However, most companies also offer some sort of return policy which allows you to try on your swimwear in the comfort of your own home and exchange it if the style or size is not quite right for you.

Styles to look out for this season include the 50’s inspired suit which features lower leg lines and thicker straps, embellishments and beading which are set off nicely by the black material and black monokinis which offer the perfect alternative for those that feel a bikini is a little too revealing but don’t want to cover up completely with a one piece.

When choosing your swimwear be sure to look on the label for a lycra content of at least 20%, the higher the lycra the better the quality of the fabric and the more wear you will get out of your carefully chosen swimsuit.

Once you have chosen your perfect swimsuit make sure you look after it properly to avoid changes in colour and fading.  Wash after use in warm soapy water and hang out to dry, never ever put it in the washing machine or the dryer as  this destroys the lycra making it quickly lose it’s shape.

What do people want from the large appliances such as washing machines that they purchase? They will want reliability and that is not too much to ask for. They are not all that interested in having Washing Machine Repairs performed all the time. It is assuredly a huge hassle when appliances are prone to malfunctioning all the time. The way to prevent such problems would be to purchase major brands that have long since clearly proven to be dependable.

Brand names like Kenmore, Maytag, Whirlpool and others have been long-established brands that you can rely on to work well. These companies make many types of large appliances too not just washing machines. The Maytag Washing Machine has long been advertised as needing so few repairs that the company repairmen do not have enough work. You may not think they are quite this dependable but the ad is very close to the truth. Whirlpool and Maytag both come from Whirlpool today. Both brands represent dependability.

The Kenmore brand is one that has long since been established as it debuted in 1927. Sears first presented it when it offer the company’s washing machine for sale. Then, in the 1940s, Kenmore started to make both gas and electric stoves. These days, the Kenmore name is not only found on large appliances but also on small ones. You can even see it on sewing machines as well.

GE is another top brand as far as large appliances are concerned. The company will make appliances for almost all the rooms in your house both large and small. They will maintain one of the most trusted names in the industry too. They offer a wide selection including such models as the GE Monogram®, GE CaféTM, GE Profile, and their GE® lines for you to choose from.

It would be helpful to compare such features and prices between the various brands prior to making a buy. Quality performance should certainly be a major goal of all large appliance purchases. Research will definitely aid in making sure that you select the proper brand with the proper style that works best for your needs. You will definitely spend a great deal of money with these purchases so you do not want to purchase a device that turns out to be not worth it.

You can also look towards product reviews that are available online for your to read over. You can also delve into the experiences of other people. This is true whether you are buying washing machines, dryers, air conditioner, refrigerators or dishwashers. After all, other people’s experiences will prove helpful when you are trying to decide which brand to buy.

It is possible to get away with relying on a brand name alone because there will be some models within the brand that are much better than others. Sure, certain years can be a bad year in terms of quality as compared to others. Top brands names with solid, established reputations are solid enough to be the proper place to start looking.

There will always be a better possibility to finding what it is you want in an appliance when you start your search in this manner. You need to read Reviews Washing Machine written by customers and other appliance perusing individuals. After which it would be best to go shopping in stores to discover the top deals on the very best brands. Those new appliances that you buy will work a lot better than most as long as you do not grab any old brand without taking the steps to research it first. You always need to shop smart when opting to spend a lot of money on an appliance thay should reasonably last for years.